Welcome to this week’s edition of Startups Weekly, where we bring you all the latest news and trends from the world of startups. It’s been an eventful week with exciting developments in crowdfunding, Apple’s Vision Pro, and social media. Let’s dive right in!
Apple’s Vision Pro: A Game Changer for Startups
Image Credits: Cory Green/Yahoo
While this newsletter is usually dedicated to startups, we can’t ignore the buzz surrounding Apple’s Vision Pro. As we previously reported, this face-wearable computer has the potential to be a game changer for startups. The device has finally been released, and early reviews are in – it’s pretty astonishing.
Brian, one of our team members, had the opportunity to spend an hour with the Apple Vision Pro back in January. He then documented his experience in a series of blog posts, providing an in-depth review that concluded it’s the best consumer headset out there. Brian even believes that the current experience will feel antiquated in a generation or two down the road.
But the real opportunity lies in the enterprise sector. With over 600 new apps and games being developed for the Vision Pro, developers are embracing this technology despite concerns about Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Additionally, a third-party developer has stepped in to fill the gap left by the absence of a YouTube app, offering users a native experience with features like resizable windows and playback controls.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro presents an exciting opportunity for startups to leverage this cutting-edge technology and create innovative solutions.
Fundraises of the Week: Tackling Food Waste and Cybersecurity
Image Credits: Getty Images/pkfawcett
In a world where food waste is rampant, startups like ProducePay are stepping up to tackle this issue. With $38 million in funding, ProducePay aims to bring order to the chaos of the fresh produce supply chain. Their mission is nothing short of heroic, and with this funding, they’re set to take their crusade global.
On the cybersecurity front, NinjaOne has managed to secure an impressive $230 million in Series C funding. Despite a decline in funding for cybersecurity startups, NinjaOne’s valuation now stands at $1.9 billion. They plan to use this funding to expand their empire and make IT headaches a thing of the past.
Other notable fundraises include Thea Energy, which aims to make fusion power simpler with a $20 million investment, and Amperesand, a company revolutionizing electric grid transformers with a $12.5 million seed round.
Social Media Trends: Chaos and Alternatives
Image Credits: Snap Inc.
This week, our analysis of Twitter’s identity crisis caught the attention of many. With alternatives like Mastodon, Bluesky, and Meta’s Threads emerging, the social media landscape is undergoing a transformation. It’s a golden age for those seeking alternatives to Twitter, but it can be overwhelming for early adopters juggling multiple apps.
In the midst of this chaos, Tapestry and other aggregators are aiming to tidy up our digital mess with unified apps. However, even the aggregators themselves need aggregating in a world where social media platforms are constantly evolving.
Speaking of social media platforms, Bluesky, funded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has opened up to the public after a year as an invite-only application. With its decentralized infrastructure and open-source AT Protocol, Bluesky is positioning itself as a promising microblogging platform. On the other hand, Meta’s Facebook is shutting down its Groups API, causing turmoil for startups relying on the API for their tools.
X, formerly known as Twitter, experienced a boost in popularity after Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin. This strategic move by Putin to reach a wider audience through Carlson propelled X to the top of the U.S. App Store, surpassing Instagram Threads.
In other social media news, Snap announced layoffs and a hardware recall, Meta enhanced its tools to combat sextortion, and Pew Research Center revealed the ever-changing landscape of social media platforms.
Other Noteworthy Stories
Image Credits: Rivian
In addition to the major headlines, there are a few stories worth mentioning:
– Rivian is gearing up to launch the R2, a budget-friendly electric SUV, in hopes of turning a profit.
– Okta and Proofpoint are both undergoing layoffs as they strive to become profitable.
– Arc Browser aims to challenge Google by using AI to fetch web content directly, bypassing search engines.
– WeWork’s controversial ex-CEO, Adam Neumann, is attempting a dramatic comeback by trying to buy the bankrupt workspace giant.
– Water filtration titan Brita has acquired Larq, a smart water bottle innovator, highlighting the evolving landscape of consumer goods.
That’s all for this week’s edition of Startups Weekly. Stay tuned for more exciting news and trends from the world of startups.
