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Weekly Round Off With HTE 🔙✨
🌟 Hey there, dear readers! It's that time of the week again when we gather around to catch up on the latest and greatest in the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) world. 🚀
So, let's get this party started! 🎉
Welcome back to another exciting edition of our DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Insider newsletter. 📰 Our mission: to serve you the freshest news and insights straight from the heart of the DTC universe. 💡 With every update, we're arming you with the knowledge to be the smartest one in the room. 🤓
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Sources: Mistral AI raising at a $6B valuation, SoftBank ‘not in’ but DST is
Google I/O 2024 will be all about AI again
Simon Property Group Sells Off Stake in Authentic Brands for $1.2 Billion
Sound Announces Strategic Partnership with Next In Natural
Sean Lowe Finds Love At First Bite With Kevin's Natural Foods New Frozen Meals
Google I/O 2024 will be all about AI again
11 May 2024, The Verge
Google is gearing up for its annual Google I/O developer conference, set to commence on Tuesday, May 14th. This year's focus will be on AI, with particular emphasis on Gemini, Google's latest powerful model, designed to rival OpenAI's ChatGPT. The keynote will likely delve into Google's advancements in integrating AI into its various products like Search, Google Maps, and Android, showcasing features such as AI conversation practice, image generation for shopping, and AI-powered assistance for tasks like dining, shopping, and finding EV chargers.
There's speculation about the unveiling of a new, more personalized digital assistant dubbed "Pixie," powered by Gemini, with multimodal features. While hardware announcements might be limited, teasers for upcoming products like the Pixel 9 and Pixel Tablet 2 are anticipated. 🤖🔍🗺️
Sources: Mistral AI raising at a $6B valuation, SoftBank ‘not in’ but DST is
9 May 2024, Tech Crunch
Paris-based startup Mistral AI, known for its work on open-source large language models (LLMs), is raising funds at a valuation of $6 billion, triple its valuation from December. Investors like DST, General Catalyst, and Lightspeed Venture Partners are reportedly interested in participating in this round, which is expected to be around $600 million. Notably, SoftBank is not currently involved in the deal, despite previous speculation. Mistral's focus on open-source LLMs sets it apart from competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic.
The startup's rapid valuation increase reflects the intense investor interest in the AI market. Meanwhile, SoftBank is exploring other AI investments, including potentially acquiring troubled UK-based AI chip designer Graphcore. Mistral and its investors have declined to comment on the ongoing developments. 🚀💰🔍
Simon Property Group Sells Off Stake in Authentic Brands for $1.2 Billion
7 May 2024, WWD
In a strategic shift, Simon Property Group, the king of US malls, completely exited its ownership in brand management giant Authentic Brands Group. They sold their remaining 10% stake for $1.2 billion, adding to a previous sale in Q4 2023. This brings their total haul to a lucrative $1.45 billion, reflecting a significant return on investment. While severing direct ties with Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group remains committed to retail rehabilitation through their joint venture SPARC Group, which tackles struggling brands like Forever 21 and Brooks Brothers.
Sound Announces Strategic Partnership with Next In Natural
7 May 2024, PR Newswire
Sound's founders, Salim and Tommy, are hailed for their remarkable transition from nuclear engineers to organic beverage entrepreneurs, embodying the spirit of innovation and dedication. With Sound's focus on providing refreshing, crisp flavors and clean energy derived from organic tea and botanicals like Hibiscus and Ginger, they aim to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations for healthy and delicious beverages. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Sound, as they embark on a journey to further build their community and solidify their position as a leader in the better-for-you beverage category, supported by Next in Natural's expertise in production, R&D, business development, and marketing. 🌱🥤📈
Sean Lowe Finds Love At First Bite With Kevin's Natural Foods New Frozen Meals
7 May 2024, PR Newswire
Kevin's Natural Foods, renowned for its refrigerated meals, is expanding into the frozen food market with a new line of frozen entrée bowls. These bowls aim to offer convenience without compromising on clean ingredients and flavor. To mark the launch, the company is collaborating with Sean Lowe, known for his appearance on "The Bachelor," for a promotion called Love at First Bite, where participants can win a $5,000 cash prize towards a kitchen upgrade.
The frozen entrée bowls, ready in 5 minutes, boast up to 33 grams of protein per serving and feature high-quality ingredients such as sous-vide cooked meat, flavorful sauces, and options like cauliflower pasta or rice. They are gluten-free, with Paleo-certified choices, packaged in compostable bowls, and made with humanely raised, antibiotic-free chicken or beef. Available in various globally inspired flavors, these meals are priced between $5.99-$6.99 and can be found at retailers like Target, Thrive Market, and Sprouts.
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As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we hope you found the blend of news and insights as invigorating as we did. The world of DTC and beyond continues to evolve, and staying informed is the key to success. Keep those entrepreneurial spirits high, and remember, we're here to keep you ahead of the game. 🚀🌟📰
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