## The Challenge of Switching to DeepSeek

**AI startups** are currently facing significant hurdles as they attempt to transition to the **DeepSeek model**, an open-source Chinese large language model that has gained considerable attention. Despite the excitement surrounding this technology, many startups are finding it difficult to access the **DeepSeek model services** quickly enough, leading to a slowdown in the anticipated shift.

![DeepSeek](https://i.insider.com/67a3ce957bb3f854015be484?width=700)
*A woman holds a cell phone in front of a computer screen displaying the DeepSeek logo, on January 28, 2025, in Edmonton, Canada.*

The implications of this delay are significant, as many companies are eager to leverage the capabilities of DeepSeek to enhance their **AI applications**. However, the **infrastructure** needed to support these services is currently lacking, creating a bottleneck for innovation and development in the field.

As the demand for **AI technologies** continues to grow, the race to integrate DeepSeek effectively becomes more critical. Startups must navigate these challenges to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

AI startups can't find fast enough DeepSeek model services, stalling the big switch to the buzzy open-source Chinese large language model. 

Why the Shift to DeepSeek is Stalling for AI Startups

## 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.

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

### The Future of Shopping: Rodeo's Vision

Rodeo, a **social commerce startup**, is on a mission to help users **"shop the way they scroll."** Founded by **Lindsay Perper**, a former Ralph Lauren employee, Rodeo's mobile app launched in **2024** with a design reminiscent of **TikTok**.

![Lindsay Perper founder of Rodeo](https://i.insider.com/67d0a9c2585f1dff88b1d511?width=700)

Perper envisions Rodeo as the **"destination for the next-gen to shop"**, where users can scroll through a vertical feed of products linked to photos and videos. The app allows seamless integration with **Instagram** and **TikTok** for auto-posting content.

### AI-Powered Shopping Experience

Rodeo employs advanced technologies like **AWS Rekognition** and **Google's Vision AI** to identify shoppable items in user-generated content. Although product identification is the primary AI feature now, **personalization** will be added in future updates.

Perper compares Rodeo to **Spotify**, aiming to personalize the shopping journey similarly to how Spotify curates music recommendations.

### The Rise of Social Commerce

With platforms like **TikTok Shop** gaining traction, social commerce is receiving increased attention from users and investors. Notable investments in the sector include **Whatnot**, which recently raised **$265 million**, and **ShopMy**, which secured **$77.5 million**.

### Accelerator Program and Future Plans

Recently, Rodeo entered the **Andreessen Horowitz startup accelerator program**. Perper aims to raise **$2.5 million** to expand the team, enhance AI capabilities, and form partnerships with creators.

### Key Features of Rodeo's Pitch Deck

1. **"The Mall of the Digital Age"**: A centralized platform for shopping.
2. **AI-Driven Curation**: Personalized shopping experiences.
3. **Community Engagement**: Building a supportive shopping community to enhance user retention.

**Read the 11-page pitch deck** that helped Rodeo secure its spot in the accelerator program. Some slides have been edited for public sharing.

### Insights from the Deck

- **Rodeo aggregates the shopping journey** from discovery to checkout.
- **Creator-led commerce** to inspire users.
- **Engagement optimization** for maximizing reach and visibility of content.

![Rodeo's pitch deck imagery](https://i.insider.com/67d0a162585f1dff88b1d388?width=600)

Rodeo's innovative approach aims to transform how we shop online, blending social interaction with e-commerce seamlessly.

Rodeo, a social commerce startup, says it wants to help people "shop the way they scroll." Read its pitch deck.

Discover How Rodeo Aims to Redefine Social Shopping with Its Innovative Pitch Deck

### Scimplify's Major Funding Round

**Scimplify**, an innovative Indian startup, has successfully raised **$40 million** in a **Series B funding round** co-led by **Accel** and **Bertelsmann Investments**. This funding will help the company expand its operations in the **U.S.** and penetrate new markets.

### The Problem with Specialty Chemicals

**Specialty chemicals** are crucial for various manufacturing sectors, yet access to them remains a challenge. Traditionally, manufacturers have depended on **Chinese suppliers**. However, increasing **geopolitical tensions** are prompting a shift towards alternative sourcing regions. Moreover, companies often struggle to find specific chemicals that meet their unique requirements, whether it’s for specific reactors, chemistry, or compliance with **U.S. FDA** or **GMP** standards.

### Scimplify's Solution

Scimplify aims to bridge this gap by connecting manufacturers with specialty chemical producers through its platform, **ATOMS**. This platform features a comprehensive listing of specialty chemicals from over **5,000 factories** operated by more than **200 manufacturers** across **10 countries**, including **India**, **China**, **Vietnam**, **Egypt**, and **Japan**. The startup primarily serves the **pharmaceutical**, **agriculture**, and industrial sectors.

### Quality Assurance and Customization

Scimplify meticulously vets its manufacturers, ensuring they undergo **semi-annual audits** and categorizing them based on geography, chemistry, capacity, and compliance. The company also specializes in **process-engineering existing chemicals** to enhance cost-effectiveness and relevance for various applications.

### Growth and Future Plans

To date, Scimplify has served **600 customers** across **more than 16 countries**. Co-founder **Sachin Santhosh** mentioned that the startup plans to utilize the new funding to broaden its geographical reach, target new industry segments, and boost **R&D** efforts. With existing subsidiaries in **Dubai** and **Indonesia**, Scimplify is eyeing expansions in the **U.S.** and **Japan** and is considering acquiring one or two chemical factories to tap into new customers and regulated markets.

### Financial Overview

The recent funding round values Scimplify at approximately **$150 million post-money**. The company has raised a total of **$54 million** since its inception in **2023**.

![Scimplify’s ATOMS](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/scimplify-atoms.jpg)  
**Image Credits: Scimplify**

Scimplify has raised $40 million in a new equity round backed by Accel to expand its presence in the U.S. and enter new markets.

Scimplify Secures $40M to Revolutionize Specialty Chemicals Access for Manufacturers

## Northvolt Files for Bankruptcy

Northvolt, the **Swedish electric vehicle battery startup**, has officially filed for **bankruptcy** in Sweden, signaling the collapse of what was once deemed Europe's **best hope** to challenge the **Asian battery industry**.

In a recent statement, the company admitted it was unable to "**secure the necessary financial conditions** to continue in its current form". Following the bankruptcy filing, a **court-appointed trustee** will manage the sale of Northvolt's business and assets while addressing its outstanding debts.

The company’s **5,000 employees** now face an uncertain future, and Northvolt is committed to collaborating with authorities and trade unions to provide support and information to its workforce.

The bankruptcy follows a crisis period marked by dwindling cash reserves, leading to a **Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection** filing in the US last November. This came shortly after the departure of CEO **Peter Carlsson**, who stated that Northvolt needed to raise between **$1 billion and $1.2 billion** to stabilize its operations.

Since its inception in **2016**, Northvolt has raised over **$10 billion** in equity, debt, and public financing, attracting major investors including **Volkswagen** and **Goldman Sachs**. Tom Johnstone, Northvolt’s interim chair, expressed the heavy burden of this announcement, stating, "This is an incredibly difficult day for everyone at Northvolt."

The company aimed to produce **hundreds of thousands of EV batteries** annually using **green energy** in its factory located in northern Sweden. However, it encountered significant challenges in getting the facility operational and had to halt the expansion of Europe’s first **homegrown battery gigafactory**.

Northvolt cited a multitude of recent **financial challenges** as reasons for the bankruptcy, including rising capital costs, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in market demand. It also faced **internal difficulties** while scaling battery production in a **complex industry**. Northvolt had previously been criticized for attempting to build multiple factories simultaneously in Sweden, Germany, and the US. In an effort to save the company, it had announced **1,600 job cuts** and planned to restructure by the end of March.

Swedish firm unable to ‘secure the necessary financial conditions to continue in its current form’

Northvolt's Bankruptcy: The End of Europe's Electric Battery Dream?

## The Visionary Behind the Project

**Larry Page**, co-founder of Google, is making headlines with his latest venture in the **aviation industry**. He is financially backing a new startup, **Dynatomics**, which aims to revolutionize air travel through **3D printing technology**. This innovative approach could transform the way aircraft components are manufactured, promising efficiency and sustainability.

## Meet the Team

The startup is led by **Chris Anderson**, the former CTO of Kittyhawk, known for his expertise in aviation technology. Together, they plan to harness cutting-edge **3D printing** techniques to create parts that are not only lighter but also more efficient than traditional manufacturing methods.

![Larry Page](https://i.insider.com/67ced56e69253ccddf98bb59?width=700)

*Image: Google cofounder Larry Page. Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images*

## The Potential Impact

**3D printing** in aviation could lead to significant cost reductions and shorter lead times for producing aircraft parts. This could be a game changer for the industry, especially as the demand for **sustainable** and **efficient** travel solutions continues to grow. With Page's investment, Dynatomics aims to become a leader in this space, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in air travel.

This venture reflects a broader trend in **startups** leveraging advanced technologies to disrupt traditional industries. As **entrepreneurs** like Page explore innovative solutions, the future of air travel may soon look very different.


Google cofounder Larry Page is funding a new aviation startup run by former Kittyhawk CTO Chris Anderson.

Larry Page's Ambitious Vision: 3D-Printing the Future of Aviation

### The Shift from Corporate to Small Business

In recent years, there has been a significant trend among **younger professionals** who are moving away from traditional **9-to-5 jobs** to explore more **lucrative and flexible** opportunities in small-business niches. This shift is driven by a desire for **financial independence** and the freedom that comes with being your own boss.

### The Appeal of Small-Business Niches

Many of these aspiring entrepreneurs are finding success in **often overlooked and unglamorous sectors**. These niches may not have the flashiness of tech startups, but they offer a **steady income** and the chance to build something meaningful. 

### A New Era of Entrepreneurship

This movement reflects a broader change in how young professionals view work and success. Instead of chasing the corporate ladder, they are prioritizing **work-life balance** and personal fulfillment. The rise of the **gig economy** and remote work options has further fueled this trend, making it easier for individuals to start their own ventures.

In conclusion, the entrepreneurial landscape is evolving, with younger generations redefining what it means to be successful in business. They are turning to **small, niche markets** that provide both profitability and personal satisfaction, breaking away from conventional career paths.

Younger would-be chief executives are increasingly seeking profits — and freedom from the 9-to-5 — by pivoting from corporate jobs into often unglamorous small-business niches.

Why Young Entrepreneurs are Embracing Unconventional Small-Business Ventures

### Jellysmack's Strategic Shift

**Jellysmack**, a prominent player in the **creator economy**, has made headlines with its latest business maneuver. The company, which is backed by **SoftBank**, is spinning off a portion of its operations. This move involves the transfer of some of its **owned-and-operated channels** to a new entity called **Blue Foxes**.

**Blue Foxes**, which is helmed by former Jellysmack executives, aims to take over these channels, signaling a significant shift in Jellysmack's strategy. 

![Jellysmack](https://i.insider.com/6642668ef27898f532d7294b?width=700)

> *Jellysmack is a prominent startup in the creator economy.*

### What This Means for the Industry

The decision to unload this segment raises questions about Jellysmack's future direction and the overall landscape of the creator economy. As the industry evolves, startups like Jellysmack must adapt to remain competitive and relevant. The implications of this business restructuring could set a precedent for other companies in the sector, especially those reliant on creator-driven content.

This story is available exclusively to **Business Insider** subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.

Blue Foxes, led by former Jellysmack executives, will take over some of the creator economy startup's owned-and-operated channels.

Why the Shift to DeepSeek is Stalling for AI Startups

Summary:

The Challenge of Switching to DeepSeek

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Other Latest News

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

Discover How Rodeo Aims to Redefine Social Shopping with Its Innovative Pitch Deck

Scimplify Secures $40M to Revolutionize Specialty Chemicals Access for Manufacturers

Northvolt's Bankruptcy: The End of Europe's Electric Battery Dream?

Larry Page's Ambitious Vision: 3D-Printing the Future of Aviation

Why Young Entrepreneurs are Embracing Unconventional Small-Business Ventures

Jellysmack Sells Off Business Segment: What It Means for the Creator Economy

Other Latest News

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

Discover How Rodeo Aims to Redefine Social Shopping with Its Innovative Pitch Deck

Scimplify Secures $40M to Revolutionize Specialty Chemicals Access for Manufacturers

Northvolt's Bankruptcy: The End of Europe's Electric Battery Dream?

Larry Page's Ambitious Vision: 3D-Printing the Future of Aviation

Why Young Entrepreneurs are Embracing Unconventional Small-Business Ventures

Jellysmack Sells Off Business Segment: What It Means for the Creator Economy