<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Aurora Innovation, an autonomous vehicle technology startup, has partnered with transportation and logistics company Werner Enterprises for a commercial pilot to deploy autonomous trucks to haul goods in a 600+ mile route between Fort Worth and El Paso, Texas. With this, Weber becomes Aurora&rsquo;s first full-truckload carrier customer.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Initially, trucks will be deployed with a safety driver on weekly hauls, with plans to increase the level of autonomy and frequency in the future.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The company has also bought two new terminal sites to service this route and to build the required infrastructure in order to facilitate the pilot.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
    &lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;
    <b>Analyst QuickTake:</b>
     This marks Aurora Innovation&rsquo;s third autonomous truck pilot in Texas, following partnerships with FedEx 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5642">
      (September 2021)
    </a>
     and Uber Freight 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/7397">
      (December 2021).
    </a>
     Texas has always been a popular destination for autonomous trucking companies given its geographical location, availability of academic and research institutions, and the Texan government&rsquo;s encouragement. Other autonomous trucking companies with operations in Texas include Google Waymo, Daimler, 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/609704">
      Gatik,
    </a>
     
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/440130">
      TuSimple,
    </a>
     
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/500158">
      Embark Trucks,
    </a>
     and 
    <a href="https://sp-edge.com/companies/630200">
      Kodiak Robotics.
    </a>
    &lt;/ul&gt;
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220406005552/en/Aurora-and-Werner-Launch-Commercial-Pilot-to-Autonomously-Haul-Freight-in-Texas">
      Press release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/06/aurora-launches-autonomous-freight-pilot-with-werner-expands-terminal-network/">
      TechCrunch
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Truck Industry Tech

Aurora Innovation partners with Werner for an autonomous truck pilot in Texas

Building future-ready applications in the cloud

Cloud-native Tech

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>The multinational IT and consulting firm, International Business Machines (IBM), is reportedly on the verge of acquiring HashiCorp, a leading provider of multi-cloud infrastructure automation software. IBM aims to enhance its cloud services through the acquisition of HashiCorp.</p>
 <p>HashiCorp, the maker of the highly demanded infrastructure automation software Terraform, is known for developing solutions which address real-world IT issues in multi-cloud environments, relating to infrastructure provisioning, security, networking, and application deployment.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> IBM’s <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/2981#strategy"> strategy </a> includes strengthening and promoting hybrid cloud solutions and AI adoption and pursuing M&amp;A opportunities to serve clients better. Its series of acquisitions focusing on AI and hybrid and multi-cloud solutions include <a href="https:<br>
//newsroom.ibm.com/IBM-acquires-Manta-Software-Inc-to-complement-data-and-AI-governance-capabilities"> Manta </a> , <a href="https:<br>
//newsroom.ibm.com/2023-06-26-IBM-to-Acquire-Apptio-Inc-,-Providing-Actionable-Financial-and-Operational-Insights-Across-Enterprise-IT"> Apptio </a> , <a href="https:<br>
//techcrunch.com/2022/07/06/ibm-acquires-databand-to-bolster-its-data-observability-stack/"> Databand </a> , and notably <a href="https:<br>
//www.redhat.com/en/about/press-releases/ibm-closes-landmark-acquisition-red-hat-34-billion-defines-open-hybrid-cloud-future#:<br>
~:<br>
text=IBM%20(NYSE%3AIBM)%20and,the%20cloud%20market%20for%20business."> RedHat </a> . This move could strengthen IBM's competitive position in the cloud market. HashiCorp is renowned for its tools that automate the provisioning, securing, and running of cloud infrastructure, which would complement and enhance IBM's existing cloud offerings.</p>

IBM gears up to acquire HashiCorp

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

Edge Computing

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

Akamai Technologies launches media-focused service with NVIDIA GPUs

Disrupting the traditional financial system using blockchain

Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

<div>
 
 <p>Turnkey, a provider of crypto wallet infrastructure, has successfully raised USD 15 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Lightspeed Faction and Galaxy Ventures, and saw participation from Sequoia, Coinbase Ventures, Alchemy, Figment Capital, and Mirana Ventures.</p>
 <p>The company offers a blockchain infrastructure which allows users to create more user-friendly cryptocurrency wallets. These wallets can be created and embedded into their applications or websites using the company’s application programming interfaces (APIs). The platform also enables transactions like invoices and payments to be automated. Additional features of the platform include a 50–100 ms signing latency, a range of security measures like passwordless authentication, and a customizable policy engine.&nbsp;</p>
 
</div>

Turnkey raises USD 15 million in Series A funding

Foundation Models

<div>

<p>AI-powered search engine, Perplexity AI, has secured USD 62.7 million in a funding round headed by investor Daniel Gross. Other contributors include Stanley Druckenmiller, Y Combinator's Garry Tan, Figma Inc. CEO Dylan Field, and previous investors such as Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA Corp, bringing the company's valuation to over USD 1 billion.</p>
<p>The raised amount will be directed towards the firm's global expansion ambitions and efforts to grow its user base. Perplexity has also introduced a service, Enterprise Pro, aimed at businesses, equipped with advanced security and privacy features which are available for a monthly fee of USD 40. High-profile corporations such as Zoom and HP have already incorporated this service.</p>
<p>In order to broaden its reach, Perplexity has partnered with telecom giants including SoftBank Corp. in Japan, and Germany's Deutsche Telekom AG. These partnerships will assist in marketing Perplexity's offerings to both consumer and business clientele.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This news comes just three months after the company raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25210"> USD 73.6 million </a> in a Series B round to support its expansion plans. The move to launch a new plan and enter several partnerships signify Perplexity's intent to scale globally and reflect its capability to influence and possibly lead the future of AI-driven search technologies.</p>

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

New technologies are opening up mental health services to previously overbooked and underserved populations.

Mental Health Tech

<div>
 
 <p>Headspace, a California-based company, has launched a new mental health coaching service for its direct-to-consumer subscribers. The service, priced at USD 99.99 per month, offers one-on-one support for various life challenges. The coaches, trained with clinically validated techniques, provide a personalized and action-oriented approach to care that includes setting realistic goals, fostering new habits, motivating change, and taking responsibility for their own success. Headspace claims that this service is more accessible and affordable compared to therapy.</p>
 <p>Apart from individual coaching, Headspace provides a range of mental healthcare services such as coaching therapy, psychiatry, and meditation mindfulness tools, all delivered through a smartphone app. They also offer stress management and sleep therapy solutions. Furthermore, they run a "Headspace for Work" program targeting businesses. </p>
 
 </div>

Headspace introduces direct-to-consumer mental health coaching services

Exploring the limitless possibilities of AI

Generative AI Applications

<div>
 
 <p>GenAI-powered search engine Perplexity AI has secured USD 62.7 million in a funding round. The round was led by Daniel Gross and saw contributions from Stanley Druckenmiller, Garry Tan of Y Combinator, Dylan Field, CEO of Figma Inc., and former supporters including Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA Corp. The successful round has pushed Perplexity AI's valuation past the USD 1 billion mark.</p>
 <p>The newly acquired funds will enable Perplexity to focus on expanding its reach globally and bolstering its user base.&nbsp;</p>
 <p>The company has also introduced Enterprise Pro, a service designed specifically for business use that offers enhanced security and privacy features, for USD 40 per month. Major corporations such as Zoom and HP have already started utilizing this service.</p>
 <p>Additionally, Perplexity has entered into partnerships with telecommunications firms including Japan's SoftBank Corp. and Germany's Deutsche Telekom AG. These partnerships aim to augment Perplexity's impact by promoting its capabilities to both consumer and business customers.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This news comes just three months after the company raised <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25210"> USD 73.6 million </a> in a Series B round to support its expansion plans. The move to launch a new plan and enter several partnerships signify Perplexity's intent to scale globally and reflect its capability to influence and possibly lead the future of AI-driven search technologies.</p>

<div>

 <p>Moveworks has launched a new service called Moveworks Copilot, an AI platform for enterprise support. This service allows employees to interact with business systems using everyday language and is now available to the public. The main features provided by the Moveworks Copilot are Copilot Search, Copilot Automations, and Copilot Productivity.</p>
 <p>Copilot Search aids employees in finding specific, personalized data across numerous applications through a simple chat interface. Copilot Automations enables changes to be made in any enterprise system directly from the chat promptly. Through Copilot Productivity, employees have the capability to compose emails, summarise documents, and handle their calendars within daily collaboration platforms such as Slack and Teams.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The company states that the new service will streamline how employees interact with business applications. It pulls critical data, activates the right workflows, automates processes, and offers relevant insights from a company's applications. This functionality aims to help employees maximize the potential of their technical stack.</p>

Moveworks launches upgraded Copilot for enhanced employee support

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

<div>
 <p>Luminar Technologies, a LiDAR sensor manufacturer, has collaborated with Applied Intuition, a vehicle software supplier, to create advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies. Their initial product offering includes validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs for testing in Applied Intuition's sensor simulator.</p>
 <p>This tool allows simulation of real-world scenarios, enhancing safety measures and decreasing testing expenses. Other features incorporated are sensor model validation by Luminar, efficient cloud simulation test running and performance assessment.</p>
 <p>Both companies are aiming to soon provide validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs, "Iris" and "Iris+". Expected to be released in the future is Luminar's latest LiDAR sensor, the "Halo", a compact, affordable solution ideal for vehicles like low-cost cars.</p>
 <p>Luminar has also begun production and delivery of automotive-grade LiDAR sensors for Volvo Cars. This marks a major breakthrough as the Volvo EX90 is the first consumer vehicle to standardize this technology.</p>
</div>

Luminar Technologies partners with Applied Intuition for LiDAR simulation; unveils compact LiDAR version ‘Halo'; starts shipping LiDAR for Volvo

<div>
 <p>Helm.ai, a company specializing in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) software, autonomous driving software, and robotics, has announced the release of a new high-quality virtual scenario generation model. This model, which is based on neural networks, is designed with the goal of improving AI software for the development of ADAS and autonomous driving systems.</p>
 <p>Helm.ai's revolutionary technology can create virtual driving scenarios that feature a wide range of conditions, such as various weather and lighting situations, and different geographical environments. Furthermore, it includes detailed road features, which facilitate the training and validation of AI systems in handling rare or uncommon driving scenarios.</p>
 <p>This technology has the additional advantage of flexibility. Users are able to input either text or images to generate specific driving scenes to use in testing and development. This feature greatly enhances the efficiency and scalability of the training of perception software, which is key for autonomous vehicles.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Helm.ai has enhanced its product offerings with new features. The company also introduced <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25060"> Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based foundation models </a> in December 2023 to predict vehicular and pedestrian behaviors and to anticipate autonomous vehicle paths.</p>

Helm.ai launches high-fiidelity virtual scenario generation models for perception simulation

<div>
 <p>China-based autonomous driving technology firm, Momenta, is collaborating with automotive tech company, Qualcomm, to introduce a suite of scalable solutions for improved driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions. These solutions incorporate Momenta's "One flywheel" technology and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon Ride platform, supporting various scenarios such as highway and urban navigation. The plan is to implement these solutions in vehicle models later in the year.</p>
 <p>In addition to this, Momenta and Qualcomm are planning additional developments through the newest Snapdragon technology, aiming to enhance the integration of in-cabin and driving functions.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This partnership will help accelerate the development of in-vehicle systems and highly automated driving functions to improve the driving experience, emphasizing safety and innovation in the automotive industry. Qualcomm has been partnering with automakers, including <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/21544"> BMW </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/20653"> Hyundai </a> , for similar purposes.</p>

All Updates

IBM gears up to acquire HashiCorp

Akamai Technologies launches media-focused service with NVIDIA GPUs

Turnkey raises USD 15 million in Series A funding

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

Headspace introduces direct-to-consumer mental health coaching services

Perplexity AI raises USD 63 million in new funding; launches Enterprise Pro

Moveworks launches upgraded Copilot for enhanced employee support

Luminar Technologies partners with Applied Intuition for LiDAR simulation; unveils compact LiDAR version ‘Halo'; starts shipping LiDAR for Volvo

Helm.ai launches high-fiidelity virtual scenario generation models for perception simulation

Momenta and Qualcomm partner to create scalable intelligent driving solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving functions