Issa Rae has always been a champion of the Black community, deliberately seeking ways to uplift her own people in any way she can. (Remember “I’m rooting for everybody Black?” She started that.)
Putting actions to her famous words, the Insecure star has invested in a Black woman-led tech company, described as a streaming media data startup.
According to Variety, Rae has taken a minority stake in the Los Angeles-based company Streamlytics, led by tech entrepreneur Angela Benton. The startup aims “to democratize access to streaming media data — with a specific focus on providing data that better reflects the usage of people of color,” the site explains
Rae also released a statement elaborating on her decision to put her money towards supporting the company.
“As streaming services become the standard for how people consume content and information, tools and companies like Streamlytics are necessary for transparency and consumer ownership,” she said. “Angela’s drive and innovative spirit is the reason why she is a pioneer in the tech space and why I’m excited to partner with her in this endeavor.”
Benton also extended her gratitude to Rae for hopping on board: “Having Issa as an owner is beyond exciting,” she said in a statement of her own. “Her pioneering work as both a creator and as a businesswoman creating digital-first content that has transcended the internet-only medium aligns seamlessly with our company’s core values and ownership.”
Prior to founding Streamlytics in 2018, Benton founded NewME, a venture-capital accelerator that aided minority tech entrepreneurs in raising more than $47 million in funding.
Kudos to both women for making these major power moves together.