News Snippets - Business

Pika Verse

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Fast Company, Fall  2025

Pika, a generative AI video platform, gained success with its innovative tools like "Pikaffects" that allow users to transform images and videos in unique ways, targeting the social media-savvy crowd.

Originally focused on professional-quality video, Pika shifted its strategy to cater to Gen Z users creating shareable short videos for platforms like TikTok.

Despite facing competition from AI giants, Pika has carved out a space in the industry, attracting investors and garnering millions of users.

The company's challenge lies in maintaining its appeal and differentiation in a crowded market, particularly as larger players like Google integrate AI tools into mainstream platforms.

Pika's CEO, Demi Guo, is exploring monetization models and envisioning a broader impact beyond viral tools, aiming to create an AI-centric social platform.

As Pika navigates its growth and potential partnerships, it faces the balancing act of meeting user expectations while staying true to its vision in the ever-evolving AI landscape.

SAP Implementation

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Daily Times, 8 Sept  2025

Saquib Ahmad, Country Managing Director of SAP Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bahrain, stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision for a Digital Pakistan aligns with SAP's mission of transforming enterprises into intelligent digital ones.

He mentioned that Pakistan's private sector is increasingly adopting SAP's advanced platforms to drive efficiency and innovation, supported by the government's digital agenda.

Ahmad emphasized SAP's commitment to leading the transformation by enabling businesses in Pakistan to grow sustainably with intelligent technologies.

He noted that key public sector institutions are already benefitting from SAP solutions, with trusted partners like Systems Limited and TMC playing a significant role in implementing advanced solutions.

Ahmad made these remarks during SAP's Business Suite Innovation Day in Islamabad, where the focus was on the transformative power of applications, data, and AI in reshaping Pakistan's economy through customer success stories from organizations such as MG Motors, Aramco (GNO), and Orient Materials.

Common Myths About Franchising

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Entrepreneur Startups Fall  2025

The article discusses and debunks three common myths surrounding franchising.

It emphasizes that franchising is not just for affluent individuals seeking an easy path to success, but rather a viable model for companies to expand and individuals to create value.

The myths debunked include the misconception that franchising can succeed on autopilot, that it isn't entrepreneurial, and that franchises are not local.

The article highlights the need for hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship in navigating a franchise, and underscores the local and community-oriented nature of many franchises.

It concludes by stating that franchising can offer a resilient path to economic success for individuals with the right mindset and goals.

Two Pakistani Startups in Forbes List

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in The News, 2 Sept 2025

Two Pakistani fintech startups, Haball and PostEx, have been featured in the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list, which showcases innovative and impactful startups in the Asia-Pacific region.

The list includes a diverse range of startups, ranging from healthcare wearables to AI-powered platforms, and serves as an indicator of the region's entrepreneurial growth.

Haball offers Shariah-compliant B2B fintech solutions, while PostEx provides logistics and fintech services tailored to the e-commerce sector.

The startups have received significant funding and support for their expansion.

India leads the list with 18 startups, followed by Singapore, Japan, China, Indonesia, and South Korea among others. Overall, the selected startups have raised nearly USD 3 billion in funding.

a few Innovative Ideas

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Fast Company, Summer 2025

 - A Peruvian cement company is inventing a new sidewalk for the visually impaired,

 - a health tech platform using AI to combat counterfeit antibiotics,

- and Costco CEO Ron Vachris being honored as the visionary of the year.

One of the highlighted ideas is Ahimsa's initiative to provide safer foodware for school cafeterias by using steel dishware instead of plastic, resulting in environmental and health benefits.

Another idea is Onward Medical's new treatment for spinal injuries using a device called ARC-EX to stimulate sensory nerves in the spine.

Lastly, Ventete has developed an inflatable bike helmet that is portable, durable, and offers better impact protection compared to traditional foam helmets.

New Kind of Event Management Company

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in INC. Fall 202

Derek Gwaltney, a 52-year-old veteran of the Air Force, defied the odds to create Atlas Experiences, an event company specializing in designing unique getaways for state lotteries.

With a three-year growth rate of 6,679%, the company plans once-in-a-lifetime experiences for lottery participants, such as trips to exotic destinations and exclusive events like private concerts and gourmet meals.

Gwaltney's passion for creating lifelong memories has helped the company grow rapidly, generating $10.1 million in revenue.

His journey from a security guard to becoming the youngest general manager at a billion-dollar gaming company shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

By identifying opportunities and leveraging his professional experience, Gwaltney has successfully established Atlas Experiences as a leader in the incentive travel industry.

Through strategic partnerships and innovative event concepts, such as game shows and private concerts featuring A-list artists, Gwaltney continues to expand the company's offerings and enhance engagement with clients.

His success is attributed to his strong relationships, authenticity, and ability to inspire belief in his vision.

Top AI Researchers Pay

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Techlife News # 719 

Top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers are now commanding pay deals exceeding $250 million, rivaling the salaries of NBA superstars.

This unprecedented level of compensation signifies a shift in valuing intellectual capital in the tech industry.

Elite AI researchers are receiving offers that include significant equity stakes, guaranteed cash compensation, and revenue-sharing agreements.

The talent competition is largely driven by the quest to develop next-generation general-purpose AI systems with the potential to reshape various industries.

Companies are aggressively recruiting researchers with expertise in transformer architectures, reinforcement learning, and AI safety frameworks.

These researchers are valued for their contributions to innovation at the forefront of machine intelligence.

The trend of offering substantial equity, autonomy, and influence over product strategy to AI researchers is becoming more common among both startups and established tech giants.

This surge in AI compensation raises ethical concerns about the concentration of power and compensation, as well as its impact on academic institutions.

The value placed on AI researchers underscores the belief that advanced AI systems will generate substantial economic value in the years to come, positioning these researchers as key players in shaping the future of technology.

O2 Drinks Rebranding

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Entrepreneur US | JUly-Aug 2025, written by Frances Dodds

The article discusses how a beverage company, O2, rebranded its product to appeal to a wider audience after realizing that its initial target market of young men was not the most engaged customers.

The company shifted its branding to emphasize hydration and positioned itself as a clean, flavor-focused sports drink for everyone.

The rebranding process involved defining the problem with the original design, rethinking the brand's vibe, refining the approach, and finalizing the decision.

The changes helped O2 expand its reach and achieve growth in various fitness-related establishments.

Bullying May Not Be Right in Negotiation

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Inc. Summer 2025  written by Karen Dillon

Karen Dillon reflects on her experiences in negotiation, emphasizing that bullying tactics are not always the most effective or intelligent way to achieve desired outcomes.

She discusses the importance of being authentic and preparing thoroughly for negotiations, while resisting excessive haggling and practicing active listening.

Harvard Law School professor Bob Bordone provides insights on successful negotiation strategies, highlighting the value of empathy, patience, and collaboration in reaching mutually beneficial agreements.

Dillon and Bordone advocate for a balanced approach that considers the perspectives of all parties involved, aiming for long-term resolutions rather than temporary victories.

The Role of Inter connectivity in AI Age!

Credit: Entrepreneur Magazine Jan-Feb 2025

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Entrepreneur US Magazine  Jan-Feb 2025  written by Nicole Gull Mcelroy

In the Entrepreneur Magazine, Tech super-connector Chris Lyons emphasized the importance of collaboration as the most crucial skill in today's digital world.

He is known for forming relationships between disruptive founders and celebrities in the tech industry.

Chris Lyons believes that in the age of AI, those who can bring together individuals from different disciplines and industries together will thrive.

He suggested looking at the present era as a "digital renaissance" where various fields intersect and merge, highlighting the value of connecting diverse talents like blockchain experts with fashion designers or AI creatives with musicians to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.

The Case of Restaurant Renovation

Credit: Entrepreneur Magazine Jan-Feb 2025

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in Entrepreneur US Magazine  Jan-Feb 2025  written by Kevin Kelly

The article in Entrepreneur Magazine elaborated how a struggling restaurant chain was able to increase sales by more than doubling them through a redesign focused on enhancing the overall customer experience inside the restaurant.

The architect and cofounder of a design and strategy firm, Kevin Kelley, highlights the importance of creating an environment that engages all the senses of customers, making them feel excited and connected to the brand.

By listening to customers like Percy, who valued authenticity and visual storytelling, the firm successfully redesigned the restaurant and saw a significant increase in weekly sales, without changing any of the other factors.

Arkansas Lithium Deposits

Credit: Pexels

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in The Boss Magazine  Dec 2024  written by Damien Martin

The article wrote about the potential of lithium deposits found in Arkansas that could meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

Estimated to contain 5 to 19 million tons of lithium, these deposits have the potential to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more, as demand for lithium is expected to quadruple by 2030 due to the growing popularity of EVs.

If these deposits are successfully harvested, the U.S. could significantly increase its lithium production, currently accounting for only 5% of the global supply.

Value Driven Efficiency

This news story snippet is sourced and curated from an article in The Boss Magazine  Dec 2024  written by Damien Martin

Credit: The Boss Magazine Dec 2024

In December 2024, Damien Martin in The BOSS Magazine wrote about the need for manufacturers and distributors to focus on efficiency as the market cools off following a rebound from the pandemic.

Iggy Domaglaski, CEO of Wajax, emphasized the importance of sustainability in driving value and reducing costs in supply chains through recycling materials.

He highlighted the significance of finding innovations in various aspects of the business to maintain a competitive edge while minimizing costs and being environmentally responsible.

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