Finance

Rejection as Fuel: Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Bounce Back Stronger

Dave Salvant, co-founder and president of Squire Technologies Inc., knows all about facing rejection. In a recent Financial Freestyle episode with Ross Mac, Salvant discusses how he’s dealt with refusals from both investors and customers. His advice? Keep going back—“It’s hard for people to say no the seventh time,” he explains, especially when pitching to small and medium-sized businesses, who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship. Salvant also shares his experience fundraising in Silicon Valley, where despite strong metrics, he received only one offer after 40 or 50 meetings, showing just how tough persistence can be.

TECH

Too Much Power? The Risks Behind Tech Giants’ Push for Faster Computers

AI has become a focal investment for companies across various industries, but it has introduced complex challenges in entertainment, where creative professionals already face uncertainty from the impacts of COVID-19 and significant downsizing in traditional media. AI’s potential role in content creation sparked strong responses, with unions like the WGA and SAG-AFTRA pushing back last year. They secured some protections in their negotiations with the AMPTP, yet studios remain interested in AI’s possibilities. Recently, Lionsgate took a notable step, partnering with AI firm Runway to explore new uses, signaling that despite concerns, the drive to integrate AI into Hollywood's creative and production processes continues.

CRYPTO

Crypto Voters Say: This Election Could Change Everything

As The Black Keys prepared to rock their hometown of Akron, Ohio, on October 25, marking the final stop of the America Loves Crypto Tour, the grassroots movement aimed at uniting cryptocurrency holders as a voting bloc reached its peak. This concert series traveled through five key swing states in a vibrant purple bus, seeking to mobilize around 4 million crypto enthusiasts into a formidable political force ahead of the 2024 election.

In recent months, cryptocurrency has emerged as a significant player in American politics, with crypto voters gaining traction in crucial battleground states like Ohio and Nevada. This diverse group includes supporters who seek candidates promising regulatory clarity, those advocating for innovation-friendly policies, and others who oppose what they perceive as government overreach. As a result, this constituency has become increasingly vocal and has attracted attention from both major political parties, eager to align with the interests and priorities of this growing demographic.