Telecom
“Shark Tank of Crypto” Reality Show Wraps Up Season 1, Secures Over $35M in Committed Investments

CryptoKnights has completed its highly anticipated first season. This show, often referred to as the “Shark Tank of Crypto,” brings together the brightest minds in the decentralized world to evaluate and invest in the most promising crypto and blockchain-based projects.
Over 15 projects, selected from thousands of applications, successfully secured commitments totaling more than $35 million USD.
Conceptualized by visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Ritestream, Riaz Mehta, and brought to life by Ritestream’s Chief Strategist Joseph Khan, the show is set to premiere in December.
It is poised to introduce the crypto world to a mainstream audience, offering viewers an exclusive look at the unfolding future of finance.
Hosted by renowned actor/entrepreneur Adrian Grenier, known for his iconic role in Entourage, CryptoKnights features a distinguished panel of judges, including some of the most influential figures in the Web3 space: Brock Pierce (Co-founder of Tether), Kyle Chassé (Founder of Master Ventures), Aly Madhavji (Founder of Blockchain Founders Fund), Magnus Grimeland (CEO and Founder of Antler), and Nikita Sachdev (Founder of Luna Media Corp). These judges not only offer their financial investments but also provide invaluable guidance, access to their extensive networks, and long-term advisory support to help projects excel beyond the show.
While the judges deliberate in the Knights Crypt room, influencers Kim Lee and Gav Blaxberg provide commentary from the Boiler Room.
Kim Lee, a renowned DJ and Bling Empire personality, offers insights that resonate with everyday viewers, representing the non-technical audience. Gav Blaxberg, CEO at Wolf Financial, brings the Gen Z perspective, highlighting trends that appeal to younger generations.
Brock Pierce, Co-founder of Tether, said, “Over the years, I’ve been at the forefront of the blockchain revolution, witnessing firsthand how it has the power to reshape industries and redefine what’s possible. CryptoKnights is not just a show; it’s a movement—a platform where innovation meets opportunity.”
He added, “I’m looking for the next Unicorn, but they often come from the most unexpected places. I believe in this show [CryptoKnights]. We will discover the Next Big Thing, the next killer app that is going to change the world.”
Actor Adrian Grenier added, “Web3 can be complex, but it’s essential for people to understand its potential. CryptoKnights bridges that gap, making the technology accessible to everyone. As the host, I’m excited to guide viewers through this journey, demystifying Web3 and showing how it can empower everyone, not just the tech-savvy.”
Riaz Mehta, the creator of CryptoKnights and CEO of Ritestream said, “My vision for CryptoKnights is to demystify the groundbreaking technology of blockchain because I firmly believe it will change our world in unimaginable ways. At CryptoKnights, we are committed to investing in projects that offer real, tangible solutions and drive meaningful change. By providing a platform for education and engagement, CryptoKnights seeks to inspire a global audience to see the true potential of blockchain innovation, supporting projects that define the next generation of impact and create a more equitable future for all.”
The creation of CryptoKnights was made possible through Ritestream which raised $1.5 million in decentralized funding.
Negotiations are underway with major platforms for the show’s broadcast, expected to premiere in November 2024.
This first-of-its-kind show is set to offer unparalleled insights into cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, positioning itself as a must-watch for anyone interested in the digital finance revolution.
Telecom
Airtel Recommits to Fraud Prevention after NCC’s N104m Fine for SIM Registration Breaches

Airtel Nigeria has restated its commitment to transparency, customer safety, and regulatory collaboration following recent regulatory enforcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC had served Airtel Nigeria a notice of sanction over some alleged SIM infractions in Kano State and consequently slammed a fine of N104 million on the telecommunications firm.
NCC had in a letter, addressed to Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, dated May 26, 2025, signed by Chizua Whyte, head, Legal and Regulatory Services, and Mohammed Dari, acting head, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, on behalf of Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, titled: ‘Notice of Sanction: Non-Compliance with SIM Registration Directive in Kano,’ where the infractions were spelt out.
According to NCC, Airtel infractions include unauthorised SIM registrations using 198 unapproved devices, resulting in 8,275 registrations outside the 281 verified Airtel shops; premature activation of 63 MSISDNs prior to proper SIM registration, contrary to the provisions of the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022; failure to conduct effective eyeballing, leading to 407 fraudulent SIM registrations with multiple NINs, contrary to the provision of the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022 and failure to provide satisfactory explanation for SIM registrations conducted between 12.00 a.m and 6.00 a.m.
On the matter, the letter revealed that there were some letter exchanges and subsequent meetings on the infractions between the telecom regulator and Airtel, starting from January 12, 2025, March 19, 2025, March 24, 2025, and March 27, 2025, respectively.
Apparently, after investigations and responses from Airtel, the NCC was not satisfied and this led to the fine of N104 million, which was to be paid within seven days from the date the letter was issued.
Specifically, NCC fined Airtel N5 million, N12 million, N81.4 million and N5 million for the infractions respectively.
Reacting, Airtel, expressed appreciation to the NCC for uncovering the infractions, describing the development as a critical opportunity to strengthen internal processes and further align with national security and regulatory expectations
“We thank the NCC for its vigilance and continued support in protecting the integrity of the telecoms ecosystem. Airtel takes these findings seriously and is already implementing corrective measures,” a spokesperson for the company said.
Only recently, Airtel Nigeria’s CEO recently announced that the company is doubling its investment in the country, focusing on network expansion, fiber-to-the-street rollout, 4G/5G deployment, customer care upgrades, and digital infrastructure security.
These investments reinforce Airtel’s long-term vision of building a resilient and forward-looking telecom network that meets the evolving needs of Nigerians.
“Our systems are constantly evolving to stay ahead of scammers and malicious actors,” the spokesperson added. “This is not just about compliance; it’s about our responsibility to the millions of Nigerians who rely on Airtel daily.”
Airtel Nigeria says it will continue to work closely with the NCC and other arms of government to ensure high standards of service and safety for all telecom users nationwide.
Telecom
Kenya Beats Nigeria As the Most Progressive ICT Regulation in Africa

Kenya is celebrating its regulatory ecosystem being ranked as the most progressive in Africa. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has ranked the East African country first in its most recent ICT Regulatory Tracker.
ITU’s ICT Regulatory Tracker is an evidence-gathering tool for decision-makers and regulators. It demonstrates the effectiveness of regulatory systems in the age of technology.
The ITU evaluates the design of the national regulatory authority, the scope of the regulatory mandate, the obtaining regulatory environment, and the robustness of the competition framework in member countries.
Kenya received 93 points, up from 92 in 2023, and now leads the continent in best practices for ICT regulations.
Nigeria and South Africa finished second and third, with 92 and 88 points respectively. Malawi, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Senegal complete the top 10 list.
Globally, Kenya was ranked 20th out of 194 countries covered.Italy led the rankings, with 100 points.
The regulator, Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya, said the achievement underscored Kenya’s commitment to creating a robust, technology-neutral regulatory environment that supports innovation, affordability and access.
Steve Isaboke, permanent secretary for broadcasting and telecommunications, visited CA Centre in Nairobi following the announcement on Thursday.
“The ranking is a clear testament of the excellent work that CA has done in spearheading Kenya’s digital transformation and driving digital access for all,” he said.
“After 25 years, CA’s regulatory regime has attained maturity, and gained global recognition. This ranking shows that the CA staff and leadership are executing their work diligently.”
Telecom
MTN’s Female Leadership Surges to 41.4%, Doubles Industry Average

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has announced a significant increase in female representation within its leadership, with women now making up 41.4% of its workforce, a notable rise from 38.7% in 2023.
This figure reportedly doubles the industry average, positioning MTN Nigeria as a frontrunner in gender diversity within Nigeria’s ICT sector.
The company’s recently released 2024 Annual Report highlights its sustained commitment to workplace inclusion and gender equality, aligning with its “Ambition 2025” strategy. Female representation within the executive management team has reached approximately 46.7%.
MTN Nigeria attributes this progress to dedicated initiatives aimed at empowering women professionally. These include the “Women in Tech” programme, which provides targeted upskilling in high-demand fields such as Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, AI/ML, Data Science, and Cyber Security.
The “MTN Y’ello Mums Internship Programme” also supports young mothers in their transition back into the corporate world after career breaks.
Odunayo Sanya, executive director of the MTN Foundation, was recognised as the CSI Personality of the Year at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards (NTITA), further underscoring the company’s impactful social initiatives.
Additionally, Uto Ukpanah, the company secretary, received the inaugural Global Corporate Secretary of the Year Award from the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA).
Speaking at a recent conference, Odunayo Sanya, emphasised the importance of balancing profitability and sustainability equation, saying, “Businesses today need to be purpose-driven. While the soul of business is profitability, it is not profitability alone that should matter to stakeholders.”
Uto Ukpanah, added, “Showcasing our corporate values and ethos to the world opens the door for greater collaboration with other organisations, as we believe there’s a lot to learn when we all come together. Governance continues to evolve. The challenges today are not the same as they were 10 years ago. Greater accountability is expected, and companies can only continue to do better.”
The company’s broader efforts in diversity and inclusion have been acknowledged with multiple accolades, including the Corporate Responsibility Award. MTN Nigeria also received the “Employer of the Year” award at the 4th Edition of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Employers’ Excellence Awards.
Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, in the report, reiterated the company’s commitment to building a purpose-driven organisation, emphasising that its success is intrinsically linked to its people and their dedication to a shared vision.
“Since we initiated our culture transformation journey in 2021, our culture transformation has significantly enhanced employee engagement and organisational cohesion. It’s directly strengthened our ability to deliver outstanding business performance and drive sustainable long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
- Telecom3 days ago
Telcos Threaten to Disconnect Banks over Misinformation on New USSD Charges
- Telecom3 days ago
MTN Nigeria Plans N900Bn in Service Upgrade
- General News3 days ago
Jumia Marks 13 Years of E-Commerce Innovation and Impact in Nigeria
- Telecom3 days ago
Telecom Regulators in Africa Chart New Course for a Data-driven Future
- Broadcasting3 days ago
Netflix Hikes Subscription Fees Again in Nigeria over “Market Conditions”
- News3 days ago
Abbas Jega, Ex-AMCON ED, Testifies, Says Arik Never Cooperated With AMCON
- Broadcasting3 days ago
NBC, Nigcomsat Launch Satellite Plan to Transform Broadcasting
- E-Financial3 days ago
NDIC Calls for Inputs to IADI Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance