*By Michael Teich* Rapper Tip "T.I." Harris has already built a reputation as a musician, producer, and actor, but now he's looking to add tech investor to his credits with the launch of his new company, TechCypha. TechCypha is a "group of entertainers, entrepreneurs, executives that all want to pool our funds together for the purpose of providing technology to add culture," T.I. told Cheddar in an interview Friday. The new company, he said, is committed to making a difference in the tech community by placing an emphasis on inclusion and diversity. Cultural relevance will be a key factor directing where TechCypha decides to allocate its funding. TechCypha's co-founder and CEO, the music mogul and entrepreneur Jason Geter, said his experience in the hip-hop industry inspired his decision to get involved in business. "Hip-hop breeds entrepreneurship," Geter told Cheddar. "We're kind of like sitting on the sidelines and we're seeing how our culture just totally influences everything, and now we want to participate in that," he said. One of the first companies TechCypha has selected to back is Culture Genesis, a digital studio for mobile apps based in Los Angeles. Culture Genesis's app, TriviaMob, which is a live game show geared towards multicultural gamers, is experiencing success with almost 50 percent retention. T.I said he is currently focused on Culture Genesis, but he looks forward to becoming more involved in companies that promote financial education. One of his priorities, he said, is "definitely financial literacy and empowering the community by way of ownership and hopefully finding a way to make my hometown Atlanta, the westside specifically, become more self-sustained." Funding more minority-led companies has been a weakness in the venture capital ecosystem. Blacks and Hispanic/Latino groups comprise of only 3 and 4 percent of the venture workforce, respectively. "We all have to educate ourselves to know how to position ourselves to go after the funding," Geter said. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/t-i-launches-techcypha-to-invest-in-tech-companies).

Share:
More In Business
A US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday. It’s a big deal.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines’ new policy will affect plus-size travelers. Here’s how
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
Load More