CYBERA, AI, and Drones, Fundings: Beholder, Electric Hydrogen, Redcoat.AI
20 March 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
We are thrilled to announce that our portfolio company Cybera has joined forces with Netsafe, a leading authority on online safety in New Zealand, to combat scams and facilitate the recovery of victims' finances. This strategic partnership heralds a new era for New Zealanders, granting them access to Cybera's cutting-edge fraud recovery services.
This collaboration will empower individuals to combat scams and recover their lost funds. By integrating Cybera's proactive fraud recovery services into Netsafe's offerings, New Zealanders now have a viable avenue to recoup money lost through international banks and crypto transactions.
This partnership not only extends Cybera's reach but also involves other innovative firms like Dolla and Akahu, collectively fortifying defenses across banking, cryptocurrency, and telecommunications sectors. To learn more about this partnership and how Cybera continues to excel in safeguarding individuals against cyber threats, click here.
US Leads Global Push for AI Policy to Combat Poverty, Hunger: UN Draft Resolution Unveiled
The United States, joined by over 50 United Nations members, has introduced a groundbreaking draft resolution aimed at crafting international guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI) policy. Led by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the proposal seeks to leverage AI's potential to address global challenges such as poverty, health, food security, and education.
This initiative reflects a growing global consensus on AI policy, as demonstrated by recent events like the Bletchley Summit and the establishment of the European Commission's AI office. The U.S. has been proactive in shaping AI governance, exemplified by initiatives like the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute.
Supported by nations worldwide, including Morocco, Peru, the UAE, and members of the European Union, the draft resolution emphasizes AI's role in achieving the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By prioritizing human-centric, ethical AI systems, this resolution signifies a significant step toward ensuring AI technologies serve the greater good. Its consideration later this month holds the potential to inaugurate a new era in AI governance, fostering international collaboration in technology and sustainable development.
Drone Swarms Are About to Change the Balance of Military Power
There is an increasing prominence of drones in modern warfare, exemplified by incidents such as the Iranian Shahed-model drone attack in Jordan, Ukrainian maritime drone strikes, and Houthi drone attacks disrupting trade in the Gulf of Aden.
Because of the cost-effectiveness and disruptive potential of drones compared to traditional military assets, we are seeing a shift that can be paralleled to other historical shifts in warfare, such as Alexander the Great's use of the phalanx. Additionally, the evolving role of AI in directing drone swarms changes the implications for future warfare dynamics. Thus, there needs to be an emphasis placed on rapid decision-making and AI development.
The article raises ethical concerns about autonomous AI in warfare. It suggests that the AI arms race will shape future conflicts, potentially leading to significant military advantages for those with advanced AI technology.
Quick Links:
Estonian Foreigner Intelligence Service’s assessment of TikTok.
Tech Job Seekers Without AI Skills Face a New Reality: Lower Salaries and Fewer Roles
Founded: 2015
Key People: CEO Andriy Sevryukov
Elevator Pitch: Remote sensing satellite imagery intended for oil and gas exploration.
Funding: The company raised $940,000 of venture funding in a deal led by EIT InnoEnergy on March 14, 2024.
Founded: 2020
Key People: CEO Derek Warnick
Elevator Pitch: A deep decarbonization company intended to build low-cost, high-efficiency, fossil-free hydrogen systems.
Funding: The company received $46.3 million of grant funding from Department of Energy and Climate Change on March 15, 2024.
Founded: 2023
Key People: CEO John Whaley Ph.D
Elevator Pitch: Cybersecurity systems designed to prevent social engineering on mobile.
Funding: The company raised $4.24 million of venture funding in a deal led by Pear on March 14, 2024.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, we have Landon Winkelvoss, co-founder of Nisos, sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation about navigating the complex landscape of national security and entrepreneurship.
