### John Maraganore Launches City Therapeutics

**John Maraganore**, the former CEO of **Alnylam Pharmaceuticals**, is back in the biotech scene with a new venture, **City Therapeutics**. This startup has successfully raised **$135 million** in funding from notable investors including **ARCH Venture Partners**, **Fidelity**, and **Regeneron Ventures**.

### Innovation in RNA Interference

Based in **Cambridge, Massachusetts**, City Therapeutics aims to build on the success of Alnylam by developing innovative medicines that utilize **RNA interference (RNAi)** technology. This approach focuses on silencing specific genes to stop the production of harmful proteins, a concept that has gained traction since Alnylam's **first RNAi treatment** received regulatory approval in 2018.

### The Next Step: CityRNAs

City Therapeutics plans to push the boundaries by targeting **hard-to-reach tissues** with advanced delivery vehicles and a novel class of smaller RNA molecules known as **cleavage inducing tiny RNAs**, or **cityRNAs**. This innovative approach is reflected in the startup's name and signifies a new wave of possibilities in RNA therapies.

![City Therapeutics Logo](https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/allison-d-avatar-round-80x80.png)

The former CEO of Alnylam Therapeutics is launching City Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Mass. It hopes to begin clinical trials next year.

John Maraganore's $135 Million Bet on Next-Gen RNAi with City Therapeutics

### Boomi Acquires Rivery

Boomi, an **American data integration company** founded in **2000**, has taken a significant step by acquiring **Israeli startup Rivery**. This acquisition is poised to enhance Boomi's **no-code data integration** capabilities, as Rivery's talented team and innovative technology become part of Boomi.

![Rivery Founders](https://pic1.calcalist.co.il/picserver3/crop_images/2023/04/25/rkmN2ZB73/rkmN2ZB73_0_0_1368_912_0_x-large.jpg)

Rivery specializes in **end-to-end ELT (extract, load, transform)** processes tailored for medium and large enterprises, boasting a workforce of **80 employees** who are expected to remain with the company post-acquisition.

### Financial Insights

While the exact financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, market estimates suggest a valuation of approximately **$100 million**. It is speculated that part of the transaction may involve Boomi's shares. However, the acquisition occurs at a lower valuation than Rivery's last funding round, suggesting that only early-stage investors will see substantial returns.

### Rivery's Impact

Rivery operates within the **data management sector**, offering a **no-code approach** that has attracted over **450 clients** globally, including major firms like **Bayer, Citizen**, and **SodaStream**. The integration with Boomi will further empower Rivery to enhance its service offerings.

Founded in **2019** by **Itamar Ben Hemo**, **Aviv Noy**, and **Alon Reznik**, Rivery has successfully raised **$48 million** across three funding rounds, including a **$30 million Series B** round led by **Tiger Global** in **April 2022**.

### Beneficiaries of the Deal

The primary beneficiaries of this acquisition are Rivery's founders, employees, and early-stage investors such as **Entrée Capital** and **State of Mind Ventures**. This marks another significant exit for these investment funds in 2023, following other successful acquisitions in the Israeli tech landscape.

### Boomi's Profile

Boomi, owned by **TPG** and **Francisco Partners**, was acquired from **Dell** in **2021** for **$4 billion**. With annual revenues exceeding **$500 million**, Boomi stands as one of the **fastest-growing companies** in its sector, competing with **MuleSoft**, which was acquired by **Salesforce** in **2018** for **$6.5 billion**.

### Recent Events

It’s worth noting that on **October 7, 2023**, Rivery's CEO, **Itamar Ben Hamo**, volunteered for reserve service following a national crisis and was later injured during a rescue operation. After a period of recovery, he resumed his leadership role in **April 2024**.

The acquisition strengthens Boomi’s position in no-code data integration as Rivery’s team and technology join its ranks. 

Boomi's $100M Acquisition of Rivery: A Game-Changer in No-Code Data Integration

### The Vision of Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher, formerly a congressman and now head of defense at **Palantir Technologies**, emphasizes that the **U.S. Defense Department** must **overhaul its procurement processes** to adapt to modern warfare. He aims to **seed startups** that can help restore the nation's competitive edge in defense.

### A Shift in Military Strategy
Gallagher, known for his hawkish stance on China, highlights that the **advantage in global defense** has shifted. It's no longer about expensive missiles and jets but about **affordable drones, AI, and advanced software**. As demonstrated in recent conflicts in **Israel and Ukraine**, these technologies are crucial.

### Palantir's Growing Influence
Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has strengthened its ties with the military, securing a major contract to develop an **on-the-ground intelligence hub** for the Army. This year, their stock price has surged, surpassing traditional defense contractors like **Lockheed Martin** and **RTX Corp**.

### Encouraging Startup Participation
Gallagher insists that the Defense Department needs to **collaborate with a broader range of defense tech startups**. He is actively working to facilitate this partnership, recognizing that while startups are winning contracts, most are still small. He mentions, “We still tend to dole out participation trophies to non-traditional companies.”

### The Future of Defense Tech
A thriving defense tech ecosystem is vital not just for Palantir but for all companies in the sector. Gallagher believes that having more players will enhance influence and increase the chances of **meaningful reform** in defense contracting. He reflects on how the foundation for this era was laid about a decade ago when Palantir and **SpaceX** fought for the right to compete for government contracts. The current political climate is injecting new life into the sector, with many investors optimistic about growth opportunities under the **Biden administration**.

(Bloomberg) -- Mike Gallagher, former congressman turned Palantir Technologies Inc.’s head of defense, said the US Defense Department needs to overhaul its procurement process for a new era of modern warfare — and he’s stepping up efforts to seed startups that can help restore the country’s competitive edge.Most Read from BloombergHong Kong's Expat Party Hub Reshaped by Chinese InfluxHow California Sees the World, and ItselfLondon’s Tube Fares Are Set to Rise by 4.6% Next YearGallagher was famou

How Tech Startups are Pivotal to Transforming the U.S. Defense Department

On a clear, 72-degree evening in Los Angeles, **10 entrepreneurs** took the stage at **Dodgers Stadium** in November 2015 to pitch their ideas for the future of **sports technology**. As the **mobile, social, and digital revolutions** reshaped the world, sports were ripe for innovation. This led to the launch of an **accelerator program** by the Dodgers and R/GA to identify companies poised to transform the sports experience.

### The Team Accelerator Era
Initially, the Dodgers' model sparked a wave of interest, with various pro sports teams launching their own accelerator programs, including the **76ers Innovation Lab** and **Cowboys Blue Star Accelerator**. These programs offered benefits such as **industry mentorship**, **pilot program opportunities**, and crucial **investment**.

However, challenges soon arose. The cost of scouting and supporting startups could reach **$1 million annually**, and there simply weren’t enough compelling startups to sustain all these initiatives. Despite some success stories, like **Appetize** and **Kinduct**, the overall **exit rates** were disappointing, causing many programs to shut down or pivot.

### A New Model
As the landscape evolved, the Dodgers' investment firm, **Elysian Park**, restructured its approach, reducing cohort sizes and focusing on specific pilot programs instead of the traditional accelerator model. This shift mirrored a broader trend in tech towards **venture studios**, which focus on creating companies from the ground up.

Investment in sports tech has surged, with nearly **$10 billion** projected in deal flow for 2024, leading to the emergence of **nine new sports tech unicorns**. New leagues such as the **NBA Launchpad** and **MLS Innovation Lab** have been established to keep pace with technological advancements, focusing on solving specific operational challenges rather than merely chasing unicorns.

### Starting Small—Again
For newer startups, opportunities remain, with many venture capital funds now active in the sports market. Programs like **Techstars Sports Accelerator** have launched with a consortium model, facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders to support promising ventures. The evolution of these accelerators reflects a **cycle of consolidation** and the potential for a new wave of innovative companies ready to emerge in the sports tech sector.

Numerous sports teams launched tech accelerators in the 2010s, but the model for engaging with startups has changed in recent years with new ventures.

The Evolution of Sports Accelerators: Navigating Challenges and New Opportunities

### Young Entrepreneurs on the Rise in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The number of **young business owners** is growing nationwide, with **Northwest Florida** boasting one of the highest rates. According to a report by **Simply Business**, Pensacola ranks **6th** among mid-sized cities in the U.S. for young entrepreneurs.

### Networking Opportunities at Co:Lab

**Co:Lab**, located in Downtown Pensacola, serves as a hub for young business owners to connect. **Emily Hopper**, a 30-year-old founder and CEO of **Dream Agency**, shares her experience: 

> "I’m seeing a ton of new businesses within my friend group and the community."

Hopper left the corporate world to pursue her passion for **digital marketing**, a journey that began after she sold everything and traveled to discover what truly brings her joy.

### Demographics of Young Business Owners

The study reveals that **37%** of business owners in Pensacola are under the age of **40**. Hopper notes that millennials are driven by a desire to do what they love while aiming to create a better world. 

### Financial Risks and Rewards

While young entrepreneurs enjoy fewer financial responsibilities, they also face initial financial risks. Hopper points out: 

> "The first 1-2 years in business can be a little bit tight in terms of money because you’re getting that cashflow started."

### Focus Areas of Young Entrepreneurs

Young business owners predominantly operate in **digital** and **creative fields**, while also engaging in wholesale trade and finance. Hopper emphasizes the importance of creating a business that protects one’s skills or products, stating: 

> "You have this skill or this talent or this product and you want to just do that, so you have to create a business around it to protect that."


PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The number of young business owners is growing nationwide, and northwest florida has one of the highest rates."simply business"... An online 

Why Pensacola is a Hotspot for Young Entrepreneurs: Discover the Surprising Rankings!

### A Shocking Sentence for Carlos Watson

Former talk show host **Carlos Watson** has been sentenced to nearly **10 years in prison** due to his involvement in a federal **financial conspiracy** case that labeled his once-prominent **Ozy Media** as a prime example of the pitfalls of the **fake-it-'til-you-make-it** startup culture.

In a striking instance of deceit, an Ozy executive impersonated a **YouTube** executive to impress investment bankers, with Watson's guidance, as reported by prosecutors. Watson, now 55, was found guilty of charges including **wire fraud conspiracy** last summer. Despite his claims of innocence and intentions to appeal, the judge highlighted the **exceptional dishonesty** exhibited throughout the case.

### The Courtroom Drama

Watson expressed regret for the harm caused, stating, “I made mistakes. I’m very, very sorry that people are hurt.” He suggested that he was a victim of **selective prosecution**, framing the case as a “**modern lynching**” against Black entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, where representation is limited. He reiterated his commitment to Ozy, despite the charges leading to its downfall.

### Highlights of the Case

- Watson was accused of **inflating revenue numbers** and fabricating deals to attract investors.
- He actively participated in deceptive practices, including listening in on calls while his co-founder posed as a YouTube executive.
- The **U.S. Attorney**, Breon Peace, criticized Watson's actions as a blatant disregard for the **values of honesty and fairness** essential to American entrepreneurship.

### Ozy Media's Rise and Fall

Founded in **2012**, Ozy Media aimed to be a cultural hub for millennials but faced immense challenges post-2017. Insiders revealed financial struggles, including difficulty making payroll and inflated revenue figures presented to investors. The company ultimately disintegrated in **2021** after a **New York Times** piece exposed their **deceptive tactics**.

Despite his impressive background, including degrees from **Harvard** and **Stanford**, and a history of entrepreneurial success, Watson's legacy is now overshadowed by this scandal. 

### Final Thoughts

As Watson prepares to serve his sentence, the ramifications of his actions serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the treacherous waters of startup culture.

Former talk show host Carlos Watson has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison in the federal financial conspiracy case surrounding his once-buzzy Ozy Media.

Carlos Watson Sentenced: The Downfall of Ozy Media and the Perils of Startup Culture

## Elevate Your AI Startup with Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator

The **Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator** is a **10-week program** designed specifically for **AI startups** in the **U.S. and Canada**. This program offers invaluable **mentorship**, **technical support**, and access to the latest **Google AI tools**.

### What the Program Offers
- **Collaborative Environment**: Startups will work alongside peers and Google leaders, gaining insights through workshops on various essential topics.
- **Demo Day**: The program culminates in a **Demo Day** in **June**, where startups can showcase their innovations to potential partners, customers, and investors.
- **Application Deadline**: Don’t miss out! Applications are open until **February 4, 2025**.

### Why Join?
AI startups are transforming industries and shaping the future. The Cloud AI Accelerator aims to help you scale effectively while building responsibly. Participants will have access to cutting-edge tools like **Vertex AI** and **Gemini**, and receive support in areas such as user experience, product growth, and leadership.

![Startup Pitch](https://storage.googleapis.com/gweb-uniblog-publish-prod/images/Screenshot_2024-01-20_at_12.16..max-244x184.format-webp.webp)

### Testimonials from Alumni
- **Scott Patterson**, CTO of [Modulo Bio](https://www.modulo.bio), credits the program for streamlining their product development and enhancing their fundraising efforts.
- **Nicolas Loeff**, CTO of [BrainLogic AI](https://brainlogic.ai), shares that mentorship helped them double their user base from 1 to 2 million in just 10 weeks.

### Join the Growing Community
Upon graduation, startups join the **Google for Startups Accelerator community**, gaining ongoing support and networking opportunities with fellow founders, mentors, and investors. 

For more details and to apply, visit [Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator](https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/cloud-ai/north-america).

Learn more about Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program for North American startups.

Unlock Your Potential: Apply for the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator Today!

## The Rise of the Hardcore Grind Culture

In the world of **startups**, a new breed of founders is emerging who believe that **burnout** isn’t a concern in their daily grind. This group is characterized by a relentless pursuit of success, often at the expense of work-life balance. They are driven by the notion that **working hard** is the only way to achieve their goals, dismissing the idea of taking breaks or enjoying downtime.

### A Shift in Mindset

For these founders, the mantra is clear: **“Work hard. Do not play hard.”** This mindset reflects a growing trend in the tech industry where the hustle culture is glorified, and the consequences of overworking are often overlooked. The implications of this shift are profound, affecting not only the founders but also their teams and the broader startup ecosystem.

### Impacts on Startup Culture

The implications of this hardcore approach can lead to **high levels of stress** and potential burnout among employees. While the founders may thrive under pressure, the sustainability of such a culture raises questions about long-term success and employee well-being. As the startup landscape evolves, it remains to be seen whether this relentless grind will yield fruitful results or if it will come at a significant cost.

### Conclusion

As more startups adopt this hardcore grind mentality, the industry must grapple with the balance between **ambition** and **well-being**. It’s essential to consider how this approach not only affects individual founders but also shapes the future of work in the tech sector.

Among a new breed of startup founders, “burnout” isn’t part of the vocabulary.

John Maraganore's $135 Million Bet on Next-Gen RNAi with City Therapeutics

Summary:

John Maraganore Launches City Therapeutics

Innovation in RNA Interference

The Next Step: CityRNAs

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Other Latest News

Boomi's $100M Acquisition of Rivery: A Game-Changer in No-Code Data Integration

How Tech Startups are Pivotal to Transforming the U.S. Defense Department

The Evolution of Sports Accelerators: Navigating Challenges and New Opportunities

Why Pensacola is a Hotspot for Young Entrepreneurs: Discover the Surprising Rankings!

Carlos Watson Sentenced: The Downfall of Ozy Media and the Perils of Startup Culture

Unlock Your Potential: Apply for the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator Today!

Inside the Unyielding Grind: Tech Founders Embrace a New Culture of Relentless Hustle

Other Latest News

Boomi's $100M Acquisition of Rivery: A Game-Changer in No-Code Data Integration

How Tech Startups are Pivotal to Transforming the U.S. Defense Department

The Evolution of Sports Accelerators: Navigating Challenges and New Opportunities

Why Pensacola is a Hotspot for Young Entrepreneurs: Discover the Surprising Rankings!

Carlos Watson Sentenced: The Downfall of Ozy Media and the Perils of Startup Culture

Unlock Your Potential: Apply for the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator Today!

Inside the Unyielding Grind: Tech Founders Embrace a New Culture of Relentless Hustle