Unity King

Gaming and Technology Blog

Author: Unity King

  • Thinkst Canary Soars to $20M ARR Without VC

    Thinkst Canary Soars to $20M ARR Without VC

    Thinkst Canary: A Decade of Bootstrapped Success

    Thinkst Canary, a cybersecurity firm specializing in deception technology, has achieved a remarkable milestone. After ten years in operation, the company has reached $20 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) without accepting any venture capital funding. This achievement highlights the potential for sustainable growth and innovation through bootstrapping in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

    The Rise of Thinkst Canary

    Thinkst Canary’s success story is rooted in its innovative approach to threat detection. Their flagship product, Canary, acts as a digital canary in a coal mine, alerting organizations to potential breaches early on. By deploying these lightweight, easily manageable devices within a network, companies can quickly identify malicious activity before it escalates into a full-blown incident.

    Key Features of Thinkst Canary

    • Early Threat Detection: Canary devices are designed to attract attackers and trigger alerts upon unauthorized access.
    • Deception Technology: By mimicking real assets and services, Canaries create a realistic attack surface that deceives intruders.
    • Simple Deployment and Management: Thinkst Canary emphasizes ease of use, enabling even small teams to effectively deploy and manage their deception network.

    Bootstrapping to Success

    Thinkst Canary’s decision to bootstrap its operations has allowed the company to maintain control over its direction and prioritize long-term sustainability over rapid growth at all costs. This approach has fostered a culture of innovation and customer focus, contributing to its strong reputation within the cybersecurity community. Reaching $20M in ARR without VC funding demonstrates the viability of this strategy. Many tech startups are still opting to bootstrap their business today, here is a great article explaining bootstrapped startup examples.

    Cybersecurity and Deception Technology

    The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, with new threats emerging constantly. Deception technology, like that offered by Thinkst Canary, has become an increasingly important component of a comprehensive security strategy. By actively misleading attackers, organizations can gain valuable insights into their tactics and improve their overall defense posture.

    Benefits of Deception Technology

    • Improved Threat Intelligence: Deception technology provides real-time information about attacker behavior.
    • Reduced Dwell Time: By quickly identifying breaches, deception technology minimizes the time attackers have to operate within a network.
    • Enhanced Security Posture: Deception technology complements existing security measures, creating a layered defense against cyber threats.
  • Volteras Aims to Lead EV Charging Connections

    Volteras Aims to Lead EV Charging Connections

    Volteras Aims to Lead EV Charging Connections

    Volteras has set an ambitious goal: to connect more Electric Vehicles (EVs) than any other company. This initiative reflects the growing demand for robust and reliable EV charging infrastructure as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to surge.

    With strategic partnerships and innovative technology, Volteras is positioning itself to be a key player in the rapidly expanding EV market. The company aims to address the challenges associated with EV charging, such as accessibility, speed, and grid stability.

    Strategic Expansion and Partnerships

    Volteras is actively pursuing collaborations to expand its network of charging stations. By partnering with key stakeholders, including energy providers and real estate developers, Volteras seeks to create a seamless charging experience for EV owners.

    • Establishing partnerships with energy providers to ensure a stable and sustainable power supply.
    • Collaborating with real estate developers to integrate charging infrastructure into new and existing buildings.

    Innovative Technology

    Volteras is investing heavily in research and development to create cutting-edge charging solutions. These include advanced charging algorithms and smart grid integration technologies. With the deployment of advanced charging solutions, Volteras aims to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of its charging network.

    • Developing faster charging technologies to reduce charging times.
    • Implementing smart grid integration to balance energy demand and supply.
  • Apple OS Naming Scheme May Get a Refresh: Report

    Apple OS Naming Scheme May Get a Refresh: Report

    Apple’s Operating System Names Could See a Shake-Up

    According to recent reports, Apple might be considering a change in how they name their operating systems. This potential shift could bring a new era to the familiar branding of macOS, iOS, and other platforms. Let’s dive into what this could mean for Apple users and the tech world.

    The Current Naming Convention

    For years, Apple has followed a relatively consistent naming scheme for its operating systems. macOS versions often draw inspiration from California landmarks, such as macOS Mojave and macOS Sonoma. iOS updates have been numbered sequentially, while other operating systems like watchOS and tvOS have followed similar patterns.

    Why the Change?

    The reasons behind a potential change are speculative, but there are a few possibilities:

    • Simplification: Apple may want to simplify its naming conventions to create a more unified and easily understandable system across all its products.
    • Marketing: A refreshed naming strategy could generate buzz and excitement around new releases.
    • Future-proofing: As Apple continues to innovate, a new naming system might better accommodate future operating systems and platforms.

    What Could the New Names Be?

    It’s all speculation at this point, but some possibilities include:

    • A more streamlined numbering system across all operating systems.
    • Themed names that reflect the functionality or design of each OS.
    • A completely new and unique branding approach.

    Impact on Users

    Ultimately, the impact on users will likely be minimal. The core functionality and user experience of Apple’s operating systems will remain the same. However, a new naming convention could make it easier to distinguish between different versions and understand the relationships between them.

  • Horizon3.ai Secures $100M in New Funding Round

    Horizon3.ai Secures $100M in New Funding Round

    Horizon3.ai Closes $100M Funding Round

    Horizon3.ai, a San Francisco-based cybersecurity startup, is in the process of raising $100 million in a new funding round led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). According to a recent SEC filing, the company has already secured at least $73 million of this amount. This funding round is expected to value Horizon3.ai at over $750 million .nextunicorn.ventures

    Pioneering Proactive Cybersecurity

    Founded in 2019 by Snehal Antani, a former CTO at Splunk and U.S. military cyber operations leader, Horizon3.ai specializes in autonomous penetration testing. Their platform simulates real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach is increasingly vital as AI-driven cyber threats become more sophisticated .MSSP Alert

    Rapid Growth and Federal Recognition

    The company has demonstrated impressive growth, reporting a 101% year-over-year revenue increase and surpassing 150% of its Q4 sales pipeline targets. With an annual recurring revenue of approximately $30 million, Horizon3.ai has also achieved FedRAMP authorization, allowing it to offer services to U.S. federal agencies .nextunicorn.ventures

    Strategic Investment for Expansion

    This latest funding round follows a $40 million Series C in August 2023, led by Craft Ventures with participation from SignalFire. The new capital will support Horizon3.ai‘s efforts to expand its research and development, enhance its engineering team, and broaden its market reach .FoundersToday

    What Horizon3.ai Does

    Horizon3.ai helps organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Their flagship product, NodeZero, is an autonomous penetration testing platform. NodeZero continuously assesses an organization’s security posture, identifying weaknesses and providing actionable insights to improve defenses.

    The Significance of the Funding

    The $100 million funding round signifies strong investor confidence in Horizon3.ai‘s approach to cybersecurity. The company plans to use the funds to accelerate product development, expand its team, and increase its market presence.

    Why Proactive Security Matters

    In an era of ever-increasing cyber threats, organizations need to move beyond reactive security measures. Proactive security solutions, like those offered by Horizon3.ai, enable businesses to:

    • Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do
    • Prioritize remediation efforts based on real-world risk
    • Continuously improve their security posture
  • Sahil Lavingia’s Brief DOGE Stint: A Founder’s Exit

    Sahil Lavingia’s Brief DOGE Stint: A Founder’s Exit

    Sahil Lavingia’s Brief DOGE Stint: A Founder’s Exit

    Sahil Lavingia, the founder of Gumroad, recently shared his experience with DOGE, revealing that his time with the company was surprisingly short. Lavingia stated he was “booted” from DOGE after only 55 days.

    The Unexpected Departure

    The abrupt end to Lavingia’s tenure at DOGE raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure. While details remain scarce, the founder’s own words suggest a less-than-amicable split. The reasons behind the quick exit remain undisclosed, leaving industry observers and followers curious about what transpired within the company during those 55 days.

    Implications and Reactions

    This news has triggered discussions within the tech and cryptocurrency communities. Many are speculating on the potential causes and impacts of such a short-lived role. Lavingia’s reputation as a successful founder adds weight to the situation, prompting further interest in the dynamics at play within DOGE.

  • Lightspeed Leads $19M B for Snabbit’s Growth

    Lightspeed Leads $19M B for Snabbit’s Growth

    Lightspeed Bets on Snabbit as the Next Big Consumer Trend

    Snabbit, an Indian on-demand home services startup, has secured $19 million in a Series B funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. Existing investors Elevation Capital and Nexus Venture Partners also participated in the round. This investment highlights the growing demand and potential for growth in India’s home services sector .The Economic Times

    Snabbit‘s Rapid Expansion Plans

    Founded in 2024 by Aayush Agarwal, Snabbit offers hyperlocal, on-demand home services such as cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry. The platform connects households with trained professionals who can arrive within 10 minutes of booking. With the new funding, Snabbit plans to expand its operations from 10 to over 200 micro-markets across major Indian metropolitan areas within the next nine months .Business Standard

    Transforming the Home Services Landscape

    Snabbit operates on a full-stack model, managing everything from sourcing and training experts to quality assurance and pricing. This approach ensures consistent service quality and reliability. The startup’s innovative time-based pricing and commitment to speed aim to make it a daily utility for urban families .The Economic Times

    Empowering Service Providers

    Beyond customer convenience, Snabbit is also transforming the lives of service providers, many of whom are women from informal employment backgrounds. By offering Aadhaar–linked bank accounts, insurance, and steady incomes, Snabbit is bringing structure and dignity to a sector that has largely operated informally until now .Business Standard

    With this significant investment, Snabbit is well-positioned to lead the digital transformation of India’s home services industry, bringing speed, structure, and trust to a previously unorganized sector.Business Standard+1

    Why Lightspeed Invested in Snabbit

    Lightspeed‘s investment reflects a broader trend of venture capitalists recognizing the immense opportunities within India’s expanding consumer market. Snabbit distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive platform that connects consumers with various home service professionals.

    • Market Growth: The home services market in India is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing urbanization and disposable incomes.
    • Comprehensive Platform: Snabbit offers a wide array of services, from cleaning and maintenance to repairs and installations.
    • Scalability: Lightspeed likely sees Snabbit‘s potential to scale its operations and capture a significant share of the market.

    Snabbit‘s Offerings and Impact

    Snabbit‘s platform aims to streamline the process of finding and booking reliable home service providers. By offering a user-friendly interface and a curated network of professionals, Snabbit addresses a key pain point for many Indian consumers.

    Key features of Snabbit‘s platform:

    • Easy booking and scheduling
    • Verified and background-checked professionals
    • Transparent pricing
    • Customer reviews and ratings

    The Future of Home Services in India

    The investment in Snabbit highlights the evolving landscape of consumer services in India. As more consumers seek convenient and reliable solutions for their home-related needs, platforms like Snabbit are poised to play a significant role. Companies like Urban Company are already well established in this market, showcasing the potential for growth and innovation. The entry of Lightspeed into this sector signals increased competition and further development in the quality and range of services offered.

  • NVIDIA & AMD: New AI Chips for China Amid US

    NVIDIA & AMD: New AI Chips for China Amid US

    NVIDIA & AMD: New AI Chips for China Amid US Curbs

    NVIDIA and AMD are set to introduce new AI chips in China that comply with U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology. These modified chips aim to meet regulatory requirements while addressing the growing demand for AI capabilities in the Chinese market.

    NVIDIA’s B20: A Stripped-Down AI GPU

    NVIDIA plans to introduce the “B20,” a pared-down version of its AI GPU based on the latest Blackwell architecture. This chip is engineered to stay within the performance thresholds set by U.S. export controls, ensuring compliance while providing sufficient capabilities for AI workloads in China. The B20 is expected to be available in the Chinese market by July. Financial Times

    AMD’s Radeon AI PRO R9700: Tailored for Compliance

    Similarly, AMD is set to release the Radeon AI PRO R9700, a workstation GPU designed to handle AI tasks within the confines of U.S. export regulations. This chip aims to offer scalable solutions for AI inference and other workloads, aligning with the specific needs of the Chinese market. The Radeon AI PRO R9700 is anticipated to launch in the third quarter of 2025. Tom’s Hardware

    Financial Implications and Strategic Adjustments

    The U.S. export restrictions have significantly impacted NVIDIA’s financials. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported a $4.5 billion charge due to licensing requirements that hindered sales of its H20 AI chips in China. Additionally, NVIDIA was unable to ship $2.5 billion worth of H20 chips during the same period. CimphonyReuters

    Despite these challenges, NVIDIA’s overall performance remains robust, with a 69% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $44.1 billion in the first quarter. The company’s data center revenue also grew by 73%, totaling $39.1 billion. The Guardian

    Navigating Geopolitical Tensions

    NVIDIA and AMD are developing AI chips tailored for the Chinese market to comply with U.S. export restrictions. These efforts highlight the companies’ strategies to balance regulatory adherence with market presence..BitcoinWorld

    NVIDIA and AMD are adapting their strategies to navigate U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips to China. By developing compliant, lower-specification chips, they aim to maintain a presence in the Chinese market while adhering to regulatory requirements.Cimphony

    Adapting to US Export Rules

    The US government has imposed increasingly stringent export controls to prevent China from acquiring technology that could enhance its military capabilities. These controls particularly target high-performance AI chips used in applications like machine learning and artificial intelligence. To navigate these regulations, NVIDIA and AMD are reportedly designing new chips with reduced processing power, ensuring they fall within the permissible limits set by the US.

    NVIDIA’s Approach

    NVIDIA, a leading designer of graphics processing units (GPUs), is expected to release new AI chips specifically tailored for the Chinese market. These chips will likely offer competitive performance while adhering to US export restrictions. NVIDIA has already taken similar steps in the past, creating modified versions of its high-end GPUs to comply with regulations while maintaining a presence in the critical Chinese market. NVIDIA’s commitment to the Chinese market remains strong, as it is one of the most important markets for the company.

    AMD’s Strategy

    AMD is actively developing AI chips tailored for the Chinese market to comply with U.S. export restrictions. The company plans to release the Radeon AI PRO R9700, a workstation GPU designed for AI tasks, by the third quarter of 2025. This chip is engineered to meet U.S. export regulations while serving the growing demand in China. AMD’s strategy aligns with NVIDIA’s, focusing on delivering viable AI solutions without violating U.S. export rules.

    Impact on the Chinese AI Market

    The availability of these new, compliant AI chips will significantly impact the Chinese AI market. While these chips may not match the performance of unrestricted high-end products, they will still provide substantial computing power for various AI applications. This ensures that Chinese companies can continue to develop and deploy AI technologies in areas like facial recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous driving, even within the constraints of the US export controls.

    Competitive Landscape

    The introduction of these chips will likely intensify competition within the Chinese AI market. Local chip manufacturers are also striving to develop their own AI chips, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology. The presence of NVIDIA and AMD with their compliant chips will create a dynamic environment, pushing innovation and potentially leading to more accessible AI solutions for Chinese businesses.

  • X Pauses Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X Pauses Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X Halted Encrypted Direct Messages Feature

    X (formerly Twitter) has temporarily suspended its encrypted direct messages (DMs) feature. The company announced that the pause is to facilitate improvements to the service. While users can still access their existing encrypted messages, sending new ones is currently disabled. Yahoo Finance

    Limitations of the Previous Encryption Feature

    Introduced in 2023, X’s encrypted DMs were available only to verified users who were mutual followers or had previously accepted messages from each other. The feature had several limitations: it did not support group chats, multimedia messages, or metadata encryption. Additionally, encrypted conversations did not carry over to new devices, and the encryption lacked protection against certain types of cyberattacks. Mezha.Media

    Speculations About a New Messaging Platform

    The suspension has led to speculation about the development of a new messaging platform, tentatively named XChat. Leaked information suggests that XChat may offer enhanced privacy features, including PIN-protected chats and more robust encryption. However, X has not officially confirmed these details or provided a timeline for the launch. TechTrendsKE

    Technical Issues and User Concerns

    The timing of the suspension coincides with technical issues following a fire at a data center in Oregon, which affected various parts of X’s infrastructure, including messaging services. While X has not directly linked the suspension to these issues, the overlap has raised questions among users. The lack of a clear roadmap for reinstating encrypted DMs has also led to concerns about the platform’s commitment to user privacy. TechTrendsKE

    As X works on improving its messaging features, users are advised to stay informed about updates and consider alternative platforms for secure communication in the interim.

    The exact reasons behind this pause remain somewhat unclear, though X officials are likely evaluating the implementation and security of the feature.

    What Happened?

    The encrypted DMs feature, aimed at providing end-to-end encryption for direct messages, was paused recently. We are still waiting for the official statement from X about the reason, but many users and experts assume the feature needs a security revamp.

    Why is Encryption Important?

    Encryption plays a crucial role in online security. It ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the content of a message, protecting it from eavesdropping by third parties. As privacy concerns continue to grow, encrypted communication tools are becoming increasingly important. Learn more about the importance of encryption in digital communication.

    Future of Encrypted DMs on X

    The future of encrypted DMs on X is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether the company will address the identified issues and re-introduce the feature. Users interested in secure messaging may need to explore alternative platforms like Signal or WhatsApp in the meantime.

  • Buildots Secures $45M to Revolutionize Construction Tracking

    Buildots Secures $45M to Revolutionize Construction Tracking

    Buildots Secures $45M to Revolutionize Construction Tracking

    Buildots, a company specializing in using AI to revolutionize construction progress tracking, has successfully raised $45 million. This funding aims to further enhance their technology and expand their reach within the construction industry.

    How Buildots is Transforming Construction

    Buildots offers a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights into construction projects. They achieve this by using hardhat-mounted cameras that capture images and videos from job sites. These visuals are then processed using AI algorithms to compare the actual progress against the planned schedule and design.

    Key Features of Buildots’ Technology

    • Real-Time Progress Tracking: Monitor project advancement as it happens.
    • AI-Powered Analysis: Identify discrepancies between plans and actual construction.
    • Data-Driven Insights: Make informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
    • Improved Efficiency: Streamline workflows and minimize delays.

    The Impact of the Funding

    The $45 million in funding will enable Buildots to further develop their AI capabilities and expand into new markets. The investment highlights the increasing demand for technology solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs in the construction sector. This funding round will solidify their position as a leader in construction technology.

    Benefits for Construction Companies

    By adopting Buildots’ platform, construction companies can realize several significant advantages:

    • Enhanced Project Visibility: Gain a clear view of project status.
    • Reduced Rework: Identify and address issues early on.
    • Better Resource Allocation: Optimize the use of labor and materials.
    • Increased Profitability: Improve project outcomes and margins.
  • LoveJack: Find Love in Just Five Words

    LoveJack: Find Love in Just Five Words

    Introducing LoveJack: Dating Simplified

    Tired of endless swiping and lengthy profiles? LoveJack offers a refreshing approach to online dating. This innovative dating app connects you with potential matches using just five words. It’s a unique way to express yourself and find someone who truly gets you.

    How LoveJack Works

    LoveJack is a new dating app that reimagines online matchmaking by focusing on personality over profiles. Instead of swiping through photos and bios, users are presented with just five words chosen by potential matches. These words can be anything from personal traits, jokes, current feelings to random details like sandwich ingredients. This unique approach encourages users to be creative while also challenging them to be concise and clever.

    Key Features

    • Words Before Photos: Users first see five words chosen by potential matches. To reveal a match’s photo, they press and hold on their screen, eliminating swipes.
    • Bet On or Hold: Users can “Bet On” a match by sending a five-word opening line or “Hold” to bookmark profiles they’re unsure about.
    • Daily Updates: Users can update their five-word descriptions daily, adding a dynamic social aspect to the app. TechCrunch
    • Limited Matches: The app limits users to five matches per day, encouraging strategic choices.
    • Safety Measures: LoveJack encourages users to use fake names for privacy protection. The app also has a selfie verification process to confirm user identities. Other safety features include reporting and blocking capabilities, censorship of banned language and explicit photos, and an emergency feature that enables users to contact police and safety hotlines. TechCrunch

    Launch Plans

    LoveJack is set to launch its iOS app in London next month, with plans to expand to U.S. cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco. An Android version is expected in India by late summer.

    Express Yourself Concisely

    The five-word limit encourages creativity and authenticity. It forces you to think about what’s most important to you and to convey that in a memorable way. It’s all about making a strong first impression!

    Focus on Compatibility

    LoveJack prioritizes compatibility over superficial attraction. By focusing on shared values and interests, the app aims to create more meaningful connections that have the potential to blossom into lasting relationships.

    A Fresh Take on Dating Apps

    In a crowded market of dating apps, LoveJack stands out with its minimalist approach and emphasis on genuine connection. It offers a welcome alternative for those seeking a more authentic and efficient way to find love.