### The Rise of Origami Agents

In the heart of **Hayes Valley**, a group of dedicated entrepreneurs known as **Origami Agents** is on a mission to challenge **trillion-dollar tech giants** in the realm of **AI development**. Their approach is simple yet intense: a **relentless work ethic** that sees them grinding out **17-hour days**, fueled by determination and, quite literally, **pounds of ground beef**.

### The Vision

These startup kids believe that with enough hard work and innovation, they can create AI agents that outperform established competitors. Their commitment to their cause is a testament to the startup culture that thrives in **Silicon Valley**, where the combination of **passion** and **perseverance** often leads to groundbreaking advancements.

### The Challenge Ahead

While the stakes are high, the team at Origami Agents remains undeterred. They are not just working to develop AI; they are striving to redefine the **entire landscape** of technology as we know it. As they navigate through the challenges posed by larger corporations, their story serves as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech world.

Origami Agents is trying to beat trillion-dollar tech incumbents at developing AI agents with a relentless work ethic and many, many pounds of ground beef.

Inside the Grind: Meet the Relentless Startup Kids of Hayes Valley

### The Unexpected Government Crackdown
In February, **David Casem**, CEO of **Telnyx**, an internet voice call carrier, faced an unexpected challenge when the **FCC** accused his company of failing to properly vet customers who made scam robocalls targeting the FCC itself. The proposed fine? A staggering **$4.5 million**.

### A Bold Decision to Fight Back
Typically, tech executives might opt to pay the fine or negotiate a settlement, especially in the face of such a serious enforcement action. However, with **President Trump** in office, Casem decided to take a stand against what he perceived as unjust regulation. The Trump administration's **anti-regulation** stance gave him the courage to fight back.

### Rallying Support in D.C.
Casem enlisted the help of lobbyists and political consultants, including **P2 Pathway Public Affairs**, known for its association with **Elon Musk**. He traveled to Washington D.C. to gather support and allies in Congress. Recently, Telnyx publicly demanded that the FCC rescind the proposed fine, arguing that the company is a victim of unjust regulation under the Biden administration.

### Leveraging Executive Orders
In his defense, Casem pointed to two **Trump executive orders** aimed at increasing transparency in federal enforcement actions and eliminating unconstitutional regulations. He expressed hope that the FCC would reconsider its stance, stating that the enforcement action contradicts the President's agenda.

### A Wider Trend of Resistance
The atmosphere in Washington has shifted since Trump took office, emboldening businesses to push back against regulatory actions. For instance, the **SEC** recently withdrew several lawsuits against crypto exchanges that were initiated under Biden. Telnyx’s actions may set a precedent for other companies looking to challenge regulatory decisions.

### The Robocall Scam Incident
The controversy surrounding Telnyx stems from a robocall scam that targeted FCC officials, including Chairman **Brendan Carr**. Despite following best practices for fraud detection, Telnyx was caught in the crossfire of this enforcement action, which surprised Casem as he believed the FCC was investigating the robocallers, not his company.

### The Future of Regulatory Appeals
Casem has hired additional groups to bolster their appeal to the Trump administration and has expressed confidence that their arguments align with the President’s agenda. If Telnyx succeeds in overturning the FCC's action, it may encourage other companies to adopt similar strategies in dealing with regulatory challenges. As **Kevin Werbach**, a law professor at Wharton, noted, this could become a common practice in the coming years.

Telnyx, an internet voice call carrier, is trying to use Trump’s anti-regulation agenda to get an enforcement action by the FCC overturned.



How a Startup is Leveraging Trump's Anti-Regulation Strategy to Challenge the FCC

### Reflection AI Launches with Major Funding

**Reflection AI Inc.**, a groundbreaking startup founded by former Google DeepMind researchers, has launched with **$130 million** in early-stage funding. This impressive capital was acquired through two rounds, starting with a **$25 million seed investment** led by **Sequoia Capital** and **CRV**, followed by a significant **$105 million Series A** round co-led by **Lightspeed Venture Partners**.

![Reflection AI](https://d15shllkswkct0.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2015/07/C1-2059-7-x-96x96.jpg)

### High-Profile Investors

The funding rounds attracted notable investors including **Nvidia Corp.’s** venture capital arm, **Reid Hoffman** (LinkedIn co-founder), and **Alexandr Wang** (CEO of Scale AI). **Reflection AI** is currently valued at **$555 million**.

### Leadership and Vision

The startup is co-founded by **Misha Laskin**, who serves as CEO and was instrumental in developing the training workflow for **Google’s Gemini** large language model series, and **Ioannis Antonoglou**, who specialized in Gemini’s post-training systems. Their goal is to create **superintelligence**, defined as an AI system capable of performing a majority of computer-related tasks.

### Initial Focus on Autonomous Programming Tools

As a first step, **Reflection AI** is developing an **autonomous programming tool**. The company believes that the technical foundations required for this tool are also applicable in the creation of a superintelligence. The team aims to develop AI agents that automate specific programming tasks, including:
- **Scanning code for vulnerabilities**
- **Optimizing memory usage**
- **Testing for reliability issues**

Additionally, the technology will generate **documentation** for code snippets and manage application infrastructure.

### Innovative Approach to AI Training

According to a recent job posting, **Reflection AI** plans to utilize **LLMs** (large language models) and **reinforcement learning** to power its software. This approach simplifies the creation of datasets by eliminating the need for explanatory data points. The company is also exploring **novel architectures** beyond the traditional **Transformer** neural network, potentially utilizing the **Mamba architecture**, which offers improved efficiency.

### Future Developments

The company’s plans include training its models with a vast array of graphics cards and developing **vLLM-like platforms** for non-LLM models, aimed at enhancing memory usage during model operation. As the company progresses, their agents are expected to take on increasingly complex tasks, boosting productivity and efficiency within software development.

**Investors from Sequoia Capital** envision a future where autonomous coding agents alleviate workloads, allowing teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. 

### Photo Credit: Sequoia Capital

Superintelligence startup Reflection AI launches with $130M in funding - SiliconANGLE

Reflection AI Secures $130M to Pioneer Superintelligence Development

**Introduction to Freedom Cities**  
In a bold move, the architects behind projects like **Próspera** are advocating for the creation of **Freedom Cities** in the U.S., which would operate free from federal regulations. As **Allen** notes, there is abundant capital and political will, but the significant barrier remains the stringent regulations that stifle innovation.  
  
**The Debate Around Freedom Cities**  
However, not everyone is on board. **Gil Duran**, a political consultant, raises concerns about the implications of such cities, questioning what it means to exist outside the law. He warns that these cities could lead to the **hollowing out** of other areas, creating a divide between those who benefit from deregulation and those who do not.  
  
**Tax Structure and Regulation**  
Unlike **Próspera**, which has a distinct tax structure from Honduras, Freedom Cities in the U.S. would likely follow similar tax obligations as other American cities, with the primary difference lying in their regulatory framework.  
  
**The Rise of Biotech and Longevity**  
One of the companies poised to thrive in this environment is **Minicircle**, a biotech firm focused on **gene therapies** aimed at extending human lifespans. Backed by prominent figures like **Thiel** and **Sam Altman**, Minicircle has its roots in both Texas and Próspera, with its innovative **clinical trials** being possible only in deregulated spaces. Co-founder **Mac Davis** envisions a future where a ‘**longevity city**’ could see widespread adoption of gene therapies.  
  
**American Dynamism and New Industries**  
The industries targeted for growth in Freedom Cities include **energy**, **nuclear**, **semiconductors**, and **defense technology**—sectors that venture capital is increasingly focusing on. Allen refers to this trend as **American Dynamism**, a concept highlighted in a manifesto by **Andreessen Horowitz**. The venture capital landscape has seen over **$100 billion** invested in defense tech startups since 2021.  
  
**Nuclear Power and AI Data Centers**  
In an effort to support energy needs for **AI data centers**, major tech companies are exploring **nuclear power**. Amazon, Google, and Meta are among those making significant strides in this area, recognizing the potential of nuclear energy to meet their growing demands.  
  
**Manufacturing and Housing Innovations**  
Deregulation could also facilitate the establishment of manufacturing hubs and shipbuilding ports, bypassing environmental review processes. Partners like the **American Enterprise Institute** are eager to leverage Freedom Cities to address housing shortages.  
  
**Concerns About Democracy and Workers' Rights**  
Despite the potential advantages, Duran cautions that the same deregulation could lead to **cities without democracy** and **workers' rights**, where corporate interests dominate. This raises critical questions about the implications of creating such sovereign entities at the expense of broader societal freedoms.

The architects of projects like Próspera are drafting legislation to create US cities that would be free from federal regulations.

Unlocking the Future: How 'Freedom Cities' Could Transform American Entrepreneurship

### Overview
Recent developments suggest that the **office deal** involving Sam Altman’s crypto startup in San Francisco may be in jeopardy. This situation could have significant implications for both the startup and the local business landscape.

### Key Details
The deal, which was anticipated to bolster the startup's presence in the vibrant tech hub of San Francisco, is now facing uncertainties. Factors contributing to this potential fallout include market fluctuations and internal company dynamics that may hinder the transaction's completion.

### Implications for the Startup Ecosystem
If this deal falls through, it could affect not only the startup itself but also the broader **crypto industry** in the area, highlighting the challenges faced by emerging companies in securing physical space amidst an evolving market.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. **The outcome of this deal could reshape the landscape for startups in the tech sector.**

Is the Deal with Sam Altman's Crypto Startup in San Francisco Falling Apart?

### Google's Recent Changes to the Founders Fund

Just weeks after Google announced a review of its **diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)** programs, significant changes have surfaced on the Google for Startups Founders Fund webpage. **Most notably**, the language describing its funding for underrepresented founders has shifted to past tense, indicating a potentially troubling trend.

### The Founders Fund Background

Launched in **2020**, Google's Founders Fund aimed to provide **monetary grants, mentorship,** and **product support** for startups led by underrepresented founders, including women and individuals from African and Latino backgrounds. The fund reportedly disbursed over **$50 million** to more than **600 founders**, offering not just financial aid but also mentorship and Google Cloud credits.

### Current Status of Grant Programs

However, the current status of these grant programs is alarming. The website now states that there are **zero fund programs available**, raising questions about the future of initiatives that specifically target minority groups. The programs that have been labeled as **past funds** include the **Women’s Founders Fund**, **Latino Founders Fund**, and the **Black Founders Fund** for both the U.S. and Brazil.

### Shift in Focus?

It's unclear which programs have ended or been suspended, but Google's vague responses suggest a **shift in focus** away from underrepresented founders towards **AI startups**. A spokesperson indicated that while applications for the Google for Startups Funds in 2025 have not yet opened, the emphasis will be on supporting AI-focused startups.

### Language Changes on the Website

In addition to the program changes, the language used on the website has also evolved. Previously, the site emphasized **financial support for underrepresented communities**. Now, it has pivoted to a more generalized description, stating it provides **financial support for innovators** without any specific mention of underrepresented groups.

### The Broader Context

This trend of distancing from DEI initiatives is not isolated to Google. Other tech giants, including **Meta** and **Amazon**, have also begun adjusting their DEI language and activities amid increasing political pressure to roll back such programs. Reports indicate that while companies publicly distance themselves from DEI, they may continue to support such initiatives privately.

Simultaneously, U.S. grant programs designed for underrepresented communities have faced various legal challenges, highlighting the precarious position these initiatives are in today.

![Google Startups](https://example.com/google-startups-image.jpg)

*Source: TechCrunch*

Just weeks after Google said it would review its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the Google for Startups Founders Fund web page is peppered

Shocking Shift: Google Drops 'Underrepresented' Language from Grant Program!

### The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs After 40

When envisioning a successful **startup founder**, the typical image often skews towards **young male entrepreneurs**. However, the narratives of **Joanna Strober, Julie Bornstein, Sara Schiller**, and **Karen Robinovitz** challenge this stereotype. All four women launched their successful ventures after the age of **40**, proving that age can be an asset in entrepreneurship.

### The Advantage of Experience

Recent studies have highlighted that **women-founded companies** tend to generate **higher revenue** despite receiving less funding. A **2020 study** revealed that the average age of founders behind the **highest-growth ventures** is **45**. The insights gained through years of experience allow these women to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.

![Joanna Strober and Karen Robinovitz](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1741371837_sloomoo_edit_missing_tooth-0280_FIX_v001.jpg?width=1000)

**Joanna Strober**, founder of **Midi Health**, started her venture based on her own struggles with **perimenopause**. Her previous experience with **Kurbo Health**, which sold to **Weight Watchers**, provided her with the knowledge necessary to create a successful health platform for women.

### Building Powerful Networks

Strober emphasizes the importance of **networking**, stating that older founders can leverage their extensive professional connections to solve complex problems. This **networking advantage** is crucial for navigating the startup landscape.

### Embracing New Opportunities

**Julie Bornstein**, co-founder of **Daydream**, has utilized her extensive experience in **ecommerce** to create an AI-powered shopping platform. Her past roles, including her time at **Stitch Fix**, equipped her with the skills needed to innovate in the fashion tech space. She notes, "The biggest benefit is having so much experience under my belt."

![Julie Bornstein](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1741371596_juliesingle.png?width=1000)

### Finding Joy in Business

**Sara Schiller** and **Karen Robinovitz**, co-founders of **Sloomoo Institute**, found inspiration in their emotional journeys and created a unique experience around **slime**. Their background in **talent management** and **event planning** has been instrumental in the success of their business.

![Sara Schiller and Karen Robinovitz](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1741371923_SLOOMOO_FINALS-0116.jpg?width=1000)

### The Freedom to Innovate

With children grown and more time on their hands, these women express how the **freedom** allows them to focus intensely on their businesses. Strober acknowledges, "The amount of free brain power is extraordinary."

### Confidence in Taking Risks

The women also highlight that being older allows them to take **calculated risks**. As Bornstein states, "In many ways, you can take more risks than you could earlier in your career." Their life experiences have cultivated a **confidence** that enhances their leadership skills.

### Final Thoughts

These inspiring stories reveal that starting a business after 40 is not just possible but can be incredibly successful. With experience, a strong network, and newfound freedom, these women are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world.

Joanna Strober, Julie Bornstein, Sara Schiller and Karen Robinovitz started their current companies after age 40. Now in their 50s, they share success secrets.

Unleashing Success: How Four Women Defied Age to Build Multimillion-Dollar Startups After 40

In **2015**, Lu Zhang, an immigrant from Inner Mongolia and Stanford graduate, founded **Fusion Fund** at just **25 years old**. After successfully selling her healthcare startup, Acetone, she launched her venture capital firm with an initial **$15 million fund**. Fast forward to today, and **Fusion Fund** has grown to manage approximately **$500 million** in assets and has invested in over **75 startups**.

Recently, Zhang announced the closure of **Fund IV** at **$190 million**, exceeding its initial target of **$150 million** due to high demand from institutional investors. This fund will focus on early-stage tech and healthcare startups, with **investments already committed** to five companies, including **Starpath** and **SAIF Systems**.

Zhang's success is underscored by the fact that Fusion Fund has produced at least **five unicorns**, including **GrubMarket** and **Lightricks**, and achieved **10 successful exits**. Despite the challenging fundraising environment post-2021, Zhang's experience as a former founder and her strong technical background resonate with entrepreneurs seeking investment.

Zhang emphasizes the importance of not fixating on the initial fund size but rather focusing on quickly deploying capital and building a robust portfolio. She has also enlisted partners with extensive tech backgrounds to enhance Fusion Fund's capabilities, ensuring they can effectively support the startups they invest in.

Under 30 alum Lu Zhang went from raising $15 million for her first fund to securing an oversubscribed Fund IV. 

Inside the Grind: Meet the Relentless Startup Kids of Hayes Valley

Summary:

The Rise of Origami Agents

The Vision

The Challenge Ahead

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How a Startup is Leveraging Trump's Anti-Regulation Strategy to Challenge the FCC

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Other Latest News

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Reflection AI Secures $130M to Pioneer Superintelligence Development

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Is the Deal with Sam Altman's Crypto Startup in San Francisco Falling Apart?

Shocking Shift: Google Drops 'Underrepresented' Language from Grant Program!

Unleashing Success: How Four Women Defied Age to Build Multimillion-Dollar Startups After 40

From Immigrant to Investor: Lu Zhang's Journey to Raising $190 Million for Fusion Fund