Hocco Raises ₹100 Cr in Series C, Crosses ₹530 Cr Revenue in FY26
Indian ice‑cream brand Hocco secured a ₹100 crore ($12 million) Series C round led by Sauce VC, lifting its valuation to roughly ₹2,500 crore ($300 million). The company closed FY 26 with net sales of over ₹530 crore ($64 million), beating its ₹450 crore target. Growth was driven by operational upgrades, RFID‑tracked distribution, and rapid expansion into new states and quick‑commerce channels. Hocco plans to boost daily production capacity to over 400,000 litres and target ₹900 crore ($108 million) revenue in FY 27, eyeing a potential IPO within three years.
AI Cuts B2B Site Build From 8 Weeks to Days
What typically used to take 8 weeks took me a few days in 2026. In a today’s live AI session at 10AM PT, I’m sharing how I built a full B2B marketing site in 3 days with AI for a new...
PCAOB Defines Its Next Chapter in Audit Oversight
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has unveiled a refreshed strategic agenda aimed at tightening audit quality, modernizing standards, and expanding its inspection and enforcement reach. Chair Erica Y. Williams emphasized the need to keep oversight in step with...
Roblox Expands AI Assistant with Agentic Tools for End-to-End Game Development
Roblox has upgraded its Roblox Assistant within Roblox Studio by adding agentic AI tools that guide creators from concept to launch. The new Planning Mode can analyze code, ask clarifying questions, and produce structured development roadmaps. Integrated mesh generation and procedural...
MENAT Sustainable Debt Market 'on Standby' Amid Conflict
The Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) sustainable debt market remains largely dormant as regional conflicts persist, but market participants express optimism that labelled green and sustainability‑linked loans will resume growth once tensions subside. Despite the geopolitical headwinds, issuers...
Angola's TAAG Targets "Financial Sustainability" By 2029
Angola’s flag carrier TAAG announced a strategic roadmap to achieve financial sustainability by 2029. The plan hinges on a $186 million bond issuance, a slated privatisation in 2026, and operational reforms such as new route development and an in‑house MRO centre....
Shanghai Electric Reports Strong 2025 Performance, New Orders Hit Record High
Shanghai Electric reported a strong 2025 performance, with revenue climbing 9.0% to RMB 126.68 billion (about $18.6 billion) and net profit surging 60.4% to RMB 1.206 billion (roughly $176.9 million). New orders reached a record RMB 172.81 billion ($25.35 billion), up 12.5% year‑on‑year, driven by growth...
Four Architecture Layers Power the Agentic Enterprise
What does a CIO need to know about architecting the agentic enterprise? #sponsored 4 architecture layers every agentic enterprise needs: → Context: harmonized data → Work: composable business logic → Agency: reasoning + execution → Engagement: humans + agents, side by side The model is not...
Japan’s Constitutional Theater: Revising Article 9 Would Be a Mistake
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, buoyed by a record 316‑seat lower‑house majority, is pushing to rewrite Article 9, the post‑war pacifist clause. The party argues the constitution no longer reflects reality, as the Self‑Defense Forces already operate as a modern military...
Lufthansa Slashes A340 And 747 Fleet, Outsources Flying As Labor Fight Intensifies
Lufthansa announced the retirement of its remaining four A340‑600s by October 2026, the grounding of two 747‑400s this winter with final retirement in 2027, and the transfer of nine A350‑900s to its low‑cost long‑haul subsidiary Discover. At the same time, the...
CONDITIONS FOR RIKSBANK AUCTIONS GOVERNMENT BONDS
The Swedish Riksbank announced a two‑bond auction scheduled for April 24, 2026, offering the 2027‑12‑01 and 2028‑12‑01 government bonds (ISIN SE0009548704 and SE0000556599). Each issue has a maximum offered volume of 200 million SEK (about $22 million) and a minimum bid size of 10 million SEK (roughly $1.1 million)....
Pufferfish Targets Retail Growth with Immersive In-Store Experiences at Retail Technology Show 2026
Pufferfish, a global creative‑technology firm, is pivoting toward retail with its new PufferSphere immersive display. The spherical 4K touch‑responsive screen, showcased at Retail Technology Show 2026, promises multi‑user interaction and configurable content without the need for code. Available in three...
Runway CEO Advocates AI-Driven Film Production Model to Scale Output and Reduce Costs
Runway CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela told the Semafor World Economy Summit that artificial intelligence can reshape film production by lowering costs in scripting, planning and visual effects. He argued studios should spread budgets across several projects rather than betting on a...
“Pausing” Radio Stations
Townsquare Media has shut down 103.9 KKAM in Lubbock, Texas, joining a wave of AM and low‑performing FM stations being silenced across the industry. Recent divestitures by Townsquare, Cumulus, Audacy and iHeartMedia include license returns, nominal‑price sales and outright surrender of...
2026 SDR Skills Report Defines 10 Essential Abilities
Last week, we announced the 2026 State of SDR Skills Report. Here's what went into it: 9 world-renowned experts on the SDR profession defining the skills that SDRs need for modern success in 2026. Truly an expert panel that resulted in 10 skills...
J.B. Hunt CEO Touts First-Quarter Performance
J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported a strong first‑quarter, posting net earnings of $141.6 million ($1.49 EPS), up roughly 20% year‑over‑year, and total operating revenue of $3.06 billion, a 5% increase. CEO Shelley Simpson highlighted a tighter truckload market driven by stricter safety...
Sana Ouji Leaves Google for Anthropic's New Energy Team, to "Responsibly and Rapidly Scale an Ambitious Data Center Portfolio"
Sana Ouji, a former Google data‑center energy strategist, has joined Anthropic’s newly formed energy team to craft a global strategy for scaling its data‑center portfolio. The hire follows a wave of ex‑Google talent, including data‑center architects, engineers, and operations leaders,...
Brands Shift to Advocacy-Driven Creator Partnerships
I chatted with @gilliannivy for @adage on why we’re seeing a lot of brands launch more advocacy based creator programs.
5.6 Million Taxpayers Overpaid HMRC Last Year. A New Free Tool Wants to Send Them Straight to Your Door.
In the 2023/24 tax year, HMRC data show 5.6 million UK taxpayers overpaid an average of £625 (≈$795), costing the Treasury about £3.5 bn (≈$4.45 bn). Workiro has launched TaxReady, a free online tool that gives self‑employed users a 30‑second tax estimate and...
Humanoid Robot Funding Soars as Interaction Learning Revolutionizes
The money is flowing. Companies and investors put $6.1 billion into humanoid robots in 2025 alone, four times what was invested in 2024. What happened? A revolution in how machines have learned to interact with the world.
Pre-Markets Very Happy About Middle East Developments
A cease‑fire between Israel and Lebanon has reopened the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices down about 8% and lifting pre‑market futures sharply—+540 points on the Dow, +54 on the S&P 500, +230 on the Nasdaq, and +36 on the Russell 2000....
The Market’s Iran-Driven Correction Has Likely Run Its Course. This Is What Advisors Need to Know
After weeks of volatility sparked by the Iran‑U.S. conflict, U.S. equity markets rallied, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing at record highs. The VIX fell, indicating reduced fear, and analysts say the Iran‑driven correction has likely run its course. Lower...
Changes in the Channel: Leadership Moves and Shakeups April 13 - April 17
The channel’s weekly roundup highlights a wave of senior appointments across cybersecurity and data‑management firms. Paessler named former Cisco and SolarWinds veteran Chris Simoes as CTO, while Portnox hired Jonathan Skinner, ex‑LogicGate CMO, to steer global marketing. Halcyon added former...
AMC’s Adam Aron Ignites a CinemaCon Civil War
At CinemaCon, AMC CEO Adam Aron publicly challenged the evolving studio‑theater relationship, prompting a heated response from independent exhibitors. Meanwhile, WarnerMount founder David Ellison pledged 30 films a year with 45‑day theatrical exclusives and a 90‑day streaming hold‑back, offering his...
Are Your Five Whys Turning Into a Tangled Mess?
Many teams treat the Five Whys as a first‑step brainstorming tool, which often leads to circular discussions and superficial fixes. The article argues that the root cause analysis should begin with a clear understanding of the process, followed by data...
Get Real-Time LP Feedback on Your Fund Deck
For GPs raising a fund, you're probably sending your deck to potential LPs. Those LPs are using that deck to quickly decide: meet or pass? Wouldn't it be sweet to know what an LP is thinking when they see your...
UK’s PRA to Continue Reforming ILS and Cat Bond Frameworks to Enhance Competitiveness
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) announced that its 2026/27 business plan will keep advancing reforms to the UK insurance‑linked securities (ILS) and catastrophe‑bond frameworks. Building on earlier consultations, the regulator is targeting faster ISPV approval timelines—potentially as short as ten...
Most Companies Price in the Dark. Here’s What Changes When CFOs Step In
CFOs are moving into pricing discussions, bringing cost visibility that lifts margins and decision quality. Deloitte’s Q3 2025 CFO Signals survey shows 86% of North American finance chiefs expect pricing to grow in importance, with 62% citing competitive pressure. Companies that...
Surging Memory Costs Are Scuppering Digital Transformation Projects
Memory prices are spiking, forcing IT leaders to postpone or cancel digital transformation initiatives. A Vespertec survey shows 53% of respondents already feel the cost pinch, with 72% of those impacted delaying or scrapping projects slated for 2026. The primary...
FRS 102 Lease Accounting: Practical Tips for a Smooth Transition
The Financial Reporting Council’s 2024 amendments to FRS 102 will bring most leases onto the balance sheet for periods starting 1 January 2026. To ease the transition, the standards introduce several expedients, including using an Obtainable Borrowing Rate instead of a full incremental...
Primark Owner to Update on Spin-Off Plan
ABF will provide an update on its strategic review of a possible Primark demerger on Tuesday, 21 April, alongside its latest financial results. The review, first hinted at in November, is being conducted with input from the Weston family’s Wittington Investments...
Start with Nosebleed Fans to Wow Everyone
Most companies optimize for the people who pay the most… @thesavbananas founder Jesse Cole (@yellowtuxjesse) does the opposite. He starts with the people in the worst seats—the nosebleeds. Because if you can make the experience unforgettable for them, you can make it...
Plazza in Talks to Raise $15 Million to Scale Quick Medicine Delivery Play
Plazza, a Bengaluru‑based quick‑medicine delivery startup, is in advanced talks to raise about $15 million, with roughly $4 million each expected from Accel, Elevation Capital and Nexus Venture Partners and $3 million from existing backers. The capital would value the company near $50 million...
BOND Raises $2M to Automate SME Accounting in Brazil with AI
Brazilian fintech BOND announced a $2 million pre‑seed round led by Propel Venture Partners, with participation from Kiara Capital, Norte Ventures, Hypersphere and angel investor Patrick Sigrist. The startup uses artificial intelligence to automate core accounting tasks for small and medium‑sized...
Meta Ad Performance Spirals Into Unpredictable ROAS Volatility
I have to go back years to remember the last time Meta was this volatile & felt like someone pushed a ROAS button randomly every few days. been digging through a couple of accounts and some of the best adsets...
Many Software Stocks Still Under 10x GAAP P/E
When @CCM_Ryan told me how many software stocks trade at a GAAP P/E below 10 https://t.co/XNvJT8mAee
Haizea Profits Jump 11%
Haizea Wind Group posted 2025 revenue of €417 million (about $455 million), a 12% year‑on‑year increase, and net profit rose 11% to €20 million (≈ $22 million). The company said it met its strategic targets despite geopolitical tensions and growing Asian competition, and it...
Agent‑First Era Makes Websites, Brands, Silos Obsolete
The Agent-First Reality: Why Your Website, Brand, and Silos Are Obsolete https://t.co/YV3RT3pqcl @DLAIgnite #SocialSelling #DigitalSelling #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #Tech #TechNews #AgenticAI #AIAgents #AI #FutureOfWork #Strategy #Sales #Marketing #MarketingSuccess #MarketingStrategy #Branding
DeepSeek Seeks First External Funding to Boost AI Compute
DeepSeek in talks to raise outside capital for first time, seeking to beef up its financial war chest so it can better compete in the costly battle to develop leading AI models.... That will buy lot of compute... https://t.co/8YciEvxn9J
XPPen Launches Artist 16 3rd with the All-New X-Dial Shortcut and Upgraded X4 Smart Chip Stylus
XPPen unveiled the Artist 16 3rd, a 15.4‑inch portable drawing display priced at $319.99 for entry‑level creators. The device adds dual X‑Dial controls, eight shortcut keys, and a revamped X4 Smart Chip Stylus with 16,384 pressure levels and 30 ms latency. Its nano‑etched...
No Recession or Excess Leverage—Credit Cycle Remains Safe
What actually kills a credit cycle? Recession or too much leverage. Neither condition is in place right now according to Morgan Stanley CIO Mike Wilson 🎙️ https://t.co/rdsmLpLKIt
March US Inflation Stems From Money Supply, Not Oil
March's US CPI inflation (3.3%/yr) wasn't the result of higher oil prices. It occurred because the money supply was accelerating prior to the Iranian war. The 3-month annualized inflation rate in Feb. was exactly equal to March's 3.3%/yr. https://t.co/YBHCbqfLiV
KELLEY WILLIAMSON LAUNCHES KELLEY KOUTURE, A MODERN LUXURY FOOTWEAR BRAND REDEFINING FASHION AND FUNCTION
Kelley Kouture, a modern luxury footwear brand handcrafted in Italy, launched its e‑commerce site kelleykouture.com on April 17, 2026. Founded by Virginia entrepreneur Kelley Powell Williamson, the line blends high‑fashion silhouettes with orthopedic‑grade comfort, featuring an adjustable two‑piece “K Heel”...
Your Character Sells Before Your Product Ever Does
Built my 6-figure business by becoming someone people wanted to work with: • Before I had the offer • Before I had the funnel • Before I had anything to sell Character is the first product.
Tariffs and Conflict Reveal Hidden Supply Chain Risks
"U.S. aluminum tariffs and the Iran war—a case study in unintended supply chain vulnerability" https://t.co/UuDRjms7S6 https://t.co/oZgTAVHOS4
Is Private Equity Fundraising Opening a New Chapter?
Buyouts’ Q1 report shows a rebound in North American private‑equity fundraising, marking the first notable uptick after a sluggish 2023. The data indicate higher capital commitments from limited partners and a quicker pace of fund deployment. Analysts see these trends...
CFTC's Inaction May Undermine Kalshi Sports Betting Lawsuits
Rule 40.11 is a major problem. I wrote this nearly one year ago. "CFTC’s Failure To Enforce ‘Gaming’ Contract Ban Could Still Upend Kalshi Sports Betting Lawsuits" https://t.co/hFQ1ejhfoB
Mozambique Shows Debt Relief's Promise and Pitfalls
Mozambique is an example of where debt relief can work, but unfortunately, is also an example of where things can go wrong. @CGDev https://t.co/n8UiQp0jdb
The Weekly Closeout: Allbirds’ ‘AI-Washing’ and Nike’s Ongoing Exec Turnover
Ulta Beauty named Agustina Sartori head of agentic commerce, signaling a push to embed AI into its loyalty and e‑commerce platforms. Meanwhile, Allbirds secured a $50 million investment and announced a dramatic pivot to AI compute infrastructure under the NewBird AI brand,...
Reopened Week in Review
Iran’s foreign minister announced the Strait of Hormuz fully open for the remainder of the Lebanon cease‑fire, prompting Brent crude to tumble below $80 a barrel. The drop in oil prices coincides with a 3.6% decline in existing‑home sales in...