Venture capitalists have convinced themselves they’ve found the next big investing edge: using AI to wring software-like margins out of traditionally labor-intensive services businesses. The strategy involves acquiring mature professional services firms, implementing AI to automate tasks, then using the improved cash flow to roll up more companies. Leading the charge is General Catalyst (GC),…
New York’s crypto hub ambitions could be set for uncertainty after New York City Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of his reelection bid on Sunday. In a video on X on Sunday, Adams cited financial struggles stemming from his dismissed federal bribery case and the withholding of public funds. “Despite all that we have achieved,…
For most of his career Larry Ellison has been content to quietly let Oracle be the company, behind the company, behind the technology that makes headlines. Its biggest products being cloud computing and database products that it sells to enterprise customers like DHL, Northwell Health, and Fanatics. But, now in his 80s, Ellison has begun…
Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 99, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, happy pumpkin spice season, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I’ve been reading about Lizzo and Uniqlo and book thieves and Max Verstappen,…
OpenAI is launching a new feature inside of ChatGPT called Pulse, which generates personalized reports for users while they sleep. Pulse offers users five to 10 briefs that can get them up to speed on their day and is aimed at encouraging users to check ChatGPT first thing in the morning — much like they…
Key takeaways Stocks may survive AI disruption if they adapt quickly to changing technological and economic demands. New businesses spurred by AI, such as robotics, biotech or space, are expected to drive growth, and the stocks mirroring such advances will have a better chance of surviving the innovation turmoil. Periods of disruption should be expected…
Nintendo’s first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller can’t be beaten when it comes to its breadth of features and comfort. But at $89.99, let’s be real, it’s way too expensive for most people. Thankfully, a controller I’ve been testing recently, which is nearly as good despite lacking a 3.5mm audio jack, is currently on sale for…
From tech giants to startups, South Korean players are developing large language models tailored to their own language and culture, ready to compete with global heavyweights like OpenAI and Google. Last month, the nation launched its most ambitious sovereign AI initiative to date, pledging ₩530 billion, (about $390 million), to five local companies building large-scale…
Derivatives products, like options contracts — financial instruments that give investors the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a pre-determined price — will drive the Bitcoin (BTC) market capitalization to at least $10 trillion, according to market analyst James Van Straten. Van Straten said that options and other derivatives…
Amazon is hosting its 2025 fall hardware event on Tuesday, September 30th, and it could be a packed show. The company’s invite has a few not-so-subtle hints about new Echos and a new Kindle. It will also be Amazon’s next big product event for Panos Panay, who joined Amazon in 2023 to head up its…