Things Have Changed Things Have Changed

Imagine this: you're browsing through an online store, eyeing that perfect item you've had your heart set on like the new iPhone 15 or a brand new Leather Couch to pass out on. In today’s world, you can bring it home today and pay later, without the hassle of upfront payments or credit checks. It's like having a financial genie granting your wishes! It’s called “Buy Now, Pay Later” or BNPL.
This new form of payment, BNPL aims to disrupt traditional credit cards, by helping customers indulge in that must-have item and spread the cost over manageable installments. So this idea has spawned some billion-dollar businesses, but is it all sunshine and rainbows?
Join us on "Things Have Changed Podcast" as we delve into the stories of how this new wave in finance is changing the way you shop online.

Links:
Klarna, a Swedish payments unicorn, wants to conquer AmericaWhat is Buy Now Pay LaterSome Buy Now Pay Later Users Face Rejection
Here are some Companies in the space:
Afterpay - The Rebellious Trendsetter
The trailblazer in the BNPL industry, boasting over 16 million users in 17 countries and processed over $12.7 billion in transactions in 2021Origin Story: Delve into the audacious tale of Afterpay's founding in 2014 by Nick Molnar and Anthony Eisen, who started the company with just two employees and transformed it into a global phenomenon with a market capitalization exceeding $37 billion.The Fashion Forward Movement: Explore Afterpay's success in partnering with over 86,000 global retailers, including industry giants like Sephora and Urban Outfitters, attracting millions of fashion-forward users who account for a significant portion of the company's average of 14 million monthly active users.Customers often leverage Afterpay to splurge on trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories, allowing them to stay on top of the latest fashion trends without breaking the bank. It's also popular for beauty and grooming products, allowing individuals to pamper themselves with skincare essentials, cosmetics, and hair care items.Revolutionizing the FinTech Landscape: Witness how Afterpay's unique approach to responsible spending has led to over 98% of its transactions being interest-free, providing users with a convenient and transparent payment option that challenges the conventional credit card model.Klarna - The Quirky Scandinavian
Klarna serves over 250,000 retailers and has amassed more than 140 million users in 45 countries and processed over $15.8 billion in transactions in 2021Scandinavian Influence: Discover how Klarna's Scandinavian heritage, led by CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, has propelled the company to process an average of 1 million transactions per day, with a transaction volume surpassing $53 billion in 2022.From Frustration to Innovation: Uncover the story behind Klarna's inception in 2005, when Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Niklas Adalberth, and Victor Jacobsson set out to simplify online checkouts. Today, Klarna's innovative solutions drive customer satisfaction, resulting in a net promoter score higher than the industry average.Customers frequently utilize Klarna for purchasing electronics, gadgets, and home appliances. Klarna also appeals to those seeking furniture and home decor items, enabling them to revamp their living spaces with ease. Additionally, Klarna's "try before you buy" feature makes it popular for trying Support the show

In today's episode, we delve into the remarkable story of how JP Morgan Chase became the largest bank in the world. From its humble beginnings to its rise as a global financial powerhouse, we'll uncover the key milestones, strategic decisions, and factors that propelled this iconic institution to its prominent position in the banking industry. Join us as we explore the vision, innovation, and determination that shaped the legacy of JP Morgan Chase.
JP Morgan Chase's journey begins in the late 19th century when a visionary named John Pierpont Morgan, known as J.P. Morgan, laid the foundation for what would become an influential banking empire. Through his shrewd business acumen and deep understanding of finance, J.P. Morgan navigated the rapidly changing landscape of the industrial revolution, capitalizing on opportunities that propelled him to the forefront of the financial world.
Throughout its history, JP Morgan Chase has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. From strategic acquisitions and partnerships to technological innovation and a relentless commitment to exceptional service, the bank has consistently stayed ahead of the curve.
JP Morgan Chase played a pivotal role in the face of economic crises, such as the financial downturn of 2008, and how the institution's resilience and prudent risk management helped it emerge stronger than ever before.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on an enlightening journey through the history, triumphs, and continued success of JP Morgan Chase.

Helpful Links:
Viva Wallet AcquisitionBattle of ScaleWhat is Bear worth?

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In episode 2 of the Company Spotlight series we explore the world of tech companies invading the finance industry, and specifically Apple, the tech giant that's not satisfied with just dominating the smartphone market.

Apple decided to dive headfirst into the finance industry, and boy did they make a splash. With Apple Pay, you can now buy a coffee, a burrito, or even a new pair of sneakers with just a flick of your wrist. It's like magic, except it's technology.
But what's even crazier is how successful it's become. Some people even say that using Apple Pay is easier than trying to navigate the maze that is your bank's mobile app. And who can blame them? With Apple Pay, you don't need to remember your pin, your password, or even your mother's maiden name. All you need is your iPhone and a few taps, and voila, you've just made a purchase.
The Worlds most valuable company has its own Credit Card, is providing Loans, and even just announced a Savings Account! Is this the start of the tech domination within finance as well? Tune in!

Helpful Links:
Apple and Goldman Sachs Launching Credit Card - 2019Apple Should Shrink its Finance Arm before it goes Bananas - 2017Big Tech pushes further into Finance - 2022Why APples Partnership with Goldman is the future of Banking - 2023Apple is a Hedgefund that makes iPhones - 2018Watchdogs take a swipe at Apple Pay - 2022Apple Pay and Taking over your Wallet - 2022Apple Pay Fees Vex Credit Card Issuers - 2021Goldmans Subprime Problem - 2022Apples Buy Now Pay Later Roll-out - 2023Support the show

Starting and scaling a successful startup has never been easy, but in today's climate, it's more challenging than ever. With recent events, such as the collapse of SVB and the slowdown in venture capital, access to funding and resources has become increasingly difficult. For startups to survive, they must have access to the right support and resources. That's where Microsoft for Startups comes in, providing startups with a unique approach to help early-stage companies succeed.
On today's episode, we'll dive into how Microsoft for Startups is helping early-stage companies overcome the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. Microsoft is a new player in the startup accelerator game, but the company has a rich history as a startup itself. They started from humble beginnings in the 70s, with just two employees, and now they're a tech giant with a market cap of over $2 trillion.
With Microsoft for Startups, the company is making a significant investment in the startup space. Their unique approach is designed to help early-stage companies succeed by providing access to Microsoft resources, technology, and expertise. Joining us on this episode is Lahini Arunachalam, Senior Director of Platform & Growth at Microsoft for Startups. Lahini has spent a lot of time solving problems for startups and is a leader in Microsoft's efforts to invest in the startup space.
Whether you're a startup founder looking for guidance, an investor interested in the latest trends and innovations, or simply curious about the world of entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. So stay tuned as we dive into the challenges facing startups, the importance of startup accelerators, and how Microsoft for Startups is helping early-stage companies scale.

Helpful Links:
TechCrunch Article on How Microsoft For Startups can HelpMicrosoft for Startup adds Linkedin BenefitsMicrosoft for Startups WebsiteMicrosoft for Startups LaunchHungry for Cloud Credits?Microsoft for Startups in the Middle EastAWS vs Azure vs GoogleMicrosoft Revamps with OpenAISupport the show

Every minute, 990,000 Tinder profiles are swiped, 156 million emails are sent, and 16 million text messages are sent out.
Moreover, Google processes 40,000 searches a second and 1.4 billion people log into Facebook every day.
We live in a digital economy, and it runs on data!
Just think about it, every time you check your Instagram or Twitter feed, Google a new recipe, or search the web for the latest sneaker drop, you are providing tons of data that companies can then leverage to sell you personalized ads, which equals big money. The digital ad revenue business is a whopping $200 billion industry thanks to our generous data contributions.

Our guest today is Nicholas Vincent, a post-doc researcher at Northwestern University, who is studying this very interaction between technology and social behavior. Nick is leading the charge to balance the scales between data providers (us) and data brokers (the personal data industry).

Nick puts forward the concept: "What if those organizations profiting from your data had to pay you a share of that earning?" These data dividends have been getting a lot of traction, with presidential candidate Andrew Yang launching the Data Dividend Project, which is pushing tech companies to pay users for their data.
Additionally, Nick and colleague Hanlin Li are suggesting new ways to address the power imbalance:

🔸 Data Strikes: withholding or deleting your data so a tech firm cannot use it - Leaving a platform or installing privacy tools.
🔸 Data poisoning: contributing meaningless or harmful data - You play music that you dislike on your device and then walk away, thereby confusing the algorithm.
🔸 Conscious data contribution: Giving data to the competitor, such as switching to a new search engine or transferring photos to a new platform.
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Governments are going BIG on batteries! As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, Governments have recognized the importance of securing battery supply chains in the transition towards a more sustainable future!

Some of the biggest government spending packages on battery production incentives include:
The US Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program, which provides up to $25 billion in loan guarantees to support the development and production of fuel-efficient vehicles and related components, including batteries.The European Union's Horizon 2020 program, which includes funding for research and development of batteries and related technologies as part of its Clean Energy for All Europeans package.China's National New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan, which includes significant government subsidies and incentives for the development and production of electric vehicles and batteries.The UK's Faraday Battery Challenge, which includes £274 million in government funding to support the development of battery technology and promote the growth of the UK's battery manufacturing sector.South Korea's Electric Vehicle Battery Industry Cultivation Plan, which includes government funding and support for the development of the country's electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries.These government spending packages reflect a growing global commitment to supporting the development and production of battery technology, which is seen as essential for achieving a more sustainable future. By providing incentives and funding for battery technology research and development, these packages are helping to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies.
In Ep 2 with Gavin White, Co-Founder and CEO of About: Energy, we explore the various initiatives and policies implemented by countries to encourage the production of batteries.

So whether you're interested in clean energy, electric vehicles, or the future of sustainability, this episode is for you! So, let's dive in!

Helpful Links:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/10/20/1062000/billions-in-funding-could-kick-start-the-us-battery-materials-industry/2022 was a record year for EV battery factories in the U.S. - NPRCATL plans Europe's biggest battery gigafactory - C&ENSupport the show