SOMI'S 360: Navigating Frontier Tech & Capital.

Dear readers,

Welcome to the inaugural issue of "SOMI'S 360: Navigating Frontier Tech & Capital." As we embark on this new journey, I want to take a moment to reflect and share our renewed vision. While the previous newsletter, "Latest in Web3, AI, and Emerging Tech," provided insights into the rapidly evolving tech landscape, I felt the need to offer a more holistic view. 

With "SOMI'S 360," my aim is to not only highlight the latest technological advancements but also delve deeper into the capital movements that drive them. This 360-degree perspective will ensure you stay informed, engaged, and ahead of the curve. 

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you find immense value in our revamped focus.

Spotlight Topic

Generative AI in Drug Discovery:

Generative AI, known for its applications in software programming, advertising, and entertainment, is now making waves in drug discovery. Although still in its infancy, its potential is profound. Genesis Therapeutics, backed by Menlo Ventures, employs generative AI to design new drug candidates. Recently, they secured a whopping $200 million Series B funding co-led by Andreessen Horowitz. Their AI-driven compounds, though yet to be tested on humans, show significant promise. Another notable mention is Recursion, which after acquiring Valence Discovery, received a $50 million investment from NVIDIA. These companies are not just leveraging AI but are integrating the laws of physics to create molecular structures viable in the real world. The future seems to be leaning towards using generative AI for protein discovery, a complex yet promising frontier.

Investment Corner

Venture Capital in Frontier Tech:

Becki DeGraw's conversation with Jason Calacanis on "This Week in Startups" sheds light on the importance of venture capital in frontier tech. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the space, emphasizing the need for strategic investments to drive innovation. On another note, Elon Musk's discussion on the "All In" podcast touches upon Twitter's bot problem, SpaceX's grand plans, and Tesla's stories, highlighting the intricate relationship between tech innovations and capital movements.

Quick Takes

1. Google Chrome's 15th Anniversary: Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Google Chrome has unveiled a visual makeover based on the "Material You" design principles. This redesign introduces refreshed icons, new colour palettes, and OS-level settings integration for light and dark modes. Additionally, users will benefit from enhanced accessibility to features like Google Translate and Password Manager. The Chrome Web Store also gets an update, featuring AI-powered extensions and a more personalized recommendation system. With a dominating market share of 63.52%, Chrome continues to lead the desktop browser market, setting the pace for innovation and user experience.

1. IBM's Generative AI: IBM is at the forefront of AI innovation, recently rolling out new generative AI features and models. These advancements aim to push the boundaries of AI capabilities, offering more sophisticated solutions across various sectors. Generative AI, known for creating new content or predicting complex patterns, is becoming a pivotal tool in industries ranging from entertainment to healthcare. IBM's commitment to enhancing and expanding these features signifies the growing importance and potential of generative AI in shaping the future of technology.

1. Venture Capital's Pivot to Mining: The mining industry, traditionally dominated by giants like Rio Tinto and BHP, is witnessing a shift. The rising demand for critical minerals essential for the energy transition has caught the attention of venture investors. With projections indicating a six-fold increase in mineral inputs by 2040, investments are pouring in. TechMet's recent $200 million equity raise and KoBold Metals' significant funding are testaments to this trend. Despite environmental concerns, VC investment in mining is growing, emphasizing sustainable solutions like battery recycling, as demonstrated by Redwood Materials' recent $1 billion equity round. The strategic importance of these minerals, especially given China's dominance in the lithium supply chain, underscores the sector's significance.

Culture & Impact

The integration of frontier tech in our daily lives is more than just about innovation; it's about shaping cultures and societies. Google Chrome's update is not just a tech enhancement but a reflection of the evolving digital culture. 

Similarly, the use of generative AI in drug discovery has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, impacting lives globally. As we navigate these advancements, it's essential to understand and appreciate their broader cultural and societal implications.

Thank you for reading & see you next week with more!