## The AI Boom Echoes Past Market Frenzies

The artificial intelligence sector is heating up, reminiscent of the dot-com bubble in 1999 or the recent tech surge in 2021. Startups are experiencing a wave of **unsolicited investment interest** just months or even weeks after announcing fundraises, often at valuations that could **more than double** their worth.

## Mercor at the Center of the Storm

One of the latest examples is **Mercor**, which has reportedly received offers valuing the company at a staggering **$10 billion**. This pre-emptive approach by investors highlights the intense competition and optimism in the AI space, signaling a potential bubble or a golden era for innovation.

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The frothiness of the artificial intelligence boom is starting to look like 1999…or 2021. Startups are again receiving unsolicited investment interest months or even weeks after announcing a fundraising, sometimes at prices that would more than double their valuation. The latest is Mercor, a ...

AI Startup Mercor Attracts $10 Billion Valuation Offers in Pre-emptive Funding Frenzy

# Tin Can: The Analog Phone Revolutionizing Kids' Communication

![Tin Can Lifestyle Image](https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lifestyle4.jpg)

Tin Can has struck a chord with parents, kids, and now venture capitalists. The Seattle startup behind a landline-style telephone for children has raised **$3.5 million** in funding from investors including PSL Ventures, Newfund Capital, Mother Ventures, and Solid Foundations.

Greg Gottesman, managing director at PSL Ventures, called Tin Can "one of the fastest growing and most viral businesses I have seen in more than 25 years of venture investing."

First spotlighted in April, Tin Can's colorful WiFi-enabled landline phones are shaped like oversized tin cans and allow kids to talk to each other without screens, texting, or apps. The 7-person company quickly sold out its first two batches and is now taking pre-orders for December shipments.

Co-founder and CEO Chet Kittleson shared, "We started by building a phone just for our own kids, and it's been amazing to see that snowball into something much bigger that clearly resonates with families everywhere."

![Tin Can Product Image](https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TinCan-AnswerMeAquamarine.png)

Tin Can's early success comes amid mounting concern over the impact of **smartphones and social media** on kids' mental health, attention spans, and social development. Kittleson noted, "Parents everywhere are grappling with how to give their kids independence without handing them the internet too soon. That cultural shift — away from screens and toward more analogue forms of connection — has been a huge tailwind for us."

The phones are priced at **$75** and sold directly to families. Parents can choose between a free calling plan for Tin Can-to-Tin Can calls or a **$9.99/month** plan that enables calls to approved outside numbers. A companion mobile app allows parents to manage contacts, block unwanted calls, set quiet hours, and enable voicemail (called an "answering machine") and 911 emergency calling.

Kittleson emphasized that the device helps relieve parents' anxiety about smartphone risks, and kids love it for its fun features like dialing "HAHA" for a daily joke or "WORD" for a daily definition. Even grandparents report that calls are more thoughtful and focused compared to video chats.

Tin Can was founded by Kittleson, Graeme Davies, and Max Blumen, former colleagues at Seattle real estate startup Far Homes, which shut down last year. Vivek Ladsariya of PSL praised the mission-driven approach, saying, "It shows in the product, messaging, and branding and it's why customers love them. They want kids to live in an analog world."

(Tin Can Photos) Tin Can has struck a chord — with parents, kids, and now venture capitalists. The Seattle startup behind a landline-style telephone for

This Nostalgic Landline Phone for Kids Just Raised $3.5M and Is Going Viral – Here's Why

# The Crisis in Boston's Biotech Sector

On a Friday in August, **Dominique Verhelle** was fired over Zoom. Three days later, on a Monday, she realized it was the first time in her life without a job.

"It's my baby," Verhelle said of **NextRNA Therapeutics**, the biotech startup where she had been CEO. "I created the company."

In 2020, Verhelle left her job at Takeda Pharmaceutical to take a chance on commercializing research that began at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. NextRNA raised **tens of millions of dollars**, rented lab space in Brighton, and then, last year, entered into an agreement with the pharmaceutical giant **Bayer** to partner on new approaches to treating cancer.

Local companies have shut down or scaled back in the industry's decline, threatening scientific progress on cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases.

Local companies have shut down or scaled back in the industry’s decline, threatening scientific progress on cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases.

Boston's Biotech Winter: Startups and Jobs Vanish, Threatening Medical Breakthroughs

## Major Investment in Middle Eastern Fintech

**Hala**, a fintech company based in Saudi Arabia, has successfully raised **$157 million** in one of the largest funding rounds ever for an early-stage startup in the Middle East.

### Key Investors and Valuation

The funding round was spearheaded by **TPG** and **Sanabil**, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. This significant investment has propelled Hala's valuation to approximately **$900 million**, according to sources familiar with the details.

Hala, a Saudi Arabia-based fintech company, raised $157 million in one of the largest-ever funding rounds for an early-stage startup in the Middle East.

Saudi Fintech Hala Secures $157M in Record-Breaking Funding Round Led by TPG and Sanabil

# Lambert Liu's Journey to an AI Startup

Lambert Liu, a 22-year-old software engineer at **Graphite**, an AI code review platform, shares his insights on securing a role in the fast-paced world of AI startups. With internships at **Google** and **Replit** under his belt, Liu offers practical advice for aspiring engineers.

![Lambert Liu posing in a white T-shirt](https://i.insider.com/68bfa281f9db348adc0b1659?width=700)
*Lambert Liu, software engineer at Graphite, with experience from Google and Replit.*

## Why Choose Startups Over Big Tech?

Many computer science graduates are drawn to **Big Tech** companies for their prestige and stability. However, Liu found that startups offer **steep learning opportunities** and potential equity upside. After interning at Google twice, he felt his growth plateaued, leading him to explore startups like Replit, where he led impactful projects.

## Key Tips for Landing an AI Startup Job

### Big Tech Experience Helps

Interning at a **Big Tech** company demonstrates a strong technical foundation, including clean code and reliable shipping. While startup experience is beneficial for dealing with ambiguity, personal projects can bridge this gap.

### Build More Projects

Working on **passion projects** in your downtime develops skills and problem-solving abilities. These projects don't need to be AI-related; focus on demonstrating your engineering thinking and technical prowess.

### LeetCode Still Matters, But Not as Much

Solving problems on **LeetCode** is important for technical interviews, but startups place more emphasis on handling ambiguity and **product thinking**. AI tools can aid coding, but problem-solving skills are key.

### Get Good at System Design Thinking

Liu's interview at Graphite included questions on **system design**, which assesses technical skills and problem-solving approaches. Courses like human-computer interaction can provide valuable hands-on experience.

### Be a Holistic Engineer

To excel at a startup, strive to be a **holistic engineer** who works fast, cares about users, and takes ownership. Show your commitment to craft and quality during internships to stand out.

*This article is based on a verified conversation with Lambert Liu and edited for clarity.*

Lambert Liu, 22, says being a holistic engineer who understands system design can help secure a job at an AI startup.

From Big Tech to AI Startup: Insider Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job in Artificial Intelligence

# Colorado Startup Week Expands Beyond Denver with a Focus on AI

Formerly known as Denver Startup Week, the event has been rebranded to **Colorado Startup Week**, reflecting a broader reach across the state. The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, September 15, 2025, with sessions now hosted in various locations including Fort Collins, Boulder, Littleton, and even outdoor spots like Mount Falcon Park in Jefferson County for unique networking experiences like hiking and painting classes.

![Abstract Adventures session](https://i0.wp.com/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/09132025-WW-Abstract-Adventures-Experience.png?w=2000&quality=80&ssl=1)
*Abstract Adventures founder Sarah Leistico leads a popular session combining hiking and painting, emphasizing creativity and risk-taking.*

This shift to a decentralized model is driven by a new "Community Events" initiative, allowing volunteers and local entrepreneurs to organize their own sessions with minimal oversight, as long as they relate to innovation and entrepreneurship without self-promotion. Ben Deda, a co-founder, highlighted that this approach reduces barriers and leverages community energy, with 190 out of 230 sessions being community-driven this year.

## AI Dominates the Agenda

A staggering **75% of sessions** are tied to artificial intelligence, covering topics from practical AI usage and platform building to philosophical discussions on AI's impact on jobs. Key sessions feature local AI leaders like Adeel Khan of MagicSchool, which raised $45 million to combat teacher burnout, and Nathan Sobo of Zed Industries, which secured $32 million for AI collaboration tools.

![AI networking event](https://i0.wp.com/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Adeel-Khan-2024-FYSK-May-23-1-1200x800.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&quality=85&ssl=1)
*Networking at AI-focused events, showcasing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the startup community.*

Despite the AI focus, the annual job fair is absent this year, possibly due to current labor market conditions and controversies around AI replacing workers. Additionally, there are no specific sessions on Colorado's upcoming AI law, which mandates disclosures for AI systems affecting consequential decisions, though related topics like IP and data usage are covered.

## Event Statistics and Trends

Registrations are estimated in the "high four figures," a decline from pre-pandemic highs of 20,000 attendees and 350 sessions in 2019. Last year saw about 12,000 participants, indicating a gradual recovery. Top sponsors include Amazon and Caruso Ventures, underscoring the tech-centric nature of the event.

![Colorado Startup Week overview](https://i0.wp.com/newspack-coloradosun.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/09132025-Colorado-Startup-Week2-1200x900.png?resize=1200%2C900&quality=80&ssl=1)
*An overview of Colorado Startup Week, highlighting its volunteer-run, free format that encourages grassroots innovation.*

Networking opportunities extend beyond Denver, with events like wellness breaks and happy hours in Littleton, organized by Impact Initiative to provide a relaxed environment for connections. This expansion aims to make the event more accessible and engaging for a diverse entrepreneurial community.

You may recognize its old name, Denver Startup Week. Organizers are leaning into the entrepreneurial community beyond Denver.

Colorado Startup Week Goes Statewide with 75% AI Sessions – Here's What to Expect

# Alfred Fuller's Journey from Hardship to Hope

At just 19 years old, Alfred Fuller has already demonstrated incredible **grit, resilience, and vision**, showing that perseverance can transform struggles into opportunities. This aspiring entrepreneur and St Jago High School alumnus recently won the inaugural **Access Financial Services (AFS) Marcus James Scholarship for Entrepreneurship**, a moment his mother had long prayed for.

Growing up in a single-parent household in Bog Walk, St Catherine, Fuller watched his mother, Larnett Squire, stretch limited resources to care for him and his two sisters, all while teaching them the values of **humility and gratitude**. "My mother always told me that even if you don't have much, you must still give thanks and work for what you want. That spirit has stayed with me; gratitude for what I have, and determination for what I can build," Fuller shared.

## Overcoming Adversity with Determination

Fuller faced significant challenges, including tough decisions like whether to spend his last $100 on bus fare for school or save it for family needs. At age 13, he began **selling sweets at St Jago High School**, turning a potential source of ridicule into the foundation of his entrepreneurial path. "People would see me with my little bag of sweets and laugh. But I never minded, because I had a goal. Even though it started small, it showed me that you can make a difference with whatever you have in your hands," he asserted.

His entrepreneurial spirit flourished, earning him respect from peers. Fuller led four school clubs, including the **Social Entrepreneurship Club**, where he initiated projects like **Books for Change**, redistributing gently used books to children in need. He also excelled as a national-level decathlete, balancing academics, athletics, and leadership with quiet resilience.

## Profit and Purpose Combined

Now a first-year student at the University of Technology, Jamaica, pursuing a bachelor's in business administration, Fuller aims to build enterprises that merge **profit with purpose**. "Some people see entrepreneurship as a career; I see it as a responsibility," he affirmed. His ideas include a digital platform to connect small farmers directly with urban consumers, reducing waste and boosting income, and a social enterprise producing affordable study materials to prevent students from choosing between bus fare and textbooks.

This vision earned him the AFS Marcus James Scholarship, valued at $750,000 annually and renewable for up to three years. It covers tuition, room and board, and provides technical business development assistance through partnerships with organizations like the Jamaica Business Development Corporation.

## Belief and Investment in Potential

For Fuller, the scholarship is more than financial aid; it's a vote of confidence. "This scholarship tells me that someone believes in my potential. After almost facing the harsh reality of not continuing my tertiary education due to costs, I want to maximize this opportunity so that Access Financial and Jamaica can see the results of their investment," he said.

Named after Access Financial Services' founder Marcus James, the scholarship is part of the company's commitment to empower Jamaican youth through education and entrepreneurship. "By investing in students like Alfred, we're not just investing in education but planting seeds for sustainable businesses that uplift communities. In our 25th year, we're deepening our community footprint through initiatives like this scholarship and Access Hope, which donated over $6.2 million for community projects this year," James explained, highlighting community empowerment as key to national development.

At just 19 years old, Alfred Fuller has already lived a life characterised by sheer grit, resilience and vision, proving on Wednesday that perseverance can turn struggle into opportunity. The aspiring entrepreneur and St Jago High School alumnus...

AI Startup Mercor Attracts $10 Billion Valuation Offers in Pre-emptive Funding Frenzy

Summary:

The AI Boom Echoes Past Market Frenzies

Mercor at the Center of the Storm

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Other Latest News

This Nostalgic Landline Phone for Kids Just Raised $3.5M and Is Going Viral – Here's Why

Boston's Biotech Winter: Startups and Jobs Vanish, Threatening Medical Breakthroughs

Saudi Fintech Hala Secures $157M in Record-Breaking Funding Round Led by TPG and Sanabil

From Big Tech to AI Startup: Insider Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job in Artificial Intelligence

Colorado Startup Week Goes Statewide with 75% AI Sessions – Here's What to Expect

How a 19-Year-Old's Sweet Sales Sparked a Social Entrepreneurship Revolution in Jamaica

Other Latest News

This Nostalgic Landline Phone for Kids Just Raised $3.5M and Is Going Viral – Here's Why

Boston's Biotech Winter: Startups and Jobs Vanish, Threatening Medical Breakthroughs

Saudi Fintech Hala Secures $157M in Record-Breaking Funding Round Led by TPG and Sanabil

From Big Tech to AI Startup: Insider Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job in Artificial Intelligence

Colorado Startup Week Goes Statewide with 75% AI Sessions – Here's What to Expect

How a 19-Year-Old's Sweet Sales Sparked a Social Entrepreneurship Revolution in Jamaica