<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Ro, a New York-based telehealth provider, has announced the acquisition of the at-home diagnostic test provider, Kit, for an undisclosed amount. Kit is the third company acquired by Ro over the past 12 months.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        California-based Kit offers personalized, prescription-based diagnostic tests. The tests can be self-administered by the patient while the Kit app provides guidance and on-demand support.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The acquisition will enable Ro to provide treatments for a wider range of health conditions and support chronic and preventive care. Patients will also be able to order Kit tests, access results, and discuss them with healthcare providers through Ro&rsquo;s platform. Ro will also include Kit in its in-home care service which offers on-demand home visits of healthcare providers.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Ro will gradually integrate Kit&rsquo;s diagnostic capabilities with its in-house offerings, including Workpath, a diagnostic solution that incorporates on-demand in-home professional support to patients. Kit will continue to operate autonomously and serve its B2B customers.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Founded in 2017, Ro&rsquo;s platform specializes in women&rsquo;s health, men&rsquo;s health, and smoke cessation. As of May 2021, the company provided treatments covering around 20 conditions, such as sexual health, hair loss, and menopause, and had facilitated more than 6 million telehealth visits across the US. 
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://ro.co/press/ro-acquires-kit">
      <b>Company press release</b>
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/ro-buys-kit-a-17-month-old-startup-that-offers-at-home-health-testing/">
      <b>Tech crunch</b>
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Telehealth

Ro acquires at-home health testing company Kit to bolster diagnostic capabilities

Empowering efficiency, visibility and collaboration throughout supply networks

Supply Chain Tech

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>iTRACE Technologies has enhanced its iTRACE 2DMI technology, incorporating AI and blockchain technologies to safeguard brands and consumers from fraudulent conduct. This enhancement connects the technology to blockchain for assured secure identification and AI-driven counterfeit product detection. It also provides smooth product verification through its mobile application and suitability for high-security sectors such as electronics, luxury goods, medical technology, pharmacy, automotive, and aerospace.</p>
 <p>The firm maintains that the revised solution delivers improved security against counterfeiting, elevated efficacy, and broadened client competencies for product and consumer protection. It further emphasizes that the amalgamation of AI and blockchain technology can address intricate problems in global supply chains, which is critical considering the recent disruptions in global trading.</p>
 <p>iTRACE Technologies is a firm specializing in supply chain security solutions, with a particular focus on anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion technologies. Their core offering, iTRACE 2DMI, incorporates patented marking technology that can be utilized on almost any material. This technology supports integration with blockchain, augmenting traceability and security across diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and defense​.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Combating counterfeiting and fraud has been a key focus area for startups in the Supply Chain Tech space. Earlier this year, <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/29288"> Sensos </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28473"> Descartes Systems </a> introduced new features to their solution suite to detect and manage fraud. In addition, in February 2024, Flexport <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/26928"> relaunched </a> the "Convoy Platform," which also offers fraud detection technology to prevent fraud across supply chains.</p>

iTRACE Technologies upgrades iTRACE 2DMI technology with AI and blockchain integration

A booming food and beverage segment with a history as rich and varied as its present-day product offerings.

Plant-based Dairy & Egg

<div>
 <p>Andre Weinmann, an industry veteran with experience at Mondelez, Nestlé, Purina, and Unilever, has been appointed as president of Brazilian operations by Chilean food technology firm, NotCo. The company is setting ambitious goals for the coming years, striving to achieve breakeven, and Weinmann has been entrusted with guiding the company towards this milestone, leveraging his extensive background in consumer goods and retail. Prior to this role, Weinmann also successfully co-founded KotaKi, contributing to enhanced connectivity among manufacturers, wholesalers, and smaller retailers.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> As of NotCo’s last funding round in December 2022, when it raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/15270"> USD 70 million </a> in Series D funding, the company valuation stands at USD 1.5 billion, placing it amongst the handful of unicorns in the industry. Further, its longstanding <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/8673"> partnership </a> with Kraft Heinz and presence in multiple countries highlights its upward trajectory since its inception.</p>

Andre Weinmann appointed president of NotCo's Brazilian operations

Driving livestock productivity using next-generation biotechnology

Livestock Biotech

<div>
<p>Swedish startup, Volta Greentech, which provides feed additives and emission-reduction services, has raised a funding of SEK 32 million (~USD 2.95 million) from Axel Johnson and KFS. This new funding has brought the startup's total funds to almost SEK 100 million (~USD 9.21 million).</p>
<p>The acquired funds will be used for the development and commercialization of a feed supplement called Lome. Lome is affordable, scalable, and designed to decrease methane emissions from cattle farming. The product claims to perform better than algae-based products and can lower methane emissions from cattle by up to 90%.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Cattle farming is the largest agricultural source of methane emissions, with each cow producing approximately <a href="https:<br>
//www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/making-cattle-more-sustainable#:<br>
~:<br>
text=Cattle%20are%20the,Animal%20Science."> 220 lbs </a> of methane annually. Reducing cattle farming-related emissions is crucial to mitigate climate change, as agriculture accounts for about <a href="https:<br>
//cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/articles/methane-emissions-from-livestock-and-climate-change/#:<br>
~:<br>
text=In%20the%20US%20and%20Wisconsin%2C%20agriculture%20accounts%20for%20about%2010%20and%2018%25%2C"> 10% </a> of total greenhouse gas emissions in the US.</p>

Volta Greentech raises USD 2.95 million in funding to commercialize feed additives

A new wave of meat, fish, and poultry alternatives are driving this hyper-growth industry into the mainstream.

Plant-based Meat

<div>
 <p>Chilean food tech company, NotCo, has appointed Andre Weinmann as the president of its Brazilian operations. The company aims to achieve breakeven in the next few years and Weinmann is expected to guide the company towards this target. </p>
 <p>Weinmann, with his wide experience in consumer goods and retail sector, has served in major firms like Mondelez, Nestlé, Purina, and Unilever. He is also known for his successful stint as a co-founder of KotaKi, where he helped build connections between manufacturers, wholesalers, and small retailers.&nbsp;</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> As of NotCo’s last funding round in December 2022, when it raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/15270"> USD 70 million </a> in Series D funding, the company valuation stands at USD 1.5 billion, placing it amongst the handful of unicorns in the industry. Further, its longstanding <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/8673"> partnership </a> with Kraft Heinz and presence in multiple countries highlights its upward trajectory since its inception.</p>

Using online platforms, autonomy, electric and fuel-cell tech solutions to shape the future of trucking.

Truck Industry Tech

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>Online freight brokering platform, NEXT Trucking, has introduced new services and programs following its <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26624">merger</a> with digital freight broker CDL-1000. The objective behind these updates is to enhance the user experience for both shippers and carriers using the joint resources and expertise of the companies.</p>
 <p>New updates cover the launch of a video content library that demonstrates the benefits of NEXT's tech platform, infrastructure services, and logistics expertise, as well as industry collaborations. Another primary improvement is the introduction of an optimized quoting tool deploying Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to deliver real-time drayage and truckload quotes. The Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) program has also been launched, which allows shippers with their capacities, to utilize NEXT's technology. Finally, NEXT has upgraded its ATLAS Chassis OCR and initiated a new leasing program.</p>
</div>

NEXT Trucking announces product and program updates to enhance user experience

<div>
 <p>high-performancePlus, an autonomous truck manufacturer, has launched a new product named PlusProtect. This product is AI-based software designed to enhance the safety systems of all vehicles. It emphasizes on advanced features like automatic collision mitigation.</p>

 <p>PlusProtect is equipped with a number of key features. These include high-performance automatic emergency braking (AEB), expanded lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, predictive fuel optimization, self-calibrated sensors, and the ability to receive updates over the air.</p>

 <p>The software also offers additional features that comply with general safety regulations (GSR). Moreover, it comes with an event data recorder that can retrieve and provide essential data during critical safety incidents.</p>
 
</div>

Plus launches AI-based safety software 'PlusProtect' for vehicle manufacturers

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

<div>
 <p>Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has restarted its autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix, Arizona. The initial phase features two self-driving cars with human safety operators on board. An additional eight vehicles will be manually driven in the same area to collect necessary data.</p>
 <p>As part of its ongoing pursuit for safety and performance, the company is in the process of confirming its technology standards. Plans are underway to expand the testing to other suburbs surrounding Phoenix, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Following an incident in San Francisco where a pedestrian was injured by one of its robotaxis in October 2023, which led to the <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> suspension of its nationwide operations, </a> Cruise has redirected its operational focus to Phoenix, leaving its activities in San Francisco at a standstill. This move came after Californian authorities <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> revoked the company's permits </a> for autonomous testing and deployment in the state.</p>

GM’s Cruise to begin autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix

<div>
 <p>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Zoox, an Amazon-owned self-driving technology company, due to reports of unexpected braking that led to motorcyclists rear-ending the vehicles. </p>
 <p>The implicated vehicles were Toyota Highlander SUVs outfitted with autonomous driving software and supervised by a safety driver at the time of the incidents.</p>
 <p>The probe will encompass around 500 Zoox cars and primarily concentrate on the company's autonomous engine.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This isn't Zoox's first encounter with NHTSA. <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/16873"> In March 2023, </a> the agency also investigated the company's assertion that its driverless vehicles met federal safety standards without needing a government exemption.</p>

Amazon’s Zoox under investigation after two autonomous vehicles incidents

<div>
 <p>LiDAR sensor manufacturer, Cepton, has entered into a $10 million engineering services agreement with automotive tier 1 partner, Koito Manufacturing.</p>
 <p>As part of the deal, Koito will offer engineering services to Cepton to support a significant global OEM program <a href="https://www.koito.co.jp/english/news/2024/04/10/004323.html">secured in April 2024</a>. They will also assist Cepton in the development and implementation of customer-specific products for its short-range LiDAR. </p>
 <p>The LiDAR technology will be utilized in the mentioned OEM program and by other OEM customers for Level 4 autonomous vehicles (vehicles that can operate fully autonomously within specific locations and/or conditions) both on and off the road.</p>
</div>

Cepton announces USD 10 million engineering contract with Koito for LiDAR development

A decentralized version of the web powered by the blockchain

Web3 Ecosystem

<div>
 
 <p>Starkware has partnered with Herodotus to introduce a tool called Integrity Verifier on its Ethereum-based layer-2 (L2) platform, Starknet. The incorporation of this tool will allow Starknet to support layer-3 (L3) appchains, resulting in improved scalability and lower transaction costs. Notably, Integrity Verifier carries out transactions on L3 chains and ensures scalable validation for storage proofs and zero-knowledge machine learning (ZKM).</p>
 
</div>

All Updates

iTRACE Technologies upgrades iTRACE 2DMI technology with AI and blockchain integration

Andre Weinmann appointed president of NotCo's Brazilian operations

Volta Greentech raises USD 2.95 million in funding to commercialize feed additives

Andre Weinmann appointed president of NotCo's Brazilian operations

NEXT Trucking announces product and program updates to enhance user experience

Plus launches AI-based safety software 'PlusProtect' for vehicle manufacturers

GM’s Cruise to begin autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix

Amazon’s Zoox under investigation after two autonomous vehicles incidents

Cepton announces USD 10 million engineering contract with Koito for LiDAR development

Starkware partners with Herodotus to launch Integrity Verifier for layer-3 appchains