<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Woolworths (the largest supermarket operator in Australia) has deployed Takeoff Technologies&rsquo; automated micro-fulfillment technology in its newly built e-commerce floor at the back of its Carrum Down supermarket in Melbourne.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The 2,400 square meter space uses automation technology to sort and move products and is capable of holding up to 10,000 grocery products in-demand. The system does not process fruits, vegetables, and meat orders which will continue to be picked from the shop floor.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The new technology facilitates same-day delivery and reduces congestion in the aisles for in-store customers. According to the Woolworth&rsquo;s CEO, the store has been able to pick and dispatch its first 10 orders in four minutes per order, which typically takes around 30 minutes if done manually.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Woolworths and Takeoff Technologies entered into an agreement in August 2019 to implement automated micro-fulfillment technology in an initial three stores in Australia.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Takeoff Technologies offers automated micro-fulfillment solutions to grocery retailers. In addition to Woolworth, it has formed partnerships with several retailers in the US (such as Albertsons, Ahold Delhaize, Wakefern, Sedano, Associated Wholesale Grocers), Canada (Loblaw) and UAE (Carrefour). 
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/media/Latest_News/woolworths-rolls-out-innovative-micro-fulfilment-tech-in-melbourne-to-deliver-more-online-grocery-orders-to-customers-faster">
      Company press release
    </a>
    <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/woolworths-speeds-online-orders-with-micro-fulfilment-20201007-p56309">
      Australian Financial Review
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Retail Industry Robots

Woolworths Australia deploys Takeoff Technologies’ micro-fulfillment technology in its first e-Com store

Generating, collecting, and analyzing enterprise data will never be the same.

Edge Computing

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 <p>Edgio, a company that specializes in providing secure and speedy online services, has introduced a new tool called Attack Surface Management solution (ASM). This tool is designed to help locate web assets, create a list of technologies, pinpoint security risks, and manage responses to these vulnerabilities.</p>
 <p>Notable features of Edgio's ASM involve continual inventory monitoring of all external web applications, automated detection of potential threats, and a unified interface for managing the rectification of all security issues. Additionally, it provides web application and API protection (WAAP) to guard against DDoS and malevolent code injection threats.&nbsp;</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The announcement comes after Edgio launched a <a href="https:<br>
//siliconangle.com/2023/04/18/new-edgio-solution-mitigates-malicious-bots-providing-observability-good-bots/"> new bot management solution </a> that leverages machine learning to detect and mitigate a wide range of evolving and malicious bots. Furthermore, in late 2023, Edgio raised <a href="https:<br>
//www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114321677/en/Edgio-Inc.-Announces-New-Capital-Infusion-to-Drive-Growth-Strategies#:<br>
~:<br>
text=PHOENIX--(BUSINESS%20WIRE)--,%2466%20million%20of%20new%20financing."> USD 66 million </a> in post-IPO debt to strengthen its financial position and support the execution of its strategic objectives.</p>

Edgio launches attack surface management for continuous web application threat management

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovations with Generative AI Infrastructure

Generative AI Infrastructure

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>Oracle has made its AI vector search feature in Oracle Database 23i generally available. This feature uses sentence semantics to help users find information more effectively than traditional keyword searches. The key features of this AI vector search include new SQL operators that help in generating vector embeddings and a VECTOR data type that helps in storing vector embeddings. Additionally, the integration enables comprehensive searches by combining business metrics, security filters, among other features.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The update broadens Oracle’s activities in the space and follows the launch of its OCI GenAI service in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25852"> January 2024 </a> , a cloud-based platform that allows enterprises to utilize LLMs for tasks like text generation, summarization, and semantic similarity.</p>

Oracle announces general availability of AI vector search feature in Oracle Database 23i

<div>
 <p>DataRobot, an Enterprise LLM development platform, has launched its real-time intervention functionality for GenAI solutions. This is designed to detect and prevent unexpected artificial intelligence behaviors. The service is versatile, being available on-premise, in the cloud and in a hybrid format.</p>
 <p>To prevent prompt injections, detect personally identifiable information, and mitigate hallucinations, the platform employs a library of configurable safeguards. Moreover, it provides customizable alerts, and allows the ability to diagnose issues visually and trace back answers.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The update builds on DataRobot’s existing cloud solutions, including the launch of its unified AI Cloud platform in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23738"> November 2023 </a> . The platform provides real-time monitoring, LLM cost, and performance tracking and the introduction of "guard models" to influence GenAI behavior. Additionally, the company partnered with Google to make its Gemini models available through DataRobot’s platform in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28345"> April 2024 </a> .</p>

DataRobot launches AI observability functionality for real-time intervention

Platforms, apps, and cards to keep the corporate wallet in check

Business Expense Management

<div>

<p>Pleo, a company that provides payment and expense management solutions, has secured an approximately USD 42.9 million worth of debt financing facility from HSBC Innovation Banking UK. The financing is meant for the expansion of the company's credit offering, Pleo overdraft. This service facilitates enhanced financial flexibility for businesses and augmented credit limits across Europe, initially in the Netherlands. It aims to reach new markets and currencies, acquiring new customers in the process. Pleo overdraft is currently available in Sweden, the UK, Germany, and Denmark.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This latest fundraise builds on its Series C funding in 2021, which was reportedly the largest ever for a Danish startup, where the company was valued at USD 4.7 billion, supporting its European expansion plans.</p>

Pleo raises EUR 40 million for market expansion of credit offering

<div>

<p>Lamini, a business-focused AI platform, has secured USD 25 million in a funding round. The round was led by Amplify Partners and saw participation from various investors including Stanford professor Andrew Ng, Figma CEO Dylan Field, and AMD Ventures.</p>
<p>The firm intends to utilize this funding to triple the size of its current team and enhance its computing infrastructure. Additionally, Lamini also plans to delve deeper into technical optimizations.</p>
<p>As an enterprise-centered platform, Lamini provides businesses with an ability to craft and modify their large language models (LLMs) suiting their unique data and situation-specific needs.</p>

</div>

Lamini raises USD 25 million for team expansion and infrastructure development

More important now than ever, telehealth will long outlast the pandemic that drove its growth.

Telehealth

<div>

 <p>Transcarent, a virtual care provider, has secured USD 126 million in a Series D financing round. General Catalyst and 7wireVentures have co-led the investment, with contributions from both new and existing investors. The recent round brings Transcarent's total funding to USD 450 million and boosts its valuation to USD 2.2 billion.</p>
 
 <p>The company intends to allocate the freshly raised capital towards the further development of its AI capabilities and the support of strategic growth and commercial expansion.</p>
  
</div>

Transcarent raises USD 126 million in Series D funding to enhance AI capabilities and fuel growth

Empowering efficiency, visibility and collaboration throughout supply networks

Supply Chain Tech

ThroughPut Inc. has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) based features for inventory management to aid businesses in managing their working capital more effectively. The aim is to enhance profitability by managing safety stock and facilitating omnichannel order fulfillment. 

Key features include optimal spend recommendations, replenishment strategies, with a significant emphasis on cost reduction and eliminating waste. These features offer insights into optimal working capital spend, enable dynamic optimization of working capital, and reveal any expensive and wasteful activities in the supply chain. 

The company asserts that these new features will provide businesses enhanced visibility and control over their inventory across diverse locations and systems. This, in turn, will enable businesses to decrease excessive stock and carrying costs while accelerating inventory turnover. <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> ThroughPut Inc. has been leveraging AI to optimize supply chain operations across industries. In October 2023, the company <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/24111"> launched </a> a new solution named "ThroughPut.AI Supply Chain Decision Intelligence" to offer comprehensive supply chain visibility and possible solutions for disruptions and risks. Also, in July 2023, the company <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23771"> launched </a> AI-driven customer segmentation capabilities for supply chains to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of businesses' planning, management, and fulfillment processes. The latest launch expands its capabilities, elevating it toward an end-to-end supply chain planning solutions provider.</p>

ThroughPut Inc. launches new AI capabilities for inventory management

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

<div>
 
 <p>SpaceX launched Maxar-1, which are the initial two high-resolution Earth observation satellites of Maxar Intelligence, from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base through the Falcon 9 rocket.</p>
 <p>These satellites are part of Maxar's WorldView Legion fleet, which is designed for highly precise Earth observation. The said fleet is equipped with advanced cameras that can take pictures of even tiny objects and features on the Earth’s surface, boasting about 30 cm resolution.</p>
 <p>With the addition of the first two satellites, it is anticipated that Maxar's ability to gather high-resolution imagery and map Earth will triple. This would further boost its capacity to offer accurate and extensive imaging and mapping services.</p>
 
</div>

SpaceX launches Maxar's first two Earth observation satellites

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

Plant-based Meat

<div>
 <p>Vancouver's B2B mycoprotein producer, Maia Farms, has garnered CAD 2.3 million (~USD 1.7 million) in a pre-seed funding round. This funding was jointly led by Joyful Ventures, PIC Investing Group, and Koan Capital. In addition to this, the company has managed to secure grants amounting to over CAD 2 million (~USD 1.5 million) from various institutions.</p>
 <p>The newly acquired capital will be utilized by Maia Farms to support and magnify its R&amp;D efforts. The company also plans on extending its operations and expanding its market presence.</p>
 <p>Established in 2021, Maia Farms majors in the development of mycoprotein through the process of biomass fermentation and the use of advanced bioreactor technology. The company's lead product, CanPro, is a textured protein ingredient with a wide variety of applications such as alternative meats, protein bars, snacks, among others.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Mycoprotein is often used in alternative protein applications as it provides a more meat-like texture than other alternatives like soy or pea protein. Notable companies in this space include <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/786294"> Mycorena </a> , <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/2834068"> Nosh Biofoods </a> , <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/502559"> ENOUGH </a> , <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/1178873"> The Protein Brewery </a> , and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/721897"> The Better Meat Co </a> .</p>

Maia Farms raises CAD 2.3 million in pre-seed funding to advance operations

Automation and robotics are finally creating solutions for the complexities of doorstep deliveries.

Last-mile Delivery Automation

<div>
 <p>Hyundai plans to invest nearly USD 1 billion in the Hyundai-Aptiv autonomous vehicle joint venture, Motional. This investment will provide the startup capital for continued operations. The specifics of the deal include Hyundai injecting USD 475 million directly into the joint venture and buying additional equity worth USD 448 million from its partner Aptiv. As a result, Hyundai will gain an 85% majority stake in Motional.</p>
 <p>Aptiv, which formerly held half the stakes in Motional, is diminishing its investment due to the expensive costs and extensive timeframe required to commercialize robotaxis.</p>
 <p>The completion of this deal is expected to occur by the third quarter of 2024, pending approval from regulatory bodies and customary closing conditions.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Motional, resulting from a <a href="https:<br>
//techcrunch.com/2019/09/23/aptiv-and-hyundai-form-new-joint-venture-focused-on-autonomous-driving/"> USD 4 billion collaboration </a> between Hyundai and Aptiv, is working on commercializing autonomous taxis by 2024. However, the funding situation for Motional became uncertain as Aptiv decided to cut stake and discontinue future funding <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/26156"> in January 2024, </a> leaving Hyundai as the primary backer unless Motional attracted additional investors. We believe the new funds injected by Hyundai would help the company’s continued operations. Motional also secured a bridge loan to meet temporary financial needs <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27629"> in March 2024. </a> The broader robotaxi industry is marked by uncertainty and gradual progress toward commercial viability, with incumbents like Alphabet’s Waymo <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28523"> expanding its services </a> and others like GM’s Cruise <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28329"> recovering from setbacks. </a></p>

All Updates