Crypto
1. Invesco launches US climate-focused ETF with $1.6B in Finnish funding
Despite some U.S. investors withdrawing from sustainable funds, Invesco launched the $1.6 billion Invesco MSCI Global Climate 500 ETF with backing from Finland’s Varma. The ETF aims to balance environmental concerns with competitive returns, despite ongoing regulatory challenges and the recent underperformance of ESG funds. (WTVB)
Fintech
2. Payabli is building payment management tools for software startups
Joseph Phillips and William Corbera, friends with entrepreneurial backgrounds, co-founded Payabli in 2020 to simplify payment processing for software companies. Recently raising $20 million in Series A funding, the Miami-based startup plans to innovate its products, bolster security, and expand its customer base. (Tech Crunch)
IT infrastructure
3. LinkedIn co-founder’s background-checking startup KarmaCheck raises $45M
KarmaCheck, a background-checking startup founded by LinkedIn co-founder Eric Ly, raised $45 million to accelerate tech development and expand into new sectors. The San Francisco-based company, which counts Domino’s and McDonald’s as clients, delivers faster results than traditional methods and reported a seven-fold revenue increase in 2023. (Reuters)
4. Globe and Lynk to launch direct-to-device satellite service in The Philippines
Globe will launch a direct-to-device satellite service in rural Philippines, partnering with Lynk Global to use its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The service aims to deliver SMS, IP messaging apps, and emergency alerts to areas lacking traditional coverage, with a pilot trial by year-end and plans for future expansion. (Capacity Media)
5. Nokia, Claro deploy Colombia’s largest 5G network
Nokia and Claro have completed the first stage of Colombia’s largest 5G deployment, covering over 1,000 sites nationwide. This project, completed four months after 5G licenses were issued, will enhance connectivity and support innovation in various industries. (Capacity Media)
Tech trends
6. Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia invests $200M in European expansion
Nexperia, a semiconductor maker, will invest $200 million to expand its Hamburg, Germany site, marking a rare EU chip investment without state subsidies. Owned by China’s WingTech, Nexperia produces 100 billion chips annually, crucial for electric cars and digitalisation.
7. SoftBank Group launches AI healthcare joint venture with Tempus AI
SoftBank and Tempus AI have formed SB TEMPUS Corp. to provide precision medicine services in Japan, investing JPY 15 billion each. This venture aims to enhance healthcare using AI, leveraging Tempus’s U.S. expertise. (SoftBank)
8. AI chatbot startup Character.AI launches new calls feature
Character.AI launched a calls feature, allowing voice conversations with AI characters, to compete with rivals like OpenAI. This follows OpenAI’s delay in its voice mode rollout. The feature saw over 20 million calls from 3 million users. (Aol.)
9. Orby is building AI agents for the enterprise
Orby AI, founded by Bella Liu and William Lu, is developing AI agents to automate business workflows. The startup raised $30 million in Series A funding, aiming to stand out with its real-time learning and task automation. (Tech Crunch)
10. Time, OpenAI sign multi-year content deal
Time magazine has signed a multi-year deal with OpenAI, granting the ChatGPT maker access to its news archive. The chatbot will cite and link to Time.com, while Time gains access to OpenAI’s technology for new products. (Reuters)
IoT
11. Fibocom unveils MC610-GL LTE Cat 1 bis module at MWC Shanghai
Fibocom introduced the MC610-GL LTE Cat 1 bis module at MWC Shanghai 2024, emphasising reliability, compact size, and cost-effectiveness for IoT applications like asset tracking and E-mobility. (IoT Now)
12. Adtran and Iridium lunch advanced sync solutions in Europe and APAC
Adtran and Iridium Communications have launched synchronisation solutions across Europe and Asia-Pacific, integrating Iridium Satellite Time and Location (STL) technology to enhance reliability for critical infrastructures like 5G networks and defence systems. (IoT Now)
Products
13. Samsung unpacked 2024: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Watch Ultra, Galaxy Ring and everything else to expect
Samsung’s July 10 Unpacked event in Paris will feature innovative releases. Highlighted is the Samsung Galaxy Ring, a new health-focused smart ring expected in August. Updates to foldables like Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are anticipated with minor enhancements and potential price adjustments. (Engadget)
14. Microsoft’s cancelled Xbox cloud console gets detailed in new patent
Microsoft’s abandoned Keystone Xbox cloud console, codenamed Keystone, was envisioned as a miniature Xbox Series S with HDMI, ethernet, and USB-A ports, alongside an Xbox button and controller pairing button. (The Verge)
15. Instagram is starting to let some creators make AI versions of themselves
Meta’s new “AI Studio,” announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, enables creators to build AI chatbot versions of themselves on Instagram. Currently in early US testing, these chatbots will engage primarily in messaging, clearly marked as AI-generated.
