### **Verdiva Bio's Ambitious Plans**  
Verdiva Bio, a **biotech startup backed by General Atlantic**, has successfully secured **$410 million in its initial funding round**. This significant investment aims to fuel the company's efforts to bring innovative drugs to the **growing obesity market**.  
  
### **Strategic Acquisition of Potential Drugs**  
The startup plans to leverage **potential drugs acquired in China**, positioning itself to compete effectively in the **obesity treatment sector**. With rising obesity rates globally, Verdiva Bio is poised to make a substantial impact in this area.  
  
### **A Bright Future Ahead**  
As the demand for effective obesity treatments continues to soar, Verdiva Bio's entry into the market with substantial funding and strategic acquisitions could redefine the landscape of obesity management.  

![Verdiva Bio](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_trial.svg?source=next-barrier-page&format=svg)

Verdiva Bio wants to use potential drugs acquired in China to compete in growing obesity market 

Verdiva Bio Secures $410 Million Funding: A Game Changer in the Obesity Drug Market

## Eric Schmidt's New AI Project: Hooglee

**Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt** has been secretly working on an **AI video platform** named **Hooglee**, aimed at revolutionizing video creation and social engagement. Founded under Schmidt's family office, **Hillspire**, this startup seeks to **democratize video creation** using artificial intelligence.

### Mission and Vision
Hooglee's mission is to **"bring people closer, simplify communication, and enhance engagement"** through innovative AI solutions. Although the startup's website is sparse, it hints at a blend of **AI video creation software** with elements of a **social networking platform**.

### Leadership and Team
To spearhead Hooglee, Schmidt has enlisted **Sebastian Thrun**, a notable figure in tech known for his work at Google and the autonomous vehicle company **Waymo**. The team comprises former scientists from **Meta's generative AI lab** and other tech veterans, including those from Schmidt’s previous ventures.

### Competitive Landscape
Insiders suggest that Hooglee is being positioned as a potential **TikTok alternative**, though specifics on how it will differentiate from existing platforms remain unclear. Schmidt has previously expressed interest in **TikTok**, even considering acquiring it amid regulatory pressures in the U.S.

### AI and Ethical Considerations
While Schmidt promotes the benefits of AI, he has also cautioned against its risks, particularly concerning **deepfakes** and misinformation. He advocates for the development of **AI detection systems** to combat these issues, though it is uncertain if Hooglee will adopt such measures.

### Future Prospects
Hooglee represents Schmidt's most personal venture into AI, following his investments in various AI startups. As the **AI video generation** space grows, Hooglee will need to carve out its niche amidst competition from established players like **Runway** and **OpenAI**.

**For more updates on Hooglee and its developments, stay tuned!**

The billionaire has quietly founded a startup that aims to “bring people closer, simplify communication, and enhance engagement” through artificial intelligence.

Eric Schmidt's Mysterious AI Video Venture: What is Hooglee? Discover the Secrets Behind This New Startup

Silicon Valley is buzzing with excitement over the **emergence of AI agents**—autonomous tools that promise to transform various sectors. Here’s a look at some notable startups making waves in this space:

### Maven AGI
- **What it is:** Maven AGI reimagines enterprise customer support by leveraging agents.
- **Founded:** 2023
- **Total funding:** $28 million
- **Notable deal:** Launched from stealth in May with $28 million in Series A funding led by M13.

![Maven AGI](https://i.insider.com/677d61e02be30c194fc53e5a)

### Wordware
- **What it is:** A Polish-British startup building a platform for developing agents using plain English instead of code.
- **Founded:** 2021
- **Total funding:** $30 million
- **Notable deal:** One of Y Combinator's largest seed rounds, led by Spark Capital.

![Wordware](https://i.insider.com/677d4f6ed741e3aee2a15220)

### Decagon
- **What it is:** Developing agents to act as customer support representatives for enterprises.
- **Founded:** 2023
- **Total funding:** $100 million
- **Notable deal:** Emerged from stealth in June with $30 million Series A funding.

![Decagon](https://i.insider.com/677d63044fdf00939ed6935e)

### Resolve AI
- **What it is:** Building a production-engineer agent that troubleshoots errors and solves production issues.
- **Founded:** 2024
- **Total funding:** $35 million
- **Notable deal:** $35 million seed round led by Greylock.

![Resolve AI](https://i.insider.com/677d52ea4fdf00939ed68fe7)

### Norm Ai
- **What it is:** Enables compliance chiefs to convert regulations into computer code.
- **Founded:** 2023
- **Total funding:** $38 million
- **Notable deal:** Raised $27 million Series A led by Coatue.

![Norm Ai](https://i.insider.com/677d61a7d741e3aee2a155c2)

### 7AI
- **What it is:** Building a "swarm" of agents to protect enterprises from cyber threats.
- **Founded:** 2023
- **Total funding:** $36 million
- **Notable deal:** Launched with $36 million seed funding.

![7AI](https://i.insider.com/677d4a6b2be30c194fc539e2)

### Braintrust
- **What it is:** A platform for developers to build, monitor, and troubleshoot AI applications.
- **Founded:** 2023
- **Total funding:** $45 million
- **Notable deal:** $36 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz.

![Braintrust](https://i.insider.com/677c47352be30c194fc52254)

### Lawhive
- **What it is:** AI-powered legal assistant that automates legal tasks.
- **Founded:** 2019
- **Total funding:** $52 million
- **Notable deal:** Closed $40 million Series A in December.

![Lawhive](https://i.insider.com/677c42e42be30c194fc51e89)

### Qodo
- **What it is:** Deploys agents into coding processes for generation and testing.
- **Founded:** 2022
- **Total funding:** $50 million
- **Notable deal:** $40 million Series A led by Susa Ventures.

![Qodo](https://i.insider.com/677e99928951662c9f1f34cd)

### Rox
- **What it is:** Agents assist sales teams by monitoring customer activity.
- **Founded:** 2024
- **Total funding:** $50 million
- **Notable deal:** Completed seed and Series A rounds totaling $50 million.

![Rox](https://i.insider.com/677d5aaad741e3aee2a1544c)

### Additional Startups
- **Decart:** Builds enterprise products on its infrastructure stack, $53 million funding.
- **/dev/agents:** Cloud OS for agents, $56 million funding.
- **HeyGen:** Generative-AI video creator, $60 million funding.
- **11x:** AI-powered sales reps, $76 million funding.
- **Astrix Security:** Security platform for agents, $85 million funding.
- **Robin AI:** Legal tech copilot for drafting contracts, $60 million funding.
- **Ema:** Agents for complex business tasks, $61 million funding.
- **Anysphere:** AI-powered code editor, $171 million funding.
- **Torq:** Multi-agent system for security workflows, $192 million funding.
- **Legion:** Workforce-management platform, $195 million funding.

These startups are at the forefront of **AI innovation**, showcasing the potential of **AI agents** to revolutionize industries and enhance productivity.

The rise of agents, a new set of artificial intelligence tools that can work autonomously, offers a fertile ground for a select group of startups.

Discover the Hottest Startups Revolutionizing AI Agents in Silicon Valley

## Flipkart's Quick Commerce Ambitions

Flipkart has made a significant move by hiring **Kabeer Biswas**, the co-founder of **Dunzo**, to spearhead its quick-commerce initiative known as **Flipkart Minutes**. This strategy comes as the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant aims to expand its footprint in the fast-paced delivery sector in India.

## The Context of the Move

This hiring decision follows nearly a year after Flipkart considered a **potential acquisition** of Dunzo, which ultimately fell through due to complications in Dunzo's ownership structure, notably with **Reliance Retail** being one of its major backers. Since then, Reliance has largely distanced itself from Dunzo.

## Quick Commerce Landscape in India

While the quick-commerce model—delivering products within **10 to 15 minutes**—has faced challenges globally, it is gaining traction in India. Competitors like **Zomato's BlinkIt**, **Swiggy's Instamart**, and **Zepto** currently lead this market. Despite this competition, Flipkart and **Amazon** are making strides to capture urban consumers, with Flipkart already establishing over **100 dark stores** to facilitate rapid deliveries and even offering high-priced electronics through its quick-commerce platform.

## Dunzo's Background

Founded in 2014, Dunzo was a pioneer in the quick-commerce space, aiming to revolutionize India's e-commerce by promising deliveries within **30 minutes**. Despite raising over **$500 million** and backing from major investors like **Google**, Dunzo struggled to maintain its market position amidst increasing competition.

## Kabeer Biswas's New Role

In his new role at Flipkart, Biswas is expected to leverage his experience in the quick-commerce sector to enhance Flipkart's offerings and compete effectively against rivals. He has also been exploring new ventures recently, engaging with **venture capitalists** like **Peak XV** for potential collaborations.

Flipkart has hired Kabeer Biswas, the co-founder of Indian delivery startup Dunzo, as the Walmart-owned e-commerce group expands its quick-commerce

Flipkart's Bold Move: Hiring Dunzo Co-Founder to Dominate Quick Commerce in India

### A New Beginning for Appleton's Downtown

A **new hub** for food and retail entrepreneurs is set to launch in **downtown Appleton** on **College Avenue**. This initiative, named **The Fox Den**, will be located inside **Fox Commons**, the revitalized former City Center Plaza.

![Fox Commons on College Avenue in downtown Appleton.](https://fox11online.com/resources/media2/16x9/1920/986/center/90/53e35ac7-aaa3-4a06-8392-78f35286c5e9-10PMWEDCFoxCommonsSOTVo.jpg)

The Fox Den will feature **ten pre-constructed stalls** designed to provide affordable space for **food and micro-retail entrepreneurs** to test their business ideas. **Kim Massey**, co-owner of **The Wild Goose Exchange**, emphasizes the importance of such spaces, stating, "There is a lack of these spaces. This is a great place for us to now start putting our eyes on and highlighting to those looking to start growing a retail or restaurant business."

### Revitalization Efforts 

The redevelopment of Fox Commons has been a collaborative effort between **Dark Horse** and **Boldt development companies**. The goal is to transform the once desolate mall into a vibrant downtown attraction again. **Sam Schmidt** from Dark Horse mentioned that The Fox Den will help fill the remaining spaces in Fox Commons and contribute to this revitalization.

![The former City Center Plaza is undergoing redevelopment.](https://fox11online.com/resources/media2/16x9/2048/648/0x192/90/834a5092-d739-4b17-94d4-d47dda56cef5-458330055_841995064743024_3940419695839660708_n.jpg)

### Community Impact 

The facility is not just about retail; it also includes **apartments for students** from **Lawrence University**, which will enhance community life. Students like **Cesar Donaire** have noted a significant improvement in the area's atmosphere compared to when it was a ghost town.

While a specific opening date for The Fox Den has not been announced, excitement is building around this new venture that aims to boost local entrepreneurship and community engagement.

A hub for food and retail entrepreneurs is coming to downtown Appleton on College Avenue.

Exciting New Hub for Food and Retail Entrepreneurs Opens in Downtown Appleton!

Entrepreneurs often find themselves **walking a tightrope** between **compelling storytelling** and **deception**. A misstep can lead to what’s known as the **“deception trap”**, a cycle that can ensnare even the most well-meaning founders. This phenomenon has been highlighted in recent high-profile cases, such as **Sam Bankman-Fried**, who was convicted of fraud, and **Elizabeth Holmes** of Theranos fame.

## The Deception Trap Explained
The **deception trap** emerges when entrepreneurs, through their narratives, establish identities and set expectations, often leading to a cycle of deceit if those expectations are not met. The desire to succeed can push entrepreneurs into embellishing their ventures, leading to a slippery slope of misrepresentation.

## The Slippery Slope of Deception
In the early stages of a startup, founders must convey their **vision** convincingly. Unfortunately, this can lead to **exaggerations** and **unrealistic promises** about their products, making them susceptible to scrutiny. As pressure mounts, entrepreneurs may resort to **blurring the truth**, resulting in a cycle of deception that can ensnare both them and their stakeholders.

## Avoiding the Deception Trap
To protect against falling into this trap, entrepreneurs should:
1. **Set realistic stretch goals** and keep stakeholders informed about risks.
2. Understand that **“fail fast”** should mean disciplined experimentation rather than reckless risks.
3. Be realistic when creating early prototypes to avoid the pitfalls of **vaporware**.

## Stakeholders' Role
Stakeholders also play a crucial role in preventing deception. They should:
- Conduct **independent due diligence**.
- Reflect critically on their assumptions about the startup.
- Demand **transparency** and evidence from entrepreneurs.
- Maintain a **“trust but verify”** mentality to ensure claims are substantiated.

## The Need for Culture Change
Ultimately, the culture of **overambition** in entrepreneurship needs an overhaul. All parties involved, from entrepreneurs to investors, must remain vigilant and perform due diligence to prevent the deception trap from ensnaring them.

Entrepreneurs walk a razor-thin line between telling compelling stories and peddling lies — a misstep can easily lead to slipping into what the authors call the “deception trap.” It starts when entrepreneurs, through their storytelling and framing, establish their identities, promote their visions, and set expectations for themselves and their stakeholders. Yet, framing the future can easily turn into a vicious cycle of expanding deceit if expectations cannot be met and entrepreneurs attempt to deliver at all costs. Entrepreneurs should take a few steps to protect themselves: 1) set realistic stretch goals and keep stakeholders informed of the risks, 2) understand the “fail” in “fail fast” as rapid experimentation to identify promising alternatives, not a license to take poorly conceived risks, and 3) be realistic when creating early prototypes and reporting on milestones.

Navigating the Deception Trap: Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs

## The Pros and Cons of Making Advanced Chips in America

As **AI chip designs diversify**, US semiconductor fabs are eager to capitalize on the **AI boom**. Companies like **Groq** and **Positron AI** are leveraging domestic manufacturing to enhance their offerings in the **AI chip market**. The strategic decision to produce advanced chips in America comes with both benefits and challenges that are reshaping the landscape of technology and manufacturing.

### Benefits of Domestic Chip Production
- **Supply Chain Security**: Manufacturing chips in the US reduces reliance on overseas suppliers, ensuring a more stable supply chain.
- **Innovation Boost**: Proximity to research institutions and tech hubs fosters **collaboration** and **innovation**, driving advancements in chip technology.
- **Job Creation**: Establishing fabs in America is likely to create thousands of high-tech jobs, positively impacting the economy.

### Challenges Ahead
- **High Costs**: Building and maintaining semiconductor fabs in the US can be significantly more expensive than overseas production, impacting profitability.
- **Regulatory Hurdles**: Navigating the complex landscape of **US regulations** and securing funding can pose challenges for startups.
- **Competition**: With established players like Nvidia dominating the AI chip market, new entrants face stiff competition.

![AI Chip Manufacturing](https://i.insider.com/677811ed9de00e389eb44597?width=700)
*As AI chip designs diversify beyond Nvidia's GPU, US semiconductor fabs press their noses up against the window of the AI boom.*

In conclusion, while the move to domestic chip production presents exciting opportunities for innovation and economic growth, it also brings significant challenges that startups must navigate carefully to succeed in this competitive landscape.

Groq and Positron AI are tapping  US semiconductor fabs to offer more value in the AI chip market

Unlocking the Future: The Impact of American Chip Manufacturing on AI Innovation

### Discovering a New Era of Mineral Extraction

**Alta Resource Technologies**, a Colorado-based startup, has successfully raised **$5.1 million** in an oversubscribed seed funding round, co-led by **DCVC** and **Voyager Ventures**. This funding aims to enhance the extraction of critical minerals, particularly **rare earth elements** like **neodymium** and **dysprosium**, essential for modern technologies including electric vehicles and wind turbines.

![Rare Earth Elements](https://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rare-earth-adobe-1024x576.jpeg)

### Innovative Biochemistry Platform

Alta has developed a unique **biochemistry platform**, leveraging technology licensed from the **Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory** and collaborating with researchers from **Pennsylvania State University**. The startup's technology utilizes custom-designed proteins that act as microscopic robots, enabling the **cost-effective separation** of high-purity rare earth elements from low-grade sources, which conventional methods cannot process.

### Funding and Support

In addition to the seed funding, Alta has secured nearly **$1 million in grants** from the federal government, including support from the **Department of Defense’s DARPA** and the **State of Colorado**. Previous funding was also provided by **Baruch Future Ventures** and **Climate Capital**.

### Growing Demand for Rare Earth Metals

The demand for rare earth metals is projected to grow at a **10.4% CAGR** from 2024 to 2033. Currently, the only producing rare earth mine in the US is **MP Materials’ Mountain Pass** in California. The Department of Defense is actively pursuing strategies to develop domestic supply chains for these essential materials to ensure national security and economic stability.

### A Vision for the Future

“**Biology has solved the problem of ultra-selective mineral separation** over billions of years, but translating that into practical applications has been elusive – until now,” said **Nathan Ratledge**, CEO of Alta. He emphasized that their technology can unlock vast untapped mineral resources domestically, strengthening supply chains while adhering to environmentally responsible mining practices.

Alta aims to increase supplies of rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium by cost-effectively separating them from abundant low-grade sources.

Verdiva Bio Secures $410 Million Funding: A Game Changer in the Obesity Drug Market

Summary:

Verdiva Bio's Ambitious Plans

Strategic Acquisition of Potential Drugs

A Bright Future Ahead

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Other Latest News

Eric Schmidt's Mysterious AI Video Venture: What is Hooglee? Discover the Secrets Behind This New Startup

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Flipkart's Bold Move: Hiring Dunzo Co-Founder to Dominate Quick Commerce in India

Exciting New Hub for Food and Retail Entrepreneurs Opens in Downtown Appleton!

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Other Latest News

Eric Schmidt's Mysterious AI Video Venture: What is Hooglee? Discover the Secrets Behind This New Startup

Discover the Hottest Startups Revolutionizing AI Agents in Silicon Valley

Flipkart's Bold Move: Hiring Dunzo Co-Founder to Dominate Quick Commerce in India

Exciting New Hub for Food and Retail Entrepreneurs Opens in Downtown Appleton!

Navigating the Deception Trap: Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Unlocking the Future: The Impact of American Chip Manufacturing on AI Innovation

Colorado Startup Secures $5.1M to Revolutionize Rare Earth Element Extraction with Biochemistry