Weekly Refresh: Sonim Moves to ATX, Localeur Founder Speaks Out, and More

by Anna Holmquist
June 8, 2020
austin
Photo: Shutterstock

MassChallenge Texas announced 2020 cohort. Fifty-eight startups were selected to participate in their 2020 accelerator program. This year the program will be held virtually due to the pandemic. [Built In Austin]

Austin tech leaders spoke out about racial justice. Many companies have posted in solidarity and some have promised donations to various organizations, including the NAACP. But, the Austin tech industry continues to face criticism over lack of diversity and equity in startup funding. [Statesman]

Localeur founder speaks out. In Austin, which lacks black founders, Joah Spearman has gradually become a trusted local voice on race and entrepreneurship. This became even more apparent over the past week or so. He offered thoughts on diversity in tech in a new essay.[Inc.]

RelatedThese 5 Austin Tech Companies Raised Over $131M Total in May

Well Beyond launched app. It aims to provide water, sanitation and hygiene training in developing nations. This includes COVID-19-specific training and how to build DIY handwashing stations. [Built In Austin]

Sonim Technologies moving HQ to Austin, selling $20 million of common stock. Founded in 1999, the San Francisco company recently moved its HQ. It creates heavy-duty cell phones used in ambulances and on construction sites. [Austin Business Journal]

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