This App Wants to Cut Through #Sponsored Content Clutter
It's not easy looking for product recommendations online. Swearby Founder and CEO Kate Foster Lengyel joins Cheddar to discuss how her app-based platform lets consumers hear from honest enthusiasts rather than paid bloggers. She explains the company's central idea that, "there's stuff, and then there's stuff you swear by."
Swearby uses both an app and an editorial website to provide consumers with reliable recommendations that aren't tied to sponsored bloggers. Foster Lengyel explains how it works, and generates revenue despite cutting influencers out of the equation. The company prides itself on its transparency and creative communication.
Foster Lengyel previously was the CMO of NYDJ, the #1 women's denim department store brands. She reveals her experiences seeing the world of paid misleading product recommendations firsthand and how it inspired her to create her new business. Swearby is currently a part of the A51 WeWork incubator.
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.