Alpha in the Media
This month, we are pleased to be mentioned in media stories and newsletters covering the VC community:
With eight exits, including the public offerings of Vroom, Coupang, Wish, and Coursera, Alpha Partners co-founder Brian Smiga talks about the firm’s approach on investing alongside the pro-rata and what he thinks of opportunity funds and valuations. Read the full story here >>
Alpha Partner’s co-founder Steve Brotman answers the question posed by WSJ Pro’s Marc Vartabedian, “What’s the Future of Autonomous?”
Portfolio News
“Thiry Madison Vaults to Unicorn Status, Raises $140 Million”
“The new funding will allow us to drive better patient experiences and superior health outcomes at a scale that hasn’t previously been possible,” Chief Executive Officer Steven Gutentag said. “In the next couple of years we want to have at least one brand that’s relevant to every single person in the country,” Gutentag said, citing heart disease, diabetes, dermatological conditions, sleep, mental health and metabolism as other potential avenues. Read the fully story on Bloomberg >>>
“Delivery Company GoPuff Acquires Liquor Barn, Continuing its Retail Expansion”
Senior Vice President Daniel Folkman said Gopuff’s business model is more economically sustainable, adding that “all of our markets that are over 18 months are profitable.” “We operate a hyperlocal logistics network,” Folkman told CNBC. “Our focus is to accelerate our delivery model of these immediate and everyday needs.” Read the full story on CNBC >>
“Lime Prime is the Scooter Company’s New Monthly Subscription Service”
“At Lime, our mission is to provide a reliable, affordable, carbon-free transportation network that allows riders to replace car travel for short trips, and Lime Prime is a key step towards that goal.” said Lime President Joe Kraus. “We want to reward riders that have made the switch to Lime with added convenience and a lower cost. It’s all part of our effort to help cities and their residents Spring Back with Lime and get moving again in ways that are safe and sustainable, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift and people begin to rediscover everything that makes cities great.” Read the more details about Lime Prime >>
“Socure recognized as the Leader in Digital Identity & Trust Alongside Many of its Customers on Latest Forbes List of Top 50 Fintechs in 2021”
Socure is listed in two categories on the Fintech 50, including the “Newcomers” and “The Future of Payments.” The company sits among 20 other fintechs also making debut appearances, and Socure is one of only 10 payments-focused fintechs to be recognized. Read the full story on MarTech Series >>
“Ro Buys Kit, a 17-month-old Startup that Offers At-Home Health Testing”
Over the last year, Doctor On Demand experienced significant growth in its Total Virtual Care™ services, particularly in relation to its Virtual Primary Care and integrated behavioral health offerings. It was also the first virtual care provider to extend medical services to over 33 million Medicare Part B beneficiaries nationwide in response to COVID-19. Read the full story on TechCrunch >>
Reading Recommendation
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony & Cass R. Sunstein
In Noise, Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass R. Sunstein show how noise helps produce errors in many fields, including medicine, law, public health, economic forecasting, food safety, forensic science, bail, child protection, strategy, performance reviews, and personnel selection. And although noise can be found wherever people make judgments and decisions, individuals and organizations alike commonly ignore its role in their judgments and in their actions. They show “noise neglect.” With a few simple remedies, people can reduce both noise and bias, and so make far better decisions. Purchase a copy >>