Build Mode is back on February 19!This season, we’re diving into what it takes to build a world-class founding team that will stick around to IPO and beyond. We’ve got a line-up of some exceptional guests from companies like @Taskrabbit, @Generalcatalyst, and @Getartisanai.Check out this season of Build Mode wherever you listen to podcasts, or catch us on YouTube 👀 ...

Build Mode is back on February 19!This season, we’re diving into what it takes to build a world-class founding team that will stick around to IPO and beyond. We’ve got a line-up of some exceptional guests from companies like @Taskrabbit, @Generalcatalyst, and @Getartisanai.Check out this season of Build Mode wherever you listen to podcasts, or catch us on YouTube 👀 ...

A proposed class action lawsuit claims venture-backed Eightfold AI uses "hidden AI technology to collect sensitive and often inaccurate information about unsuspecting job applicants."The lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of the State of California last month alleges that Softbank Vision Fund and General Catalyst-backed Eightfold ranks job applicants from zero to five based on their "likelihood of success" on the job.  • State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust stock is trading near recent highs. What’s ahead f ...

General Catalyst — the storied venture capital firm that’s undergoing a transformation into a broader and more ambitious financial company — is making its latest play to use AI to transform a legacy business: This time targeting accounting https://t.co/FwkGbIM5vB ...

By Jody Godoy Jan 21 (Reuters) - Eightfold AI, a venture capital-backed artificial intelligence hiring platform used by Microsoft, PayPal and many other Fortune 500 companies, is being sued in California for allegedly compiling reports used to ​screen job applicants without their knowledge. The lawsuit filed on Tuesday is the first in the U.S. to accuse ‌an AI hiring company of violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act, according to the law firms that filed the case, and shows how consumer advocates are ‌s ...

Core Insights - Berlin-based Parloa has raised $350 million in Series D funding, valuing the company at $3 billion, just eight months after a previous round of $120 million at a $1 billion valuation [1] - The funding round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from existing investors including EQT Ventures, Altimeter Capital, Durable Capital, and Mosaic Ventures [1] Company Overview - Parloa is focused on developing AI agents to automate customer service tasks traditionally performed by human representatives [2] - The company is already serving large enterprise clients such as Allianz, Booking.com, HealthEquity, SAP, Sedgwick, and Swiss Life [6] Competitive Landscape - Parloa faces competition from other startups like Sierra, which raised $350 million at a $10 billion valuation, and Decagon, which is reportedly seeking capital at a valuation exceeding $4 billion [3] - Other notable competitors include Intercom, Kore.ai, and PolyAI, which recently raised $86 million at a $750 million valuation [3] Market Potential - The global customer support workforce is estimated by Gartner to consist of 17 million contact center agents, indicating a significant market opportunity for automation [4] - Parloa's CEO believes that the market is not a "winner-take-all" scenario, suggesting multiple players can thrive [4] Financial Performance - Parloa reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of over $50 million, which is competitive with PolyAI's expected ARR of $40 million and Decagon's reported ARR of over $30 million [5] - The substantial funding received is seen as a positive indicator of Parloa's potential to lead in the market [5] Future Plans - The company plans to invest a significant portion of the new capital into creating a "multi-model, contextual experience" for personalized AI agents that can recognize customer identities and needs across various communication channels [6]

Company Overview - Parloa, a German startup, has raised $350 million in a Series D funding round, tripling its valuation to $3 billion in less than a year [1] - The total funds raised by the company now exceed $560 million, including a previous $120 million Series C round in July 2025, where it was valued at $1 billion [2] Business Model and Clients - Parloa develops an AI platform that automates customer service for large enterprises with minimal coding, handling tasks like tracking packages and processing returns [2] - Notable clients include Microsoft, Accenture, KPMG, and Booking.com, with annual recurring revenue surpassing $50 million [2] Market Trends - The demand for AI-powered customer service solutions has surged as businesses seek to reduce costs and manage increasing customer inquiries [3] - The positive return on investment from AI in customer service has been recognized by the market, leading to increased investor interest [3] Future Plans - Parloa intends to use the new funding to expand its operations in Europe and the U.S., with plans to open new offices in San Francisco and Madrid [4] - The company aims to increase its workforce from 380 to 600 by the end of 2026, focusing on hiring developers and sales staff [5]

After leading General Catalyst’s seed strategy for years, Niko Bonatsos has departed the firm. Known for backing an IPO-hopeful Discord and the $10 billion startup Mercor, Bonatsos told TechCrunch he intends to launch a new early-stage VC firm alongside “friends.” Bonatsos is the latest investor to leave General Catalyst, a firm that recently expanded beyond the traditional venture model. Over the last few years, General Catalyst unveiled a wealth management business, a strategy focused on PE-style AI ro ...

Core Viewpoint - Janus Henderson Group plc is set to be acquired by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for $7.4 billion, indicating a significant shift in the asset management landscape [2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is set at $46 per share, which reflects a premium compared to previous valuations [2]. - Following the announcement, Janus Henderson's shares increased by 3.1% [2]. - Evercore ISI has adjusted its price target for Janus Henderson from $50 to $49, maintaining an In Line rating due to skepticism about the acquisition multiple [2]. Group 2: Industry Insights - Jim Cramer views the acquisition as a significant move, suggesting it reflects a broader trend where companies prefer private ownership to facilitate necessary changes [3]. - Cramer emphasizes that the current public market environment may hinder companies from achieving their growth objectives, indicating a potential shift in how asset managers operate [3]. - The deal is seen as part of a trend towards "democratization" in investment opportunities, suggesting a desire for more accessible investment options for individuals [3].

Core Viewpoint - Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) is set to be taken private by Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst for an equity value of $7.4 billion, or $49 per share, reflecting a premium over recent stock prices [2][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price of $49 per share represents a 6.5% premium to the stock's closing price on December 19 and an approximately 18% premium to the closing price on October 24 [4]. - The deal is expected to close in mid-2026, with Trian having been an investor in Janus since late 2020, during which time the stock has roughly doubled [4]. Group 2: Market Analysis - Evercore ISI lowered its price target for Janus Henderson to $49 from $50, maintaining an In Line rating, indicating that the acquisition price may not reflect the highest possible multiple for the company [2][3]. - The firm noted that while Janus has experienced six consecutive quarters of organic growth, there is no guarantee this trend will continue, making the transition to a private company appealing for its potential operational flexibility [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Janus Henderson Group is a British-American global asset management firm headquartered in London, providing investment products to individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions worldwide under the Janus Henderson Investors brand [5].