Black Girls Code Review: CEO Allegations and Suspension - Daily Crunch

Daily Crunch: December 28, 2021

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Greetings, and welcome to Daily Crunch for December 28, 2021!

Year-End Reflections

We hope everyone is remaining safe, comfortable, and dry as the year draws to a close. 2021 has certainly presented its share of unique challenges.

No updates have been received regarding Alex’s vacation, which is hopefully a sign that he is thoroughly enjoying his time off. Perhaps he is deeply immersed in a game of Crusader Kings III.

Looking Ahead

Alex is anticipated to return next week. Until then, I will endeavor to provide a comparable overview of the leading stories from the recent past.

—Greg

TechCrunch's Featured Three

Recent observations have indicated a noticeable increase in the prevalence of “.xyz” domain names. The reasons behind this surge are explored in an insightful article by Anita Ramaswamy.

Her report details the origins of .xyz, its expanding significance within the web3 landscape, and the potential influence of Google and Alphabet in initiating this trend.

Black Girls Code Leadership Update

A recent suspension of Kimberly Bryant, the CEO and co-founder of Black Girls Code, has prompted questions regarding the organization’s current state. Natasha Mascarenhas investigated the situation.

Mascarenhas interviewed numerous individuals connected to Black Girls Code to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Bryant’s suspension.

A Review of ‘The Matrix: Resurrections’

Devin Coldewey offers a critical assessment of “The Matrix: Resurrections,” labeling it a flawed film. However, his review identifies a compelling thematic element.

Coldewey highlights the movie’s perspective on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology as a noteworthy aspect. The review includes spoiler alerts for those who have not yet seen the film.

Despite personal viewing constraints due to parental responsibilities, the analysis provides a unique perspective on the film’s strengths and weaknesses.

Startups and Venture Capital Trends

The New Zealand startup ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, extending beyond innovative fields like rocketry. A recent analysis identifies key areas where New Zealand-based companies are likely to achieve significant success.

Emerging Opportunities in New Zealand

Investors active in the region have highlighted four specific sectors demonstrating considerable potential. These verticals are expected to drive substantial innovation and attract further investment.

Increased Investment in Faith-Based Applications

A notable surge in funding for applications centered around religious practices has been observed. Investment in this sector has grown dramatically, increasing from $6.1 million in 2016 to $175 million currently.

This trend was identified by Connie Loizos, who explored the landscape through an interview with the founder of Hallow, a prominent faith-focused app. The discussion provided valuable insights into the factors fueling this growth.

Religious apps are now attracting significant capital, indicating a growing market and investor confidence in the sector's potential.

The analysis suggests that New Zealand's startup environment is dynamic and diverse, with opportunities spanning both cutting-edge technology and evolving societal needs.

Achieving Success in the SaaS Landscape

The rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) has created a more equitable environment for startups over the past ten years. However, when it comes to securing venture capital, a significant disparity persists, with the majority of funding concentrated among top-performing companies.

Sean Fanning, a VP at OpenView, notes that companies demonstrating exceptional growth consistently attract the largest share of VC investment. This leaves those with slower growth rates competing for a smaller pool of resources.

Fanning’s detailed analysis outlines three key strategies employed by SaaS businesses that command a favorable enterprise value-to-revenue (EV/R) multiple:

Key Strategies for SaaS Growth

• Consistent and effective performance within sizable and expanding market sectors.
• Utilization of a scalable business model, such as product-led growth, to facilitate accelerated expansion.
• Robust unit economics that generate substantial free cash flow margins over an extended period.

Maintaining strong execution against substantial market opportunities is paramount for attracting investment.

A business model that fosters rapid growth, like product-led growth, is a crucial component of success.

Ultimately, healthy unit economics are essential for sustaining high free cash flow margins in the long run.

(TechCrunch+ is a membership program designed to empower founders and startup teams. Registration is available here.)

Big Tech Inc.

Several additional corporations are scaling back their presence at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, citing ongoing anxieties related to COVID-19.

This follows earlier decisions by major players like Intel, T-Mobile, Google, Amazon, and Twitter to reduce or eliminate their in-person participation.

CES Attendance Declines

• More companies are opting out of attending CES in person due to health and safety considerations.
• Recent announcements indicate AMD, OnePlus, MSI, and Procter and Gamble will also be reducing their physical footprint at the event.

App Store Regulatory Pressure

Dutch regulators are now requesting modifications to the App Store’s operational policies.

This action mirrors similar legislative efforts initiated in South Korea earlier in August, which aimed to address concerns regarding in-app purchase practices.

Focus on Dating Applications

Interestingly, the Dutch regulatory demands appear to be specifically targeted towards dating apps and their use of in-app purchasing systems.

Apple is being asked to adjust its requirements in this particular sector, potentially setting a precedent for broader changes.

The situation highlights a growing global trend of increased scrutiny over the policies governing app stores and their impact on developers and consumers.

TechCrunch Seeks Expert Recommendations

TechCrunch is currently soliciting recommendations for skilled software consultants.

Areas of specialization include UI/UX design, website development, and mobile development, among others.

Request for Client Feedback

Software consultants are encouraged to share a survey with their clients.

The goal is to gather insights into positive client experiences and understand the reasons behind client satisfaction.

Areas of Expertise Sought

• UI/UX: Consultants with proven ability in user interface and user experience design.
• Website Development: Professionals specializing in the creation and maintenance of websites.
• Mobile Development: Experts focused on building applications for mobile platforms.

TechCrunch aims to build a resource of highly-regarded consultants based on direct client testimonials.

Your clients’ feedback is valuable in identifying top performers in the software consulting industry.