### Moment Energy's Major Milestone

**Moment Energy**, a pioneering startup in the battery technology sector, has successfully raised **$15 million** in a funding round co-led by **Amazon** and **Voyager**. This significant investment is poised to enhance Moment Energy's capabilities in providing sustainable energy solutions.

### The Vision Behind Moment Energy

Founded with the mission to revolutionize energy storage, Moment Energy focuses on developing **innovative battery systems** that leverage **renewable energy sources**. Their technology aims to address the growing demand for efficient energy storage solutions, particularly in the context of increasing reliance on renewable energy.

### Strategic Partnerships

With **Amazon**'s backing, Moment Energy is expected to accelerate its research and development efforts. The collaboration with **Voyager** also indicates a strong interest from major players in the clean technology space, reinforcing the startup's potential to impact the market significantly.

### Future Outlook

As Moment Energy continues to innovate and scale its operations, the startup is well-positioned to lead the charge in the battery sector, catering to both commercial and residential energy needs. Investors and industry experts are keenly watching how this funding will translate into new advancements and market presence.

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Moment Energy Secures $15M Funding: A Game-Changer in Battery Technology

### A Milestone for Boulder County Workers

On Thursday, **hundreds of Boulder County workers** made history by voting to establish the **Boulder County Employees Union (BCEU)**. This significant decision came after a years-long effort to organize employees from nearly all county departments.

The vote resulted in a **442-221** majority in favor of unionization, marking the BCEU as the **largest new collective bargaining group** in Colorado in over a decade. The BCEU will be affiliated with the **Communications Workers of America**, representing over **1,400 eligible workers**.

**Brianna Barber**, a county employee and union leader, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, "This has been years in the making. We’re excited to begin bargaining with county leadership to improve working conditions and support the vital services we provide to our community." 

### Who's Included?

While most departments are included in the BCEU, a few, such as the **County Attorney’s Office**, **District Attorney’s Office**, and **Sheriff’s Office** (which is already organized under the Fraternal Order of Police), will not be part of the union.

**Melany Niemann**, a communication specialist with Boulder County Public Health and a member of the organizing committee, noted that the push for unionization began over two years ago, especially after a **2022 state law** expanded collective bargaining rights for county workers. Employees were motivated by various factors, including the desire for **higher pay**, **better benefits**, improved working conditions, and a stronger work-life balance.

### Voices for Change

Alberto de los Rios, another organizing committee member, highlighted the need for a **stronger voice** for frontline workers in decision-making processes. He emphasized that the union effort was a collective initiative aimed at advocating for better employment quality and celebrating the passion for public service among employees.

Concerns about retaliation while advocating for needs were raised, although there were no clear reports of such incidents. Niemann pointed out the **high turnover rates** in the Public Health department since the **COVID-19 pandemic**, which has increased reliance on temporary workers and added strain on existing staff.

Additionally, Niemann raised potential **equity issues** faced by bilingual employees who struggle with the demands of writing case notes in English after meeting with Spanish-speaking clients, noting that the **5% extra pay** for bilingual skills is insufficient.

### Looking Ahead

As the vote concluded, Niemann conveyed optimism about the union's future, stating, "It’s not going to be a landslide, but we’re going to win." The BCEU will engage directly with **county commissioners** in bargaining discussions moving forward.

Hundreds of Boulder County workers voted on Thursday to form the Boulder County Employees Union. The vote was a milestone achievement that followed a years-long push to organize from employees spanning nearly all of the county's departments.

Historic Union Vote: Boulder County Workers Unite for Better Conditions

### **Innovative Drug-Delivery Technology**  
A couple of professors from the **University of Nebraska** have launched a startup named **Minovacca**, aiming to introduce a groundbreaking method for delivering drugs and therapeutics directly to targeted areas in the human body using an unexpected ingredient: **milk**.  
  
### **The Power of Milk**  
Regular milk is proving to be a powerful tool in the **biopharmaceutical** field. Previous innovations have included genetically modified cows that produce milk with human insulin and antibodies against HIV. Now, the focus is on milk's **exosomes**—nano-sized structures that can transport vital materials like proteins and genetic information.  
  
### **How It Works**  
The team, led by **Janos Zempleni** and **Jiantao Guo**, has developed a technology that modifies these exosomes for **target-specific drug delivery**. By attaching three specialized peptides to the exosome membrane, they ensure that the exosomes can hone in on specific sites in the body, evade immune responses, and enhance their survival once inside target cells.  
  
![Minovacca Team](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/99a2e22/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1334+0+0/resize/1439x960!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb2%2F54%2F3b1e6ecb47318768464b81d7d96c%2Fminovacca-dude.jpg)  
*Jiantao Guo (left) and Janos Zempleni, founders of Minovacca*  
  
### **Addressing Chemotherapy's Side Effects**  
Traditional chemotherapy treatments often harm healthy cells alongside cancer cells, leading to severe side effects. Minovacca's technology aims to minimize this collateral damage by ensuring drugs are delivered directly to the intended targets.  
  
### **Future Prospects**  
Besides treating common diseases, this technology could also facilitate the delivery of **gene editing tools** and other therapeutics. The team is working with **NUtech Ventures** to license the technology, and a patent has already been filed.  
  
### **A Mission Beyond Profit**  
Zempleni emphasizes that the primary goal is not financial gain but rather to help people. He stated, "If I had a choice between making $10 million in the company or saving 10 million lives, I would go for saving the lives."  
  
**Source**: [University of Nebraska-Lincoln](https://news.unl.edu/article/nebraska-based-startup-aims-to-improve-human-health-through-targeted-drug-delivery)  


A couple of University of Nebraska professors have launched a startup company with the goal of bringing to market an innovative method for delivering drugs and other therapeutics to targeted __cpLocations in the human body. The key ingredient? Milk.

Revolutionizing Healthcare: How Milk is Powering Targeted Drug Delivery Innovations

**Redding, California** — At just **16 years old**, Tyler Pohrman is making waves as a young entrepreneur with his own **junk removal business**, **Pohrman's Junk Removal Service**. Tyler launched his venture **two months ago** after saving up from various **odd jobs** and selling sneakers to purchase a truck, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.  

![Tyler Pohrman](https://krcrtv.com/resources/media2/16x9/4027/986/4x473/90/bdbd21ed-f5a9-4183-a737-1e929060c548-IMG_1545.JPG)  

To dedicate more time to his business, Tyler has transitioned to **homeschooling**, while also working full-time at a deli. **“I think a lot of people my age have a drive to work,”** he expresses, emphasizing that not all teens are content to sit idle.  

Tyler offers competitive rates, charging **$120 per filled truck bed**, which he believes are some of the **lowest rates in town**. His youthful enthusiasm is aimed at reassuring the **Redding community** that he’s the right person for their junk removal needs.  

![Before and After](https://krcrtv.com/resources/media2/16x9/2048/648/0x90/90/78af6523-5c3b-41b6-b4cb-9270123c68d9-junkremoval1.jpg)  

Currently, his operation revolves around the truck he purchased with his earnings, but he plans to expand by acquiring a trailer to increase his hauling capacity.  

Looking towards the future, Tyler aspires to grow his junk removal business in the coming years, with a long-term goal of establishing his own **construction business**. For now, he is focused on delivering quality service to those needing help with junk removal.

At just 16 years old, Tyler Pohrman is making a name for himself as an entrepreneur with his own junk removal business, Pohrman's Junk Removal Service.Pohrman s

Meet the 16-Year-Old Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Junk Removal in Redding

### **Introduction**  
**Shield AI**, a startup specializing in **autonomous aircraft software**, has reached a remarkable **$5 billion valuation** amidst ongoing efforts to secure **$200 million** in funding from investors.  
  
### **The Rise of Shield AI**  
Founded to revolutionize defense technology, Shield AI focuses on creating **AI-driven solutions** for military applications. Their innovative technology is designed to enhance the capabilities of **unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)**, providing advanced functionalities that improve mission effectiveness.  
  
### **Funding and Future Prospects**  
The current funding round aims to bolster Shield AI’s growth, enabling the company to expand its product offerings and enhance research and development initiatives. This influx of capital will support their mission to lead in the **defense tech** sector, particularly in the realm of **autonomous systems**.  
  
### **Conclusion**  
With a strong backing from investors and a commitment to innovation, Shield AI is poised to continue its trajectory as a key player in the defense technology landscape. Their achievements not only highlight the potential of **AI in defense** but also signify the growing interest in **autonomous technologies** within the startup ecosystem.

Maker of software for autonomous aircraft is raising around $200mn from backers

Shield AI Soars: How This Startup Achieved a $5 Billion Valuation in Defense Tech

## Major Hires for Mira Murati's AI Venture  
Mira Murati, the former **CTO of OpenAI**, has made a significant move by hiring **Jonathan Lachman**, the previous head of special projects at OpenAI, to join her new artificial intelligence research lab. This marks **Murati's most high-profile hire** since her departure from OpenAI in September last year to embark on this exciting venture focused on **artificial general intelligence**.  

Murati's startup has already attracted around **10 researchers and engineers** from top competitors such as OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind. Although the startup is still in its nascent stages, lacking a name or defined product direction, it is gaining momentum rapidly.  

## Background Context  
Murati's exit from OpenAI came less than a year after the abrupt firing of CEO **Sam Altman** by the board of directors in late 2023. During the ensuing chaos, Murati briefly stepped in as interim CEO, which Altman described as a **“low point”** in the leadership crisis that engulfed OpenAI. After a wave of discontent among OpenAI employees, Altman was reinstated as CEO just a week later.  

Despite the turmoil, Altman and Murati maintained a strong working relationship. In her farewell message to OpenAI, she expressed her desire to create time for her own explorations. A month later, reports surfaced that Murati was seeking to raise **over $100 million** to fund her new company, although that figure was not confirmed.  

## Departures from OpenAI  
Murati was not the only one to leave OpenAI around this time. Other notable exits included **Barret Zoph** and **Bob McGrew**, both of whom also departed shortly after Murati. Co-founder **Ilya Sutskever** later founded **Safe Superintelligence**, focusing on AI safety, and raised **$1 billion** within three months of its inception. Additionally, **Anthropic**, another competitor, was founded by ex-OpenAI executives and has secured significant funding, including **$8 billion** from Amazon.

It’s a major get for Murati’s mysterious startup, which has also poached engineers and researchers from a number of other prominent AI firms.

Mira Murati's Bold Move: Ex-OpenAI Executive Joins Her New AI Startup

### Meet Gia Mezz: A Visionary Entrepreneur
Gia Mezz, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from **Los Angeles**, is the creative mind behind the fashion brand **LEAU**. Initially launched as a **side hustle** to address the issues of **industry waste**, LEAU has now blossomed into a thriving business with nearly **$10 million** in lifetime sales.

![LEAU Fashion](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1736976015_Leau_5821_1.jpg?width=1000)
*Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU*

### The Beginning of the Journey
Gia started her journey in June 2020 during the pandemic. Frustrated with the **fast fashion** industry's impact, she began creating limited batches of thoughtfully designed pieces. "I launched LEAU in the middle of the pandemic...with small, limited batches of thoughtfully designed pieces," she recalls.

### Learning and Funding the Dream
To kickstart her brand, Gia taught herself **graphic design** during her free time. Unable to afford the production costs, she freelanced her design skills to other companies, funneling every dollar earned back into her business, covering costs from **sampling** to marketing.

### Overcoming Challenges
The pandemic posed numerous challenges, including factory shutdowns and disrupted supply chains. Gia had to pivot her strategies frequently, testing various **design concepts** and **marketing strategies** to connect with her audience. Despite the hardships, her persistence paid off.

### Rapid Growth and Success
In her first month, LEAU generated **$10,000** in revenue, which she reinvested into the brand. This led to a remarkable **50% growth** in the following months. Six months later, Gia was able to quit her day job, earning more in one month than her entire previous year’s salary. Within **18 months**, she achieved **$2 million** in revenue.

![LEAU Collection](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1736975906_SoleneDressBlack.jpg?width=1000)
*Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU*

### Full-Time Commitment
Today, Gia runs LEAU full-time and is on track to achieve **$10 million** in sales by the end of 2025. She proudly owns **100%** of her business, which has been entirely self-funded, with no debts or investors. 

### Passion for Sustainable Fashion
Gia’s mission goes beyond profits; she aims to inspire **thoughtful consumption** in the fashion industry. "Clothing can and should be an investment: pieces that are thoughtfully designed, well-made and timeless enough to be cherished for years to come," she states, encouraging a shift away from the wastefulness of fast fashion.

### Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone looking to embark on a similar journey, Gia advises, "Take inspired action. Your thoughts can become things, but only if you act on them. Dreams and ideas are just the beginning; what truly brings them to life is the effort and energy you put behind them."

![LEAU Collection](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1736975965_CelineCorsetGown3.jpg?width=1000)
*Image Credit: Courtesy of LEAU*

Gia Mezz, 28, started her Los Angeles fashion brand LEAU as a side hustle to combat industry waste. Learn how she took her business from zero to $10 million.

How a 28-Year-Old Turned a Side Hustle into a $10 Million Fashion Brand in Just 18 Months

## **Apply Now for the 4th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge!**  
StartUp Salina is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the **4th Annual Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge**, set to take place on **Wednesday, March 26, 2025**, at **Kansas State University-Salina**. This competition invites both **start-up businesses** and young businesses that have been operational for three years or less, with the chance to win up to **$6,000** in cash prizes.  
  
![Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge judges](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712004594636.jpeg)  
*Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge judges after winning the first-place prize of $6,000.*  
  
Last year, the event awarded a total of **$16,000** in prizes to the top five finishers. The 2024 winner, **The Refillery**, utilized their funding for purchasing their first season’s worth of product, POS equipment, and market booth equipment.  
  
### **Inspiring Testimonials**  
Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, shared her experience:  
> “Participating in the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge was the turning point that transformed my business dreams into a tangible reality. It was the spark that ignited my vision and set the trajectory for success, proving that one opportunity can change everything.”  
Baughman emphasized the value of the experience, stating,  
> “It was a powerful reminder that I am the expert on my dream, my business, and my vision—and that the knowledge I’ve cultivated is truly valuable.”  
  
### **Prizes and Application Details**  
This year’s event, presented by **Bennington State Bank** and **JRI Hospitality**, will offer cash prizes for the top five finishers:  
- **$6,000** for 1st place  
- **$4,000** for 2nd place  
- **$3,000** for 3rd place  
- **$2,000** for 4th place  
- **$1,000** for 5th place  
  
The initial application requires a business plan and a short **2–3-minute video** introducing the business idea. The deadline for submissions is **March 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM**. There is no application fee, and it includes residents of **Saline County** and surrounding counties.  
  
### **Pitch Competition Format**  
Ten applicants will be selected to participate in the in-person pitch competition on March 26, 2025. Competitors will have **seven minutes** to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, similar to the format seen on popular shows like **‘Shark Tank’**.  
  
The challenge is named in honor of **Charlie Walker**, a prominent Salina businessman who founded several companies, including **Blue Beacon International**. Walker's legacy continues through his family's commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship in the community.  
  
### **Community Support**  
Renee Duxler, CEO & President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, noted,  
> “We have some generous business owners in this community who are eager and interested in supporting the next generation of small businesses.”  
  
StartUp Salina will also host a **‘How To Pitch Your Business’ workshop** on **Tuesday, February 11th** for interested competitors.  
For more information and to apply, visit [projectopensalina.com/training](https://projectopensalina.com/training/).  

For further details, you can email Jaclyn Crow at [jcrow@salinakansas.org](mailto:jcrow@salinakansas.org).


                        
                        Morgan Baughman, owner of The Refillery, stands with the Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge ju

Moment Energy Secures $15M Funding: A Game-Changer in Battery Technology

Summary:

Moment Energy's Major Milestone

The Vision Behind Moment Energy

Strategic Partnerships

Future Outlook

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Other Latest News

Historic Union Vote: Boulder County Workers Unite for Better Conditions

Revolutionizing Healthcare: How Milk is Powering Targeted Drug Delivery Innovations

Meet the 16-Year-Old Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Junk Removal in Redding

Shield AI Soars: How This Startup Achieved a $5 Billion Valuation in Defense Tech

Mira Murati's Bold Move: Ex-OpenAI Executive Joins Her New AI Startup

How a 28-Year-Old Turned a Side Hustle into a $10 Million Fashion Brand in Just 18 Months

Unlock Your Startup's Potential: Join the Exciting Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge!

Other Latest News

Historic Union Vote: Boulder County Workers Unite for Better Conditions

Revolutionizing Healthcare: How Milk is Powering Targeted Drug Delivery Innovations

Meet the 16-Year-Old Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Junk Removal in Redding

Shield AI Soars: How This Startup Achieved a $5 Billion Valuation in Defense Tech

Mira Murati's Bold Move: Ex-OpenAI Executive Joins Her New AI Startup

How a 28-Year-Old Turned a Side Hustle into a $10 Million Fashion Brand in Just 18 Months

Unlock Your Startup's Potential: Join the Exciting Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge!