Search the archive

AI-GENERATED PHISHING EMAILS ARE GETTING VERY GOOD AT TARGETING EXECUTIVES

AI-driven phishing scams are increasingly targeting executives using vast amounts of scraped personal data.

TRUMP REPORTEDLY ‘RECEPTIVE' TO STRATEGIC RESERVE WITH US-BASED CRYPTOS

Trump is allegedly considering expanding his previously announced Bitcoin strategic reserve plan to include US-based cryptos like Solana and XRP. The potential policy shift follows Trump's recent dinner with Ripple executives and his July 2024 pledge at the Bitcoin conference to create a national Bitcoin reserve. Though there are lots of rumors, nothing is confirmed about Trump's crypto plans.

CRYPTO-FRIENDLY TRADING PLATFORM ETORO FILES FOR US IPO

eToro has confidentially filed for an IPO with the SEC, targeting a valuation of over $5 billion and potential listing by Q2 2025. The move comes despite eToro's decision in September to cease trading most crypto assets in the US following an SEC settlement, with the UK remaining its largest market. eToro's most recent funding round, which was in 2023, raised $250 million at a $3.5 billion valuation.

ELIZA WHITEPAPER: A WEB3 FRIENDLY AI AGENT OPERATING SYSTEM

Eliza's whitepaper describes how the prominent AI framework enables blockchain interactions across multiple chains. It has built-in support for wallet management, trust scoring, and agent key custody solutions, and integrates with social platforms for community engagement. At the time of writing, the projects that have adopted Eliza have a combined market cap of $20 billion. The framework, built in Typescript, has a modular plugin system that allows developers to extend functionality, though current limitations include the need for improved workflow systems.

COINBASE LAUNCHES BITCOIN BACKED LOANS

Coinbase has launched a feature that allows users to access USDC loans backed by Morpho markets directly in its app, bridging the seamless user experience of fintech with the efficiency of DeFi. This integration not only enables users to use crypto-backed loans for real-world purposes, but also encourages fintechs and institutions to adopt open financial infrastructures, expanding DeFi's accessibility and impact.

HOW TO LAUNCH A BLOCKCHAIN SUCCESSFULLY IN 2025; LESSONS FROM THE LAST DECADE

Crypto launches have evolved over the past decade. A successful launch in 2025 requires mastery of multiple elements, including pre-launch business development, homegrown applications, and targeted user acquisition. It is critical to secure a “kingmaker” partner, maintain high float/low FDV tokenomics, and strategically decentralize. The current market demands robust infrastructure partnerships, ecosystem alignment, and superior user experience at launch, marking a sharp departure from previous eras where technical innovation alone could drive success.

HOW TO GET 100+ KAITO YAPS PER DAY

This article breaks down the secret to earning 100+ Kaito Yaps daily by analyzing tweet strategies, content themes, and platform dynamics. Successful content strategies include creating divisive but authentic content, engaging with high-ranking accounts, and leveraging the referral system. The breakdown demonstrates how social media metrics are increasingly being gamified and optimized.

MERITS TO DEFAI

AI agents have the potential to simplify complex DeFi interactions, making it easier for users to borrow, earn yield, and trade assets autonomously without navigating the often confusing manual processes. By enabling users to delegate tasks like “earn 8% yield on ETH with minimal risk,” AI could unlock broader adoption of DeFi among non-crypto natives, extending its reach and usability.

FUTURE OF CAPITAL FORMATION IN CRYPTO

ICOs are making a comeback, reshaping crypto capital formation with innovative platforms like Echo and Legion. This thread explores the evolution from AngelList's syndicates to on-chain models, highlighting why the return of public token sales can re-energize the space and democratize access for retail investors.

COINBASE LOAN PRODUCT REVIEW

Coinbase's BTC loan product offers floating interest of around 10%, compounding continuously, with no fixed term or monthly payments, while requiring an LTV below 60%.

THOUGHTS ON EIP 7702 DELEGATION CONTRACTS

Wallets like Metamask should allow apps to choose their own EIP-7702 delegation contracts, empowering the apps to provide a better user experience rather than relying on wallets to dictate a single delegation contract.

JIO PLATFORMS COLLABORATES WITH POLYGON LABS

JIO Platforms has partnered with Polygon to integrate Web3 capabilities into its services, using Polygon's blockchain solutions to innovate and enhance digital experiences for JIO's 450+ million customers.

CRYPTO EXCHANGE USAGE AROUND THE WORLD

The charts highlight Binance's dominance as the leading cryptocurrency exchange globally, particularly in Africa (72%), South America (68%), Asia (51%), Europe (50%), and the Middle East (52%), while Coinbase leads in North America with 45% market share.

HERE'S THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2

Nintendo has unveiled the first details of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set for release this year. The console resembles the original Switch but is larger. It features black Joy-Con controllers with colored accents that attach magnetically. The new Switch has a new USB-C port and an improved kickstand. Backward compatibility with most Switch games has been confirmed.

THE NOKIA DESIGN ARCHIVE GOES LIVE – RELIVE THE EARLY YEARS OF MOBILE MULTIMEDIA

Aalto University's Nokia Design Archive is now open. Featuring 700 curated entries and 20,000 items showcasing Nokia's design history, the archive, led by Professor Anna Valtonen, explores the evolution of mobile phones from basic devices to innovative concepts like the Nokia N95. Visitors can browse sketches, models, and concept displays.

THIS PORSCHE X HONOR SMARTPHONE COLLAB VALIDATES AN UNEXPECTED TECH TREND

The Porsche X Honor Magic 7 RSR smartphone seamlessly combines Porsche's automotive-inspired design with cutting-edge technology. Its distinctive hexagonal camera unit, sharp edges, and high-quality materials reflect Porsche's signature aesthetic. Available in refined colors like Agate Grey and Provence, the device offers a perfect balance of elegance and individuality for an elevated user experience.

SCIENCE JUST VALIDATED YOUR FAVORITE FONT PAIRINGS

Researchers from Hanyang University analyzed thousands of font pairings, confirming sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, and Univers dominate across mediums. The study highlights how font choices vary by use case, with serif fonts appearing in print, ornate fonts in ads, and bold glyphs in branding.

“DESIGNERS NEED TO PUT INSTINCT OVER DATA”

Designers should prioritize instinct over data, as data can oversimplify complexity while instincts capture emotional nuance. It is important to hone instincts through experience, understand the end user, and create a safe environment to foster bold, inspired work.

RETHINKING THE TERM "PRIMITIVES" IN DESIGN SYSTEMS

The term "primitives" in design systems refers to foundational elements like color, typography, and spacing but may feel vague to non-technical teams. Alternatives like "root" and "foundation" offer clearer, more inclusive language that fosters better collaboration and understanding across design, development, and stakeholder teams.

BLUR SENSITIVE DATA FROM SCREENSHOTS

BlurData is a macOS application designed to enhance privacy by blurring sensitive information in screenshots and images.

CREATE 3D MODELS FROM IMAGES

Transform images into 3D models for animation, rendering, or 3D printing.

EYEDROPPER PHOTO GAME

A daily photo game to capture a drop of color from your world.

DRIPPING WITH CHARACTER: 27B CRAFTS A PUNCHY BRAND WORLD FOR POP-UP RESTAURANT KOKORO AMSTERDAM

27b created a unique brand identity for Kokoro, a Japanese pop-up restaurant in Amsterdam, that avoided cultural clichés through hand-drawn typography, textured illustrations, and a reusable pink menu sleeve. The design emphasizes authenticity, innovation, and sustainability, with custom merchandise featuring subtle branding elements.

CAMPBELL HAY CRAFTS NEW PLACE BRAND FOR ISLINGTON SQUARE

Campbell Hay developed a dynamic new identity for Islington Square, transforming it into a vibrant London retail destination focused on experience and discovery. The brand features bold graphics, animated 3D arches, and an inviting verbal identity to showcase its lively atmosphere.

WHAT TRUMP'S ELECTION TELLS US ABOUT THE USER EXPERIENCE OF GOVERNMENT

Public trust in government is low; many feel it fails to meet their needs. To rebuild trust, we need more user-friendly, adaptable systems like success planning, guaranteed income, and the abundance movement, focusing on personalized, responsive services that effectively deliver results rather than rigid, outdated bureaucratic processes.

AUTOMATED ACCESSIBILITY TESTING AT SLACK

Slack has implemented automated accessibility tests with Axe and Playwright, ensuring comprehensive checks throughout development, supplemented by manual and user-focused evaluations.

ICONIC GUITARS OF FAMOUS GUITARISTS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS

Anthony Giaccone's debut art series showcases hand-drawn illustrations of iconic guitars, blending his marketing career and passion for art.

ENOUGH DISRUPTION: BUILD BETTER PRODUCTS

The tech industry is obsessed with disruption over quality, which results in buggy and confusing user experiences.

STARTUPS CAN GET A MAJOR TAX BREAK THROUGH QSBS

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) offers U.S. startup founders and early employees significant tax savings on exits, potentially avoiding federal taxes entirely on capital gains. The key requirements include being a U.S.-based C-corp, having less than $50M in assets when shares are issued, and holding shares for 5+ years. Act quickly as some filings must be done within 30 days of share purchase.

THE DOMAIN EXPERT REVOLUTION

2025 marks a turning point where non-technical industry experts can build successful startups more easily than ever. Three key shifts enable this: AI becoming domain-specific, dramatically lower costs to test ideas ($15K vs $250K previously), and democratized distribution channels. Deep industry knowledge has become more valuable than technical skills for founding successful companies.

WHAT HAPPENS IF TIKTOK GOES DARK

With TikTok facing a potential shutdown by January 19, creators are migrating to alternatives like RedNote and Lemon8. However, these Chinese-owned apps could face similar regulatory scrutiny. The ban puts VCs in a difficult position regarding their ByteDance shares, while creators who relied on TikTok's monetization face uncertain futures. Instagram's Reels stands to gain significant market share if TikTok exits.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A COMPETITOR LIES

In B2B tech, competitors often find it easier to falsely claim capabilities than build them. This article outlines three proven strategies: emphasizing measurable business value over feature lists, educating customers about technical implementation differences, and leveraging concrete proof points. It presents case studies to show how companies successfully exposed competitor misrepresentations, including one where a platform vendor demonstrated true integration capabilities to counter competitors' loose "platform" claims.

IS YOUR RETENTION "TOO GOOD”?

High retention in B2C subscriptions may indicate overly narrow audience targeting, limiting potential revenue growth. Some early churn suggests experimenting with broader audiences, leading to long-term growth opportunities. Identifying and elevating your "cohort floor" stabilizes churn, enhancing profitability by retaining customers once acquisition costs are covered.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR PRODUCT IDEA GO VIRAL INSIDE YOUR COMPANY: LESSONS FROM FIGMA SLIDES

Figma Slides, launched in beta at Config 2024, emerged from a grassroots initiative spurred by users repurposing Figma's design tool for presentations. Mihika Kapoor, the founding PM, leveraged internal enthusiasm with strategic storytelling, viral moments, and innovative pitches to win executive backing and push the product forward. Her approach, including using humor and creating internal buzz, turned skeptics into advocates, demonstrating the power of vision-driven and engaging product development.

CHATGPT TASKS

Ask ChatGPT to do things for you at a future time.

A1 BASE

Give AI Agents a real world identity.

MERCURY'S FINANCIAL MODEL (TEMPLATE)

A financial model template built by Mercury Bank.

5 TAKEAWAYS FROM CALSTRS' PRIVATE EQUITY PERFORMANCE REPORT

With over $352B in total assets, CalSTRS (California State Teachers Pension System) has a 20+ year history of investing in private market funds. This post analyses CalSTRS' private market performance trends, specifically focusing on venture capital, and how it compares to other asset classes like growth equity and traditional private equity.

SIX CHARTS ABOUT AI REVENUE

An analysis of early AI revenue trends reveals impressive growth and retention metrics across major players. ChatGPT and Anthropic show strong retention rates of around 70-75%, while OpenAI dominates with 62.5% of consumer AI spending. The piece also highlights the rise of "AI Native" companies, with 28 startups already reaching $25M+ in revenue, suggesting rapid market maturation.

SHOCKLEY SEMICONDUCTOR LABORATORY

William Shockley was a brilliant but controversial figure in semiconductor history, contributing to the invention of the junction transistor and founding Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in Silicon Valley. Despite his technical genius, his abrasive management style led to the departure of key staff, known as the "traitorous eight," who went on to establish Fairchild Semiconductor. Shockley's legacy is a mix of innovation and dysfunction, ultimately paving the way for Silicon Valley's tech revolution.

TO PIVOT OR NOT

Through the lens of the explore-exploit tradeoff from machine learning, this author shares their experience pivoting after nine months of pursuing their initial startup concept.

THERE IS NO VERSION 2: YOUR V1 JUST NEEDS TO BE BETTER

The most successful products earn their future iterations by solving real customer problems from version one.

LIGHTSPEED VC: 100% OF STARTUPS SEE $250K+ DEALS TAKE LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS TO CLOSE

Such deals typically involve annual budget reviews and pilot evaluations.

Get the report →

learn best practices in the 2025 Ransomware Survival Guide

* Learn how ransomware operators work in 2025. * Use risk frameworks and threat intelligence to prioritize patches. * Build a playbook for containment, negotiation, and recovery.

NEW UEFI SECURE BOOT FLAW EXPOSES SYSTEMS TO BOOTKITS

A new UEFI Secure Boot vulnerability in a Microsoft-signed application could allow for deploying bootkits. The vulnerable application does not use trusted services to load the binaries but instead manually decrypts and loads binaries into memory which could be exploited by an attacker that replaces the expected binary with a malicious one. ESET provides Powershell commands to check for vulnerable systems.

TOP CANNABIS BRAND STIIIZY SAYS HACKERS GOT ACCESS TO ITS SYSTEMS

Cannabis retailer Stiiizy confirmed a late 2024 cyberattack affecting four California locations where hackers accessed sensitive customer data including names, IDs, and transaction histories. The ransomware group Everest claimed responsibility, stating they leaked data of 420,000 customers after ransom demands weren't met.

DATA FROM 15,000 FORTINET FIREWALLS LEAKED BY HACKERS

Hackers calling themselves "Belsen Group" leaked data from 15,000 Fortinet firewalls, including configurations, passwords, and IPs. Analysis suggests the data was collected in October 2022 through CVE-2022-40684 exploitation. Though two years old, the leaked configurations could still pose risks as many devices remain online and accessible.

STORY OF A PENTESTER RECRUITMENT 2025

A story of recruiting pentesters with a dedicated sample app, "Mushroom," a web-based recruitment challenge for penetration testers used from 2015-2024. The simple application helped hire 14 pentesters across different seniority levels. Candidates had 72 hours to find vulnerabilities and submit a professional report.