For an article we’re running on her last day at BlogRanking, Natasha Mascarenhas reached out to four investors to find out if FOMO is encouraging them to climb aboard the AI bandwagon.
“Some are hiring talent to jump ahead, others are happy to support the ‘ChatGPT for X’ spin-outs, and many are watching in awe as their existing investments spark an AI debate of their own, no due diligence needed,” she said . wrote.
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This is who she spoke to:
- Charles Hudson, Managing Partner/Founder, Precursor Ventures
- Jason Lemkin, Managing Director, SaaStr Fund
- Cathy Guo, Partner, Sapphire Ventures
- Navin Chadha, Managing Director, Mayfield Fund
Congratulations, Natasha; I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Thank you for reading,
Walter Thompson
Editorial Manager, BlogRanking+
@your protagonist
Making basic models accessible: the battle between closed source and open source AI

Image Credits: JESPER KLAUSEN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY (Opens in a new window) /Getty Images
The amount of data required to train AI models comes at a cost: you need deep pockets to acquire powerful GPUs and the scientists and engineers who will manage the work, not to mention the power consumption and related carbon emissions.
Given the huge barrier to entry, is it worth considering whether basic open source models can level the playing field and also address concerns about privacy and bias?
“We have now entered a critical phase of AI where who gets to build and operate these powerful models has become a major talking point, especially as ethical issues begin to swirl,” writes Jae Lee, CEO and co-founder of Twelve Labs.
Unlocking the M&A code: 5 factors that can make (or break) a deal.

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A merger or acquisition is the start of a new relationship, which is why most people approach exits with optimism.
“But not all is rosy in the world of M&A,” writes Frank Roe, CEO of SmartBear, which has made eight acquisitions in less than five years.
“It is a complex and substantially risky decision, not for the faint hearted. It is essential to approach the decision and process carefully and thoughtfully.”
In this TC+ guest post, he shares “five essential elements to consider for a successful M&A,” reminding readers that “there is no ‘secret formula’.”
Pitch Deck Teardown: Fibery’s $5.2 Million Series A Deck

Image Credits: Fibrous (Opens in a new window)
Cyprus-based workflow and knowledge management platform Fibery raised $5.2 million Series A in September 2022.
Haje Jan Kamps analyzed the winning presentation and shared his suggestions for improving the company’s 15-slide deck:
- Cover slide
- Problem slide
- Solution slide
- Market size slide
- Competitor slide
- Competitive Analysis Slide
- Product slide
- Slide “Building Blocks”.
- Feedback/customer validation slide
- Go-to-market strategy slide
- Business model slide
- Traction slide
- Moving milestones to date
- Team slide
- The question slide
Ask Sophie: Can I apply for an EB-1A without getting an O-1A first?

Image Credits: Bryce Durbin/BlogRanking
Dear Sophia,
How about applying for an EB-1A right away without using the O-1A as a stepping stone first?
Thank you!
– Extraordinary engineer in Escondido
3 key metrics for cybersecurity product managers

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Cybersecurity product managers typically measure conversion rates, detection accuracy, and usage/engagement to get customer insights, but these metrics “may not be what they seem,” writes Ross Haleliuk, an investor who is also head of product at LimaCharlie.io.
“Context is very important, and the realities of different organizations, regions, cultures and market segments have a major impact on what can be measured and what actions can be taken based on these observations.”