**Climate-focused Venture Capitalists (VCs)** are increasingly turning their attention towards the **defense technology sector**. This trend highlights an important intersection between environmental concerns and national security. Startups are leveraging **innovative technologies** to address both climate change and defense needs. As governments around the world prioritize **sustainability** in their defense strategies, the opportunity for growth in this niche market is becoming more apparent. **Investors** are keen to back startups that can provide solutions that serve dual purposes: protecting the environment while ensuring national security. The **collaboration between climate tech and defense** is paving the way for a new era of innovation, and startups that can navigate this landscape stand to benefit immensely.

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How Climate VCs are Capitalizing on the Defense Tech Boom

### Navigating the Trade War Landscape

In today's **dynamic world trade environment**, companies face increasing challenges due to tariffs and regulations. This has made it essential for businesses to adapt quickly, and **Utah-based startup Tarifflo** is stepping up to the challenge.

### Meet Tarifflo

Tarifflo, a **student-led startup from Utah State University**, recently won a **$20,000 grand prize** at the Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge hosted by the University of Utah's Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. The startup's platform utilizes **artificial intelligence** to automate international trade documentation, significantly outperforming traditional software solutions.

### The Problem with Current Trade Processes

For companies involved in e-commerce or manufacturing, the process of clearing goods through customs can be **tedious and costly**. Companies must classify their goods and navigate a maze of **government documents** to determine tariff rates and ensure compliance with regulations. As Bryce Judy, Tarifflo's CEO and co-founder, explains, this process can be incredibly time-consuming, often taking hours or days to complete.

### The Innovative Solution

Tarifflo's **AI-driven technology** simplifies this process by generating detailed documents and managing tariff rates in real-time. According to Judy, what used to require a whole team can now be accomplished in **minutes**. The platform incorporates a vast database covering **nontariff measures**, **free-trade agreements**, and various regulatory compliance documents.

### The Journey of Tarifflo

The idea for Tarifflo emerged during a coding competition at Utah State University, where Judy and his co-founder realized the potential to automate trade compliance tasks. With the encouragement of mentors and industry professionals, they decided to pursue their startup full-time, leading to the rapid development and success of their platform.

### Future Prospects

Since its inception, Tarifflo has attracted interest from publicly traded companies and is expanding its services to include **freight brokers** and customs brokerage firms. As trade regulations continue to evolve, Judy envisions Tarifflo becoming a **one-stop shop** for all trade compliance needs, enhancing supply chain management in the process.

![Tarifflo co-founders Tanner Helms and Bryce Judy](https://img.ksl.com/slc/3049/304900/30490075.jpeg?filter=kslv2/inline_lg)

*Tarifflo co-founders Tanner Helms (left) and Bryce Judy (right) at the Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge.*

Utah-based startup Tarifflo offers an AI-powered platform that automates international trade documentation, outperforming traditional and competing software solutions. 

Discover How Tarifflo is Revolutionizing International Trade with AI Amidst Trade Conflicts

## A New Era in Aerospace

**OSLO, Norway** — A private European aerospace company, **Isar Aerospace**, made headlines with the launch of its **Spectrum rocket** from **Andøya, northern Norway**. Although the rocket crashed into the sea just **30 seconds** after liftoff, the company hailed the test flight as a success. 

The **28-meter-long** (92-foot-long) Spectrum is designed to place small and medium satellites into orbit. Launched at **12:30 p.m.** (1030 GMT), the flight was terminated after **30 seconds**, allowing the team to gather significant **flight data** and experience for future missions. 

**Daniel Metzler**, Isar’s CEO and co-founder, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This allowed the company to gather a substantial amount of flight data and experience to apply on future missions.” 

### Launch Challenges and Expectations

The launch faced various challenges, including **weather conditions** that had previously scrubbed attempts on **March 24** and **Saturday**. Despite these setbacks, Metzler noted, “**Our first test flight met all our expectations**, achieving a great success.” The flight validated the company’s **Flight Termination System**, crucial for safety in future launches. 

**Josef Aschbacher**, ESA Director General, praised the effort, emphasizing the difficulties of rocket launches and encouraging Isar Aerospace to learn from the experience. 

Isar Aerospace operates independently from the **European Space Agency** (ESA), which has a long history of launching rockets from locations like **French Guiana** and **Cape Canaveral** in Florida. 

The company aims to leverage the data collected during this flight to enhance its systems and prepare for future missions.

A rocket by a private European aerospace company launched from Norway on Sunday and crashed into the sea 30 seconds later.

A European Startup's Bold Leap: The Launch and Crash of Its Spectrum Rocket

### Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs at NewBo City Market

On Saturday, **shoppers and supporters** flocked to the **NewBo City Market** for the **Women-Owned Business Market**, a vibrant event dedicated to showcasing and celebrating **women entrepreneurs**. This gathering not only provided a platform for local business owners to connect with the community but also highlighted the significant impact of **women-led enterprises**.

![Women-Owned Business Market](https://cbs2iowa.com/resources/media2/16x9/4032/986/center/90/652c62ec-62a8-4a44-9868-48f49f23f01d-womenmarket1.jpeg)

For those who missed this exciting event, **NewBo City Market** regularly hosts various vendor markets and community gatherings, offering more chances to shop local and celebrate **entrepreneurship**. 

### Key Takeaways
- **Community Engagement**: The market fosters connections between local business owners and the community.
- **Support for Women-led Ventures**: The event underscores the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs.
- **Ongoing Opportunities**: NewBo City Market continues to provide platforms for local vendors.

![Another View of Women-Owned Business Market](https://cbs2iowa.com/resources/media2/16x9/4032/648/center/90/40c59c6b-8970-4694-af54-7b6b2f0aabd6-wm2.jpeg)

Shoppers and supporters gathered at NewBo City Market on Saturday for the Women-Owned Business Market, an event dedicated to showcasing and celebrating women en

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the Vibrant NewBo City Market

### **The Rise of Tech Startups in Defense**  
Visit tech startup **Skydio’s** headquarters in San Francisco, and you may see flying robots buzzing overhead. These drones can fly autonomously and without GPS, utilizing AI for data collection and mission execution. With over **$740 million** in venture capital and a valuation of **$2.5 billion**, Skydio is now the largest US drone manufacturer, supplying not just civilian organizations but also the US military and its allies.  
  
### **A New Trend in Defense Technology**  
Skydio is part of a growing wave of military tech unicorns aiming to transform military capabilities with advanced technology. Venture capital investments in defense tech startups surged to nearly **$155 billion** globally between 2021 and 2024, showing a significant uptick from previous years.  
  
### **Changing the Game**  
Startups like Skydio are pushing to provide **smarter, faster, and cheaper** defense solutions. They argue that the traditional defense primes, such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, lack the agility needed to meet modern warfare demands. The US is reportedly home to over **1,000** venture-backed defense companies.  
  
### **Innovative Technologies**  
The technologies being developed range from autonomous drones to generative AI for military planning, with companies like **Anduril Industries** focusing on autonomous systems. Another startup, **Castelion**, is working on hypersonic long-range missiles, aiming to produce them in quantities that create a deterrent effect.  
  
### **Concerns and Criticism**  
While the potential for innovation is immense, there are concerns regarding the rapid growth expectations of venture capital, which could lead to unreliable products. Critics argue that this shift may inadvertently push the US and its allies closer to war.  
  
### **The Future of Defense Startups**  
As the defense industry evolves, traditional primes are expected to adapt, possibly leading to consolidation. The debate continues on how best to balance innovation with responsible military capabilities, especially under the current administration's procurement strategies.

Venture capital-backed, $1bn companies are disrupting the way war will be waged with AI and futuristic weapons. Will they overthrow the traditional big military manufacturers, and what would that mean for the battlefield?

Revolutionizing Warfare: How Tech Startups are Disrupting Defense with Silicon Valley Innovation

### Who is Trevor Milton?

**Trevor Milton** is the founder of **Nikola**, a startup launched in **2014** that designs and manufactures **electric vehicles (EVs)**, including semi-trucks and pickup trucks. The company made headlines when it went public on **Nasdaq** in **June 2020**, but soon after, it became embroiled in numerous controversies.

![Trevor Milton](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-119709787,width-650,height-488,imgsize-131364,resizemode-75/file-photo-ceo-and-founder-of-u-s-nikola-trevor-milton-speaks-during-a-news-conference-in-turin.jpg)

### Controversies Emerge

Following its IPO, **Nikola** faced legal scrutiny as both the **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)** and the **Department of Justice (DOJ)** launched investigations into allegations of securities fraud. In **February**, the company filed for **Chapter 11 bankruptcy**.

A significant lawsuit was initiated by **Hindenburg Research**, which accused Nikola of being an "intricate fraud" and severely impacted the company’s stock prices.

### Milton's Conviction

In **2024**, Milton was convicted of fraud for exaggerating Nikola's technology capabilities and misleading investors. Key allegations included:
- A promotional video that falsely depicted a truck driving on a highway was actually of a non-functional vehicle rolling down a hill.
- Claims that the company developed its own truck, which was actually a modified **General Motors** vehicle.
- Testimonies from Nikola's CEO indicated that Milton often exaggerated the company's achievements.

Milton received a **four-year prison sentence**. US Attorney **Damian Williams** emphasized that Milton's actions serve as a warning that misleading investors is a serious offense.

### Trump Connection

Recently, **Donald Trump** granted a pardon to Milton, who expressed gratitude for the decision, stating it was a matter of **innocence**. Notably, Milton had contributed **$1.8 million** to Trump’s re-election campaign shortly before the pardon. Trump defended Milton, suggesting his only fault was supporting him.

This pardon could potentially relieve Milton from **hundreds of millions** in restitution that prosecutors were pursuing for defrauded investors.

Trevor Milton is the founder of Nikola in 2014, a startup which designs and manufactures EVs, including semi-trucks and pickup trucks. The firm listed on Nasdaq in June 2020, after which it was engulfed by controversies. 

The Rise and Fall of Trevor Milton: From Startup Visionary to Convicted Fraudster and Trump Pardonee

Elon Musk announced on Friday that his **artificial intelligence startup, xAI**, has successfully acquired his social media platform, **X**. This all-stock transaction values X at an impressive **$33 billion**.  

In Musk's words, "**xAI** and **X’s futures are intertwined**. Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution, and talent."  

This acquisition merges two of Musk's most notable ventures, but details remain scarce since both companies are privately held. It is still unclear if Musk will see any immediate financial benefits from this deal. Recently, X raised **$1 billion** from investors, which had valued it at **$44 billion**. Musk took X private in 2022 at nearly the same valuation.  

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, echoed Musk's sentiments by stating, "**The future could not be brighter.**"  

Musk launched xAI in **2023**, introducing **Grok**, an AI-powered chatbot designed to rival offerings from **OpenAI**, **Google**, and **Microsoft**. Grok has since been integrated into X, with users frequently utilizing it to interact with posts. Musk has promoted Grok as an anti-"woke" AI that seeks the truth, although it has shown discrepancies with Musk's own views.  

Musk believes this merger will **unlock immense potential** by fusing xAI’s capabilities with X’s vast reach, promising **smarter, more meaningful experiences** for billions of users. This strategic move aligns with Musk’s goal of creating a platform that not only reflects the world but also helps **accelerate human progress**.  

The AI sector is experiencing a significant boom, attracting substantial investments. Major firms like **Blackrock**, **Fidelity**, **Morgan Stanley**, and top chip manufacturers **Nvidia** and **AMD** have invested in xAI, raising its valuation to **$45 billion**. Reports indicate that xAI is contemplating another fundraising effort that could elevate its worth to **$75 billion**.  

Amid this AI surge, Musk has also become more politically involved, aligning with former President **Donald Trump**, who has made AI a campaign issue, promising to ease regulations surrounding its development.  

As the AI race intensifies, experts express concerns about the implications of an unregulated arms race, particularly as countries like **China** strive to take the lead in AI technology.

Elon Musk said Friday that his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, had acquired his social media platform, X. He said that the deal was an all-stock transaction that valued X at $33 billion.

Elon Musk's xAI Acquires Social Media Giant X in a $33 Billion Deal!

Starting a business can be an exciting yet challenging journey. With over **21 million new business applications** filed in the last four years, according to the **U.S. Small Business Administration**, it's crucial to choose the right location for your entrepreneurial venture. Some states provide better opportunities than others, and data from the **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** and the **U.S. Census Bureau** helps identify these hotspots.

### Top Cities for Startups
Cities like **San Francisco**, **New York City**, **Mountain View**, **Boston**, **Redwood City**, and **Palo Alto** are recognized as startup giants. Interestingly, while California boasts a high number of startups (179,415), it ranks only **10th** for startup opportunities due to a **10-year survival rate** of just **35%**.

### Startup Opportunity Score
To determine the best states for startups, researchers calculated a **startup opportunity score** based on the total number of startups, the number of startups per **100,000 people**, and their **10-year survival rates**.

### Best States for Startups
1. **Montana**  
   - Total startups: **4,800**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **422**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **41%**  
   - Opportunity score: **9.55**  
   ![Montana](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1743193338_Montana-GettyImages-1428590621.jpg?width=1000)  
   *Bozeman, Montana. Credit: Getty Images*  

2. **Oregon**  
   - Total startups: **15,149**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **355**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **36.4%**  
   - Opportunity score: **8.00**  

3. **Nevada**  
   - Total startups: **12,034**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **368**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **33.5%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.20**  

4. **Utah**  
   - Total startups: **13,384**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **382**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **35%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.15**  
   ![Utah](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1743193508_Utah-GettyImages-2149497629.jpg?width=1000)  
   *Salt Lake City, Utah. Credit: Getty Images*  

5. **Florida**  
   - Total startups: **86,692**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **371**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **34.7%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.10**  

6. **Wyoming**  
   - Total startups: **2,782**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **473**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **34.5%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.10**  

7. **Idaho**  
   - Total startups: **8,548**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **427**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **33.1%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.05**  
   ![Idaho](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1743193597_Idaho-GettyImages-866840756.jpg?width=1000)  
   *Boise, Idaho. Credit: Getty Images*  

8. **Delaware**  
   - Total startups: **3,565**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **339**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **32.8%**  
   - Opportunity score: **7.00**  

9. **Vermont**  
   - Total startups: **2,843**  
   - Startups per 100,000: **438**  
   - 10-year survival rate: **37%**  
   - Opportunity score: **6.85**  

10. **California**  
    - Total startups: **179,415**  
    - Startups per 100,000: **455**  
    - 10-year survival rate: **35%**  
    - Opportunity score: **6.25**  
    ![California](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1743193729_San-Francisco-GettyImages-2114671829.jpg?width=1000)  
    *San Francisco, California. Credit: Getty Images*  

Explore the full study for more insights into where to best launch your startup.

Looking to start your own business? Here are the 10 best states for startups and entrepreneurs, according to a new report. 

How Climate VCs are Capitalizing on the Defense Tech Boom

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