Microsoft recently announced a new $50 million commitment to fight climate change with the power of artificial intelligence. They'll put these funds to work in its "A.I. for Earth" program, which uses artificial intelligence technology to drive sustainability around the globe. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Scientist at Microsoft, joined us from Paris, France to discuss how Microsoft will put the new funds to work.
Microsoft is using the funds to increase seed grants provided to those working on climate and environmental issues. Joppa says the grants will give these groups access to the latest cloud and A.I. technology. The focus of Microsoft's "A.I. for Earth"program is to improve efficient generation and reduce energy consumption. The availability of new tech will help to accomplish these goals.
One of the key focuses for Microsoft is the future of water. In the next 20 years, demand for fresh water is predicted to outpace supply. The company is using A.I. to clean up and make more efficient use of our oceans in order to help conserve and protect the resource.
a.k.a Brands, an accelerator for next-gen, direct-to-consumer fashion brands like Princess Polly, released its first earnings report as a publicly-traded company with strong results. CEO Jill Ramsey joined Cheddar's "Opening Bell" to discuss the company's recent quarter and how the company has grown since its IPO in September.
Rivian is set to makes its market debut as the biggest IPO since Facebook in 2021. The EV maker priced its stock above the expected range at $78 apiece, allowing it to raise a whopping $11.9 billion. Matt Toole, director of deals intelligence at Refinitiv, joined Cheddar to discuss Rivian's highly anticipated IPO and how it's sending the already booming IPO market even higher.
A judge shot down a request by Apple to hold off on changes to payment options in the app store that would allow companies like Epic Games to use external payment systems. Apple had sought a stay that could delay making changes for years but the judge ordered them to implement fixes by December. The tech giant plans to appeal.
Twitter has officially launched its paid subscription service, Twitter Blue, which provides subscribers with a number of new features, including the option to edit tweets, post 10-minute videos, and view ad-free news articles.
Wood modification technology company Kebony recently raised $34 million in its latest funding round. The company's patented technology transformed sustainable softwood using leftover materials and makes it into a product that behaves like premium hardwood. The process has the potential to transform the global construction industry, as it is cost-effective and eco-friendly. Kebony CEO Norman Willemsen joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
