From blockchain to Amazon's dominance, look for last year's biggest business stories to carry into 2018. Fast Company's Noah Robischon joins Cheddar to preview the trends to watch for in the new year. He explains why the technology behind the rise of cryptocurrency is poised for even more headlines this year.
Next, we discuss how retail will continue to fight for its life given the Amazon threat. Robischon says "the cool factor" is one area where traditional retail has an edge over the e-commerce giant. The executive editor also explains why pop-up stores and showrooms are gaining in popularity.
Finally, we breakdown Amazon's year ahead. Robischon says Jeff Bezos is likely to be even more aggressive with his company's move into the pharmaceutical space. The executive editor also says whether he agrees with Gene Munster's prediction that Amazon will acquire Target in 2018.
Umbilical cord blood banking platform Anja Health raised $4.5 million dollars in a seed round led by Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Anja Health offers a personalized, doctor-backed cord blood bank, which lets new parents freeze stem cells from their child's umbilical cord so they can be used to treat diseases in the future. It's a process Anja has called 'Hollywood's best-kept secret,' as celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Serena Williams, and more have all banked their umbilical cord blood. Kathryn Cross, the founder of Anja Health, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Catching you up on what you missed in today's news. Elon Musk has increased his commitment to purchase Twitter to $33.5 billion, Apple is raising its hourly wages for retail stores to compete for talent, and Roblox has announced that it will be partnering with the medically prescribed video game ‘Endeavor’ to help treat patients with ADHD.
Actor Jimmy O. Yang is partnering with Chinese food chain Panda Express for his YouTube series "Jimmy's Kitchen." The comedian joined Cheddar News to talk about the partnership as well as upcoming ventures. "Panda Express could not be more perfect like even before this deal, I was just wearing a Panda Express hat for fun when I go outside," he said.
