China's Uber Rival Catches Up, and Pinterest Will Delay its IPO
Cheddar's up early to celebrate the Winter Solstice and to get you the morning's latest stories.
Didi Chuxing raised a new $4 billion in funding, bringing the ride-hailing company's valuation to $56 billion. Investors include Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Japan's SoftBank.
And Pinterest is reportedly going to delay its IPO until at least 2019, as the photo-sharing app is expected to miss revenue forecasts for the year. The Information reports the company will bring in about $490 million this year, compared to early estimates of $500 million.
Plus Facebook under fire for how companies are using the companies filters to find potential employees in specific age groups. Companies like Verizon, Amazon, and Target reportedly all using the tool.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.
