Alex WilhelmFeb 5, 202414 min
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Hello, and welcome back to Equity, the podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines. This is our Monday show, in which we look back at the weekend and the week ahead. A big thanks to Maggie for stepping back into the Equity seat while Theresa is out today.
Stocks are Mixed Around the World
As investors digest the possibility of high interest rates persisting for longer, stocks are mixed around the world. This uncertainty has led to a more cautious approach from market participants, resulting in a stabilization of cryptocurrency price movements.
Crypto Price Movements Ease
The recent launch of bitcoin spot ETFs seems to have had a calming effect on crypto markets. The introduction of these exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allows investors to gain exposure to the price movement of bitcoin without actually holding the asset itself. This added layer of liquidity and accessibility has contributed to the easing of price movements.
Yandex’s Parent Exits Russia at a Huge Cost
In a surprising move, Yandex’s parent company is set to exit Russia due to ongoing sanctions imposed by Western countries. The decision comes with a significant financial cost, as owning tech assets inside Russia becomes increasingly difficult and unprofitable. The move highlights the challenges faced by companies operating in sanctioned territories.
Everbridge Goes Private
For $1.5 billion, Everbridge has chosen to go private after its initial public offering (IPO) in 2016. While this price is a significant bump from its 2021 value, it still falls short of the company’s peak valuation. The decision to exit the public markets reflects the changing landscape and challenges faced by companies in today’s market.
Startup News
From startup land:
- Wonder Ventures has launched two new funds aimed at supporting innovative startups.
- Naboo raised $8 million to tackle food waste, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in business.
- ProducePay combined forces with other companies to raise $38 million and address issues related to food waste.
A Finance Worker is Scammed Out of $25 Million
In a shocking case, a finance worker was scammed out of $25 million after falling victim to a deepfaked conference call. This incident highlights the growing threat of sophisticated cyber attacks and the need for increased vigilance in protecting sensitive information.
Join us on Wednesday Morning!
We’ll be back with another episode of Equity on Wednesday morning, discussing the latest developments and insights from the world of startups. Don’t forget to tune in!
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We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you the latest news and insights from the world of startups.
Recommended Reading
For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the topics discussed above, check out these articles:
- The first AI chip startup to go public in 2025 will be Blaize
- ‘Free Our Feeds’ campaign aims to billionaire-proof Bluesky’s tech
- A 24-year-old who exited his first company to Coinbase raises $3M for his next venture