LaunchSquad

Samara co founder Joe Gebbia sat down with The Founder Hour Podcast to discuss art school, design, Airbnb and his new company Samara. Add it to your Wednesday playlist: https://lnkd.in/gSAC-nxz

LaunchSquad embraces flexibility ✨ When we aren't collaborating in Zoom rooms and Slack huddles, we love scheduling time to be together in-person too. We recently hosted a couple of cohort gatherings and have more in the works in the fall. We call them Squad Gatherings 💫   So far this summer: Our Account Executives and Senior Account Executives convened in San Francisco where they participated in mock new business pitches, role-played pitching exclusive stories, saw the SF sights, and enjoyed their very first driverless Waymo ride (a 10/10 experience, apparently!) 🚗 In Chicago, our Account Coordinators and Account Associates met up for interactive workshops focused on speaking and awards programs and B2B storytelling, some competitive miniature golf ⛳ , a hint of celebrity gossip and a ton of food. We’re inspired by the vibrant energy, laughter, and appreciation shared by our incredible teammates during these times together. It makes all the difference for our connection, collaboration, and fun. Can't wait for more gatherings this fall! 🍁 

Climate tech investment has cooled over the first half of 2024, as many investors take a “wait and see approach” with U.S. elections looming. Given the uncertain state of climate tech investment, The Cooler turned to reporter-turned-venture partner and climate tech storyteller Jonathan Shieber to discuss where things are heading, and the role of capital in financing the energy transition generally. Read more at the link below, and don't forget to subscribe to #TheCooler for more climate conversations delivered to your inbox.

In the latest edition of The Cooler, we reached out to local reporters from around the country to learn more about the key climate issues facing their communities, and how they approach covering those subjects. As climate change continues to impact communities across the U.S., journalists play a major role in communicating about climate to the public—whether it’s explaining nuanced policy or advising about how to manage climate impacts. Amanda Eggert, Cami Koons, Delaney Dryfoos, Elise Schmelzer, Joan Meiners and Teri Hayt provide insight into parts of the country that are actively on the battleground of the climate conversation and those coming around to recognize the issue’s importance. Read more at the link below, and don't forget to subscribe to #TheCooler for more climate conversations delivered to your inbox.

The future of app building is here — client Airtable launched Cobuilder today, the fastest way to create no-code applications. The co’s latest tool taps into the power of AI to make it simpler than ever before to take concept to reality on Airtable. CEO Howie Liu went deep with Forbes on why AI is accelerating the shift to no-code app building, and what's behind the company's recent growth. Read more here:

The next evolution in gaming is here. Congratulations to Artificial.Agency for emerging from stealth and announcing $16M in funding today ✨ Read more below from Maxwell Zeff at TechCrunch on how the company’s AI-powered behavior engine will create a player experience that feels alive.

AI skills are some of the most in-demand skills to have today – both for business success and career development. Individuals are challenged by the fact that they can’t accurately understand their skill levels in areas like genAI, ChatGPT, deep learning etc. Client Workera has launched an exciting FREE skills assessment for individuals to verify their AI skills in 10+ sought-after domains, including Deep Learning, GenAI, ChatGPT, and more. Learn where you rank here: https://lnkd.in/grkrCujB

Addressing the difficult nature of climate takes a creative mind. Today in The Cooler, we chat with one of the best creative minds in the biz – Sarah Lazarovic, VP of Communications and Creative Strategy at electrification nonprofit Rewiring America. Sarah has a knack for finding fun, interesting ways to approach the conversation, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about her creative process, how she made her way from journalism to working at an electrification nonprofit, and how she manages the existential dread of climate change. Listen to our full conversation at the link below, and don't forget to subscribe to #TheCooler for more climate conversations delivered to your inbox.

Tune in to the #Olympics to watch two time olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri and LaunchSquad client On make history! The New York Times Chief Fashion Critic Vanessa Friedman details the story behind the shoe of the future, Hellen's first reaction and what it means to make a technology as disruptive as "the Tesla of the sneaker world." https://lnkd.in/e9mwMk6A If, like us, you want to nerd out on the details of LightSpray technology, check out Fast Company's take for another deep dive: https://lnkd.in/gAVtyD7U

Loved 'Challengers'? Then you'll love client On's newest promo video featuring Zendaya and Roger Federer battling it out on the court for an 'air tennis' match as seen this morning on the TODAY Show. 🎾 Check it out below 🎾