🚛 Didn't see that coming: Self-driving truck startup Kodiak Robotics is going public via a SPAC deal, and I'm wondering if I've stepped into a time machine to 2021. The move is interesting for several reasons, particularly given that most SPACs tend to fail and the volatility of the public markets today. Read More
🏭 But this one, I did: Nvidia has commissioned a huge manufacturing space to build and test AI chips in Arizona and Texas. Makes sense given the tariffs hanging over everyone's head, until you remember that this was likely decided months ago, and the tariffs threaten the supply of the raw materials needed to even build the chips here. Read More
🔋 It's electric: A startup by former engineers from Lucid and Apple's EV project brings a fresh spin on electric hub motors. Conifer's motor is free of rare earth elements, which not only reduces cost but limits supply chain risk. The startup just raised a $20 million seed round. Read More
💰 Stay focused: Intel is selling 51% of its Altera semiconductor business to private equity firm Silver Lake. The deal values Altera at $8.75 billion and will make the company "operationally independent," letting Intel sharpen its focus and cut costs, per new CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Read More
☀️ Sunny skies: Bill Gates-backed Arnergy has raised $15 million to bring solar power systems to Nigeria. Arnergy is jumping on policy shifts in the country, like the removal of Nigeria's fuel subsidy in 2023, which made petrol prices skyrocket and solar power look more attractive. Read More
💸 Where are my bees and honey? British startups only raised £16.2 billion last year, compared to the £65 billion raised by their counterparts in Silicon Valley during the same period. And U.K. founders are getting more frustrated by the gap in funding. Read More
