Category: Technology

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Lakestar Halts New Venture Fundraising, Shifts Focus to Existing Portfolio

Klaus Hommels, founder of Lakestar, announced the firm will not raise new generalist venture funds, instead concentrating on maximizing existing portfolio companies. The shift comes as European venture fundraising faces a significant decline, with funds raising only $8 billion this year compared to $27 billion in 2024.

Strategic Shift for European Venture Giant

Lakestar, one of Europe’s most prominent venture capital firms, has informed investors it will halt raising new generalist venture funds, according to reports. Founder Klaus Hommels stated in a letter to investors that future startup investments will primarily utilize his personal capital rather than institutional funds. The Zurich-based firm, which manages over $2 billion in assets, plans to focus on maximizing value from its existing portfolio companies.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessStartupsTechnology

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Approaches With Final Discount Window Closing Soon

The premier startup conference TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to launch in San Francisco with only days remaining for discounted registration. The event promises networking with thousands of tech professionals and showcases emerging technologies across multiple industries.

Final Registration Window for Major Tech Conference

With only four days remaining before launch, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is preparing to take over San Francisco’s Moscone West convention center, according to event organizers. Sources indicate this marks the final opportunity for attendees to secure passes before anticipated price increases take effect.

by Priya Kapoor
InnovationScienceTechnology

Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Creating Reconfigurable Light-Based Quasicrystals

An international research team has created the first reconfigurable polariton quasicrystal using a unique optical technique. The breakthrough demonstrates long-range order and nontrivial phase synchronization in an aperiodic structure, revealing new quantum behaviors.

Breakthrough in Quantum Material Science

An international team of researchers has reportedly created the first reconfigurable polariton two-dimensional quasicrystal, according to findings published in Science Advances. The collaboration between Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, University of Iceland, University of Warsaw, and the Institute of Spectroscopy of the Russian Academy of Sciences has demonstrated that this unique state of matter exhibits long-range order and a novel type of phase synchronization. Sources indicate this discovery opens new pathways for research into exotic phenomena such as supersolids and superfluidity in aperiodic settings.

by Priya Kapoor
AIScienceTechnology

Machine Learning Models Enhance Seismic Impact Assessment in Western China

New machine learning approaches are transforming how scientists assess earthquake impacts in Western China. By analyzing multiple ground motion parameters, researchers have developed models that significantly improve accuracy in seismic intensity evaluation.

Breakthrough in Seismic Assessment Technology

Researchers have developed advanced machine learning models to improve instrumental seismic intensity assessment in Western China, according to recent scientific reports. The new approach leverages random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithms to analyze relationships between multiple ground motion parameters and macro-intensity, potentially transforming how earthquake impacts are evaluated in the immediate aftermath of seismic events.

by Priya Kapoor
ManufacturingScienceTechnology

Yeast Strain Shows Promise for Natural Flavor Production Without Genetic Engineering

A unique yeast strain has demonstrated remarkable ability to produce valuable aromatic compounds without genetic modification. The discovery could revolutionize natural flavor production for food and beverage industries.

Breakthrough in Natural Aroma Production

Scientists have identified a yeast strain capable of producing significant quantities of valuable aromatic compounds without genetic engineering, according to recent research published in Scientific Reports. The study reveals that Kluyveromyces marxianus ITD0090 exhibits natural overproduction of 2-phenylethyl acetate (2-PEA) and 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) under nitrogen-limiting conditions, compounds highly valued for their rose-like aromas in food, beverage, and fragrance industries.

by Priya Kapoor
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Modified Windows 11 Emerges as Preferred Alternative to Linux for Aging Hardware

As Windows 10 reaches end of support, modified Windows 11 versions are gaining traction as alternatives to Linux. Tiny11 25H2 reportedly runs on older hardware while preserving the Windows ecosystem, offering performance improvements over standard installations.

Windows 10 Support Ends, Modified Windows 11 Gains Traction

With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10, millions of capable computers face potential obsolescence despite remaining functional, according to industry reports. Sources indicate that Microsoft’s stringent Windows 11 hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot mandates, have excluded numerous older but still capable machines from official upgrade paths.

by Samuel Kim
AISoftwareTechnology

Network Intelligence Firm Kentik Taps Channel Veteran Ken Marks to Lead AI-Driven Partner Expansion

Kentik has appointed 30-year channel veteran Ken Marks as vice president of channels and alliances to transform its sales strategy. Marks will launch Kentik’s inaugural partner program in December amid surging demand for AI networking solutions. Industry peers describe the hiring as a strategic move that positions Kentik to capture significant market share in the AI network intelligence revolution.

Channel Veteran Takes Helm at Network Intelligence Provider

Network intelligence software provider Kentik has appointed channel industry stalwart Ken Marks as its new vice president of channels and alliances, according to company reports. The 30-year-plus channel veteran, who previously held leadership roles at SentinelOne, Splunk, Palo Alto Networks and IBM, will lead Kentik’s strategic shift toward a channel-focused sales model during what analysts suggest is an unprecedented AI networking boom.

by Samuel Kim
BusinessManufacturingTechnology

Rivian Announces Workforce Reduction Affecting Over 600 Employees Amid EV Market Pressures

Rivian Automotive is reportedly preparing to lay off more than 600 workers as the electric vehicle manufacturer confronts increasing market headwinds. The cuts would affect approximately 4% of the company’s workforce, with details expected to be shared with employees this week. The move comes as EV makers face a shifting regulatory landscape and changing market conditions.

Major Workforce Reduction at Electric Vehicle Maker

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive is planning significant workforce reductions affecting more than 600 employees, according to reports from multiple financial news sources. The layoffs represent approximately 4% of the company’s total workforce, which stood at just under 15,000 employees at the end of last year.

by Priya Kapoor