### Stripe’s Mistaken Layoff Notices  
**Stripe**, a prominent U.S.-based **fintech company**, recently made headlines for sending out layoff notices to **300 employees** featuring a cartoon duck image. This unusual choice of imagery has sparked discussions about the company's internal communication strategies.  

The layoffs predominantly affect roles in **product**, **operations**, and some in **engineering**. This marks **Stripe's second round of layoffs** since November 2022, raising concerns about its ambitious growth targets set for **2025**.  

![Stripe Layoffs](https://img.etimg.com/photo/94935185.cms)  

This incident highlights the challenges faced by startups in maintaining morale and effective communication during restructuring, especially as they navigate the competitive landscape of the fintech sector.

Stripe, a leading U.S.-based fintech company, mistakenly sent layoff notices with a cartoon duck image to 300 employees. The layoffs primarily affect roles in product, operations, and some in engineering. This is Stripe's second layoff round since November 2022, impacting their goal of significant growth by 2025.

Stripe's Layoff Blunder: The Duck That Delivered Bad News to 300 Employees

### In Brief
**Google co-founder Larry Page** is reportedly launching a new venture named **Dynatomics**, aimed at revolutionizing product manufacturing with **AI technology**. This initiative is designed to create **highly optimized designs** for various objects, which will then be constructed in factories. 

![Larry Page](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GettyImages-495426754.jpg)
*Image Credits: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images*

### What We Know
According to **The Information**, Page is collaborating with a select group of engineers to push the boundaries of manufacturing through artificial intelligence. The operation is currently under wraps, led by **Chris Anderson**, who previously served as CTO for **Kittyhawk**, an electric airplane startup backed by Page. 

### The AI Manufacturing Landscape
Larry Page is not alone in exploring the intersection of **AI and manufacturing**. Other startups are also leveraging AI to enhance manufacturing processes:
- **Orbital Materials** is developing an AI platform for discovering innovative materials, from batteries to carbon capture technologies.
- **PhysicsX** offers simulation tools for engineers in fields such as automotive and aerospace.
- **Instrumental** utilizes AI to identify anomalies in factory operations, showcasing the growing trend of integrating AI in manufacturing.

As these advancements unfold, the potential for AI to reshape the manufacturing landscape is becoming increasingly evident.

Google co-founder Larry Page is said to be building a new company called Dynatomics that's focused on applying AI to product manufacturing.

Larry Page Launches Dynatomics: A Game-Changer in AI-Powered Manufacturing

### Anduril's Bold Recruitment Strategy

**Anduril Industries**, a defense technology startup founded by **Palmer Luckey**—the mastermind behind **Oculus VR**—is shaking up the recruitment landscape with its unconventional campaign. Recently, the company announced it would take over **Microsoft's $22 billion** contract to produce advanced goggles for the **U.S. Army** and has secured several **other defense contracts** in the **$200 million range**.

To fulfill its growing workforce needs, Anduril is targeting cities rich in young tech talent, such as **Boston**, **Atlanta**, and **Seattle**. The campaign features the provocative slogan **"Don't Work at Anduril"** prominently displayed in a graffiti-style font, enticing curiosity and engagement from potential candidates.

### Viral Appeal and Unique Advertising

The ads have been spotted in various public spaces, particularly in transportation hubs. In Boston, the campaign mimics graffiti on the subway system, catching the attention of commuters and tech enthusiasts alike. This bold marketing tactic has led some to initially believe that Anduril had been **hacked**, as noted by an Australian media outlet.

**Jeff Miller**, Anduril's Vice President of Marketing, stated, **"Anduril is not for everyone. That's the point."** This candid approach appears to resonate, as the campaign has gained significant traction on **LinkedIn**, sparking discussions about the company's open positions.

As of now, Anduril boasts **711 open roles** on its website, showcasing its ambition to expand its workforce amid increasing defense contracts. The campaign's viral nature highlights a new era in recruitment marketing where curiosity and boldness can attract the right talent.

### Related News

In a similar vein, **Elon Musk's xAI** is reportedly set to hire thousands of **AI tutors**, with competitive pay rates, further emphasizing the evolving job market in tech.

Defense technology company Anduril has been targeting cities with large populations of young tech talent, like Boston, Atlanta, and Seattle, for its unconventional recruitment campaign.

Why Anduril's 'Don't Work Here' Campaign is Turning Heads in Tech Recruitment

### Avalo's Innovative Approach to Agriculture

**Avalo**, a pioneering startup utilizing **interpretable artificial intelligence** to cultivate climate-resilient crops, has successfully raised **$11 million** in a Series A funding round. This funding will support a partnership with **Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)** aimed at revolutionizing the sugarcane supply chain and reducing scope 3 emissions.

![Brendan Collins, cofounder, Avalo](https://agfundernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Brendan-Collins-cofounder-Avalo-Image-credit-Avalo-1.jpg)

### Funding Details

The funding round was co-led by **Germin8 Ventures** and **Alexandria Venture Investments**, with contributions from **Coca-Cola**, **Trust Ventures**, **Trailhead Capital**, and angel investor **Will Canine**. Existing investors such as **AtOne Ventures**, **Better Ventures**, and **SOSV** also participated.

### Transforming Sugar Production

Avalo plans to deploy its **rapid evolution platform** to introduce low-input crops like cotton and sugarcane that require less nitrogen and water. **Nick Schwanz**, Avalo's CMO, highlighted the challenges faced by the sugar industry, especially in Australia, where nitrogen runoff threatens ecosystems and production stability. The partnership aims to tackle these challenges by developing sugarcane varieties that can thrive with reduced resources.

### Cutting-Edge Technology

Avalo's technology, known as **Gene Discovery by Informationless Perturbation (GDIP)**, leverages AI to swiftly identify genes linked to desirable traits in crops. This innovative approach is expected to shorten the time required to develop new sugarcane varieties from **12+ years to just 5-6 years**.

### Addressing Agricultural Challenges

The GDIP technology allows for a more efficient breeding process by identifying critical genetic information amidst biological noise. This method excels in predicting plant performance and enhances the breeding program's cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

### A Sustainable Business Model

Avalo's business strategy involves collaborating with farmers to cultivate sugarcane that meets CCEP's sustainability goals. They plan to provide farmers with seeds and agronomy support, sharing profits from the sugar produced.

### Future Prospects

Avalo is also exploring other crops, including **cotton, rubber, and broccoli**. They aim to produce low-nitrogen cotton varieties and fast-growing broccoli that can yield six harvests annually. This innovative approach not only addresses market needs but also promotes sustainability in agriculture.

### Fundraising in Agtech

Despite current skepticism in the agtech sector, Avalo's partnership with CCEP signals strong market interest, positioning them favorably for future growth and innovation in agriculture.

Avalo—a startup deploying interpretable artificial intelligence to develop climate resilient crops—has raised a $11 million Series A.

Avalo Secures $11M Funding and Collaborates with Coca-Cola to Revolutionize Sugar Production

## Skift Take
There’s been a fair amount of activity in the **corporate travel** and **expense management** world as companies look to capitalize on a largely untapped market.

American Express announced plans to acquire **Center**, a startup platform for expense management, founded in 2017 by CEO **Naveen Singh**. With a recent **$30 million** series C funding round in 2023, Center has raised a total of **$140 million** to date.

American Express primarily offers corporate management through issuing corporate cards, while its expense management services come from third-party platforms like **Concur** and **Emburse**. Center aims to provide businesses with **real-time visibility** into employee spending, automate accounting tasks, and streamline expense submission processes.

The integration of Center’s **talent and technology** is set to enhance American Express’ offerings. The company stated, “Center’s software, together with American Express’ corporate and small business cards, will aim to create a seamless expense management platform that delivers more value across the commercial card payments process.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the **second quarter of 2025**, pending customary closing conditions.

Center has been collaborating with Steve Singh’s corporate travel companies, including **Direct Travel**, **Troop**, and **Spotnana**, to enhance business travel experiences. In 2024, Singh and investors acquired Direct Travel as part of this initiative.

Recent trends show significant activity in the corporate travel and expense management sector, with **Amex GBT** planning to acquire **CWT** for **$570 million**, despite facing some challenges. **TravelPerk** has also raised **$200 million** this year, adding to its previous **$104 million**, and has acquired another startup to bolster its position as an all-in-one corporate travel and expense management platform. Competing startups like **Engine** and **Ramp** have also secured substantial funding recently.

American Express said Thursday that it plans to acquire Center, a startup platform for expense management, a bid to expand its offerings.

American Express Expands Reach by Acquiring Expense Management Startup Center

### 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

![Manus, an AI agent released by Chinese start-up Monica](https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-03-07/12296688-8fb7-49d0-8044-98fe6da9cc42.jpeg)

Chinese start-up **Monica** has recently unveiled an innovative **artificial intelligence (AI) agent** known as **Manus**, which has quickly captured the attention of the media and the public. Some are dubbing it **"another DeepSeek moment"**, referencing the rapid rise of AI in China.

**Viral Launch**
Manus went viral in just **20 hours** post-launch. Marketed as the world's first **truly general AI agent**, its official website showcases its remarkable ability to **think, plan, and execute** complex tasks independently, producing complete results.

**What is Manus?**
According to Monica, **"Manus is a general AI agent that bridges minds and actions: it doesn't just think, it delivers results."** It boasts a diverse range of applications, from creating custom travel guidebooks to performing in-depth analyses of **Tesla's stock**. The team claims that Manus achieved **state-of-the-art (SOTA)** results in the **GAIA benchmark**, outperforming similar models from OpenAI.

The name **"Manus"** is derived from the motto **"Mens et Manus"**, meaning **"Mind and Hand"**, emphasizing the importance of applying knowledge to effect meaningful change.

**Public Reception**
On **X (formerly Twitter)**, an introductory video of Manus garnered over **370,000 views** within hours. Ji Yichao, co-founder and chief scientist, stated, **“This isn't just another chatbot... it's a truly autonomous agent that bridges the gap between conception and execution.”** He envisions it as a new paradigm of **human-machine collaboration** and a glimpse into **AGI** (Artificial General Intelligence).

**Access and Demand**
Currently, access to Manus is restricted; users require an **invitation code** to participate. This has led to a rush on secondhand marketplaces, with prices for these codes ranging from **999 yuan ($137)** to **50,000 yuan ($6,900)**. Co-founder **Zhang Tao** explained that the invitation system is necessary due to **limited server capacity**, and the team is working hard to accommodate the growing user interest.

**Team Background**
The founding team of Monica includes **Xiao Hong**, a serial entrepreneur and **2015 graduate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology**. Discussions surrounding Manus have trended on **Weibo**, particularly regarding its **post-90s** founder, which has amassed over **27.8 million reads** and **5,800 comments**.

Chinese start-up Monica has lately released an artificial intelligence (AI) agent called Manus, instantly attracting widespread media and public attention, with some media outlets asking if this would be

Meet Manus: The Revolutionary AI Agent Taking the World by Storm

### The News

**US investor Endeavor Catalyst** is gearing up to significantly increase its investments in Africa over the next five years, potentially **doubling the share** of African startups in its portfolio. Since 2017, the New York-based venture capital firm has made **40 investments** in the region, including notable companies such as **Tymebank** in South Africa and **Flutterwave** and **Moniepoint** in Nigeria, all of which have reached unicorn status.

Currently, **8%** of Endeavor Catalyst's global investments are in Africa, but executives anticipate that this figure will rise with the continent's growing **digital adoption** and **tech talent**. Allen Taylor, a founding partner of Endeavor Catalyst, stated, "We are going to be doing a lot more investing here because this is where growth is coming from."

In 2021, the firm achieved its first exit in Africa by investing in **InstaDeep**, a Tunisian AI startup acquired by **BioNTech** for **$682 million**. Last year, they also invested in **Zededa**, a Moroccan-founded AI company, highlighting their belief in the **ubiquity of AI** in future tech landscapes.

### Know More

Endeavor Catalyst is part of a network of Silicon Valley investors that have significantly contributed to the rise of Africa's startup ecosystem, often providing funding that local venture capitalists cannot match. The firm invests up to **$2 million** in companies led by founders from its **Endeavor network**, an exclusive global startup founders club. Later this year, they plan to raise a new fund of up to **$350 million**.

Despite a recent slowdown in US investment in African startups, the largest funding round this year was the **$53 million** raised by **LemFi**, a remittance startup from Nigeria, which included investors from the US, including Endeavor Catalyst. According to Michele Wanjiku, who leads the firm's Africa operations, **25%** of their African investments are in **fintech**, with another **25%** in **consumer tech**. Looking ahead, they expect to invest more in **software-as-a-service** businesses as the ecosystem develops.

### Step Back

This optimistic outlook comes as African startups seek favorable economic conditions following challenging years that have seen the **collapse of promising ventures**. In Nigeria, improved GDP growth and reduced inflation have been welcomed by entrepreneurs as signs of recovery.

Ireayo Oladunjoye, Endeavor’s managing director for Nigeria, noted, "Many are now coming out of the valley and they can see stability in our economy."

### Notable

**Antler**, a Singapore-based startup venture firm, will begin investing in Nigerian startups this year, marking its second presence in Africa after Kenya. It was one of the top five active venture capitalists last year, according to **Pitchbook**.

![World Map](https://static.semafor.com/_next/static/media/wagFeedMap.0373fafb.png)

The New York-based venture capital firm has made 40 investments in Africa since 2017.

Stripe's Layoff Blunder: The Duck That Delivered Bad News to 300 Employees

Summary:

Stripe’s Mistaken Layoff Notices

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