## Leapmotor: A Rising Star in the EV Industry
Leapmotor is making waves in China's **electric vehicle (EV)** landscape, positioning itself as a **profitable startup** in a highly competitive market. 

## Partnership with Hongqi
The company has recently announced a significant collaboration with **Hongqi**, the oldest auto brand in China. This partnership will see Leapmotor supply the **EV platform** for a new model under the Hongqi brand, further solidifying its presence in the automotive sector.

## The Future of EVs in China
This collaboration highlights the growing trend of **innovation and collaboration** among Chinese automakers, as they strive to meet the increasing demand for sustainable transportation options. Leapmotor's commitment to **profitability** and innovation is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the EV market in China.

Leapmotor, a profitable upstart automaker in China's crowded EV market, will supply the underpinnings for a new EV model to the country's oldest auto brand.

Leapmotor Partners with Hongqi: A Game-Changer in China's EV Market!

I used to roll my eyes whenever I heard **that quote** about being the average of the five people around us. How could my social circle sway my future so dramatically? It wasn’t until I reflected on my early startup days that I realized how profoundly my environment influenced my **mindset**, **ambition**, and even my sense of **possibility**.

**Impact of Your Social Circle**  
Being around **founders** who threw themselves into twelve-hour work sessions pushed me to expand my limits. Peers who devoured **productivity books** sparked my curiosity to experiment with those approaches. Conversely, cozying up with folks who constantly complained about how “nothing ever works out” drained my motivation.

**Why Your Social Circle Shapes Your Success**  
The first step to understanding the importance of your social circle is realizing that we’re all products of our environment. **James Clear** says, “Environment is the hidden force that drives everything we do.” When you’re immersed in conversations about **growth**, **creativity**, and **resilience**, those ideas become normal and attainable. If you’re surrounded by negativity, adopting a glass-half-empty outlook becomes surprisingly easy.

If your friend picks up a negative habit, such as smoking or frequent complaining, you’re more likely to develop it too. Conversely, surrounding yourself with **ambitious** individuals sets a higher standard for your own expectations.

**Identifying the Right Influences**  
**Warren Buffett** advises spending time with those who are better than you in some way. This isn’t about idolizing anyone but finding people with qualities you admire—**discipline**, **creativity**, or a calm demeanor—and allowing those qualities to rub off on you. Notice who leaves you feeling energized or positively challenged. If someone’s presence drains you, they might not be the right influence.

**When It’s Time to Move On**  
Sometimes we evolve beyond our social circles. It’s not about judging old friends but recognizing when they no longer resonate with your path. If you’re launching a tech startup surrounded by people who view entrepreneurship as a pipe dream, maintaining enthusiasm becomes challenging. I once distanced myself from a group of founders who grew cynical about the industry. Initially, they were my support system, but their negativity was exhausting.

**Harnessing Positive Connections**  
Ask yourself: “Is this relationship aligned with my core values and ambitions?” If yes, invest time and energy there. Seek high-quality people to call your tribe. You don’t need to live in a major city—online communities and local workshops can connect you with others on a similar journey.

**Cultivating Your Circle with Intention**  
Building a powerful social circle isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about depth. Here are steps to cultivate a circle that fuels success:
- **Look for authenticity:** Find people who genuinely care about their work.
- **Offer help without expectation:** Networking shouldn’t be transactional.
- **Engage in lifelong learning together:** Form bonds through shared learning.
- **Communicate openly:** Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow.
- **Regularly reassess who’s in your orbit:** If negativity outweighs positivity, it might be time to adjust.

Your social circle becomes a think tank that cheers you on, keeps you accountable, and expands your perspective daily. Remember, your circle isn’t just about who you want in your life—it’s about who you become because of them. Surround yourself with **curious**, **driven**, and **supportive** people, and it becomes almost impossible not to absorb those qualities. You have the power to adjust your course for a brighter future.

I used to roll my eyes whenever I heard that quote about being the average of the five people around us. I mean, how could the people in my life possibly sway my future so dramatically? It wasn’t until I reflected on my own trajectory—especially my early startup days—that I realized how profoundly my environment […]

Unlocking Success: The Power of Your Social Circle in Entrepreneurship

## Transforming Dementia Care with Technology  
ROCHESTER — While the quest for a cure for dementia continues, **Mayo Clinic geriatrician Dr. Christina Chen** is pioneering a way to enhance the lives of dementia patients through **technology**.  

> “My area of passion is dementia care. We've known about this disease for almost 120 years, but we have no cure. ... So it got me thinking, if a cure does not exist, what can we do to bring better days to these people living with dementia?” — Dr. Christina Chen  

Dementia, including **Alzheimer's** and **Lewy Body**, affects many, with research indicating that **one in three people** reaching age 85 will develop the condition. Families face the daily challenge of caring for loved ones who struggle with cognitive decline.  

### The Birth of Hope Technologies  
To address these challenges, Dr. Chen, alongside her husband **Aaron Chan**, **Dr. Marina Walther–Antonio**, and **Kathy Anderson**, founded **Hope Technologies**. Their mission is to integrate familiar tools like **pictures, calendars, and music** into a cohesive system to help maintain calm and orientation for dementia patients.  

> “It's all in silos and pieces now. Music here and automated lighting there. It's never been put together in one cohesive space.” — Dr. Chen  

### A New Approach: Health Optimized Personal Experience  
Hope Technologies aims to create a **customizable automated system** that enhances daily life for long-term dementia patients. The prototype, developed during a **research project**, demonstrated the potential for coordinated technologies to support patient care.  

The centerpiece of their system is the **“Wonderwall” screen**, which provides **visual cues**, displays daily schedules, shows pictures of loved ones, plays comforting music, and controls environmental factors such as lighting and temperature.  

> “This is to augment treatments to bring a better quality of life, hopefully reduce risks and improve their day-to-day.” — Dr. Chen  

### From Concept to Reality  
With a successful proof of concept under their belt, the focus shifted to transforming the idea into a marketable product. Dr. Chen admitted,  
> “As just a clinician, I never thought I'd end up in the space of entrepreneurship.”  
They participated in Mayo Clinic’s **Employee Entrepreneurial Program** and the **Collider business incubator**, which provided essential support and guidance.  

In 2024, they officially established **Hope Technologies** and won first place at the **2025 Ignite Cup Pitch Competition**. Currently, they are collaborating with **technology partners** to develop the software necessary for their system.  

### Looking Ahead  
The next goal for Hope Technologies is to launch a working version of their system by this summer, with plans to showcase it at the **Destination Medical Center’s demo space**. Their ultimate aim is to deploy this system in memory care facilities, particularly for patients with advanced dementia.  

Dr. Chen remains optimistic about the future of Hope Technologies, emphasizing the importance of improving lives today rather than waiting for future breakthroughs.  
> “We want to create something that makes life better today versus somewhere off in the future.”  

![Hope Technologies](https://cdn.forumcomm.com/dims4/default/d6f14ac/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/100x100!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum-communications-production-web.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fef%2F2b%2F0e9d614f4e9f8656bd9543125c6c%2F040522-jeff-kiger-04517.jpg)  



Mayo Clinic geriatrician Dr. Christina Chen, the founder of the award-winning Hope Technologies startup company based in Rochester, is working on a way to improve the day-to-day lives of patients dealing with dementia.

Innovative Startup Combats Dementia with Technology: A Hopeful Future for Patients

**Andrew Cuomo's Undisclosed Options**  
Former New York Governor **Andrew Cuomo** holds **$3 million** in options for a fledgling nuclear startup, **Nano Nuclear Energy Inc.**, which he failed to disclose to an ethics board while campaigning for mayor of New York City.  
  
**The Startup's Ambition**  
Nano Nuclear aims to develop **portable nuclear reactors** for deployment in **data centers** and **disaster zones**. Cuomo joined the company's **executive advisory board** shortly after meeting its founder, **Jiang “Jay” Yu**, at a networking event.  
  
**Financial Details**  
Cuomo received **125,000 stock options** from Nano, potentially worth **$3 million** at the current market price. His net worth is reported at **$3.4 million**. Despite holding these options, they were not included in his financial disclosures.  
  
**Ethics Board Response**  
Cuomo's spokesperson has promised to amend disclosures based on the **Conflict of Interest Board's** guidance. Cuomo has pledged to avoid conflicts if elected mayor.  
  
**Skepticism from Analysts**  
While Yu praises Cuomo's connections, market analysts express skepticism about Nano's viability, citing a lack of industry experience.  
  
**Previous Consulting Roles**  
Cuomo has also advised a cryptocurrency exchange, **OKX**, during a federal investigation, further complicating his public image as he seeks to return to public office.

Former New York Governor  Andrew Cuomo has $3 million in options to a shoestring nuclear startup that he failed to disclose to an ethics board as he mounts a comeback bid to be the mayor of New York City.

Unveiling Andrew Cuomo's Secret $3 Million Stake in a Controversial Nuclear Startup

## Megan Thee Stallion's Entrepreneurial Journey

**Megan Thee Stallion** is making waves in the business world by becoming a **franchisee**! The talented rapper from **Houston, TX** is diving deeper into her entrepreneurial ventures. Previously, she secured full ownership of her master recordings and publishing through her deal with **Warner Music Group**. In addition, she launched her own tequila brand, **Chicas Divertidas**, featuring two offerings: **Blanco** and **Reposado**.  

![Megan Thee Stallion](https://cms.afrotech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Megan-thee-Stallion_-copy-1200x862.jpg)
*Photo Credit: World Red Eye*

Megan expressed her passion for tequila stating, “As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties. **Smooth**, **sultry**, and **premium**. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur.”  

Just months after launching her tequila, Megan is gearing up for another exciting venture: opening her very own **Popeyes** storefront set to launch in **Summer 2025**. This location will also feature her signature sauce.  

“MY VERY OWN @popeyes IS OPENING THIS SUMMER, HOTTIES. I just visited my location while she’s still just bones. This is about to be **THEE LITTEST Popeyes ever**,” she shared on Instagram.  

Popeyes announced Megan's franchisee status back in **2021**, highlighting a unique partnership that transcends typical marketing collaborations. **Sami Siddiqui**, the president of Popeyes Americas, stated, “Megan’s innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial vision is at the core of everything we’re doing.”  

This collaboration will also introduce a custom-made sauce for the famous **Chicken Sandwich** and merchandise designed by Megan herself, capturing her unique style.  

Stay tuned as Megan Thee Stallion continues to redefine entrepreneurship in the fast food industry!

Megan Thee Stallion is set to become a franchisee! The Houston, TX-born rapper is diving deeper into her entrepreneurship bag. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, through her music career, she already has full ownership of her master recordings and publishing thanks to her deal with Warner Music Group. She has also gone on to launch her own tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas. At the time of this writing, the brand boasts two offerings: Blanco and Reposado. Photo Credit: World Red Eye “As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan Thee Stallion said in a news release shared with AFROTECH™. “Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand. I know the Hotties are ready, it’s time to give them a drink made by me! I’m excited to share this labor of love with you all...

Megan Thee Stallion Takes the Fast Food World by Storm: Opening a Popeyes Franchise in 2025

## Decagon's Bold Move for Funding

![Decagon Team](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/681547c52c36b0d2c65f334e/final-small-720/0x0.jpg?format=jpg&width=960)

**Decagon**, an innovative AI startup focused on customer service solutions, is in **talks to secure $100 million** in fresh funding, aiming for a remarkable **$1.5 billion valuation**. This information comes from multiple sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations.

### Leading Investors
The funding round is being led by notable firms **Andreessen Horowitz** and **Accel**, with participation from existing investors. Currently, Decagon boasts over **$10 million in signed contracts**, often referred to as **annual recurring revenue**. However, details are still tentative as the round has not yet closed.

### Revolutionizing Customer Support
Decagon specializes in creating **customer support chatbots and agents** capable of autonomously handling tasks such as answering product queries, processing refunds, and managing subscription cancellations. Their technology is utilized by prominent companies including **Notion**, **Bilt**, **Duolingo**, **Substack**, and **Rippling**.

### Recent Funding History
This potential investment follows a **$65 million Series B round** raised last year, led by **Bain Capital Ventures**, which valued the company at **$650 million**. Should the current funding round succeed, Decagon's total funding would reach **$200 million**.

### The Founders' Vision
Founded in **2023** by **CEO Jesse Zhang** and **CTO Ashwin Sreenivas**, Decagon emerged from extensive market research to identify key problems solvable with AI. As customer service is crucial yet costly, Decagon aims to automate this area, significantly reducing labor expenses. For instance, **Bilt** was able to cut its customer support team from hundreds to just 65 employees using Decagon's technology.

### Impressive Cost Reductions
Companies leveraging Decagon’s AI solutions have reported drastic reductions in customer support costs. **ClassPass**, for example, has achieved a **95% reduction** in support costs, managing **2.5 million** customer interactions through Decagon's agents.

### Advanced AI Technology
The backbone of Decagon's technology leverages advanced models from **OpenAI**, **Anthropic**, and **Cohere**, trained on internal data such as manuals and past customer interactions. Continuous improvement is ensured through staff reviews of AI-generated responses. In a recent development, Decagon partnered with **ElevenLabs** to enhance their offerings with voice agents capable of more natural conversations.

### Competitive Landscape
In a fiercely competitive market, Decagon faces rivals like **Sierra**, valued at **$4.5 billion**, and **Salesforce**, which also provides AI customer support solutions. Investors highlight Decagon's strong performance in head-to-head comparisons against competitors, emphasizing that the ultimate race will be about achieving higher accuracy in resolving customer support queries.


The company, which builds customer service AI agents, is raising fresh funding as it continues to help businesses shave millions in labor costs. 

Decagon's Ambitious $100 Million Funding Round: Aiming for $1.5 Billion Valuation

## A Generous Commitment
The **Lassonde family** has once again shown their commitment to nurturing **entrepreneurship** at the **University of Utah**, donating **$25 million** to the **Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute**. This new contribution nearly doubles their previous donations, totaling **$50 million** over the years.

## A Personal Journey
**Pierre Lassonde**, a proud alumnus of the university, reflects on his journey from arriving in Salt Lake City with just a suitcase and limited resources to becoming a successful entrepreneur. This institute is a way for him to give back to the institution that shaped his career.

![Pierre Lassonde at the donation ceremony](https://www.deseret.com/resizer/v2/7ZV6M3W66NF5DMDIMHMHZXJYNY.JPG?auth=b2e3234c8da128a17e5ae59368422bfad9667cb09f31b2917feabd015428b6ea&focal=0%2C0&width=800&height=559)

## Transformative Impact
The donation is described as a **landmark gift** by **Kurt Dirks**, dean of the **David Eccles School of Business**, emphasizing its potential to enhance education and entrepreneurship opportunities for students. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute aims to **inspire** and provide hands-on learning experiences for aspiring student-entrepreneurs.

## Vision for the Future
Pierre Lassonde envisions the institute becoming one of the **top five** entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., focusing on students who possess the **grit** to overcome failures. The **Master of Business Creation** program is already expanding globally, reaching students in **Africa**, **Canada**, **Europe**, and **India**.

![Pierre Lassonde and Troy D'Ambrosio celebrate the donation](https://www.deseret.com/resizer/v2/GONLUBP6RVFRTIPR2U4VCZS56I.JPG?auth=3948fb7bd46b8e1428e3c292b403664ef6c223a36f1f69d18f9e786c259349ec&focal=0%2C0&width=800&height=597)

## Building a Community
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute fosters a collaborative environment where students can connect, share ideas, and build businesses together. **Troy D'Ambrosio**, the institute’s founding executive director, highlights the success stories that emerge from this community.

## Utilizing the Gift
This generous donation will enhance the scope of the university's business programs and expand the **Masters of Business Creation** initiative. Pierre Lassonde’s vision is clear: to change lives and make a global impact through entrepreneurship education.

![Pierre and Julie Lassonde](https://www.deseret.com/resizer/v2/ZIDLPZVEXBFDZHW2YGCQ3EQ43M.JPG?auth=a3d96a5e5054e303fa892a280fa7ac54c7de8fe4ffca626d5f2c584c59a3cd3a&focal=0%2C0&width=800&height=531)

> “Let’s dream.” - **Pierre Lassonde**

Mining entrepreneur Pierre Lassonde and his family continue their long-established support of student-entrepreneurs at the University of Utah.

How the Lassonde Family's $25 Million Donation is Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Utah

### Spotter's Recent Layoffs

**Spotter**, a creator startup backed by **Amazon**, announced layoffs this week affecting staff across various teams. The company collaborates with prominent YouTubers like **MrBeast** and **Dude Perfect** and operates in the **content licensing** sector.

![Aaron DeBevoise, CEO of Spotter](https://i.insider.com/68152bf03fe8d3928364d62e?width=700)

### Behind the Decision

A spokesperson for Spotter stated, "As the macroeconomic environment continues to evolve, we've made the difficult but strategic decision to implement organizational changes, including a reduction in the size of our team." This decision aims to **accelerate the path to profitability** by year-end. 

### Impact of the Layoffs

While the exact number of layoffs remains unclear, the cuts mark Spotter's second round of layoffs in six months, following earlier reductions in November. The company has faced increased pressure to enhance efficiency and profitability amidst a challenging economic landscape.

### Spotter's Business Model

Founded in **2019**, Spotter has made significant strides in the creator economy, having paid out over **$950 million** to creators for their content. The company also offers **AI-powered products** to assist creators in developing video ideas and titles. Despite the layoffs, Spotter's **advertising sales team** remains intact, and the company continues to engage with advertisers and creators.

### Industry Context

Spotter isn't alone in this trend; competitors like **Jellysmack** have also undergone staff reductions amidst restructuring efforts. The creator economy is seeing shifts as startups grapple with meeting growth expectations and changing market demands.

Creator startup Spotter cut staff this week. The startup works with YouTubers like MrBeast and Dude Perfect and has an investment from Amazon.

Leapmotor Partners with Hongqi: A Game-Changer in China's EV Market!

Summary:

Leapmotor: A Rising Star in the EV Industry

Partnership with Hongqi

The Future of EVs in China

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Decagon's Ambitious $100 Million Funding Round: Aiming for $1.5 Billion Valuation

How the Lassonde Family's $25 Million Donation is Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Utah

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Other Latest News

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Unveiling Andrew Cuomo's Secret $3 Million Stake in a Controversial Nuclear Startup

Megan Thee Stallion Takes the Fast Food World by Storm: Opening a Popeyes Franchise in 2025

Decagon's Ambitious $100 Million Funding Round: Aiming for $1.5 Billion Valuation

How the Lassonde Family's $25 Million Donation is Revolutionizing Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Utah

Spotter, the Amazon-Backed Startup, Faces Layoffs Amid Industry Challenges