by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 12, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
In a dynamic move to address the escalating menace of knife crime and youth violence in the UK, renowned actor and musician, Idris Elba, has spearheaded a new initiative known as Don’t Stop Your Future. Notably, Elba has carried this battle directly to the territory of lawmakers.
Track Release: “Knives Down”
To ignite the campaign, the multi-talented Elba has launched a song titled “Knives Down”. The track features the young and talented rapper, DB Maz, who helps Elba articulate his ideas and the campaign’s objectives.
Supported by the creative production of Fraser T Smith and The FaNaTiX, the song serves as a powerful initial assault that candidly spells out Elba’s appeals: drastic alterations in legislation and enduring investment in youth-oriented services.
The “Knives Down” Video
The release of “Knives Down” is accompanied by a gripping video, directed by the eminent MD Films. The video showcases Elba presenting his case directly to Parliament—unfiltered and poignant.
The real-life Elba mirrored this effort by taking the campaign to the heart of the UK’s political power corridor. He erected a powerful installation on the green outside the Houses of Parliament, a visual representation of the havoc wreaked by knife-related crimes.
Elba’s Conversation with Nadia Jae
In a discussion with Nadia Jae on her BBC Radio 1Xtra show, Elba elucidated that the campaign and the track symbolize a desperate call for action. He painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs where knife crime has reached a critical juncture in society.
“We’re seeing more and more young people dying, getting hurt from knife crime, more and more young people going to jail, more and more families being disrupted. And, you know, there needs to be some real intervention right now,” said Elba.
The actor further stated his demand for a complete prohibition on potentially harmful knives—machetes, swords, and so-called “zombie knives”—presently available in the country.
Installation Outside Parliament
Elba wished to bring the issue under direct scrutiny of those who have the power to effect change. To this end, he set up an installation outside Parliament.
“We have 279, I think, piles of clothes of young people who were murdered by knife crime,” Elba revealed.
The installation stood as a stark reminder of the number of young lives lost to knife crime, urging lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action.
The campaign Don’t Stop Your Future and the song “Knives Down” represent Elba’s commitment to tackling the rampant problem of youth violence in the UK. Through his efforts, the actor aims to influence lawmakers and the general public, calling for stricter laws and sufficient investment in youth services.
This fight against youth violence, led by the likes of Elba, is an essential step towards a safer future. It serves as a reminder that every individual, regardless of their social or professional standing, can make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the campaign initiated by Idris Elba is a powerful message against Youth Violence. Through the song and video “Knives Down”, Elba has managed to make a significant impact in Music News and social awareness alike. The fight against knife crime and youth violence continues, and only through collective efforts can we hope for a safer future.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 12, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
In a significant move, data science and analytics software company, Alteryx, has announced its acquisition by private equity firms Clearlake Capital Group and Insight Partners in a deal valued at an impressive $4.4 billion.
The Irvine, California-based enterprise is set to transition from public to private ownership under the deal. Clearlake and Insight emerged victorious over Symphony Technology Group, another private equity contender, to secure this remarkable acquisition.
Deal Details and Impact
The transaction, which includes debt, values Alteryx’s equity at roughly $3.46 billion, according to Reuters. The deal represents a 29.1% premium over Alteryx’s closing share price on Friday. This transaction is expected to reach its conclusion in the first half of 2024, subject to standard closing conditions and approvals.
The potential impact of this deal on Alteryx’s ~2,900 employees remains uncertain at this stage. However, the company’s CEO, Mark Anderson, has shared his optimism about the acquisition.
“In addition to delivering significant and certain cash value to our stockholders, this transaction will provide increased working capital and industry expertise — and the flexibility as a private company,” Anderson said. “We’re excited to partner with Clearlake and Insight for the next stage of Alteryx’s journey.”
Alteryx: A Brief History
Alteryx, originally known as SRC, was co-founded in 1997 by Dean Stoecker, Olivia Duane Adams, and Ned Harding. Initially, the firm was focused on developing data engines for demographic-based mapping and reporting. In 2006, SRC launched the software app Alteryx, which served as a platform for building analytical processes and services.
By 2011, SRC had rebranded as Alteryx, marking the software app as its core product. After securing millions of dollars from VC firms such as Toba Capital, Insight, Sapphire Ventures, ICONIQ Capital, and Meritech Capital Partners, Alteryx made its debut on the NYSE in 2017.
Transition and Success
In recent years, Alteryx has made a strategic move towards a subscription-based business model and heightened its focus on AI-powered features. This decision aimed to tap into the growing demand for data analytics services. According to Research and Markets, the big data analytics market could surge from $37.34 billion in 2018 to $105.08 billion by 2027.
Alteryx has successfully amassed over 8,300 companies as its customers, including major brands such as Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Walmart, and Ford. The company reported $232 million in sales last fiscal quarter, an 8% rise from the same period a year ago. Moreover, its annual recurring revenue also saw a significant boost, soaring by roughly 21% to $914 million.
“When we founded Alteryx in 1997, we did so with a vision for the future of data science and analytics. Today, Alteryx stands out as an industry leader with a differentiated platform that scales data democratization in a governed manner,” Stoecker said. “Our agreement with Clearlake and Insight validates the strength of our business and the value of Alteryx’s capabilities and innovation.”
Conclusion
This monumental deal between Clearlake, Insight, and Alteryx underscores the growing importance of data analytics in the contemporary business landscape. It also illustrates the immense potential and value that companies like Alteryx hold in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
by Laghe Andrews | Jan 12, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
Image credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock.com
In a recent move, SoftBank sold its Open Opportunity Fund to its chairman and managing partner, Paul Judge, and Marcelo Claure, who is to be appointed the fund’s vice-chairman and general partner. This groundbreaking shift is seen as a substantial milestone, demonstrating a concrete move towards more inclusive representation within all layers of the venture capital ecosystem.
The Open Opportunity Fund: A Brief History
Earlier this year, SoftBank rebranded its Opportunity Growth Fund, bringing it under the new name of Open Opportunity Fund (OOF). Paul Judge, who was then appointed as chairman, also became a co-owner of the fund. Marcelo Claure, the initial launcher of OOF, had served as SoftBank’s COO up until 2022 and is making a return to work with the fund after a year-long hiatus.
“Marcelo brings a wealth of experience and a vast network that can help our portfolio companies. Marcelo’s extensive network of Latino entrepreneurs significantly enriches our deal flow within this vibrant community,” Judge said.
Significant Contributions
Fund 1, which is now owned by Judge and Claure, deployed $100 million in 75 Black and Latino companies, yielding seven exits and 46 follow-on rounds. SoftBank will continue to be an LP in Fund 2, and according to Claure, the fund is on the lookout for investors seeking to drive more diversity in the tech ecosystem, and who “value the importance of supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs.”
The Future of the Funds
Fund 2, which was launched earlier this year, will also increase its target to $200 million. This fund will invest in 50 pre-seed to growth-stage companies in fintech, health tech, edtech, sales and marketing, and enterprise IT. It should be noted that companies from Fund 1 may also receive funding from Fund 2 on a case-by-case basis, as stated by Judge.
Why Diversity Matters
“We believe the Black and Latino founder market is an untapped source of outsized returns and this focus allows us to find alpha that other VCs have overlooked,” Judge said. “The strong performance of Fund I proves that thesis works.”
This move is not just a significant milestone for SoftBank, but also a giant leap for the venture capital ecosystem. With more diverse representation in the higher echelons of venture capital firms now, the future of the tech ecosystem looks promising indeed, with greater support for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The world of venture capital can often be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for underrepresented entrepreneurs. However, with moves such as these from giants like SoftBank, the future of entrepreneurship and innovation looks bright indeed.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 12, 2024 | Business News, Latest |
Image credit: Franklin Sheard Jr / Shutterstock.com
Ari Lennox, a talented singer-songwriter, signed under Dreamville, recently opened up about her challenging tour experience while opening for Rod Wave. This revealing conversation took place during an Instagram Live stream, where she did not hold back any details.
The Tour Experience
Ari’s time touring with Rod Wave was far from a smooth ride. The aggressive crowds and uncomfortable atmosphere made her feel out of place during each performance. She confessed, “I just remember every show, just racing to get off stage, racing to get through my set.”
Finding Comfort on Stage
Despite the harsh environment, Lennox managed to find a small comfort zone where she attempted to communicate with the audience. However, she soon realized that her attempts at affirmation were met with anger rather than appreciation. This led her to the realization that this crowd was not her crowd and probably never would be.
The Incident
The tour took a darker turn when a member of the audience threw a bottle at her. Ari recalls the incident stating, “That side of the stage, I felt the energy. I wasn’t surprised that it happened. I felt it. It was just all darkness, that’s literally the energy that was coming from the left side.“
The Aftermath
Despite her best efforts to connect with the audience, Ari felt as though her talents were not appreciated. “I could be singing [my] ass off,” she lamented, “but the crowd still wouldn’t give a shit.“
Lennox joined Wave for the 35-date tour, which also featured rapper Toosii as an opening act. She said in comparison, Toosii would get an enthusiastic response from fans.
Standing Against Disrespect
Ari boldly addressed the incident of the water bottle being thrown at her. The bottle struck her in the arm and she was later escorted off the stage early as a result. She confronted the crowd saying:
Despite the harsh experience, Ari Lennox continues to show her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. She remains unapologetically herself and does not shy away from standing up for her rights.
A Message of Strength
The following concert, Ari showed up on stage with a red helmet and facemask. Her question to the audience, “I don’t know, should I keep this shit on or what?” exemplifies her bold nature and fearless attitude.
Ari Lennox’s journey with the Rod Wave tour serves as a reminder that the journey to success is not always smooth. However, it is through these challenges that we truly discover our strength and resilience.
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