Aggregator

TechCrunch's Rebecca Szkutak reports: TechCrunch recently surveyed 20 VCs who back startups building for enterprises about what gives an AI startup a moat, or what makes it different compared to its peers. More than half of the respondents said that the thing that will give AI startups an edge is the quality or rarity of their proprietary data. Paul Drews, a managing partner at Salesforce Ventures, told TechCrunch that it's really hard for AI startups to have a moat because the landscape is changing so quickly. He added that he looks for startups that have a combination of differentiated data, technical research innovation, and a compelling user experience. Jason Mendel, a venture investor at Battery Ventures, agreed that technology moats are diminishing. "I'm looking for companies that have deep data and workflow moats," Mendel told TechCrunch. "Access to unique, proprietary data enables companies to deliver better products than their competitors, while a sticky workflow or user experience allows them to become the core systems of engagement and intelligence that customers rely on daily." Having proprietary, or hard-to-get, data becomes increasingly important for companies that are building vertical solutions. Scott Beechuk, a partner at Norwest Venture Partners, said companies that are able to home in on their unique data are the startups with the most long-term potential. Andrew Ferguson, a vice president at Databricks Ventures, said that having rich customer data, and data that creates a feedback loop in an AI system, makes it more effective and can help startups stand out, too. [...] Beyond just data, VCs said they look for AI teams led by strong talent, ones that have existing strong integrations with other tech, and companies that have a deep understanding of customer workflows.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

This was the week when the myriad shortcomings of this callow, self-deluded Labour Government were cruelly and dangerously exposed.

Ed Miliband's 'obsession' with wind and solar power leaves Britain at risk of blackouts, a former energy secretary warned last night as UK gas reserves fell to 'concerningly low' levels.

Skylar Dalziel, 22, sold new Adele tracks for £1,650 a time, songs by Canadian rapper Drake for £2,000, and Coldplay hits for £400.

Jennifer Lopez has reportedly been 'checking in' with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck , and his children Violet Seraphina and Samuel amid the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

Look up. You might imagine that, under a British sky in January, a good old umbrella will keep you safe from the worst that the clouds above can throw at you.

Experts have warned that a clean scalp is essential for healthy hair - especially for older women with thinning locks.

The SAS is currently at the centre of a High Court inquiry into allegations that its troops executed as many as 80 Taliban suspects in custody between 2010 and 2013.

The former Top Gear star, 55, had been desperately trying to save his 28-year marriage until very recently, but the couple publicly announced they were splitting on Thursday.

Amazon is shutting down its "Prime Try Before You Buy" service on January 31, according to a notice on its website. The offering operated similarly to apparel subscription services like Stitch Fix and Rent the Runway, allowing Prime members to try out apparel-related products and only pay for items they wanted to keep. CNBC reports: An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the move, which was first reported by The Information. "Given the combination of Try Before You Buy only scaling to a limited number of items and customers increasingly using our new AI-powered features like virtual try-on, personalized size recommendations, review highlights, and improved size charts to make sure they find the right fit, we're phasing out the Try Before You Buy option, effective January 31, 2025," the spokesperson told CNBC in a statement. Amazon rolled out the service, which was previously called Prime Wardrobe, in 2017. It was only available to members of Amazon's $139-per-year Prime subscription program, which also includes perks such as speedy shipping and access to streaming services. Users could test out a mix of luxury, staple and Amazon-owned brands, and return whatever they didn't want to keep for free within seven days of receiving the items. The service operated similarly to wardrobe subscription services including Stitch Fix and Rent the Runway, as well as newer entrants such as Urban Outfitters' Nuuly.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

When Prince Harry first released Spare two years ago, the Place stayed silent and did not comment.

The honors are dubious, but boy, so is the tech

ces  The Consumer Electronics Show is back to showcase not just the cutting edge of innovation but also the worst of what's possible when modern tech collides with today's culture of capitalist excess.…

Surgeons who collated data on severe facial injuries caused by the machines have called for tougher implementation of drink-driving laws, and say riders should also be tested for drug use.

Researchers have shown that leftover crusts can be fermented to make a lab-based protein to be used in the likes of pork pies and sausages in a development that could help reduce waste.

Five of the ten most visited health conditions on the NHS website mostly affect youngsters - including scarlet fever, slapped cheek syndrome and hand, foot and mouth disease.

The Reform UK leader lashed out at US politicians earlier in the week for supporting Tommy Robinson as he tried to mend his relationship with Musk.

For centuries he has been celebrated across the world for his plain-speaking verse and wry observations on the human condition.

Right as Uncle Sam pushes for Chrome sell-off, eh?

While Google awaits a decision about whether it will be required to sell its Chrome browser as an antitrust remedy, the search giant has joined with the Linux Foundation to announce an initiative to support the open source Chromium project upon which the Chrome browser depends.…

A law that would effectively ban TikTok if it isn't sole by January 19 will go into effect within days without action by the Supreme Court, who heard arguments on the case Friday.

A Premier League footballer was reportedly arrested on the training pitch this week, with the star taken in on suspicion of allegedly making a sex tape without consent.