Tue. 02/04 – Uncle Sam As A VC?

Feb 4, 2025 15m

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Is the US government about to get into, or at least, heavily impact the VC investing business? Apparently, the trade war with China is still on. The resurrection of Twitterific. And how Spotify has quietly stopped investing, and started getting real about profitability.

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Links:

Trump Signs Executive Action to Create Sovereign Wealth Fund (Bloomberg)
China Hits Back Against Trump’s Tariffs With Targeted Actions (Bloomberg)
China targets Google, Nvidia and Intel as Trump tariffs bite (Financial Times)
Twitterrific team launches new ‘Tapestry’ iPhone app for Bluesky, Mastodon, RSS, more (9to5Mac)
Opera’s new browser might save you from doomscrolling (The Verge)
Spotify Reports First Full-Year Profit (WSJ)

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AI-Generated Summary

US Sovereign Wealth Fund Proposal

In a significant move, President Trump announced an executive action aimed at creating a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, which he hints could facilitate the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations. This fund, directed by Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnik, is proposed to be established within the next year, with a detailed plan expected within 90 days. It's envisioned as a means to leverage the U.S. government's economic scale for strategic investments across various sectors, with a focus on pharmaceuticals as a starting point.

Continued Trade Tensions with China

The ongoing trade war with China remains critical, as China retaliated to new U.S. tariffs by launching investigations into American tech giants Google and Intel. The Chinese response appears calibrated to minimize impact on their economy while still sending a message to American firms that rely heavily on Chinese markets. This includes targeted actions such as imposing levies on select U.S. goods and blacklisting companies significant to U.S. operations in China.

Resurrection of Twitter Rific with Tapestry App

The Icon Factory has launched Tapestry, an app that aggregates content from various social media and RSS feeds. This app is seen as a revival of Twitter Rific, bringing back familiar functionalities in a world post-Twitter. Tapestry promises users a chronological feed of combined posts, customization options, and an emphasis on user privacy, resonating well with those who seek to avoid algorithm-driven content.

Spotify's Shift to Profitability

Spotify has reported a strong fiscal performance, marking its first full year of profitability due to user growth and a strategic shift towards cost control after years of heavy spending. The platform saw a 16% year-on-year revenue increase, alongside a notable rise in monthly active users. This transformation reflects its pivot from deep investment in growth initiatives to establishing a sustainable audio streaming service model.

Mindfulness Focus with Opera Air

Opera has introduced a new browser, Opera Air, designed for mindfulness and mental well-being. This browser includes features like break reminders and a variety of ambient sounds aimed at facilitating a more balanced online experience, showcasing an innovative approach to browsing that prioritizes mental health.