Business News and Headlines

Plurio Raises $3.5 Million to Bring Agentic AI to Performance Marketing
NewsMar 2, 2026

Plurio Raises $3.5 Million to Bring Agentic AI to Performance Marketing

San Francisco‑based Plurio announced a $3.5 million seed round to accelerate its AI‑driven performance‑marketing agent. The platform ingests cross‑channel campaign data, forecasts downstream results and can automatically apply approved changes on Meta, Google and TikTok. Plurio already oversees more than $100 million...

By Adweek AI
The Truly Programmable SASE Platform
NewsMar 2, 2026

The Truly Programmable SASE Platform

Cloudflare positions its One platform as a truly programmable SASE solution, leveraging a global network that reaches over 330 cities and sits within 50 ms of 95% of internet users. The company differentiates its offering by embedding edge‑run Workers directly into...

By Cloudflare Blog
N8n Integrations: What You Can Automate with N8n
NewsMar 2, 2026

N8n Integrations: What You Can Automate with N8n

n8n is an open‑source, self‑hostable workflow automation platform that offers roughly 1,500 nodes, many of which require manual API configuration. Compared with Zapier’s 8,000+ pre‑built integrations, n8n trades ease of use for granular control, developer‑centric setup, and on‑premises data residency....

By Zapier – Blog
Ten Recent Technology Advances That Asset Allocators Should Have on the Radar
NewsMar 2, 2026

Ten Recent Technology Advances That Asset Allocators Should Have on the Radar

The CFI.co briefing outlines ten technology breakthroughs that are reshaping the risk‑return landscape for energy and infrastructure investors. Record‑setting photovoltaic efficiencies, sodium‑ion and iron‑air storage, grid‑forming controls, enhanced geothermal, high‑temperature heat pumps, solid‑state batteries, larger offshore turbines, iridium‑light PEM electrolyzers,...

By CFI.co (Capital Finance International)
Profitable Bootstrapped D2C Brand Blue Tea Projects Rs 65 Cr Sales in FY26
NewsMar 2, 2026

Profitable Bootstrapped D2C Brand Blue Tea Projects Rs 65 Cr Sales in FY26

Bootstrapped herbal wellness brand Blue Tea posted Rs 37 crore revenue for FY25, a 46% year‑on‑year increase, while remaining profitable. The company’s annual recurring revenue rose 68% and net profit in India jumped 75% despite a slight profit dip caused by...

By Entrackr
CrowdStrike Warns APAC of Faster, Stealthier Cyberattacks
NewsMar 2, 2026

CrowdStrike Warns APAC of Faster, Stealthier Cyberattacks

CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report warns that APAC organisations are now facing cyberattacks that move at unprecedented speed, with the average eCrime breakout time shrinking to 29 minutes in 2025. The report highlights a dramatic shift toward malware‑free attacks—82% of...

By TechRepublic – Articles
Why Binary Audience Decisions Aren’t Fit For The Agentic Era
NewsMar 2, 2026

Why Binary Audience Decisions Aren’t Fit For The Agentic Era

The article argues that traditional Boolean audience segments have become a bottleneck in the era of AI‑driven, millisecond‑level ad decisioning. As publishers, measurement firms, and first‑party data sources flood the bid stream with real‑time signals, the combinatorial possibilities outpace any...

By AdExchanger
When Cyber Threats Start Thinking for Themselves
NewsMar 2, 2026

When Cyber Threats Start Thinking for Themselves

Autonomous AI agents are reshaping cyber threats, allowing attacks to operate without human direction. Jason Rivera of SimSpace explains that these agents can sustain phishing campaigns, discover network paths automatically, and modify malware behavior on the fly. The shift forces...

By Help Net Security
Merrell Aims to Invite More People Outside Through New Brand Platform
NewsMar 2, 2026

Merrell Aims to Invite More People Outside Through New Brand Platform

Merrell is celebrating its 45th anniversary by unveiling the global brand platform “It Starts Outside,” which reframes outdoor activity as everyday and inclusive. The campaign, produced with Uncommon Creative Studio, features short vignettes starring Olympian Alexi Pappas and visually‑impaired marathoner...

By WWD
The Step-by-Step Guide to Brand Elevation | Case Study
NewsMar 2, 2026

The Step-by-Step Guide to Brand Elevation | Case Study

Fashion brands are moving upmarket to defend against ultra‑low‑cost rivals like Shein and Temu, while premium labels are encroaching on traditional luxury territory. Retailers are adding higher‑margin items to offset inflation‑driven cost pressures. Successful elevation requires coordinated upgrades across product,...

By The Business of Fashion (BoF)
Altis Consulting Expands to Tap Into South Australia’s AI Demand
NewsMar 2, 2026

Altis Consulting Expands to Tap Into South Australia’s AI Demand

Altis Consulting announced a strategic expansion into South Australia, appointing former BHP data leader Luke Best to spearhead growth and partnerships. The move targets rising demand for modern data and AI capabilities in the state’s copper and energy sectors. Altis...

By ARN (Australia)
Chinese Domestic Sulphur Prices Surge on Iran Crisis
NewsMar 2, 2026

Chinese Domestic Sulphur Prices Surge on Iran Crisis

Chinese domestic sulphur prices jumped to 4,250 yuan per tonne, about $531, marking a roughly 5% increase from late February levels. The rise follows heightened US‑Iran tensions, prompting sellers to lift offers to 4,300 yuan/t in both paper and spot markets. While...

By Argus Media – News & analysis
AI Upskilling Platform Ivee Raises $1m Seed Round Backed by Steven Bartlett
NewsMar 2, 2026

AI Upskilling Platform Ivee Raises $1m Seed Round Backed by Steven Bartlett

Ivee, an AI‑focused upskilling platform, announced a $1 million seed round. The round was led by entrepreneur and podcaster Steven Bartlett, with participation from Social Impact Enterprises. Ivee plans to use the capital to broaden its curriculum and help jobseekers master...

By Sifted
The 9 Best AI Personal Assistant Apps in 2026
NewsMar 2, 2026

The 9 Best AI Personal Assistant Apps in 2026

The article ranks the nine most effective AI personal assistant apps for knowledge workers in 2026, highlighting Zapier Agents, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Reclaim, Perplexity, Motion, Superhuman, and Granola. Each tool is evaluated on core intelligence, integration depth, and usability, with pricing...

By Zapier – Blog
A Safer, Smarter Approach to Weld Inspection: Why Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Is Redefining Industry Standards
NewsMar 2, 2026

A Safer, Smarter Approach to Weld Inspection: Why Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Is Redefining Industry Standards

Advanced ultrasonic testing is overtaking radiographic methods for weld inspection in oil and gas, driven by safety, speed, and data demands. Technologies such as PAUT, TOFD, and the newer Plane Wave Imaging combined with Total Focusing Method deliver radiography‑grade image...

By Quality Magazine
From Boll & Branch to Bogg, Brands Are Battling a Surge of AI-Driven Return Fraud
NewsMar 2, 2026

From Boll & Branch to Bogg, Brands Are Battling a Surge of AI-Driven Return Fraud

Retailers are confronting a new wave of return fraud powered by AI‑generated images. Executives at Boll & Branch and Bogg Bag discovered counterfeit photos used to claim damaged goods, prompting tighter verification. Experts say AI tools have accelerated fraud, contributing to an estimated...

By Modern Retail
Cross-Asset Vols Spike on Iran Risk as Oil Surges
NewsMar 2, 2026

Cross-Asset Vols Spike on Iran Risk as Oil Surges

Cross‑asset implied volatilities surged after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with oil 1‑month vol jumping 7 points and the skew inverting through the 6‑month curve – a pattern last seen during the 2022 Russia‑Ukraine war. Credit volatility also spiked,...

By Cboe – Insights
Exclusive: Turiyam.ai Raises $4 Mn To Build Full-Stack AI Hardware Platform
NewsMar 2, 2026

Exclusive: Turiyam.ai Raises $4 Mn To Build Full-Stack AI Hardware Platform

Bengaluru‑based Turiyam.ai has closed a $4 million pre‑seed round led by Ankur Capital and Axilor’s Micelio Fund. The startup will accelerate development of a full‑stack AI inference platform that tightly integrates custom chips with optimized software. It is already piloting deployments...

By Inc42
India's LNG Tankers Divert Away From Strait of Hormuz
NewsMar 2, 2026

India's LNG Tankers Divert Away From Strait of Hormuz

Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz forced Indian LNG carriers to reroute, leaving only one of Petronet's three captive tankers able to unload at the Dahej terminal. The 138,000 m³ Disha is stalled at Ras Laffan, while Aseem diverted away...

By Argus Media – News & analysis
Employee Forced to Express in Storeroom Wins $200k in Compensation, Penalties
NewsMar 2, 2026

Employee Forced to Express in Storeroom Wins $200k in Compensation, Penalties

The Federal Circuit Court awarded a former UAE consulate employee more than $203,000 after finding the Melbourne office forced her to express breastmilk in a storeroom and treated her poorly. The court upheld her claims of discrimination, adverse action, and...

By HR Daily (Australia)
‘Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver On Paramount Buying Warner Bros. Discovery: “Not Great News”
NewsMar 2, 2026

‘Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver On Paramount Buying Warner Bros. Discovery: “Not Great News”

John Oliver mocked Paramount’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that outbid Netflix after the streaming giant raised its offer to $31 per share. The merger creates a media powerhouse combining Paramount’s film and TV assets with Warner’s extensive library...

By Deadline
HAL, BDL, Other Defence Stocks in Focus as War in Middle East Escalates; What to Expect?
NewsMar 2, 2026

HAL, BDL, Other Defence Stocks in Focus as War in Middle East Escalates; What to Expect?

Indian defence stocks rallied as Middle East tensions rose after Iran's Supreme Leader was killed. HAL and BDL saw modest gains despite year‑to‑date declines of over 11% and 15% respectively. The recent India‑Israel defence pact and Prime Minister Modi’s visit...

By The Economic Times – Markets
Smartsheet Vs. Airtable: Which Should You Use? [2026]
NewsMar 2, 2026

Smartsheet Vs. Airtable: Which Should You Use? [2026]

The 2026 comparison pits Smartsheet’s spreadsheet‑centric, enterprise‑grade project‑management suite against Airtable’s relational‑database, low‑code platform with highly customizable views. Smartsheet leans on familiar file‑and‑folder navigation, robust portfolio and resource‑management add‑ons, and a tiered Advance plan for large organizations. Airtable emphasizes flexible...

By Zapier – Blog
Foodpanda and GUT Asia Unveil New Brand Platform ‘Make Life Delicious’
NewsMar 2, 2026

Foodpanda and GUT Asia Unveil New Brand Platform ‘Make Life Delicious’

foodpanda has unveiled a new brand platform called “Make Life Delicious” in partnership with agency GUT Asia. The campaign, directed by Henry Scholfield, features the brand’s mascot Pau Pau in a series of five short films that showcase foodpanda as a...

By Campaign Brief Asia
SET Index Falls on Iran-US Conflict
NewsMar 2, 2026

SET Index Falls on Iran-US Conflict

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) opened down 1.73% to 1,501.78 as investors reacted to the Iran‑US conflict. Energy‑linked shares such as PTTEP and PTT rose, while non‑energy stocks like Gulf Energy, Bumrungrad Hospital and Airports of Thailand fell sharply....

By Bangkok Post – Investment (subset within Business)
HSBC Boosts Staff Bonuses by 10% as Turnaround Pays Off
NewsMar 2, 2026

HSBC Boosts Staff Bonuses by 10% as Turnaround Pays Off

HSBC announced a $3.9 billion staff bonus pool, 10% larger than the previous year and the biggest in over a decade. The increase follows stronger‑than‑expected results, with pre‑tax profit of $29.9 billion beating forecasts despite a 7% decline and $5 billion in one‑off...

By HR Katha (India)
Bonjour Holdings Suffers Losses in ‘Complex’ Retail Environment
NewsMar 2, 2026

Bonjour Holdings Suffers Losses in ‘Complex’ Retail Environment

Hong Kong investment group Bonjour Holdings reported a half‑year loss of HK$68.8 million for the period ending 31 December 2025, an improvement from the HK$134.4 million loss a year earlier. Revenue plunged 50.4% year‑on‑year to HK$6.7 million in its retail and wholesale division, while gross...

By Inside Retail Asia
AUD/JPY Trades Above 111.00 After Paring Recent Losses
NewsMar 2, 2026

AUD/JPY Trades Above 111.00 After Paring Recent Losses

AUD/JPY rebounded to trade above the 111.00 level during Asian hours, offsetting earlier losses despite heightened safe‑haven demand from the Middle East crisis. The Australian dollar’s recovery was supported by a modest easing in domestic inflation and a dip in...

By FXStreet — News
InfraVia Capital Partners: All Hands on Deck for Maritime Services
NewsMar 2, 2026

InfraVia Capital Partners: All Hands on Deck for Maritime Services

InfraVia Capital Partners and LD Armateurs argue that specialised maritime services are increasingly attractive to investors. The sector’s capital intensity, long‑term contracted revenues, and built‑in inflation linkage provide stable cash flows. Downside protection mechanisms further improve risk‑adjusted returns. Executives Aymar...

By Infrastructure Investor (PEI Group)
Fengate: Moving Transport Into the Fast Lane
NewsMar 2, 2026

Fengate: Moving Transport Into the Fast Lane

Fengate’s transport team, led by Darcy Wilson, argues that despite fierce competition for infrastructure assets, North America remains a fertile ground for long‑term investments. The firm points to a robust pipeline of highways, railways, and ports backed by supportive policy...

By Infrastructure Investor (PEI Group)
AI Sales Startup Firmable Bags $14 Million to Expand to the US
NewsMar 2, 2026

AI Sales Startup Firmable Bags $14 Million to Expand to the US

AI‑powered B2B sales startup Firmable announced a $14 million Series A round led by existing backer Airtree, earmarked for a U.S. market rollout and further development of its proprietary data engine and AI agents. The company, founded by former Aconex executives in...

By SmartCompany » StartupSmart (AU)
China to Order up to 120 Airbus Jets
NewsMar 2, 2026

China to Order up to 120 Airbus Jets

The Chinese government is preparing an incremental order of up to 120 Airbus jets, a move announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his February 25 state visit to Beijing. The exact aircraft variants, delivery timetable, and contract value have not...

By ch-aviation News
Asembl Drops Raw C X Violet Crumble Coconut Water Crossover
NewsMar 2, 2026

Asembl Drops Raw C X Violet Crumble Coconut Water Crossover

Asembl has launched a limited‑edition 325ml Raw C coconut water infused with Menz’s Violet Crumble honeycomb flavor, now sold in selected Coles stores across Australia. The drink combines Raw C’s hydration benefits with the nostalgic sweet crunch of the iconic...

By Mediaweek (Australia)
UAE Urges Remote Work to Protect Employees Amid Missile Strikes
NewsMar 2, 2026

UAE Urges Remote Work to Protect Employees Amid Missile Strikes

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) ordered private‑sector firms to shift staff to remote work for three days, from 1‑3 March, after Iranian missiles were intercepted over the country. The guidance excludes only essential workers whose roles require...

By HR Katha (India)
Manufacturers Call for Policy Action as Land Tax Costs Escalate
NewsMar 2, 2026

Manufacturers Call for Policy Action as Land Tax Costs Escalate

Manufacturers in Victoria are confronting steep land‑tax hikes, with SEMMA reporting an average 80% increase between 2024 and 2026 and spikes above 200% for some firms. The surge is diverting cash that would otherwise fund new machinery, apprenticeships and process...

By Australian Manufacturing
The Ferri Group Rebrands to Reassert Its Role as Metro NY’s Hometown Rep Firm
NewsMar 2, 2026

The Ferri Group Rebrands to Reassert Its Role as Metro NY’s Hometown Rep Firm

The Ferri Group, formerly Pecinka Ferri, has rebranded under the independent ownership of Joe Ferri Jr., emphasizing a faster, more agile approach in Metro New York’s foodservice market. The firm highlights its Fairfield test kitchen as a live showroom and...

By Total Food Service
Unleashing the Next Era of Skills-Driven Leadership at CHRO Series Hong Kong 2026
NewsMar 2, 2026

Unleashing the Next Era of Skills-Driven Leadership at CHRO Series Hong Kong 2026

Hong Kong’s 2026 budget earmarks HK$222 million for re‑employment schemes and transforms the Employees Retraining Board into Upskill Hong Kong, pushing HR from administrative to strategic. The CHRO Series Hong Kong 2026, organized by HRM Asia, will translate these policies into...

By HRM Asia
Colgate-Palmolive APAC’s Samir Singh to Lead APAC Tambuli Awards Grand Executive Jury
NewsMar 2, 2026

Colgate-Palmolive APAC’s Samir Singh to Lead APAC Tambuli Awards Grand Executive Jury

Samir Singh, Executive Vice President for Marketing, APAC at Colgate‑Palmolive, has been appointed President of the Grand Executive Jury for the 2026 Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards. The awards, organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific School of Media...

By Campaign Brief Asia
Pantheon on the Charm of Smaller CVs
NewsMar 2, 2026

Pantheon on the Charm of Smaller CVs

Pantheon’s Amyn Hassanally and Charlotte Morris argue that continuation vehicles are increasingly appealing to sponsors targeting small and mid‑cap companies. As more investors explore this structure, the pool of opportunities in the lower‑mid market deepens. The firm highlights that smaller...

By Private Equity International
QIC: Taking a No-Compromise Approach to CV Underwriting
NewsMar 2, 2026

QIC: Taking a No-Compromise Approach to CV Underwriting

QIC partner Zach Jackson stresses that secondary buyers must fully underwrite both the sponsor and the underlying asset when assessing continuation vehicle (CV) opportunities. The firm adopts a no‑compromise stance, insisting on comprehensive due diligence rather than relying on surface...

By Private Equity International
StepStone on Why CVs Will Stay on the Menu
NewsMar 2, 2026

StepStone on Why CVs Will Stay on the Menu

StepStone Group executives Adam Johnston and Ted Black argue that continuation vehicles (CVs) continue to be a preferred exit option for private equity firms. They cite CVs’ ability to consistently outperform the broader buyout market as the primary driver. Even...

By Private Equity International
UBS: Secondaries Deal Growth Points to Depth of Demand
NewsMar 2, 2026

UBS: Secondaries Deal Growth Points to Depth of Demand

UBS reports a surge in secondary market activity, with general partners and limited partners bringing larger trophy assets and full portfolios to market. Deal sizes and transaction volumes have expanded markedly, reflecting deepening investor appetite for secondary exposure. Thomas Roche...

By Private Equity International
Kirkland & Ellis on the Art of Continuation Vehicle Negotiation
NewsMar 2, 2026

Kirkland & Ellis on the Art of Continuation Vehicle Negotiation

Kirkland & Ellis partners observe that GP‑led continuation vehicles have become increasingly standardized within the secondary market. Yet negotiations still reveal tension as secondary buyers apply M&A‑style rigor while sellers favor more flexible terms. The firm highlights the growing importance...

By Private Equity International
TPG on the Rise of Sector Specialism in CVs
NewsMar 2, 2026

TPG on the Rise of Sector Specialism in CVs

TPG GP Solutions co‑managing partners Matt Jones and Michael Woolhouse say firms with deep sector expertise and direct underwriting are reshaping the single‑asset continuation vehicle (CV) market. They argue that specialist managers can price assets more accurately and execute faster...

By Private Equity International
Zitcha Adds Former Meta Leader Phil Bonanno to Drive APAC Growth
NewsMar 2, 2026

Zitcha Adds Former Meta Leader Phil Bonanno to Drive APAC Growth

Retail media platform Zitcha has appointed former Meta client partner Phil Bonanno as its APAC commercial director, based in Melbourne. Bonanno brings more than 11 years of experience developing insight‑driven retail advertising strategies at Meta, where he worked closely with...

By Mediaweek (Australia)
Bernhard Capital: Regulated Utilities Provide Rich Font for Mid-Market Carve-Outs
NewsMar 2, 2026

Bernhard Capital: Regulated Utilities Provide Rich Font for Mid-Market Carve-Outs

Bernhard Capital Partners’ Jeff Jenkins highlights that regulated utilities are becoming a fertile source for mid‑market carve‑outs as the sector seeks capital for grid upgrades. Stable, predictable cash flows and strong credit profiles make these assets attractive to private‑equity firms...

By Infrastructure Investor (PEI Group)
Permira on Why It Is Prioritising Specialisation and Performance
NewsMar 2, 2026

Permira on Why It Is Prioritising Specialisation and Performance

Permira’s co‑CEO Dipan Patel says the firm will double‑down on specialization and performance in the next private‑equity cycle. The firm plans to simplify its mission, focusing on a narrower set of sectors where it can add deep expertise. By tightening...

By Private Equity International
Wilmington Trust on What’s Powering the Future of the Energy Transition
NewsMar 2, 2026

Wilmington Trust on What’s Powering the Future of the Energy Transition

Will Marder of Wilmington Trust examines how the past year reshaped capital flows toward the energy transition. He notes a marked acceleration in renewable and grid‑modernization investments, driven by policy support and heightened ESG focus. The firm anticipates continued diversification...

By Infrastructure Investor (PEI Group)
Hellman & Friedman on the Art of the Exit
NewsMar 2, 2026

Hellman & Friedman on the Art of the Exit

Hellman & Friedman CEO Patrick Healy says that even as distributions to limited partners remain sluggish, the firm can still close sizable sponsor exits. Healy highlights that strategic timing and asset positioning enable multi‑billion‑dollar exits despite a broader market slowdown....

By Private Equity International