Women Keep Climbing the VC Ladder, But It’s Getting Steeper
Despite a tough fundraising climate, 23 women investors reached partner or higher at major VC firms in 2025. The broader picture, however, shows progress has stalled at the top.
Category: Startups
China’s AI Chip IPO Frenzy Just Hit a New High
Chinese AI chip designer Shanghai Biren Technology saw its shares skyrocket nearly 120% on its first day of trading in Hong Kong. The blockbuster debut, fueled by a $717 million IPO, signals intense investor hunger for China’s homegrown semiconductor sector. This surge is expected to be followed by
Nvidia’s AI Talent Grab and OpenAI’s Crazy Pay
Nvidia is in advanced talks to acquire Israeli AI startup AI21 Labs for up to $3 billion, according to reports. This comes amid data showing OpenAI’s stock-based compensation averaged an astonishing ~$1.5 million per employee in 2025.
Private Credit’s Wild Ride is Ending. Get Ready for Boring.
The private credit industry, once the high-flying alternative to banks, is losing its edge. With banks back in the game and returns compressing, the $2.4 trillion sector is starting to look a lot like plain old public debt markets.
Andersen’s IPO Is a Masterclass in Financial Obfuscation
Andersen Group just went public with a $2.8 billion valuation, but public shareholders only own 11% of the real business. The complex “Up-C” structure prioritizes payouts to founders over investors, and the firm admits its own internal accounting controls are weak.
OpenAI’s Brain Drain is Real, and Meta is the Big Winner
Business Insider reports at least 12 key departures from OpenAI in 2025, with a major cluster of research scientists joining Meta’s Superintelligence Lab over the summer. The exodus includes co-creators of major models and leaves CEO Sam Altman as one of only two original founders still active.
A Pinterest Exec’s Top Hiring Hack? Ask About Failure
Ayumi Nakajima, a senior director at Pinterest, says the key to a great hire isn’t a perfect resume. She listens closely to how candidates talk about their past mistakes and failures during interviews. She values adaptability over checking boxes for specific skills.
Clair Obscur Proves Small, Passionate Games Are The Real Winners
The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is being held up as proof that players are hungry for games with a tight, passionate vision. Its director, Guillaume Broche, intentionally kept the JRPG’s scope manageable to focus on its award-winning combat and story.
Nirvana Insurance Raises $100M to Bet on an AI-Native Future
Nirvana Insurance has raised $100 million to fund its AI operating system for commercial auto insurance. The company says its tech can give safe fleets upfront discounts of up to 20% and deliver precise quotes in minutes, addressing the industry’s need for speed.
Italy Slaps Apple With a €98.6 Million Fine Over App Store ‘Abuse’
Italy’s competition authority has fined Apple €98.6 million for abusing its market dominance. The fine targets Apple’s App Tracking Transparency policy, which the regulator says unfairly harms third-party app developers.