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ATEL Ventures Says Supporting Hard Tech Founders is Key to a Sustainable Future

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7 months ago

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– New paper calls for greater creativity in financing game-changing technologies – 

SAN FRANCISCO, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new paper published today argues that important advancements in health, telecommunication, mobility and other areas risk being hindered if visionary founders are not able to access the necessary funding for their ventures.

‘Debt as Catalyst – Making Hard Tech Less Hard’ is published by ATEL Ventures, Inc., a division of ATEL Capital Group and a provider of growth capital to startups across multiple sectors and life stages. The paper highlights the role of ‘hard tech’ ventures in solving many of the world’s most pressing challenges, with hard tech defined as “technology that requires big breakthroughs and has a high barrier of entry”. It argues that the success of these businesses has the potential to lead to major advances in global connectivity, health outcomes, transportation, food security, sustainability and other areas.

Dean Cash, the Chairman and CEO of ATEL Capital Group who along with ATEL’s COO Pari Choksi founded ATEL Ventures 25 years ago, says: “The startups with the most potential to have a lasting, beneficial impact on society are the very ones that struggle the most to get off the ground. Whether they are building satellites with the power to bring the world’s two billion unconnected citizens online, or developing new therapeutics to treat previously untreatable conditions, their work is both time- and capital-intensive; and many investors currently lack the appetite for that level of long-term risk.”

The State of Venture Debt
The March 2023 run on Silicon Valley Bank led to a sharp decline in the venture debt market, and while Deloitte and others predict a partial bounce back in 2024, much of the venture capital community remains wary of investments that may require them to underwrite venture debt.

Dean Cash has a different point of view: “We can’t afford not to back these businesses,” he says. “Historically, the most important innovations have rarely paid off over a short period, but they do pay off, and the rewards are much greater than merely financial.”

Hard Tech Founders Working to Solve the Hardest Problems 
The ‘Debt as Catalyst’ paper lays out some of the societal benefits to accrue from the success of hard tech ventures:

Global connectivity: Around one-third of the earth’s population, or 2.6 billion people, are without internet access and all of the associated benefits of access to education, information and commerce. Hard tech startups are developing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites with the power to enhance internet access and communication capabilities worldwide.

Healthcare advancements: Breakthroughs in medical devices and biotechnology that promise to revolutionize treatment protocols and patient care are being made by venture-backed startups as well as the major pharma companies.

Industrial sustainability: Startups are leading the way in developing new technologies aimed at improving the sustainability of large-scale industrial processes including in the high-carbon energy and construction sectors.

Food security and sustainability: Many startups are applying their innovative thinking to the agricultural sector. New technologies could enable the year-round cultivation of fresh produce in urban environments, reducing the environmental footprint of traditional farming methods while simultaneously increasing yields to feed a growing population.

Transportation and urban mobility: Hardware solutions developed by startups and powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will enable vehicles to ‘talk’ to each other and the road infrastructure around them, improving both capacity and safety on roads.

Debt as Catalyst
ATEL’s Dean Cash makes the case for a more creative use of venture debt as part of the financing mix for capital-intensive startups at all stages. 

“While many founders are wary of taking on debt, venture debt can be a powerful means of accelerating growth or extending runway without diluting equity,” says Cash. “In some cases, it can make the difference between success and failure. It’s important that those of us involved in the financing of hard tech founders adopt the kind of visionary long-term thinking we look for in founders.”

‘Debt as Catalyst – Making Hard Tech Less Hard’ is available to download for free from: atelventures.com/catalyst.

About ATEL Ventures, Inc.
ATEL Ventures Inc., a division of ATEL Capital Group, is a leading provider of venture debt and equipment financing to emerging growth companies. The company is a primary source of non-dilutive capital across the landscape of venture capital investments. ATEL Ventures is industry- and stage-agnostic, having provided capital to companies in Information Technology, Life Sciences, Energy, Agriculture, Material Sciences, and Consumer Products and Services. For more information, visit atelventures.com or contact Steven Rea: srea@atel.com

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SOURCE ATEL Ventures

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Bybit Champions Web3 Innovation and Strengthens Ties with Asia’s Crypto Community at Taipei Blockchain Week

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15 minutes ago

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December 24, 2024

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, debuted at the Taipei Blockchain Week Dec. 12 to 14, 2024, spotlighting the vibrant Web3 innovations on its platform alongside a dynamic roster of its strategic Layer 1 ecosystem partners.

Featuring side events in collaboration with the Solana Foundation, the Sui Foundation, and a dazzling lineup of multichain projects, Bybit Web3 dedicated the Taipei tour to building up communities and deepening connections with Web3 ecosystem partners. The Bybit delegation also took the stage to uncover the latest insights on Web3, building with a purpose, and the future of blockchain utilities and DeFi.

Purpose, Innovation, and Partnerships

Representing Bybit at the conference were MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3, and Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager, at various panels.

Expanding on blockchain technology’s potential in building better realities for all, Chin joined as a panellist in the session Marketing Web3: Strategies to Engage and Onboard the Next Billion Users. Chin shared learnings and actionable insights from the Bybit-supported Blockchain for Good initiative (BGA), elaborating on both real-world utilities of blockchain technologies and the trickling down of benefits to grassroot communities.

Meanwhile, Angela Huang moderated three sessions closely tied to Bybit’s mission, steering conversations on crucial industry topics:

The panel Bridging TradFi and DeFi: The Exchange’s Role in User Onboarding on Dec. 12 examined how exchanges could elevate access to the digital economy for users at scale.On Dec. 13, Networked Intelligence: The Rise of Decentralized AI explored the intersection of blockchain and AI, showcasing their potential to transform and democratize finance.The Building for Impact: How Female Founders Drive Purpose-Driven Innovation panel on Dec. 14 highlighted the evolving role of women leaders in driving solution-oriented innovation.

Another highlight at the event was amplified globally via Bybit Livestream. Collaborating with the Sui Foundation, Ondo, DeepBook, Scallop, NAVI, and other leading projects, Bybit Web3 led a critical debate on the future of Sui’s growth strategy: Sui Ecosystem Showdown: Mass Adoption vs. Native Growth. Hosted by Emily Bao, Head of Web3 and Spot at Bybit, the livestream attracted over 6,500 viewers live at the Taipei Blockchain Week and globally on Dec. 13.

Deepening Bonds: Key Web3 Ecosystems and Communities

Bybit Web3 brought the local community closer to its world-class ecosystem partners with engaging community events, co-hosting Taiwan DeFi Flow with Sui and Scallop on Dec. 12, and Solana Ecosystem Taipei Greetings with the Solana Foundation and Solar with the support of Orderly Network, Zetachain, Jupiter, and Sonic, on Dec. 14. Through collaborations and innovation, Bybit Web3 opens up new on-chain possibilities for partners and stakeholders to expand the Web3 universe.

These relaxed evening gatherings provided a convivial backdrop for like-minded builders and entrepreneurs to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared enthusiasm for DeFi and dApps in Asia’s growing Web3 innovation hub.

“It’s been an incredible experience connecting with the builders, believers, users, creators, and supporters driving innovation on Solana and Sui. These moments remind us of the heart and spirit of Web3—a vibrant ecosystem shaped by collaboration and shared vision. I’m deeply proud to witness this growth, grateful for every connection made, and excited for the road ahead,” said MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3.

“Taipei Blockchain Week showcased the immense growth and potential of Web3 innovation in Asia. Representing Bybit, I had the honor to collaborate with industry leaders to explore Web3’s limitless possibilities, from DeFi and AI to real-world applications. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive global crypto community,” said Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager.

In the past year, Bybit has seen exponential growth in its user base, surging to over 60 million by the end of 2024. It has also invested in vertical growth through community engagements across the world. Connected by the passion for the future of crypto, blockchain, and Web3, the Bybit family is on track to building an inclusive and sustainable path to growth for the industry.

 

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3

About Bybit Web3

Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.

Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 50 million users globally.

Join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.

For more details about Bybit Web3, please visit Bybit Web3.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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SOURCE Bybit

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Yu Liu, Vice President of Baijiayun, to Attend 2024 Jixin AIGC Summit for Exploring New Industry Landscape

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15 minutes ago

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December 24, 2024

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BEIJING, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Baijiayun Group Ltd (“Baijiayun” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: RTC), a one-stop AI video solution provider, today announced that it will attend the 2024 AIGC Summit soon.

Recently, the 2024 AIGC Summit, hosted by “Jixin”, a venture capital and industry research media that focuses on industrial AI, is about to kick off. As an outstanding enterprise representative that has successfully implemented AI technology in various industries, Baijiayun has been invited to attend. Yu Liu, the vice president of Baijiayun, will share unique insights at the summit to promote industry communication and progress.

This summit focuses on the in-depth application of AIGC technology in vertical scenarios, aiming to analyze the strategies, practices and successful experiences of AI going global, grasp the pulse of the development of the times, build a more open and win-win AIGC industrial ecosystem on a global scale, and open a new chapter for the future.

As an important participant in the AIGC field, Baijiayun has achieved remarkable results in technological innovation and application implementation. Vice President Yu Liu has been deeply involved in many core businesses and strategic decisions during the development of the company and has rich experience and profound insights in the application practice of AIGC technology. His attendance at this summit is expected to bring the latest achievements and innovative ideas of Baijiayun in vertical scenario applications and international market expansion, providing valuable references and inspirations for industry colleagues, further stimulating the innovation vitality and development momentum of the industry, and promoting the AIGC industry to a new peak. Many industry insiders are looking forward to this summit with full anticipation. It is believed that with the joint efforts of all parties, a clear and promising blueprint for the future development of the AIGC industry will be drawn.

For investor and media enquiries, please contact:

Company Contact:
Ms. Fangfei Liu 
Chief Financial Officer, Baijiayun Group Ltd
Phone: +86 25 8222 1596
Email: ir@baijiayun.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yu-liu-vice-president-of-baijiayun-to-attend-2024-jixin-aigc-summit-for-exploring-new-industry-landscape-302338871.html

SOURCE Baijiayun Group Ltd

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My China Story: Technology Brings the World Together for a Chinese New Year

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1 hour ago

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December 24, 2024

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BEIJING, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the Spring Festival approaches, many are preparing for their holiday travels abroad. While the excitement of spontaneous trips is undeniable, one of the biggest hurdles travelers face is language barriers. However, iFlytek‘s innovative translation device promises to make communication effortless, helping you navigate any language challenges with ease.

 

Known for its sleek and compact design, iFlytek’s smart translation gadget offers an elegant black, business-style exterior, a moderate size, and a lightweight build. It’s the ideal travel companion, fitting easily into your pocket without weighing you down. Whether you’re heading to a city getaway or a remote adventure, this device ensures that language is never an obstacle.

The device boasts impressive capabilities, supporting translations in 84 languages online and 16 languages offline. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, or the Middle East, this device handles it all. Even in remote locations—such as secluded mountain temples or isolated islands—the offline translation feature ensures you won’t be left speechless. The device also offers specialized vocabulary for specific fields, making translations more precise and professional.

With its intuitive interface, the gadget is easy to use—just a tap, and you’re ready to communicate. This makes it a perfect tool for travelers who want to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience while abroad.

But what lies behind this innovative device? How did it come to life? To learn more about its development and functionality, we are following a Russian journalist as he visits iFlytek’s headquarters for an exclusive look at this remarkable “gadget” and uncover the story behind its creation.

Stay tuned as we explore the technology that’s revolutionizing the way we connect across cultures.

https://youtu.be/QkdFG0LvH70

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SOURCE “My China Story” International Short Video Competition Organizing Committee

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