## **Hydrolix's Major Investment**  
Portland tech startup **Hydrolix** has announced a significant milestone, raising **$80 million** in fresh investment. This funding is crucial for the data management company as it aims to bolster its workforce and expand its reach across various online platforms.  
  
![Hydrolix](https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/v2/YI3KWUFBRBEU5BLPEQJLCPV4CI.jpg?auth=7323e3fabda78665dc39c4af04bcb1860963901e5e9a16310e555cfea695ea71&width=500&quality=90)  
*Hydrolix aims to make cloud computing more efficient.*  
  
## **Innovative Solutions for Data Management**  
Headquartered in the **Kiln coworking space** in Southeast Portland, Hydrolix specializes in helping companies manage vast amounts of online data. The company's technology is designed to **reduce costs** associated with accessing and searching digital information stored in data centers.  
  
With this substantial investment, Hydrolix is poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry, focusing on innovation and efficiency in data management.

Hydrolix said its technology helped manage the video stream of this year’s Super Bowl.

Hydrolix Secures $80 Million to Transform Data Management in Portland!

## A Night of Innovation at the TechCelerator @ Luzerne County

WILKES-BARRE — The inaugural **TechCelerator @ Luzerne County** pitch showcase and celebration took place at the **THINK Center** on Wednesday evening. This event marked the conclusion of a **ten-week program** designed to help local entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.

During the program, participants worked on every aspect of their business plans, including **customer development**, financials, legal considerations, and goal planning. The culmination of their hard work was presented in pitches to a panel of esteemed judges:
- **Jeremy Satterfield** from TechSpark Virginia at Microsoft
- **Jen Gilburg** from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
- **Kevin O’Boyle** from Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services

### Celebrating Passion and Aspiration
As **tecBRIDGE Executive Director Don Webster** stated, “Tonight’s about joy, it’s about aspiration, and it’s about passion.” The evening featured a variety of innovative business ideas, including:
- **Future-Proof Coaching**: A platform for career transition, presented by **Stephanie Gresh**.
- **Hunting Positivity**: A social media site focused on uplifting content, presented by **Hunter Wesolowski** and **Nathan Herman**.
- **State of Grace**: A personalized holistic wellness directory, presented by **Jasmyne Morgans**.
- **Project Headway Co.**: An alternative hair styling solutions concept, presented by **Charleen Murdock**.
- **BedRez**: A recovery resource for crisis care, presented by **James Monahan**.
- **Vital Health Enterprises**: A healthcare initiative for veterans, presented by **Angel Diaz Jr.**.
- **Tri-Path Synergies**: A client-centered wellness plan, presented by **Shaliyah Jones Vitale**.

After the presentations, judges provided feedback and deliberated on the winner of the **$2,000 grand prize**. Satterfield acknowledged the difficulty of their decision, stating, “You did not make this decision easy for the three of us.” Ultimately, **BedRez** was announced as the winner, with each presenter receiving **$500** for their efforts. Satterfield praised all participants, saying, “Each of you connected in a way with your personal stories... All seven of you guys are going to do wonderful.”

![James Monahan and the BedRez Team](https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/131414790_web1_IMG_4739.jpg)
*James Monahan (center) accepts a $2,000 check for BedRez, surrounded by supporters and judges.*


				<p>WILKES-BARRE — The inaugural TechCelerator @ Luzerne County pitch showcase and celebration event was held at the THINK Center on Wednesday night. It was the culmination of a ten-week program, during which entrepreneurial ventures were developed by their creators.</p>
			

Discover the Exciting Innovations from Luzerne County's First TechCelerator Showcase!

### Support for Black Entrepreneurs
The **Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation** has made a significant **$2 million donation** to the **Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)** in Atlanta, aimed at bolstering Black entrepreneurs during a critical time. This funding will help RICE expand its facilities and enhance its educational programs.

### Timely Assistance
Jay Bailey, RICE President and CEO, emphasized the importance of this donation, stating it comes at a pivotal moment as **$13 million in federal grants** have been paused due to executive orders from the Trump administration. The support from Blank is seen as crucial for maintaining momentum during uncertain times for nonprofits.

### Expansion Plans
RICE is currently undergoing construction to accommodate more entrepreneurs. The funding will ensure that this expansion proceeds as planned, allowing RICE to serve even more business founders.

![Jay Bailey at RICE](https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GYQUB6S3FTGVEBX5KL3FVHFYJE.JPG?auth=05e960559f66b5184e2cd89b038ee2ff560ec86b667ac8db1af7746661b95b4c&width=600&smart=true)
_Credit: Miguel Martinez_

### A Hub of Opportunity
The center, located in the original headquarters of **H.J. Russell and Co.**, a pioneering Black-owned firm, has transformed to support local entrepreneurs. RICE currently assists **641 companies** and collaborates with **14 partner organizations**, impacting over **10,000 entrepreneurs**.

### Economic Impact
According to Bailey, the entrepreneurs supported by RICE contributed **over $500 million** to Atlanta's economy last year, sustaining more than **4,000 jobs**. This emphasizes the role of small businesses in bridging economic disparities in Atlanta, one of the most economically unequal cities in the U.S.

### Future Aspirations
Bailey noted a **2,000-person waiting list** for RICE's services, highlighting that the expansion is essential for increasing support. The center's continued success is backed by contributions from local corporations like **Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Fiserv, and UPS**.

![Fay Twersky at RICE](https://www.ajc.com/resizer/v2/KVOBR22YLBAZBGKO4GLSX77YMA.jpg?auth=fd7c9c25410c5c0d1471310e913b12b3bae6e54af133ebde2699d5abbea0ea38&width=600&smart=true)
_Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez_

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has made a $2 million donation to an Atlanta center to support Black entrepreneurs at a crucial time. 

How a $2 Million Donation is Fueling Atlanta's Black Entrepreneurship Revolution

### Rihanna's Impact Beyond Music

Rihanna, the nine-time Grammy winner, has built a **business empire** valued at approximately **$1.4 billion**, making her one of the richest self-made women in America. Her influence extends beyond music to significant philanthropic efforts through the **Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF)**, named after her grandparents.

### A New Direction for the Clara Lionel Foundation

The foundation is undergoing a **refresh** aimed at directing more funds towards **climate solutions** and **women’s entrepreneurship** in under-invested areas like East Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. South. After 13 years of relative anonymity, CLF is ready to embrace a more visible role in philanthropy.

**Jessie Schutt-Aine**, the Executive Director, emphasizes the foundation's mission to reflect **Rihanna's spirit**: bold, ambitious, and innovative. The foundation has received praise for its **trust-based giving** model, which allows recipients to have unrestricted funding, enabling them to operate on their own terms.

### Origin and Growth of the Foundation

Rihanna founded CLF in 2012 with a **$516,000 contribution** after her grandmother's passing. Initially focused on **healthcare** in Barbados, the foundation has evolved to prioritize **emergency preparedness** and has disbursed over **$33 million** in grants, particularly during the pandemic.

CLF's revamped team is now concentrating on five key areas: **women’s entrepreneurship**, **climate solutions**, **arts and culture**, **health access**, and **future generations**. This focus on youth is especially praised by local leaders who see it as a critical way to support community work.

### Partnership and Community Engagement

A recent partnership with **The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation** aims to fund artist-led initiatives that protect Barbados' cultural heritage from the threats of **climate change**. This collaboration signifies a milestone for CLF, enhancing its visibility and impact.

### A Unique Philanthropic Model

Experts note that CLF's approach is distinctive among celebrity foundations, as it emphasizes **long-term relationships** with partners and **bottom-up funding** strategies. This model aligns with best practices in philanthropy, focusing on empowering local leaders and addressing root causes.

CLF continues to support various initiatives, including a **clean energy nonprofit** affected by Hurricane Helene, showcasing its commitment to communities during crises.

### A Commitment to Community

As philanthropic resources dwindle for many nonprofits, CLF is determined to expand its reach and support. They are planning a summer convening to connect grantees and foster collaboration. Schutt-Aine’s extensive experience in global health informs the foundation's grounded approach to community engagement, ensuring that they remain connected to the people they serve.

Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation is coming off a “refresh” that is poised to direct more funds toward climate solutions and women's entrepreneurship.

Rihanna's Philanthropic Revolution: Transforming Lives Through the Clara Lionel Foundation

## Overview of Israel's Defense Tech Landscape

Startup Nation Central, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the **Israeli innovation ecosystem**, has unveiled an updated **Israel Defense Tech Landscape Map**, showcasing **312 companies** operating within this dynamic sector. Originally developed in 2024, this updated map highlights the significant growth fueled by ongoing conflicts which have accelerated the expansion of existing defense tech firms and inspired new entrepreneurial ventures to address urgent security needs on the battlefield.

![Aerospace Defense and HLS Landscape - Part 1](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657502/Startup_Nation_Central_1.jpg?w=400)

## Driving Forces Behind the Growth

In **Israel**, innovation in **Aerospace, Defense, and Homeland Security (HLS)** is driven by real-world challenges, with technology being deployed rapidly to tackle emerging threats. The sector has seen a surge in both **military demand** and **government support**, establishing Israel as a **hub for defense tech innovation**. The landscape includes a variety of subsectors such as **autonomous systems**, **cyber defense**, and **AI and robotics**.

![Aerospace Defense and HLS Landscape - Part 2](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2657503/Startup_Nation_Central_2.jpg?w=400)

## Investment and Innovation

The **defense tech sector** in Israel is recognized globally for its **cutting-edge technologies** and solutions. Significant investment has been attracted to this sector, fostering a culture of rapid innovation that meets both domestic and international needs. CEO of Startup Nation Central, **Avi Hasson**, emphasized that Israel's unique security challenges have catalyzed the development of some of the world's most advanced defense systems.

## The Future of Defense Technology

As global threats evolve, nations cannot merely react; they must anticipate future challenges. **Ilana Sherrington-Hoffman** from Startup Nation Central pointed out that Israel's relentless cycle of innovation, shaped by real-world testing, is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in defense technologies. The **defense tech landscape map** serves as a vital resource for investors and corporations seeking innovative solutions.

For more detailed insights and to explore the map, visit [Israel's Defense Tech landscape map](https://108.181.4.241/reports/aerospace-defense-hls-landscape-map?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9maW5kZXIuc3RhcnR1cG5hdGlvbmNlbnRyYWwub3Jn).

## About Startup Nation Central

Startup Nation Central provides an invaluable platform for global solution seekers to access Israel's expertise in tackling complex challenges through **Impatient Innovation**. Their free business engagement platform, **Finder**, offers real-time insights into the Israeli tech ecosystem, enabling users to explore opportunities and forge business connections.

/PRNewswire/ -- Startup Nation Central, a non-profit promoting the Israeli innovation ecosystem around the world, has updated its Israel Defense Tech Landscape...

Explosive Growth in Israel's Defense Tech Sector: 312 Companies and Counting!

### Introduction
With the recent announcements from President Donald Trump regarding tariffs, a **Web3 startup** is stepping up to tackle the complexities of tariff tracking. **Watr**, led by former executives from Shell, BP, and J.P. Morgan, aims to leverage its **blockchain platform** to automatically track tariffs on goods entering and leaving the USA.

### The Vision Behind Watr
Maryam Ayati, the CEO of Watr, emphasizes the potential of their platform, stating, "We will augment reported data with machine-sourced data from satellites and sensors to track commodity origins." This innovation could provide pre-transaction tariff checks, ensuring compliance and reducing potential financial losses for traders.

### Addressing Global Trade Challenges
Watr's technology aims to address discrepancies in commodity trading, where traders might misrepresent the destination of goods to maximize profits. By using Watr’s system, traders can verify tariff obligations before any financial transaction occurs, potentially speeding up global trade impacted by tariffs.

### Blockchain Technology at Work
Watr utilizes **blockchain tools** to track commodities, featuring decentralized IDs and digital fingerprints for raw materials. The platform's goal is to modernize the global economy's infrastructure, focusing on **trust**, **traceability**, and **liquidity** in trade.

### Transition to Avalanche Blockchain
Recently, Watr announced its migration to the **Avalanche blockchain**, which allows for the creation of tailored solutions for specific industries. This move indicates a commitment to scalability and industry-specific adaptations.

### Industry Perspectives
Industry experts recognize the ambitious nature of Watr's claims. Keld Van Schreven, a Web3 VC, noted that if Watr can deliver on its promises, it could significantly impact blockchain adoption in global trade. However, he also highlighted the importance of market validation and transaction volume as indicators of success.

### Conclusion
Watr's innovative approach to tariff tracking could reshape the landscape of global commodities trading, making it more efficient and compliant. As the technology evolves, the potential for widespread adoption in the industry remains to be seen.

With President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs coming out today — a day he is calling “Liberation Day” — a Web3 startup thinks it could track

Revolutionizing Tariff Tracking: How a Web3 Startup is Transforming Global Trade

### **Biotech Funding Trends**  
Funding in the biotechnology sector continues to show strength as **venture firms** shift their focus towards **larger investment rounds**. In the first quarter of 2025, the **median funding round** among tracked firms was approximately **$93 million**, matching the median of the previous year and surpassing earlier quarters.  
  
### **Megarounds Dominate**  
Remarkably, the **second, third, and fourth quarters of 2024** saw median rounds exceeding **$100 million**, marking them as **biotech 'megarounds'**. During the first quarter of this year, **$3.2 billion** of the **$4.1 billion** tracked investment was allocated to these megarounds. Notable rounds included:  
- **$600 million** for **Isomorphic Labs** (AI drug discovery)  
- **$411 million** Series A for **Verdiva Bio** (obesity)  
- **$351 million** Series D for **Eikon Therapeutics** (cancer treatment)  
  
### **Investor Strategies**  
The increase in funding sizes reflects a **strategic shift** among investors, who are increasingly willing to dilute their ownership stakes in exchange for backing companies with promising growth trajectories. This trend is particularly evident in startups with **clinic-ready drug programs** emerging from **China**, where biotech firms can progress faster and at lower costs compared to their U.S. counterparts.  
  
### **Valuation Concerns and IPO Market**  
Despite the influx of funding, the high valuations of these startups could lead to potential challenges in their path to public markets. There is a possibility of **'down rounds'**, where companies may receive lower valuations in future financings to set favorable conditions for public offerings. This valuation discrepancy is one reason for the slow pace of **IPOs** in the biotech sector.  
  
### **Market Outlook**  
While the rise in **round sizes** has contributed to a rebound in investment following a downturn, some investors express caution about a potential slowdown. Negative sentiment among public investors and ongoing regulatory uncertainties may impact future funding dynamics.  

![Biotech Venture Capital Funding Sizes](https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/HSkb5jk779fNhKMv92OAXkspog4IzUHcKVWUY1AuNl0/g:ce/rs:fit:1600:0/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS8ycWYyQy1iaW90ZWNoLW1lZ2Fyb3VuZHMtaGF2ZS1iZWNvbWUtbW9yZS1jb21tb24tc2luY2UtdGhlLXN0YXJ0LW9mLTIwMjQxX2J3T0tUT3IucG5n.webp)  
*Gwendolyn Wu/BioPharma Dive, data from [BioPharma Dive](https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biotech-venture-capital-funding-startup-tracker/726829/)*  

![Total Raised by Private Biotechs](https://imgproxy.divecdn.com/oKUImD5azfiM-lQkgVWUIV8J33S9lldc9JiP1jefZ_Q/g:ce/rs:fit:1600:0/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9qQjRlUC12ZW50dXJlLWZ1bmRpbmctdG90YWxzLWhhdmUtaW5jcmVhc2VkLXNpbmNlLWJvdHRvbWluZy1vdXQtaW4tMjAyMy0ucG5n.webp)  
*Gwendolyn Wu/BioPharma Dive, data from [BioPharma Dive](https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biotech-venture-capital-funding-startup-tracker/726829/)*

More than three-quarters of private biotech investment tracked by BioPharma Dive between January and March was distributed via rounds worth at least $100 million, which experts believe reflects a strategic shift.

Biotech Investment Trends: The Rise of $100 Million 'Megarounds' in 2025

BP has officially **started gas production** from its Cypre development located offshore Trinidad and Tobago, marking a significant project startup as the company pivots back to oil and gas. This project is part of BP's **10 major projects** set to launch globally between 2025 and 2027, reinforcing its strategy to enhance upstream production.

### Recent Developments
The Cypre development is the **second major project** to commence in just two months, highlighting BP's commitment to convincing shareholders of its strengthened investment case following its strategic reset.

In February, BP hinted at a **major strategy reset** and subsequently announced the start of production from the second development phase of the Raven field offshore Egypt. This project involves the **subsea tieback of additional wells** to existing infrastructure in the West Nile Delta (WND) project.

### Investment Strategy
As part of its reset, BP declared an **increase in upstream oil and gas investment** to **$10 billion per year**, while reducing spending on clean energy initiatives by more than **$5 billion annually**. The company aims to initiate **10 new major projects** by the end of 2027, with expectations to boost production to **2.3–2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day** by 2030, and further increase capacity by 2035.

### Future Projects
So far, two of the ten major projects have begun production this year. Recently, BP also **approved the Ginger natural gas project** offshore Trinidad and Tobago. This project will include **four subsea wells** tied back to the existing Mahogany B platform, with first gas anticipated in 2027.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

BP has announced the start of gas production from its Cypre development offshore Trinidad and Tobago, marking another project startup since the company refocused its strategy on oil and gas.

Hydrolix Secures $80 Million to Transform Data Management in Portland!

Summary:

Hydrolix's Major Investment

Innovative Solutions for Data Management

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Other Latest News

Discover the Exciting Innovations from Luzerne County's First TechCelerator Showcase!

How a $2 Million Donation is Fueling Atlanta's Black Entrepreneurship Revolution

Rihanna's Philanthropic Revolution: Transforming Lives Through the Clara Lionel Foundation

Explosive Growth in Israel's Defense Tech Sector: 312 Companies and Counting!

Revolutionizing Tariff Tracking: How a Web3 Startup is Transforming Global Trade

Biotech Investment Trends: The Rise of $100 Million 'Megarounds' in 2025

BP's Bold Move: Launching Major Oil and Gas Projects Amid Strategic Shift

Other Latest News

Discover the Exciting Innovations from Luzerne County's First TechCelerator Showcase!

How a $2 Million Donation is Fueling Atlanta's Black Entrepreneurship Revolution

Rihanna's Philanthropic Revolution: Transforming Lives Through the Clara Lionel Foundation

Explosive Growth in Israel's Defense Tech Sector: 312 Companies and Counting!

Revolutionizing Tariff Tracking: How a Web3 Startup is Transforming Global Trade

Biotech Investment Trends: The Rise of $100 Million 'Megarounds' in 2025

BP's Bold Move: Launching Major Oil and Gas Projects Amid Strategic Shift