## Northeastern: Where Innovation Meets Passion

Northeastern University is buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit, as students and alumni alike are turning their ideas into reality.  

**Phytabar**, a chocolate nutrition bar infused with seaweed, is the brainchild of Northeastern students **James Sibley** and **Sebastian Sanchez**. The duo met in class and saw a gap in the market for healthy, tasty snacks.  

Meanwhile, **Meaghan St Marc**, a Northeastern alumna, is making waves in the fitness industry with **Rev'd Cycling**, her indoor cycling studio.  St Marc's passion for fitness and teamwork is evident in the vibrant and supportive community she has built at Rev'd.

These stories highlight the impact of Northeastern's entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering innovation and pushing boundaries in various fields.  

**Yoseob Yoon**, an assistant professor at Northeastern, is contributing to the university's vibrant research landscape with his work in the field of mechanical and industrial engineering and physics.

From Seaweed Bars to Fitness Studios: Northeastern Students & Alumni Make Waves

In 2019, while working as an equity research analyst at UBS, I realized the struggle of finding ping pong facilities in New York City. This inspired me to create **PingPod**, an innovative solution offering **24/7 on-demand ping pong facilities** that operate without full-time staff.

## The Experience Economy
We live in a world where **experiences are prioritized over goods**. A significant portion of the American population values experiences, and our autonomous model leverages this trend to provide affordable access to ping pong in urban areas.

Starting with a single location in Manhattan, we have now expanded to **18 PingPod outlets** across the U.S. Our model enhances user experience by allowing customers to **book and unlock venues** through a smartphone app, significantly reducing operational costs and increasing availability.

## Building a Tech-Driven Business
Our journey led to the establishment of **PodPlay Technologies**, a SaaS subsidiary that licenses our technology to various sports venues. Currently, **over 70 venues** utilize our system, catering to multiple sports including billiards and soccer.

In March 2022, we secured **$10 million in VC funding**, boosting our expansion efforts. Our revenue has grown from **$3.6 million** last year to an expected **$6 million** this year, leading to a valuation of approximately **$50 million**.

## Scaling with Technology
With locations in major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Miami, our **autonomous operations** powered by PodPlay facilitate rapid growth. We are transforming urban retail spaces into **experience-focused venues**, catering to the digital-first lifestyle of younger generations.

## Cost Efficiency
Our autonomous model not only reduces labor costs but also addresses the high rent prices in urban areas. By minimizing staffing needs, we achieve over **40% operating margins** in our top-performing Pods.

## Customer Safety and Experience
Safety is our priority; all PingPod locations are locked by default, accessible only through reservations. Additionally, we employ a dedicated **video-monitoring team** to ensure customer security.

The **seamless customer experience** we offer includes integrated audio-visual components, gamifying the ping pong experience. Features like **instant replay** allow players to relive their best moments and share them on social media, enhancing community engagement.

Since our launch, we have welcomed over **100,000 customers** and facilitated more than **260,000 hours of play**, fostering connections within communities.

With Gen Z rising, expect more urban retail spaces to become experience-focused venues accessed via smartphone apps.

From Ping Pong to Prosperity: How Automation Catapulted Our Startup to a $50M Valuation in Just 5 Years

**OpenAI**, the AI research powerhouse, is reportedly on the verge of closing a significant **$6.5 billion funding round** as early as next week. This funding is expected to further bolster OpenAI's capabilities and market position in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. With this round, investors are showing **strong confidence** in OpenAI's innovative potential and its impact on various industries. The funding will likely be used to expand their research efforts and enhance their product offerings, which have already been making waves in the tech sector. **Stay tuned** as we monitor the developments surrounding this monumental funding event!

Comprehensive up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by Google News.

Is OpenAI's $6.5 Billion Funding Round About to Close? Here’s What You Need to Know!

### Amazon's AI Leap
Britain’s **competition watchdog** has officially cleared Amazon’s **$4 billion partnership** with **Anthropic**, an artificial intelligence company, stating that the deal did not warrant further investigation. This decision follows a period of scrutiny concerning significant investments from major tech firms in AI startups.

### Details of the Partnership
The **UK’s Competition and Markets Authority** found that **Anthropic’s revenue** and its market share in collaboration with Amazon were insufficient to necessitate an in-depth review under merger regulations. Amazon expressed its satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "We welcome the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority decision acknowledging its lack of jurisdiction regarding this collaboration. By investing in Anthropic, we’re helping to spur entry and competition in **generative AI**."

Under this partnership, **Anthropic** will utilize **Amazon Web Services** as its primary cloud provider, leveraging Amazon’s custom chips to develop and deploy its AI models.

### Wider Implications
The British regulator has already approved other significant partnerships, including **Microsoft’s collaboration** with **Mistral AI**. However, scrutiny remains regarding a partnership between **Anthropic and Google**. Founded by siblings **Dario and Daniela Amodei** in 2021, Anthropic aims to enhance the **safety and reliability** of AI technology. Additionally, the **Federal Trade Commission** in the US is investigating whether these AI deals provide tech giants with an **unfair advantage** in the rapidly evolving AI market.

Britain’s competition watchdog has cleared Amazon’s partnership with artificial intelligence company Anthropic because the $4 billion deal didn’t qualify for further scrutiny.

Amazon's Game-Changing $4 Billion AI Partnership with Anthropic Gets UK Approval

![Indian entrepreneurs are not just economic contributors but also cultural bridges between India and the US.](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-113736424,imgsize-2218447,width-400,resizemode-4/113736424.jpg)

Over the last five years, **Indian-Americans** have quietly emerged as the **champions of the unicorn ecosystem**, transforming **Silicon Valley** boardrooms into global hubs of innovation.

### Driving the News
- According to a report by **Indiaspora**, Indian immigrants have founded or co-founded **72 of the 358 unicorns** that have emerged in the United States since 2018, making them the **most prolific immigrant founders** in the unicorn universe.
- This impressive figure accounts for about **20% of immigrant-founded unicorns** in the US, underscoring the unique contributions of **Indian-origin entrepreneurs** to the American innovation landscape.
- Collectively, these unicorns are valued at **over $195 billion** and employ approximately **55,000 people**, establishing Indian-Americans as a formidable force in entrepreneurship.
- These aren’t just tech whizzes chasing the next big IPO; they are **storytellers, risk-takers, and cross-cultural navigators**, blending the hustle of **Mumbai’s markets** with the ambition of **Wall Street**.

### Why It Matters
- The remarkable rise of Indian-American founders in the unicorn landscape is a testament to their pivotal role in driving **US innovation**, economic growth, and technological advancement.
- Despite representing only **1.5% of the US population**, Indian-Americans are vastly overrepresented in high-impact entrepreneurial roles, reshaping industries like **enterprise technology, healthcare, fintech,** and **consumer goods**.

### A New Vanguard of Leadership
- Indian-Americans aren’t just building companies; they’re **leading them** at unprecedented levels. In **2023**, sixteen **Fortune 500** companies had CEOs of Indian origin, showcasing the community’s growing corporate clout.
- Leaders like **Satya Nadella** at **Microsoft** and **Sundar Pichai** at **Alphabet** are redefining what it means to lead in America’s biggest companies.

### From Bay Area to Bengaluru
- The allure of **Silicon Valley** promises endless possibilities for Indian founders, who are reshaping industries with disruptive innovations. Companies like **Rippling** and **Innovaccer** exemplify this trend.
- These entrepreneurs often carry a **hybrid identity**, merging Ivy League polish with entrepreneurial grit honed in India.

### The Big Picture
- Indian-Americans have long been associated with excellence in education and professional success, with **78%** holding at least a bachelor’s degree, more than double the US national average.
- They represent **73% of high-skilled work visa holders**, reflecting their critical role in filling talent gaps across key industries in the US.

### What’s Next
- The future looks promising for Indian-American entrepreneurs as they continue to expand their influence across the US and global markets.
- With deepening US-India ties, particularly in the tech sector, there are immense opportunities for collaboration and growth, particularly in **artificial intelligence, biotechnology,** and **clean energy**.

US News: Indian-Americans have significantly impacted the US unicorn ecosystem by founding or co-founding 72 of the 358 billion-dollar startups since 2018. The

Unicorn Titans: How Indian-Americans Are Dominating the Startup Scene in the US

Mendaera, a **Silicon Valley-based startup**, is making waves in **interventional radiology** by raising **$73 million** in financing. Led by **Threshold Ventures**, the Series B funding round also saw participation from **Lux Capital**, **PFM Health Sciences**, and **Fred Moll**, the founder of **Intuitive Surgical** and **Auris Health**.

### What is Mendaera Working On?
Mendaera is on a mission to commercialize a **handheld interventional platform** that integrates **robotics**, **artificial intelligence**, **imaging**, and **virtual connectivity**. The goal is to enhance access to **needle-based interventional care** across various medical specialties.

### A Shift in Surgical Technology
According to Mendaera's Founder and CEO **Josh DeFonzo**, while traditional surgical robots have a strong presence in operating rooms, **robotics and AI** have now progressed to provide **greater benefits** throughout the healthcare system, improving care standards for more patients.

### Addressing Healthcare Provider Shortages
With rising demand for **interventional procedures** amidst a shortage of healthcare providers, Mendaera aims to utilize its innovative technology to facilitate common procedures like **biopsies**, **organ and vascular access**, and **pain management interventions**.

### Future Plans
The funding will be utilized to finalize the development of Mendaera's **robotic technology** (currently pending **FDA clearance**), enhance its **AI and connectivity capabilities**, and initiate clinical introductions of the platform. Notably, in **August 2023**, Mendaera partnered with **Butterfly Network** to integrate their technologies, marking a significant step in their journey.

![Mendaera Robotics](https://example.com/mendaera_robotics_image.jpg)  
*Image: Mendaera's innovative robotic platform.*

The Silicon Valley-based startup is working to commercialize a handheld platform that incorporates robotics, artificial intelligence, imaging and virtual connectivity. 

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Mendaera Secures $73M to Innovate Interventional Radiology with Robotics

Ukrainian startups are demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of the horrific war and its impact on Ukraine's economy. Founders and their teams are **developing new technologies** to help **rebuild the country** and create a better future. At Google, we know the power of startups to drive recovery and growth; we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and are committed to supporting these efforts.

In June, we announced the first batch of 2024 [recipients](https://108.181.32.73/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/ukrainian-startups-building-for-post-war-economic-recovery/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9nLmdvb2dsZQ) of the Google for Startups [Ukraine Support Fund](https://108.181.32.73/programs/ukraine-support-fund/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFydHVwLmdvb2dsZS5jb20). Managed by [1991](https://108.181.32.73/accelerator/en/home?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuMTk5MS52Yw), the first and largest startup accelerator in Ukraine, the **$10 million fund** provides additional **equity-free cash awards** along with Google support, mentorship, and product expertise to Ukrainian-founded tech companies. Today, we are proud to announce the latest **24 recipients** of the program in Lviv, Ukraine.

### Meet the Startups
These startups are not only creating new work in traditional sectors but also using technology to address the unique challenges posed by Russian aggression. In the face of adversity, these Ukrainian entrepreneurs are demonstrating remarkable resilience, developing solutions that contribute to the nation's defense and recovery:

- **[Ability.ai](http://ability.ai/)**: A marketing platform powered by AI agents.
- **[Artellence](https://artellence.com/ua)**: AI technologies designed to solve open-source intelligence tasks based on data analysis from open sources.
- **[Claspo](https://claspo.io/ua/)**: A platform that enables the creation of custom widgets, website popups, and inline forms.
- **[ConnectiveOne](https://www.kwizbot.io/)**: A conversational AI-powered platform for customer support and sales.
- **[CONSOLID.AI](http://consolid.ai/)**: An AI-driven platform for efficient supply chain logistics.
- **[Elomia Health](https://elomia.com/)**: An AI-powered chatbot providing accessible mental health support.
- **[Finmap](https://www.finmap.online/ua-home)**: A cash flow management tool for business owners.
- **[Hideez](https://hideez.com/)**: A passwordless workforce identity solution.
- **[INPUT SOFT](https://www.inputsoft.net/)**: A web-based aviation management solution for airports and airlines.
- **[Jetbeep](https://www.jetbeep.com/)**: An autonomous parcel locker technology provider.
- **[JustSpeak AI](https://apps.apple.com/ua/app/justspeak-ai/id6466106454)**: An AI English tutor.
- **[LetsData](https://letsdata.net/)**: An AI solution that protects companies from digital attacks.
- **[Mantis Analytics](https://mantisanalytics.com/)**: An AI-driven platform to monitor and analyze media information.
- **[Medvoice](https://medvoice.net/)**: An education platform for healthcare professionals.
- **[Mssg.me](http://mssg.me/)**: A mobile website builder.
- **[Noty.ai](http://noty.ai/)**: An AI to-do list for knowledge workers.
- **[obimy](https://obimy.com/)**: An interaction app for emotional connection.
- **[Osavul](https://www.osavul.cloud/)**: AI-powered security against information threats.
- **[Pibox](https://pibox.com/)**: An all-in-one audio collaboration platform.
- **[PROFEED](https://profeed.systems/)**: An AI-powered livestock feeding management system.
- **[Revisior](https://revisior.com/)**: A solution to analyze customer feedback from various channels.
- **[S.Lab](https://www.ilab-s.com/)**: Sustainable packaging on an industrial scale.
- **[Traces AI](https://www.traces.ai/)**: AI-driven video analytics.
- **[Verba](https://apps.apple.com/ua/app/verba-ai-%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B1%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B2%D1%96%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE/id6467481048)**: AI-generated captions for videos.

Each startup will receive **up to $100,000** in non-dilutive funding, as well as ongoing Google mentorship and product support. Startups are also eligible to receive an additional **$350,000** in Google Cloud credits to help their teams scale operations efficiently.

Applications for the next cohort are now open, and I encourage Ukrainian-founded startups to apply on [our website](https://108.181.32.73/programs/ukraine-support-fund/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9zdGFydHVwLmdvb2dsZS5jb20) by **November 17, 2024**.

Meet the next 2024 cohort of Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund recipients.

Discover the 24 Innovative Startups Shaping Ukraine's Future Amidst Adversity

UAE-based **Redwood** has officially acquired a **majority stake** in the game streaming platform **Loco** through a **$65 million deal**. This strategic move aims to help Loco expand its focus to **international markets**. Previously, Loco was valued at nearly **$150 million** in 2022, but the valuation has since dropped due to challenges within the **Indian esports streaming** sector, particularly in generating revenue amidst a limited number of popular games.

### A New Chapter for Loco
Loco is now turning its sights towards **global opportunities**, signaling a shift in strategy. The founders, **Anirudh Pandita** and **Ashwin Suresh**, expressed their gratitude for the investment, highlighting the hard work of their team. They stated, "**Gaming is an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist globally**, and we look forward to building a platform that is at the heart of this global movement."

### Recent Developments
This acquisition follows the recent sale of Loco’s sister property, **Pocket Aces**, which sold a majority stake for **$40 million** to Indian music label giant **Saregama** earlier this year. Loco aims to create a **Twitch-like platform** targeting markets where Twitch has either not expanded or has limited penetration.

### Monetization Strategies
Gamers on Loco stream popular titles like **“Grand Theft Auto V”**, **“Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare”**, and **“Valorant”**. Streamers earn revenue through **virtual goods** purchased by viewers. The platform has also secured **licensing deals** with major game publishers such as **Krafton**, **Activision**, and **Riot**, leveraging a **first-mover advantage** in the market.

UAE-based Redwood has acquired a majority stake in the game streaming platform Loco as the Indian firm looks to expand focus to international markets, UAE-based Redwood has acquired a majority stake in the game streaming platform Loco in a $65 million deal.

From Seaweed Bars to Fitness Studios: Northeastern Students & Alumni Make Waves

Summary:

Northeastern: Where Innovation Meets Passion

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Other Latest News

From Ping Pong to Prosperity: How Automation Catapulted Our Startup to a $50M Valuation in Just 5 Years

Is OpenAI's $6.5 Billion Funding Round About to Close? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Amazon's Game-Changing $4 Billion AI Partnership with Anthropic Gets UK Approval

Unicorn Titans: How Indian-Americans Are Dominating the Startup Scene in the US

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Mendaera Secures $73M to Innovate Interventional Radiology with Robotics

Discover the 24 Innovative Startups Shaping Ukraine's Future Amidst Adversity

Redwood Acquires Majority Stake in Indian Game Streaming Platform Loco for $65 Million

Other Latest News

From Ping Pong to Prosperity: How Automation Catapulted Our Startup to a $50M Valuation in Just 5 Years

Is OpenAI's $6.5 Billion Funding Round About to Close? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Amazon's Game-Changing $4 Billion AI Partnership with Anthropic Gets UK Approval

Unicorn Titans: How Indian-Americans Are Dominating the Startup Scene in the US

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Mendaera Secures $73M to Innovate Interventional Radiology with Robotics

Discover the 24 Innovative Startups Shaping Ukraine's Future Amidst Adversity

Redwood Acquires Majority Stake in Indian Game Streaming Platform Loco for $65 Million