Ousted Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal is back with an AI startup; gets $30m in funding led by Khosla Ventures

“Agrawal has been hard at work creating an AI startup that aims to develop specialized software for developers of Large Language Models (LLMs), The Information reported, citing two people familiar with the deal.”

After a quick rein as Twitter’s CEO, Parag is now throwing his hat in the AI ring. As former CTO of Twitter he has spent years building software for one of the biggest tech companies in the Valley. Now, he wants to help developers who are building the foundation of AI.

Full article from MSN

FedEx is launching a new e-commerce platform as it competes with Amazon

“FedEx announced today that it will launch a new “data-driven commerce platform” this fall called fdx that it says will give online merchants ‘end-to-end e-commerce solutions.’”

In a move to keep up with Amazon, Fedex has started to build out more technological solutions for its merchants and sellers. FDX will help sellers “manage their supply chain, sell to customers, and manage deliveries”.

Full article from The Verge

CES 2024: all the TVs, laptops, smart home gear, and more from the show floor

Another year, another CES with some crazy new consumer products. This year more than ever it seems that AI products attracted the most eyes. Beyond AI, there was incredible new technology in virtual reality, smart technology, and even delivery drones.

Full coverage from The Verge

Hot Links

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As more than $1 trillion flows into climate tech, incentive-tracking apps find firm footing

Spot Technologies, now with $2M, will see AI security tech go into Mexico Walmarts

Demo Days Are Back!

Tune in on January 25th at 3pm EST to watch 5 exciting founders present what they’re building to a great group of panelists and a live virtual audience.

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Want to present? Apply here! (fundraising not required)

[Key Takeaways] Carta and the Future of Liquidity

In the fast-evolving world of private equity, the recent Carta controversy stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between innovation and trust. Carta, a company that once heralded the benefits of using cap-table data in secondary markets, now faces backlash for what many see as a breach of trust. This discussion isn't just about Carta; it's a reflection on the entire private market ecosystem… Check out the full post here.

Letters From The Editor

Keeping the streak alive.

House Keeping

Some recent poll results for you and comments related to them:

Demo Days were the favorite event type, but it was actually spread pretty evenly amongst all the options. We’re going to do all sorts of live events, but we’re definitely going to do more demo days. The twist: We’re not going to partner with accelerators exclusively and the companies are not always going to be actively fundraising.

In my experience the most interesting deal flow is actually outside of established accelerators (YC is an exception). On the fundraising side, I want to present the most interesting founders building the most interesting things as soon as I hear about them. Adding financing timing on top of that is near impossible and starts to chase the tail of what AngelList already provides (last money in Tier-1 follow on investing). These demo days will be actual demo days and investors can connect with founders from there whether it be to invest or just follow along (maybe invest in the future).

Ultimately I think this is the most unique/interesting thing Sandhill can offer. I also think it gives you the best chance of actually finding that special startup.

Stay tuned!

Opinion

Talk soon,
Adam

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