Technology's impact on modern life reveals digital vulnerabilities, with incidents such as a recent flawed software update from CrowdStrike affecting businesses like Delta Air Lines, highlighting our reliance on sometimes unreliable technology. Our interconnected digital world offers convenience but also exposes us to errors and attacks, emphasized by experts like Gregory Falco from Cornell University. The dominance of Big Tech—Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Meta—exacerbates these risks by prioritizing profit over quality. Isak Nti Asar from Indiana University underscores the need for both public and private sectors to understand and address weaknesses in our digital infrastructure, warning of potential risks in our fast-paced tech deployment environment.Learn more on this news visit us at: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Open-source AI significantly impacts the tech industry. Developers and organizations leverage open-source AI to innovate and streamline processes. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing facilitate rapid advancements. Open-source AI tools allow for customization and adaptation to specific needs, driving efficiency and scalability. Companies reduce costs by utilizing these resources, bypassing the expense of proprietary software. This trend influences tech industry strategies, shaping development and deployment practices.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol addressed concerns about smaller portion sizes during a Q2 2024 earnings call, emphasizing the company's commitment to generous servings as a core brand equity. The feedback from customers prompted the company to reevaluate its operations and retrain employees at specific locations to ensure consistent and generous servings. Despite these concerns, Chipotle reported strong quarterly earnings, with an 8.7% increase in restaurant traffic and a significant rise in net income to $455.7 million from $341.8 million the previous year. Chipotle's stock has increased nearly 23% year over year.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global funding to private companies in financial services has significantly slowed over the past five quarters, staying below $10 billion each quarter. In Q2 2024, these companies raised $9.7 billion, which shows a 17% increase from Q2 2023's $8.3 billion but marks a 75% decrease from the market peak of over $40 billion in Q2 2021. This recent phase reflects the lowest funding levels since Q1 2017, which recorded $9.3 billion. Despite declines across all sectors since their 2021 highs, financial services exhibited a steeper reduction compared to the overall global funding decrease of 59% from its 2021 peak.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Startup funding in Texas is down in 2024, particularly in the Austin area. Texas companies have raised over $3 billion in seed through growth-stage financing, less than half in Austin. This year’s funding trends closer to pre-2021 levels. Texas hasn't been a leader in generative AI; less than 10% of funding went to AI-related companies. Significant deals include Fervo Energy ($244 million), NinjaOne ($232 million), Island ($175 million), and Solutions by Text ($110 million). There's potential for higher investment as promising startups scale and seek new rounds, and companies, particularly those associated with Elon Musk, may relocate to Texas.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes aim to control inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in 2022 before dropping to 3%. These hikes have led to higher borrowing costs, with mortgage rates more than doubling to around 6.8%. While inflation has decreased, the combination of price and interest rate increases impacts many families. New car prices have risen 24% to an average of $48,000, and median home payments have increased by nearly one-third. Despite a rise in wages, consumer sentiment remains low as many still feel their purchasing power has diminished.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southwest Airlines has announced a shift to assigned seating, changing its boarding process for the first time since 1967. This change arises from detailed research and customer feedback, showing 80% of current and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating. The airline plans to offer assigned and premium seating options on all flights, aiming to attract more travelers. Bob Jordan, President and CEO, confirmed that the change will impact many aspects of the company and follows hints of potential boarding changes after a lackluster Q1 2024 earnings report. Following the announcement, the airline's stock value rose by 6.4% in 24 hours. Specific details on the implementation will be revealed in September.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft announced its departure from the OpenAI board, citing improved governance within the startup. The company's relationship with Inflection AI faces an initial merger investigation in the UK, despite their claim that it isn't an acquisition. This relationship involved hiring the startup’s co-founders, most of its 70-person staff, and licensing its technology. The EU Commission dropped an earlier probe into Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI in June. Microsoft’s ongoing AI ventures, including a $40 million funding round for Armada led by its venture arm M12, draw increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, Nvidia competed in the graphics card market against AMD and Intel. Today, Nvidia dominates the AI chip market with a 70% to 95% share, powering technologies like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Nvidia's pivot began when executives, noting the PC gaming market’s growth limit, decided to shift focus. Leveraging their graphics processing units (GPUs), already used by researchers for advanced computing, they invested billions in AI during the 2010s despite its uncertain future. This strategic shift required significant investment in costs, talent, and skills, taking 10 to 15 years to succeed. Now, Nvidia stands as a major player in the AI revolution, exemplifying successful business adaptation. CEO Jensen Huang highlights the importance of anticipating future trends and opportunities for any company.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Funding to Web3 startups slightly stabilizes, with $2 billion secured in the second quarter, up from $1.8 billion in Q1. This marks a consecutive increase after several quarters of decline, but still shows an 18% drop from Q2 last year. The first half of the year saw $3.7 billion in funding, down 18% from the first half of 2023 but up 42% from the second half of last year. Notable large funding rounds included Monad Labs with $225 million and Farcaster with $150 million. However, deal flow shrank by about a quarter, indicating increased selectivity among investors or fewer compelling companies in the market. Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.8% last quarter, driven by consumer and business activities despite high interest rates. The Commerce Department reported that GDP increased from 1.4% in the previous quarter, aided by businesses raising their inventories. Economists had predicted a 1.9% growth rate. Despite this growth, high borrowing rates have pressured the economy, set by the Federal Reserve to curb inflation. GDP growth consistently exceeded 2% from mid-2022 through 2023, and inflation decreased to 3% from 9.1% in 2022 but prices remain above pre-pandemic levels. This year, higher borrowing costs for various loans have slowed the economy, but strong consumer spending, supported by a robust job market and savings, has sustained momentum. The Federal Reserve may reduce rates soon as inflation nears the 2% target.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Astranis raised $200 million to advance its Omega satellite program, with the funding round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Bam Elevate and contributions from Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, and Fidelity. Founded in 2015, the company has accumulated over $750 million in funds and focuses on building small broadband communications satellites for telecommunications. By 2030, Astranis aims to have more than 100 first-generation satellites in orbit. The company previously raised $200 million in April 2023 at a $1.6 billion valuation, also led by Andreessen Horowitz.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey reveals that 54% of individuals aged 18 to 60 express a desire to leave their jobs to become full-time influencers. The appeal includes higher income potential, creative freedom, and remote work. This trend spans across various industries and is not limited to younger demographics; older individuals also show interest due to the proliferation of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Employers may need to adapt by offering more dynamic career paths and creative opportunities to retain talent. The influencer market is competitive, requiring dedication, knowledge of social media algorithms, and consistent content creation.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta's release of its free AI model, Llama 3.1, impacts the tech industry amidst ongoing safety concerns. Engineers designed Llama 3.1 to improve upon previous models, offering enhanced capabilities for developers. Industry leaders express concern over potential misuse of the technology and call for stricter regulations. Meta defends the accessibility of Llama 3.1, citing its commitment to open-source innovation. This development adds fuel to the ongoing debate on balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, reports steady growth with a sharp focus on AI advancements in its search engine. Alphabet's revenue for the second quarter increased by 14% to $84.74 billion, and earnings rose 29% to $23.62 billion from the previous year. CEO Sundar Pichai noted AI's expanding capabilities in enhancing Google's functionality. The cloud-computing division recorded its highest revenue at $10.3 billion for the quarter, up 29% from last year. Despite setbacks, such as ending acquisition talks with cybersecurity firm Wiz and halting plans to block third-party cookies in Chrome, the company remains committed to AI innovation. A significant antitrust ruling from the U.S. Justice Department, anticipated later this year, may impact Google's search engine dominance.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Vancouver-based legal tech startup Clio raised $900 million in a Series F round, valuing the company at $3 billion. New Enterprise Associates led the funding, with involvement from new investors like Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Sixth Street Growth, among others, and existing investors such as TCV and JMI Equity. Clio’s software helps law firms automate processes like client intake, accounting, and document management, and includes generative AI features for routine tasks and analytics. The company, founded in 2008, has surpassed $200 million in annual recurring revenue and employs over 1,100 people, and has raised a total of $1.3 billion.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where a female agent protected Trump, has intensified criticism of the U.S. Secret Service’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. During a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing, Director Kimberly Cheatle defended the agency, affirming all applicants meet identical standards. Republican lawmakers, particularly from Tennessee and Wisconsin, attributed the security lapse to DEI policies, while Texas Rep. Michael Cloud questioned agent qualifications. Conservative pushback on DEI has been increasing, especially since the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in college admissions. Cheatle argued the incident was due to planning or communication gaps, not DEI, and reaffirmed support for the 30x30 Initiative, aimed at increasing female representation in law enforcement. Critics of DEI attacks, like Catrina Bonus and Maureen McGough, defended the dedication and sacrifices of women in federal law enforcement.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

India’s federal government has removed the “angel tax” for all classes of investors to support its startup ecosystem. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the move during her budget speech, aiming to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation in India. The tax, introduced in 2012, taxed investments in startups when valuations exceeded what tax officials deemed fair market value, clashing with investors' projections. Even after a 2019 revision, the structure still caused challenges. The core issue arose from differing valuation methods: investors used discounted cash flow methods, while tax authorities focused on current worth, making it difficult for founders to raise capital.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venture capitalist Mark Stevens, Nvidia’s second-largest shareholder, invested in the company in 1993 while at Sequoia Capital. Stevens has accumulated approximately $8.8 billion in fortune, with over $4.7 billion tied to his four million Nvidia shares. Nvidia went public in 1999 and faced early challenges such as competition in the chip market and high costs in Silicon Valley. Today, Nvidia is a leader in AI chips, with major clients like Microsoft and Google. CEO Jensen Huang holds 3.8% of Nvidia and aims to produce AI chips with the "lowest total cost of ownership." Nvidia's stock has surged over 3,000% in the past five years, significantly benefiting early investors and long-term employees.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taylor Swift demonstrated her commitment to fan safety during the final show of her The Eras Tour in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. She halted her performance to call on security for aid to distressed audience members, showcasing her leadership. Swift also praised the venue's staff for their service, expressing gratitude for their care. This incident underscores the broader importance of leadership and employee recognition, with studies indicating that acknowledging staff can enhance morale, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, and retention.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Zhu, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Carmel, Indiana, started Aviato, an analytical platform for private market data, in his high school bathroom. Aviato tracks various metrics including funding rounds, headcount, and company credit card revenues. The platform aims to integrate an analytical layer similar to SignalFire's internal database. Zhu's early interest in venture capital was sparked by Discord group chats during the pandemic, which led him to launch and sell a digital platform called Esocial in 2021. To build Aviato, Zhu conducted meetings from his school bathroom and landed customers like NEA and Republic Capital. Aviato raised $2.3 million in seed funding from investors like 8VC and SoftBank. The company also hired co-founder David Razavi and CTO Harrison Kessel. Zhu has moved to San Francisco and is completing his high school degree online. Aviato aims to become a key player in the private market data space, potentially replacing platforms like PitchBook.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A widespread tech outage caused by a faulty software update from CrowdStrike is severely disrupting small businesses worldwide. Business owners across various sectors, including consumer research, virtual mental health, and the restaurant industry, are struggling with operational and financial issues, such as paying employees, signing contracts, and making calls. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of a digitized world heavily reliant on key computing service providers. While major clients of Microsoft and CrowdStrike receive IT support, small businesses continue to face significant challenges. Founders like Tsvetta Kaleynska of RILA Global Consulting are particularly affected due to dependencies on services like Docusign. The initial fix from CrowdStrike might take days to fully resolve the issue, leading to a "code red" situation for small businesses with limited IT resources. The outage has varied impacts, ranging from human resources and routing systems to cash registers. Some businesses have managed to mitigate issues with backup systems, but others face ongoing operational delays and financial management disruptions.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Environmental Protection Agency is allocating $4.3 billion in grants to projects across 30 states to reduce climate pollution. This funding, stemming from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, will support initiatives targeting greenhouse gas emissions in areas such as transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, agriculture, and waste management. Pennsylvania will receive $396 million for industrial emissions reduction via the RISE PA program, while $500 million will go towards decarbonizing transportation at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Nebraska is allocated $307 million for climate-smart agriculture and waste reduction. Additional grants include $250 million for electric vehicle infrastructure on Interstate 95 and $450 million for cold-climate heat pumps and water heaters in New England. Michigan will receive $129 million to help achieve its renewable energy goals by 2035.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent "free money" experiments examined their impact on long-term financial health and work commitment. These experiments distributed cash to participants unconditionally. Researchers tracked financial stability, savings, spending behavior, and employment status over extended periods. Findings showed increased short-term financial stability and psychological well-being for recipients. However, long-term effects on financial health and work commitment remained inconclusive, requiring further study to determine definitive impacts on employment and sustained economic behavior.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, global tech disruptions occurred due to a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Malicious actors took advantage by launching phishing schemes, impersonating CrowdStrike employees to deceive affected individuals. Authorities emphasized verifying the legitimacy of any assistance offers. The UK Cyber Security Center reported a rise in phishing attempts, while Microsoft disclosed that 8.5 million Windows devices were impacted. Airlines faced significant disruptions, leading to thousands of flight cancellations globally. Health care systems experienced clinic closures and canceled surgeries. Experts criticized CrowdStrike's testing procedures and raised concerns about the dependency on American technology. Gartner analyst Eric Grenier advised caution against scammers and suggested using only official fixes from CrowdStrike.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alphabet is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $23 billion. If completed, this would be Alphabet's largest acquisition to date. This potential deal could act as a catalyst in the sluggish startup M&A market, which saw 356 acquisitions in the first half of 2024 compared to 771 in all of 2023. According to Angela Lee from Columbia Business School, the acquisition may not solve liquidity issues for large, late-stage startups or switch IPO trends to M&A but could positively affect venture fundraising. U.S. venture capital fundraising is projected to fall below the $81.5 billion raised in 2023, less than the $191.3 billion in 2022. The acquisition of a younger company like Wiz might ease Limited Partners' hesitations and offer venture capitalists leverage in fundraising. Data from DocSend indicated increased pitch deck activity in Q2 2024, although actual deals have not significantly risen. However, the deal's completion remains uncertain and could face antitrust challenges.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A faulty software update from CrowdStrike caused widespread outages, resulting in "blue screens of death" (BSOD) for Windows users globally. This incident impacted sectors such as airlines, hospitals, and banks, highlighting the dependency on technological infrastructure. Reid Christian from CRV clarified that the issue was a failure in software testing and deployment, not cybersecurity. CRV supports Fleet, a startup monitoring vendor instances on endpoints. The problem involved a faulty Windows kernel-level driver, even affecting companies with additional Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. Christian stressed the need for more oversight and auxiliary vendors. Zach Wasserman from Fleet noted their software operates outside the kernel, minimizing risks. Guru Chahal from Lightspeed Venture Partners suggested non-invasive cybersecurity solutions might gain popularity. Oligo Security uses sandboxing methods to avoid kernel access. Wiz, a company currently in acquisition talks with Google, exemplifies pressure on cybersecurity firms to ensure robust strategies. Fin Capital's Logan Allin mentioned increased demand for cloud observability companies due to AI integration. The incident revealed outdated infrastructure in finance and healthcare, prompting future security solutions to avoid deep system integration while maintaining protection.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major update issue caused the largest IT outage in history on July 20, 2024, affecting banks, media outlets, and airlines with the "blue screen of death" on their Microsoft Windows machines. This was triggered by an update from CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company in Austin, Texas, which operates in over 170 countries and earned $900 million in revenue last quarter. The update delayed flights for major airlines, canceled surgeries in Massachusetts and Ohio, and disrupted 911 services globally. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz clarified that it was not a security incident but a bug in the update affecting Windows hosts only. He assured that a fix had been deployed and systems were gradually coming back online, with teams working closely with affected customers to restore operations. Kurtz emphasized vigilance against potential exploitation of the situation and the need to reevaluate processes to prevent future disruptions.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On July 20, 2024, transport providers, businesses, and governments worked to restore systems after a global tech outage, severely impacting the air travel sector. Thousands of flights were canceled, and airports faced check-in and security issues. The disruption stemmed from a faulty Microsoft Windows update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, not a security incident. Heathrow and Berlin Airports reported system recoveries, with some ongoing cancellations, while hospitals like Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital in Germany experienced significant impacts, canceling elective surgeries. UK airports like Gatwick and Manchester faced manual check-ins, leading to potential cancellations. Britain's National Cyber Security Center warned of phishing risks. In the U.S., Portland declared an emergency, and border crossings faced delays. Airlines such as Eurowings, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines saw varying levels of disruption.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spanx founder Sara Blakely and investor Kevin O'Leary appeared on a business panel where they shared contrasting views on business tactics. O'Leary advocated for an aggressive approach, likening business to war and focusing on defeating competitors. Blakely, who launched Spanx in 2000 with $5,000 in savings and grew it into a billion-dollar company, disagreed, emphasizing quality and value over competition. Blakely's strategy contributed to Spanx becoming a leading direct-to-consumer brand. Blackstone purchased a majority stake in Spanx in 2021, valuing it at $1.2 billion, and Blakely's net worth stands at an estimated $1.3 billion. She continues to advocate for businesses to prioritize consumer experience and authenticity rather than obsessing over competitors.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June 2024, four U.S.-based companies reached unicorn status, bringing the total count of new unicorns to 56 by mid-year. This represents an increase compared to the first and second halves of 2023. The new unicorns collectively added $104 billion in value, having raised approximately $22 billion collectively. Notably, Elon Musk’s xAI contributed $24 billion. Among the 56 new unicorns, 28 are U.S.-based and 10 are from China, with other significant contributions from France, the U.K., Hong Kong, India, and Singapore. Key sectors for June's new unicorns include Cybersecurity, with Maryland-based Huntress; Sales & Marketing, with Boston-based Creatio; Media & Entertainment, with Los Angeles-based Create Music Group; and Biotechnology, with Silicon Valley-based BillionToOne. Each of these companies has been in operation for 8-9 years before achieving their billion-dollar valuations.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI coding programs continue to transform the software development industry. They automate coding tasks, reducing the time and effort needed for programming. These programs help developers detect and fix errors faster, improving code quality. Major tech companies invest in AI-driven tools to stay competitive. The integration of AI in coding may result in a significant decrease in human error. Educational institutions increasingly incorporate AI coding programs into their curriculum, preparing future developers. This shift could lead to more efficient software development processes and new opportunities in the tech industry.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A widespread technology outage has disrupted global services, grounding flights and impacting banks, hospitals, and media outlets. The issue stemmed from a faulty Microsoft Windows software update, not a cyberattack. Airports in the U.S., Europe, and Asia experienced long lines as check-in services went offline, and news outlets in Australia faced broadcasting issues. Banks in South Africa and New Zealand encountered payment system outages, and travelers arriving for the Paris Olympics faced delays. Experts highlighted the fragility of global internet infrastructure. Microsoft and CrowdStrike worked on mitigating the problem and deploying a fix. Governments and companies worldwide scrambled for solutions, and various sectors, including hospitals and shipping, reported significant challenges.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tade Oyerinde faced challenges fundraising for Campus, an online community college, during a period of declining higher education enrollment and rising tuition. Unlike successful for-profit education companies, a traditional two-year college struggled to attract venture capital initially. Campus operates with CampusWire, enabling it to function lean and disrupt the legacy industry. Focusing on investors with experience in community colleges, Oyerinde secured early support from notable figures like Sam Altman and Jason Citron. Campus's ability to adapt quickly to tech changes attracted investment, raising over $55 million, including recent funding rounds led by Founders Fund. Campus aims to innovate the stagnant community college sector, offering a tech-enabled and accessible education experience.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Corcoran, founder of the Corcoran Group and star of "Shark Tank," offers advice on hiring and delegating. She acknowledges that being a "control freak" often hinders delegation but stresses that business growth requires finding candidates who can perform at least 80% as well as oneself. Corcoran employs a three-question test when hiring, asking if candidates are happy, work hard, and possess any talent. If the answers are affirmative, she hires them and delegates tasks beyond their pay grade to challenge and develop their abilities. Developing talent and delegating responsibilities remain pivotal for business success, as reflected in her $400 million net worth.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Equity funding for cleantech and sustainability-focused startups saw a significant decline in the first half of 2024, allocating approximately $9.6 billion, a 61% decrease from the latter half of the previous year and a 10% drop from the same period last year. Industries related to cleantech were less affected during the post-2021 downturn compared to other sectors. Despite the drop in equity investments, debt-based project financing surged, with companies like Northvolt and H2 Green Steel securing substantial funds. Battery supply chains and recycling attracted notable investments, with Sila Nanotechnologies and Ascend Elements raising significant rounds. Electric vehicle charging and hydrogen energy ventures continued to garner interest, with investments flowing into companies like Electra, FLO, Hysata, and Koloma. However, the pace of IPOs and M&A in the cleantech sector remains slow, with some potential for a warmer exit climate next year as well-funded private companies prepare for IPOs.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RealPage, a rental pricing technology company, defends its software amidst ongoing legal challenges. Landlords express skepticism about the software's effectiveness and fairness. The legal battles center around concerns that the technology may contribute to unfair rental prices. While RealPage argues that its software helps landlords set competitive, market-based rents, opponents claim it may lead to price-fixing. The outcome of these legal challenges could impact the future use of rental pricing technologies in the real estate market.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A significant federal investment of $5 billion targets upgrading or replacing dozens of aging bridges across 16 states. President Joe Biden's administration announced the funding as part of a larger $1.2 trillion infrastructure law signed in 2021, which dedicates $40 billion over five years to bridge projects. The largest chunk of $1.4 billion will fund the improvement of the vertical lift bridges over the Columbia River, connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Other major projects include the Sagamore Bridge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and various bridges in Mobile, Alabama, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Despite these investments, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association estimates that $319 billion is still needed for nationwide bridge repairs. Currently, about 42,400 U.S. bridges are in poor condition, impacting both safety and the economy. Additional funds will support bridge projects in Rhode Island, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and bridges linking Ohio and West Virginia. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the urgent need for these investments.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, historically a Democrat, now supports Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race due to Trump's policies favoring tech and startups. Both Andreessen and his co-founder Ben Horowitz believe the future of technology and America is at significant risk. They argue that American success in technology, economy, and military has led to global dominance, especially highlighting tech's role in ending the Cold War. They criticize the Biden administration for overregulation and taxation that stifles innovation, contrasting it with Trump’s supportive stance on artificial intelligence and crypto. Andreessen cites Biden's unrealized capital gains tax proposal as a key reason for his shift, emphasizing it would harm startups by taxing valuation increases. Last year, Andreessen published a "Techno-Optimist Manifesto" highlighting the pivotal role of tech in societal growth.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker mandated all 26,000 city employees to work in the office five days a week, starting Monday. This ordinance, signed by Judge Sierra Thomas Street, faced opposition from city unions who sought a delay. Currently, around 80% of city employees already work on-site full-time. The decision aims to enhance government visibility and accessibility to residents and is not due to decreased productivity. Chief Administration Officer Camille Duchaussee noted that the move is part of a leadership strategy to maintain a positive workplace culture. Philadelphia leads among major U.S. cities in this return-to-office mandate. The average hourly wage for a Philadelphia city worker is $22.84. In related news, Greece has implemented a six-day workweek for certain private and agricultural sectors.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

San Jose-based DreamBig Semiconductor secured $75 million in equity funding, co-led by Samsung Catalyst Fund and Sehat Sutardja. Founded in 2019, DreamBig develops chiplet platforms for large language models and generative AI, totaling nearly $93 million raised so far. The semiconductor sector thrives, driven by the AI craze, with companies developing cost-effective, energy-efficient, and fast generative AI chips. Other significant deals include Etched.ai's $120 million, Black Semiconductor's $275 million, Celestial AI's $175 million, and Recogni's $102 million. Venture funding for semiconductor startups reached nearly $5.7 billion in 2024 across 210 deals, showing strong investment despite fewer deals than the previous year.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tax breaks worth trillions of dollars, including the qualified business income (QBI) deduction, are set to expire after 2025 unless Congress acts. This deduction allows self-employed individuals and business owners to deduct up to 20% of eligible revenue. Enacted in 2017, the QBI deduction aims to align pass-through business tax rates with corporate tax rates. Approximately 25.9 million QBI claims were filed in 2021, up from 18.7 million in 2018. The cost of extending the QBI deduction is estimated at over $700 billion over ten years and faces scrutiny amid budget debates. Critics argue it predominantly benefits wealthy taxpayers, although IRS data indicates middle-income taxpayers also benefit. The expiration debate includes contrasting views from business advocates, policymakers, and experts, with President Joe Biden pledging to extend the tax breaks for those earning less than $400,000.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Funding to Latin American startups rose significantly in the second quarter of 2024, driven by a resurgence in late-stage deals. Companies in South and Central America raised $791 million in seed- through growth-stage financing, marking a 25% rise from the previous quarter and a 17% increase from a year ago. Fintech led the recovery, with notable deals including $120 million for Celcoin and $100 million for Clip. Other sectors also saw large rounds, such as Incidium's $40 million and Akad Seguros' $22.5 million. Late-stage deals saw the biggest improvement, with Series C and beyond totaling $291 million. Early-stage investments remained stable at $386 million. Despite improvements, overall funding is still significantly below the record highs of 2021.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walmart has relaunched its 30-year-old No Boundaries clothing line, targeting Generation Z with a new 130-piece fall collection. This initiative follows a three-year revamp of its adult apparel to merge practicality and style. The collection features modern items like baggy jeans, cropped T-shirts, faux leather corsets, and bomber jackets, mostly priced at $15 or less, with some pieces made from recycled fabrics. Sizes range from XXS to 5X, increasing inclusivity. Walmart markets this line on TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Roblox and tests new fashions in stores in major college towns. This strategy aims to position Walmart as a fashion destination, complementing its grocery offerings, and to compete with retailers like Target and American Eagle Outfitters. The company hired Brandon Maxwell as the creative director for upscale brands to enhance its fashion credibility. Social media influencers and events showcased Maxwell’s designs, underlining Walmart's commitment to quality fashion at low prices, vital for appealing to style-conscious Gen Z customers.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon's Prime Day on July 16 and 17, 2024, is projected to reach $14 billion in sales, marking a new record. Since its inception in 2015, Prime Day has become a significant revenue source, with sales growing yearly—reaching $12 billion in 2022 and $12.9 billion in 2023. Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, who now number 200 million in the U.S. The event is a key period for back-to-school shopping, particularly in electronics and clothing, which Adobe Analytics predicts will have the highest discounts at 22% and 20%, respectively. Amazon is also moving towards using 100% recycled paper filler for packaging, reducing plastic use in 95% of deliveries in North America.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is in advanced discussions to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for approximately $23 billion. If finalized, this deal would set a record for the largest acquisition of a VC-backed company, doubling Wiz’s previous $12 billion valuation just two months after raising $1 billion. Wiz reported $350 million in annual recurring revenue for 2023. The acquisition aims to bolster Google's position in the cloud services market, enhancing its security capabilities against competitors AWS and Microsoft Azure. This move follows Google's $5.4 billion purchase of Mandiant in 2022. The cybersecurity M&A market has seen increased activity, with 45 VC-backed startups acquired so far this year compared to 66 for all of last year.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump enters the Republican National Convention with bold economic promises but offers limited details on their implementation. Despite a recent injury at a Pennsylvania rally, his focus remains on tariffs, tax reductions, and energy expansion. He aims to levy tariffs on trade partners, eliminate taxes on tips, slightly reduce the corporate tax rate, tackle inflation, lower prices, and increase production of oil, natural gas, and coal. On immigration, he proposes the largest deportation program in American history and plans to reverse President Biden’s measures on electric vehicles and renewable energy. Economists warn that his policies could lead to significant inflation, negatively impact the middle class, and add over $5 trillion to the national debt by extending current tax cuts. Trump relies on his public persona to attract voters instead of detailed policy frameworks.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Funding to European startups reached nearly $16 billion in Q2 2024, marking a 31% quarterly increase and a 17% annual rise. European startups received more funding than Asian counterparts, with Asia experiencing its worst quarter since late 2015 due to U.S.-China tensions. The UK led Europe with $6.7 billion, followed by France with $2.9 billion, while Germany saw a decline to $1.8 billion. AI attracted $3.3 billion in investments, leading other sectors. Late-stage funding rose to $7.5 billion, while early-stage funding hit $6.5 billion, with a notable increase in Series B funding. Paris-based startups saw significant acquisitions, and three new European unicorns emerged, totaling 208. Fintech company Revolut reported a 95% revenue growth in 2023, reaching $2.2 billion in revenue and $545 million in profit. Overall, European startups experienced a robust quarter, driven by gains in late-stage funding and contributions from the AI sector.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.