rent

Robotics & AI

“Empowering Redditors: Vana’s Proposal to Lease User Data for AI Training”

Vana plans to let users rent out their Reddit data to train AI A startup, Vana, says it wants users to get paid for training dataIn the generative AI boom, data is the new oil. “It does this by allowing users to aggregate their personal data in a non-custodial way … Vana allows users to own AI models and use their data across AI applications.”Here’s how Vana pitches its platform and API to developers:The Vana API connects a user’s cross-platform personal data … to allow you to personalize your application. This month, Vana launched what it’s calling the Reddit Data DAO (Digital Autonomous Organization), a program that pools multiple users’ Reddit data (including their karma and post history) and lets them to decide together how that combined data is used. We have crunched the numbers and r/datadao is now largest data DAO in history: Phase 1 welcomed 141,000 reddit users with 21,000 full data uploads. “Reddit does not share non-public, personal data with commercial enterprises, and when Redditors request an export of their data from us, they receive non-public personal data back from us in accordance with applicable laws.

Dylan Williams
April 13, 2024
9 Comments

Startups

“Faraday Future manages to keep its LA headquarters despite eviction threat, for the time being”

Faraday Future has avoided getting evicted from its Los Angeles headquarters — for the time being. The resolution comes as Faraday Future is once again strapped for cash. There, BXP Realty claimed that Faraday Future stopped making lease payments in December and that it owed $127,311.16. Faraday Future does not appear to have formally responded to the lawsuit, and in early March, a default order was entered. It’s unclear if Faraday Future still occupies the space.

Max Chen
April 3, 2024

Enterprise, Venture

“General Catalyst Founds $200M Investment in Bilt Rewards, Boosting Valuation to Impressive $3.1B”

Bilt Rewards, whose platform aims to allow consumers to earn rewards on rent and daily neighborhood spend, has raised $200 million at a $3.1 valuation, the company announced today. General Catalyst led the financing, which more than doubles the New York-based company’s valuation compared to its $150 million October 2022 raise. Ken Chenault, chairman and managing director of General Catalyst, is joining Bilt’s board of directors as part of the new funding. It launched its rewards program in April of 2022. Bilt also offers a co-branded Mastercard, issued by Wells Fargo, that can be used to pay rent and earn Bilt Points with no transaction fees.