### The Journey of Watershed

**Taylor Francis**, co-founder of **Watershed**, launched his emissions-data startup in **2019**. Since then, he has successfully positioned his company to compete with industry giants like **Microsoft** and **Salesforce**.

![Taylor Francis](https://i.insider.com/67c1f9d9b1834fe31165cfb6?width=700)

**Watershed** has made significant strides, now serving **60** of the **Fortune 500** companies. Taylor attributes the success to a combination of hard work and strategically **earning** his way into the competitive landscape.

### Key Insights from Taylor Francis
- **Persistence** is key: Taylor emphasizes that the startup journey is not easy but requires resilience.
- **Understanding the competition**: Competing against established players necessitates a deep understanding of market needs and customer expectations.
- **Building relationships**: Networking and fostering relationships with potential clients can lead to valuable partnerships.

By focusing on these principles, Taylor Francis has positioned Watershed as a formidable player in the emissions-data sector, demonstrating that startups can thrive even in competitive environments.

Watershed co-founder Taylor Francis started his emissions-data startup in 2019 and said he "earned" his way to compete with Microsoft and Salesforce.

From Pitch to Profit: How a Startup Competes with Giants like Microsoft and Salesforce

### Anduril Industries Takes a Bold Approach to Recruitment

**Anduril Industries**, a controversial **California-based defense startup**, is making waves with its unconventional recruitment advertisements in **Boston**. The ads, strategically placed in **South Station** and along the **Red Line subway**, prominently feature the phrase **"Don't work at Anduril.com"** in massive, graffiti-style letters. 

![Anduril Recruitment Ad](https://bostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SIG4OSICD4CW7ZYZHQVXAAVETU.JPEG?auth=a4702e9b5ac7a13811087ed3e7d52f7d0c378783d528ef23c3dae44a08c2b68d&amp;width=1440)

The campaign, launched in February, aims to attract a specific segment of the workforce by promoting the company’s **culture of hard, mission-driven work** and **vocal support for American troops**. According to **Jeff Miller**, the company’s vice president of marketing, **“Anduril is not for everyone. That’s the point.”** 

### Targeting Tech Giants and Universities

The ads are displayed near major tech hubs and institutions, including **Harvard** and **MIT**. **Anduril's** military projects include cutting-edge technology like **autonomous drones** and an AI system named **Lattice**, designed to monitor battlefields with advanced sensors and cameras.

Currently, Anduril has over **40 open positions** in the Boston area, with an office established near **Fenway Park** since 2020. The company expanded its footprint in **Lexington** after acquiring **Copious Imaging** in 2021.

### A Nationwide Campaign

The **“Don’t work at Anduril”** campaign has also spread to **Seattle** and **Atlanta**, leveraging **LinkedIn ads** and even producing a short film featuring a fictional disgruntled employee. 

Founded in 2017 by **Palmer Luckey**, known for creating **Oculus VR**, Anduril emerged during a time when many tech firms distanced themselves from defense contracts. Luckey stated, **“You need people like me who are sick in that way and who don’t lose any sleep making tools of violence in order to preserve freedom.”**

Anduril Industries wants ads to bypass "soulless corporate recruiting.”

Why a California Startup is Telling Boston Engineers: 'Don't Work Here!'

## Former Cerebral CEO Launches AdvocateMH

David Mou, the former CEO of the troubled mental health startup **Cerebral**, is stepping back into the ring with his new project, **AdvocateMH**. This mental health company has garnered **seed funding from Morningside**, aiming to address the ongoing challenges in mental health care.

![Cerebral's Dr. David Mou](https://i.insider.com/67c718a069253ccddf983331?width=700)

AdvocateMH is focused on creating innovative solutions to improve mental health services. Mou's previous experience with Cerebral, despite its controversies, has equipped him with valuable insights into what needs to change in the mental health landscape.

With a growing demand for mental health resources, AdvocateMH seeks to leverage technology and personalized care strategies to better serve patients. This venture reflects Mou's commitment to making a positive impact in an industry that is increasingly recognized for its importance.

As mental health continues to be a pressing issue, startups like AdvocateMH are crucial in driving the necessary changes and improving accessibility to effective treatment options.

Former Cerebral CEO David Mou is launching a mental health startup called AdvocateMH with seed funding from Morningside.

David Mou's New Venture: AdvocateMH Aims to Transform Mental Health Care

### Wayve's Rapid Growth in Autonomous Tech

**ADAS and autonomous tech developer Wayve** is making strides by launching operations in **Germany** to support its **AI-centric driving research**. 

In **2024**, the company secured a staggering **$1.05 billion in funding**, drawing investments from **Uber** and other notable backers. Instead of launching its own fleet of modified cars, Wayve aims to provide its **vehicle-agnostic technology** to automotive suppliers and manufacturers.

### A Unique Approach to Autonomous Driving

Unlike many competitors, Wayve does not depend on detailed 3D maps. This **AI-driven approach** differentiates it in the autonomous driving landscape, where the common belief is that **more sensors equal better performance**.

### Expanding Horizons

With a newly opened **on-road testing hub in Baden-Württemberg, Germany**, Wayve is set to refine its **L2+ ADAS software** in a diverse environment. Co-founder and CEO **Alex Kendall** expressed enthusiasm for this expansion, stating that **Germany's automotive expertise** provides an ideal backdrop for accelerating their technology's development.

### Cost-Effective Solutions

Wayve's strategy includes a **limited number of sensors** like radar and lidar, designed to keep **hardware costs low**, especially as robotaxis typically carry expensive equipment. Their AI trains on real-world data, utilizing a generative AI model called **GAIA-1**, which allows the generation of **photorealistic 3D worlds** for cost-effective testing.

### Future Vision

Wayve's long-term vision does not involve managing a fleet of robotaxis. Instead, they focus on selling their technology to automotive suppliers. **Uber's investment** in Wayve underscores their belief in this innovative approach, with CEO **Dara Khosrowshahi** highlighting its potential for creating **shared, electric, and autonomous vehicles**.

### The Road Ahead

While the autonomous vehicle industry faces substantial expectations for AI to solve various challenges, the journey to widespread adoption of robotaxis remains complex. The question of whether robotaxis will become commonplace in the US by **2030** remains open, with **human drivers** still expected to dominate ride-hailing services for the foreseeable future.

![Wayve Ford Mustangs](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/wayve-2-67c7184e620ac.jpg?resize=980:)
*Image Credit: Wayve*

UK-based Wayve is gaining ground as automakers hold great expectations for AI. But it doesn’t plan to manage robotaxi fleets.

Wayve: The UK Startup Revolutionizing Autonomous Driving with AI Expansion in Germany

### The Best Startup Employers in America 2025

The **2025 ranking** of America’s best startup employers showcases companies that excel in both **innovation** and **employee wellbeing**. Among the top contenders is **Lunar Energy**, a clean energy startup that has made significant strides since its founding in **2020**. 

![Lunar Energy Team](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67c5d0dcbb4c1ecb055606e8/Lunar-Energy-photo-of-employees-working-on-computers/0x0.jpg?cropX1=707&cropX2=3769&cropY1=172&cropY2=1809)
*Inside the lab at Lunar Energy’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, where collaboration is key.*  

Lunar Energy stands out for its **thoughtful hiring practices**. According to **Ed Franklin**, head of people, they prioritize quality over speed in recruitment. Employees are encouraged to share their opinions through regular **Ask Me Anything (AMA)** sessions and anonymous feedback forums, fostering a culture where **employee sentiment** is valued.  

### Notable Rankings

Lunar Energy ranked **No. 4** on the list, which was created in collaboration with **Statista**. To qualify, companies needed to have over **50 employees**, be founded between **2015 and 2022**, and be independent businesses. They were evaluated based on **reputation**, **employee satisfaction**, and **growth**.

Several companies made impressive gains this year, such as **Cribl** (No. 1), a data management company, and **Hightouch** (No. 3), a customer data platform.

### Company Culture and Employee Engagement

Employees at **Anthropic**, ranked **No. 7**, benefit from strong support systems, including generous paid leave and a culture that emphasizes both technical and ethical discussions in AI development. **Hannah Pritchett**, head of people at Anthropic, emphasizes the importance of aligning their mission with employee values.

**Mill**, ranked **No. 11**, creatively integrates its product—an innovative food composter—into daily operations, enhancing employee engagement and bonding through shared experiences. 

### Conclusion

The **2025 list** not only highlights the top startups but also reflects a broader trend of companies recognizing the importance of **employee wellbeing** and **collaboration** in driving innovation. For the full list of America’s Best Startup Employers, [click here](https://www.forbes.com/lists/americas-best-startup-employers/).

The companies on this year's ranking of the best startup employers in the U.S. are prioritizing both innovation and employee wellbeing. 

Unveiling America's Top Startup Employers of 2025: Innovators Prioritizing Employee Wellbeing

## Overview of the Funding Landscape
Venture investment in **startups run by women** has historically lagged behind the overall market. In 2024, funding for women-founded startups in Europe saw a **12% decline**, closely mirroring the **11% decrease** in overall venture investment. This trend raises concerns about the future of female founders amidst wider cutbacks in **diversity, equity, and inclusion** efforts.

## Key Findings from the Female Innovation Index 2025
According to the **Female Foundry** report, while the overall funding landscape appears grim, there are some positive developments:
- **Deep Tech Dominance**: Women-founded deep tech startups are raising more capital than their male counterparts. Approximately **33%** of all venture capital raised by female entrepreneurs is directed towards deep tech, surpassing gender-agnostic startups by **2%**. Key areas of innovation include **synthetic biology**, **generative AI**, and **drug development**.
- **Survey Insights**: The report surveyed over **1,200 female founders**, investors, and executives across **20 European countries**. Notably, the definition of female-founded startups included those with at least one female co-founder, expanding the scope of the findings.

## Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive data regarding deep tech, the overall picture remains challenging:
- **Funding Disparity**: Women-led startups raised only **2.2%** of the total venture capital allocated for 2024.
- **Encouragement Needed**: Agata Nowicka, founder of Female Foundry, emphasizes the importance of encouraging women in academia to pursue entrepreneurship. She noted that the **COVID-19 pandemic** has somewhat leveled the playing field, making the venture capital industry more accessible.

## Noteworthy Statistics
Here are some striking statistics from the report:
- Female-founded businesses in Europe raised **€5.76 billion** in 2024, down from **€6.56 billion** in 2023.
- The **health**, **fintech**, and **food sectors** attracted the most investment for female-founded startups.
- Female founders experienced the most success in the **seed stage**, with round sizes increasing by **7%** compared to 2023.
- Over **80%** of the largest funding rounds for female-founded startups were allocated to those with scientific backgrounds.
- The **U.K., France, and Germany** lead in investment for female-founded companies, while **Finland and Denmark** allocate the highest proportion of venture capital to these startups.

Venture investment to startups founded by women in Europe declined 12% in 2024, but it was in line with the 11% decrease in venture investment overall.

Women Entrepreneurs Face Funding Decline: A Closer Look at 2024 Trends

### Verb Technology Acquires LyveCom

**Verb Technology Company (Nasdaq: VERB)** has officially signed a binding term sheet to acquire **LyveCom**, an innovative AI-driven video commerce platform. This acquisition, expected to finalize within 60 days, will integrate LyveCom's cutting-edge AI technology into VERB's **MARKET.live** platform, launching immediately.

#### Key Features of the Enhanced MARKET.live
- **One-Click Simulcasting** across multiple platforms including TikTok Shop and Shopify's Shop App.
- **AI-Driven Video Commerce** with automated content creation and virtual shopping hosts.
- **Frictionless 3-Click Integration** for Shopify merchants.
- **Strategic Partnerships** with Tapcart, Klaviyo, Recharge, and agency networks.
- **Real-Time Analytics** for in-depth merchant insights.

Maxwell Drut, Co-Founder and CEO of LyveCom, will step in as MARKET.live's Chief Technology Officer. The platform aims to stand out from closed marketplaces like Amazon Live and TikTok Shop by providing brands full control over their audience, content, and conversions while leveraging AI for automation.

#### Positive Impacts
- **Immediate Access** to Shopify's extensive network of 4 million merchants.
- **Strategic Partnerships** with major platforms enhance reach.
- **AI-Powered Automation** reduces content production costs.
- **Multi-Platform Integration** expands revenue potential.
- **Seamless Omnichannel Presence** for brands.

#### Challenges Ahead
- Acquisition contingent on completion of LyveCom's financial audit.
- Integration risks with existing platforms.
- Competing against established players like Amazon Live and TikTok Shop.
- Financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed.

### Insights
This acquisition signifies **Verb Technology's strategic expansion** in the rapidly growing social commerce sector. Integrating LyveCom's technology enhances VERB's MARKET.live offerings with advanced capabilities such as AI-powered content automation, multi-platform simulcasting, and enhanced analytics. With access to Shopify's ecosystem, this acquisition positions VERB favorably in a market projected to reach **$1.29 trillion by 2028** at a **13.7% CAGR**.

The integration is designed to address critical challenges in video commerce, from content creation to multi-platform distribution, thus enhancing competitiveness.

### Future Innovations
With future features like **AI Avatar Live Shopping Hosts**, the platform is set to redefine how consumers engage and shop in a content-driven world. **MARKET.live** aims to create one of the most advanced, omnichannel video shopping ecosystems in the U.S., ensuring brands can leverage AI to optimize their commerce strategies effectively.

Verb integrates LyveCom's AI technology into MARKET.live, offering one-click multi-platform selling and automated content creation for Shopify's 4M merchants.

Verb Technology's Game-Changing Acquisition: How LyveCom Will Redefine Social Commerce

### The Current Housing Landscape

It’s **no secret** that the housing market in the U.S. is facing significant challenges. With many Americans struggling to afford homes, **prices are expected to rise** by 3% due to tight supply, according to [J.P. Morgan Research](https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/real-estate/us-housing-market-outlook). This situation underscores the **importance of mortgages**, the engine behind most home purchases.

### Mortgage Market Outlook

Despite a **softening in interest rates** by the end of 2025, the **Mortgage Bankers Association** forecasts a surge in mortgage origination volume to **$2.3 trillion**, up from **$1.79 trillion** in 2024. The total loan count is projected to reach **6.5 million loans**, an increase from **5.1 million** the previous year.

### Tech in the Mortgage Space

The mortgage industry has often lagged in technological advancement, characterized by **legacy systems** and a lack of venture capital interest. While 2021 saw a peak with **67 deals** worth **$3.8 billion**, 2024 reflected a downturn with only **32 deals** totaling **$300 million**. However, **opportunities abound** for startups in this sector, particularly with the anticipated refinancing boom.

### Vesta's Rising Profile

**Vesta**, a mortgage infrastructure startup backed by **Andreessen Horowitz** and **Bain Capital Ventures**, is defying the odds. After its **$30 million Series A** in 2022, Vesta has recently secured an additional **$20 million** from strategic investors. The company reports that loan volume on its platform has **tripled** in the past year, with a projected **30x increase** in volume from newly onboarded customers.

### A Changing Industry Narrative

Vesta’s CEO, **Mike Yu**, emphasizes the need for change in the mortgage industry, which has suffered from a **negative reputation**. He notes the **slow start** for the company, admitting it took **a year and a half** to secure the first customer. Now, as they expand, the focus shifts to scaling effectively.

**Van Richardson**, CEO of Vesta customer **Filo Mortgage**, remains optimistic about the future, attributing this hope to the new **technological possibilities** that Vesta brings. He believes that leveraging such technologies can help break the cycle of traditional practices that have long dominated the industry.

Yu acknowledges that if Vesta succeeds, the technology will seamlessly integrate into the background of the mortgage process, making it **invisible to the end user**. 

### Industry Insights

Recent movements in the private equity space have also been noteworthy, with **Olympus Partners** raising **$2.87 billion** for its latest fund. Additionally, **CoreWeave**, a company in the AI sector, has filed for a **much-anticipated IPO** amidst surging demand for AI technologies.  

This evolving landscape suggests that while the mortgage industry faces challenges, **innovation and new partnerships** could redefine its future.

Vesta's last public round was announced in 2022, a $30 million Series A, and Fortune can now report that the company has raised an additional $20 million.

From Pitch to Profit: How a Startup Competes with Giants like Microsoft and Salesforce

Summary:

The Journey of Watershed

Key Insights from Taylor Francis

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