New U.S. ‘green bank’ aims to steer over $160B in capital into climate techFor years, banks have been financing large renewable power projects, from utility-scale solar farms to horizon-spanning wind farms.
But the demand is there, which is why advocates have been clamoring for the federal government to support a so-called green bank, which will underwrite these sorts of projects.
That green bank is now a reality.
Green bank loans have a pretty good track record, too.
The Connecticut Green Bank, for example, has a delinquency rate that’s on par with other commercial lenders across both residential and commercial portfolios.
Thrive Market is well, thriving.
The billion-dollar e-commerce company splashed onto the scene in 2016 with its idea of online grocery delivery.
Nick Green, one of the company’s co-founders, stopped by Found to chat about his company and the market’s evolution since he first launched it.
This argument is what helped Thrive Market become the first online grocery retailer that the USDA approved to accept food stamps.
Thrive Market had to raise money from content creators and influencers until VCs picked up on the craze.
French spinout Diamfab, founded in 2019, is one example.
They also raised an €8.7 million round of funding from Asterion Ventures, Bpifrance’s French Tech Seed fund, Kreaxi, Better Angle, Hello Tomorrow and Grenoble Alpes Métropole.
But diamond wafers could also be leveraged for nuclear batteries, space tech and quantum computing, too.
While there’s warranted hype around AI in Paris, Grenoble may be the closest to a French Silicon Valley.
Now Diamfab hopes it can play a part, too, and unleash the full potential of diamond in semiconductors.
But one category in particular caught our attention as the DOJ spends quite a bit of time talking about “green bubbles” and “blue bubbles.”When an iPhone user sends a message to another iPhone user, by default that message is sent using Apple’s iMessage protocol.
If an iPhone user texts an Android user — and vice versa — iOS falls back to the older, less secure but universal SMS protocol.
“Apple makes third-party messaging apps on the iPhone worse generally and relative to Apple Messages, Apple’s own messaging app,” the DOJ wrote in its lawsuit.
At this point, you might think: wasn’t the RCS protocol supposed to level up SMS messaging and alleviate these pain points?
It feels a bit odd that the DOJ is front-loading its antitrust lawsuit against Apple with the much talked about “green bubbles” vs. “blue bubbles” debate as there are far more serious and substantive issues.
The company Samsung has embraced recycled materials in some of its most popular products.
Innovative features like SmartThings AI Energy Mode can help consumers manage energy at home by using connected intelligence.
Samsung has also announced the integration of SmartThings energy with Tesla’s Powerwall solar inverter and Wall Connector EV charging solutions.
The company prioritizes reuse and recycling, offering refurbished phones through programs like 35 Renewed, and the Galaxy Upcycling initiative which helps users reuse or repurpose old phones.
From the design of their products to their end-of-life, Samsung is proving that tech companies can embrace sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Ask Sophie: What changes are in store for PERM?
Sophie is passionate about transcending borders, expanding opportunity, and connecting the world by practicing compassionate, visionary, and expert immigration law.
Would you provide an update on what we should look out for in the new year when it comes to the PERM process?
Now, let me provide a bit of context about where things currently stand with the PERM process before diving into the changes you should look out for that will — or will not :) — impact PERM.
If you’d like additional detail about the nuts and bolts of the PERM process, take a look at this previous Ask Sophie column.
South African aerospace startup Cloudline has secured $6 million in funding as it aims to lead the global frontier of carbon emissions-free autonomous flight.
Schmidt Futures, the philanthropic venture founded by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Wendy Schmidt, is an investor in the seed round.
Working in East Africa, notably in Kenya and Uganda, highlighted the substantial impact of infrastructure on people’s lives.
The following year, Horne founded Cloudline at the intersection of technology, transportation and its implications on community outcomes.
Earlier in the year, Cloudline performed proving flights for authorities in Kenya, marking it as the first airship to fly in East Africa.
Ask Sophie: Is it easier yet for AI founders to get green cards?
Sophie is passionate about transcending borders, expanding opportunity, and connecting the world by practicing compassionate, visionary, and expert immigration law.
TechCrunch+ members receive access to weekly “Ask Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.
How is the administration making it easier for AI companies to sponsor employees for permanent residence?
Will the number of green cards earmarked for individuals in the AI field increase?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to raising money, but David walks through some of the options to help you choose the right one for your business.
— Emerging EntrepreneurHere’s where founders screw up their pitch decks most oftenResident pitch expert Haje Jan Kamps trained an AI model on thousands of pitch decks; the tool analyzes pitch decks and offers feedback.
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Before choosing your deep tech fund manager, it’s probably a good idea to answer some questions like: Does their investment approach make sense?
A good CRM can help you track interactions, remind you to follow up with people, and produce in-depth reports.
Can we transfer green cards too?
Sophie is passionate about transcending borders, expanding opportunity, and connecting the world by practicing compassionate, visionary, and expert immigration law.
Our I-140 EB-2 green card petitions have been approved, but we’re waiting for our priority dates to become current for our green cards.
Your startup will have to file a new I-140 to sponsor you for an employment-based green card or you will have to self-petition for an EB-1A extraordinary ability green card or EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card.
I recommend consulting an immigration attorney about transferring your H-1B and green card options that meet your plans and goals.
