Ackman's Big Bet, Lithium, and Paypal's Stablecoin

Bill Ackman’s Big Tech Bet North of the Border

Tiny Capital is a Canadian-based public company that acquires early stage technology and internet businesses. When the company’s founders - Andrew Wilkinson and Chris Sparling - won a charity auction to have lunch with Bill Ackman, the notorious billionaire was so impressed with their approach he decided to become one of the company’s largest investors.

The Quest for Lithium is Just Beginning

The global push towards net zero emissions is creating a clear dependence on energy transition metals like lithium, but even with record investments in the sector it is still not on pace to meet the element’s projected demand. There is a global battle forming around lithium supply, which is causing an influx of innovation and an abundance of opportunity.

PayPal is Launching a Stablecoin

PayPal sent shockwaves through the crypto landscape earlier this week with the announcement they will be launching their own stablecoin, called PayPal USD. The token will be issued on the Ethereum blockchain and is likely to spur other tech giants to more seriously consider how they can move into digital payments and the broader crypto ecosystem.

The Sprint

Meatable, a cell-cultivated meat company, raised $35M in funding from Agronomics, BlueYard, Bridford, MilkyWay, DSM Venturing, and Taavet Hinrikus. The funding will be used to accelerate the commercial launch of its cultivated meat products, which the company expects to supply to retailers and restaurants in 2024.

Vistagen, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, saw their stock soar over 1,200% after providing positive top-line results from their Phase III trial for social anxiety disorder.

ShapesXR, a VR design and collaboration platform, raised $8.6M in funding from Supernode Global, Triptyq VC, Boost VC, Hartmann Capital, and Geek Ventures. ShapeXR's platform aims to make it easy to prototype spatial interfaces, interactions, and environments.

Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson’s space tourism company, achieved a milestone by launching space tourists to the cosmic threshold. Tickets were initially sold over a decade ago at prices ranging from $200,000 to $250,000.

Capstan Medical, a developer of robotic-assisted heart valve surgery technology, raised $31.4 million from Eclipse, Intuitive Ventures and Puma Venture Capital.