3 days ago
Prince Harry stepped out in London for a gala supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war there
The Duke of Sussex, dressed in a black bow tie and tuxedo, gave a speech at the event
Harry has made several trips to Ukraine in recent years, with much focus on supporting veterans and the wounded
Prince Harry made a surprise outing in support of Ukraine.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, stepped out at the United for Freedom gala at the Imperial War Museum in London on Oct. 1. The fundraising event was held to benefit charities supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict in the country.
#supporting #prince #amid
The Duke of Sussex, dressed in a black bow tie and tuxedo, gave a speech at the event
Harry has made several trips to Ukraine in recent years, with much focus on supporting veterans and the wounded
Prince Harry made a surprise outing in support of Ukraine.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, stepped out at the United for Freedom gala at the Imperial War Museum in London on Oct. 1. The fundraising event was held to benefit charities supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict in the country.
#supporting #prince #amid
14 days ago
Interested in Apollo Global Management Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Apollo expects interest rates to remain higher for longer, while estimating only a 10%–20% chance of a recession over the next year. Consumer spending, inflation and AI infrastructure investment are supporting economic activity, though geopolitical and energy risks remain.
The firm views AI primarily as a large-scale financing opportunity, providing structured capital to investment-grade companies involved in digital infrastructure, energy, logistics and defense rather than betting on individual technology winners.
Apollo reported strong institutional fundraising, including a $12 billion first close for its Fund XI, and expects private-equity industry consolidation as smaller or overexpanded managers struggle to return capital. Its high-grade capital-solutions business has completed more than 200 transactions totaling roughly $150 billion.
Baggage Claim: Apollo's $7.7 Billion Bid to Acquire easyJet
#apollo #infrastructure #energy #grade
Apollo expects interest rates to remain higher for longer, while estimating only a 10%–20% chance of a recession over the next year. Consumer spending, inflation and AI infrastructure investment are supporting economic activity, though geopolitical and energy risks remain.
The firm views AI primarily as a large-scale financing opportunity, providing structured capital to investment-grade companies involved in digital infrastructure, energy, logistics and defense rather than betting on individual technology winners.
Apollo reported strong institutional fundraising, including a $12 billion first close for its Fund XI, and expects private-equity industry consolidation as smaller or overexpanded managers struggle to return capital. Its high-grade capital-solutions business has completed more than 200 transactions totaling roughly $150 billion.
Baggage Claim: Apollo's $7.7 Billion Bid to Acquire easyJet
#apollo #infrastructure #energy #grade
14 days ago
When President Donald Trump’s name was ordered removed from the Kennedy Center this spring, it seemed that an opening to move on from his reign over the performing arts center might have emerged.
“I have instructed the Department of Commerce to make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of this Institution, giving them the responsibility for its Operation, Maintenance, and Management,” the president wrote in a late-May Truth Social post, seemingly relinquishing the control he’d seized a year prior.
Speculation even bubbled up among some of the more than a dozen “ex-officio,” board members — who don’t get a vote but are not allied with Trump — over whether the former board chairman, billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, could be brought back to help restore the center’s fundraising and programming, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. (CNN has asked Rubenstein for comment.)
But after Trump said he would remain chairman, “it kind of all squelched pretty quickly,” one of the sources said. The hope that his crusade to rename a monument dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy had ended turned out to be wishful thinking.
Instead, nine months from a cold December day when cranes first placed Trump’s name on the marble façade, the institution has been brought to the brink by the president still very much engaged in a fight: lights have been turned off inside, infrastructure is crumbling and protests swirl while legal battles mount.
#center
“I have instructed the Department of Commerce to make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of this Institution, giving them the responsibility for its Operation, Maintenance, and Management,” the president wrote in a late-May Truth Social post, seemingly relinquishing the control he’d seized a year prior.
Speculation even bubbled up among some of the more than a dozen “ex-officio,” board members — who don’t get a vote but are not allied with Trump — over whether the former board chairman, billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, could be brought back to help restore the center’s fundraising and programming, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. (CNN has asked Rubenstein for comment.)
But after Trump said he would remain chairman, “it kind of all squelched pretty quickly,” one of the sources said. The hope that his crusade to rename a monument dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy had ended turned out to be wishful thinking.
Instead, nine months from a cold December day when cranes first placed Trump’s name on the marble façade, the institution has been brought to the brink by the president still very much engaged in a fight: lights have been turned off inside, infrastructure is crumbling and protests swirl while legal battles mount.
#center
15 days ago
CoreWeave (NASDAQ: CRWV) stock was rocked on Thursday. The artificial intelligence (AI) cloud company's shares closed down more than 5% on news of two fundraising measures it announced that morning.
CoreWeave announced an at-the-market (ATM) issue of its publicly traded Class A common stock. Up to 35 million shares are to be sold in a public offering by a large syndicate of sales agents.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The company said it will use its share of the proceeds "to provide ongoing financing flexibility and to support CoreWeave's objective of migrating its enterprise credit profile toward investment grade."
The company also announced an issue of convertible senior notes. It will float $3 billion worth of the securities, which mature in 2033 if not converted, in a private offering. The company intends to offer the initial purchasers of the note up to a total of $500 million in additional aggregate principal amount of notes.
#shares
CoreWeave announced an at-the-market (ATM) issue of its publicly traded Class A common stock. Up to 35 million shares are to be sold in a public offering by a large syndicate of sales agents.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The company said it will use its share of the proceeds "to provide ongoing financing flexibility and to support CoreWeave's objective of migrating its enterprise credit profile toward investment grade."
The company also announced an issue of convertible senior notes. It will float $3 billion worth of the securities, which mature in 2033 if not converted, in a private offering. The company intends to offer the initial purchasers of the note up to a total of $500 million in additional aggregate principal amount of notes.
#shares
16 days ago
Interested in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Goldman Sachs expects its revenue base to reach roughly $70 billion this year, up from the mid-$30 billion range when its strategic plan began in 2018–19, supported by greater diversification and operating leverage.
Asset & Wealth Management is exceeding its targeted high-single-digit growth rate, overseeing about $4 trillion in ******* ets and targeting 30% margins and high-teen returns. Acquisitions and partnerships are expanding its alternatives, ETF, retirement and real estate capabilities.
Goldman expects alternatives fundraising above $125 billion this year and sees major financing opportunities from AI infrastructure investment, while near-term results may face higher expenses, softer FICC activity and a muted investments line.
Digging for Value: Alpha Metallurgical Resources Insider Buys Big
#year #here
Goldman Sachs expects its revenue base to reach roughly $70 billion this year, up from the mid-$30 billion range when its strategic plan began in 2018–19, supported by greater diversification and operating leverage.
Asset & Wealth Management is exceeding its targeted high-single-digit growth rate, overseeing about $4 trillion in ******* ets and targeting 30% margins and high-teen returns. Acquisitions and partnerships are expanding its alternatives, ETF, retirement and real estate capabilities.
Goldman expects alternatives fundraising above $125 billion this year and sees major financing opportunities from AI infrastructure investment, while near-term results may face higher expenses, softer FICC activity and a muted investments line.
Digging for Value: Alpha Metallurgical Resources Insider Buys Big
#year #here
17 days ago
By Akash Sriram
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Impulse ***** e has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building ***** ecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers.
The extension valued the company at $5.6 billion, according to a source close to the company. ***** eX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the ***** e sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse.
The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion.
The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue.
#impulse #space
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Impulse ***** e has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building ***** ecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers.
The extension valued the company at $5.6 billion, according to a source close to the company. ***** eX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the ***** e sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse.
The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion.
The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue.
#impulse #space
18 days ago
By Akash Sriram
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Impulse ***** e has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building ***** ecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers.
The extension valued the company at $5.6 billion, according to a source close to the company. ***** eX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the ***** e sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse.
The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion.
The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue.
#company
Sept 16 (Reuters) - Impulse ***** e has raised $308 million in an extension of the Series D funding round, the startup building ***** ecraft to move satellites and other payloads said on Wednesday, as it looks to serve a backlog from commercial and government customers.
The extension valued the company at $5.6 billion, according to a source close to the company. ***** eX's $86 billion IPO in June has bolstered investor enthusiasm for the ***** e sector, helping improve the fundraising environment for companies such as Impulse.
The extension brings Impulse's Series D financing to $808 million, following a $500 million round announced in June that valued the company at $4.26 billion.
The company also hired Vizio executive Adam Townsend as chief financial officer, as it scales production and works to turn a growing backlog of government and commercial contracts into revenue.
#company
20 days ago
Sept 13 (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Barack Obama has warned that artificial intelligence could be "dangerous" if not properly managed, and urged Democrats to frame policy and governance agendas to tackle the issue, the New York Times said on Sunday.
The remarks at a recent private fundraising event come as growing numbers of U.S. lawmakers call for tougher rules on AI systems after dire warnings from two Anthropic researchers that rapid industry progress risks extinction of the human race.
"This is something that is moving very fast in private hands, and if we don't get on top of it, I think can be dangerous," the newspaper quoted Obama as saying on Thursday.
Citing a partial transcript of remarks from Obama's office, the paper said he encouraged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to help shape a public conversation on AI policy if Democrats regained the House in midterm elections on November 3.
"Once you are speaker, I would strongly urge that the Democrats put together a framework for a very public conversation," Obama told Jeffries, the paper added.
#obama #democrats #private
The remarks at a recent private fundraising event come as growing numbers of U.S. lawmakers call for tougher rules on AI systems after dire warnings from two Anthropic researchers that rapid industry progress risks extinction of the human race.
"This is something that is moving very fast in private hands, and if we don't get on top of it, I think can be dangerous," the newspaper quoted Obama as saying on Thursday.
Citing a partial transcript of remarks from Obama's office, the paper said he encouraged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to help shape a public conversation on AI policy if Democrats regained the House in midterm elections on November 3.
"Once you are speaker, I would strongly urge that the Democrats put together a framework for a very public conversation," Obama told Jeffries, the paper added.
#obama #democrats #private
20 days ago
Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress" is heading back to auction. Meghan Markle is reportedly interested in buying it, but she could face some serious competition. A source claims Kim Kardashian is among several high-profile names determined to own the famous gown. With its royal history and emotional significance, the upcoming sale could become a closely watched battle.
Meghan Markle is reportedly hoping to get her hands on one of Princess Diana's most famous looks. The black Christina Stambolian dress is set to return to the auction block in December. Sotheby's expects it could sell for up to £220,000 (approxiamately $2,96,000).
The dress has a story almost as famous as its design. Diana wore it to a 1994 fundraising gala, on the same night then-Prince Charles allegedly admitted to infidelity. She stepped out in the daring off-the-shoulder number instead of following the more restrained royal style expected of her. The look soon earned its now-famous "revenge dress" nickname.
Now, according to New Idea, Meghan is supposedly considering a bid. However, she may have to beat some serious competition to take it home. A source claimed that Kim Kardashian is "determined to own this dress." The insider also named Salma Hayek and Lady Gaga as potential contenders. Several collectors from Qatar and Saudi Arabia are allegedly interested, too.
With that kind of competition, the final price could climb quickly. The source claimed Prince Harry and Meghan's budget could become "a huge problem" when the bidding begins. And apparently, the couple may not even agree on whether the dress should be theirs.
#several
Meghan Markle is reportedly hoping to get her hands on one of Princess Diana's most famous looks. The black Christina Stambolian dress is set to return to the auction block in December. Sotheby's expects it could sell for up to £220,000 (approxiamately $2,96,000).
The dress has a story almost as famous as its design. Diana wore it to a 1994 fundraising gala, on the same night then-Prince Charles allegedly admitted to infidelity. She stepped out in the daring off-the-shoulder number instead of following the more restrained royal style expected of her. The look soon earned its now-famous "revenge dress" nickname.
Now, according to New Idea, Meghan is supposedly considering a bid. However, she may have to beat some serious competition to take it home. A source claimed that Kim Kardashian is "determined to own this dress." The insider also named Salma Hayek and Lady Gaga as potential contenders. Several collectors from Qatar and Saudi Arabia are allegedly interested, too.
With that kind of competition, the final price could climb quickly. The source claimed Prince Harry and Meghan's budget could become "a huge problem" when the bidding begins. And apparently, the couple may not even agree on whether the dress should be theirs.
#several
23 days ago
Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) entered a five-year senior secured credit facility with OrbiMed for up to $400 million and drew $75 million at closing. The remaining $325 million depends on milestones or further lender agreement.
The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the greater of 3% or the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus 6.15%, payable monthly. The formula sets a 9.15% minimum. Applying that floor to the initial borrowing produces approximately $6.9 million of article-calculated annual interest before commitment, administrative, undrawn-amount, and facility fees.
The financing arrives as Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) prepares for a potential U.S. launch of lonvoguran ziclumeran, or lonvo-z, for hereditary angioedema. Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) held $628.4 million of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of June 30, but reported a $106.6 million second-quarter net loss.
The staged structure gives Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) capital without issuing equity at closing and avoids drawing the full amount before milestones that could support additional debt.
A second $75 million tranche becomes available at the option of Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) if the FDA approves the biologics license application for lonvo-z before a specified date. Three further $40 million tranches depend on lonvo-z revenue targets, while another $30 million requires an equity-fundraising milestone. This links most committed borrowing capacity to regulatory and commercial progress.
#million #therapeutics #ntla #lonvo
The facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to the greater of 3% or the one-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate, plus 6.15%, payable monthly. The formula sets a 9.15% minimum. Applying that floor to the initial borrowing produces approximately $6.9 million of article-calculated annual interest before commitment, administrative, undrawn-amount, and facility fees.
The financing arrives as Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) prepares for a potential U.S. launch of lonvoguran ziclumeran, or lonvo-z, for hereditary angioedema. Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) held $628.4 million of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of June 30, but reported a $106.6 million second-quarter net loss.
The staged structure gives Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) capital without issuing equity at closing and avoids drawing the full amount before milestones that could support additional debt.
A second $75 million tranche becomes available at the option of Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTLA) if the FDA approves the biologics license application for lonvo-z before a specified date. Three further $40 million tranches depend on lonvo-z revenue targets, while another $30 million requires an equity-fundraising milestone. This links most committed borrowing capacity to regulatory and commercial progress.
#million #therapeutics #ntla #lonvo
23 days ago
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan State University Board of Trustees officially approved Dan Bartholomae as the school's new athletic director during its meeting on Friday.
Bartholomae comes to MSU from Western Michigan University, where he was the athletic director since 2022.
"The future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission," MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., said in a release "At Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over. Dan shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era. We are excited to start this next chapter with him as our leader."
The terms of the contract are unclear. Bartholomae's August 2025 contract with Western Michigan includes a $5.1 million buyout, partly offset by a $3.95 million buyout Michigan State negotiated with Kentucky over J Batt's departure.
Western Michigan won 37 total conference championships and made 35 NCAA postseason appearances during Bartholomae's tenure, and its men's hockey team won the 2025 NCAA championship. He also had success as a fundraiser during his time in Kalamazoo, where he led record-breaking fundraising efforts. Michigan State in a previous news release highlighted that the average annual giving increased by 473% under his tenure, while the number of unique donors increased by 105%.
#university #director
Bartholomae comes to MSU from Western Michigan University, where he was the athletic director since 2022.
"The future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission," MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., said in a release "At Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over. Dan shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era. We are excited to start this next chapter with him as our leader."
The terms of the contract are unclear. Bartholomae's August 2025 contract with Western Michigan includes a $5.1 million buyout, partly offset by a $3.95 million buyout Michigan State negotiated with Kentucky over J Batt's departure.
Western Michigan won 37 total conference championships and made 35 NCAA postseason appearances during Bartholomae's tenure, and its men's hockey team won the 2025 NCAA championship. He also had success as a fundraiser during his time in Kalamazoo, where he led record-breaking fundraising efforts. Michigan State in a previous news release highlighted that the average annual giving increased by 473% under his tenure, while the number of unique donors increased by 105%.
#university #director
23 days ago
A key piece from Lady Di's iconic wardrobe could soon be yours.
The black Christina Stambolian evening dress the late Diana, Princess of Wales, famously wore to a fundraising dinner at London's Serpentine Gallery in June 1994 will be auctioned off by Sotheby's this December.
More from Robb Report
Jessica Lange's Onetime New Orleans Home in the French Quarter Lists for Nearly $2 Million
Inside a $16 Million Full-Floor Apartment at New York's Baccarat Residences
#million #wales
The black Christina Stambolian evening dress the late Diana, Princess of Wales, famously wore to a fundraising dinner at London's Serpentine Gallery in June 1994 will be auctioned off by Sotheby's this December.
More from Robb Report
Jessica Lange's Onetime New Orleans Home in the French Quarter Lists for Nearly $2 Million
Inside a $16 Million Full-Floor Apartment at New York's Baccarat Residences
#million #wales
26 days ago
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) Chief Financial Officer Claire McDonough is stepping down at the end of October to join GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) in the same role, Reuters reported on August 27, just as Rivian ramps up production of its cheaper R2 SUV amid fragile U.S. EV demand.
McDonough will formally take the GE Vernova CFO seat on January 1, 2027, succeeding the retiring Ken Parks. Rivian said her exit is "not the result of any disagreement" and that she is relocating to the East Coast to be closer to family. McDonough joined Rivian in January 2021, led the company through its $13.7 billion IPO later that year, and helped structure its $5.8 billion Volkswagen Group joint venture. Derek Mulvey, Rivian's vice president of finance, will serve as interim CFO starting October 30 while the company runs a search for a permanent replacement. The news lands as Rivian scales the R2, its $45,000-to-$58,000 SUV that began customer deliveries in June, with the stock trading near $17, down more than 75% from its IPO price.
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) keeps improving its business as it enters the next phase of its growth strategy. The company has started R2 deliveries, and management raised its annual delivery forecast last month as customers showed stronger interest in the lower-priced SUV. Rivian also continues to pursue profitability while growing its vehicle lineup. This is giving the company an opportunity to build a larger customer base through a more affordable model.
Rivian also has an experienced finance team that can maintain continuity after Claire McDonough's departure. McDonough will remain at Rivian through the end of October and help with the transition, while Vice President of Finance Derek Mulvey will take over as interim CFO. That arrangement gives Rivian time to search for a permanent replacement without forcing the company to manage an abrupt leadership gap during the R2 rollout.
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) gains a finance chief with experience in capital-intensive businesses, fundraising and cost management. McDonough helped Rivian take its business public, lead cost-cutting efforts and raise capital during its expansion. Those skills could benefit GE Vernova as the company expands its Power and Electrification businesses and manages rising demand for energy infrastructure.
#company #vernova #take #NASDAQ
McDonough will formally take the GE Vernova CFO seat on January 1, 2027, succeeding the retiring Ken Parks. Rivian said her exit is "not the result of any disagreement" and that she is relocating to the East Coast to be closer to family. McDonough joined Rivian in January 2021, led the company through its $13.7 billion IPO later that year, and helped structure its $5.8 billion Volkswagen Group joint venture. Derek Mulvey, Rivian's vice president of finance, will serve as interim CFO starting October 30 while the company runs a search for a permanent replacement. The news lands as Rivian scales the R2, its $45,000-to-$58,000 SUV that began customer deliveries in June, with the stock trading near $17, down more than 75% from its IPO price.
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) keeps improving its business as it enters the next phase of its growth strategy. The company has started R2 deliveries, and management raised its annual delivery forecast last month as customers showed stronger interest in the lower-priced SUV. Rivian also continues to pursue profitability while growing its vehicle lineup. This is giving the company an opportunity to build a larger customer base through a more affordable model.
Rivian also has an experienced finance team that can maintain continuity after Claire McDonough's departure. McDonough will remain at Rivian through the end of October and help with the transition, while Vice President of Finance Derek Mulvey will take over as interim CFO. That arrangement gives Rivian time to search for a permanent replacement without forcing the company to manage an abrupt leadership gap during the R2 rollout.
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) gains a finance chief with experience in capital-intensive businesses, fundraising and cost management. McDonough helped Rivian take its business public, lead cost-cutting efforts and raise capital during its expansion. Those skills could benefit GE Vernova as the company expands its Power and Electrification businesses and manages rising demand for energy infrastructure.
#company #vernova #take #NASDAQ
26 days ago
France-based Mistral has completed a €3bn ($3.48bn) Series D funding round, putting the AI company's post-money valuation at more than €21bn ($24.4bn).
The fundraising was co-led by Samsung Electronics, the Scaleup Europe Fund managed by EQT, and existing investor PSG Equity.
The latest round provides capital to expand the company's "frontier research," along with increased compute capabilities for training AI models and broader international operations. This round comes three years after Mistral's founding.
Mistral currently has operations in 20 countries and supports more than 125 global enterprises with their AI initiatives. Its clients include ASML, Airbus, HSBC, and others.
According to Mistral, the new investment will help to scale its infrastructure, accelerate its commercial growth, and strengthen its position in AI provision for both enterprises and governments seeking control over data and AI deployment.
#mistral #round #france #series
The fundraising was co-led by Samsung Electronics, the Scaleup Europe Fund managed by EQT, and existing investor PSG Equity.
The latest round provides capital to expand the company's "frontier research," along with increased compute capabilities for training AI models and broader international operations. This round comes three years after Mistral's founding.
Mistral currently has operations in 20 countries and supports more than 125 global enterprises with their AI initiatives. Its clients include ASML, Airbus, HSBC, and others.
According to Mistral, the new investment will help to scale its infrastructure, accelerate its commercial growth, and strengthen its position in AI provision for both enterprises and governments seeking control over data and AI deployment.
#mistral #round #france #series
28 days ago
Karmelo Anthony's family is seeking another $250,000 to fund his appeal after an earlier campaign raised nearly $634,000 and faced questions over how the money was spent, the family announced at a news conference in Dallas, Texas.
The fundraising push came nearly two weeks after a judge denied Anthony's request for a new trial. His family and supporters, including attorney Russell Wilson, used the Dallas news conference to outline the appeal.
Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June after a jury convicted him of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. He has appealed and says he cannot afford to hire an attorney for the appeal.
Another Lawyer Joins Karmelo Anthony's Appeal As Killer Claims He Cannot Pay For Counsel
The new fund is intended to cover legal fees, experts and other costs ******* ociated with challenging Anthony's conviction, Wilson said.
#karmelo #dallas #wilson #nearly
The fundraising push came nearly two weeks after a judge denied Anthony's request for a new trial. His family and supporters, including attorney Russell Wilson, used the Dallas news conference to outline the appeal.
Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June after a jury convicted him of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. He has appealed and says he cannot afford to hire an attorney for the appeal.
Another Lawyer Joins Karmelo Anthony's Appeal As Killer Claims He Cannot Pay For Counsel
The new fund is intended to cover legal fees, experts and other costs ******* ociated with challenging Anthony's conviction, Wilson said.
#karmelo #dallas #wilson #nearly
29 days ago
A top House Republican accused Democratic fundraising powerhouse ActBlue of operating as a "money laundering operation," saying that millions of dollars in foreign contributions had flowed through the platform.
Speaking on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast, Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, said ongoing congressional investigations into the group have uncovered fraud prevention failures and noted that several people affiliated with ActBlue have invoked the Fifth Amendment while being questioned by lawmakers.
"Well, [it's clear] ActBlue had become a money laundering operation for the Democratic Party. And that's very unfortunate," Fallon told Fox News' Jessica Rosenthal.
"Their compliance and fraud prevention was severely lacking, and they actually were training their employees to do almost no verifications."
Texas Ag Paxton Sues Dem Fundraising Platform Actblue, Alleging 'Fraudulent And Foreign Donations'
#democratic #platform
Speaking on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast, Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, said ongoing congressional investigations into the group have uncovered fraud prevention failures and noted that several people affiliated with ActBlue have invoked the Fifth Amendment while being questioned by lawmakers.
"Well, [it's clear] ActBlue had become a money laundering operation for the Democratic Party. And that's very unfortunate," Fallon told Fox News' Jessica Rosenthal.
"Their compliance and fraud prevention was severely lacking, and they actually were training their employees to do almost no verifications."
Texas Ag Paxton Sues Dem Fundraising Platform Actblue, Alleging 'Fraudulent And Foreign Donations'
#democratic #platform
29 days ago
Anthropic's highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) could feature an unusual approach to insider shares. Rather than the traditional 180-day lockup period for shares, a recent report suggests that Anthropic is considering allowing insiders to sell a portion of their shares during the IPO and subjecting the remaining shares to a lockup period well beyond 180 days.
If the report is true, these IPO criteria stand in contrast to ***** e Exploration Technologies' recent IPO, which released locked-up shares in tranches at designated times up to a year after the IPO. Although Anthropic's reported plan is not conventional as it relates to managing the sale of insider shares, it might be a plan the tech industry needs to consider. Here's why.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Anthropic's Claude AI engine has emerged as an industry leader. To that end, a recent fundraising round valued the company at $965 billion, and it has targeted a $2 trillion valuation with the IPO, making an increasing number of investors anxious to own a stake in Anthropic stock. This means Anthropic could outdo ***** eX with its IPO.
The original plan was to follow a standard 180-day lockup period. Under this plan, founders, employees, and venture capitalists cannot trade for a set number of days. Laws do not require such a limitation, but it has become a standard provision in such contracts.
#shares #plan #lockup #flashing
If the report is true, these IPO criteria stand in contrast to ***** e Exploration Technologies' recent IPO, which released locked-up shares in tranches at designated times up to a year after the IPO. Although Anthropic's reported plan is not conventional as it relates to managing the sale of insider shares, it might be a plan the tech industry needs to consider. Here's why.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Anthropic's Claude AI engine has emerged as an industry leader. To that end, a recent fundraising round valued the company at $965 billion, and it has targeted a $2 trillion valuation with the IPO, making an increasing number of investors anxious to own a stake in Anthropic stock. This means Anthropic could outdo ***** eX with its IPO.
The original plan was to follow a standard 180-day lockup period. Under this plan, founders, employees, and venture capitalists cannot trade for a set number of days. Laws do not require such a limitation, but it has become a standard provision in such contracts.
#shares #plan #lockup #flashing
29 days ago
On August 4, Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ:HLNE) posted a first fiscal quarter that showed just how far the private markets manager has scaled. Revenue jumped 56% year over year to $275.3 million, fee-related earnings climbed 49% to $124.5 million, and the firm's total ******* et footprint pushed past $1.1 trillion. That kind of quarter would normally be the whole story. Instead, it came wrapped around three separate balance sheet payouts and a candid admission that client flows have gotten choppier than the headline numbers suggest.
Hamilton Lane's specialized funds are doing the heavy lifting. Fee-earning ******* ets under management in that category grew 25% year over year to $42.6 billion, and that mix shift toward higher-fee products pushed the blended fee rate up to 69 basis points. Management and advisory fees rose 21% to $161.4 million, and FRE margin expanded to 53% from 51% a year earlier, a sign the extra revenue is reaching the bottom line rather than getting absorbed by costs.
The Evergreen platform, Hamilton Lane's semi-liquid product line built for individual and smaller institutional investors, generated $640 million of net inflows and ended the quarter with $19 billion in ******* ets. Ten of twelve funds took in net new money, and none of them needed to gate redemptions even as the broader alternatives industry has wrestled with liquidity questions. The company also added six senior Evergreen sales professionals poached from Fidelity, BlackRock, PIMCO, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Monroe Capital, and just landed its multi-strategy equity fund on a third wirehouse platform.
Fundraising on the closed-end side was equally strong. The sixth direct equity fund closed at $3.8 billion combined, 57% larger than its predecessor, while the seventh secondary fund and second venture fund each held first closes, at $1.3 billion and $370 million. On top of that, Hamilton Lane is set to book roughly $33 million in combined gains from monetizing its stakes in Russell Investments and Canoe, on top of a newly public stake in Securitize.
Not every part of the story is clean. Hamilton Lane's non-US multi-strategy equity fund swung to net outflows for the quarter, and management pointed to a broader hesitancy taking hold. Co-CEO Erik Hirsch acknowledged "a slowdown in flows on certain products and the general hesitancy with investors," a rare moment of candor from a company that otherwise leaned on strong numbers.
#fund #lane
Hamilton Lane's specialized funds are doing the heavy lifting. Fee-earning ******* ets under management in that category grew 25% year over year to $42.6 billion, and that mix shift toward higher-fee products pushed the blended fee rate up to 69 basis points. Management and advisory fees rose 21% to $161.4 million, and FRE margin expanded to 53% from 51% a year earlier, a sign the extra revenue is reaching the bottom line rather than getting absorbed by costs.
The Evergreen platform, Hamilton Lane's semi-liquid product line built for individual and smaller institutional investors, generated $640 million of net inflows and ended the quarter with $19 billion in ******* ets. Ten of twelve funds took in net new money, and none of them needed to gate redemptions even as the broader alternatives industry has wrestled with liquidity questions. The company also added six senior Evergreen sales professionals poached from Fidelity, BlackRock, PIMCO, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Monroe Capital, and just landed its multi-strategy equity fund on a third wirehouse platform.
Fundraising on the closed-end side was equally strong. The sixth direct equity fund closed at $3.8 billion combined, 57% larger than its predecessor, while the seventh secondary fund and second venture fund each held first closes, at $1.3 billion and $370 million. On top of that, Hamilton Lane is set to book roughly $33 million in combined gains from monetizing its stakes in Russell Investments and Canoe, on top of a newly public stake in Securitize.
Not every part of the story is clean. Hamilton Lane's non-US multi-strategy equity fund swung to net outflows for the quarter, and management pointed to a broader hesitancy taking hold. Co-CEO Erik Hirsch acknowledged "a slowdown in flows on certain products and the general hesitancy with investors," a rare moment of candor from a company that otherwise leaned on strong numbers.
#fund #lane
29 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal from Republicans in a dispute over campaign ad prices on Friday, clearing a legal roadblock to political parties getting cheaper TV ad time ahead of the midterm elections.
The justices halted for now a lower-court ruling in favor of Democratic candidates who argued that cheaper broadcast ads should be limited to candidates. One justice publicly dissented from the unsigned order. It's the latest election-related appeal to come before the high court ahead of the pivotal November contests.
The Trump administration supported the emergency appeal from GOP campaign arms.
The decision comes on the heels of a June Supreme Court ruling that removed limits on parties spending money in coordination with candidates. It was seen as a boon to the GOP because the national party has a sizable cash advantage, and access to cheaper ad rates could boost that edge.
Among Democrats, meanwhile, some individual candidates have sizable fundraising advantages over their Republican opponents.
#emergency
The justices halted for now a lower-court ruling in favor of Democratic candidates who argued that cheaper broadcast ads should be limited to candidates. One justice publicly dissented from the unsigned order. It's the latest election-related appeal to come before the high court ahead of the pivotal November contests.
The Trump administration supported the emergency appeal from GOP campaign arms.
The decision comes on the heels of a June Supreme Court ruling that removed limits on parties spending money in coordination with candidates. It was seen as a boon to the GOP because the national party has a sizable cash advantage, and access to cheaper ad rates could boost that edge.
Among Democrats, meanwhile, some individual candidates have sizable fundraising advantages over their Republican opponents.
#emergency
1 month ago
Prince Harry reportedly opted for skydiving for his first UK engagement. According to a report, he has seemingly scheduled the air-based activity to raise money for two charities. Moreover, he also made this unexpectedly bold move because of a promise he made to a 102-year-old World War II vet, Ed Marshall. The two met last year and connected instantly over their "shared experience of military service."
Prince Harry reportedly chose his first public engagement in the UK, and it's not for the faint of heart. The Duke of Sussex is set to skydive for charities and also to keep a promise to a military veteran. According to PEOPLE, he met the 102-year-old World War II vet Ed Marshall last November in Toronto. During his visit to Sunnybrook Hospital, Harry befriended Marshall, who informed him about the charity skydive.
The official website of the Sunnybrook Foundation shared the exchange between the prince and Marshall. "Ed amazed Prince Harry when he proudly recounted the fundraising skydive he completed to mark his 100th birthday. The idea stuck, and together, they devised a plan for another jump," the report read.
Furthermore, it didn't specifically mention a date but stated that the activity would take place this month. While Marshall wouldn't be able to join Harry, his grandson Bailey would take the honorable jump with the duke. This move would reportedly raise money for two charities, Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love Foundation. Both organizations support Canadian military veterans.
Meanwhile, the upcoming skydive would seemingly mark Harry's first engagement since his return to the UK. For those unversed, he moved back to his home country last week with his wife, Meghan Markle, and kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It was reportedly that the Sussexes would continue as non-working royals and stay in a private residence outside London.
#charities #year
Prince Harry reportedly chose his first public engagement in the UK, and it's not for the faint of heart. The Duke of Sussex is set to skydive for charities and also to keep a promise to a military veteran. According to PEOPLE, he met the 102-year-old World War II vet Ed Marshall last November in Toronto. During his visit to Sunnybrook Hospital, Harry befriended Marshall, who informed him about the charity skydive.
The official website of the Sunnybrook Foundation shared the exchange between the prince and Marshall. "Ed amazed Prince Harry when he proudly recounted the fundraising skydive he completed to mark his 100th birthday. The idea stuck, and together, they devised a plan for another jump," the report read.
Furthermore, it didn't specifically mention a date but stated that the activity would take place this month. While Marshall wouldn't be able to join Harry, his grandson Bailey would take the honorable jump with the duke. This move would reportedly raise money for two charities, Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love Foundation. Both organizations support Canadian military veterans.
Meanwhile, the upcoming skydive would seemingly mark Harry's first engagement since his return to the UK. For those unversed, he moved back to his home country last week with his wife, Meghan Markle, and kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It was reportedly that the Sussexes would continue as non-working royals and stay in a private residence outside London.
#charities #year
1 month ago
Partners Group is replacing its CEO after reporting mixed interim results amid redemption pressure on its evergreen products.
David Layton, who has been the sole CEO since 2021 and with the firm since 2005, will step down to become CIO and chair of the global investment committee.
Roberto Cagnati and Juri Jenkner, both hired in 2004, will take over as co-CEOs Jan. 1.
Cagnati most recently ran portfolio solutions and served as chief risk officer, while Jenkner most recently served as president after heading both infrastructure and private credit earlier.
The change comes as Partners, which manages total ****** ets of $186 billion, announces mixed interim results. While the group saw record fundraising—with clients committing $16 billion to the firm, up from $12.2 billion a year earlier— profit fell 13% to 502 million Swiss francs (about $620 million).
#billion #jenkner #group
David Layton, who has been the sole CEO since 2021 and with the firm since 2005, will step down to become CIO and chair of the global investment committee.
Roberto Cagnati and Juri Jenkner, both hired in 2004, will take over as co-CEOs Jan. 1.
Cagnati most recently ran portfolio solutions and served as chief risk officer, while Jenkner most recently served as president after heading both infrastructure and private credit earlier.
The change comes as Partners, which manages total ****** ets of $186 billion, announces mixed interim results. While the group saw record fundraising—with clients committing $16 billion to the firm, up from $12.2 billion a year earlier— profit fell 13% to 502 million Swiss francs (about $620 million).
#billion #jenkner #group
1 month ago
Matt Entz is coaching at Fresno State, not Ohio State. He is coaching in the Football Bowl Subdivision's lower realm, not in its top tier, a point which will be magnified when Fresno State faces USC this Friday. Yet, as USA TODAY Sports reports, Entz is getting major investments and backing from his bosses and Fresno State football donors.
"Entz also is embracing the vision of his athletic director, Garrett Klassy, whose previous experience includes Alabama and Houston in upper-cabinet roles. Klassy's vision for Fresno's "Valley Co-Op" has Entz touting a "quadrupled" monetary investment into the Bulldogs' football roster and sees Klassy linking it to the region.
"'I needed coaches, I needed more boots on the street, for lack of a better term, because it couldn't just be myself, it couldn't just be our Bulldog Foundation staff out there,' Klassy says of the program, which he relates to the San Joaquin Valley's 3 million residents and agricultural roots. 'And the coaches, it's really resonated with the coaches, and we do have a lot of supporters that give to multiple programs. There's two areas where we can make up ground on the rest of the league and that's philanthropic giving. And that's corporate sponsorship, and so we need to grow those immensely. And we're going to announce a record fundraising year, which is $5 million more annually than it was the previous year. Corporate sponsorships with the jersey patches are almost across the finish line; we should be up $2 to $3 million in that area. Now that doesn't make a big difference in the SEC or Big Ten, but that makes a huge difference for us.'
Klassy envisions the 4,300-member Valley Co-Op swelling to 7,000 across the next year.
"Entz, meanwhile, wants Fresno football to live up to its billing as the region's top draw.
#valley
"Entz also is embracing the vision of his athletic director, Garrett Klassy, whose previous experience includes Alabama and Houston in upper-cabinet roles. Klassy's vision for Fresno's "Valley Co-Op" has Entz touting a "quadrupled" monetary investment into the Bulldogs' football roster and sees Klassy linking it to the region.
"'I needed coaches, I needed more boots on the street, for lack of a better term, because it couldn't just be myself, it couldn't just be our Bulldog Foundation staff out there,' Klassy says of the program, which he relates to the San Joaquin Valley's 3 million residents and agricultural roots. 'And the coaches, it's really resonated with the coaches, and we do have a lot of supporters that give to multiple programs. There's two areas where we can make up ground on the rest of the league and that's philanthropic giving. And that's corporate sponsorship, and so we need to grow those immensely. And we're going to announce a record fundraising year, which is $5 million more annually than it was the previous year. Corporate sponsorships with the jersey patches are almost across the finish line; we should be up $2 to $3 million in that area. Now that doesn't make a big difference in the SEC or Big Ten, but that makes a huge difference for us.'
Klassy envisions the 4,300-member Valley Co-Op swelling to 7,000 across the next year.
"Entz, meanwhile, wants Fresno football to live up to its billing as the region's top draw.
#valley
1 month ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI has seized more than $560,000 in cryptocurrency donations intended for Hamas, the Justice Department said Tuesday in announcing a disruption of financing for the militant group.
In addition to seizing cryptocurrency meant to support Hamas' military wing, the department said that it had taken control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment, and had obtained information about thousands of people who had contacted Hamas with a goal of giving money to the group.
"My message to Hamas is clear: your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated," Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a video statement announcing the operation.
According to FBI affidavits filed in connection with the seizures, Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, or military wing, and solicited donations on its Telegram channel and also used direct online fundraising. Hamas officials bragged that the currency would be untraceable and their websites offered instructions for how to make anonymous donations, the affidavits say.
A major investigative break arrived last year when FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to the Qassam Brigades via virtual currency and a confidential source located in the United States alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address **** ociated with Hamas.
#telegram
In addition to seizing cryptocurrency meant to support Hamas' military wing, the department said that it had taken control of website domains and communication platforms used for fundraising and recruitment, and had obtained information about thousands of people who had contacted Hamas with a goal of giving money to the group.
"My message to Hamas is clear: your networks are not secure, your crypto is vulnerable, and we will not stop until your ability to wage war is defeated," Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a video statement announcing the operation.
According to FBI affidavits filed in connection with the seizures, Hamas began testing virtual currency fundraising in or around early 2019 through its Qassam Brigades, or military wing, and solicited donations on its Telegram channel and also used direct online fundraising. Hamas officials bragged that the currency would be untraceable and their websites offered instructions for how to make anonymous donations, the affidavits say.
A major investigative break arrived last year when FBI officials identified a financing network soliciting donations to the Qassam Brigades via virtual currency and a confidential source located in the United States alerted law enforcement to a Telegram post asking for contributions to an email address **** ociated with Hamas.
#telegram
1 month ago
Runners of the 44th Annual Hood to Coast relay race descended on Seaside beach early Saturday morning.
Dubbed the "Mother of all Relays," the Providence Hood to Coast Relay finished on Seaside Beach starting early Saturday morning on Aug. 29.
The two-day race traditionally has about 20,000 runners and walkers participating in two events: Hood to Coast Relay and Portland to Coast Walk Relay. They start out on Friday and include participants from all 50 states and over 40 countries.
The Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast relay teams consist of 12 participants per team who take turns, running or walking. For the Hood to Coast runners, that's a total of 199 miles from Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood to Seaside's beach. For those in the Portland to Coast Walk Relay, the race is a little shorter at 128 miles. Regardless of whether running or walking, the races are not intended to be a competition. They are more for a fun day of running or walking with friends and family members for a good cause.
Since 2014, the Providence Cancer Institute has been the primary beneficiary of Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast fundraising. Throughout that time, participants and volunteers have raised over $9.4 million with 100% of the funds used to support cancer research, treatment and support services in Oregon.
#portland #race
Dubbed the "Mother of all Relays," the Providence Hood to Coast Relay finished on Seaside Beach starting early Saturday morning on Aug. 29.
The two-day race traditionally has about 20,000 runners and walkers participating in two events: Hood to Coast Relay and Portland to Coast Walk Relay. They start out on Friday and include participants from all 50 states and over 40 countries.
The Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast relay teams consist of 12 participants per team who take turns, running or walking. For the Hood to Coast runners, that's a total of 199 miles from Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood to Seaside's beach. For those in the Portland to Coast Walk Relay, the race is a little shorter at 128 miles. Regardless of whether running or walking, the races are not intended to be a competition. They are more for a fun day of running or walking with friends and family members for a good cause.
Since 2014, the Providence Cancer Institute has been the primary beneficiary of Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast fundraising. Throughout that time, participants and volunteers have raised over $9.4 million with 100% of the funds used to support cancer research, treatment and support services in Oregon.
#portland #race
1 month ago
Unrivaled announced several high-profile returnees to the 3x3 women's basketball league Thursday afternoon, including a "multi-year deal" with former UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Bueckers was among the league's premier players last season, averaging over 22 points and five **** ists for a youth-laden Breeze BC squad to earn First-Team All-Unrivaled honors. The 23-year-old point guard indicated that she will rejoin the team this winter, reposting Thursday's news on her Instagram story with the caption "Breeezeeeee."
Her Breeze BC teammate, Courtney Williams, also announced her plans to rejoin Unrivaled Thursday. The remainder of last year's Breeze squad includes young post talents Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson and Dominique Malonga, along with fan-favorite Kate Martin and Fever guard Aari McDonald.
Fellow UConn alums Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart co-founded Unrivaled in 2023, seeking to provide a domestic alternative for WNBA players to pursue off-season basketball. Bueckers became one of the league's earliest high-profile partners, signing a groundbreaking NIL deal with Unrivaled in August 2024 that made her the first NCAA student-athlete to receive an ownership equity stake in a professional sports league. A year later, she signed a three-year contract to play for the league.
The trio's equity in the league has skyrocketed in recent months, with Unrivaled reporting a $650 million valuation earlier this week, which nearly doubled last year's figure. A recent Series C fundraising round included several high-profile investors, including UConn coach Geno Auriemma, NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young, and actor Ashton Kutcher.
#Basketball
Bueckers was among the league's premier players last season, averaging over 22 points and five **** ists for a youth-laden Breeze BC squad to earn First-Team All-Unrivaled honors. The 23-year-old point guard indicated that she will rejoin the team this winter, reposting Thursday's news on her Instagram story with the caption "Breeezeeeee."
Her Breeze BC teammate, Courtney Williams, also announced her plans to rejoin Unrivaled Thursday. The remainder of last year's Breeze squad includes young post talents Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson and Dominique Malonga, along with fan-favorite Kate Martin and Fever guard Aari McDonald.
Fellow UConn alums Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart co-founded Unrivaled in 2023, seeking to provide a domestic alternative for WNBA players to pursue off-season basketball. Bueckers became one of the league's earliest high-profile partners, signing a groundbreaking NIL deal with Unrivaled in August 2024 that made her the first NCAA student-athlete to receive an ownership equity stake in a professional sports league. A year later, she signed a three-year contract to play for the league.
The trio's equity in the league has skyrocketed in recent months, with Unrivaled reporting a $650 million valuation earlier this week, which nearly doubled last year's figure. A recent Series C fundraising round included several high-profile investors, including UConn coach Geno Auriemma, NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young, and actor Ashton Kutcher.
#Basketball
1 month ago
Jonathan Bensamoun's startup Fi is a rare breed in the VC landscape.
The smart pet collar startup is approaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue and, despite not raising capital for the past five years, doesn't plan to do so anytime soon.
"If you can do it without, why wouldn't you?" Bensamoun said of just fundraising for the sake of it. The issue is not whether he can, but the cost that capital comes at.
"I think it's a trap, I think you de-rich yourself and your investors … when you fundraise," said Bensamoun, whose company previously raised nearly $40 million across three rounds, according to PitchBook data. "And you bring someone with a lot of influence on the business, so there is a risk factor there."
Bensamoun points to the buzzy startup Juicero, a $700 Wi-Fi-connected juice press that raised $120 million. The company imploded just 16 months after launching when it was discovered that users didn't need the expensive machine to squeeze the juice.
#company #raised
The smart pet collar startup is approaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue and, despite not raising capital for the past five years, doesn't plan to do so anytime soon.
"If you can do it without, why wouldn't you?" Bensamoun said of just fundraising for the sake of it. The issue is not whether he can, but the cost that capital comes at.
"I think it's a trap, I think you de-rich yourself and your investors … when you fundraise," said Bensamoun, whose company previously raised nearly $40 million across three rounds, according to PitchBook data. "And you bring someone with a lot of influence on the business, so there is a risk factor there."
Bensamoun points to the buzzy startup Juicero, a $700 Wi-Fi-connected juice press that raised $120 million. The company imploded just 16 months after launching when it was discovered that users didn't need the expensive machine to squeeze the juice.
#company #raised
1 month ago
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani repeatedly declined to distance himself from embattled New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) co-chair Gustavo Gordillo, after being pressed on allegations that the DSA leader failed to pay thousands in rent on a Crown Heights apartment while his family spent a reported $1.4 million renovating the NYC townhouse where he lives—a contrast critics say is difficult to square with the anti-landlord, rent-abolitionist socialist housing agenda he helps champion.
Mamdani said Sunday that people working for a "more affordable life" and a "fairer life" for New Yorkers "should be welcomed into this work." When asked again Monday whether Gordillo should step down and whether he condemned allegations that Gordillo lied about his employment, the mayor said he welcomed anyone committed to making New York "a city that everyone can belong to." Meanwhile, asked directly whether he condemned Gordillo's alleged actions and lying, Mamdani ended the exchange: "Thank you very much."
Gordillo, an Ivy League graduate who as a NYC-DSA co-chair met weekly with Mamdani and his campaign manager as the group coordinated fundraising, field and communications efforts, later served on Mamdani's Economic Development & Workforce Development transition committee, according to public reporting.
He is named in a pending Brooklyn Housing Court case, in which a former landlord alleges Gordillo failed to pay $5,000 in rent on a $2,500-a-month Crown Heights apartment, while his family's townhouse was undergoing its $1.4 million in renovations, according to the New York Post. Gordillo's family reportedly bought the Bed-Stuy townhouse in 2019 for $935,000, while Gordillo's father has said it is for Gordillo and his brother to live in.
Socialist Bigwig Blasts The Wealthy While Living In $1.4M Brooklyn Brownstone With Eyebrow-raising Backstory
#rent #crown
Mamdani said Sunday that people working for a "more affordable life" and a "fairer life" for New Yorkers "should be welcomed into this work." When asked again Monday whether Gordillo should step down and whether he condemned allegations that Gordillo lied about his employment, the mayor said he welcomed anyone committed to making New York "a city that everyone can belong to." Meanwhile, asked directly whether he condemned Gordillo's alleged actions and lying, Mamdani ended the exchange: "Thank you very much."
Gordillo, an Ivy League graduate who as a NYC-DSA co-chair met weekly with Mamdani and his campaign manager as the group coordinated fundraising, field and communications efforts, later served on Mamdani's Economic Development & Workforce Development transition committee, according to public reporting.
He is named in a pending Brooklyn Housing Court case, in which a former landlord alleges Gordillo failed to pay $5,000 in rent on a $2,500-a-month Crown Heights apartment, while his family's townhouse was undergoing its $1.4 million in renovations, according to the New York Post. Gordillo's family reportedly bought the Bed-Stuy townhouse in 2019 for $935,000, while Gordillo's father has said it is for Gordillo and his brother to live in.
Socialist Bigwig Blasts The Wealthy While Living In $1.4M Brooklyn Brownstone With Eyebrow-raising Backstory
#rent #crown
1 month ago
Kevin Durant has reportedly already earned more than his 2026-27 salary with the Rockets, a little less than two months before the regular season kicks off.
According to Joe Pompliano, the renowned Sports and Business journalist, Kevin Durant's investment in Hugging Face has earned him a profit of approximately $60 million after Nvidia's recent acquisition of the business.
"Kevin Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, invested in Hugging Face's seed & Series A fundraising rounds. Nvidia just acquired the company for $12.9 billion, and since I'm told Durant invested $100,000 in the seed round and $150,000 in the Series A, he likely made more than $60 million on this investment alone," Pompliano wrote on X.
"That is one of the best athlete investments ever (and more money than Durant will make playing in the NBA this season)," he further added.
Kevin Durant is set to earn $43.9 million for the 2026-27 NBA season with the Rockets. This investment has already yielded him more than that.
#kevin #investment
According to Joe Pompliano, the renowned Sports and Business journalist, Kevin Durant's investment in Hugging Face has earned him a profit of approximately $60 million after Nvidia's recent acquisition of the business.
"Kevin Durant and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, invested in Hugging Face's seed & Series A fundraising rounds. Nvidia just acquired the company for $12.9 billion, and since I'm told Durant invested $100,000 in the seed round and $150,000 in the Series A, he likely made more than $60 million on this investment alone," Pompliano wrote on X.
"That is one of the best athlete investments ever (and more money than Durant will make playing in the NBA this season)," he further added.
Kevin Durant is set to earn $43.9 million for the 2026-27 NBA season with the Rockets. This investment has already yielded him more than that.
#kevin #investment
1 month ago
As the WNBA season winds down, Unrivaled will return in the coming months riding a wave of optimism after another successful round of fundraising.
The 3x3 women's basketball league, founded by former UConn stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, announced Wednesday that a Series C fundraising round increased the organization's value to $650 million - Unrivaled was valued at just $340 million in 2025.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma was among the investors in the latest $100 million round, which also included NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young, along with women's soccer icon Alex Morgan and actor Ashton Kutcher.
"We're partnering with investors who share our vision to create lasting value and greater opportunity for the best players in the world, while continuing to elevate the game for fans," co-founder and CEO Alex Bazzell, who is also Collier's husband, said in a statement Wednesday.
About 30% of this value, or around $200 million, is controlled by Unrivaled players - the league claims that 97% of the league's roster, and all 36 of the league's founding players, own equity, according to Front Office Sports. Former UConn star Paige Bueckers signed a three-year contract with Unrivaled in April 2025, which included an undisclosed share of equity in the league.
#round
The 3x3 women's basketball league, founded by former UConn stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, announced Wednesday that a Series C fundraising round increased the organization's value to $650 million - Unrivaled was valued at just $340 million in 2025.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma was among the investors in the latest $100 million round, which also included NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young, along with women's soccer icon Alex Morgan and actor Ashton Kutcher.
"We're partnering with investors who share our vision to create lasting value and greater opportunity for the best players in the world, while continuing to elevate the game for fans," co-founder and CEO Alex Bazzell, who is also Collier's husband, said in a statement Wednesday.
About 30% of this value, or around $200 million, is controlled by Unrivaled players - the league claims that 97% of the league's roster, and all 36 of the league's founding players, own equity, according to Front Office Sports. Former UConn star Paige Bueckers signed a three-year contract with Unrivaled in April 2025, which included an undisclosed share of equity in the league.
#round
1 month ago
Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women's basketball league that launched in 2025, announced a Series C funding round Tuesday, securing more than $100 million in funding that values the league at $650 million.
The league has nearly doubled its valuation in a year; It was valued at $340 million in September after closing a series B funding round. The fundraising around was led by Ten Pillars Sports Fund, backed by UC Investments, and also included reinvestments from notable sports figures Carmelo Anthony, Geno Auriemma, Trae Young, Alex Morgan, and Trybe Ventures.
In comparison, the Connecticut Sun, the most recent WNBA franchise sold, was purchased for $300 million earlier this year. The Golden State Valkyries are the highest-valued WNBA team at $1 billion, according to CNBC projects released in May.
"I think this is a testament to how quickly the **** e is evolving and growing, but also to the incredible foundation that we've built," Unrivaled co-founder Alex Bazzell told Front Office Sports. Bazzell co-founded the league with WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who is also his wife.
Unrivaled also announced that the portion of the company owned by players is valued at nearly $200 million, about 30% of the company. The league says the player equity pool has increased 550% since it was launched.
#million #unrivaled #bazzell
The league has nearly doubled its valuation in a year; It was valued at $340 million in September after closing a series B funding round. The fundraising around was led by Ten Pillars Sports Fund, backed by UC Investments, and also included reinvestments from notable sports figures Carmelo Anthony, Geno Auriemma, Trae Young, Alex Morgan, and Trybe Ventures.
In comparison, the Connecticut Sun, the most recent WNBA franchise sold, was purchased for $300 million earlier this year. The Golden State Valkyries are the highest-valued WNBA team at $1 billion, according to CNBC projects released in May.
"I think this is a testament to how quickly the **** e is evolving and growing, but also to the incredible foundation that we've built," Unrivaled co-founder Alex Bazzell told Front Office Sports. Bazzell co-founded the league with WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who is also his wife.
Unrivaled also announced that the portion of the company owned by players is valued at nearly $200 million, about 30% of the company. The league says the player equity pool has increased 550% since it was launched.
#million #unrivaled #bazzell
