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Fitness trackers for people with obesity miss the mark. This algorithm will fix that.: For Journalists

People with obesity exhibit differences in walking gait, speed, energy burn and more Research team created an open-source, dominant-wrist algorithm specifically tuned for people with obesity Scientist’s exercise class with mother-in-law with obesity motivated the research CHICAGO — For many, fitness trackers have become indispensable tools for monitoring how many calories they’ve burned in a […]

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  • People with obesity exhibit differences in walking gait, speed, energy burn and more
  • Research team created an open-source, dominant-wrist algorithm specifically tuned for people with obesity
  • Scientist’s exercise class with mother-in-law with obesity motivated the research

CHICAGO — For many, fitness trackers have become indispensable tools for monitoring how many calories they’ve burned in a day. But for those living with obesity, who are known to exhibit differences in walking gait, speed, energy burned and more, these devices often inaccurately measure activity — until now.

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a new algorithm that enables smartwatches to more accurately monitor the calories burned by people with obesity during various physical activities.

The technology bridges a critical gap in fitness technology, said Nabil Alshurafa, whose Northwestern lab, HABits Lab, created and tested the open-source, dominant-wrist algorithm specifically tuned for people with obesity. It is transparent, rigorously testable and ready for other researchers to build upon. Their next step is to deploy an activity-monitoring app later this year that will be available for both iOS and Android use.

“People with obesity could gain major health insights from activity trackers, but most current devices miss the mark,” said Alshurafa, associate professor of behavioral medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Current activity-monitoring algorithms that fitness trackers use were built for people without obesity. Hip-worn trackers often misread energy burn because of gait changes and device tilt in people with higher body weight, Alshurafa said. And lastly, wrist-worn models promise better comfort, adherence and accuracy across body types, but no one has rigorously tested or calibrated them for this group, he said.

“Without a validated algorithm for wrist devices, we’re still in the dark about exactly how much activity and energy people with obesity really get each day — slowing our ability to tailor interventions and improve health outcomes,” said Alshurafa, whose team tested his lab’s algorithm against 11 state-of-the-art algorithms designed by researchers using research-grade devices and used wearable cameras to catch every moment when wrist sensors missed the mark on calorie burn.

The findings will be published June 19 in Nature Scientific Reports.

The exercise class that motivated the research

Alshurafa was motivated to create the algorithm after attending an exercise class with his mother-in-law who has obesity.

“She worked harder than anyone else, yet when we glanced at the leaderboard, her numbers barely registered,” Alshurafa said. “That moment hit me: fitness shouldn’t feel like a trap for the people who need it most.”

Algorithm rivals gold-standard methods

By using data from commercial fitness trackers, the new model rivals gold-standard methods of measuring energy burn and can estimate how much energy someone with obesity is using every minute, achieving over 95% accuracy in real-world situations. This advancement makes it easier for more people with obesity to track their daily activities and energy use, Alshurafa said.

How the study measured energy burn

In one group, 27 study participants wore a fitness tracker and metabolic cart — a mask that measures the volume of oxygen the wearer inhales and the volume of carbon dioxide the wearer exhales to calculate their energy burn (in kilocalories/kCals) and resting metabolic rate. The study participants went through a set of physical activities to measure their energy burn during each task. The scientists then looked at the fitness tracker results to see how they compared to the metabolic cart results.

In another group, 25 study participants wore a fitness tracker and body camera while just living their lives. The body camera allowed the scientists to visually confirm when the algorithm over- or under-estimated kCals.

At times, Alshurafa said he would challenge study participants to do as many pushups as they could in five minutes.

“Many couldn’t drop to the floor, but each one crushed wall-pushups, their arms shaking with effort,” he said, “We celebrate ‘standard’ workouts as the ultimate test, but those standards leave out so many people. These experiences showed me we must rethink how gyms, trackers and exercise programs measure success — so no one’s hard work goes unseen.”

The study is titled, “Developing and comparing a new BMI inclusive energy burn algorithm on wrist-worn wearables.”

Other Northwestern authors include lead author Boyang Wei, and Christopher Romano and Bonnie Nolan. This work also was done in collaboration with Mahdi Pedram and Whitney A. Morelli, formerly of Northwestern.

Funding for the study was provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (grants K25DK113242-01A1 and R01DK129843-01), the National Science Foundation (grant 1915847), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (grant R21EB030305-01) and the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (grant UL1TR001422).



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Japan Gaming Peripherals Market to Reach US$ 1.08 Billion

Japan’s Gaming Peripheral Industry Set for Significant Growth, Driven by Increasing Gaming Enthusiasm and Technological Advancements The Japan gaming peripherals market, valued at US$ 391.39 million in 2024, is projected to experience remarkable growth, reaching a market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033. This expansion represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of […]

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Japan Gaming Peripherals Market to Reach US$ 1.08 Billion

Japan’s Gaming Peripheral Industry Set for Significant Growth, Driven by Increasing Gaming Enthusiasm and Technological Advancements

The Japan gaming peripherals market, valued at US$ 391.39 million in 2024, is projected to experience remarkable growth, reaching a market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033. This expansion represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.83% from 2025 to 2033. The burgeoning popularity of gaming, the advancement of gaming technologies, and the rising demand for high-performance accessories are driving this dynamic shift in the industry.

Gain Crystal-Clear Market Overview: Get Your Copy: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

Key Factors Driving Growth in the Japan Gaming Peripherals Market

The gaming peripherals market in Japan is experiencing a surge in demand due to several factors that are reshaping the gaming experience. With the increasing number of gaming enthusiasts, especially among younger generations, and advancements in gaming technology, demand for peripherals such as gaming mice, keyboards, headsets, and controllers is at an all-time high.

Technological Advancements

One of the key drivers of growth in the Japanese gaming peripherals market is the constant evolution of gaming technologies. Innovations such as wireless connectivity, enhanced ergonomics, and customizable features are pushing the demand for next-generation peripherals. As the gaming community becomes more discerning about the quality and performance of their equipment, the market for high-tech gaming accessories is expanding rapidly.

Surging Popularity of Competitive Gaming and eSports

Competitive gaming and eSports have witnessed an exponential rise in Japan, contributing to the growing interest in high-performance gaming peripherals. With Japan being a hotspot for global eSports tournaments, the demand for specialized gaming gear, including professional-grade mice, keyboards, and controllers, is on the rise. The professional gaming scene is also influencing consumer preferences, with gamers seeking equipment that enhances their performance and provides a competitive edge.

Rising Disposable Income and Changing Consumer Preferences

Japan’s middle class, with increased disposable income, is a key factor driving the demand for gaming peripherals. As consumer preferences shift towards premium products, gamers are more inclined to invest in high-quality, durable, and advanced gaming accessories to enhance their overall experience.

Market Segmentation: Gaming Peripherals in Focus

The Japan gaming peripherals market can be segmented into several categories, each with its distinct demand drivers.

Gaming Mice: Precision and performance are paramount in gaming, making gaming mice one of the most in-demand peripherals. With advancements in optical sensor technology, customizable DPI settings, and ergonomic designs, gaming mice are expected to maintain a strong market share during the forecast period.

Gaming Keyboards: Mechanical keyboards, known for their tactile feedback and durability, are gaining popularity among gaming enthusiasts. The demand for customizable RGB lighting and programmable keys is also contributing to the growth of the gaming keyboard segment.

See What’s Inside: Detailed Market Sample Report: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

Gaming Headsets: As gaming becomes more immersive, high-quality sound systems are critical to the experience. Gaming headsets, equipped with surround sound, noise-canceling capabilities, and enhanced microphones, are becoming essential for both casual and competitive gamers.

Gaming Controllers: With the rise of console gaming and cloud gaming, controllers designed for superior comfort, responsiveness, and long-lasting durability are driving the market for gaming controllers.

Competitive Landscape and Key Market Players

The gaming peripherals market in Japan is highly competitive, with several global and local players dominating the market. Leading manufacturers such as Logitech, Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, and HyperX are at the forefront, offering a wide range of products that cater to the evolving needs of gamers.

These companies are increasingly focusing on product innovation, user-centric designs, and customization options to capture a larger share of the market. Additionally, partnerships with gaming platforms, influencers, and eSports organizations are enabling these companies to expand their reach and solidify their position in the market.

Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges

Looking ahead, the Japan gaming peripherals market is poised for sustained growth. However, there are several challenges that industry players must address, such as the need for continuous innovation and the high level of competition in the space. Companies must remain agile, constantly evolving their product offerings to meet the needs of an increasingly tech-savvy and demanding gaming audience.

At the same time, the growing demand for gaming peripherals presents significant opportunities for market expansion. The rapid adoption of cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) is expected to further fuel the demand for specialized peripherals, creating new avenues for growth.

Conclusion

The Japan gaming peripherals market is undergoing a transformative period, driven by technological advancements, increasing gaming enthusiasm, and rising consumer demand for high-performance gaming accessories. With a projected market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033, the industry is on track to experience significant growth in the coming years. As technological innovations continue to evolve, and the gaming community remains passionate and expansive, Japan’s gaming peripherals market holds great promise for both established and emerging industry players.

Discover In-Depth Market Insights: Sample Report Inside: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

About Astute Analytica:

Astute Analytica is a leading market research and consulting firm committed to providing organizations with actionable insights and data-driven strategies to thrive in dynamic markets. With a strong presence in both global and regional markets, we publish extensive industry reports, conduct targeted surveys, and offer custom consulting services tailored to meet specific client needs. Our expertise spans multiple sectors, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, manufacturing, energy, and more, making us a valuable partner for forward-thinking businesses.

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Silicon Valley Startups Duped by Developer Who Faked Resume, Worked 4 Jobs Simultaneously

A Mumbai-based engineer who excelled in interviews reportedly held multiple Silicon Valley startup jobs at once, often disappearing after landing offers of up to $200K. Soham Parekh impressed on paper, but founders say most of his resume was fake. As TechCrunch reports, Soham Parekh, who reportedly aced technical interviews and was offered salaries of up […]

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A Mumbai-based engineer who excelled in interviews reportedly held multiple Silicon Valley startup jobs at once, often disappearing after landing offers of up to $200K. Soham Parekh impressed on paper, but founders say most of his resume was fake.

As TechCrunch reports, Soham Parekh, who reportedly aced technical interviews and was offered salaries of up to $200,000, became the center of a startup-world cautionary tale last week when Playground AI founder Suhail Doshi posted a viral warning: “There’s a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3–4 startups at the same time. He’s been preying on YC companies and more. Beware.”

As KRON4 reports, Doshi, who said he fired Parekh after just one week, called his resume “90% fake” and claimed he “made up constant lies,” including listing a master’s from Georgia Tech. The university told Fortune it has no record of his enrollment.

More than a dozen founders have since come forward with similar stories. At Antimetal, Parekh was reportedly the first engineering hire in 2022. “Really smart and likable,” said CEO Matt Parkhurst, but “we realized pretty quickly that he was working at multiple companies and let him go.”

At Create, Marcus Lowe said Parekh showed up once, pushed back his start date twice, and was eventually caught working for a competing startup while on Lowe’s payroll. When confronted, he ghosted.

As Fortune reports, Leaping AI co-founder Arkadiy Telegin nearly hired Parekh full time after a standout interview, offering $160K–$200K plus equity. “He really crushed my interview. I interviewed around 50 people in the prior two weeks before talking to him and he passed, by far, all of the people I interviewed,” he told Fortune. “He also was a very likeable person.”

Telegin went on to add that immediately upon being hired, Parekh started acting strangely and making excuses for why he wasn’t producing code, including drone strikes, floods, and electricity outages. He never signed a contract or sent an invoice.

In some cases, multiple Y Combinator startup founders realized after the fact they’d all been “dating the same guy,” as Telegin put it.  At least 10 companies hired and fired Parekh, and others say they rejected him after odd interview behavior or suspicious GitHub activity.

In a TBPN podcast interview, Parekh confirmed he had been working at several startups at once, sometimes up to 140 hours a week. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done,” he said. He cited financial hardship and claimed he genuinely cared about the mission of each company. Still, he admitted his actions took a toll and said, “That’s not something I endorse.”

Parekh recently announced on X that he’s now working exclusively at Darwin Studios, but both he and the CEO deleted the posts shortly after. In a statement to TechCrunch, Darwin’s founder called Parekh “an incredibly talented engineer” and said the team believed in his ability to help bring products to market.

Some see Parekh as a symptom of overemployment in remote tech culture. Others call him a scammer who’s burned founders, wasted time, and undermined trust in hiring. One developer tallied at least 10 confirmed jobs, eight rejected offers, and “likely many, many more.”

Whether Parekh’s next move is redemption or rebrand remains to be seen.

Image: RachaStock/Getty Images





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High-tech company makes key breakthrough that could revolutionize smartphones and EVs: ‘A pivotal commercial milestone’

Ampcera didn’t just put out another new product. As CEO Sumin Zhu, Ph.D, put it, “It’s a shift.” One that may change how devices like your phone and electric car hold their charge. Interesting Engineering reports that this U.S.-based company has begun commercial shipments of its nano-sulfide solid electrolyte powders. This may sound like a […]

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Ampcera didn’t just put out another new product. As CEO Sumin Zhu, Ph.D, put it, “It’s a shift.” One that may change how devices like your phone and electric car hold their charge.

Interesting Engineering reports that this U.S.-based company has begun commercial shipments of its nano-sulfide solid electrolyte powders. This may sound like a new energy sports drink, and it sort of is — but for your devices. 

These powders don’t splash around like battery liquid; they allow energy to flow through solids. In other words, the battery can run cooler, charge faster, and last a lot longer.

“A pivotal commercial milestone,” Zhu said, per Interesting Engineering. 

Ampcera itself reassured that the new materials offer “enhanced safety with 50% more energy compared to current lithium-ion batteries.”

This isn’t lab theory. Orders are in. Over 200 customers are already using the new materials in tests.

Most solid-state batteries still rely on liquids that can overheat or break down. 

This new material changes that. According to Interesting Engineering, Ampcera claims that its solid-state cells achieve an energy density of 400 Wh/kg and retain 80% of their capacity after fast charging. That’s like charging your phone before dinner and still having battery left the next week.

Fewer failures also mean fewer rare materials wasted. That cuts down on mining and reduces air and water pollution from material processing. 

“Enhanced safety with 50% more energy” isn’t just a promise — it’s already in use. A more stable battery design reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway — the kind of failure that leads to overheating or worse. For people in dense cities or sensitive environments, that reliability could mean fewer safety issues, lower insurance costs, and peace of mind.

It could also reshape how we power future tech. Think grid storage, electric delivery trucks, and even military-grade gear. Faster charging and dependable power systems affect everything from emergency response to aviation.

If supply chains cooperate, these next-gen batteries could start showing up within two years. Not splashy, but it’s the kind of upgrade, along with smart green tech like solar panels, that quietly makes things safer, faster, and cleaner to use.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


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At least 36 new tech unicorns were minted in 2025 so far

With AI igniting an investor frenzy, every month, more startups obtain unicorn status. Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch tracked down the VC-backed startups that became unicorns so far this year. While most are AI-related, a surprising number are focused in other industries like satellite space companies like Loft Orbital and blockchain-based trading site […]

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With AI igniting an investor frenzy, every month, more startups obtain unicorn status.

Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch tracked down the VC-backed startups that became unicorns so far this year. While most are AI-related, a surprising number are focused in other industries like satellite space companies like Loft Orbital and blockchain-based trading site Kalshi.  

This list will be updated throughout the year, so check back and see the latest powerhouse startups who are now worth over $1 billion.

June

Linear — $1.25 billion: This software development product management tool last raised an $82 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.25 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2019, has raised more than $130 million in funding to date from investors including Accel and Sequoia Capital. 

Gecko — $1.62 billion: This company makes data-gathering robotics that climb, crawl, swim, and fly. Founded in 2013, the company last raised a $121 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.6 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $340 million in funding to date from investors including Cox Enterprises and Drive Capital. 

Meter — $1.38 billion: This company, which offers managed Internet infrastructure service to enterprises, last raised a $170 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.38 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2015, has raised more than $250 in funding to date, from investors including General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Sam Atlaman, and Lachy Groom. 

Teamworks — This sports software company last raised a $247 million Series F, valuing the company at $1.25 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2006, has raised more than $400 million in funding to date from investors including Seaport Capital and General Catalyst.  

Thinking Machines — This AI research company, founded just last year by OpenAI alumn Mira Murati, raised a $2 billion seed round, valuing the company at $10 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company’s investors include a16z and Nvidia. 

Kalshi — $2 billion: The popular prediction markets company, founded in 2018, last raised an $185 million Series C, valuing the company at $2 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $290 million in funding to date, from investors including Sequoia and Global Founders Capital. 

Decagon — This customer service AI agent company, founded in 2023, last raised a $131 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.5 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $231 million in funding to date, from investors including a16z and Accel. 

May

Pathos — $1.6 billion: This drug development company, founded in 2020, last raised a $365 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.6 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $460 million to date from investors, including General Catalyst and Altimeter Capital Management. 

Statsig — $1.1 billion: This product development platform, founded in 2021, last raised an $100 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.1 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised around $153 million to date, from investors including Sequoia, Mardona, and ICONIQ Growth. 

SpreeAI — $1.5 billion: This shopping tech company last raised an undisclosed round, according to Pitchbook, that valued the company at $1.5 billion. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $20 million to date from investors including The Davidson Group. 

Function — $2.5 billion: This health tech company, founded in 2020, last raised a $200 million round, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. The company has raised more than $250 million in funding to date, from investors including a16z. 

Owner — $1 billion: This restaurant marketing software company, founded in 2018, last raised a $120 million Series C, valuing the company at $1 billion, per Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $180 million in funding to date, from investors including Headline, Redpoint Ventures, SaaStr Fund, and Meritech Capital. 

Awardco — $1 billion: This employee engagement platform last raised a $165 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion, per Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2012, has raised more than $230 million in funding to date, from investors including General Catalyst. 

April

Nourish — $1 billion: This dietitian tele-health company last raised a $70 million Series B, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $1 billion. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $100 million in funding to date from investors including Index Ventures and Thrive Capital. 

Chapter — $1.38 billion: This Medicare guide health tech company, founded in 2013, last raised a $75 million Series D, valuing it at $1.38 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised $186 million in funding to date, with investors including XYZ Venture Capital and Narya. 

Threatlocker — $1.2 billion: This Orlando-based data protection company last raised a $60 million Series E, valuing the company at $1.2 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2017, has raised more than $200 million in funding to date, from investors including General Atlantic and StepStone Group. 
Cyberhaven — $1 billion: This data detection company last raised a $100 million Series D in April, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $1 billion. The company, launched in 2015, has raised more than $200 million in funding to date, with investors including Khlosa Ventrues and Redpoint Ventures.

March 

Fleetio — $1.5 billion: This Alabama-based startup creates software to help make fleet operations easier. It last raised a $454 million Series D at a $1.5 billion valuation, according to PitchBook. It was launched in 2012 and has raised $624 million in funding to date, with investors including Elephant and Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

The Bot Company — $2 billion: This robotics platform last raised a $150 million early-stage round, valuing it at $2 billion, according to PitchBook. The company, which was founded in 2024, has raised $300 million to date in funding. 

Celestial AI — $2.5 billion: The AI company raised a $250 million Series C led by Fidelity that valued the company at $2.5 billion, per Crunchbase. The company, based in California, was launched in 2020 and counts BlackRock and Engine Ventures as investors. It has raised more than $580 million in capital to date, per PitchBook. 

Underdog Fantasy — $1.3 billion: The sports gaming company last raised a $70 million Series C valuing the company at $1.3 billion, according to Crunchbase. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $100 million in capital to date, per PitchBook. Investors include Spark Capital. 

Build Ops — $1 billion: This software company last raised a $122.6 million Series C, valuing it at $1 billion. Build Ops, which was launched in 2018, has raised $273 million in total, according to PitchBook, with investors including Founders Fund and Fika Ventures. 

Insilico Medicine — $1 billion: The drug research company raised a $110 million Series E valuing the company at $1 billion, per Crunchbase. It launched in 2014, has raised more than $500 million to date in capital, and counts Lilly Ventures and Value Partners Group as investors. 

Olipop — $2 billion: This popular probiotic soda company last raised a $137.9 million Series C at a $1.96 billion valuation. It was founded in 2018 and has raised $243 million to date with investors including Scoop Ventures and J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners. 

Peregrine — $2.5 billion: This data analysis and integration platform, launched in 2017, last raised a $190 million Series C with a valuation of $2.5 billion. It has raised more than $250 million in funding to date, according to PitchBook, with investors including Sequoia and Fifth Down Capital. 

Assured — $1 billion: The AI company helps process claims and last raised a $23 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion. It was launched in 2019 and has raised a little more than $26 million to date, with investors including ICONIQ Capital and Kleiner Perkins. 

February 

Abridge — $2.8 billion: This medtech company, founded in 2018, last raised a $250 million Series D at a $2.75 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised more than $460 million to date in funding and counts Elad Gil and IVP as investors. 

OpenEvidence — $1 billion: This medtech company, founded in 2017, last raised a $75 million Series A at a $1 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised $135 million to date in funding and counts Sequoia Capital as an investor. 

Hightouch — $1.2 billion: The data platform, founded in 2018, last raised an $80 million Series C at a $1.2 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised $171 million to date in funding and counts Sapphire Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures as investors.

January

Kikoff — $1 billion: This personal finance platform last raised an undisclosed amount that valued it at $1 billion, according to PitchBook. The company, founded in 2019, has raised $42.5 million to date and counts Female Founders Fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and basketballer Steph Curry as investors. 

Netradyne — $1.35 billion: Founded in 2015, this computer vision startup raised a $90 million Series D valuing it at $1.35 billion, according to Crunchbase. The round was led by Point72 Ventures.

Hippocratic AI — $1.6 billion: This startup, founded in 2023, creates healthcare models. It raised a $141 million Series B, valuing it at $1.64 billion, according to Crunchbase. The round was led by Kleiner Perkins. 

Truveta — $1 billion: This genetic research company raised a $320 million round valuing it at $1 billion, according to Crunchbase. Founded in 2020, its investors include the CVCs from Microsoft and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 

Clay — $1.25 billion: Founded in 2017, Clay is an AI sales platform. The company raised a $40 million Series B, valuing it at $1.25 billion, according to PitchBook. It has raised more than $100 million to date and counts Sequoia, First Round, Boldstar, and Box Group as investors.  

Mercor — $2 billion: This contract recruiting startup raised a $100 million Series B valuing it at $2 billion. The company, founded in 2022, counts Felicis, Menlo Ventures, Jack Dorsey, Peter Thiel, and Anthology Fund as investors. 

Loft Orbital — $1 billion: Founded in 2017, the satellite company raised a $170 million Series C valuing the company at $1 billion, according to Crunchbase. Investors in the round included Temasek and Tikehau Capital. 

This post was updated to reflect what Peregine does.



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This app is helping me unwind in new ways, and it might help you breathe your way to a better mood, too

I care and have thought a lot about the intersection between technology and mental health. That hasn’t always been the case, though. I owned my first smartphone at 15, did a computer science degree at 18, and landed a tech-related job at 21. But at no point did I consider how looking at a screen […]

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I care and have thought a lot about the intersection between technology and mental health. That hasn’t always been the case, though. I owned my first smartphone at 15, did a computer science degree at 18, and landed a tech-related job at 21. But at no point did I consider how looking at a screen was affecting me internally.

In recent years, that has changed. The world is more aware of the potential dangers of screen time and social media. It’s also something that I’ve thought more about as my children have gotten older. How do I shape, coach, and advise my children in these matters? It’s a question I keep coming back to.



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Bob Costas talks sports media on ‘Meet the Press’

HOF broadcaster Bob Costas said “sports is coming at people, if they want to access it, from so many different directions,” as tech companies like Amazon, Apple and Netflix get into live sports. Costas, appearing today on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said, “Information and enjoyment in one way or another are coming at people from […]

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HOF broadcaster Bob Costas said “sports is coming at people, if they want to access it, from so many different directions,” as tech companies like Amazon, Apple and Netflix get into live sports. Costas, appearing today on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said, “Information and enjoyment in one way or another are coming at people from so many different directions that even network television, which is still at the center of it, but it doesn’t own it, it doesn’t have the complete primacy that it once had.” Costas said that sports being so accessible today “does diminish it to some extent,” as “much of it is, for at least some portion of the audience, transactional now.” Costas touched on gambling and how the growth of sports betting means fans have a “different relationship to how that game plays out than if you’re just rooting for your team.” Costas said when he called games on MLB Network or Turner, he “refused to read the gambling promos.” Costas: “There’s an insidious aspect to it that I didn’t want to be part of.”

Other highlights from Costas’ interview:

  • On the intersection of politics and sports: “Anyone who says that politics has no place in sports has to be abysmally unaware of the history here. Because until fairly recently in our nation’s history sports and some aspects of entertainment have been the only avenues … that were broadly accessible to people of color or where someone like Billie Jean King could make a larger statement about women’s rights, not just within sports.”
  • On if he misses broadcasting: “I don’t miss what I used to do. I think I can still be effective and still enjoy it in an emeritus role. … I’ve had more than enough times at bat, and many years ago I passed the baton. And I’m generally satisfied and gratified with what my career has been” (“Meet the Press,” NBC, 7/6).



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