News April 27, 2024

Good news for Rubrik, bad news for TikTok and medium news for early-stage startups

The tech world is abuzz with news from various fronts, and we’re here to break it all down. First up, congratulations are in order for Rubrik, whose successful IPO pricing and warm reception by the public markets prove that even non-venture-backed startups can achieve success. This development adds weight to the argument that the public markets are not as closed off to tech startups as some may have thought.

Meanwhile, TikTok’s forced divestment from its parent company or risk of ban in the US is a major development, and we dive into what this means for consumers. And speaking of innovation, our Early Stage event in Boston was a hit once again, with packed rooms, useful insights, and plenty of fun to be had - even the coffee was good! All this and more on today’s show. Read more

OpenAI Startup Fund quietly raises $15M

The OpenAI Startup Fund, a venture fund tied to but technically distinct from OpenAI, has quietly secured $15 million in new funding from two unnamed investors through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called OpenAI Startup Fund SPV II, L.P. The latest tranche, which was transferred on or around April 19, brings the total capital raised by the fund to date to over $25 million. As previously reported, Ian Hathaway, the manager and sole partner of the OpenAI Startup Fund, has formal control of the entity since April, having taken over from CEO Sam Altman, who had faced criticism for his dual role as a general partner and investor in the fund. Read more

How to watch MotoGP live streams online for free

Get ready to rev up your engines and enjoy the thrill of MotoGP live streams without breaking the bank! With ServusTV, you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world by using ExpressVPN. But that’s not all - we’ve got a clever hack to help you watch MotoGP for free, no strings attached.

Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the oldest and most unpredictable form of motorsport, with a rich history dating back to 1949. The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha battle it out for the constructors’ championship, led by reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia. With 21 races taking place around the world between March and November, you won’t want to miss a single moment.

But what’s the best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to watch MotoGP live streams! By following our simple process, you can access ServusTV from anywhere and enjoy every race without paying a penny. Just sign up for ExpressVPN, download their app, connect to a server in Austria, and voila! You’re ready to stream.

And the best part? With ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try out their services risk-free. Watch MotoGP live streams and then recover your investment when the race weekend is over. It’s the perfect way to get your motorsport fix without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and get ready to experience the thrill of MotoGP like never before! Read more

The FTC’s ban on noncompete clauses could be good for startups. But it also might be struck down.

The FTC’s decision to ban most noncompete agreements could be a game-changer for startup founders and hiring managers, opening up the talent pool and allowing companies to poach top performers from competitors. This move could encourage startups to focus on building strong company cultures instead of relying on threats to keep employees. While some are worried about the impact on intellectual property security, experts say there are alternative methods to protect against theft, such as non-disclosure agreements or patent filings. Startup employees may not notice much of a change anyway, as noncompete agreements have been difficult to enforce and were already trending out of vogue among startups. With lawsuits already filed challenging the ban, it remains to be seen if the ruling will stick, but for now, startup CEOs can maintain the status quo and monitor developments. Read more

Columbia University has a doxxing problem

This article provides an in-depth look at the student-led encampment on Columbia University’s campus, which has been protesting against Israeli policies and supporting Palestinian rights. The author describes the peaceful and calm atmosphere of the encampment, where students are engaging in activities such as crafting signs, hosting cultural events, and studying.

The article also highlights the controversy surrounding the university’s handling of the protest, including the arrest and suspension of several students, as well as the threats from right-wing groups and online harassment. Many faculty members have come out in support of the protesters, with over 160 signing an open letter calling for the reinstatement of suspended students.

The author notes that international students are particularly at risk due to their visa status, and that the university’s actions may be exacerbating this situation. The article also quotes several students who express frustration with the media’s portrayal of the protest, which they feel is misleading and sensationalized.

One notable aspect of the article is its discussion of the ways in which the university’s actions have created a culture of fear among faculty and staff, with many feeling hesitant to speak out in support of their students due to concerns about their own employment security.

Overall, the article provides a nuanced and balanced perspective on the situation, highlighting both the passion and commitment of the protesters as well as the controversy and challenges surrounding the university’s response. Read more