Controlling Spending, New YouTube CEO Plans, 'Working in Tech', Market Narratives, and Walking the Runway

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III. Inbanx Raises Seed Round - and the Bar for Spending Control

Budget and spending control solution provider inbanx has raised $3.6 million in a seed round led by the Castle Creek Launchpad Fund, with participation from Social Leverage (Fund IV) and prior investors. The platform offers control tools up to the budget-level, generates AI-driven insights, integrates with major accounting software, and automates expense reporting. Through bank distribution partnerships, banks can offer business customers an advanced spend control platform and participate in credit extensions. inbanx plans to use the funding to grow bank partnerships and scale the number of businesses serviced.

II. YouTube’s new head talks 2023 priorities, including AI, podcasting, Shorts and more.

YouTube's new CEO, Neal Mohan, has outlined the company's priorities for 2023, including experimenting with generative AI, expanding Shorts and podcast features, and offering more support to creators. The platform is also focusing on safety, making it safer for kids, and engaging with governments on policymaking. YouTube is competing in multiple categories, from short videos to streaming services, and is looking to be a significant revenue driver in the future.

I. I’ve been employed in tech for years, but I’ve almost never worked

In the tech industry, task bloating and unproductivity are common issues. The adoption of agile recipes has led to task bloating, where tasks are exaggerated in difficulty and time required to complete. Hype also contributes to unproductivity, as companies overstaff teams to build unnecessary products. The focus on methodology and trend-following has led to a lack of focus on clients and building the right product. The author suggests that prioritizing clients and building the right product, as well as working in small cycles and validating results, can lead to truly productive tech work.

LISTENING

II. Kevin Kelly on Excellent Advice for Living, Universal AI Assistants, Time Machines, and The Power of Fully Becoming Yourself

I. Panic with Friends - Ben Hunt of Epsilon Theory on Rational Optimism and Countering a Coordinated Attack On The Narrative of the United States

WATCHING

I. Jennifer Hyman, Co-founder and CEO, Rent the Runway

JOB BOARD

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