TECH INVESTMENT NEWS

• Nasdaq Hits 20,000 for the First Time in Its 53 Years
• TCA's Angel Syndication Network (ASN) Represents 60+ Angel Groups, Over 1,500 Angels, and More Than $1 Billion Invested

PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP'S CABINET CHOICES

• Commissioner Andrew Ferguson Picked as FTC's Next Chairman
• Cryptocurrency Advocate Paul Atkins Nominated as SEC Chair
• Investor/Entrepreneur David Sacks Chosen as "White House AI and Crypto Czar"
• Gail Slater Picked to Head Justice Department's Antitrust Division

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

• Google Thinks Grid Can't Support AI, So It's Spending on Solar for Future Datacenters
• The Most Popular AI Tools of 2024

AUTO TECH

• In-Cabin Tech, Safety Features to Take Center Stage at CES

Automotive News has named Ujj Nath, CEO of myKaarma, a "2024 Automotive News All-Star" in the Service and Parts Vendor category. This award celebrates future leaders whose skills, vision, and dedication are shaping the trajectory of the automotive industry. Ujj was particularly acclaimed for his leadership during the CDK Global cyberattack earlier this year, and for his industry partnerships and innovations.
ALSO, read myKaarma's recent article, Why Automotive-Specific Payment Solutions Are a Game-Changer for Dealerships. (TH)

ProProfs announced the acquisition of PeopleGoal performance management software, a renowned HR solution that empowers organizations to streamline performance management, boost employee engagement, and achieve 3x productivity gains. This strategic acquisition expands ProProfs' offerings beyond online learning and training to encompass a holistic approach to human resource management. PeopleGoal's highly customizable platform enables businesses to tailor HR workflows to their unique needs. (FRI)

In its recent article - Opinion: Big Tech betrayed consumer trust by failing to protect our data - Active Cypher highlights the urgent need for comprehensive data protection legislation that holds tech giants accountable for safeguarding consumer information. They say that while lawmakers can't legislate a complete solution, they can create consequences that outweigh the costs of proper security measures, and note that outcome-based regulation is more effective than prescriptive regulation. (TH)

Recent articles from Alvaka include:
> What to Do Immediately After a Ransomware Attack: A Step-by-Step Guide - including immediate response after, preparing for the recovery process, identifying the infection, forging a stronger defense going forward, and more.
> The Role of Cybersecurity Insurance in Ransomware Recovery - this essential type of insurance helps cover the costs of responding to a breach, such as investigation expenses, business interruption losses, and even the payment of ransoms if deemed necessary. Moreover, it supports the restoration of operations after an attack. (FRI)

In this 15-minute video - Day Arc Environmental Systems Introduces Geothermal Grow Room Technology with Advanced Lighting - California LightWorks (CL) provides an overview of how this client introduced a game-changer in sustainable cultivation, including using CL's LED lighting for precise growth phases. Key benefits have included 70% energy savings, eligibility for federal energy grants and low-cost financing, environmentally friendly cooling, and more. (FRI)

CuraeSoft CEO Mark Parinas recently conducted a poll - What's the biggest challenge your team faces in tracking performance? 55% of respondents said, "Defining clear/realistic goals." The other responses were: "Individual accountability" - 18%; "Measuring productivity" - 18%; and "Billable vs non-billable work" - 9%.
AND, in Mark's poll - How does your firm ensure accurate time tracking?, the results were: "Manual time entry" - 20%; "Automated software" - 53%; "Excel sheets" - 0%; and "We don't track time regularly" - 27%. (FRI)

Chris Dyer will keynote RevvedUP 2025, in Sarasota on Feb. 25-27, designed for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-Suite teams leading businesses in the information and data economy.
MEANWHILE, in his recent article, published by Inc., Why Managers Should Pay More Attention to Engagement - There are slightly encouraging signs that engagement is rising, but employers should step up now, when it's hardest, Chris explains how periods of low engagement present pivotal opportunities to reshape workplace culture. Organizations that focus on adaptability, transparency, and human connection can transform these challenges into growth moments.
PLUS, Chris is featured on a recent episode of The Revenue Room podcast, delving into his seven-pillar strategy for organizational success, emphasizing the importance of building positive work environments and embracing remote work. (FRI)

Eckert & Ziegler (EZ) and Ariceum Therapeutics announced the signing of a global supply agreement for the medical radionuclides Actinium-225 (Ac-225) and Lutetium-177 (Lu-177). EZ will supply Ariceum with the required quantities of these radionuclides which will be used to radiolabel Ariceum's proprietary lead radiopharmaceutical drug (SS0110) satoreotide targeting hard-to-treat cancers in clinical studies and subsequent commercial phases.
ALSO, EZ has received approval of its proprietary non-carrier added Lutetium-177 chloride, Theralugand, by the European Commission, enabling the use of this radiopharmaceutical medicinal product in routine clinical applications throughout the European Economic Area. (FRI)

In this 1:50-minute video, Satnam Gambhir, CEO of Envision, celebrates his company's 30-year anniversary, with a look back and ahead.
AND, Envision recently announced the onboarding of UMB Fund Services' Transfer Agency services onto Envision's comprehensive software platform for investor recordkeeping. In addition to the conversion of many fund companies, UMB was able to sunset several ancillary systems it had built over the years and implement a new streamlined and efficient operating model. (TH)

Jason Ciment, CEO of Get Visible, has posted his "The 3 Cores of AI" and how businesses can leverage them effectively. He also emphasizes the importance of integrating ethical guardrails at every core to ensure AI remains a force for good - particularly critical as we approach a future where AI becomes more autonomous. Key safeguards include enterprise accountability, human oversight, and bias and privacy protections. (FRI)

GIDEON has welcomed a new customer - Rutgers University, a leading public university which embraces innovative solutions to drive education, research, and public health, boasting over $969.5 million in research grants and sponsored funding.
AND, read about a couple of GIDEON's case studies: GIDEON Powers Diagnosis and Education at a Leading Medical Institution in India and Hillsborough Community College Boosts Student Engagement with GIDEON. (FRI)

iMediSync has announced that users can now view and interact with EEG data directly on the web, with features designed to give you greater control and flexibility.
MEANWHILE, iMediSync has partnered with InMindOut to serve your learning needs by offering a wide range of services. Courses are available in both online and in-person formats.
ALSO, read an iMediSync case study - Unilateral tPBM Intervention for Drug Addiction, which examines the application of unilateral transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in treating a patient with a 20-year history of drug addiction. Following Dr. Schiffer's theory of brain duality, the intervention targeted the healthy hemisphere to balance neurophysiological and behavioral dysfunction. Impressively, the patient not only achieved drug abstinence during the intervention but also secured employment shortly afterward.
MEANWHILE, click here to read Dave's recent Berkonomics articles, including "Would you pay a high achiever more than yourself?" "The Berkus Method: Valuing an Early-Stage Investment;" "How little information can you give to investors-lenders?" and "Warnings about investor limitations!" (FRI)

In How to Calculate Interest on a Loan, Nortridge Software provides a step-by-step look at various calculation methods for figuring interest on a loan, and then demonstrates how Nortridge streamlines complex computations and ensures accuracy across loan portfolios.
Click here to read other articles from Nortridge, including "How to Structure Loan Covenants for Commercial Loans;" "Loan Automation Software: How to Find the Best Fit for Your Business;" and more. (TH)

Optimum Info (OI) has announced its new presence in Australia and New Zealand, offering modern, feature-rich and flexible Network Development solutions for the Automotive and Machinery OEMs in the region.
ALSO, read OI's article, Advancing After Sales Operations through Technology, AS WELL AS its success stories: Kia Mexico Centralizes Their Field Operations Management AND Volkswagen of America Achieves 90%+ Field Team Utilization with IKON System. (TH)

In Experiential Marketing: Beyond the Buzz - Creating Immersive and Impactful Campaigns, Payani Media explains that experiential marketing, also called engagement marketing, involves businesses creating engaging and memorable experiences for their target audiences. This could involve an in-person live event or a virtual brand experience. The point is that it's an immersive and interactive experience that stands out in the minds of potential customers. Payani then does a deep dive into the benefits, principles, impact and ROI, ethical considerations, emerging technologies, and more. (FRI)

In What Makes a Rugged Case Truly Industrial-Grade?, The Joy Factory details drop protection, weather resistance, integrated mounts, glove compatibility, stylus holders, enduring over time, and that more. Industrial-grade cases are investment pieces, The Joy Factory declares. They're made from materials that resist cracking, fading, and degrading - even in harsh environments. Over time, this saves owners money, downtime, and the frustration of constantly replacing equipment. (TH & FRI)

Toast and Uber Technologies have announced an expanded partnership: the new integration between Toast Delivery Services and Uber Direct will allow restaurants across the U.S. to save on delivery fees, expand their delivery radius, and leverage Uber's extensive delivery network to offer local delivery of orders made by phone and through Toast digital ordering channels, including Online Ordering, Branded Mobile App, and the Local by Toast app.
ALSO, Toast has been named one of India's 2024 Best Workplaces in IT, by Best Workplaces. (TH)

A recent episode of Marshall's and Joel Kotkin's podcast - From Boardrooms to Government: The Influence of Business Leaders on Politics - ponders what happens when business leaders swap boardrooms for the halls of government? They navigate the evolving political alliances in the business world, especially the shift from traditional industrial powerhouses to tech giants and cultural influencers like Silicon Valley and Hollywood, and their impact on political landscapes. (TH)

Choice in Aging (CiA) recently received a capacity building grant from Archstone Foundation and has used it to upgrade its Multipurpose Senior Services Program's case management system to a cloud-based platform, which better serves its 350 participants. The project's funding was augmented through the state of California's Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) program, which helps community-based organizations, health care providers, local governments and others make the most of the new benefits of CalAIM. (BA)

Eitan Medical won 2024 Medical Device Network Excellence Awards: in the Innovation category for its Eitan Insights platform, a cloud-based software solution that aims to enhance transparency of home infusion therapy; and in the Product Launches category for the introduction of Eitan's Avoset Infusion System, which transforms specialty infusion. With the U.S. Infusion Systems market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from $1.2bn in 2023 to reach $1.8bn by 2033. (OC)

In a recent release, MedWand Solutions reflected on its partnerships and future initiatives, including the development of a program with Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University to explore ways to improve access to care in rural areas, as well as its global expansion into regions such as New Zealand, Rwanda, and Thailand.
ALSO, MedWand is partnering with the Society for Family Health Rwanda and CGFNS International to explore a nurse-led primary care model utilizing MedWand's remote monitoring technology in three health posts across remote Rwandan villages. (OC)

In a recent article - Driving business model transformation, Marcee Chmait and two colleagues at Providence Digital Innovation Group share how their teams have come together on commercialization of new technology which is core to creating new sources of revenue and value beyond care delivery. Among topics discussed, they talk about the spinout companies that have emerged from this process and also about some of the opportunities they're currently considering. (LA)

Recent Sheppard Mullin articles include:
> California Limits Health Plan Use of AI in Utilization Management;
> California Passes Law Regulating Generative AI Use in Healthcare;
> The Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know Ahead of the January 1, 2025 Deadline. (OC)

The Nasdaq Composite hit a new all-time high on December 11, rallying above 20,000 for the first time in the index's 53-year history as shares surged across several tech-based stocks. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/12/11/nasdaq-rises-to-all-time-high-hitting-20000-for-first-time/) The tech-heavy index is up more than 33% on the year, driven by a cluster of giant technology-focused companies including Apple, Nvidia, Google-parent Alphabet, and in recent weeks, electric carmaker Tesla. (https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/stunning-rally-big-tech-drives-nasdaq-20000-2024-12-11/)

In addition to TCA Venture Group's local Angel investments, the Angel Syndication Network (ASN) - composed of over 60 groups - nominates its best deals to share with other angel groups. ASN then hosts a monthly "virtual" web presentation to help fill a round, expedite a closing, and save the CEO from extended road shows. The screening sessions are open and viewed by accredited investors from the respective groups. In 2023, 30-50% of those who presented received a total of $23 million in additional funding from ASN members. Collectively, the angel groups participating in ASN represent over 1,500 angels, and over $1 billion in direct investment. (www.tcaventuregroup.com)

President-elect Trump chose FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson as the agency's next chairman, succeeding Lina Khan, and Mark Meador, a longtime Washington insider and antitrust specialist, to fill Ferguson's current position. The commission is widely expected to adopt a less aggressive regulatory approach than during Khan's tenure. Earlier this month, Ferguson said the FTC should investigate online platforms "for banning users and censoring content." (https://www.ciodive.com/news/ftc-antitrust-big-techmark-andrew-ferguson/735533/)

Paul Atkins served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008 and is known for his pro-business stance. He's now the CEO of consulting firm Patomak Global Partners, which has clients across the financial and cryptocurrency industries. Atkins is also known as a strong backer of cryptocurrencies, and could help shape key regulations for an industry Trump has avidly courted, should he be confirmed by the Senate. (https://www.npr.org/2024/12/04/g-s1-36803/trump-crypto-paul-atkins-sec-chair)

A. President-elect Trump picked investor and entrepreneur David Sacks as "White House AI and Crypto Czar," according to a recent social media post. Sacks will guide the administration's policy for the two technologies. He will bring a Silicon Valley background to the role. He is currently a partner at Craft Ventures, a venture capital firm he co-founded, which has invested in Meta, Palantir, Twilio and Slack, among others. Sacks, who will also lead the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, will "focus on making America the clear global leader," Trump said in a social media post. "He will safeguard free speech online, and steer us away from big tech bias and censorship." (https://www.ciodive.com/news/president-trump-AI-czar-policy-appointment/734909/)

Gail Slater, an antitrust veteran and economic adviser for JD Vance, has been tapped to lead the Department of Justice's antitrust division and take charge of a full docket of blockbuster monopoly cases against companies including Google, Visa, and Apple. Slater is expected to continue the department's crackdown on Big Tech, including cases brought during Trump's first term in the White House, Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform. (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-picks-gail-slater-lead-justice-departments-antitrust-division-2024-12-04/)

Google believes the US electricity grid can't deliver the energy needed to power datacenters that deliver AI services, so it has formed an alliance to build industrial parks powered by clean energy, in which it will build "gigawatts of datacenter capacity" across the nation. In announcing the plan, Google president Ruth Porat wrote that the US is poised to enjoy strong economic growth thanks to AI, increased manufacturing activity, and the electrification of transport and other industries. But Porat thinks those opportunities could be missed due to the wonky electricity grid, which she wrote has "not kept pace with the country's economic growth opportunity" and is sometimes "unable to accommodate load increases." Google's response is a deal with solar energy firm Intersect Power, and financier TPG Rise Climate, to build industrial parks next to renewable energy generation facilities that Porat wrote will be "purpose-built and right-sized for the datacenter." Google will build datacenters at those parks - meaning they have a long-term customer from day one - and believes it can build bit barns faster under this arrangement. (https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/12/google_solar_energy_datacenter/)

Exploding Topics is a company that analyzes trends based on web searches, conversations and mentions. It recently took on the challenge of determining AI tool popularity. Its approach was to collect data from two reliable web analytics platforms, Semrush and Similarweb, and calculate total traffic volume for 20 tools, since August. In summary, the top 10 are: (1) ChatGPT - market share 54.96%. (2) Canva - 14.92%. (3) DeepL - 5.38%. (4) Google Gemini - 4.75%. (5) Character.Al - 3.90%. (6) Remove.bg - 1.76%. (7) JanitorAI - 1.72%. (8) QuillBot - 1.68%. (9) Grammarly - 1.66%. (10) Claude - 1.57%. (https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-most-popular-ai-tools-of-2024-and-what-that-even-means/)

CES 2025 will highlight a shift in the automotive industry toward in-cabin technology and safety features. For example, Garmin will introduce a domain controller that integrates safety and entertainment systems, Volkswagen will enhance hazard awareness through real-time alerts, and Continental will demonstrate a display that monitors vital signs. (https://www.sae.org/news/2024/12/ces-preview-roundup) MEANWHILE, EMARKETER reports that there will be 180.9 million connected car drivers in the US by 2028, reaching over 70% of licensed drivers, according to their September 2024 forecast. (https://www.emarketer.com/content/licensed-drivers-drive-connected-cars-2028)

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