**Poolside**, an innovative AI coding startup, has recently secured an astonishing **$500 million** in funding from major industry players including **eBay** and **Nvidia**. This funding round marks a significant milestone for the company as it aims to revolutionize the coding landscape.  

### Who is Poolside?  
Poolside is focused on leveraging **artificial intelligence** to enhance the software development process. Their mission is to simplify coding tasks, making it more accessible for developers and businesses alike.  

### The Investors  
The funding round saw participation from notable investors such as **eBay** and **Nvidia**, both recognized for their contributions to technology and innovation. This backing not only provides Poolside with the necessary capital but also lends credibility to its vision and goals.  

### Future Prospects  
With this substantial investment, Poolside is well-positioned to expand its operations and further develop its AI capabilities. The startup plans to use the funds to enhance its product offerings and potentially explore new markets.  

This funding round highlights the growing interest in **AI-driven solutions** in the tech industry, showcasing the potential of startups that are at the forefront of technological advancements.

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

Massive $500M Funding for AI Coding Startup Poolside: What You Need to Know

### Nexus Louisiana Unveils New Tech Competition

Nexus Louisiana has announced a **new tech competition** set to take place this summer, replacing the long-standing **Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW)**. This shift highlights the organization's commitment to enhancing the **tech ecosystem** in Louisiana.

![BREW Event](https://s25562.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BREW-1068x712.jpg.webp)
*(Courtesy: Nexus Louisiana)*

For **13 years**, Nexus has hosted the BREW event, which was initially planned for **May 6-8** at Electric Depot. The new **Nexus Technology Cup** will occur from **June 17-19**, providing a platform for tech innovators across the state. This event invites high school and college students, along with skilled developers, to present their **software and hardware projects**.

Participants can compete in one of three tracks: **high school**, **collegiate**, and an **open track** for anyone developing innovative technology. 

Tony Zanders, President and CEO of Nexus Louisiana, stated, “Our open track is specifically designed for **creative minds** who are pushing boundaries, regardless of their background or affiliation. Whether you’re an **independent inventor**, a **startup founder**, or someone developing a **side project** with potential, Baton Rouge is the place to be if you’re serious about building technology.”

Competitors will showcase their projects to a panel of judges from leading global tech companies such as **Microsoft**, **Amazon**, **Meta**, and **Google**. Established by the **Louisiana Legislature** as the Research Park Corporation, Nexus Louisiana aims to drive economic development through high-tech initiatives.

Zanders emphasizes that this competition is crucial for nurturing the local tech ecosystem, expanding tech startups, developing a skilled workforce, and stimulating **economic growth** throughout Louisiana.

Nexus Louisiana announced a new tech competition set for this summer that will replace the longstanding Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week, or BREW, as the organization strives to deepen its commitment to the tech ecosystem. Nexus has hosted the BREW event for 13 years. The event was initially scheduled for May 6-8 at Electric Depot. The […]

Nexus Launches Exciting Tech Competition to Revitalize Baton Rouge's Innovation Scene

### Uncovering the Paths to Unicorn Success
Before **Jensen Huang** co-founded **Nvidia**, he was a dishwasher at Denny’s. However, most unicorn founders emerge from more predictable backgrounds. The **Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative** team analyzed **2,791 founders** behind **1,110 U.S.-based VC-backed unicorns** to explore their professional journeys.

The findings reveal that these founders honed their skills at **tech giants**, elite universities, and even military organizations. Notably, **40%** of unicorn founders had previously founded other companies, while those with experience in the **Israel Defense Forces** are **3x more likely** to create U.S.-based unicorns.

### From Employees to Entrepreneurs
A significant **25%** of unicorn founders have backgrounds in scientific research or technology development. Additionally:
- **22%** were CEOs before launching their unicorns.
- **9%** served as CTOs.
- **21%** were engineers, **17%** software engineers, and **14%** product managers. 

This data highlights the importance of **leadership, technology, and marketing skills** in the success of unicorn founders.

![Most Frequent Positions](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/mostfrequentpositions.jpg)

The professional background is crucial. Founders have previously worked at **6,109 different organizations**, with only **33** producing **15 or more** future unicorn builders. Nearly half of these top organizations had **VC funding** themselves.

![Work Experience](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/workexperience.jpg)

### Tech Giants and Elite Universities as Launchpads
**Google** leads with **96 unicorn founders**, followed by **Microsoft** (64) and **IBM** (42). Elite universities also play a vital role:
- **Stanford** produced **43 founders**.
- **MIT** and **Harvard** follow closely.

Financial institutions like **Goldman Sachs** (27 founders) and agencies like **NASA** (19 founders) further complete this picture.

### The Role of Serial Entrepreneurship
**40%** of unicorn founders previously started other companies, with **60%** of unicorns having at least one serial entrepreneur on their founding team. Interestingly, **60%** achieved success on their first attempt, while others, like **Brian Chesky** of **Airbnb**, had no prior founding experience.

### Unexpected Unicorn Factories
Founders with **Israel Defense Forces** experience are **3.1x** more likely to build billion-dollar companies. Other surprising sources include the **Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory** and the **US Air Force**.

![Odds of Becoming a Unicorn Founder](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/Oddsofbecomingaunicornfounder.jpg)

These organizations instill valuable skills such as **strategic thinking, mission focus, and performance under pressure**.

### Insights from Founder Backgrounds
For aspiring unicorn founders, the research indicates that specific professional backgrounds correlate with success. Experience at top tech companies, elite universities, or government organizations provides essential preparation. However, persistence remains key, as many founders succeed after multiple attempts. 

![Business Strategy](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/business-strategy.jpg)

### Methodology Note
This study defines unicorns as **VC-backed, U.S.-based companies** that achieved a valuation of **$1 billion-plus**. The unicorn list was derived from sources like **Crunchbase** and **TechCrunch**, with confirmations of funding details.

---
*Illustration by [Dom Guzman](https://www.domguzman.com/)*

The Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative team analyzed 2,791 founders behind 1,110 U.S.-based VC-backed unicorns to understand their professional backgrounds and found that those founders developed their skills at tech giants, elite universities and even military organizations. We break it down further.

The Surprising Origins of Unicorn Founders: Insights from Google, Stanford, and the IDF

### Klarna's Strategic Shift Ahead of IPO

As the **fintech giant Klarna** gears up for a potential **IPO**, insiders reveal a series of strategic changes aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. The company is **streamlining roles** and embracing **AI technologies** to navigate the evolving financial landscape.

![Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski](https://i.insider.com/67cb2133585f1dff88b17db1?width=700)

**Cost-Cutting Measures**
- To ensure a successful public offering, Klarna is implementing significant **cost-cutting measures**. This includes **reducing staff** and re-evaluating existing processes to improve productivity.

**Embracing AI**
- The integration of **AI** into their operations is expected to enhance service delivery and customer experience, helping Klarna maintain its competitive edge.

**Employee Sentiment**
- Employees are experiencing a sense of **uncertainty** as these changes unfold, leading to a culture of **limbo** within the organization. The impact of these transitions is being closely monitored as the company prepares for the IPO.

Stay tuned for updates as Klarna continues to evolve in this dynamic market.

Klarna insiders share how ahead of a potential IPO, the payments startup is cutting costs, streamlining roles, and embracing AI. 

Inside Klarna's Cost-Cutting Strategies Ahead of IPO: What Employees Need to Know

### Introduction
In a groundbreaking move, one startup has successfully raised millions to create an innovative platform for **erotic companions** using **artificial intelligence**. This venture is set to transform the adult entertainment landscape, merging technology with intimacy.

### The Concept
The platform aims to provide users with a unique experience, where they can interact with AI-generated companions that are designed to engage on a personal level. The implications of this technology extend beyond mere entertainment, opening discussions about **AI ethics**, **personal relationships**, and the **future of companionship**.

### Funding Success
Through strategic fundraising efforts, the startup has attracted significant investment, indicating a strong market demand for this type of service. Investors are keen on the potential of AI to not only revolutionize adult content but also to create new revenue streams in the tech industry.

### Market Impact
As the adult entertainment industry continues to evolve, this startup is positioned at the forefront of a new wave of **digital intimacy**. By leveraging **AI technology**, they are setting a precedent for how relationships and entertainment can be redefined in the digital age.

### Conclusion
The intersection of AI and adult entertainment is a fascinating area to watch. As this startup continues to grow, it raises important questions about the future of human relationships and the role technology will play in them. Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative venture.

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Unlocking the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing the Adult Entertainment Industry

### The Challenge of European Competitiveness
Mario Draghi, the former Italian prime minister and ex-president of the European Central Bank, has warned that Europe faces an **existential challenge** unless it can leverage the latest technologies to boost productivity. According to his **landmark competitiveness report**, Europe has largely missed out on the previous internet revolution, with only four of the top 50 tech companies based in the EU. He emphasizes the need for Europe to close the **innovation gap** with the US and China.

### The Rise of European Startups
The **150 European start-up hubs** recognized in this Financial Times report are actively working to enhance the region's innovative capacity. They have birthed a new wave of ambitious companies across various sectors, including **Klarna**, **Celonis**, **Isar Aerospace**, **Hugging Face**, **Alan**, and **Pasqal**. These companies have the potential to become global leaders in their respective fields and enhance Europe's competitive edge.

### AI at the Core
A significant number of these startups are **AI-focused** or utilizing AI to innovate traditional business models. While Europe may lag in hardware and infrastructure when compared to US giants like **Nvidia** and **Microsoft**, it shows promise at the application level. Numerous startups are emerging to utilize AI for redesigning workflows across industries. Taavet Hinrikus, co-founder of Wise, remarks that although US tech companies hold an advantage, **every application will eventually be rebuilt with AI**, offering Europe a unique competitive opportunity.

### Ranking Europe's Startup Hubs
To determine Europe's leading startup hubs, the FT collaborated with **Statista** and **Sifted**, incorporating insights from investors, entrepreneurs, and academics. The rankings assess how well these hubs provide **mentoring**, **infrastructure**, **legal assistance**, and **funding opportunities**. 

#### Top Startup Hubs
1. **UnternehmerTUM** (Munich) - Topped the rankings for the second consecutive year, focusing on fostering a new culture of entrepreneurship. It has supported over 1,000 companies, including **FlixMobility** and **Konux**.
2. **Station F** (Paris) - Claimed to be the largest startup campus globally, hosting 1,000 startups, with a significant focus on AI.
3. **Start2 Group** (Munich) - Closely collaborates with Germany’s federal ministry for economic affairs and climate action, maintaining a strong international presence.
4. **Founders Factory** (UK) - Ranked fifth, it operates with numerous corporate partners and has helped startups raise over $1 billion since 2015.

### Conclusion
Overall, the UK leads with 29 of the top 150 European startup hubs, followed by Germany and Eastern Europe. Approximately **3,000 startup hubs** were evaluated for this ranking, highlighting the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape across Europe.

The region can compete with US tech at the application level of artificial intelligence

How European Startups are Leveraging AI to Transform Business Models

### The Journey Begins
Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, **wedding industry veterans** with over 20 years of experience, first crossed paths in the early '90s while working at **The Walt Disney World Resort**, where they successfully expanded **Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings** to a staggering **$100 million per year**. Grinnals recalls, "It was a little bit like lightning in a bottle the first time that we had the chance to work together."

![Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1741805565_KathrynArceandRebeccaGrinnals.jpg?width=1000)
*Image Credit: Courtesy of Engage! Summits. Kathryn Arce, left, and Rebecca Grinnals, right.*

### Identifying a Gap in the Market
After their time at Disney, the duo ventured into **consulting**, aiding hotels, resorts, and tourism boards in developing their wedding and honeymoon offerings. During this period, they identified a significant gap: there was no event uniting buyers, suppliers, and vendors focused on **luxury weddings**. 

### Bringing the Industry Together
They envisioned a conference that would foster meaningful connections among **entrepreneurs** and **small businesses** within the wedding industry. Thus, **Engage! Summits** was born, evolving into a **multimillion-dollar brand**. 

### The First Summit
In April 2008, Grinnals and Arce decided to host their inaugural event just two months later. With limited time, they relied on their extensive industry contacts to attract **75 attendees**, featuring **celebrity wedding planners** as VIP speakers.

### Growing the Brand
The success of their first event confirmed their vision, and they continued to grow Engage! Summits alongside their consulting work for nearly a decade before committing full-time in 2018. Their events have since expanded globally, hosting conferences in **Italy, Mexico**, and the **Caribbean**, with their upcoming event marking the **50th summit** in London this July.

![Engage! in Paris, 2023](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1741805907_2023-Engage-Paris-Corbin-Gurkin-0823.jpg?width=1000)
*Image Credit: Corbin Gurkin. Engage! in Paris, 2023.*

### A Thriving Community
Throughout its 17-year journey, Engage! Summits has hosted **43 sold-out events** at **50 five-star luxury properties**, attracting over **7,500 attendees** from 45 states and 35 countries. The brand has also garnered more than **100 million social media impressions**. 

### The Importance of Community
Grinnals emphasizes the need for community among **small business owners**, stating, "Being an entrepreneur is really exciting but can also be very isolating." Engage! Summits provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share best practices, and support one another. 

### Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The co-founders encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions, highlighting the importance of **dreaming big** and surrounding themselves with supportive individuals. "There's no limit to anything you can create and dream," Arce states.

### Final Thoughts
Grinnals and Arce's story exemplifies how identifying a gap in the market and fostering connections can lead to the creation of a successful business. They continue to inspire others in the industry with their commitment to building a supportive community for wedding professionals.

Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce met when working at Disney, growing its Fairy Tale Weddings to $100 million a year. Then they started their own business.

From Disney to Dollars: How Two Entrepreneurs Built a Multimillion-Dollar Wedding Business

## A Taste of Home in Colorado
Patsy Aguilar and her husband, Ramon Lizarraga, wanted to bring the flavors of **Mazatlán, Mexico** to Colorado. Despite their culinary skills, they faced challenges in starting their own business. Fortunately, they found **Adelante Community Development**, a Commerce City-based nonprofit that offers **Spanish-language business classes** tailored for the Latino community. These classes cover essential topics such as **finance**, **marketing**, and navigating U.S. culture.

Through Adelante, Aguilar and Lizarraga launched their food truck, **Pata Salada Ceviches**, which has become quite successful, prompting plans for expansion. Aguilar emphasizes the hard work of the Hispanic community and the significance of having the right resources to succeed.

![Patsy Aguilar and Ramon Lizarraga](https://i0.wp.com/www.denverpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TDP-L-patasalada030725-cha-1062.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
*Patsy Aguilar and Ramon Lizarraga prepare food on their food truck.*

## The Rise of Latino-Owned Businesses
According to a 2023 report from the **Stanford Graduate School of Business**, Latino-owned businesses are the **fastest-growing segment** in the U.S., with a growth rate of **57%** from 2007 to 2022, compared to just **5%** for white-owned businesses. In Colorado alone, over **90,000** small businesses are Hispanic-owned, representing **20%** of the workforce.

Maria Gonzalez, founder of Adelante, aims to create the largest Latino business ecosystem in Colorado. She provides training to ensure Latino entrepreneurs have the necessary knowledge and support, especially during challenging times when they may feel targeted by a hostile environment.

## Building Generational Wealth
Gonzalez, who faced her own struggles as an entrepreneur during the Great Recession, founded Adelante to offer resources that she wished she had. The organization provides courses in **accounting**, **digital strategy**, and helps navigate the complexities of business regulations.

Aguilar shared how Adelante guided her and her husband through the process of starting their business, from registration to understanding taxes. They participated in a **$750 food truck training program** and benefited from scholarships offered by Adelante.

## Overcoming Regulatory Challenges
Despite Denver being a prime location for food trucks, Gonzalez notes that the **regulatory environment** is cumbersome. Food truck operators often need to secure **10 to 15 different licenses**, creating a bureaucratic nightmare, especially for those who are non-English speakers. Adelante not only assists with navigating these regulations but is also advocating for legislative changes to simplify the process.

## Looking to the Future
Gonzalez is working on a **food truck operations bill** with state representatives to create a reciprocal licensing system. This would allow food truck operators to operate across jurisdictions without needing new licenses.

Adelante's impact extends beyond regulations; they help clients with menu development, branding, and marketing strategies, while also educating them on cultural differences in business practices.

## Success Stories of Empowerment
Erika Rojas, another entrepreneur who benefited from Adelante, aims to open **Pink Auto Services**, a mechanic shop that empowers women to learn basic car maintenance. After taking Adelante's courses, Rojas is excited to bring her vision to life, highlighting the importance of having a supportive community.

## The Future of Latino Entrepreneurship
As Latino entrepreneurship continues to grow, experts like Harry Hollines from the **Latino Leadership Institute** emphasize the need for resources to help these businesses thrive and contribute to the economy. With Latinos projected to make up **30%** of the U.S. population by 2050, the success of Latino-owned businesses will be crucial for economic growth.

In summary, organizations like Adelante Community Development are not only fostering individual business success but also building a resilient community that is prepared to thrive amidst challenges.

Commerce City-based Adelante Community Development offers Spanish-language business classes for Colorado’s Latino community.

Massive $500M Funding for AI Coding Startup Poolside: What You Need to Know

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Who is Poolside?

The Investors

Future Prospects

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Other Latest News

Nexus Launches Exciting Tech Competition to Revitalize Baton Rouge's Innovation Scene

The Surprising Origins of Unicorn Founders: Insights from Google, Stanford, and the IDF

Inside Klarna's Cost-Cutting Strategies Ahead of IPO: What Employees Need to Know

Unlocking the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing the Adult Entertainment Industry

How European Startups are Leveraging AI to Transform Business Models

From Disney to Dollars: How Two Entrepreneurs Built a Multimillion-Dollar Wedding Business

Empowering Latino Entrepreneurs: How One Colorado Organization is Leading the Way

Other Latest News

Nexus Launches Exciting Tech Competition to Revitalize Baton Rouge's Innovation Scene

The Surprising Origins of Unicorn Founders: Insights from Google, Stanford, and the IDF

Inside Klarna's Cost-Cutting Strategies Ahead of IPO: What Employees Need to Know

Unlocking the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing the Adult Entertainment Industry

How European Startups are Leveraging AI to Transform Business Models

From Disney to Dollars: How Two Entrepreneurs Built a Multimillion-Dollar Wedding Business

Empowering Latino Entrepreneurs: How One Colorado Organization is Leading the Way