Category: Startups

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Venture Capital Giant Lakestar Shifts Strategy, Halts New Fundraising to Focus on Portfolio

Lakestar, the venture capital firm behind major successes like Revolut and Spotify, is reportedly shifting its investment strategy. According to reports, the firm will stop raising new generalist venture funds to concentrate on its current investments and internal ventures.

Major Venture Capital Firm Changes Course

Lakestar, the prominent venture capital backer of fintech giant Revolut and music streaming service Spotify, is reportedly shifting its investment strategy away from raising new funds, according to financial documents seen by the Financial Times. The firm’s founder, Klaus Hommels, communicated this strategic pivot in a letter to limited partners, the institutional groups that have funded the company’s activities.

by Megan Carter
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Microsoft Reportedly Sets Aggressive 30% Profit Target for Xbox Division, Exceeding Industry Norms

According to reports, Microsoft has implemented an ambitious 30% profit margin goal for its Xbox gaming division, a figure that sources indicate far exceeds the industry standard. This directive, reportedly set by Microsoft’s CFO, has allegedly influenced decisions to cancel projects and shift resources, raising questions about the division’s strategic direction.

Ambitious Financial Targets

Microsoft has reportedly set a challenging profit margin goal for its Xbox gaming division, a target that sources indicate is significantly higher than the industry average. According to a Bloomberg report, the tech giant implemented an “across-the-board goal” of 30 percent profit margins in 2023. The report states that Microsoft refers to these internally as “accountability margins.”

by Tyler Brooks P.E
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Quantum Computing Stocks Surge on Government Interest, Earnings Drive Premarket Moves

Quantum computing stocks surged Thursday following reports of potential U.S. government investment in the sector. Meanwhile, mixed earnings results created wide divergences among major companies in premarket trading.

Quantum Computing Sector Gains on Government Interest

Quantum computing stocks experienced significant premarket gains Thursday following reports that the U.S. government is considering equity investments in several quantum computing firms, according to Wall Street Journal coverage. IonQ and Quantum Computing shares reportedly rose nearly 9%, while Rigetti Computing gained approximately 8% as investors reacted to the potential government backing in this emerging technology sector.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Quantum Computing Stocks Rally on Potential U.S. Government Equity Investment

Quantum computing stocks experienced significant gains following reports that the Trump administration is considering taking equity positions in promising technology companies. The potential move comes as part of a broader strategic initiative to secure American technological independence in critical sectors. Federal funding awards of at least $10 million per company are reportedly under discussion.

Government Equity Stake Proposal Sparks Market Reaction

Shares of quantum computing companies surged significantly this week following reports that the Trump administration is considering taking equity stakes in promising technology firms, according to financial analysts monitoring the sector. The potential government investment program, which sources indicate could involve federal funding awards of at least $10 million per company, has generated substantial market interest in quantum computing stocks.

by Megan Carter
HardwareStartupsTechnology

Honor Launches Magic8 Series Flagship Phones in Chinese Market

Honor has officially commenced open sales for its Magic8 series flagship smartphones in China. The devices feature advanced Snapdragon processors and substantial battery capacities. Global launch details remain pending according to company statements.

Honor Magic8 Series Hits Chinese Market

Honor has officially launched open sales for its latest flagship smartphone series in China, according to recent market reports. The Magic8 and Magic8 Pro models, which were announced last week, are now available through Honor’s official webstore and partnering retail channels across the country.

by Megan Carter
AISoftwareStartups

DataSnipper CEO Discusses AI Transformation in Auditing Industry on EU-Startups Podcast

DataSnipper CEO Vidya Peters shares insights on automating audit workflows with enterprise-grade AI technology. The Dutch unicorn recently achieved a $1 billion valuation and serves major clients including the Big Four accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies.

Audit Automation Platform Reaches Unicorn Status

DataSnipper, the Netherlands-based audit automation platform, has achieved significant market traction with over 600,000 professionals across 2,000 customers in 175 countries, according to recent reports. The company, which reached a $1 billion valuation following a $100 million Series B round led by Index Ventures in 2024, has been named the fastest-growing company in the Netherlands for two consecutive years, sources indicate.

by Tyler Brooks P.E