Weekly Tech Pulse
Meet the Seattle-based CEO leading Mozi, Rockfish is helping enterprises leverage synthetic data, Failed fintech startup Bench racked up over $65 million in debt & More!
US & International Startup & Tech News
Meet the Seattle-based CEO leading Mozi, a new social app she launched with Twitter co-founder
Molly DeWolf Swenson, a Seattle native and Harvard alumna, has co-founded Mozi with Twitter co-founder Ev Williams. Mozi aims to enhance in-person connections by minimizing time spent on the app, focusing on real-life interactions.
Source: GeekWire
Rockfish is helping enterprises leverage synthetic data
Rockfish is assisting businesses in utilizing synthetic data to enhance their operations. By providing artificial datasets, the company enables enterprises to train machine learning models more effectively, addressing challenges related to data privacy and scarcity.
Source: TechCrunch
Amazon pauses drone deliveries for software changes; Oregon test crash ‘not the primary reason’
Amazon has temporarily halted its Prime Air drone deliveries in Texas and Arizona to implement software updates. While two MK30 drones crashed during tests in Oregon due to light rain, the company states this isn't the primary reason for the pause.
Source: GeekWire
Failed fintech startup Bench racked up over $65 million in debt, documents reveal
Canadian accounting startup Bench filed for bankruptcy, revealing liabilities exceeding $65 million against $2.8 million in cash. Major creditors include the National Bank of Canada and several venture capital firms.
Source: TechCrunch
VC Unlocks Potential Of Underestimated Founders
Venture capital firms are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in founders from underrepresented backgrounds. By providing funding and resources, these VCs aim to tap into diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and addressing market gaps.
Source: Forbes
LATAM Startup & Tech News
Wayra (Telefónica) invests €9.3 million in 37 startups during 2024
Telefónica's Wayra invested €9.3 million globally in 37 startups, focusing on AI, SaaS, and digitalizing traditional industries. In Spain, over €2 million was invested in 15 startups. Key sectors included healthcare, banking, and insurance.
Source: ElPais
PuntoPost raises $1.5 million to expand in Mexico
The Mexican startup PuntoPost secured $1.5 million to enhance technology and operations for its merchandise collection network. It partners with small businesses to facilitate online purchase pickups, boosting local commerce and user convenience.
Source: AxisNegocios
Colombian fintech FinMaq raises $29 million for SME financing
FinMaq secured $29 million in funding, led by Alive Ventures, to help small businesses purchase machinery. The funds aim to close the credit gap for SMEs and stimulate economic growth.
Source: LatamFintech
Simetrik claims it is reconciling more than 1 billion transactions daily
Simetrik, a Colombian startup, simplifies financial operations for over 103 clients, including Bancolombia and Rappi, by centralizing and automating processes. In 2024, it achieved 105% revenue growth, raised $55 million in a Series B round, and expanded globally, with strong growth in key markets. Its platform enhances efficiency across sectors like e-commerce and banking, competing with firms like Blackline and SAP.
Source: Forbes
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