The Fragility of Democracy and the Challenges of Hardware Development

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Journalists and readers love scoops. But sometimes it’s important to state the obvious. This week, I’m reminded that democracies are fragile but that technology can help. And also that crowdfunding isn’t always the best way to launch an innovative product.

On a side note, this newsletter will be taking a break until January 6 next year, so wishing you all happy holidays.

Why Agentic Tech?

When I read that a new venture firm called ex/ante had raised $33.8 million in funding for its mission to invest in companies that are using technology to create positive social and environmental impact, I was intrigued. As someone who has been following the startup world for years, it’s not often that you come across a fund that is so focused on making money while also doing good.

But what really caught my attention was the term "agentic tech." According to ex/ante’s website, agentic tech refers to technologies that are designed to empower individuals and communities, rather than just serving their own interests. This could include things like AI-powered education platforms, social entrepreneurship tools, or even virtual reality experiences that allow people to connect with each other in new ways.

As I dug deeper into the concept of agentic tech, I realized that it’s not just about creating products or services that are beneficial for society – it’s also about designing them in a way that puts users at the forefront. This means considering issues like accessibility, equity, and inclusivity from the very beginning of the development process.

Revolve Rethinks its Go-to-Market Strategy

Revolve, a Startup Battlefield 2023 alum that came up with an innovative travel wheelchair, is rethinking its go-to-market strategy after canceling its Kickstarter campaign. While €39,293 had been pledged, it wasn’t enough and the startup decided to "explore different avenues to offer our product to the world."

Go-to-market expert Andrea Baldereschia had advised Revolve on its crowdfunding strategy and remains bullish about this approach, which proved successful for most projects he worked with. However, in retrospect, he sees why it wasn’t the right fit for Revolve; a niche hardware product at a high price is simply a tough (pre-)sell, he told me.

After coming to this same conclusion, Revolve’s founder, Andrea Mocellin, is pursuing a more collaborative approach. In a statement he shared with me, he explained that Revolve is now looking for "licensing partners and forward-thinking companies" to acquire its technology, and is keen to partner up with "institutions and visionary universities eager to challenge traditional business models."

This approach positions Revolve not as a niche product but as a global innovation, poised to serve a large number of users and businesses. Let’s hope it becomes a reality sooner rather than later.

Traveling with a Disability is Still Much Harder Than It Should Be

As I mentioned earlier, traveling with a disability can be much harder than it should be. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and only about 25% have access to accessible transportation.

If a travel wheelchair like Revolve can help make traveling easier for those with disabilities, then that’s a game-changer. However, it’s not just about the product itself – it’s also about how we design our cities and infrastructure to be more inclusive.

The First AI Chip Startup to Go Public in 2025 Will Be Blaize

In other news, Charles Rollet reports that the first AI chip startup to go public in 2025 will be Blaize. According to Rollet, Blaize has made significant strides in developing its AI-powered edge computing platform, which is designed to enable real-time processing of data on devices.

This could have major implications for industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation, where timely decision-making can mean the difference between life and death or profit and loss. As Rollet notes, Blaize’s public offering will be closely watched by investors and industry experts alike, who are eager to see how the company performs in a highly competitive market.

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