Stocks Soaring Thanks to AI Boom
- The stock market was closed on Monday for Labor Day after a rough August.
- But stocks have been surging overall this year, up over 20% for the S&P 500, thanks to companies like Nvidia leading the AI boom.
Burning Man Festival Disrupted by Mud
- A rainstorm hit the Burning Man festival, turning the desert venue into a mud pit.
- Tens of thousands were stranded over the weekend until they got the OK to leave Monday.
- The event's growth shows how mainstream it has become, but also raises questions about its environmental impact.
Novo Nordisk Overtakes LVMH, Ukraine Defense Minister Resigns
- Novo Nordisk, maker of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, became Europe's most valuable company, surpassing LVMH's value.
- Ukraine's Defense Minister resigned after corruption scandals, will be replaced by Rustem Umerov.
- European airlines like BA and EasyJet are discounting flights for the post-summer slump.
Invasive Species Cost $423B in Damages
- A UN report found invasive species cost the world over $400 billion in economic damages annually.
- Top threats are water hyacinth, which overtakes waterways, and invasive grasses that can transform icy tundra.
- Border control is the best prevention method, along with targeted releases of predators.
Hollywood Strikes Cost California Billions
- The ongoing Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes have already cost California almost $5 billion in economic losses.
- Over 100 days into the writers' strike, no resolution is in sight.
F1 Racer Max Verstappen Won 10 Consecutive Races
- Verstappen earned the record for most consecutive F1 victories by winning his 10th race in a row.
- His Red Bull team is aiming to go undefeated this entire season.
Snapchat to Become Fastest Growing Social Media Platform in 2023
- Snapchat is projected to grow its user base by 13.4% in 2023.
- Almost 60% of internet users aged 13-24 use Snapchat daily.
- Growth driven by popularity among younger generations.
Marketing to Gen Z: How to Get It Right
- 87% of Gen Z want multi-channel brand experiences and experiential shopping.
- They value authenticity, playfulness, and fun.
- Brands using digital out-of-home advertising to build consumer trust.
How to Create a Lead Magnet People Will Love
- Lead magnets exchange value, like free templates or resources.
- Make it unique, write compelling CTAs, focus on customers.
- Let your audience be the hero of your messaging.
New EU Innovation Commissioner Nominated
- Iliana Ivanova has been nominated as the new EU Commissioner for Innovation and Research.
- She will oversee implementation of EU startup strategy and innovation initiatives if appointed.
- Ivanova wants more non-EU countries like UK and Switzerland to join EU research program.
Wirecard Whistleblower Launches Own Platform
- The man who blew the whistle on Wirecard has started his own whistleblowing platform.
- It is aimed at helping other whistleblowers safely raise concerns about their companies.
Earlybird Loses French Investment Team
- Earlybird VC has lost both members of its French investment team less than 2 years after opening Paris office.
- Salomon Aiach and Cécile Treboit are leaving the firm.
- Unclear when the roles will be replaced.
Founders Future Raising €150M Climate & AI Fund
- French VC Founders Future raising €150M fund for climate and AI startups.
- Will invest across Europe.
Antler Raising €150M for Nordic Startups
- Company builder Antler raising €150M fund for Nordic startups.
- Has seen 5x increase in applications from ex-startup employees since layoffs began.
- Has closed €50M so far.
Unconventional Ventures Raising Diverse Founder Fund
- Unconventional Ventures raising €30M fund for diverse founders.
- Investors include Atomico and Export/Investment Fund of Denmark.
- Over half of target already raised.
