Mashable's Miriam Kramer on Falcon Heavy Launch: "Awe Inspiring"
SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy rocket Tuesday, making history by sending the largest rocket into space since 1975. CEO Elon Musk tweeting in response to President Trump, "An exciting future lies ahead." Mashable's Deputy Science Editor Miriam Kramer explains what the scene was like on the ground at Cape Canaveral, FL.
"It definitely felt like a historic moment," said Kramer. "It was pretty incredible to see this giant thing fly into space."
Aboard the rocket was Musk's original Tesla roadster. On whether this was as PR stunt, Kramer says it added pizzazz. She said just because it was a publicity stunt doesn't mean it's bad. "I think the Tesla is really fun, and space needs to be a little more fun," said Kramer.
Anthony Sassine, a senior investment strategist at KraneShares, joined Cheddar to discuss Rivian's historic public debut after the company achieved an $86 billion valuation — more than either Ford or GM. He said the big IPO was a great opportunity for the U.S. to position itself as a leader in the EV space after lagging behind Europe and China. "When you have certainty for growth for the next 10 to 15 years, investors are willing to pay more," he said. "So, this is a massive opportunity for the whole space."
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging the ride-hailing company discriminates against customers with disabilities. The DOJ is arguing that its two-minute wait period before a cancellation fee is applied violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Food delivery giant DoorDash is acquiring European food delivery company Wolt. The all-stock deal is valued at $8.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The companies say they share a mission to build a global delivery platform. Gerber Kawasaki investment advisor Eva Agi joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what the deal means for Doordash, as well as its customers and investors.
Identity verification startup Socure recently raised $450 million dollars in a series E round, bringing the company's valuation to $4.5 billion. Socure says it is now the highest-valued private company in the identity verification space, and that the funds will be used to accelerate its mission to verify 100% of good identities and eliminate identity fraud across all industries. Socure Founder and CEO Johnny Ayers joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
