Microsoft gives 500 patents to startups

Microsoft today announced a major expansion of its Azure IP Advantage program, which provides its Azure users with protection against patent trolls. This program now also provides customers who are building IoT solutions that connect to Azure with access to 10,000 patents to defend themselves against intellectual property lawsuits. What’s maybe most interesting here, though, […]

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Dakar Network Angels begins startup investments in francophone Africa

The Dakar Network Angels network launched this month, making its first investment in francophone Africa to cleantech venture Coliba. The Ivorian startup—that uses a mobile app to coordinate waste recycling—will receive mentorship and a minimum of $25K in seed funds. The deal is part of Dakar Network Angels’ mission of convening experts and capital to […]

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Doing your own taxes? Here are the best tax software options for freelancers.

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Freelancing isn’t all sweatpants and snooze buttons. 

Well, sometimes it is. But most of the time, it’s cabin fever, caffeine withdrawal, fickle cash flows, and fierce competition for clients. 

When you boil it down, being your own boss is really hard work — and no time is that more apparent than during tax season. 

Compared to those with a typical 9-to-5 job or even small business owners, freelancers and self-employed workers face a unique set of challenges in terms of filing an annual income tax return. For one thing, you need to maintain thorough records of all your business-related expenses throughout the year so that you’re organized once it’s time to start prepping your return. You’re also responsible for completing relevant paperwork on your own while hoping-slash-praying that you haven’t missed any deductions or tax breaks. Perhaps most frustratingly, you then have to cough up the year’s worth of taxes all at once because the money wasn’t automatically deducted from your paychecks. Read more…

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Hey, small business owners: These tax software programs make filing (almost) painless

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As a small business owner (SBO), you can handle the occasional hiccup or headache like it ain’t no thang. It’s basically part of your job description. In fact, the thrill of it all is probably part of the reason why you decided to pursue entrepreneurship in the first place. You relish the challenge of doing it all yourself. You’re not just a businessman (or woman) — you’re a business, man.

There’s an impressive amount of gutsiness that’s associated with small business ownership, one that’s essential to your company’s growth. But research has shown that if there’s one aspect of the gig that intimidates you, it’s getting your shit together come tax season. Read more…

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Two years after a first close, 500 Startups wraps its Middle East fund with $33 million

When 500 Startups partner Hasan Haider announced the $15 million first close for the accelerator and investment firm’s Middle Eastern focused fund, 500 Falcons, Dave McClure was still at the helm of Silicon Valley’s second most famous accelerator. Within a month, McClure was removed from the accelerator after admitting to sexual misconduct and 500 Startups […]

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5 social media management tools on sale

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Social media management is a fun and engaging job, but it can get incredibly stressful when you’re in charge of multiple brands. Handling one account is mentally taxing enough, but what if you’re overseeing two, three, or more?

To lighten your workload, below are five powerful automation tools to help you with every facet of your workflow, from content curation to post scheduling to link shortening. Make sure to enter the code MADNESS15 at checkout to enjoy an extra 15% off all the below deals.

Quuu Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription ($500 value)

Content curation is the process of sourcing content from different channels and sharing it with your target audience. It sounds simple, sure, but the act itself can take a lot of your time and energy — time and energy you could have spent on actual content creation. Quuu is a tool that automates that entire process, from handpicking relevant posts to sharing them directly on social media. All you have to do is select from over 500 interest categories that are aligned with your business and followers, and Quuu will handle the rest. Read more…

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Credit cards with the coolest perks: Wine tastings, museum admission, free hotels

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Your first credit card probably lured you in with a free beach towel and a promise of 1% cash back. Is that still the card you’re carrying in your pocket? If so, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the modern economy: credit card perks.

Credit card perks and rewards can be worth literally thousands of dollars every year, and you don’t have to be a big spender to enjoy these big rewards. In some cases, simply being a cardholder is enough to give you valuable perks and discounts. 

Whether you’re looking to fund your retirement, pay off your debt, travel in style, or take advantage of freebies and discounts, we’ve got the credit card with the coolest perks and rewards for you. Read more…

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Skedulo raises $28M for its mobile workforce management service

Skedulo, a service that helps businesses manage their mobile employees, today announced that it has raised a $28 million Series B funding round led by M12, Microsoft’s venture fund. Existing investors Blackbird and Castanoa Ventures also participated in this round. The company’s service offers businesses all fo the necessary tools to manage their mobile employees, […]

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Seven Africa-focused startups present at Y Combinator’s Demo Day

The seven African-focused companies which presented as part of Y Combinator’s 200 strong cohort of Winter 2019 class of 200 startups may seem like a small percentage for such a large class, but it represents the growing significance of African ventures in YC’s universe. Since 2016, the Silicon Valley accelerator—that provides seed funds and mentorship […]

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In big tech’s future expansion plans, public good should be the corporate incentive

Yung Wu Contributor Yung Wu is the CEO of MaRS Discovery District, a Toronto-based innovation hub. More posts by this contributor To actually change the world, Big Tech needs to grow up The cancellation of Amazon’s planned expansion in New York exposes the truth about its HQ2 promises. In the end, the company seemed mainly […]

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Use credit card rewards to help your love life — here’s how to do it

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Match and eharmony may have changed how 21st century couples meet, but a healthy love life still depends on spending time together. The thing is though, these dates often cost money. And when you’re on a budget, or simply looking to up your date night game, the right credit card can give you a much-needed boost. 

What credit card is the best for your love life? It all depends on your goals. Looking to earn rewards for a night on the town? There’s a credit card for that. Want to book a romantic getaway using hotel points or miles? You can find a credit card for that, too. Credit cards even offer perks that can help you book impossible dinner reservations or exclusive experiences. Read more…

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