ESPN has a new president, following the abrupt resignation of its former president in December. Disney appointed James Pitaro as the new head of ESPN. Previously, he was Disney's consumer products and digital chief. Pitaro will have his work cut out for him. Next month, ESPN will launch its new streaming service. The network is also facing declining viewership.
The popular trivia app HQ has received an additional $15 million in funding. Axios reported the new funding on Tuesday, noting that the company's total valuation is now estimated at $100 million. HQ has been very successful in drawing in younger audiences. On Sunday night, 2.1 million users tuned in for the game show.
In other funding news, the insurance app Lemonade recently secured $120 million in Series C funding. Daniel Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Lemonade, tells Cheddar he plans to use this new money to expand the app globally. Schreiber says Lemonade is trying to reinvent insurance. Lemonade wants to make customers happy, not make money by denying claims.
And we're joined by iconic travel writer Rick Steves to hear about his new book, "Travel as a Political Act." Steves says it's more important than ever for people to travel in today's world. He says some events in the last few years, such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, have made people anxious to travel. But Steves encourages everyone to branch out and travel somewhere new, especially in light of current global politics.
Ty Young, CEO of Ty J. Young Wealth Management, joins Cheddar to discuss Trump's moves as he returns to Washington D.C. and how it may affect the U.S. economy.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.
