VOLUME 62

Good morning. Or good afternoon depending on what part of the world you’re in. Let’s dive into the biggest stories from this week!

— Jacob Pace

Duolingo CEO Becomes a Billionaire as EdTech Surges

What happened: Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn has officially joined the ranks of billionaires, following a surge in the company’s stock price. The language-learning platform has seen a significant rise in users recently, particularly as demand for online education continues to grow. With its freemium model and gamified approach, Duolingo has expanded into new markets, including language certification exams and literacy programs.

Why it matters: Von Ahn’s rise to billionaire status reflects the increasing value of edtech companies in the digital age, where online learning has become a critical part of education for millions. Duolingo’s success also underscores the potential of freemium platforms to drive user growth and loyalty, which many think could reshape traditional education models globally.

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Fundraising for New AI Startup

What happened: Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, is reportedly in the early stages of fundraising for a new AI startup. This development follows her recent departure from OpenAI, where she played a critical role in advancing AI technologies like GPT-4. Sources indicate that Murati's new venture will focus on AI applications in industries such as healthcare and finance.

What's next: With AI’s potential to streamline processes and solve intricate challenges in thes aformentioned industries, her venture will likely draw significant attention from investors looking for the next breakthrough. As AI continues to shape the future, Murati's leadership could help the company become a key player in the next wave of AI innovations.

NBA Launches Major Initiative to Collaborate with Content Creators

What happened: The NBA has announced its largest-ever initiative to collaborate with digital content creators for the 2024-25 season, expanding its Creator Cup Series and introducing a new content-sharing network. As part of this initiative, the league has teamed up with popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who will create exclusive behind-the-scenes content for NBA fans throughout the season. Cenat, already known for his high-profile collaborations, kicked off the NBA season in October 2024 with a viral stunt at the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks game, promoting his upcoming "Mafiathon 2" stream by dressing in full mafia attire.

Why it matters: The NBA's partnership with creators like Cenat is a strategic move to engage younger audiences and boost fan engagement through influencer marketing. By leveraging the platforms of top creators, the NBA is blending sports with digital culture, aiming to capture the attention of a new generation of fans. This initiative, which also includes collaborations with Meta and Snapchat, reflects the NBA’s prioritization towards content creation and social media integration.

Intel Lays Off 2,000 Employees in the U.S.

What happened: Intel has announced the layoff of 2,000 employees across its U.S. operations as part of a broader effort to cut costs and streamline its workforce. The tech giant, facing challenges from declining demand in the PC market and increased competition, stated that the layoffs are part of its restructuring strategy to focus on more profitable areas.

Why it matters: The layoffs come at a time when Intel is striving to remain competitive against rivals like AMD and NVIDIA, especially as the company invests heavily in its chip manufacturing capabilities. With a broader shift toward AI and data center technologies, Intel’s ability to adapt to market demands is crucial for its long-term growth.

That’s all for this week! See you next time.