### Investors Fuel the Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces

**Precision Neuroscience** has successfully raised **over $100 million** to advance its development of **thought-controlled devices**. This funding comes as a part of a larger trend where companies are rapidly progressing towards human trials in the field of **brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)**.

With the backing of notable investors, the startup is poised to compete with industry giants like **Elon Musk**, who is also venturing into this revolutionary technology. The potential applications of BCIs are vast, ranging from medical treatments to enhancing human capabilities.

The push towards creating devices that can interpret brain signals opens up new possibilities for various sectors, including healthcare and communication. As more companies enter this space, the race is on to see who can effectively bring these groundbreaking technologies to market first.

Precision Neuroscience raises over $100mn as companies building ‘brain-computer interfaces’ press ahead with human trials

Revolutionizing Minds: How Investors are Fueling the Race for Thought-Controlled Devices

### Fifth Wall's Ambitious New Fund
Real estate venture firm **Fifth Wall** is set to raise a **new $500 million fund** known as **Fifth Wall React**, as revealed in a recent **regulatory filing**.

Founded just eight years ago, Fifth Wall is under the leadership of co-founder and CEO **Brendan Wallace**. The firm has successfully managed **$3.2 billion** in capital, including a record-breaking **$866 million fund** raised in late 2022, which was the largest venture fund dedicated to **real estate tech startups**. Earlier in 2022, they also closed a **$500 million fund** focused on investing in **real estate climate tech** aimed at decarbonizing the property industry.

### Market Context
The significance of this new fund cannot be understated, especially in light of the challenges faced by the **proptech sector** following rising interest rates in 2022. However, the recent decision by the **U.S. Federal Reserve** to lower rates has sparked optimism among investors for a potential rebound in the market.

### Notable Exits
Fifth Wall has seen some impressive exits, including investments in the home seller **Opendoor**, property insurance company **Hippo Insurance**, and smart home technology firm **SmartRent**. Despite inquiries, Fifth Wall has not provided comments regarding their new fund.

Real estate venture firm Fifth Wall is raising a new $500 million fund called Fifth Wall React, according to a regulatory filing.

Fifth Wall Ventures Raises $500M Fund: A New Era for Real Estate Tech

## Ōura's Remarkable Growth

The Finnish company **Ōura**, known for its innovative smart ring, has recently made headlines by raising an impressive **$200 million** in funding. This monumental investment has propelled the company's valuation to a staggering **$5.2 billion**.

## Doubling Sales

Ōura's success can be attributed to its **growing popularity** among health-conscious consumers. This year, the company's sales have more than **doubled**, showcasing the increasing demand for wearable technology that prioritizes health monitoring.

## The Future of Wearable Technology

With its unique product offering, Ōura is positioning itself at the forefront of the **wearable tech market**. As more consumers seek devices that help them optimize their health and wellness, Ōura's smart ring is becoming a preferred choice for many.

![Ōura Smart Ring](https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/https://barrier-page-components.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/assets/icons/primary_product_icon_standard.svg?source=next-barrier-page&format=svg)

Finnish company’s growing popularity has led to its sales more than doubling this year

Ōura's Smart Ring Soars: $200 Million Raised, Valuation Hits $5.2 Billion!

### YouTube's Evolution
YouTube has transformed itself from a **platform for funny cat videos** and **dance history explorations** to one of the **largest media companies** globally.  

![YouTube Logo](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107320298-1697737867188-gettyimages-1149449084-BPS01_Branding_Location_OC_8.jpeg?v=1733925488&w=1858&h=1045&vtcrop=y)  
*Image Source: Future Publishing | Future | Getty Images*  

### The Google Acquisition
In **2006**, Google acquired YouTube for **$1.65 billion** during the early days of the **online video boom**. At that time, the platform's long-term viability was uncertain.  

### Current Perspectives
Fast forward **eighteen years**, and investors in Google's parent company, **Alphabet**, are now considering a **strangely positive kind of uncertainty** regarding YouTube's future. Could this overlooked business be worth as much as **Netflix**, estimated at nearly **$400 billion**? The questions linger: **What’s next for YouTube?**

Investors in Google-parent Alphabet are now faced with a different, strangely positive kind of uncertainty concerning YouTube.

The Incredible Journey of YouTube: From Humble Beginnings to Media Titan

### Chime Financial Inc. Files for IPO

Chime Financial Inc., a leader in **no-fee banking services**, has taken a significant step by submitting a **confidential filing** with the US government for its **initial public offering (IPO)**. The company is looking to go **public by 2025**, although the exact timing remains uncertain. 

### Innovative Banking Services

Chime offers a **digital-first mobile banking** experience without operating as a traditional bank. This innovative approach allows them to provide attractive services, similar to companies like **Monzo Bank** in the UK, by reducing costs associated with branches and staffing.

### Strong Financial Backing

To date, Chime has raised an impressive **$2.65 billion** from notable investors including **Menlo Ventures**, **Forerunner Ventures**, **Sequoia Capital**, **Coatue Management**, and **Acrew Capital**. This funding underscores the confidence in Chime's business model and future growth.

### User-Centric Features

Chime provides users with bank-like services via an app, offering **checking and high-yield savings accounts**. Recently, they introduced a feature allowing customers to access up to **$500 of their paychecks** before the official payday. Additionally, Chime has partnered with the **NBA’s Dallas Mavericks**, showcasing their logo on the team's jerseys.

### Market Position and Future Prospects

Chime achieved a **$25 billion valuation** in 2021, during a peak in the tech market. With the IPO market showing signs of recovery, Chime has hired **Morgan Stanley** as the lead underwriter for its IPO. The company's growth trajectory remains promising, particularly with the anticipated positive market reactions surrounding upcoming political events.

(Bloomberg) -- Chime Financial Inc., a financial technology company focused on no-fee banking services, has submitted a confidential filing with the US government for its initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter.Most Read from BloombergNYPD Car Chases Are Becoming More Frequent — and More DangerousThe company aims to go public in 2025, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The IPO timing is not finalized and the plans cou

Chime's IPO Plans: What You Need to Know About This No-Fee Banking Giant

### Slow Ventures on the Rise

**Slow Ventures**, an early-stage venture capital firm with bases in **New York**, **San Francisco**, and **Boston**, is currently in the process of raising **$275 million** across two new funds: a **$165 million fund VI** and a **$110 million opportunity fund**. This information comes from two regulatory filings submitted to the **U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission** on Tuesday.

Both filings reveal that Slow Ventures has not yet secured funds for either vehicle, potentially excluding prior commitments from their limited partners. Founded in **2009** by **Dave Morin**, a former Facebook employee, Slow Ventures has expanded its team to include former Facebook executives **Sam Lessin** and **Kevin Colleran**. 

### Investment Portfolio

Slow Ventures has a diverse investment portfolio, focusing on sectors such as **consumer**, **fintech**, and **crypto**. Some of their top investments include **Robinhood**, **Nextdoor**, **Pinterest**, and the cryptocurrency **Solana**. 

### Management Team Dynamics

The firm is distinguished by its management team. **Sam Lessin**, who was a classmate of **Mark Zuckerberg** at Harvard, joined Facebook after his startup **Drop** was acquired. **Kevin Colleran** was one of the first employees at Facebook, working in advertising sales before moving to venture capital. **Will Quist**, who joined in **2015**, previously worked at **Industry Ventures**. They adopt a generalist investment strategy, emphasizing quality over speed with the motto, **“Big things take time.”**

### Nontraditional Approaches

Slow Ventures has embraced nontraditional investment methods, including direct investments in cryptocurrency. They made an early investment in **Solana**, acquiring coins at **$0.05** each, which have since risen to around **$215**. The firm has also experimented with **decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)** to purchase land and has engaged in a controversial strategy of investing in individuals' careers for a share of their future earnings.

Recently, Lessin has also made headlines for his attempt to join **Harvard’s Board of Overseers**, although his campaign did not succeed despite an endorsement from Zuckerberg.


The early-stage fund based in New York, San Francisco, and Boston is run by Kevin Colleran, Sam Lessin, and Will Quist.

Slow Ventures Targets $275 Million in New Funds: A Look at Their Unique Investment Strategy

The **2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit** invites young changemakers, innovators, and leaders to shape a **sustainable and inclusive future** through bold, youth-driven solutions. Under the theme **"New Horizons: Youth-Led Innovation for a Sustainable World"**, this year’s summit focuses on three transformative areas:

### Digital Transformation & Data
Discover how youth leverage **technology**, including **AI** and **big data**, to drive **economic growth**, bridge the **digital divide**, and create a **future-ready labor market**.

### Climate Action & Resilience
Explore innovative solutions for **green technologies**, **smart cities**, and **sustainable agriculture**, showcasing how young leaders can combat **climate change** while creating **job opportunities**.

### Creative Industries
Highlight the role of **arts**, **media**, and **fashion** in fostering **employment**, promoting **sustainability**, and preserving **cultural heritage**.

When discussing these subthemes, the Summit will focus on three fresh perspectives on innovation: **Underserved populations**, **Fragility**, **Conflict and Violence (FCV)**, and **Partnerships**. By spotlighting these areas, the event aims to amplify diverse voices, foster innovation for sustainable development, and build collaborative networks to scale impact globally.

Join us in celebrating the **creativity**, **technology**, and **entrepreneurial spirit** of young leaders as they redefine possibilities, impulse new job opportunities, and lead the charge for a more **inclusive** and **resilient world**.

### Why is it Relevant?
**85% of the world’s youth live in low- and middle-income countries**, with **600 million** in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Nearly **800 million young people** in developing nations risk being excluded from the job market over the next decade, particularly those from marginalized groups facing barriers due to **gender**, **ethnicity**, **disability**, and other social identities. Despite these challenges, young people are driving **innovation**, which is a **key factor** to create new job opportunities, promote inclusion, and tackle climate change.

Youth-led initiatives are already making an impact, such as using **real-time data** to improve **agricultural resilience**, launching **digital platforms** for **financial inclusion**, and navigating their way into **creative industries**. These innovations offer new business models and industries, helping to address the rising **youth unemployment crisis** and solve some development challenges.

The **2025 Summit** will focus on amplifying these efforts, particularly in key sectors like **education**, **healthcare**, and **green technologies**. It will highlight how innovation can provide job opportunities and empower marginalized populations, in line with the **World Bank Group’s priorities**. The Summit aims to foster global partnerships among youth, governments, businesses, and civil society to scale up youth-led solutions, contributing to a more **inclusive** and **sustainable future** for young people worldwide.

Returning for its 12th edition, the World Bank Group Youth Summit aims to engage youth on the most pressing topics facing their generation.

Empowering Youth: Join the 2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit for Innovative Solutions!

### Greentown Labs Secures Major Funding

Greentown Labs, a **Somerville-based clean-tech incubator**, has successfully secured **over $4 million** in funding, marking its first new round since becoming a nonprofit organization. This crucial financial support is aimed at propelling Greentown into its next growth phase, extending beyond its existing hubs in **Somerville** and **Houston**.

The funding comes from a diverse array of contributors, including:
- **MassDevelopment**: Over **$1 million** in grant funds.
- **City of Somerville**: A **$500,000** loan.
- **Rice University**: A **$500,000** loan plus a grant exceeding **$1 million**.
- A group of Texas energy sector investors led by **Bobby Tudor** and **David Baldwin**, contributing another **$1 million** grant.

### A Tumultuous Journey

This funding round caps a **challenging two years** for Greentown Labs, which positions itself as the **largest climate-tech incubator in North America**. The organization is set to appoint its **fifth chief executive** since the departure of **Emily Reichert** in late 2022. In early 2023, Greentown transitioned to **501c3 status** to explore new revenue streams, including **philanthropic funding** to support its **$15 million** annual budget. Despite facing scrutiny from climate activists for receiving funds from **Saudi Aramco**, Greentown has continued to attract support from various oil companies.

### Current Operations

Currently, Greentown hosts **140 clean-tech startups** in Boston and **75 in Houston**. While these startups pay rent, approximately **two-thirds** of Greentown's budget is funded by corporate partners, known as **“terawatt partners”**, who benefit from close access to innovative entrepreneurs.

Interim CEO **Kevin Dutt** emphasized that the new funds are intended to help Greentown reach climate-tech entrepreneurs beyond its physical locations, aiming to expand its impact significantly. He acknowledged the organization’s **high success rate** and the strong interest in growth beyond their traditional bases.

### Boardroom Shakeup

The funding has also led to a **shakeup in the boardroom**, with new members joining from both Boston and Houston. Notable returning members include co-founder **Jason Hanna** and **John Hitt**, while **Tudor** will chair the board. New board members with Boston connections include:
- **Bill Aulet** (MIT entrepreneurship professor)
- **Georgina Campbell Flatter** (executive director of TomorrowNow)
- **Juan Carlos Morales** (founder of Surfside Capital Advisors)
- **Pam Reeve** (former Lightbridge CEO)

### Looking Ahead

Greentown Labs has evolved significantly since **Reichert** joined as its first employee over a decade ago. Dutt, who plans to pass the leadership to a new CEO in January, expressed optimism that this recapitalization will foster further growth, stating, **“This is really about a reaffirmation of the strength and success of the organization.”**

For more insights, connect with **Jon Chesto** at [jon.chesto@globe.com](mailto:jon.chesto@globe.com) or follow him on [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/jonchesto).

The Somerville-based clean-tech incubator has landed some much-needed financing.

Revolutionizing Minds: How Investors are Fueling the Race for Thought-Controlled Devices

Summary:

Investors Fuel the Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces

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