Podcasts about softbank vision fund

Welcome back to another episode of SparX by Mukesh Bansal. Today our host Mukesh, founder of Myntra and Cure.fit is in conversation with Alok Sama, the former President and CFO of SoftBank Group International. In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "money trap" and how one can avoid its pitfalls. Alok discusses his latest book, "The Money Trap", and explores topics such as his inspiration behind the book, Masayoshi Son's investment strategies, SoftBank's investment pitfalls, and more.Resource list - The Money Trap by Alok Sama - https://amzn.in/d/g4Kpx8G Read more about Masayoshi Son - https://www.forbes.com/profile/masayoshi-son/ https://group.softbank/en/about/officer/son SoftBank Vision Fund - https://visionfund.com/inAl Gore won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2007/gore/facts/Trump's Gold Card - https://thedispatch.com/article/trump-gold-card-visa-immigration-explained/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-gold-card-eb5-visa-5-million-immigration-oligarch-cbs-news-explains/ DeepSeek AI - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9pohttps://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/american-ai-firms-try-poke-holes-disruptive-deepseek-2025-01-28/ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/is-deepseeks-rise-a-threat-to-american-ai-dominance-here-is-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/117610064.cms?from=mdrTravis Kalanick's Resignation - https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40352868https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/technology/uber-ceo-travis-kalanick.html?smid=url-share WeWork's Downfall - https://accountancycloud.com/blogs/weworks-2-billion-disaster-what-went-wrong#:~:text=Adam%20Neumann%2C%20WeWork's%20founder%20and,fund%20his%20own%20personal%20projects. https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/9/23/20879656/wework-mess-explained-ipo-softbankSarvam AI - https://www.sarvam.ai/

Kevin Jiang is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Mangusta Capital, a venture capital firm investing in Consumer and Vertical AI businesses shaping the future. Prior to starting Mangusta Capital, Kevin was part of the founding investment team at Softbank Vision Fund, leading the coverage of Software and Logistics growth equity investments in North America. In this episode we talk about - - Kevin's story and why he started Mangusta Capital - Why he chose to focus on vertical AI startups - How he got connected with the Del Vecchio family which then made the $50M anchor LP commitment in Mangusta Capital fund 1 - How will AI change the world we live in? - Is AI a threat to knowledge workers? - What qualities make founders win big? & lots more Links: ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com Mangusta Capital website - https://www.mangustacap.com/ Kevin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiangkevin

In 2010, Facebook opened its first office in India, four years after it went online.They needed someone bold to lead their journey in India which had a major customer base potential.That someone was Kirthiga Reddy.Under Kirthiga's leadership, Facebook not only grew its user base but also planted deep roots in a complex and rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.Today, India has the most Facebook users with over 448 million, followed by the US (258 million).After six years of phenomenal growth at Facebook, Kirthiga decided it was time for a new challenge.In 2018, she became the first female partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, managing over $5 billion in investments.Today, Kirthiga leads her own venture, Verix, focusing on trust, transparency, and community-driven solutions.In this episode of the NEON Show, Kirthiga Reddy shares her inspiring journey. From a small-town upbringing in India to building Facebook in India, Kirthiga takes us through the challenges of scaling operations, transforming workplace culture, and driving growth. She also opens up about her transition to SoftBank. From leading the fund's first investments in quantum computing and additive manufacturing, Kirthiga shares how she worked closely with founders to shape strategies and scale businesses.Timestamps00:00 - Trailer 01:51 - Intro02:09 - Kirthiga's career from Facebook India to SoftBank03:17 - Childhood in Nanded shaping values04:46 - Early career programming for Let Us C06:20 - Masters in the US and arranged marriage08:33 - Syracuse University and joining its Board09:30 - Silicon Graphics high-tech projects12:20 - Stanford MBA and transition to business17:58 - Startup role in product management21:20 - Motorola acquisition and return to India23:08 - Meeting Sheryl Sandberg27:32 - Joining Facebook as its first Indian employee28:50 - Facebook's 100-100-100 strategy30:40 - Building a Facebook culture35:30 - Personally hiring Facebook India's first 100 employees36:45 - Success stories of early hires37:50 - Leaving Facebook to balance family and career45:20 - Joining SoftBank & managing $5B in investments47:19 - Key investments in IonQ and 8fold.ai52:38 - Transition from SoftBank to new ventures56:14 - Founding Verix and Virtualness57:00 - AI-first companies and tech vision01:00:28 - India's thriving tech ecosystem01:03:51 - Vision for Verix, Virtualness, and social impactHi, I am your host Siddhartha! I have been an entrepreneur from 2012-2017 building two products AddoDoc and Babygogo. After selling my company to SHEROES, I and my partner Nansi decided to start up again. But we felt unequipped in our skillset in 2018 to build a large company. We had known 0-1 journeys from our startups but lacked the experience of building 1-10 journeys. Hence was born The Neon Show (Earlier 100x Entrepreneur) to learn from founders and investors, the mindset to scale yourself and your company. This quest still keeps us excited even after 5 years and doing 200+ episodes.We welcome you to our journey to understand what goes behind building a super successful company. Every episode is done with a very selfish motive, that I and Nansi should come out as a better entrepreneur and professional after absorbing the learnings.-----Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-----This show is for informational purposes only. Send us a text

Our guest on the podcast this week is John Cassidy, director of life sciences and healthtech investments at SoftBank Vision Fund.Softbank Vision Fund is the world's largest technology-focused investment fund, with $166bn assets under management, and a portfolio of more than 250 companies.In the discussion, we cover investment trends within life sciences, the European health and biotech scene, as well as the precise applications of new and emerging AI technologies. We also look ahead to what the biotech and life sciences fields may hold in 2025.00:55-02:03: About the SoftBank Vision Fund02:03-02:47: Developing timelines02:47-04:27: Managing a large portfolio04:27-11:18: Portfolio company profiles11:18-13:36: Investment criteria13:36-17:06: Trends in funding17:06-19:09: Effects of the US election19:09-21:45: How can companies reduce risk and raise funds?21:45-25:25: What sectors are attracting interest currently?25:25-27:49: Focusing on patients not profits27:49-29:53: The impact of AI 29:53-31:45: Focus on applications31:45-35:24: Trends in European biotech funding35:24-38:19: Trends for 2025Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter

In the field of enterprise SaaS, some founders set out with clear roadmaps, while others, like Khadim Batti, blaze new trails through sheer determination, pivots, and a deep-rooted commitment to solving customer pain points. In a recent conversation, Khadim delved into his journey from growing up in Mumbai to scaling his current venture, Whatfix. Whatfix has raised funding worth $270M from top-tier investors like Warburg Pincus, Softbank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, and Eight Roads.

We're switching things up and getting a little 'woo' with it on BFG! This week, I'm joined by my dear friend, leadership coach & HR consultant Michelle Yu, as we record a live, casual "fireside chat" and break in my brand new apartment in CDMX. In this episode, Michelle and I share details from our own professional/corporate & personal journeys as we dive in to discuss: Tapping into your intuition to help you in your corporate careerHow to navigate major career (& life) transitions with clarity, confidence & easeFocusing on 'the now' to create more peace at work when you feel stressed & trapped in the grind About MichelleMichelle Yu is a Leadership coach, HR consultant, and Founder/Principal of Aspire Talent. She's motivated to help individuals and companies drive sustainable change, raise consciousness, and practice mindfulness during difficult periods of transition.Michelle has 12+ years of experience in HR and was the former Head of HR Operations at SoftBank, where she was the first HR Business Partner for the SoftBank Vision Fund. Prior to SoftBank, she worked at companies like Groupon and Google, and in her HR consulting practice has advised organizations from early stage start-ups, private equity/venture capital firms, to global conglomerates. Michelle has spoken at companies like Google and NBC Universal, and has been featured in outlets like CNBC and Entrepreneur.com. She has coached 100+ professionals across different levels within the organization.Michelle is a Duke MBA, ICF certified coach (PCC), 500 hour registered yoga teacher, and host of the “Find Your Path” podcast. Connect with Michellewww.michellekyu.comIG: @michelleyucoachingAbout AmeliaAmelia Noel is a Master Certified Coach, podcast host, corporate workshop facilitator, and creator of the Breaking Free from the Grind  1:1 coaching program. After spending over a decade of her career working on Wall Street at a top investment bank and as a global strategy consultant to Fortune 100 companies, Amelia now helps professionals working demanding corporate careers eliminate stress, self-doubt, and overworking so they can break free from the grind and create sustainable success in their careers.  Connect with Ameliawww.amelianoelcoaching.comIG: @breakingfreefromthegrindLinkedIn: Amelia NoelBFG CAREER MINDSET QUIZ - TAKE THE QUIZ:  Ready to stop overworking in your career? Take the 3-min. Career Mindset quiz to find out which mindset - Overachiever, Overthinker, People Pleaser, Impostor, or Perfectionist - is keeping you trapped in the grind and how you can make small changes to break free today.BFG - ENROLL NOW:  Stop overworking and create sustainable success in your career TODAY.  Schedule a free consult here to find out how to get started in my Breaking Free from the Grind 1:1 coaching program.

Communicating with your customers is a good thing, right? Well, what about when some of your outbound communications end up repelling customers rather than attracting them? Today we're going to discuss advanced customer interaction strategies with John Kim, Co-Founder & CEO of Sendbird. We'll dive into the effectiveness of in-app messaging, the rise of mobile engagement, and the evolving machine-to-machine economy. John S. Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sendbird (YC W16), the customer communications platform powering 4,000 of the world's most popular digital applications. 7 billion messages sent and received between over 320 million people every month are routed using Sendbird, whose customers include DoorDash, Match Group, Virgin Mobile, Noom and Paytm. The company has raised $220 million USD to-date, backed by reputable investors including ICONIQ Capital, SoftBank Vision Fund, Shasta Ventures, Y Combinator and more. John is a successful serial entrepreneur and CEO. His first startup Paprika Lab (social gaming) was acquired by GREE, and he was Korea's all-time no.1 pro gamer in the Unreal Tournament. RESOURCES Sendbird website: https://www.sendbird.com Wix Studio is the ultimate web platform for creative, fast-paced teams at agencies and enterprises—with smart design tools, flexible dev capabilities, full-stack business solutions, multi-site management, advanced AI and fully managed infrastructure. https://www.wix.com/studio Attend the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, the region's largest marketing communications conference. Register with the code "Agile" and get 15% off. Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Communicating with your customers is a good thing, right? Well, what about when some of your outbound communications end up repelling customers rather than attracting them? Today we're going to discuss advanced customer interaction strategies with John Kim, Co-Founder & CEO of Sendbird. We'll dive into the effectiveness of in-app messaging, the rise of mobile engagement, and the evolving machine-to-machine economy. John S. Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sendbird (YC W16), the customer communications platform powering 4,000 of the world's most popular digital applications. 7 billion messages sent and received between over 320 million people every month are routed using Sendbird, whose customers include DoorDash, Match Group, Virgin Mobile, Noom and Paytm. The company has raised $220 million USD to-date, backed by reputable investors including ICONIQ Capital, SoftBank Vision Fund, Shasta Ventures, Y Combinator and more. John is a successful serial entrepreneur and CEO. His first startup Paprika Lab (social gaming) was acquired by GREE, and he was Korea's all-time no.1 pro gamer in the Unreal Tournament. RESOURCES Sendbird website: https://www.sendbird.com Wix Studio is the ultimate web platform for creative, fast-paced teams at agencies and enterprises—with smart design tools, flexible dev capabilities, full-stack business solutions, multi-site management, advanced AI and fully managed infrastructure. https://www.wix.com/studio Attend the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit, the region's largest marketing communications conference. Register with the code "Agile" and get 15% off. Register now for HumanX 2025. This AI-focused event which brings some of the most forward-thinking minds in technology together. Register now with the code "HX25p_tab" for $250 off the regular price. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Mark Slack is a pioneer in medical robotics and one of the key figures behind CMR Surgical, a company now valued at over $3B. His incredible journey and path to entrepreneurial success was shaped by early challenges, military service, and a deep-seated commitment to improving healthcare through innovation. CMR Surgical has attracted funding from top-tier investors like SoftBank Vision Fund 2, LGT, Escala Capital Investments, and Ally Bridge Group.

In the ever-evolving world of technology and startups, few stories are as inspiring as that of Ray Chohan, co-founder of Patsnap. This company has raised over $300M in funding and is now on a path to becoming a leader in AI-enabled intelligence platforms. Patsnap has attracted funding from top-tier investors like Vertex Ventures, CITIC Industrial Investment Group, Shunwei Capital, and SoftBank Vision Fund.

The European tech industry saw unprecedented investment levels across various sectors. Germany's AI startup GraphCore secured a $2.3 billion Series G round, achieving a $12 billion valuation, led by Sequoia Capital, to bolster R&D and AI computing platforms. UK-based fintech firm Revolut raised $1.2 billion in a Series E round from TCV and SoftBank Vision Fund, now valued at $8.5 billion, planning global expansion and enhanced financial services. French biotech company DNA Script obtained $800 million in a Series C round from General Atlantic to advance DNA synthesis technology. Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar raised $600 million in a Series D round, backed by Volvo Cars and Geely, aimed at increasing production capabilities and promoting all-electric vehicles. Dutch health tech startup Philips Health secured $450 million in a Series B round from Northzone and EQT Ventures, focusing on AI-driven health solutions and telehealth services.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Title: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider (ft. Gianna Gaudini | Event Consultant, Strategist Speaker, Award Winning Author)Bio:An experienced events industry thought leader, speaker, author, course-creator, and advisor with 20+ years of experience, Gianna is currently an advisor, board member, and fractional Event Leader. Prior to running her own advisory business, she held coveted roles as Head of Events at Airtable, AWS, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Google. Gianna is the author of the Amazon best-selling book The Art of Event Planning.Opening Quote:“So sometimes really meeting with people, taking the time to have a coffee with them to go see their work, really can help you in the future. It's kind of like building the foundation, knowing that those deposits are going to pay off in the long term.”Summary:In this episode of No More Bad Events, guest Gianna Gaudini, an expert in the event planning industry, shares valuable insights on creating impactful and memorable events. She discusses how carving out mental space for big ideas is crucial. She emphasizes the need to step away from the constant reaction cycle typical in the event industry and highlights nature as a source of inspiration and calm.Gianna also underscores the importance of empathy and trust in leading event teams, setting a positive tone in meetings, and the necessity of building the right team comprised of strategists, creatives, and producers. She notes the importance of networking in order to tap into the right talent and the need for leaders to understand the roles of their team members thoroughly, and she emphasizes prioritizing attendee experience, making sure to address their pain points.Lastly, Gianna dives into the importance of creating engaging environments and personalized experiences to build brand loyalty and emotional connections, drawing from her experience planning events for Google.Throughout the episode, Gianna discusses her journey and inspiration for writing her book, The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider, including the influences of her mentors and her desire to create a meaningful and lasting output. This episode is jam-packed with strategies for crafting memorable events that leave a lasting impression.  Tune in as Scott and Gianna explore the Art of Event Planning … tips and nuances!CONNECT WITH THEM:Connect with Gianna Gaudini: Gianna's LinkedIn ProfileHire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers BioFollow eSpeakers: eSpeakers MarketplaceABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you'll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world's most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events. Learn more at: nomorebadevents.comABOUT THE HOST:A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he's explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He's uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn't like to laugh? Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.comPRODUCED BY eSpeakers:When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often. eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements. Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.Learn more at: eSpeakers.comSHOW CREDITS:Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.comJoe Heaps: eSpeakers | jheaps@eSpeakers.com

Softbank Vision Fund's Director of Life Science and HealthTech John Cassidy discusses his approach to investing in health-care technology in this episode of the Tech Disruptors podcast. Co-hosts Sam Fazeli, Bloomberg Intelligence's senior pharmaceutical analyst, and Mandeep Singh, BI's senior tech analyst, also talk with Jason Burch, head of platform technologies at Ventus Therapeutics, one of the Vision Fund's portfolio companies. Burch shares his perspective on how to leverage technology for research and his prognosis for drug discovery in the age of generative AI.

On this Live Greatly podcast episode, Kristel Bauer sits down with Joe Kudla, the founder and CEO of Vuori, a performance apparel brand inspired by the active California lifestyle.  Kristel and Joe discuss how and why Vuori got started, the importance of embracing a growth mindset in business and in life, a look into the big lessons Joe has learned from his journey with Vuori and more! Tune in now!  Key Takeaways From This Episode A look into how and why Joe started the performance apparel brand, Vuori How Joe navigates the stress of being a Founder Vuori's Happiness Investment  How Joe uses yoga and breathwork as a stress reliever A big life lesson and a big professional lesson Joe has learned from his time at Vuori Joe's leadership style and how he attracts and keeps top talent at Vuori The importance of embracing a growth minsdet How Joe approaches company culture  The team at Vuori sent Kristel out some complimentary clothing and she was really impressed with the quality and the softness of the fabric! About Joe Kudla: Joe Kudla is the founder and CEO of Vuori, a performance apparel brand inspired by the active California lifestyle. A yogi, surfer, outdoorsman and former college athlete, he drew upon his experiences to disrupt the market with A New Perspective on Performance Apparel.  Functional, high‑quality clothing that does not sacrifice style—Built to move in. Styled for life.  Founded in 2015, Vuori received a $400 million investment and $4B valuation from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 in 2021, marking one of the largest investments in a private apparel company. Ernst & Young LLP honored Joe with the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022 Pacific Southwest Award. He was also named Glossy's Founder of the Year in 2022.  With a background in accounting, Joe founded the IT consulting firm Vaco SanDiego prior to launching Vuori. Today, he lives in Encinitas, CA with his wife and two children. True to the brand ethos, he still makes time every day to get outside and stay active.  Connect with Vuori Website: https://vuoriclothing.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vuori-inc-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuoriclothing/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vuoriclothing  X: https://twitter.com/vuoriclothing  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vuori-inc-/  About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness expert, popular keynote and TEDx speaker, and the host of top-rated podcast, “Live Greatly,” a show frequently ranked in the top 1% for self-improvement. Kristel is an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant with clinical experience in Integrative Psychiatry, giving her a unique perspective into optimizing mental well-being and attaining a mindset for more happiness and success in the workplace and beyond. Kristel decided to leave clinical practice in 2019 when she founded her wellness platform “Live Greatly” to share her message around well-being and success on a larger scale.  With a mission to support companies and individuals on their journeys for more happiness, success, and well-being, Kristel taps into her unique background in healthcare, business, and media, to provide invaluable insights into high power habits, leadership development, mental well-being, peak performance, resilience, sales, success, wellness at work, and a modern approach to work/life balance. Kristel is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. A popular speaker on a variety of topics, Kristel has presented to groups at APMP, Bank of America, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Mazda, Santander Bank and many more. She has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine, has contributed to CEOWORLD Magazine & Real Leaders Magazine, and has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4's WDAF-TV's Great Day KC and Ticker News. Kristel lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their 2 children.  She can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co  Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co  LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.

Using technology to change the way people innovate from concept to commercialisation – that's what we're going to talk about today.  Founded in Singapore in 2007, our guest is called Patsnap –  or the short form for the phrase “patents in a snap”. The company's products help businesses analyse competitor patents, identify the white space open for innovation, validate ideas, assess the patentability of ideas and more.  This is done by using AI-powered technology and machine learning to comb through billions of data sets – over 180 million patents and millions of pieces of literature and reports to be specific – to help innovators connect the dots.  Patsnap currently serves over 12,000 companies and organisations across 50 countries worldwide, including big players like Colgate-Palmolive, Xiaomi, Walt Disney, PayPal and even the University of Oxford.  It achieved its unicorn status in March 2021 after a US$300 million Series E round featuring notable investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Tencent Investment, Sequoia China, Vertex Ventures. But what is valuation looking like three years down the road and how does it intend to help early investors cash out?  Meanwhile, Patsnap is doubling down on expanding its suite of AI products, launching its AI assistant CoPilot early this year. But how far is CoPilot expected to contribute to the firm's top and bottom lines?  The unicorn is also expanding rapidly in Japan, with an annual growth rate of over 100 per cent over the past two years – so what can we look out for on this front? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway's finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Guan Dian, Co-founder and APAC General Manager, Patsnap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Jim sits down with Navneet Govil, Executive MP and CFO of SoftBank Vision Fund. Their wide ranging conversation covers Navneet's background, the history of SoftBank, the current state of the investment market, and the role of AI in today's world. You don't want to miss it!

What does it take to thrive in the high-stakes realm of event planning? Gianna Gaudini, a seasoned event strategist with a dazzling track record, divulges her insider knowledge on steering a purposeful career course, educating the next wave of event maestros, and why a sommelier certification could be more useful than you'd think. It's not all spreadsheets and venue bookings; Gaudini argues that self-preservation isn't just a buzzword — it's a business strategy. She makes the case that in the fast-paced world of events, personal well-being is not just beneficial but crucial for long-term success. A Deliberate Path to Success Gaudini did not stumble upon her career by chance. With a career spanning over two decades and involving powerhouses like Google and SoftBank Vision Fund, Gaudini emphasizes the importance of an intentional approach to professional growth within the industry. By setting clear objectives and persistently learning new trends, such as integrating AI into events, she illustrates the blueprint for intentional career progression in event planning. Educational Offerings In 2019, Gaudini published The Art of Event Planning, hoping to craft a resource that would be both instructive and engaging. Not resting on her laurels, she expanded her teachings into a course in 2021 — an "evolution" of the book adapted to new challenges post-COVID. This course*, designed with real-world applications, bridges the gap for those aiming to advance their event planning expertise. *(Use code GiannaVIP at checkout for a special discount) Seeking Complementary Skills Gaudini's advice stretches beyond the boundaries of conventional event planning. She has a Court Master Sommelier certification and an interior design certification. These alternative skills amplified her event planning capabilities and enriched her ability to connect with various aspects of her work. Emphasizing that such certifications can complement careers in event planning, she advocates for dynamic, interdisciplinary approaches to professional development. Staying Cool Under Fire Stress is a familiar companion in the event planning industry. Yet, Gaudini masters calm under pressure, turning potential panic into a razor-sharp focus on solutions. She recounts pivotal moments of crisis management with high-profile figures and the eleventh-hour changes she successfully navigated. She believes in the power of a positive attitude and a strategic mindset to pull through challenging situations. Conversing with Corporate Giants Gaudini shines a light on the art of corporate communication, especially when dealing with C-suite executives. Learning to speak at the "right altitude" — focusing on the overarching business impact rather than the minutiae — has been key to her success in convincing leadership of an event's value. The Essentiality of Wellness in Event Planning Asserting self-care as a strategic move, Gaudini emphasizes the significance of wellness in the industry — for both planners and attendees. Adequate sleep and self-care, in her view, are not luxuries but necessities that enhance performance and result in better-crafted events. For her wellness is essential for personal health and professional excellence.

Wes Tang-Wymer is co-founder of Room40, a crossover investment firm focused on crypto. Room40's platform consists of a multi-strategy hedge fund and early-stage venture funds. Prior to Room40, Wes was a founding team member of SoftBank Group International and SoftBank Vision Fund, where he oversaw investments and held board roles across a range of growth stage companies in the fintech, transportation, and logistics sectors. Before SoftBank, he was an equities investment analyst at Point72. Wes began his career at Morgan Stanley in the investment banking department.    -----   This episode is brought to you by:   Global Coin Research ("GCR") is a community-first research and investment DAO. GCR's mission is to create a community-driven investment DAO where the best Web3 deals are sourced by community members for community members.  This discussion was recorded in our Discord.  You can find more information about us and how to join at GlobalCoinResearch.com   -----   Remember to rate, review and subscribe to the Podcast!  

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A reminder for new readers. That Was The Week collects the best writing on critical issues in tech, startups, and venture capital. I selected the articles because they are of interest. The selections often include things I entirely disagree with. But they express common opinions, or they provoke me to think. The articles are only snippets. Click on the headline to go to the original. I express my point of view in the editorial and the weekly video below.This Week's Audio:Thanks To This Week's Contributors: @jeffbeckervc, @eshap, @stevesi, @gruber, @daringfireball, @SamuelStolton, @leah_nylen, @mattmday, @chrisheuer, @JoannaStern, @Om, @sarahpereztc, @GeorgeNHammond, @Tabby_Kinder, @NicholasMegaw, @PeterJ_Walker, @SteveAbbott415, @adamlashinskyContents* Editorial: * Essays of the Week* Changing the Customer of Venture Capital (Jeff Becker)* What A Drag It Is (Evan Shapiro)* Building Under Regulation (Steven Sinovsky)* Apple's Plans for the DMA in the European Union (John Gruber)* Amazon Drops iRobot Deal; Roomba Maker Cuts 31% of Staff (By Samuel Stolton, Leah Nylen, and Matt Day)* Envisioning the Future of Human Work in the Age of AI: The 2024 Forecast (Chris Heuer)* Video of the Week* Joanna Stern Wears a Vision Pro for 24 Hours* Product of the Week* The Vision Pro (Daring Fireball)* Apple's Vision Pro -The Meta-Review. (Om Malik)* My 4 magic moments with Vision Pro (Om Malik)* Apple Vision Pro Review: The Best Headset Yet Is Just a Glimpse of the Future (Joanna Stern)* News Of the Week* Spotify calls Apple's DMA compliance plan ‘extortion' and a ‘complete and total farce' (Sarah Perez)* Investors raise billions to buy discounted stakes in start-ups (George Hammond, Tabby Kinder, Nicholas Megaw)* Founders: getting to the next venture stage may take longer than you expect (Peter Walker)* The State of the SaaS Capital Markets: A Look Back at 2023 and Look Forward to 2024 (STEVE ABBOTT Partner, Capital Markets, KEVIN BURKE Partner, Strategy)* PayPal is laying off 2,500 employees (Pranav Dixit)* Startup of the Week* Zum Raises $140M At $1.3B Valuation To Help Kids Get to School Faster With AI (Chris Metinko)* X of the Week* For a moment, I almost felt sorry for Mark Zuckerberg. (Adam Lashinsky)EditorialYou didn't hear it here first but Apple's Vision Pro is a hit.Some wonderful essays in this week's newsletter. I lead with Jeff Becker's look at venture capital, focusing on who the customer is. The question “Who is the customer?” is crucial for any product. The answer is easy when the product is an asset class - the customer is the person investing money. Yet most of the venture world pretends that the customer is the entrepreneur. In reality, the entrepreneur is a supplier. She or He supplies opportunity, commitment, and execution; the goal is to grow value by investing customer cash into that supply.Now it is easy to understand why venture investors sometimes describe the recipient of funding as the customer. It is important that the company feels served by the VC. But serving an investee company is clearly a mission carried out for the VC fund investors, the real customer.Jeff is addressing a real problem - how to best invest in the supply. I will leave you to read his essay and ponder it, but he proposes a radical re-think of how to do early-stage investing, and for the most part, it argues for a more liberal spread of cash, in larger numbers, to far more founders. It's interesting, to say the least.Evan Shapiro focuses on the rapid aging of the US population. He makes a strong case:Since 2019, America's population has grown by 7.8 million. Yet, the US now has 2.7 million fewer kids under 15 than it did in 2019. Meanwhile, there are now 7.1 million more Americans 65-80 than five years ago. America now has half a million fewer people under 40 than it did in 2019 and almost 8.4 million more people over 40.At a time when politicians from both sides are falling over themselves to point a finger at immigration as a major problem, it is refreshing to see analysis demonstrating that the US needs more immigrants. And in a context where there is virtual full employment this needs to be across all skill levels and needs to trend young. The essay is great.Part of the anti-immigrant narrative has focused on DACA - Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Ron Conway is part of a group of over 50 businesses signing an amicus brief to support DACA. Bravo to him.Hostility to immigrants is never OK. It is even less OK when the economy is desperate for skilled and unskilled willing hands.Politically inspired propaganda dominated elsewhere this week. Amazon was prevented from closing the acquisition of iRobot due to EU objections based on competitive concerns. Well done, EU. Amazon dropped the deal, and iRobot may well be in trouble as a result. Thirty percent of staff were laid off. And more EU interference when Apple was ordered to allow alternative app stores on the iPhone. Steven Sinofsky's wonderful essay, “Building Under Regulation,” leverages his vast experience at Microsoft. It seems every day it becomes more obvious that the EU is against innovation, especially when it produces successful big companies.The Congress got in on the act too (see X of the Week), calling social media leaders to DC to be accused, show-trial-like, of being responsible for teen suicides. Sadly, the Meta CEO apologized as if admitting culpability.Teen suicide and causality is a non-trivial issue, but it is fair to say that Social Media does not cause it. Teens (I have one and another two recently in their post-teen phase). All have had growing up challenges. As I recall, I did also. The world can be harsh in the face of those challenges. But to see social media as the only factor, or even a major one, seems superficial and plain wrong. I wish one of the executives had the nerve to push back against the accusations. Adam Lashinsky's piece is interesting.Finally, Chris Heuer has a research piece on AI and the Future of Work. Well done, Chris, this is such an important issue. My PoV is that work, defined as paid labor, will inevitably decline and the average working day will decline. I believe this is a fundamental good for humanity. I also believe it poses enormous global questions about how the abundance made possible will be distributed to improve life for everybody. I do. not think this is the end of human effort. Just the beginning of the end of the need to do paid labor in order to live.Essays of the WeekChanging the Customer of Venture CapitalThe gift of technologyJEFF BECKERJAN 29, 2024TLDR: We need to change the customer of early-stage venture capital so that we can fund the future of technology and build global prosperity for decades to come.Recently, I hosted a group of students from Wharton at Antler's offices and we talked about the future of early-stage VC.I alluded to this a couple weeks ago when I said:…for $5B per year, you could seed the vast majority of meaningful tech companies for 8 years with the amount of money Elon Musk spent on Twitter. (Link here)The reality is, $5B per year just isn't that much money in the grand scheme of private equities—roughly .5-1% depending how you slice it.As a former salesperson, that fact often leaves me wondering, “what if you changed the customer of venture capital?”Could you attract more money, create more impact, and actually produce more returns?Classically, putting your name on building was a way to not only have a fairly durable legacy, but let's be honest, that gift is outdated.And it hardly does any good in the world.Instead, legacies and the world's most important problems alike would be better served by a consolidation of brilliant minds and capital, combined with the speed and leverage of startups.I think there are two interesting solutions, and both should be built.The first is something I'd call the 501-VC, and the second would be to fund all of venture capital for a decade or more through a new kind of Giving Pledge.I'm going to talk about the second one today.Famously,The Giving Pledge is a promise by the world's wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.The problem is, charitable foundations and organizations aren't historically the most efficient way to solve the world's problems. They exist for good reason, but most operate like old corporates rather than savvy startups.However, what if we thought of economic opportunity and global prosperity as a more ubiquitous problem to solve, and instead of funding mission-driven work, we fund the entirety of the tech sector?What if instead of the average high net worth individual trying to get a 3-5X return over 10 years, you focused on the ultra high net worth population, the economic development groups, and the sovereign funds who are both trying to achieve these returns and trying to improve the world?What if you focused on their shared goals and values as customers, like creating economic opportunity and building a durable legacy?What if you could do it in every corner of the planet through access to entrepreneurship?What if instead of one PayPal Mafia, you had thousands?What if you had an investor who could actually deploy $5B per year at the formation stage?That has simply never existed before, and yet it is a defining opportunity for the human race and our evolution as a society.Currently, high potential employees are stuck in their corporate jobs.Our brightest minds handcuffed to benefits and addicted to a salary, never realizing their true potential or having a real impact on the world.Many go get their MBA where they spend money to learn new skills and acquire a network, rather than receive money for becoming a more productive citizen of the world.Many job hop looking for a low-risk way to get on a rocket ship.Some try to build their own, but quickly run out of runway and mental fortitude.It's a broken system, and we need to rebuild it.First it requires a product.The product needs to be for two groups—the founders and the investors.It starts with the infrastructure required to reduce the risk of being a founder which in turn attracts more of the brightest minds to the job itself. At the same time, the product also has to be an investment vehicle that attracts a new type of customer to early-stage VC.… Lots MoreWhat A Drag It IsAmerica Feels OldEVAN SHAPIROJAN 29, 2024Since 2019, America's population has grown by 7.8 million. Yet, the US now has 2.7 million fewer kids under 15 than it did in 2019. Meanwhile, there are now 7.1 million more Americans 65-80 than five years ago. America now has half a million fewer people under 40 than it did in 2019 and almost 8.4 million more people over 40.Because of the sheer size of the Baby Boomer Generation and the fact that younger Americans have pulled out on having kids, in the last five years, America has gotten old - not just compared to itself, but also compared to the rest of the world.In 2019, 63% of the world's population was under 40. Now, 64% of the people of the planet are 39 or younger. In short:Over the last half-decade the world has gotten one percent younger and America has gotten one percent older.One percent may seem small. However, the consequences of this demographic shift are consequential. For countries like the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan, with aging populations where the number of people over 60 is growing faster than the number of people under 15, the coming years will be filled with challenges brought on by their age: Workforce shortages, inverted dependency ratios where a diminishing tax-base struggles to fund a widening social safety net, health care infrastructures ill-equipped to deal with increased demand. As the world's wealthiest and most powerful nations continue to age faster than they reproduce, expect these issues to get increased and more urgent attention.After decades of aging down, the US population is now aging up quickly. In 2000, 58% of the US population was under 40 years old. Now just a slim majority of 51% is under 40. The impacts of this rapid maturation can be felt throughout our culture, but perhaps nowhere as dramatically as in America's Media and Tech industries.Over the last half century (but for some intermittent challenges from Japan and China), the US has led the world in entertainment and technology, setting the standard for the world's consumption of Media. While many TVs and phones are manufactured in other countries, most of the systems, software, and vision for these products has come from America - and the entertainment consumed on these devices has been, for many decades, the United States' most notable export.Now, America's Media Industrial Complex finds itself amidst a widely-reported bloodbath of its own making. Recently, this meltdown has been joined by America's leading Tech firms. Some of this is cyclical, driven by innovation cycles, advertising recessions, and even the aftermath of the worldwide pandemic. But muchof the current Media Apocalypse was as predictable as the upside-down aging ratio of our population.The first decade of the 21st Century was marked by an almost inconceivable level of innovation in American Media and Tech. The internet invaded all aspects of our lives. Broadband grew across the country like a high-speed weed, bringing the universe to our desktops, making all our worlds, at once, much bigger and infinitely smaller. By 2012, tiny supercomputers known as smartphones had reached a critical mass in the US and TV was streaming into our homes.Then, right around that time, America's Media C-Suite inhabitants seemingly started a shared mid-life crisis, through which we are all still living.Bob Iger took over Disney in 2005, when he was 53 years old. Through some of the most masterful deal-making in Media history, and (seemingly) a true vision of the future, Iger took a troubled company and turned it into the greatest proprietor of intellectual property the world has ever known. He bought Pixar in 2006, revitalizing Disney Animation. He bought Marvel in 2009, jump stating the most successful film and TV franchise in history. He bought Lucasfilm in 2012, completing what many see as bar-setting hat-trick of entertainment, bringing the most valuable collection of titles in entertainment all under one roof.… Lots MoreBuilding Under RegulationAn essay on the EU Digital Markets Act and Apple's "Update on apps distributed in the European Union" (and some personal history)STEVEN SINOFSKYJAN 27, 2024Readers note: This is a long post. There are enough hot takes on this super important issue. I welcome corrections as always.This week Apple detailed the software changes that will appear in an upcoming release of iOS to comply with the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA).  As I read the over 60 pages of the DMA when it was passed (and in drafts before that, little of which changed in the process) my heart sank over the complexity of a regulation so poorly constructed yet so clearly aimed at specific (American) companies and products. As I read through many of the hundreds of pages of Apple documents detailing their compliance implementation my heart sank again. This time was because I so thoroughly could feel the pain and struggle product teams felt in clinging to at best or unwinding at worst the most substantial improvement in computing ever introduced—the promise behind the iPhone since its introduction. The reason the iPhone became so successful was not a fluke. Consumers and customers voted that the value proposition of the product was something they preferred, and they acted by purchasing iPhone and developers responded by building applications for iOS. The regulators have a different view of that promise, so here we are.To be clear, DMA covers a wide range of products and services all deemed to be critical infrastructure in the digital world. It is both an incredibly broad and sometimes oddly specific regulation. As written the regulation covers at least online intermediation services [commercial internet sites/markets], online search engines, web browsers, advertising services, social network services, video sharing platforms, number-independent interpersonal communications services [messaging], operating systems, virtual assistants, and cloud computing.If you're well-versed in online you can map each one of those to precisely who the target might be, or sometimes targets. It is all big tech, almost exclusively US-based companies. There are no EU companies that meet the criteria to be covered—hardcoded revenue of EUR 7.5 billion for three years, EUR 7.5 billion market cap, or 45 million MAU—with Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung acknowledging the criteria apply to various units in addition to the following other “very large online platforms”: Alibaba AliExpress, Booking.com, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, Wikipedia, Zalando [German fashion retailer]. Those thresholds seem strangely not round.I am going to focus on the Apple and primarily their App Store response because I think it is the most important and time critical and because iPhone is the most unique, innovative, and singular product in market. I can easily replace search, a browser, an ad network, a social network, a video site. Even cloud computing is not so sticky, and we all use multiple messaging services. What iPhone delivers is irreplaceable. At least for many of the subset of smartphone users that chose Apple.The thing is, as impressive as Apple has been it is not *that* successful by the measures that count for dominance. Worldwide Apple is clearly the number two smartphone to Google Android which has over 70% share. In the Europe (excluding Russia) Apple iPhone has about a 33% share (I won't debate exact numbers, units sold v in use, revenue v. profit v. units, etc. as all those do is attempt to tell a story that isn't obvious, which is Android is more popular). That's hardly a monopoly share by any standard. In some European countries Apple has a higher share, some data providers would say as high as 50% or nearly 60%, which by most legal standards is still not quite at a monopoly level especially in a dynamic market. Apple has not been fined, sued, or otherwise convicted of having a dominant share let alone abusing the market position it has. No consumer harm has been demonstrated. In Epic v. Applespecifically on the store, Apple prevailed in 9 of 10 claims of damages to Epic due to the store's costs. Of note, the same claims in Epic v. Google resulted in liability from Google and is being appealed. Many of most vocal competitors didn't even exist before the iPhone. They have become huge companies and don't appear to be struggling, and in fact benefit from being part of the iPhone ecosystem. Counter to the text of the DMA, innovation seems to be thriving as measured by the number of new companies and distinct new services.Yet, the EU DMA has declared that Apple is a “gatekeeper”—an ominous term applied to Apple among the others.… Lots MoreApple's Plans for the DMA in the European UnionFriday, 26 January 2024Apple yesterday announced a broad, wide-ranging, and complex set of new policies establishing their intended compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which comes into effect March 7. There is a lot to remark upon and numerous remaining questions, but my favorite take was from Sebastiaan de With on Twitter/X, the day before any of this was announced.After quipping “Oh god please no” to a screenshot of the phrase “Spotify also wants to roll out alternate app stores”, de With had this conversation:de With:The EU is once again solving absolutely no problems and making everything worse in tech. I gotta say, they are if anything highly consistent.“Anton”:Overly powerful, rent-seeking gatekeepers seem like a problem.de With:I love that I can't tell if you are talking about the EU or Apple in this case.My second-favorite take, from that same thread, was this from Max Rovensky:DMA is not pro-consumer.It's anti-big-business.Those tend to coincide sometimes, which makes it an easy sell for the general public, but do actually read the DMA, it's quite interesting.I'd go slightly further and describe the DMA as anti-U.S.-big-business, because as far as I can tell, nothing in the DMA adversely affects or even annoys any European tech companies. There are aspects of it that seem written specifically for Spotify, in fact.But Rovensky's framing captures the dichotomy. Anti-big-business regulation and pro-consumer results often do go hand-in-hand, but the DMA exposes the fissures. I do not think the DMA is going to change much, if anything at all, for the better for iOS users in the E.U. (Or for non-iOS users in the EU, for that matter.) And much like the GDPR's website cookie regulations, I think if it has any practical effect, it'll be to make things worse for users. Whether these options are better for developers seems less clear.I've often said that Apple's priorities are consistent: Apple's own needs first, users second, developers third. The European Commission's priorities put developers first, users second, and “gatekeepers” a distant third. The DMA prescribes not a win-win-win framework, but a win-win-lose one.Apple is proud, stubborn, arrogant, controlling, and convinced it has the best interests of its customers in mind.The European Commission is proud, stubborn, arrogant, controlling, and convinced it has the best interests of its citizens in mind.Ever since this collision over the DMA seemed inevitable, starting about two years ago, I've been trying to imagine how it would turn out. And each time, I start by asking: Which side is smarter? My money has been on Apple. Yesterday's announcements, I think, show why.APPLE'S PROPOSED CHANGESIt's really hard to summarize everything Apple announced yesterday, but I'll try. Start with the main Apple Newsroom press release, “Apple Announces Changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union”:“The changes we're announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act's requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings. Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow. “Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer.”Schiller is the only Apple executive quoted in the press release, and to my ear, his writing hand is all over the entire announcement. Apple was quite clear before the DMA was put into law that they considered mandatory sideloading on iOS a bad idea for users, and their announcement yesterday doesn't back down an inch from still declaring it a bad idea.Apple has also argued, consistently, that they seek to monetize third-party development for the iOS platform, and that being forced to change from their current system — (a) all apps must come from the App Store; (b) developers never pay anything for the distribution of free apps; (c) paid apps and in-app-purchases for digital content consumed in-app must go through Apple's In-App Payments system that automates Apple's 30/15 percent commissions — would greatly complicate how they monetize the platform. And now Apple has revealed a greatly complicated set of rules and policies for iPhone apps in the EU.MG Siegler has a great — and fun — post dissecting Apple's press release line-by-line. Siegler concludes:I'm honestly not sure I can recall a press release dripping with such disdain. Apple may even have a point in many of the points above, but the framing of it would just seem to ensure that Apple is going to continue to be at war with the EU over all of this and now undoubtedly more. Typically, if you're going to make some changes and consider the matter closed, you don't do so while emphatically shoving your middle fingers in the air.Some of these changes do seem good and useful, but most simply seem like convoluted changes to ensure the status quo actually doesn't change much, if at all. Just remember that, “importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer.” What do you think Apple prefers?The puzzle Apple attempted to solve was creating a framework of new policies — and over 600 new developer APIs to enable those policies — to comply with the DMA, while keeping the path of least resistance and risk for developers the status quo: Apple's own App Store as it is.….Lots MoreAmazon Drops iRobot Deal; Roomba Maker Cuts 31% of Staff* IRobot CEO steps down and company cuts workforce by 31%* Tech giant to pay $94 million to iRobot over deal terminationBy Samuel Stolton, Leah Nylen, and Matt DayJanuary 29, 2024 at 5:33 AM PSTAmazon.com Inc. has abandoned its planned $1.4 billion acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot Corp. after clashing with European Union regulators who had threatened to block the deal.The fallout came quickly. IRobot, which has been struggling recently, said Chief Executive Officer Colin Angle has stepped downas the company embarks on a restructuring plan that will result in about 350 job cuts, or 31% of the workforce. The vacuum maker's shares tumbled 19% in New York to $13.80, their lowest level since 2009. Amazon's shares were up less than 1% at $160.07.The decision is a sign of the intense pressure Amazon is facing to prove its actions don't harm competition as its influence grows in retail, cloud-computing and entertainment. Antitrust regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have been keen to ensure that the biggest US tech companies don't snap up innovative startups before they have a chance to become formidable competitors on their own.Amazon met with the FTC's senior antitrust staff last week, who informed the company they were recommending a suit over the deal, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Executives and lawyers from the tech giant were scheduled to meet with the FTC's three commissioners this week to make a final push for the acquisition, said the person, who asked not to be named discussing the confidential probe.… Lots MoreEnvisioning the Future of Human Work in the Age of AI: The 2024 ForecastResearch Fellowship ProgramIntroductionAs technological change and the adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) accelerate, the future of human work will be characterized by disruption, uncertainty, and opportunity. As 2024 approached, the Team Flow Institute Research Fellows gathered for a roundtable to discuss their visions for the future of human-focused work in the age of AI. As described by the institute's co-founder and Managing Director, Chris Heuer, “The Team Flow Institute is an organization dedicated to shaping a human-centric future of work as we face the choice of augmentation or automation in every industry and every function. This transformational decision will reshape what we call work and society itself, requiring us to abandon business as usual and finally design business as possible.” The Team Flow Institute Research Fellows' roundtable discussion delved into the potential opportunities and challenges of this technology revolution driven by the institute's “mission to gather like-minded individuals and organizations to steer our collective destiny toward a more sustainable future, where the essence of humanity and human work is valued and preserved as we increasingly adopt AI tools and technologies, explained Jennifer McClure, Senior Research Fellow, and Advisory Board member. This article analyzes key insights from the discussion, offering a glimpse into the work landscape of 2024 and beyond. As the Team Flow Institute embarks on its inaugural fellowship program, this analysis holds particular significance as it seeks to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the evolving landscape of AI-enabled work. Through this program, the Team Flow Institute aims to foster a community of leaders who can guide organizations and individuals toward a future where humans and technology collaborate to create a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment.Part I: AI Progress and PromiseNo longer relegated to science fiction, AI has infiltrated our lives, transforming industries with its vast potential. From automating tedious tasks to streamlining complex decision-making processes, its applications are far-reaching. In the realm of design, AI-powered software is revolutionizing industries like architecture and fashion, enabling rapid prototyping and personalized creations. Team Flow Institute co-founder Jaime Schwarz says, “Imagine being able to prototype a new building or clothing line in minutes instead of weeks. This remarkable advancement accelerates design cycles and fosters increased customization, ultimately leading to more innovative and personalized consumer products.”The creative landscape is also poised for disruption with the emergence of generative AI. Team Flow Institute Research Fellow Shel Holtz describes its transformative potential: “Generative AI is blurring the lines between human and machine creativity. We're seeing machines create realistic text, images, and even music that is nearly indistinguishable from human-generated work.” This democratization of creativity opens doors for individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities to express themselves in new and exciting ways. But it also opens up philosophical questions and debates about the nature of art and creativity, adds Jen McClure. Amidst these exciting advancements, Chris Heuer reminds us that “AI is not just a science fiction concept anymore; it's here, and it's changing the way we do everything.” This necessitates a thoughtful approach to the future of work, a need to ensure the value of human skills and their role in work, proactive workforce development initiatives to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving job market, and an elevation of the need for constant communications within organizations, reminds Team Flow Institute Research Fellow Sharon McIntosh.As AI continues to permeate our lives, it is crucial to acknowledge its remarkable potential and challenges. By navigating this dynamic landscape with careful consideration and proactive planning, we can ensure that AI serves as a force for progress, innovation, and a brighter future for all. As Team Flow Institute Research Fellow Gina Debogovich reminds us, it will undoubtedly unlock economic growth. “The 20th century began with a global GDP of $3 trillion and, largely due to technological advancement, ended with a GDP of $33.8 trillion. AI is poised to boost the economy to unseen heights.”AI will be a catalyst for creating new jobs, just as the web did in the mid-1990s. Businesses must integrate these jobs and activities into existing workflows and business models and develop new ones. Indeed, innovative organizations are already experimenting with, if not embracing, the role of prompt engineers. The Team Flow Institute advocates for a Team Flow Facilitator to serve as a coach, a collaboration facilitator, and an AI pilot to support high-performing teams.Part II: The Risks and DownsidesWhile AI offers many benefits, possibilities, and opportunities, its advancements are not without potential pitfalls. AI and automation technologies bring both promise and peril to the workforce. While they offer the potential to augment human capabilities and business efficiencies significantly, understandable concerns persist surrounding job losses and the general impact on workers. Organizations must chart a thoughtful course that fully harnesses technical capabilities without losing sight of the humans at the heart of work.… Lots MoreVideo of the WeekProduct of the WeekThe Vision ProTuesday, 30 January 2024For the last six days, I've been simultaneously testing three entirely new products from Apple. The first is a VR/AR headset with eye-tracking controls. The second is a revolutionary spatial computing productivity platform. The third is a breakthrough personal entertainment device.A headset, a spatial productivity platform, and a personal entertainment device.I'm sure you're already getting it. These are not three separate devices. They're one: Apple Vision Pro. But if you'll pardon the shameless homage to Steve Jobs's famous iPhone introduction, I think these three perspectives are the best way to consider it.THE HARDWAREVision Pro comes in a surprisingly big box. I was expecting a package roughly the dimensions of a HomePod box; instead, a Vision Pro retail box is quite a bit larger than two HomePod boxes stacked atop each other. (I own more HomePods than most people.)There's a lot inside. The top half of the package contains the Vision Pro headset itself, with the light seal, a light seal cushion, and the default Solo Knit Band already attached. The lower half contains the battery, the charger (30W), the cables, the Dual Loop Band, the Getting Started book (which is beautifully printed in full color, on excellent paper — it feels like a keepsake), the polishing cloth1, and an extra light seal cushion.To turn Vision Pro on, you connect the external battery pack's power cable to the Vision Pro's power connector, and rotate it a quarter turn to lock it into place. There are small dots on the headset's dime-sized power socket showing how to align the cable connector's small LED. The LED pulses when Vision Pro turns on. (I miss Apple's glowing power indicator LEDs — this is a really delightful touch.) When Vision Pro has finished booting and is ready to use, it makes a pleasant welcoming sound.Then you put Vision Pro on. If you're using the Solo Knit Band, you tighten and loosen it using a dial on the band behind your right ear. VisionOS directs you to raise or lower the headset appropriately to position it at just the right height on your face relative to your eyes. If Vision Pro thinks your eyes are too close to the displays, it will suggest you switch to the “+” size light seal cushion. You get two light seal cushions, but they're not the same: mine are labeled “W” and “W+”. The “+” is the same width, to match your light seal, but adds a wee bit more space between your eyes and the displays inside Vision Pro. For me the default (non-“+”) one fits fine.The software then guides you through a series of screens to calibrate the eye tracking. It's all very obvious, and kind of fun. It's almost like a simple game: you stare at a series of dots in a circle, and pinch your index finger and thumb as you stare at each one. You go through this three times, in three different artificial lighting conditions: dark, medium, and bright. Near the end of the first-run experience, you're prompted to bring your iPhone or iPad nearby, just like when setting up a new iPhone or iPad. This allows your Vision Pro to get your Apple ID credentials and Wi-Fi password without entering any of that manually. It's a very smooth onboarding process. And then that's it, you're in and using Vision Pro.There's no getting around some fundamental problems with the Vision Pro hardware.First is the fact that it uses an external battery pack connected via a power cable. The battery itself is about the width and height of an iPhone 15/15 Pro, but thicker. And the battery is heavy: about 325g, compared to 187g for an iPhone 15 Pro, and 221g for a 15 Pro Max. It's closer in thickness and weight to two iPhone 15's than it is to one. And the tethered power cable can be an annoyance. Vision Pro has no built-in reserve battery — disconnect the power cable from the headset and it immediately shuts off. It clicks firmly into place, so there's no risk of accidentally disconnecting it. But if you buy an extra Vision Pro Battery for $200, you can't hot-swap them — you need to shut down first.… Lots MoreApple's Vision Pro -The Meta-Review.Apple Vision Pro reviews have started to roll in — and depending on who you read, the consensus vacillates between amazing and work in progress. In most cases, they reflect some version of reality. If one is looking for faults with Apple's face computer, then one will find them. And if you are looking at what it represents, you are going to be excited. I am in the ‘camp' of the amazed, though I am not blinded by the challenges that await Vision Pro in the real world.The Verge's Nilay Patel sums up the challenge of Vision Pro, writing:The technology to build a true optical AR display that works well enough to replace an everyday computer just isn't there yet. The Magic Leap 2 is an optical AR headset that's cheaper and smaller than the Vision Pro, but it's plagued by compromises in field of view and image quality that most people would never accept. So Apple's settled for building a headset with real-time video passthrough — it is the defining tradeoff of the Vision Pro. It is a VR headset masquerading as an AR headset. And let me tell you: the video passthrough on the Vision Pro is really good. It works! It's convincing. You put the headset on, the display comes on, and you're right back where you were, only with a bunch of visionOS windows floating around.Let's get on with the cons: The Verge points out problems like ‘motion blur,' ‘blurriness,' ‘color fringing,' ‘limited field of view,' and ‘vignetting.' I have not personally experienced any of these because, well, I don't have the device.The device is sometimes laggy. It's heavy, and the wired battery is limited to just over 2 hours. You can plug it into a ‘wall charger' with a USB-C cable, or daisy-chain it to another USB-C battery pack. And it does get a tad warm. You need to use the ‘dorky' headband to use the device without feeling the weight (or in some cases, a headache).None of this surprises me! Vision Pro is, after all, a full-blown computer. It's made from magnesium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. It has two high-resolution front-facing cameras (video pass-through), two cameras that face down to track your hands and gestures, a LiDAR, TrueDepth cameras, and some kind of infrared lights. The device has two tiny MicroOLED displays packed with a total of 23 million pixels. (As I noted in an earlier piece, these displays are the magic and the primary reason why Vision Pro is so expensive.)All these sensors, cameras, and displays are powered by an M2 chip and an R1 spatial coprocessor, and fans. Apple has packed this in an enclosure that is about three times the weight of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and is still lighter than the iPad 12.9. Paint me impressed purely from a technological standpoint.…. Lots MoreMy 4 magic moments with Vision ProNo, not again! Not another Vision Pro Review! I feel you — after all the reviews yesterday, I am pretty sure you don't want to read another review. Here's the good news — it's not a review. Instead, I will share my quick impressions from a deep dive at Apple Park, and my four magic moments with the Vision Pro.Unlike the reviewers who published their reviews, my access to the device has come in dribs and drabs. It has been a carefully managed experience — an early demo, exposure to the photos app, and the spatial video capabilities. A few days ago, I got to use the device for less than two hours.This was a highly curated experience — so this doesn't and won't qualify as a review. I am skipping all the stuff that has been covered by the deep dive that professional reviewers have already published. WSJ's Joanna Stern's review is amazing — especially the video version. It is best to consider these as my considered impressions.First, can I wax eloquent about the technological achievement of Vision Pro? As a chip and hardware nerd, I think Vision Pro is a witches' brew of the latest of all types of technologies. Let me quote my post from yesterday:Vision Pro is, after all, a full-blown computer. It's made from magnesium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. It has two high-resolution front-facing cameras (video pass-through), two cameras that face down to track your hands and gestures, a LiDAR, TrueDepth cameras, and some kind of infrared lights. The device has two tiny MicroOLED displays packed with a total of 23 million pixels. (As I noted in an earlier piece, these displays are the magic and the primary reason why Vision Pro is so expensive.)All these sensors, cameras, and displays are powered by an M2 chip and an R1 spatial coprocessor, and fans. Apple has packed this in an enclosure that is about three times the weight of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and is still lighter than the iPad 12.9. Paint me impressed purely from a technological standpoint.What's even more impressive is the sound — Apple is using beamforming to direct the sound into your ears. And unless you are really blasting it out loud — you could get away with wearing it in a public place — though people in Business Class will notice the slight din from the seat next to them. Apple is hoping you will splurge on AirPods Pro.No matter how you see the device — love it or hate it, you can't deny that it is yet another amazing computer built by a company that knows how to build great consumer computers.… Lots MoreApple Vision Pro Review: The Best Headset Yet Is Just a Glimpse of the FutureWorking, cooking, skiing, kicking back—our columnist wore Apple's new mixed-reality headset for a week to see what it's forBy Joanna Stern at the WSJJan. 30, 2024 at 9:00 am ETA few things surprised me after wearing the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset for nearly 24 hours straight:* I didn't puke. * I got a lot of work done.  * I cooked a delicious meal.Also, my Persona—the headset's animated video-call avatar—will haunt your dreams.For the last week, I have been testing Apple's boldest bet yet on the post-smartphone future. Strap on the 1.4-pound goggles and you see apps floating right in your living room. Living room a stress-inducing mess? Go full virtual reality and watch a 3-D movie on a giant screen perched on the mouth of a Hawaiian volcano.Let's get this out of the way: You're probably not going to buy the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro. Unless you're an app developer or an Apple die-hard, you're more likely to spend that kind of money on an actual trip to a Hawaiian volcano.And that's OK. Reviewing the Vision Pro, I wanted to understand the potential of the device, and the technical constraints that keep it from being a must-have, at least for now. Most importantly, I wanted to answer one question: In a world full of screens, what's the benefit of strapping one to your eyes?… Lots MoreNews Of the WeekSpotify calls Apple's DMA compliance plan ‘extortion' and a ‘complete and total farce'Sarah Perez @sarahpereztc / 2:41 PM PST•January 26, 2024Image Credits: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto (opens in a new window)/ Getty ImagesCount Spotify among those not thrilled with how Apple has chosen to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which sets the stage for sideloading apps, alternative app stores, browser choice, and more. On Friday, the streaming music company issued its response to Apple's new DMA rules, calling the new fees imposed on developers “extortion” and Apple's compliance plan “a complete and total farce,” that demonstrated the tech giant believes that the rules don't apply to them.Apple earlier this week announced a host of changes that comply with the letter of the EU law, if not the spirit. The company said that app developers in the EU will receive reduced commissions, but it also introduced a new “core technology fee” that requires developers to pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold, regardless of their distribution channel. It will also charge a 3% payment processing fee when developers use Apple's in-app payments instead of their own.Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company sued Apple over antitrust concerns, already condemned Apple's plan, saying it was a case of “malicious compliance” and full of “junk fees,” and now Spotify is essentially saying the same.…. Lots MoreInvestors raise billions to buy discounted stakes in start-upsBuyers return after secondary market for private shares was hit by higher interest ratesGeorge Hammond and Tabby Kinder in San Francisco and Nicholas Megaw in New YorkJANUARY 16 2024Investment firms are raising billions of dollars to buy stakes in venture capital-backed technology start-ups, as a long drought in acquisitions and initial public offerings forces early investors to offload their stock at discounts. The start-up secondary market, where investors and employees buy and sell tens of billions of dollars' worth of shares in privately held companies, is becoming an increasingly important trading venue, in the absence of traditional ways of cashing out and given a slowdown in start-up funding. Venture secondaries buyers are primed for a busy year as start-up employees look for a way to sell their stock and investors look to return capital to their own backers or reallocate it elsewhere. Secondary market specialist Lexington Partners last week announced a new $23bn fund to buy up stakes from “large-scale investors”. Lexington had originally aimed to raise $15bn, but upped its target on the back of high demand, and said it was “in the early stages of a generational secondary buying opportunity” that could last years.The fund will predominantly buy shares from private equity funds but also expects to invest as much as $5bn into venture capital secondaries, said a spokesperson.“We are seeing crazy amounts of [limited partner investors] that are distressed and need to lighten their venture load,” said the head of a $2bn venture capital firm. The latest Lexington fund “speaks to the sheer demand” from LPs that feel “over-allocated” to private capital including to start-ups, they said. Other specialist firms such as Pinegrove Capital Partners, a joint vehicle created by Brookfield Asset Management and Sequoia Heritage, and StepStone have also been raising multibillion-dollar funds to target venture secondaries.…. Lots MoreFounders: getting to the next venture stage may take longer than you expectPeter WalkerHead of Insights @ Carta | Data StorytellerThe median number of days between a priced seed and Series A round hit 679 in 2023, a new peak.Median for Series A to B was 744 days (over 2 years). Very similar for Series B to C (739 days, also over 2 years).Fascinating to watch the 25th percentile (green) and the 75th percentile (blue) trends as well. It looks as though the 25th pct has pulled closer to the median for the middle venture rounds - suggesting there are very few companies speed-running through venture fundraising right now. Some of that could be company choice, as founders have cut spend and become more capital-efficient over the prior 12 months. However, I'm certain a lot of the increase in time is due to VCs being far more choosy about where to invest.So what are founders doing if primary rounds are not on the menu? Getting creative.Founders are raising bridge rounds at record rates, usually from insiders already on the cap table. They are turning to SAFEs and Convertible Notes, even between named venture stages. Some are turning to non-dilutive financing and loans.And many are trying to make customer revenue their primary fundraising channel. But switching from growth at all costs to profitability in a short period of time is no easy track change. My bet is that the time between rounds plateaus in 2024 (or maybe even declines just a touch). Maybe that's wishful thinking

Priya Saiprasad is a General Partner at Touring Capital, a fund investing in enterprise-focused AI powered global startups. She co-founded Touring after 13 years in venture capital, M&A and enterprise technology. She was most recently a Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, where she led investments into category-defining software companies including Pixis, Vendr, Observe.ai, CommerceIQ, Sendoso and Skedulo. Previously, Priya was at Mayfield Fund focused on early-growth investments, and a founding member of M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), where she led investments in Go1, Workboard, PandaDoc, Element AI (acquired by ServiceNow), and Bonsai (acquired by Microsoft). Prior to that, she was a Deal Lead in Square's M&A team leading acquisitions at the intersection of software and machine learning. Priya was recognized by Forbes in 2018 as part of their 30 under 30 in Venture Capital list. She is actively involved with All Raise, Neythri, and several prominent Women in Tech associations. Priya holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. . . . Episode Notes: How did Priya end up in venture (2:36) What about venture surprised Priya the most (6:00) Insecurities as/of an investor (11:25) Learnings as an investor when investments haven't really worked out (17:02) How can one acquire the skills to assist founders, even if they haven't personally experienced those challenges? (25:05) Investing is personal: Do investors derive guidance from aspects of their life when making investment decisions? (29:35) How does competition drive investors (34:52) Prestige and perception in venture (41:30) Advice Priya would give her younger self (47:20) . . . Social Links: Follow ⁠Priya on Twitter⁠ Follow ⁠Priya on LinkedIn⁠ Follow ⁠The Desi VC on LinkedIn⁠ Follow ⁠Akash Bhat on Twitter⁠ Follow ⁠Akash Bhat on LinkedIn

Marcelo Lebre has engineered his way from being turned down for a $20k investment from a startup accelerator to raising half a billion dollars for his growing remote work platform. The venture, Remote, has attracted funding from top-tier investors like 9Yards Capital, Accel, Sequoia, Index Ventures, and SoftBank Vision Fund.

Welcome to Episode 50!! Thank you so much for being a part of Aarna's News and listening to this thriving platform in bridging the gender gap in STEM! If you're a person who constantly thinks these 2 questions... How can I navigate my career path in a way that aligns with my passions and aspirations? What strategies can I employ to overcome challenges and setbacks in my professional journey? Then fear not, for this episode is truly one to be heard! In this captivating episode of Aarna's News, we dive into the extraordinary career journey of Kirthiga Reddy. From her early days in a Silicon Valley HPC company to becoming the first female Investment Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, Kirthiga's story is filled with remarkable accomplishments and unexpected turns. Tune in as she debunks the myth of a cookie-cutter formula for success, shares valuable insights on embracing career twists and turns, and emphasizes the power of a supportive network. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to carve your own path towards success. Don't miss this empowering episode of Aarna's News! Resources Mentioned: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna Contact Us: https://youtube.com/@aarnasnews https://www.instagram.com/aarnas_news/ nerdytechcash@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aarna-sahu/support

Heute u.A. mit diesen Themen:AI Act: Harte Regeln für GPT, Ausnahmen für Open SourceSAP: Einstieg bei Aleph Alpha indirekt bestätigtSoftBank Vision Fund verliert 32 Milliarden US-DollarPayPal beliebter als Kauf auf RechnungWegen DSGVO: Google Bard nicht in EU verfügbarokäse ist insolventDisney: Mehr Umsatz, weniger Streaming-KundenBundestag überarbeitetet Whistleblower-GesetzZukunfts-Startups auf der VivaTech 2023Wingcopter erhält 40 Millionen Euro

Con inversores como SoftBank Vision Fund 2 o BlackRock, Clarity AI ha levantado ya $80M para apostar por la sostenibilidad. La plataforma de Clarity AI analiza más de 30.000 empresas, 135.000 fondos, 198 países y 187 gobiernos locales, y ofrece datos y herramientas de análisis para inversión, investigación corporativa y reporting.Esta semana entrevistamos a Ángel Agudo, VP de Producto de Clarity AI, la plataforma tecnológica especializada en el análisis de sostenibilidad fundada por Rebeca Minguela. Ángel nos cuenta en profundidad los inicios de la compañía y la tecnología detrás de Clarity AI. Con Ángel profundizamos en la complejidad del diseño de producto con visiones tan potentes a largo plazo y con tantas capas de datos complejos sobre los que plantear modelos que lleven a la toma de decisiones. Si quieres entender realmente qué significa sostenibilidad en 2023 y cuáles son las 5 áreas en las que se divide un equipo de producto en una startup, ¡No te pierdas este podcast! NOSOTROS

Nitin Jain is a well-known name in the Indian startup ecosystem as the co-founder and Chief Business Officer of OfBusiness, a tech-enabled platform that provides raw material procurement and credit solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. With a strong background in structured solutions trading, Nitin has played a key role in OfBusiness' success, helping the company raise over $875M from top investors like Tiger Global, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Matrix Partners, among others. Today, OfBusiness is valued at around $5B and has become a leading player in the Indian SME ecosystem. Nitin Jain is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and has had a successful career prior to his entrepreneurial journey. Episode Notes: Nitin Jain discusses his journey into entrepreneurship (2:10) Discovering Co-Founders and Creating the OfBusiness Idea (3:55) Nitin Jain shares his perspective on what's more critical: the team or the idea (6:30) The Early Days of OfBusiness: A Look Back at the "Aha Moment" (9:15) Coping with the Struggles and Insecurities of Being a Founder (12:30) Understanding the Composition of Winning Founding Teams (16:30) Nitin Jain's Unique Leadership Style and Approach (23:10) Fostering a People-First Culture at OfBusiness (27:10) Developing a Strong Company Culture as Companies Grow (29:18) How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Investors (32:22) Overcoming the Toughest Days as a Founder (39:20) Nitin Jain's Biggest Lesson as an Entrepreneur (41:57) Advice to His Younger Self: What Nitin Jain Would Have Done Differently (46:03) . . . Social Links: OfBusiness on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ofbusiness_com Abhishek Goyal on Twitter: https://twitter.com/njain351 Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedesi_vc Akash Bhat on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bhatvakash Podcast on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedesivc Akash Bhat on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bhatvakash

Jeff Hancock, co-founder and CEO of coinpass.com UK based, spent the last 16 years in technology sectors looking after Hotels, Casinos and Data centres. He have designed technical infrastructures for large retail, fintech and investment companies in the U.K. and most recently the £100b pound SoftBank Vision Fund. His most recent venture is coinpass.com, An award-winning Cryptocurrency Exchange and investment platform. The vision is to blur the line between crypto and banking into a single digital layer. The mission is to build a regulated, compliant, safe and secure way for investors and businesses to access the digital asset space with the best in class experience. Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyrthancock/https://twitter.com/jeff_coinpasshttps://twitter.com/coinpassglobalhttps://www.facebook.com/coinpassglobal https://www.instagram.com/coinpassglobal Website www.coinpass.com Promotions https://coinpass.com/en/promo/rewards --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/entrepreneurtalks/message

She has an impressive track record of serving on the board of directors for multiple successful startups in the software and consumer technology space. She shares the most important qualities that a company needs to succeed in this space. She has worked with companies that are involved in various aspects of the software industry, from buying platforms to workforce management software. We discuss her perspective regarding what the most exciting industry trends, and where she sees the most potential for growth. She shares some of the biggest challenges that companies face as they move from early-stage to growth-stage, and how she helps them navigate those challenges. As noted above, she has served on the board of directors for several companies that are involved in helping businesses improve customer experience and marketing efforts. We discuss her thoughts on what are some of the most effective ways to engage and retain customers in today's competitive market. Finally, she shares her a bit about herself as we dive into “One piece of advice she would give to her younger self.”.

Today, we have a double episode for you — two conversations from the Cerebral Valley AI Summit last week. Part 1: My Conversation with Stability AI CEO Emad MostaqueI didn't know what to make of Stability AI and its CEO Emad Mostaque heading into my conversation with Mostaque Thursday at Cerebral Valley.Mostaque's company has wrapped its arms around the wildly successful open-source artificial intelligence project Stable Diffusion. Last year, Mostaque's company, Stability AI, raised about $100 million from investors. Lightspeed led an investment in the company a $1 billion valuation. Coatue led the previous round. On the other hand, the company has publicly scuffled with fellow Stable Diffusion co-creator Runway. Stability AI got sued by Getty Images. And it's hard to understand exactly how Stability AI plans to profit off its proximity to Stable Diffusion. Is it just a really hyped AI consulting company?Mostaque himself is a man of mystery. He's a former hedge fund investor who has situated himself at the heart of generative AI. He makes big pronouncements. There are whispers that Stability AI is raising another big funding round and is in talks with a big tech company partner. On stage, Mostaque didn't dismiss the idea that the company might partner with Apple. Mostaque also said that he intended to take Stability AI public, insisting that the public markets want to get behind the AI trend. Bloomberg wrote about it. The Cerebral Valley AI Summit is presented bySamsung Next invests in the boldest and most ambitious founders.Tell us about your company. We'd love to meet.I won't tell you how to feel about the conversation. Some people afterward told me that they were impressed by Mostaque's performance and conviction. Mostaque had signed the letter calling for a pause in AI development — a surprising stance for someone who helped launch the generative AI craze. He was among the most electric speakers at Cerebral Valley. At the same time, some well-connected attendees told me off the record that they don't believe Mostaque's pronouncements. He can be short on specifics and big on promises. I found it hard to pin him down on many of the details of his business. The AI world is watching to see what happens next. Give it a listen.Part 2: My Conversation with General Catalyst's Deep NisharStarting at 30:33, you can listen to my interview with General Catalyst's lead growth investor Deep Nishar. A former executive at Google and LinkedIn and then one of the top investors at the SoftBank Vision Fund, Nishar has had a front seat at the table for many of the developments in the technology industry.Human health — and how artificial intelligence can shape it — was at the heart of our conversation. It's easy to get lost in chatbots and image generation tools but the promise of artificial intelligence is far larger.We also talked about Google's standing in the AI race and I got his reflections on SoftBank's AI strategy.Find the PodcastWe'll have a bonus episode for you on Thursday so watch out for that. We're also posting all the on-stage conversations on our YouTube channel over the next few days. Right now, you can watch:* Benchmark's Miles Grimshaw's conversation with Quora CEO and OpenAI board member Adam D'Angelo and with LangChain founder Harrison Chase.* Volley CEO Max Child's talk with Lisha Li (Rosebud), Caroline Zhang (Knowtex), Chun Jiang (Monterey AI), and Medha Basu (Defog). Get full access to Newcomer at www.newcomer.co/subscribe

In der Rubrik “Investments & Exits” begrüßen wir heute Daniel Wild, Gründer und Aufsichtsrat von Mountain Alliance. Daniel spricht heute über die Finanzierungsrunden von CCP Games und eToro.Der 1997 gegründete Spieleentwickler CCP Games aus Island hat 40 Millionen US-Dollar in einer von Andreessen Horowitz geführten Finanzierungsrunde erhalten. Außerdem beteiligten sich Makers Fund, BITKRAFT, Kingsway Capital, HASHED und Nexon an der Runde. Das Unternehmen wird das frische Kapital nutzen, um einen neuen AAA-Titels mit Blockchain-Technologie zu entwickeln, der im Universum des 2003 gelaunchten Sci-Fi-Raumfahrt-MMO EVE Online spielen soll. Mit EVE Online gewann der Spieleentwickler bereits zahlreiche Preise.Die von Yoni Assia, Ronen Assia und David Ring gegründeten Trading-Plattform eToro hat eine Finanzierungsrunde in Höhe von 250 Millionen US-Dollar abgeschlossen, an der sich Investoren wie die ION Group, SoftBank Vision Fund 2 und Velvet Sea Ventures beteiligten. Die Finanzierung stammt nach Angaben der Handelsplattform aus einem sogenannten “Advance Investment Agreement” (AIA), das eToro im Februar 2021 als Teil seiner geplanten SPAC-Transaktion abgeschlossen hat.

A Little About Jeff Hancock:Before finding his calling in crypto, Jeff's background was dedicated to cybersecurity in the casino and finance industry. While working with the $100b Softbank Vision Fund in 2017 during the first crypto bull-run, Jeff found the inefficiencies in the crypto market for UK users wanting to get in and out of the crypto market. Jeff and his co-founders in 2017, founded coinpass.com to solve this problem for retail investors, businesses, and institutions. Jeff and his co-founders made the commitment to build a secure, reliable, compliant, and safe way to trade crypto in the UK in a climate where crypto was unaccepted. Jeff's vision for Coinpass is to blur the line between crypto and finance into a seamless digital layer.Connect with Jeff Hancock:WebsiteBlogMediumFacebookInstagramConnect with  your host, JP:TwitterInstagramFacebookWebsiteShow:LinkedInEmail:  jpmcavoy@conductlaw.comPhone:  1-833-890-8878THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:Conduct Law

After originally co-founding and growing to $100m in annual recurring revenue, Kaz has now rejoined Treasure Data as CEO, together with Hironobu Yoshikawa (Chairman) and Dan Weirich (COO/CFO). On the journey to scale the company to $1b ARR, as a Softbank Vision Fund portfolio company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In der Rubrik “Investments & Exits” begrüßen wir heute Tina Dreiman, Co - Founderin von Better Ventures. Tina kommentiert die Runde von Swell Energy, Bright Biotech und den Fonds von der Ukrainisch Katholischen Universität.Swell Energy aus SantaMonica hat in einer Finanzierungsrunde 120 Millionen US-Dollar aufgenommen. Investoren sind der SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Greenbacker Development Opportunities Fund I, Ares Infrastructure Opportunities Fund sowie der Ontario Power Generation Pension Fund an Bord. Swell Energy arbeitet mit Kommunen in Kalifornien, Hawaii oder New York zusammen. Heimbesitzer können sich einem Netzwerk anschließen, dann wird ihre Solaranlage sowie ein Stromspeicher für eine monatliche Rate finanziert. Daraus entstehen dezentrale Energieproduzenten, die ganze Gemeinden mit Strom finanzieren.Ende Oktober hat die Ukrainische Katholische Universität (UCU) einen Fonds mit dem Namen Angel One im Wert von 1,5 Mio. US-Dollar aufgelegt, um in Fintech-, SaaS-, Edtech- und KI-Startups in der Pre-Seed- und Seed-Phase zu investieren. Es ist der erste Investitionsfonds in der Ukraine, der von einer privaten Universität verwaltet wird. Angel One wird zwischen 50 000 und 200 000 USD in 10 Start-ups mit ukrainischen Gründern investieren. Im Gegensatz zu amerikanischen und europäischen Modellen wird sich Angel One nicht nur auf Star-ups konzentrieren, die aus der UCU hervorgegangen sind. Jedoch werden diese mehr Vorteile haben als Ausgründungen von anderen Universitäten.Das englische Startup Bright Biotech hat in einer Finanzierungsrunde 3,2 Millionen US-Dollar erhalten. Die Runde wird von Food Lab angeführt, unter Beteiligung von Big Idea Ventures, CPT Capital und dem FoodHack-Konsortium sowie von verschiedenen Angel-Investoren. Bright Biotech möchte die kultivierte Fleischproduktion kostengünstiger und kohlenstoffärmer machen. Die Wissenschaftler hoffen, dass Fleisch, das aus einzelnen Tierzellen in Bioreaktoren gezüchtet wird, letztendlich dazu beitragen könnte, die Nahrungsmittelarmut zu bekämpfen und den weltweiten Bedarf an emissionsintensiver Viehzucht zu verringern.

0:00 - Has hecho un pitch a un inversionista mientras juegas videojuegos?1:27 - FTX: Que pasó e implicaciones para Latam.29:45 - Reporte Q3-2022 de Softbank / Vision Fund.37:24 - Ajuste en valoraciones de startups.40:18 - Impacto positivo de Softbank en Latam.50:02 - Sobre unicornios.1:08:37 - Venta de acciones secundarias para founders.1:15:50 - Salario de founders.1:17:52 - Resultados Q3 y lecciones de Nubank.1:21:41 - Bonus: PIX en Brasil.Siguenos en Twitter: https://twitter.com/miguelmchttps://twitter.com/AnnaPinol_https://twitter.com/eldanihttps://twitter.com/federicoantoniSigue el podcast en Twitter:https://twitter.com/BetaPodLatamCréditos Música:Laguna Dream: https://on.soundcloud.com/CWHFLsiDBEdvtrdJ6

This week our host Brandi Starr is joined by Coco Brown and Sabrina Hannam. Coco is the Founder & CEO at Athena Alliance and Sabrina is the CEO & Board Chair at Boardswell.  On the couch Brandi, Coco and Sabrina will tackle CMO Exit: Securing a Coveted Board Seat. Athena Alliance has helped thousands of leaders grow and advance in their executive careers and has brought over 400 women to corporate boards from growth stage private companies to name brand public companies. And as the founder and CEO, Coco has personally worked with hundreds of top leaders, CEOs, and boards to evolve modern leadership. She's served on ten commercial and non-profit boards and advisory boards, and has led two notable companies (Taos, acquired by IBM, and now Athena). She is part of Nasdaq's Governance Insights Council and is often called on to share guidance to the evolving focus and breadth of responsibility within the Modern Boardroom. Boardswell is a B2B technology enabled marketplace start-up that leverages proprietary technology to successfully match multicultural candidates for private and public board roles to diversify America's corporation boards by 30% by 2030. As the CEO & Board Chair, Sabrina creates value by leveraging her network to finance, grow and diversify businesses. In her concurrent role, as Chief Corporate Development Officer at a technology start-up with unicorn status of $1.5B, she created the Environment, Social, and Governance that green-lighted $125 million in Series C financing from SoftBank Vision Fund 2. In this week's episode, Brandi, Coco, and Sabrina discuss another ‘next step' for CMOs in our Revenue Rehab series on CMO Exits: Securing a Coveted Board Seat.  Links: Get in touch with Coco Brown on: LinkedIn Athena Alliance Get in touch with Sabrina Hannam on: LinkedIn Twitter Instagram YouTube TikTok Boardswell Subscribe, listen, and rate/review Revenue Rehab Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts , Amazon Music, or iHeart Radio and find more episodes on our website RevenueRehab.live

This week, we're treating you to something a little bit different. Eleanor's joined by EQT Growth partner Carolina Brochado, who recently launched a new €2.4bn fund to back later-stage European startups. That's not her only heavyweight credential: before joining EQT, Carolina was a partner at both the SoftBank Vision Fund and Atomico.They talk about how she's works with her portfolio companies, how far European tech has come and how she tried (and failed), somewhat creatively, to win a spot on Deliveroo's cap table back in the day.

How did Australian farmer Lex Greensill convince the likes of Credit Suisse and the Softbank Vision Fund that he was a highly investable fintech entrepreneur? Why was former UK Prime Minister David Cameron recruited as a lobbyist? And what caused Greensill's 'pioneering' chain finance model to collapse with the loss of billions of dollars? Join our host Russell Napier as investigative journalist Duncan Mavin reveals a tale of greed, deceit and incompetence.Duncan Mavin is the author of The Pyramid Of Lies: Lex Greensill and the Billion-Dollar Scandal, published by Pan Macmillan.For more information on the Advanced Valuation in Financial Markets course mentioned by Russell, please see www.didaskoeducation.org.

In der Nachmittagsfolge begrüßen wir heute Adrian Smiatek, Head of Communication bei Vivid Money, und sprechen mit ihm über die von der niederländischen Finanzaufsichtsbehörde erhaltene Investment-Lizenz. Vivid ist eine Finanzplattform, die eine einfache, flexible und transparente Lösung in nur einer App anbietet, damit User ihr Vermögen vermehren können. Den über 500.000 Kundinnen und Kunden in ganz Europa werden so eine kombinierte Anlage- und Bankingerfahrung sowie eine breite Palette von Finanzdienstleistungen ohne unnötige Gebühren angeboten. Vivid wurde im Jahr 2019 von Alexander Emeshev und Artem Yamanov in Berlin gegründet. Mittlerweile beschäftigt das Startup ein internationales Team mit mehr als 300 Mitarbeitenden. Die App, der Kundenservice sowie die Prozesse für die Pflege- und Weiterentwicklung der App sind vom TÜV-Süd geprüft und ausgezeichnet. Vivid hat bereits über 200 Millionen Euro von Investoren wie u.a. Ribbit Capital, Greenoaks Capital sowie dem SoftBank Vision Fund 2 erhalten und wird derzeit mit 775 Millionen Euro bewertet. Vivid hat nun von der niederländischen Aufsichtsbehörde für die Finanzmärkte eine Investment-Lizenz erhalten. Die behördliche Erlaubnis, eigenständig Investment-Services anbieten zu dürfen, gibt dem Berliner Startup die Befähigung, das Produkt- und Dienstleistungsportfolio vom direkten Zugriff auf den weltweiten Aktienmarkt über die Verwahrung von Wertpapieren bis hin zu Cashback in echten Vermögenswerten zu erweitern. Es ist die erste Lizenz des Unternehmens. One more thing wird präsentiert von OMR Reviews – Finde die richtige Software für Dein Business. Wenn auch Du Dein Lieblingstool bewerten willst, schreibe eine Review auf OMR Reviews unter https://moin.omr.com/insider. Dafür erhältst du einen 20€ Amazon Gutschein.

Whether you're throwing a party for your employees or trying to impress a new client with a champagne-fueled celebration, corporate events planning plays a big part in it. And it is undoubtedly true that event planning is an art. It's a delicate balance of the big picture and small details that can make or break your event. You want to make sure your guests feel like they're being taken care of, but also that they have a great time. If you don't think about the music, lighting, and décor in advance, you could end up with something that feels out of place or just plain wrong. In today's episode, we are joined by Gianna Gaudini. Gianna is the Global Head of Events at Airtable. A former Google event leader for nine years, and Global Head of Events for AWS and SoftBank Vision Fund, Gianna is an experienced brand marketing event leader, author of Amazon's best-selling book, The Art of Event Planning, and creator of Million Dollar Event Planning Career. Her specialties and focus are driving global event strategy, building community, diversity and inclusion, events, and experiences that drive business results, brand, and reputation. If you want to become successful in planning corporate events, tune in to this episode now! Highlights: (00:24) The most common myth about corporate event planning (04:20) How did Gianna manage to find herself in corporate event planning? (07:11) The most important lesson Gianna learned throughout her career (11:31) The Importance of Knowing Your Skills and Niche (15:38) Gianna's favorite event format to produce (21:11) Biggest challenges of the event planning community (24:29) Why You Need Mentors and Peers (26:14) The most important personality trait that you need if you are in the corporate event industry (28:36) The kind of contact lists every corporate event planner should have Guest's Links: Website: Gianna Gaudini Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/decantressgigi/ Instagram: Gianna Cardinale Gaudini (@giannagaudini) • Instagram photos and videos E-mail: gianna@gaudini.com Website: http://eventist365.com/ Follow Us on Social Media: Podcast www.facebook.com/groups/eventist365/ https://twitter.com/eventist365 https://www.instagram.com/eventist365/ Host https://www.facebook.com/MissYaniDoesStuff/ https://twitter.com/YaniDoesStuff https://www.instagram.com/YaniDoesStuff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ydacosta/ Graphic Design Firm for Corporate Events https://www.facebook.com/TheYKMD https://twitter.com/theYKMD https://instagram.com/theYKMD https://www.linkedin.com/company/ykmd/ Graphic Design Firm Websites: https://theykmd.com/ http://daily-designer.com/

Jellysmack is a global creator company founded in 2016 that detects and develops the world's most talented video creators through AI. Top creators with Jellysmack include PewDiePie, MrBeast, Bailey Sarian, Derek Deso, Karina Garcia, Charles & Alyssa Forever, and Brad Mondo. Jellysmack has also been named #1 Most Innovative Company in Video by Fast Company. The company optimizes and distributes content for over 500 leading individual video creators on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. It enables creators to grow their audiences, maximize earnings and generate more revenue opportunities. The company says the result is about 10 billion video views monthly, reaching 125 million people. In addition, its influencers have a combined 360 million followers. Jason Brown shares with me the story behind the company and the road to Series C funding from the SoftBank Vision Fund in May 2021, which catapulted the company to "unicorn" status. I also learn more about the tech that makes it all possible and why Jellysmack is a strategic partner across every aspect of the creator's journey and fully invests in a creator's long-term success.

Masayoshi Son is a tremendously wealthy man, and the founder of megacorp SoftBank. He's also the creator of the SoftBank Vision Fund, the largest venture capital fund in the world. Despite being responsible for the investment of over $100 billion dollars to "improve the world", the Vision Fund has made countless unfathomable decisions... such as a $47 billion dollar investment in WeWork. Today's guest is Tara! You can find her on Twitter @Tara__Tea, and her podcast Wintercrest @WintercrestPod. For more content follow me on @hikikomoripodcast on Instagram where I'll be posting photos relevant to this episode! You can also find me on Twitter @sequencepod, or you can listen to my other podcasts Final Fanservice and Not Another Film on any big podcast app. Sources: Reuters article on SoftBank losses WSJ article on SoftBank losses Value Walk - 10 of the worst Vision Fund investments YouTube - SoftBank's worst investments Yahoo Finance - Bio on Masayoshi Son DataDrivenInvestor - Masayoshi compares himself to Jesus Business Insider - Uber scandals Fast Company - Neumann and Son YouTube - ColdFusion video on WeWork

We check in on our old friend / enemy / mentor, Masayoshi Son, and see how the SoftBank Vision Fund has been faring over the last year. The Masa multiplier effect is his ability to amplify the state of the larger tech sector. When it's good, it's really good. But when it's really bad—in the way tech sector valuations have been dropping this year—oh boy, it's enough to make you want to [redacted]. Fortunately, nobody has a stronger stomach for loss than Masa. Some stuff we reference: ••• Tech bubbles are bursting all over the place | The Economist https://www.economist.com/business/2022/05/14/tech-bubbles-are-bursting-all-over-the-place ••• After a bruising year, SoftBank braces for more pain | The Economist https://www.economist.com/business/2022/05/16/after-a-bruising-year-softbank-braces-for-more-pain Subscribe to hear more analysis and commentary in our premium episodes every week! patreon.com/thismachinekills Grab fresh new TMK gear: bonfire.com/store/this-machine-kills-podcast/ Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (twitter.com/jathansadowski) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (twitter.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (twitter.com/braunestahl)

Host: David Adler Guest: Gianna Gaudini In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Gianna Gaudini, head of events for Airtable, for a master class in planning events and experiences—whether you're an old pro or just starting out. The pair discusses Gaudini's work for companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Softbank Vision Fund, along with what went into creating her best-selling book and e-learning course. Gaudini believes that people want to attend events to experience some sort of catharsis or transformation—and she shares tips for how to accomplish that, along with insights into driving global event strategy, brand awareness, diversity and inclusion, and more. Sponsored by Hopin.

AccelByte, a platform that helps game creators build backend services and tools, has raised $60 million in Series B led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from Sony Interactive Entertainment and returning backers Galaxy Interactive and NetEase.

Blind, the anonymous professional social network, announced the launch of Talent by Blind. Talent by Blind connects some of the hardest-to-reach software engineers with some of the fastest-growing startups and most innovative companies in the U.S., streamlining job offers and placements for developers and other technologists. Blind sources and vets candidates from its community of more than 5 million verified professionals. visit www.talentbyblind.com. https://hrtechfeed.com/blind-launches-talent-by-blind-to-help-employers-recruit-hard-to-reach-engineers/  GR8 People, a leading talent acquisition software innovator, announced a new integration with LinkedIn Recruiter System Connect to streamline the source-to-hire workflow and improve the recruiting process for its users. https://hrtechfeed.com/gr8-people-integrates-with-linkedin-recruiter/ Remote, a leader in building, managing and supporting global, distributed workforces, today announced a $300 million Series C financing round, led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 with participation from existing investors. https://hrtechfeed.com/remote-secures-300-million-series-c/ Kazoo, the employee experience platform, today announced the acquisition of WorkTango, the Toronto-based employee experience survey and people analytics company that gives employees a voice and leaders actionable insights to create a more engaged workforce.  https://hrtechfeed.com/employee-experience-platform-kazoo-acquires-worktango/ Hirewell has acquired Rainmakers to continue its mission to create a tech-enabled talent ecosystem, following last year's $21M investment from Prytek. https://hrtechfeed.com/hirewell-acquires-rainmakers-a-recruiting-platform-for-tech-sales-talent/

This week we discuss how the software supply chain impacts business continuity and analyze the latest attempt to disrupt Microsoft Excel. Plus, some thoughts on bread heels…. Register here to be invited to future Software Defined Meetups (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HabWg2nxKf2-qAavMSihlHbACjpr-qVDJFeBTKAJZJQ/edit). Rundown On the weaponisation of open source (https://beny23.github.io/posts/on_weaponisation_of_open_source/) Hacker Group Claims Access to User Authentication Firm Okta (https://gizmodo.com/hacker-group-claims-extraordinary-access-to-user-authen-1848684491) The tyranny of Microsoft Excel may finally be over (https://www.techradar.com/news/the-tyranny-of-microsoft-excel-may-finally-be-over) Relevant to your Interests Website Builder Webflow Hits $4 Billion Valuation As It Nears $100 Million Revenue (https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrickcai/2022/03/16/webflow-series-c-4-billion-valuation-100-million-revenue/) Amazon Closes $8.5 Billion Acquisition of MGM (https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/amazon-mgm-merger-close-1235207852/) BIG sabotage: Famous npm package deletes files to protest Ukraine war (https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/big-sabotage-famous-npm-package-deletes-files-to-protest-ukraine-war/) DeepMind's New AI: As Smart As An Engineer... Kind Of! (https://youtu.be/x_cxDgR1x-c) Netflix CEO Says Account Sharing Is OK – TechCrunch (https://techcrunch.com/2016/01/11/netflix-ceo-says-account-sharing-is-ok/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&stream=top) About Netflix - Paying to Share Netflix Outside Your Household (https://about.netflix.com/en/news/paying-to-share-netflix-outside-your-household?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslogin&stream=top) CURL is now 24 (https://daniel.haxx.se/blog/2022/03/20/curl-is-now-24/) Software is no longer sold; it's adopted (https://orbit.love/blog/software-is-no-longer-sold-its-adopted) Grafana Labs, raised $220 million in Series C (http://axios.link/fjLn) Coatue-Backed Grafana Seeks Funds at $5 Billion-Plus Value (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-18/coatue-backed-grafana-seeks-funds-at-5-billion-plus-valuation) Cribl raises $200M to help enterprises do more with their data (https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/25/cribl-raises-200m-to-help-enterprises-do-more-with-their-data/) Elon Musk's SpaceX has activated more than 5,000 Starlink internet terminals in Ukraine, report says (https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-spacex-starlink-satellite-terminals-active-ukraine-internet-2022-3) The UK May Build a £16 Billion Solar Power Station in Space. Here's How It Would Work (https://singularityhub.com/2022/03/18/a-solar-power-station-in-space-heres-how-it-would-work-and-its-potential-benefits/) Harness Expands Software Delivery Platform With Acquisition of ChaosNative and Launches Two New Modules to Help Developers Rapidly Deliver Resilient, Reliable, Secure Software (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harness-expands-software-delivery-platform-with-acquisition-of-chaosnative-and-launches-two-new-modules-to-help-developers-rapidly-deliver-resilient-reliable-secure-software-301507809.html) Harness moves into chaos engineering with ChaosNative acquisition (https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/22/harness-moves-into-chaos-engineering-with-chaosnative-acquisition/?guccounter=1) Apple hit with a widespread service outage (https://www.axios.com/apple-widespread-service-outage-c2331400-e1ba-492d-b209-dfe07900410c.html) SSH and Git, meet 1Password (https://blog.1password.com/1password-ssh-agent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=march-product-updates) Twilio launches Flex Conversations, a unified chat API for contact centers (https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/21/twilio-launches-flex-conversations-a-unified-chat-api-for-contact-centers/) Ford's F-150 Lightning will offer an EPA-rated 320 miles of range (https://www.engadget.com/ford-f-150-lightning-epa-range-estimates-164244122.html) NVIDIA Introduces Grace CPU Superchip (https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-introduces-grace-cpu-superchip) Long-Enduring COBOL May Still Have A Shelf Life (https://spectrum.ieee.org/cobol-programming-shelf-life?utm_content=201673534&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-768512626586378240#toggle-gdpr) RapidAPI Raises $150M Series D Led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 to Empower Developers to Innovate and Build Software Faster with APIs (https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220323005325/en/RapidAPI-Raises-150M-Series-D-Led-by-SoftBank-Vision-Fund-2-to-Empower-Developers-to-Innovate-and-Build-Software-Faster-with-APIs) The Ubuntu Application (https://i.redd.it/sw5nd1oj36o81.png) COBOL modernization startup CloudFrame bags $7M Series A funding (https://siliconangle.com/2022/03/22/exclusivecobol-modernization-startup-cloudframe-bags-7m-series-funding/) Updated Okta Statement on LAPSUS$ (https://www.okta.com/blog/2022/03/updated-okta-statement-on-lapsus/) Clocking in at $2.3 billion in losses, Business Email Compromise remains the elephant in the room. (https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-the-internet-crime-complaint-center-2021-internet-crime-report/) Nonsense Google's McLaren sponsorship puts the Android robot and Chrome wheels on its 2022 F1 car (https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/16/22981140/mclaren-f1-android-chrome-google-mcl36-sponsor-2022) Plain Text Sports (https://plaintextsports.com/) Sponsors strongDM — Manage and audit remote access to infrastructure. Start your free 14-day trial today at strongdm.com/SDT (http://strongdm.com/SDT) Postlight — Postlight co-founders Paul Ford and Rich Ziade talk tech, business, ethics, and culture. Subscribe to the Postlight Podcast: https://postlight.com/podcast Traceroute — The Podcast for digital pioneers: https://origins.dev/ Conferences .Net Beyond conference (https://tanzu.vmware.com/developer/tv/dotnet-beyond?utm_source=cote&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=sdt), March 30–31, 2022, online. THAT Conference comes to Texas (https://that.us/events/tx/2022/), May 23-26, 2022 Discount Codes: Everything Ticket ($75 off): SDTFriends75 3 Day Camper Ticket ($50 off): SDTFriends50 Virtual Ticket ($75 off): SDTFriendsON75 DevOps Days Birmingham AL, (https://www.papercall.io/devopsdays-2022-birmingham-al), April 18 & 19th, 2022 Spring Tour Chicago (https://tanzu.vmware.com/developer/springone-tour/2022/chicago/), April 26th to 27th. DevOpsDays Austin 2022 (https://devopsdays.org/events/2022-austin/welcome/), May 4 - 5, 2022 DevOpsDays Chicago 2022: (https://sessionize.com/devopsdays-chicago-2022/), May 10 & 11th, 2022 MongoDB World 2022 (https://www.mongodb.com/world-2022), June 7-9th, 2022 Splunk's ,conf (http://Splunk's> ,conf June 13-16, 2022), June 13-16, 2022 THAT Conference Wisconsin (https://that.us/call-for-counselors/wi/2022/), July 25, 2022 SpringOne Platform (https://springone.io/?utm_source=cote&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=sdt), SF, December 6–8, 2022. SDT news & hype Join us in Slack (http://www.softwaredefinedtalk.com/slack). Get a SDT Sticker! Send your postal address to stickers@softwaredefinedtalk.com (mailto:stickers@softwaredefinedtalk.com) and we will send you free laptop stickers! Follow us on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/sdtpodcast), Twitter (https://twitter.com/softwaredeftalk), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/softwaredefinedtalk/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/software-defined-talk/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3OJPV6h9tp-hbsGBLGsDQ/featured). Use the code SDT to get $20 off Coté's book, (https://leanpub.com/digitalwtf/c/sdt) Digital WTF (https://leanpub.com/digitalwtf/c/sdt), so $5 total. Become a sponsor of Software Defined Talk (https://www.softwaredefinedtalk.com/ads)! Recommendations Coté: The Confidential Agent (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Confidential_Agent), **Graham Greene. Matt: Secrets of The Bullshark (https://www.natgeotv.com/za/shows/nationalgeographicwild/secrets-of-the-bullshark) Brandon: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disneyland/star-wars-rise-of-the-resistance/) Photo Credits Header (https://unsplash.com/photos/QnNqGoCnBg0) CoverArt (https://unsplash.com/photos/iJ-h6mBoASI)

Top startups news to follow this week: - Esusu becomes unicorn with SoftBank Vision Fund 2-led $130M funding. Esusu, a fintech that targets immigrant and minority groups and provides rent reporting and data solutions for credit building, said Thursday it has raised $130 million in a Series B fundraising round. - Intellect, the Singapore-based mental health startup focused primarily on Asia-Pacific markets, announced today it has raised a $10 million Series A. The company's services, including self-directed mental wellness programs in 15 languages and online therapy sessions, are available through two channels: as an employee benefit and through Intellect's consumer app. - Massachusetts-based Vecna Robotics is among those firms looking to bring autonomy to pallet moving and other forklift-centric warehouse activities. As Techcrunch reportedThe firm has already raised a decent chunk of change, including a $50 million Series B back in January 2020 — just before the pandemic did its number on the U.S. That round brought its funding north of $60 million, a figure it's more than doubled with a new Series C. - Entertainment platform, Fever, has just raised €200 million in a round led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management's growth investment fund. This round, which is regarded as the largest ever in the live entertainment tech category, brings Fever to unicorn status. - Dutch climate startup Sensorfact has just scored €13 million for its intelligent energy management and energy saving solution. Investment companies FORWARD.one, Korys and SET Ventures are all participating in the funding. -------------- More from the Startup Monday here Subscribe to Newsletter not miss out on the latest tech trends, startup news, weekly VC overview, tech jobs, and many more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hyetechminds/message

Cerebral CEO Kyle Robertson discusses launching a mental-health startup backed by Softbank and Simone Biles Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Enjoy a conversation with esteemed venture capitalist Deep Nishar, whose time with Softbank, LinkedIn, and Google speaks for itself, not to mention his founding of Patkai Networks. Listen in as Deep teaches us about mentorship, venture capital, and leadership. (And the best pizza toppings!)