Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward Equip and Fund Nearly 100 New Entrepreneurs

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Arlington, VA, June 20, 2023 –(PR.com)– Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward announced the completion of the 2023 Winter Cohort with 92 new entrepreneurs receiving nearly $400,000 in funding to test their ideas, build products and launch their new ventures. 70% of the Cohort successfully launched a new venture. These entrepreneurs join over 300 prior graduates (called Builders) in 19 communities across 12 heartland states who have previously participated in the Idea Accelerator program and launched hundreds of new ventures.

The Idea Accelerator is based on the premise that there are promising ideas everywhere — from solutions that address major social challenges to novel innovations that can become game-changing, high-tech companies of tomorrow. Through a strategic partnership, Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward and an array of local funding partners are making the program freely available to anyone with a novel idea in the heartland, defined as the 20 states in the middle of the country which have historically been overlooked by venture capital investors.

The cohort-based program combines a 45-day virtual Builder Bootcamp to introduce participants to the latest, most effective entrepreneurial approaches to launching a venture, followed by 45 days of actively executing their ideas by running real-world experiments. Each Builder receives Pebble Funds which they use to test their ideas, build products, and launch new ventures.

To date, over 300 new Heartland ventures have launched as a result of the program. The Winter 2023 Heartland Cohort produced many exceptional ideas. For instance:

Second Keys (Marterrious McClain – Memphis, TN), a new approach and tools to make automating real estate appraisals easier, faster and more accurate than traditional analog methods.

Pecus (Juan Finol –Tulsa, OK), a first-of-its-kind online marketplace for cattle breeders and buyers to showcase, shop and purchase high-end cattle without the hassle of travel and in-person events.

Gnargo Bikes (Zach and Elysia Springer – Bentonville, AR), used bikes and recycled materials to build electric cargo bikes designed to carry significant cargo or kids at a lower cost and with less environmental impact.

Verified News Network (Brittany Harlow – Tulsa, OK), a grassroots news organization and recent recipient of a $15,000 Google News grant, that connects alternative narratives from marginalized communities with news outlets across the country.

Active Resume (Nolan Mackey – Mobile, AL), filling the gap for life and safety professionals who want to bolster their careers with a holistic career services platform.

Portico (Brian Nigg – Iowa City, IA), using proprietary models to help parents and students estimate the ROI on various aspects of college selecting and planning, ensuring that the investment is most effective.

“Millions of people across the U.S. are sitting on ideas for potential new products, services and companies,” said Donna Harris, founder and CEO of Builders + Backers. “Our no-cost, no-risk onramp means literally anyone with an idea can get started, and we are thrilled to fund these new entrepreneurs and see them bring their ideas to life. This is how we jump start economic growth across the nation.”

“Aspiring entrepreneurs across the heartland have ideas to solve problems facing their communities and launch new job-creating companies. They just need the resources and support to make those ideas a reality,” said Katie Milligan, Program Director of Workforce and Entrepreneurship for Heartland Forward. “The capital we’re providing at this idea stage enables Builders to put their ideas to the test and sets them on the path to create jobs and grow the economy.”

The Winter 2023 Heartland Cohort was made possible by generous funding from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, the Iowa City Area Development Group, the Ford Motor Company Fund, Walmart, and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe.

The next Heartland Cohort of the Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator program began on June 15th. With over 1,000 applications received and 155+ participants, it promises to be a very fruitful group of new entrepreneurs.

About Builders + Backers: Builders + Backers invests in exceptional entrepreneurs who are building global-scale ventures to power an entirely different future – one where technology creates value for many instead of capturing it for a few. Through proprietary programming, Builders + Backers also inspires and equips people to best seize the opportunities of our digital era – from experimentation and solving problems in their local communities to starting new ventures that could scale. By backing the most creative builders across the country, we can shape the digital future to be one in which more people participate and thrive. www.buildersandbackers.com

About Heartland Forward:
Heartland Forward’s mission is to improve economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating for fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth and improved health outcomes. We conduct independent, data-driven research to facilitate action-oriented discussion and impactful policy recommendations. The Idea Accelerator is brought to Oxford as part of Heartland Forward’s Community Growth Program and Toolkit. The CGPT is providing communities with the resources needed to help inspire new ideas, build upon existing programs and connect with resources to achieve success. www.heartlandforward.org/

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InvestChile has met with 46 firms from 12 countries

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Foreign companies have expressed a strong interest in participating in various stages of Chile’s mineral value chain, as discussed during meetings with the agency. The executive director of InvestChile, Karla Flores, shared this information during the “Gobierno Informa” program, which focuses on the new National Lithium Strategy. The agency has already met with 46 companies from 12 different countries that are keen on participating in Chile’s lithium value chain.

Flores explained that the National Lithium Strategy announcement is great news for foreign investors as it provides an initial framework and reassurance that the government has a plan in place. Private companies will play a crucial role in this sector’s development. The interested firms come from various countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Flores emphasized Chile’s strong potential in the lithium industry due to its large reserves, solid track record in foreign investment, and a network of 33 trade agreements, making it an excellent export platform. The country’s availability of competitively priced green energy is also appealing to foreign companies looking for suitable investment destinations.

Furthermore, Flores highlighted the diverse opportunities offered by the lithium industry, including mineral extraction, involvement in the entire value chain, and participation in related industries and suppliers. These opportunities will not only foster regional development but also support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and generate job opportunities.

InvestChile is actively promoting high-value sectors such as lithium, green hydrogen, green power, and technological infrastructure. The agency’s efforts involve identifying potential foreign investors, establishing contact, and providing them with comprehensive information and support to understand the opportunities presented by Chile and its regulatory environment.

For more information on the National Lithium Strategy and the opportunities it offers, readers can refer to the provided article link.

Note: The content has been rewritten for clarity and coherence. The main ideas remain the same.

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Blockchain 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Technology

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Blockchain 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Technology

In the past decade, blockchain technology has gained significant attention and is considered a major technological innovation. It is seen as the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but its potential applications go beyond just digital currencies. If you’re a beginner and want to understand what blockchain is and how it works, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you grasp the basics.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain, in simple terms, is a decentralized and distributed ledger system that securely records transactions across multiple computers. Unlike traditional centralized systems where a single authority keeps track of transactions, blockchain operates on a peer-to-peer network where every participant has access to the entire transaction history.

The concept of blockchain technology was first introduced by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, as a key component of Bitcoin. Since then, it has evolved into a versatile technology with numerous potential applications across various industries such as finance, supply chain, healthcare, and more.

How does Blockchain work?

To understand how blockchain works, we need to explore its core features.

1. Decentralization: Rather than relying on a central authority, blockchain allows multiple participants, known as nodes, to validate and record transactions independently. This decentralization ensures transparency and prevents a single point of failure.

2. Distributed Ledger: Transactions are grouped into blocks and added to a chain sequentially, forming a chain of blocks or a blockchain. Every node in the network holds a copy of the entire blockchain, ensuring that the information is accessible to all participants.

3. Cryptography: Blockchain relies on advanced cryptographic techniques to secure transactions. Each transaction is digitally signed, and the data is stored in a way that makes it almost impossible to alter or tamper with.

4. Consensus Mechanisms: Consensus mechanisms are used to agree on the validity of transactions and the order in which they are added to the blockchain. Popular consensus algorithms include Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS), and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS).

Advantages of Blockchain

Blockchain technology offers several advantages over traditional systems, making it an attractive option for various industries.

1. Transparency: The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures that all participants can view and verify the transaction history. This transparency helps prevent fraud and enhances trust among the participants.

2. Security: The use of cryptography and consensus mechanisms makes blockchain highly secure. The distributed nature of data storage reduces the risk of hacking or data manipulation.

3. Efficiency: Blockchain eliminates the need for intermediaries in many processes, reducing transaction costs and time. It also enables real-time tracking and auditing, making processes more efficient and less prone to errors.

4. Immutable Records: Once a transaction is added to the blockchain, it is virtually impossible to alter or delete. This feature ensures an accurate and tamper-proof record of all transactions.

5. Traceability: Blockchain enables provenance tracking, making it easier to trace the origins and movements of goods or assets. This is particularly useful in supply chain management and combating counterfeit products.

Applications of Blockchain

While blockchain’s first application was in the realm of digital currencies, its potential extends beyond that. Here are some notable applications of blockchain technology:

1. Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and countless other cryptocurrencies are built on blockchain technology, enabling secure peer-to-peer transactions.

2. Supply Chain Management: Blockchain can track and verify the entire supply chain, from the source of raw materials to the final product, ensuring transparency and authenticity.

3. Healthcare: By securely recording and sharing medical records, blockchain can enhance patient privacy, streamline insurance claims, and improve pharmaceutical supply chain integrity.

4. Voting Systems: Blockchain can create a transparent and secure voting system, guaranteeing the integrity of elections and eliminating voter fraud.

5. Smart Contracts: Blockchain-powered smart contracts automate contract execution by self-executing and self-enforcing predefined terms, saving time and reducing the need for intermediaries.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, offering secure, transparent, and efficient solutions. While this article provides a beginner’s understanding of blockchain, it’s essential to continue exploring the technology’s capabilities and potential applications. As this technology continues to evolve, understanding the basics of blockchain will be increasingly valuable in the digital era.
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Introducing the Initial Denon-Branded Nura Headphones

Nura, an innovative Australian firm, was acquired by Masimo, a Southern Californian medical device company. This acquisition brought together multiple audio brands owned by Masimo, including Bowers and Wilkins, Polk Audio, and Denon. Unlike the other acquired brands, Nura ceased to exist as a standalone brand. Nura’s COO, Blair Tripodi, explained that the acquisition was intended to support Masimo’s Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT) platform by incorporating Nura’s engineering talent.

Initially presented as a partnership, the acquisition was announced as “Nura Joins Forces With Denon.” However, it was revealed that AAT is the new name for the Nura platform. The first product resulting from this acquisition is the Denon PerL and PerL Pro. These wireless earbuds closely resemble the Nura True, offering customized sound profiles. The name “PerL” is a combination of “Personalized” and “Listening,” reflecting Nura’s (now Denon’s) distinctive feature of tailored sound profiles.

Both PerL and PerL Pro earbuds are fully wireless and require the Denon PerL Headphone app to create personalized profiles. They also feature active noise cancellation, with the Pro version having eight microphones compared to the PerL’s four, thereby enhancing sound blocking. The Denon PerL Pro earbuds deliver a high-fidelity streaming experience akin to listening to a CD and create a surround sound effect. These earbuds provide an enhanced audio experience in a compact and comfortable design.

The Denon PerL and PerL Pro earbuds are available for purchase on Denon’s website, with prices starting at $199 for the PerL and $349 for the PerL Pro.

Startup Awareness Program for Nashik Vyapari Aghadi by Mentor Shreekant Patil, Founder of PARENTNashik

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Nashik, India, June 20, 2023 –(PR.com)– On June 18, 2023, Nashik Vyapari Aghadi organised a session on startup and standup awareness at Raosaheb Thorat Sabhagruha, KTHM college, Gangapur Road, Nashik, MH, India, with the assistance of a mentor from Startup India, MeitY Startup Hub & AYE & founder of PARENTNashik, CE. Shreekant Patil, who is also the chairman of NIMA Startup & Standup Committee.

The following luminaries graced this illuminating session. Prof. Smt. Devyani Farande ji (MLA), Smt. Seema Tai Hire (MLA), Hon. Minister Shri Girish Mahajan, President, Nashik BJP, Mr. Pradipji Peshkar etc.

More than 200 businesspeople (Vyapari) were present for this session to get insight on startups, standup ecosystems, seed funding, startup models, innovation, and how MSMEs and individuals can enter ecosystems. These businessmen came from several kinds of verticals, including pharmaceutical, medical, traders, service sector, agriculture, exporter, small business, etc.

To be competitive in the marketplace, traditional vyapari traders must upgrade their business models by adopting new technologies, adopting digital, leveraging social media for marketing, etc. In his session, Shreekant added.

Shreekant Patil explored the NIMA Startup Hub’s advantages for citizens like Vyapari from Nashik.

The initiative of NIMA Startup Hub provides assistance for MSMEs in the areas of mentoring, ideation, validation, registration, early stage, scaleup, seed finance, entrepreneurship, innovation challenges, government schemes, incubation, international bridge, talks, etc. One-on-one mentoring is a special benefit offered to all Nashikkars at this hub.

CE. Shreekant Patil was honoured by Hon. Minister Shri Girish ji Mahajan (Govt of Maharashtra) at the conclusion of the session. The minister acknowledged that the session was fruitful.

All startups, individuals, MSMEs, students, and women are welcome to access growth support at NIMA Startup Hub.

Shreekant Patil is running successfully his startup & exports 100% of robotic spot welding gun parts to Europe, USA.

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Self-Driving Truck Tests in China Evaluate the Elimination of Human Drivers by TuSimple

Autonomous trucking company TuSimple recently completed a fully autonomous semi-truck run on public roads in China, a first for the country. The run took place on approved roads in Shanghai and covered a 40-mile stretch with various traffic and weather conditions.

This isn’t the first time TuSimple has achieved fully autonomous operations. They previously completed a similar run in the United States, but have not attempted to recreate the test since then. The company has not provided details on the success rate or any issues faced during the recent China run.

The decision to focus on China further indicates TuSimple’s commitment to the Asian market. The company had considered selling its China unit due to scrutiny from US regulators but ultimately decided to keep it after internal reshuffling. TuSimple has also been undergoing layoffs, mainly affecting its US-based staff.

In addition to China, TuSimple has started testing its self-driving truck technology in Japan. However, the company is currently facing the risk of delisting from the Nasdaq for failing to file quarterly results on time.