EXCLUSIVE: Ex-A16z Partner Michelle Volz Launches Pax Ventures with $50 Million First Fund to Bet on 'Industrial-Scale Markets'
Former Andreessen Horowitz partner Michelle Volz has launched Pax Ventures, a new venture fund with a $50 million first close. The fund targets “industrial‑scale” markets, backing startups that reinvent America’s manufacturing, defense, and critical materials sectors. Volz has already seeded deals in lithium production, liquid‑propulsion rockets, and government‑focused cyber security. While operating as a solo general partner for now, she plans to expand Pax beyond a one‑person partnership.
Advent Considers $4bn Divestment of Naval Defense Business Ultra Maritime
Advent is weighing a roughly $4 billion divestiture of Ultra Maritime, the naval‑defense arm that specializes in anti‑submarine warfare technologies such as sonar, sonobuoys and torpedo countermeasures. The private‑equity firm acquired the business through its purchases of Cobham and Ultra Electronics...
Survey: 1 in 5 Firms Halt Entry-Level Hiring Due to AI
A February 2026 Resume.org survey of nearly 1,000 U.S. executives reveals that 21% of firms have already frozen entry‑level hiring because of artificial intelligence, with 36% planning to stop such hiring by year‑end and 47% expecting to eliminate entry‑level roles...
How to Evolve Your Work From AI-Vulnerable Commodity to Irreplaceable Experience
The post warns that generative AI reduces many knowledge‑work outputs to low‑cost commodities. It proposes a value‑chain framework—commodity, branded product, service, experience, transformation—to reclaim relevance. By building a strong personal brand and converting outputs into services and immersive experiences, professionals...
REPORTS OF THE DEATH OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE ARE VASTLY EXAGGERATED
Kevin Muir argues that claims of the business cycle’s demise are overstated, noting that cyclical patterns still shape macroeconomic outcomes. He points to a recent tipping point where labor market slack is eroding, causing unemployment to rise faster than expected....
The Global Week Ahead
Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel as the Iran‑US‑Israel conflict intensifies, leaving the Strait of Hormuz gridlocked. G7 finance ministers are meeting to discuss a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves, while the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank...
From Infrastructure Investment to Expanded Market Access: China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa and the Implications for U.S. Trade...
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has propelled its trade with Africa to $348 billion in 2025, a 17.7% jump driven largely by a surge in Chinese exports and massive infrastructure‑focused loans. The initiative recently expanded zero‑tariff market access to all 53...
Symphonic Launches Its 5th Annual Women Empowered+ Mentorship Program
Symphonic has opened applications for the fifth annual Women Empowered+ mentorship program, running through March 23. The initiative pairs emerging women with senior professionals from Spotify, Concord, Meta and other music‑industry leaders. To date the program has engaged 1,011 participants across...
Geopolitical Whiplash and the Shifting Ground of D&O Liability
The article argues that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are reshaping directors‑and‑officers (D&O) liability by turning geopolitical risk into a core governance issue. Rapid sanctions, divestment decisions and supply‑chain disruptions have already sparked securities lawsuits, exemplified by...
Why Chaos Feels Fast but Scales Slow
Early‑stage companies often thrive in chaotic environments where decisions are made instantly and visible progress appears constant. This adrenaline‑driven pace creates the illusion of momentum, but as headcount and revenue grow, informal processes falter and execution becomes inconsistent. The article...
The SaaSpocalypse and Salesforce’s Massive Buyback – The Special Situations Report Episode 57
Episode 57 of the Special Situations Report podcast discusses four headline stories. Salesforce announced a $50 billion stock buyback, the largest ever for the company. The show also covers a bidding war for Reservoir Media, insider sales at Warner Bros. Discovery, and Elliott...
Holding on to Hope: Women’s Leadership and the Work Still Ahead
The author reflects on Women’s History Month, emphasizing that true progress requires women in leadership roles across sectors such as health, technology, and public policy. She highlights recent initiatives—including a health‑IT women’s summit, mentorship with Girls Inc., and support for...
EQT Backs Launch of UK Tax Challenger WTS to Rival Big Four
Private equity firm EQT is injecting more than €500 million into the launch of WTS UK, a new tax advisory platform designed to challenge the Big Four in Britain. Led by former EY global law head Soar, the firm has already...
Press Release | ILTA Announces Launch of the 2026 ILTACON Startup Hub
The International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) unveiled the 2026 ILTACON Startup Hub, offering more than 25 exhibition opportunities for emerging legal‑tech companies at a reduced rate. The hub will be situated within the ILTACON exhibit hall, providing startups direct access...
Zimplats Heads for Government Talks as Unpaid Export Proceeds Surge 158%
Zimplats, Zimbabwe's leading PGM producer, will meet the government to resolve delayed local‑currency payments under the Reserve Bank's 30% export surrender policy. The company's deferred liquidation account swelled 158% to US$78.1 million between June 2025 and December 2025, reflecting export proceeds...
Plastic Ingenuity Expands Thermoform Healthcare Packaging Into Europe
Plastic Ingenuity, a leading North American thermoformer, has acquired Germany‑based Spezi‑Pack to launch European operations. The deal brings nearly four decades of local expertise and retains Spezi‑Pack’s leadership, ensuring uninterrupted service. Planned investments include an ISO Class 7 cleanroom and new thermoforming...
AN2 Therapeutics Announces $40 Million Private Placement Financing
AN2 Therapeutics announced a $40 million private placement, selling 8,245,611 common shares at $2.85 each and offering pre‑funded warrants for up to 5,789,493 additional shares. The placement, backed by Coastlands Capital, Commodore Capital, Vivo Capital and other investors, is slated to...
The CEO Mask: How Imposter Syndrome Can Make You a Stronger Leader
Imposter syndrome affects more than 70% of CEOs despite strong performance, surfacing especially during high‑stakes events like board presentations or market expansions. The article argues that this self‑doubt can be reframed as a growth signal, enhancing empathy, decision‑making, and emotional...
General Assembly Poised to Consider Wide Array of Workplace Bills
Connecticut’s General Assembly is set to hear a slate of employment‑focused bills during the week of March 9, 2026, ranging from an omnibus workforce‑development measure (HB 5003) to targeted reforms on NDAs, AI hiring tools, and wage transparency. Key proposals include expanding...
Inside TKO: How Ari Emanuel Built The World's Most Valuable Sports And Entertainment Property
Ari Emanuel’s TKO Group Holdings, created in 2023 by merging UFC and WWE, has rapidly expanded through $3.25 billion all‑stock acquisitions of IMG, On Location and Professional Bull Riders. The combined portfolio now reaches one billion households in 210 territories, stages...
Why AI Security Is Emerging as the Fourth Pillar of Cybersecurity
The article argues that AI security is becoming the fourth pillar of cybersecurity, driven by the rise of autonomous agents that operate primarily through APIs. Traditional pillars—endpoint, network, and cloud—were built for earlier computing shifts and lack the controls needed...
How Long Will It Last?
The article examines how the ongoing war in Iran could affect global oil markets, noting that 20% of world oil transits the Strait of Hormuz. While markets have so far responded calmly, a prolonged conflict may tighten supply and lift...
A Decade to Forget for Australian Households
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows real per‑capita household disposable income remained 3.9% below its COVID‑19 peak in 2025, with annual growth averaging just 0.6% this decade. This represents the slowest decade‑average increase since the late 1950s. The stagnant income...
The Science of Oversharing: Why Revealing More Builds Trust
The post argues that the real risk isn’t oversharing but undersharing, and that thoughtful disclosure can strengthen trust, influence, and wellbeing. It cites research showing people default to silence, which limits connection in personal and professional relationships. By treating disclosure...
How Salesforce Is Rebuilding Marketing Cloud for the Age of AI
At Dreamforce 2025 Salesforce unveiled Agentforce Marketing, rebranding its legacy Marketing Cloud and embedding generative AI throughout the platform. The new suite replaces one‑way email blasts with two‑way, AI‑mediated conversations and leverages Data 360 to deliver unified, real‑time customer profiles....
Aureus Greenway Shares Soar on Trump-Backed Drone Merger
Aureus Greenway Holdings saw its stock surge about 55% after a Wall Street Journal report revealed a reverse merger with Powerus, a drone maker backed by President Trump’s sons. The deal will take Powerus public on Nasdaq and provides a...
Another Flight Attendant Strike at Lufthansa Could Be On The Horizon As Airline Demands ‘Radical Overhaul’ of Work Rules
German flag carrier Lufthansa has presented a “radical overhaul” of its collective agreement for flight attendants, targeting working hours, rest periods and sick‑pay provisions. The UFO union rejected the proposal outright and warned it will not resume talks until the...
The Marketing Moments Shaping The Industry
The post titled “The Marketing Moments Shaping The Industry” spotlights a recent Burberry campaign featuring musicians Teyana Taylor and Kid Cudi. The black‑and‑white diptych, shot by Tim Walker, illustrates how luxury brands are turning to high‑profile artists to create visually striking narratives. The...
A Small Hodgepodge of New – and Revised – CDIs
SEC’s Corporate Finance division released a batch of new and revised Compliance Disclosure Interpretations (CDIs) on Friday, primarily addressing Rule 701. The most notable change raises the exemption threshold from $5 million to $10 million, and several CDIs were updated without detailed redlines....
Amyl & The Sniffers: How a F*ing Good Concert Film Helps You Grow
Amyl & The Sniffers’ 23‑minute "Live at Ally Pally" concert film demonstrates how a well‑produced live video can serve as a powerful branding and marketing tool. The film captures dynamic stage visuals, crowd energy, and behind‑the‑scenes moments, giving viewers a...
A Culture-Driven Organization
The article argues that culture should be the foundation of a business, not a peripheral marketing layer. In mature markets where product advantages fade quickly, cultural relevance becomes the durable moat that fuels pricing power, better unit economics, and sustained...
Finding the Floor
The Middle East conflict triggered the biggest one‑week jump in oil prices on record, pushing WTI crude above $92 a barrel. At the same time, U.S. economic data revealed the worst monthly job loss since the pandemic, with 92,000 positions...
Blackstone Taps Citi for Potential $1bn ShyaHsin Packaging Sale
Blackstone has engaged Citi to explore a sale of ShyaHsin Packaging, targeting a valuation of at least $1 billion. The Taiwanese‑based manufacturer supplies containers and components for colour cosmetics, skincare and fragrance brands, operating factories in China and Mexico. Blackstone bought...
Succeeding in an AI World (Part 3)
Pascal Dennis revisits his V = Q × A equation, asserting that AI‑driven value hinges on both quality and acceptance. While AI can dramatically raise the quality of data, models, and processes, it often undermines acceptance due to growing public skepticism toward technology. The...
Why Waiting for a Sellout Will Kill Your Brand & What To Do Instead
Founder Lindsey Carter explains how SET Active avoided brand death by never waiting for a sell‑out. She emphasizes pre‑emptive reorders, taking calculated financial risk, and constant community communication to keep momentum. The brand leverages data‑driven drops, focuses on best‑selling styles,...
Suffering From Premature Proposals?
The article warns that sending proposals too early erodes revenue. Research shows the optimal point is after 75 % of a typical 100‑day sales cycle, when pre‑proposal activities are complete. Rushing to pricing without deep qualification leads to missed decision‑maker insight...
The Oil Shock Arrives
Oil futures surged nearly 20% on Monday, with Brent touching $111 and WTI $106, the highest levels since 2022. The spike follows the abrupt closure of the Strait of Hormuz, cutting roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Asian...
Is AI Putting Your Leadership Job at Risk—Or Opening Your Biggest Career Opportunity?
The article outlines four AI‑driven triggers reshaping transformational leadership: late‑2025 AI model releases, volatile investor reactions, a 35% drop in U.S. venture‑capital funding with AI firms capturing 61% of the pie, and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Concurrently, the U.S. labor market...
Turning Talent Into Superstars – How Arizona Cardinals CPO Is Aligning People Strategy with Business Success
Arizona Cardinals Chief People Officer Shaun Mayo outlines a five‑point people strategy for 2026, targeting leadership effectiveness, AI‑ready capabilities, a best‑place‑to‑work culture, expanded learning, and HR system optimisation. The plan hinges on "The Cardinals Way" manifesto, co‑created by staff to...
She Should Have Known: The Leadership Cost of Unsaid Appreciation
The article reflects on a colleague’s death revealing how leaders often withhold genuine appreciation until after a person is gone. It argues that ambiguous feedback creates fear, reduces innovation, and leads to silent, over‑working employees. The author proposes concrete practices—specific...
The Market Brief
Higher oil prices are increasingly aligning with rising interest rates, intensifying inflation pressures and prompting risk‑off sentiment across equity markets. Geopolitical shocks that push oil spikes tend to depress risk assets, though the effect fades once oil stabilises. The latest...
The Gender Gap Hiding in Your Incentive Structure
The article reveals that many corporate incentive structures prioritize sheer output volume, unintentionally widening the gender pay gap. It explains the quantity‑quality tradeoff, where workers forced to increase production often sacrifice quality, a dynamic that disproportionately penalizes women whose contributions...
Mary Technology Raises A$7M to Bring ‘Fact Management’ Platform to U.S. Market
Australian legal‑tech startup Mary Technology announced a A$7 million seed round, marking its largest fundraising to date. The capital will fund the launch of its fact‑management platform in the United States, including a new San Francisco office. The self‑serve solution is designed...
Clio Launches Clio Capital to Provide Fast, Low-Friction Financing for Law Firms
Clio has introduced Clio Capital, a financing program that offers law firms using its practice‑management software pre‑qualified working capital. Launched on Feb. 26, the service embeds a fast, low‑friction application directly within the Clio platform, bypassing traditional loan paperwork. Eligible firms...
The Management System Your Organization Doesn’t Know It Needs
Many organizations only address a fraction of their operational gaps because their management systems are under‑built. The article argues that a robust lean management system should continuously detect, surface, and respond to problems generated by a well‑tuned production system, much...
Podcast: The Industrial Revolution for Law
The Without Limitation podcast released an episode featuring Richard Tromans, the founder of Artificial Lawyer, discussing how the legal‑tech site launched in 2016. Hosted by Matt Pollins, co‑founder of Lupl, the conversation delves into the transformative effects of legal AI,...
Kavango’s Nara Gold Project Deal Falls Through, Company Pursues Legal Action Against Seller
Kavango Resources, listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, announced it is pursuing legal action against Simon John Bowman and Romjack Mining for failing to complete the sale of the Nara Gold Project. The parties had exercised a call option...
Hard Questions Are Standard. Your Answer Isn't.
The post argues that senior executives frequently lose job offers not because of qualifications but because they mishandle standard, tough interview questions. It highlights the career‑gap question as the most common stumbling block and shows a before‑and‑after rewrite that turns...
Positive vs Negative Freedom in Organizations: The Distinction That Changes Everything
The article revisits Isaiah Berlin’s distinction between negative freedom—removing external obstacles—and positive freedom—the internal capacity for self‑direction. It argues that most organizations conflate the two, eliminating hierarchies without cultivating the psychological and relational skills needed for genuine autonomy. Empirical studies,...
Learned Helplessness at Work: Why Removing Hierarchy Isn't Enough
The article explains that learned helplessness—employees’ conditioned passivity under strict hierarchies—does not disappear when a company flattens its structure. Without targeted capability development, workers experience cognitive, motivational, and emotional blocks, leading to anxiety and the re‑emergence of informal hierarchies. Valkiainen...