Generative AI Landscape, NNV Boston Innovation Summit, Fundings: Soriano Motori, Strike Graph, Unblock
20 December 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
We are happy to release another fantastic episode in our Securing Our Future podcast series, featuring none other than Ben Colman, the visionary founder of our portfolio company, Reality Defender. With a remarkable background spanning over 15 years and a proven track record in scaling companies at the intersection of privacy, AI, and cybersecurity, Ben brings a unique and invaluable perspective to this engaging conversation.
Joining our host, Jeremy Hitchcock, Ben delves into the intricacies of Reality Defender's mission—leading the charge in deepfake detection through the application of generative AI. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as Ben shares real-world instances where misinformation has caused tangible consequences.
As the episode concludes, Ben offers valuable insights into the dynamic role of a CEO in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of the critical role played by Reality Defender in safeguarding against the risks of manipulated media. Listen wherever you stream your podcasts or catch it below on Spotify:
We are thrilled to invite you to an exciting event hosted by New North Ventures, where leaders from the military, intelligence, dual-use tech, and entrepreneurial communities will gather for an engaging afternoon. Join us for expert-led conversations, networking opportunities, and talks that delve into the critical role of innovation in advancing national security and economic resilience.
Here is a little inside scoop of what kind of discussions to expect:
Venture Capital - Enabling Disruptive Dual-Use Technology Innovators
Misinformation - Follow The Money
Cognitive Warfare: Industry Transformations
Military/Intelligence - Public Sector Collaboration With Commercial Entities
Save the date for Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Convene: One Boston Place, 201 Washington St, Boston. Stay tuned for the detailed agenda to be released in early January.
Your participation will contribute to shaping the dialogue on innovation and its profound impact on our collective security. We look forward to your presence at this event, and together, we'll unlock the future! To RSVP click here.
China Chip Firm Powered by US Tech and Money Avoids Biden's Crackdown
Chinese chip designer Brite Semiconductor, partially owned by sanctioned chipmaker SMIC, is acquiring U.S. software and has financial backing from a U.S. venture capital firm and a Christian university.
Brite provides chip design services to at least six Chinese military suppliers, including SMIC. SMIC, under U.S. sanctions, is on the "entity list," restricting it from receiving certain goods from U.S. suppliers.
Despite its connections to SMIC and the Chinese military, Brite receives funding from a U.S. venture capital firm backed by Wells Fargo and a Christian university. It also maintains access to sensitive U.S. technology from California-based software companies Synopsys and Cadence Design.
The case highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. in preventing American support for China's semiconductor industry, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations and the need for a more robust approach to controlling technology and investment flows.
AI For Five Eyes? New bill pushes AI collaboration with UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Two key House lawmakers, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), have introduced a bill requiring the Pentagon to collaborate more closely with Five Eyes allies (Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States) on artificial intelligence (AI).
The bill directs the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Security to form an interagency working group to develop and coordinate an AI initiative among the Five Eyes countries.
The proposed bill does not mandate specific actions beyond a report to Congress and provides no new funding. It focuses on creating a working group to explore interoperability of AI systems for intelligence sharing, battlespace awareness, and other operational uses.
Experts have mixed opinions on the bill's impact, with some viewing it as a positive step towards enhanced Five Eyes cooperation in AI, while others express skepticism, suggesting that it may need further refinement and additional resources to drive meaningful progress.
Founded: 2019
Key People: CEO Marco Soriano
Elevator Pitch: EV motorcycles intended to innovate, design, and improve the performance of motorcycles.
Funding: The company closed on EUR 500 million of an undisclosed targeted amount of venture funding on December 18, 2023.
Founded: 2020
Key People: CEO Doron Merdinger
Elevator Pitch: An enterprise platform designed to simplify security certifications.
Funding: The company raised an estimated $10 million of Series A1 venture funding in a deal led by BAMCAP on December 18, 2023, putting the company's pre-money valuation at $33 million.
Founded: 2021
Key People: CEO Tomas Ocampo JD
Elevator Pitch: Environmental services intended to reduce carbon emissions.
Funding: The company raised $15 million of venture funding from Crusoe, Pampa Energy, and Petrocuyo on December 18, 2023.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, we have Ben Colman, CEO of Reality Defender, sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation about AI, cybersecurity, and internet ethics.
