# Anthropic's Meteoric Rise: From $1 Million to $23 Million in Valuation Rewrites Startup Pay

Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup, has seen its valuation skyrocket from $12.5 billion to an astounding $183 billion. This rapid growth is not just a financial milestone; it's fundamentally changing how startups compensate their employees, particularly engineers, leading to the creation of generational wealth.

![Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei](https://i.insider.com/68ba232d57d362d375e790ac?width=700)

**Key drivers** behind this surge include advancements in AI technology and strategic funding rounds. The company's success story highlights the immense potential in the **AI sector**, making it a hotbed for investment and talent acquisition.

This shift in startup pay structures is setting new benchmarks, with engineers at Anthropic reportedly earning significantly higher salaries and equity packages compared to industry standards. It underscores the importance of **innovation and high-growth markets** in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

Anthropic's meteoric rise in valuation from $12.5 billion to $183 billion is rewriting startup pay, creating generational wealth for its engineers.

How Anthropic's Explosive Growth Is Reshaping Startup Salaries and Creating Millionaires

# How This Millennial Investor Made Millions in His 20s and Shares Gen Z's Path to Startup Riches

**Martin Mignot**, a partner at **Index Ventures**, achieved millionaire status before turning 30 through early investments in startups like **Deliveroo**, **Figma**, and **Scale AI**. In an exclusive interview, he reveals how **Gen Z** can spot the next unicorn and build wealth quickly by owning equity in promising companies.

## Early Success with Deliveroo

Mignot first invested in **Deliveroo** when it was a small London-based platform with just eight employees and a few thousand users. Despite a basic website, he was impressed by the founder's commitment and the exceptional delivery experience. Today, Deliveroo is a $2.7 billion giant with over 160,000 restaurants globally.

## Index Ventures' Winning Streak

At **Index Ventures**, Mignot has continued to back successful startups, including **Revolut**, **Trainline**, and **Personio**. The firm's early bets on companies like Figma and Scale AI have yielded billions, making it a standout in Silicon Valley.

## Two Paths to Wealth for Gen Z

Mignot outlines two strategies for **Gen Z** to achieve financial success:
- **Become a founder**: Entrepreneurship offers the highest potential rewards but comes with significant risk. With today's technology, building and marketing products is more accessible than ever.
- **Join a startup early**: Invest in or work for a startup in its early stages to gain equity. This path provides ownership without the full risk of founding a company.

## Key Insights for Spotting Unicorns

Look for founders with deep insight, intense commitment, and a hands-on approach, as demonstrated by Deliveroo's Will Shu. **Owning equity** is crucial for building wealth rapidly in the startup world.

EXCLUSIVE: Martin Mignot made his first millions before turning 30 thanks to investments in the likes of Deliveroo before it became famous. Now, he’s revealing how Gen Z can spot the next unicorn—and cash in early.

How This Millennial Investor Made Millions in His 20s and Shares Gen Z's Path to Startup Riches

# AI Startup's Ambitious Plan to Revive a Classic Film

On Friday, a startup named **Fable** announced a head-scratching yet ambitious project: using **AI technology** to recreate the lost 43 minutes of Orson Welles' 1942 film "The Magnificent Ambersons." This move raises eyebrows, especially since Fable, which bills itself as the "Netflix of AI," recently secured funding from **Amazon's Alexa Fund**.

## Why This Unconventional Approach?

Fable has developed a platform that allows users to generate cartoons through AI prompts. While starting with its own IP, the company aims to expand into Hollywood properties. It has already been used to create unauthorized episodes of shows like "South Park," showcasing its capabilities but also sparking controversy.

Now, Fable is launching a new AI model designed to produce long, complex narratives. Over the next two years, filmmaker Brian Rose—who has spent five years digitally reconstructing Welles' vision—plans to use this model to remake the lost footage. However, **Fable has not obtained the rights** to the film, making this project a tech demo that may never see public release.

## The Significance of "The Magnificent Ambersons"

For those not steeped in film history, "The Magnificent Ambersons" might seem an obscure choice. Often overshadowed by Welles' "Citizen Kane," it is remembered as a **lost masterpiece** that was heavily edited by the studio, adding an unconvincing happy ending and cutting significant content. This sense of loss and potential is what drew Fable and Rose to the project.

Yet, the startup failed to consult Welles' estate. David Reeder, representing Welles' daughter Beatrice, criticized the initiative as a publicity stunt, calling it a "purely mechanical exercise" lacking the innovative spirit of Welles. Interestingly, the estate has embraced AI for voice work, highlighting a complex stance on technology in creativity.

## Ethical and Creative Concerns

Even with estate involvement, there's skepticism. Past attempts to posthumously complete Welles' films used his own footage, but Fable's hybrid approach—mixing AI with reshooting scenes and face-swapping actors—feels more like a fabrication than a restoration. Rose's genuine desire to honor Welles' vision, such as recreating a lost tracking shot, is noted, but the result will inevitably be an interpretation, not the original.

Ultimately, while AI can simulate, it cannot replace the **unique genius of an artist**. The true version of "The Magnificent Ambersons" remains lost, and no amount of technology can undo that tragedy.

AI Startup's Bold Gamble: Recreating Orson Welles' Lost Masterpiece with Amazon's Backing

# Unlikely Partnerships: Young Israelis and Palestinians Unite in Business

In a region often torn by conflict, two organizations with roots in Greater Boston are pioneering a new approach to bridge the deep divides in the Middle East. By focusing on **tech and entrepreneurship**, they are fostering collaboration between young Israelis and Palestinians, turning adversity into opportunity.

## The Power of Entrepreneurship in Conflict Zones

These initiatives leverage the universal language of innovation to create common ground. Through startup incubators and tech projects, participants are not only building businesses but also forging personal connections that transcend political boundaries. This model demonstrates how **entrepreneurship** can serve as a catalyst for peace and economic development, even in the most challenging environments.

## Key Initiatives and Their Impact

One organization focuses on providing mentorship and funding for joint ventures, while the other emphasizes skill-building and networking events. Together, they are empowering a new generation to see beyond the conflict and work towards a shared future. The emphasis on **technology** ensures that these efforts are scalable and have the potential for significant impact, both locally and globally.

## Why This Matters for the Startup World

This story highlights the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. It's a powerful reminder that **innovation** can thrive anywhere, and that business partnerships can be a force for good in the world.

Two organizations with Greater Boston roots turn to tech and entrepreneurship to bridge the fraught divide in the Middle East.

How Israeli and Palestinian Entrepreneurs Are Building Bridges Through Tech in the Darkest Times

# Nathaneo Johnson's Journey: Balancing Full-Time Studies with a Thriving AI Venture

Nathaneo Johnson, a senior at Yale University, has achieved a remarkable feat by co-founding an **AI startup** while pursuing his degree full-time. His company, Series, recently secured **$3.1 million in pre-seed funding**, showcasing the potential of young entrepreneurs in the tech world.

![Nathaneo Johnson](https://i.insider.com/68bb00d2f9db348adc0ae9a6?width=700)
*Nathaneo Johnson is a senior at Yale. Courtesy of Nathaneo Johnson*

## The Challenge of Juggling Academics and Entrepreneurship

Managing a startup as a full-time student is no small task. Johnson emphasizes the importance of **discipline and organization** in his daily routine. He has developed strategies to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which are crucial for any founder navigating the early stages of a business.

## Key Strategies for Success

- **Time Blocking**: Johnson allocates specific time slots for classes, study sessions, and startup work, ensuring that neither area suffers.
- **Delegation**: By trusting his team and outsourcing tasks, he focuses on high-impact activities that drive growth.
- **Leveraging University Resources**: Yale's ecosystem provides access to mentors, networks, and potential investors, which played a role in securing funding.

This story highlights the growing trend of **student entrepreneurs** who are not waiting to graduate to make their mark. With AI at the forefront of innovation, Johnson's experience offers valuable insights for aspiring founders looking to balance education with ambition.

Nathaneo Johnson co-founded Series while studying full-time at Yale. It raised $3.1m in pre-seed funding. He's disciplined, organized, and delegates.

From Yale Dorms to $3M in Funding: How a Student Founder Masters Time Management for His AI Startup

# Unlock the Secrets of Startup Equity: Expert Panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Reveals All

For the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, **Disrupt 2025** (taking place October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco) dives deep into one of the most pressing questions for founders: compensation and equity.

On the **Builders Stage**, a panel of seasoned experts who have lived, scaled, and solved these challenges will tackle the tough questions every startup faces during growth. [Register here to save up to $668!](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/tickets/?promo=post_pulley645venturesepigram_06202025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=speaker&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc)

![TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Panelists](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TC25_Jakubowitz-Whiting-Wu-Speaker-16x9-Dark.png?w=680)

## Who's Joining the Builders Stage

### Meet the Panelists

- **Randi Jakubowitz** — Head of Operations & Talent at **645 Ventures**. With experience from early HR leadership at Seamless through its Grubhub merger and IPO, Randi excels at scaling teams under pressure and keeping talent strategies sharp.

- **Rebecca Lee Whiting** — Founder of **Epigram Legal**. As a fractional GC to top AI and biotech startups and a former Ninth Circuit clerk, Rebecca simplifies the legal complexities around equity structuring and retention.

- **Yin Wu** — Founder and CEO of **Pulley**. With over 5,000 companies using her YC-backed equity platform and a prior exit to Microsoft, Yin specializes in designing equity packages that attract, motivate, and retain top talent.

## Why This Session Matters

This discussion will cut through the noise to answer critical questions:

- How much equity should you **really** offer early employees?
- How do you compete with Big Tech compensation packages without depleting your runway?
- How do you structure equity to ensure employees stay committed for the long term?

The exact session time will be announced soon, but this is a conversation you won't want to miss. [Save up to $668 when you register before September 27](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/tickets/?promo=post_pulley645venturesepigram_06202025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=speaker&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc). Secure your spot at one of the year's most anticipated tech conferences and gain invaluable insights.

Leaders from Pulley, 645 Ventures, and Epigram Legal join the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Builder Stage, happening on October 27-29 in San Francisco. Register to join.

Unlock the Secrets of Startup Equity: Expert Panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Reveals All

# The Rise and Fall of Natron Energy

Sodium-ion battery startup **Natron Energy** has ceased operations after a 12-year journey, marking a dramatic end to its ambitious plans. The company, which had announced a **$1.4 billion factory** in North Carolina just over a year ago, filed for liquidation due to a cash crunch.

## Key Challenges in US Battery Manufacturing

Natron had **$25 million in orders** lined up for its Michigan factory but couldn't deliver without UL certification, a process that often takes several months. Investors hesitated to release more funds, leading to financial instability. The primary shareholder, Sherwood Partners, attempted to sell its stake but found no buyers, resulting in liquidation through an "assignment for the benefit of creditors"—a faster alternative to Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

This closure underscores the broader difficulties in manufacturing batteries in the US, where inconsistent industrial policies and long development timelines exceed typical business cycles. Natron focused on **stationary storage and data center markets**, where sodium-ion's lower energy density is less critical, but was undercut by a lithium price war in China. Lithium carbonate prices dropped **90%** in the last 2.5 years, making sodium-ion less competitive.

## A String of Failures in the Battery Industry

Natron is not alone. In June, Oregon-based **Powin filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy** after failing to find non-Chinese suppliers for lithium-iron-phosphate cells. Earlier this year, Swedish battery maker **Northvolt also filed for bankruptcy**, burning through $100 million monthly and losing a $2 billion contract with BMW due to delivery failures.

These failures highlight that Asia's mature supply chains and expertise make it challenging for the US and Europe to compete. Sustained government support over decades, rather than fluctuating policies, is essential for success. Joint ventures with companies like **Panasonic, LG Energy Solution, and SK Innovation** may offer a more viable path forward.

For now, the West's best hope for domestic battery manufacturing still relies on Asian partnerships.

The sodium-ion battery startup went from announcing a $1.4 billion factory to filing for liquidation in just over a year. Natron's troubled journey illustrates the challenges in making batteries in the U.S.

Why the US Battery Dream is Failing: Natron's Shocking Collapse and What It Means for the Future

**The Next Web (TNW)**, the Amsterdam-based company renowned for hosting one of Europe's most iconic tech events, has announced it will wind down its events and media operations by the end of September following a strategic review.

This decision was confirmed by **The Financial Times (FT)**, which acquired a majority stake in TNW in 2019, and was first reported by Amy Lewin, Editor of Sifted, another FT-backed publication.

**Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten**, Co-founder and board member of TNW, shared his reflections: "TNW has been the adventure of a lifetime. We started out at a unique moment in history, just as the world was moving online and everything was becoming digital. It was a thrill to not only witness that shift, but to help spark and accelerate it."

He added: "Over time, as digital became the norm, our role felt less about breaking new ground and more about celebrating what had already been achieved. I'm grateful we got to play our part, and I'm glad we can now close this chapter with pride."

Founded in 2006 by Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Patrick de Laive, TNW began as a small tech conference with just 280 attendees in a church in Amsterdam. By 2019, it had grown significantly, hosting 17,500 participants and becoming a central hub for Europe's startup community. Its final conference took place in June this year at NDSM in Amsterdam.

This announcement marks a significant turning point for the European startup ecosystem. TNW evolved beyond just event organizing, developing a media publication and operating a coworking space. While the events and media businesses are closing, the coworking arm will continue to operate as usual.

At the time of the FT acquisition, TNW was praised as a key European asset. Angela Mackay, FT Live Global Publisher, stated: "TNW is an established and profitable business that produces one of the largest and most critically acclaimed tech startup events in Europe. There are clear synergies between TNW and FT Live, in sharing audiences and delivering the FT's world class journalism on live stages in Europe."

However, challenges emerged post-acquisition. The media team shrank after editorial staff departures at the end of 2024, and conference attendance dropped from 10,000 between 2022 and 2024 to just 4,500 in-person attendees this year—less than half of pre-pandemic levels. The FT has been supporting affected employees through this transition.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced TNW to pivot to virtual formats, with 20,000 digital attendees in 2021 alongside in-person participation. The broader post-pandemic landscape for tech events has been unpredictable.

EU-Startups has covered TNW's journey for over a decade, highlighting its role in the ecosystem. TNW's closure underscores broader shifts in Europe's startup scene, where media, events, and community-building face new economic and structural challenges, yet also present new opportunities.

The Next Web, the Amsterdam-based company behind one of Europe’s most recognisable tech events, has confirmed it will be winding down its events and media

How Anthropic's Explosive Growth Is Reshaping Startup Salaries and Creating Millionaires

Summary:

Anthropic's Meteoric Rise: From $1 Million to $23 Million in Valuation Rewrites Startup Pay

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The End of an Era: The Next Web Shuts Down After 20 Years Shaping Europe's Tech Scene