## Google Gobbles Up Another AI Startup: Character.AI's Founders Return to the Fold

In a move that continues Big Tech's trend of swallowing the AI industry, Google has acquired the talent behind the popular AI startup **Character.AI**. This time, it's the co-founders, **Noam Shazeer** and **Daniel De Freitas**, along with their team of AI researchers, who are returning to Google DeepMind.

The two founders, who famously left Google in 2021 to start Character.AI, citing frustration with Google's bureaucracy, are now back in the fold. The move leaves **Character.AI's remaining 140 employees** to figure out their next steps. 

This acquisition is unusual in that no company shares are actually changing hands. Instead, Google is paying investors in Character.AI for the value of their equity at a **valuation of $2.5 billion**. Employees are also receiving cash at this valuation, and they'll continue to receive payments at that price as their existing stock grants vest.  

This acquisition highlights Google's ongoing drive to dominate the AI space by acquiring promising startups and talent, leaving smaller companies to navigate the complex landscape of competing with tech giants. 

In a surprise move, Google is hiring back the co-founders of buzzy AI startup Character.AI, Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, along with their team of AI researchers.

Google Buys Out Another AI Startup: Character.AI Founders Return to the Fold

## Arkham Intelligence's Bold Move into Crypto Derivatives

Arkham Intelligence Inc., a **blockchain data company** backed by notable investors including **OpenAI founder Sam Altman**, is gearing up to launch a **crypto derivatives exchange** next month. This strategic move comes as the company relocates its operations from **London and New York** to **Punta Cana, Dominican Republic**.

### What You Need to Know About Arkham's Exchange

- The new exchange will primarily target **retail investors**, aiming to compete with leading platforms like **Binance**. However, it will **not be open to US investors**.
- Arkham plans to operate under a **Dominican Republic free-trade zone license**, which offers **tax exemptions** and fiscal benefits that could enhance its competitive edge.
- Following the announcement, the **Arkham token (ARKM)** saw a significant rise of **19%**, bringing its market capitalization to approximately **$344 million**.

### Industry Context and Market Opportunity

The cryptocurrency derivatives market has seen substantial growth, with **$3.07 trillion** traded in September alone, accounting for roughly **71% of total crypto volume**. Arkham's entrance into this space comes amid a backdrop of regulatory changes affecting major players like Binance and the collapse of FTX, which have reshaped the landscape.

### Building for the Future

Arkham has been developing its exchange technology internally for over a year and is in the process of raising up to **$100 million** from investors in the Middle East to support its expansion. The company boasts around **880,000 monthly active users** on its data platform, which it hopes will facilitate customer acquisition for the new exchange.

### Brand Promotion Strategies

To enhance its brand visibility, Arkham signed a **€1.8 million ($2 million)** sponsorship deal with **Turkish football club Galatasaray**, which will feature its logo on players' shirt sleeves. This initiative aims to solidify Arkham's presence in the crypto space and engage a wider audience.

Arkham Intelligence is poised to make a significant impact in the cryptocurrency market, leveraging its unique position and innovative approach to attract retail investors and build a robust trading platform.

(Bloomberg) -- Arkham Intelligence Inc., a blockchain data company backed by investors including OpenAI founder Sam Altman, is planning to launch a crypto derivatives exchange next month, according to a person familiar with the initiative.Most Read from BloombergThe Cablebus Transformed Commutes in Mexico City’s Populous OutskirtsSan Francisco to Shut 9% of Public Schools Amid Budget WoesAs Brussels Booms, an Old Boogeyman Returns: BrusselizationChicago Marathon to Honor Kenyan Who Died After Hi

Arkham Intelligence: The New Crypto Exchange Set to Challenge Binance, Backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman

The **Department of Justice's** proposal to dismantle Google marks a pivotal moment in the tech industry. If successful in court, this move could significantly **benefit AI startups** by promoting **competition** and **innovation** in the sector. 

### The Implications of a Google Break-Up 

The tech giant's breakup could lead to a more diverse landscape where smaller, **agile startups** can thrive without the overshadowing presence of a corporate behemoth. This is particularly relevant in the **AI sector**, where new players could emerge with unique solutions and ideas. 

### What This Means for Startups 

AI startups could find themselves with enhanced opportunities for funding and **market access**. Investors may be more inclined to support **innovative technologies** that challenge the status quo, leading to a surge in new ideas and applications. 

### A New Competitive Landscape 

With Google’s dominance potentially curtailed, the tech landscape could experience a shift, allowing **entrepreneurs** to explore uncharted territories and develop **disruptive technologies** that could cater to diverse consumer needs. 

### Conclusion 

In conclusion, the proposed breakup of Google could be a game-changer for the tech industry, especially for **AI startups** looking to carve out their niche in a competitive market.

The Department of Justice’s proposal to shake up the company is a seminal moment for the industry. If it prevails in court, AI start-ups could benefit

Could Breaking Up Google Spark a New Era for AI Startups?

### The Main Item

**AI is transforming the legal landscape**, similar to its impact on software development. Venture capitalists are increasingly investing in legal tech startups, with **investment in the sector set to reach new highs this year** according to Crunchbase.

Several startups are emerging with innovative solutions. For instance, **Harvey** aims to be an all-in-one platform for legal tasks, while **Cicero**, a stealth startup, is developing AI tools specifically for Chief Legal Officers at Fortune 500 companies. **Norm Ai** focuses on regulatory compliance, ensuring that documents adhere to legal standards, and **EvenUp** assists personal injury lawyers with case preparation and negotiation tools.

![AI Legal Startups Market Map](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3fd4226-6030-47e1-a3d9-03f6505e5f58_1280x720.png)

**Legal documents are often repetitive and formulaic**, making them ideal candidates for AI assistance. However, challenges remain for AI in high-stakes legal reasoning, where certainty is paramount. **Aaref Hilaly** from BCV emphasizes the need for precision in legal AI applications to avoid costly mistakes.

Recent controversies highlight the caution necessary in this space. The FTC recently fined **Joshua Browder’s DoNotPay** for overstating its AI capabilities. 

### Market Dynamics

Despite a global slump in venture capital, AI startups in the legal sector are thriving. **2024 is on track to match 2021's record levels**, with **$2.4 billion** in deal value already reported this year. However, the investment landscape is uneven, with regions like **Asia** witnessing significant declines in funding, while **Latin America** saw a modest increase.

![Venture Capital Trends](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5df01b7f-6db4-493a-9ec8-fd5f2182d0d9_1584x1094.png)

As the legal tech sector evolves, startups are exploring either highly specific niches or comprehensive solutions to capture market share, with **VCs showing interest in both strategies**. **Battery Ventures’ Brandon Gleklen** noted that firms are eager for one-stop solutions in legal tech, reflecting broader market trends.

### Data Deep-Dive

Overall, while the legal tech sector thrives, the **global venture environment remains challenging**, with varying performance across regions. As legal AI continues to develop, it will be essential to monitor how these startups navigate the complexities of legal work and investor expectations.

Plus, venture investing across the globe slipped in Q3

Why Venture Capitalists are Obsessed with AI's Legal Revolution

### **Venture Capital Landscape Changes**  
The **venture capital** scene is experiencing notable shifts as **deal activity** begins to **slow down**. This trend raises questions about the future of startup funding and the implications for entrepreneurs.  
  
### **Key Factors Contributing to Slowdown**  
Several factors are influencing this change, including:  
- **Economic uncertainty**: Investors are becoming more cautious amidst fluctuating economic conditions.  
- **Market saturation**: Many sectors are seeing an oversupply of startups, leading to increased competition for funding.  
- **Shifts in investor focus**: Investors are now prioritizing profitability over growth, altering their investment strategies significantly.  
  
### **Impact on Startups**  
The slowdown in venture capital could lead to:  
- **Increased difficulty in securing funding**: Startups may find it harder to attract investors.  
- **A focus on sustainable business models**: Companies that can demonstrate profitability may have a better chance of securing funding.  
- **Emerging opportunities**: With the right strategy, startups in less saturated markets could still find success.  
  
### **Conclusion**  
As the venture capital landscape evolves, both investors and entrepreneurs must adapt to the changing environment. Understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the future of startup funding effectively.

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Is Venture Capital Losing Its Momentum? Insights on Slowing Deal Activity

Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but not making the **progress you want**? I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be. As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve spent years diving deep into **personal development**, trying to unlock the secrets to **greater productivity** and **success**. What I’ve learned is that often, it’s not just about what we’re doing—it’s about the **habits** we don’t even realize are holding us back.

Some of these habits might seem harmless or even helpful at first glance. But they can actually be stealthy **productivity killers**, sabotaging your efforts without you even noticing.

The good news? Once you recognize them, you can make simple shifts to get back on track. Today, I’m sharing **five habits** that could be quietly slowing you down—and what to do instead.

### 1) Multitasking
Believe it or not, **multitasking is a myth**. We often think of juggling multiple tasks at once as an efficient way to get things done. But the reality? Not so much.

**Research has shown** that our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple tasks at once. Instead, when we multitask, we’re actually just rapidly switching between tasks, which can reduce productivity by up to **40%**. So, next time you’re tempted to check your emails while on a conference call, remember: it’s more efficient to focus on **one task at a time**.

### 2) Skipping Breaks
This is a habit I’ve personally struggled with. In the hustle and bustle, I often found myself **skipping breaks** to ‘save time’. But here’s the thing: skipping breaks doesn’t actually save time; it hampers productivity.

Our brains need time to rest and recharge. **Studies suggest** that we can concentrate for no longer than **90 minutes**. By scheduling short breaks every hour, I found myself feeling more refreshed and focused, and my productivity soared.

### 3) Neglecting Self-Care
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to put off **self-care**. However, neglecting self-care is a counterproductive habit that holds us back. According to experts, self-care is crucial for our **mental and physical health**. When we’re feeling our best, we’re more capable of tackling challenges and achieving our goals.

I learned this lesson the hard way. It wasn’t until I made self-care a priority—by sticking to a sleep schedule and making time for exercise—that I noticed a real shift in my energy and focus.

### 4) Accepting Only “Perfection”
Do you ever find yourself reworking something over and over again, waiting for it to be “just right” before moving forward? **Perfectionism** is a trap closely linked to procrastination—a massive productivity killer.

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for **progress**. Set realistic goals, and remind yourself that most tasks don’t require flawless execution—they just need to get done. Remember, **done is better than perfect**!

### 5) Always Saying “Yes”
It may seem counter-intuitive, but always saying “yes” can actually be holding you back. We often feel the need to please others and take on more tasks. But stretching ourselves too thin can lead to **burnout** and decreased productivity.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. By saying “no” more often, we can prevent over-commitment and ensure we have the time and energy to do our best work. As psychology professor Adam Grant puts it, “**Saying no frees you up to say yes when it matters most**.”

Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but not making the progress you want? I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be. As the founder of...

Unlock Your Productivity: 5 Sneaky Habits Holding You Back

In this week’s edition of **The Prototype**, we explore groundbreaking innovations in technology including AI chips, modular nuclear reactors, real-life web fluid, and much more.

## AI Chips Set to Transform Costs
*Last week, OpenAI announced a staggering $6.6 billion in new investments.* However, despite the influx of capital, they anticipate spending **up to $9.5 billion annually** on computing costs for training new models. The current architecture of computers, which separates memory and processing, leads to excessive energy consumption due to constant data shuffling.

**Fractile**, a U.K.-based startup, has emerged from stealth mode with **$15 million in funding** to develop an innovative **AI co-processor** that integrates memory and processing. CEO **Walter Goodwin** claims their chips will handle a “very small set of operations” specific to AI algorithms, allowing them to run models **up to 100 times faster** and at **one-tenth the cost** of current systems. However, Goodwin notes that the company is still in the prototyping stage, with a clear path ahead for product development.

![Walter Goodwin, CEO of Fractile](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67091d9d24a55684599992cf/Walter-Goodwin--CEO-of-Fractile/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

## Affordable Nuclear Reactors on the Horizon
With the increasing energy demands from AI applications, the need for **clean power** is more pressing than ever. **Blue Energy**, founded by **Jake Jurewicz**, aims to make nuclear power more accessible and affordable by developing **modular reactors** in shipyards. Recently emerging from stealth with **$45 million in funding**, Blue Energy plans to reduce construction time from **10 years to just 2 years**. Their innovative design, which places reactors underwater, enhances safety and cooling efficiency, enabling easier site selection.

![Concept art of a Blue Energy nuclear plant.](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67084e359a1a8015399b0333/Concept-art-of-a-Blue-Energy-nuclear-plant-/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

## Discovering Spider-Man’s Web Fluid
In an exciting breakthrough, researchers at **Tufts University** have created a **real-life version of Spider-Man’s web fluid** capable of lifting objects over **80 times its weight**. This was achieved by extracting fibers from **silk moth cocoons** and adding chemical additives, resulting in a liquid that solidifies upon exposure to air. The findings were published in the journal **Advanced Functional Materials**.

## NASA's Mars Sample Mission
**NASA** has awarded **Rocket Lab** a contract to propose a mission for retrieving **Martian surface samples** and returning them to Earth. This mission promises to be **cheaper** and faster than existing plans, potentially delivering samples years ahead of schedule.

## Nobel Prize Highlights
This week’s **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine** was awarded to **Victor Ambros** and **Gary Ruvkun** for their discovery of **microRNA**, fundamentally changing our understanding of gene regulation.

## Science Tip: Teaching Kids Skepticism
Recent research suggests that exposing children to **misinformation** can actually enhance their ability to identify false information later on. This finding emphasizes the importance of cultivating **skepticism** in young minds.

## What’s Entertaining Me
I’ve been enjoying **Season 4 of Only Murders In The Building**, which continues to impress with its engaging plot and stellar guest stars. 

Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in technology and science.

Plus: Building a nuclear reactor in a shipyard, making Spidey’s web fluid in real life and why you should expose your kids to misinformation. 

Revolutionizing AI: How Fractile's Chips Could Slash Costs by 90%

After a significant growth from **five customers to 65**, the DC-based software startup **Hotglue** has successfully raised a **$4 million seed round** to further enhance its operations and technology. This **software-as-a-service** company specializes in an **embedded integration platform** that assists developers in connecting various applications. Co-founder and chief revenue officer **David Molot** emphasized that their tool is designed to **scale with companies** as their needs evolve.

Hotglue, a proud **Y Combinator alum**, had previously secured **$1.5 million in pre-seed funding** back in 2021, a time characterized by a different economic atmosphere. Molot noted that the current fundraising round was led by **8VC**, with contributions from **Wayfinder Ventures**, **Correlation Ventures**, and **TDF Ventures**.

Founded at the end of **2020**, Hotglue has expanded its clientele across the **US, Europe, India, and South America**, focusing primarily on sectors like **customer relationship management**, **accounting**, and **e-commerce tools**. Notably, **40% of their customers are AI-focused companies**, leveraging Hotglue’s platform for **supporting various AI integrations**. Molot clarified that while Hotglue is not an AI company, it plays a critical role in facilitating the operations of numerous AI firms.

As the startup continues to grow, Molot recognizes the need for additional funding to accelerate their **go-to-market strategy**. He highlighted the uniqueness of Hotglue's offerings, stating that their integrations are all **open source**, allowing customers the flexibility to create custom solutions.

Currently, the team consists of **nine employees**, primarily engineers, and they are in the process of hiring a **sales director** and a head of marketing to strengthen their leadership. Molot expressed a commitment to growing the **DC tech scene**, stating, "We love DC as a city and really want to grow DC tech in general."

Both Molot and co-founder **Hassan Syyid** have personal ties to the region, having met at the **University of Maryland, College Park** before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on their experiences, Molot shared his excitement about the startup's trajectory, noting, "This is a place where you can grow a company. We’re so happy that so far it seems to be working out, and that we found a problem people really want solved."

![Hotglue Dashboard](https://technical.ly/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Hotglue-dashboard-redndering.png)

*Rendering of Hotglue’s platform dashboard, showcasing data movement between applications.*

DC-based Hotglue aims to help companies connect applications using open-source software.

Google Buys Out Another AI Startup: Character.AI Founders Return to the Fold

Summary:

Google Gobbles Up Another AI Startup: Character.AI's Founders Return to the Fold

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Other Latest News

Arkham Intelligence: The New Crypto Exchange Set to Challenge Binance, Backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman

Could Breaking Up Google Spark a New Era for AI Startups?

Why Venture Capitalists are Obsessed with AI's Legal Revolution

Is Venture Capital Losing Its Momentum? Insights on Slowing Deal Activity

Unlock Your Productivity: 5 Sneaky Habits Holding You Back

Revolutionizing AI: How Fractile's Chips Could Slash Costs by 90%

Hotglue Secures $4M Seed Round to Transform Software Integration Landscape

Other Latest News

Arkham Intelligence: The New Crypto Exchange Set to Challenge Binance, Backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman

Could Breaking Up Google Spark a New Era for AI Startups?

Why Venture Capitalists are Obsessed with AI's Legal Revolution

Is Venture Capital Losing Its Momentum? Insights on Slowing Deal Activity

Unlock Your Productivity: 5 Sneaky Habits Holding You Back

Revolutionizing AI: How Fractile's Chips Could Slash Costs by 90%

Hotglue Secures $4M Seed Round to Transform Software Integration Landscape