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Purple Style Labs Secures $40M in Series E Funding to Fuel Global Expansion

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Mumbai, March 13, 2025: Purple Style Labs (PSL), the parent company of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, has successfully raised approximately $40 million in Series E funding, marking a major milestone in its ambitious expansion plans. The funding round was led by SageOne Flagship Growth OE Fund, Alchemy Long Term Ventures Fund, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, and Minerva Ventures Fund, along with secondary investments from a diverse group of prominent investors, including celebrities, designers, and family offices.

Purple Style Labs raises $8 million in series-D funding round

Credits: Fashion Network

With this latest round of funding, PSL aims to strengthen its omnichannel presence, expand internationally, and establish itself as India’s largest luxury fashion powerhouse.

A Powerful Roster of Investors Backs PSL

This funding round saw participation from several well-known investors, including S Four Capital, Sopariwala Exports, Kemfin Family Office, Cordelia Family Trust, Weikfield Family Office, Salil Taneja Family Office, PKM Capital (Mehta Family Office), Satyen Kanoria, Ritesh Kamani, and many others.

Notably, PSL’s existing investors also doubled down on their commitment, including Singularity Growth Opportunities Fund I, Neelesh Bhatnagar, Pidilite Family Office, Signet Family Office, Rupa Family Office, Kiran Gems Family Office, Utpal Sheth, Rahul Garg, Rahul Kayan, Utsav Mitra, Mukesh Sawlani, Vineet Gautam, Atul Gupta, among others.

With this strong backing, PSL is well-positioned to drive its next phase of growth.

Scaling Luxury Fashion: PSL’s Meteoric Rise

Abhishek Agarwal, Founder of Purple Style Labs, highlighted the company’s phenomenal growth, stating:

“After acquiring Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop in 2018, we have scaled it over 100x in under seven years, transforming it into one of India’s largest luxury fashion destinations. This $40 million funding will accelerate our expansion, both in India and globally, while enhancing our omnichannel capabilities to make Indian fashion more accessible worldwide.”

Since acquiring Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, PSL has opened 15+ experience centres globally, featuring top-tier Indian designers specializing in womenswear, menswear, jewellery, and accessories. These stores are spread across major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Surat, and Indore, with an international flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

The Road Ahead: New Stores and Global Expansion

In 2025, PSL is set to open India’s largest multi-designer luxury retail store at the iconic Ismail Building in Fort, Mumbai. This move aligns with its strategy to dominate the high-end luxury retail market in India.

Beyond domestic expansion, PSL has ambitious plans to establish a strong global presence in key fashion capitals like New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Mumbai, and Delhi. Additionally, PSL is set to expand into Tier-II Indian cities, tapping into an emerging market of luxury shoppers.

“We are committed to bridging Indian craftsmanship with global luxury retail, ensuring Indian designers gain international recognition,” Abhishek added.

Strong Financial Growth & Industry Recognition

PSL’s impressive trajectory is reflected in its financial performance. The company has achieved 100%+ CAGR growth between FY21 and FY24, crossing ₹500 crore in revenue in FY 2023-24 on a consolidated basis.

Additionally, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop was featured in the Financial Times’ prestigious list of 500 high-growth companies in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the Indian luxury fashion space.

Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop: The Luxury Fashion Powerhouse

India’s most renowned designers, including as Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni Shane Peacock, Amit Aggarwal, Gaurav Gupta, Seema Gujral, Abhinav Mishra, and Shyamal & Bhumika, are housed at Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, which has become the premier destination for bridal and occasion wear.

The company runs more than 15 experience centers throughout the world, including in well-known areas including Mumbai’s Juhu, Kala Ghoda, and Bandra; Delhi’s Mehrauli and DLF Emporio; Bengaluru’s UB City; Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills; Kolkata’s Elgin Road; and London’s Mayfair.

Looking ahead, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop will continue its aggressive expansion, adding new locations and enhancing the luxury shopping experience for Indian fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Purple Style Labs: Building India’s Luxury Fashion Empire

Purple Style Labs (PSL) is on a mission to build India’s largest luxury fashion house. Since its acquisition of Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop in 2018, it has significantly expanded across various verticals, retail formats, and global locations.

Along the way, PSL has secured funding from marquee investors such as Binny Bansal, Akash Bhanshali, Mukul Agarwal, Girish Kulkarni, Navroz Udwadia, Harminder Sahni, Astarc Ventures, ValueQuest SCALE Fund, Yuj Ventures/Sid Yog, Hira Group Family Office, Madhuri Dixit, and Masaba Gupta, among others.

YourStory | Stories about startups & entrepreneurships

Credits: Yourstory

With this fresh infusion of $40 million, PSL is set to redefine luxury fashion in India and beyond, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the global fashion landscape.

Conclusion

Purple Style Labs’ Series E funding of $40 million underscores its rapid growth, industry dominance, and ambitious expansion plans. As it strengthens its omnichannel presence, expands internationally, and opens India’s largest multi-designer luxury store, PSL is well on its way to becoming a global leader in luxury fashion.

The future of Indian luxury fashion has never looked brighter, and PSL is leading the charge.

Ford Infuses Fresh Capital into Struggling German Unit Amid Profitability Concerns

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Ford Motor Co. has announced a €1 billion capital injection into its struggling German subsidiary, Ford-Werke, in a bid to address mounting debt and stabilize its European operations. The move, disclosed on March 10, comes as the automaker grapples with significant financial challenges, including weak demand for its new electric vehicles and high operational costs in Europe.

The funding will replace a long-standing agreement under which Ford’s U.S. operations covered losses at its German unit. Ford has also pledged €500,000 over the next four years to implement a business improvement strategy aimed at restoring profitability in the region.

Rising Fears of Insolvency

Despite the financial lifeline, concerns about Ford-Werke’s future persist. The removal of Ford Motor Co.’s direct financial backing has raised alarms among labor representatives, who fear that the German subsidiary could face bankruptcy if its financial situation does not improve.

“In principle, it is now possible that the German subsidiary could go bankrupt in a few years if the situation does not improve,” said Benjamin Gruschka, Ford-Werke’s top union representative, in an interview with Automobilwoche.

The restructuring has intensified fears that Ford-Werke could become a financial buffer for Ford’s broader European operations, potentially serving as a holding company for underperforming assets—a strategy similar to the “bad bank” model used in financial restructuring.

Ford (F) Pledges Up to €4.4 Billion for Troubled German Business - Bloomberg — Ford Infuse Fresh Capital into Struggling German Unit Amid Profitability Concerns

Struggles with Electric Vehicle Sales

Ford-Werke operates the company’s European passenger car business and manufacturing plants in Germany and Spain. However, weak sales of new electric models have further deepened its financial woes. Market research firm Dataforce reported that Ford sold just 17,564 units of the Cologne-built Explorer SUV in 2023, while deliveries of the Capri crossover stood at only 1,919 units.

With consumer demand for electric vehicles lagging, Ford’s reliance on the commercial vehicle sector remains a key pillar of its European business. The company continues to perform strongly in this segment, but its passenger vehicle sales struggle to gain traction in an increasingly competitive EV market.

Impact of Job Cuts and Plant Closures

The financial restructuring follows Ford’s broader European turnaround strategy, which began four years ago with a commitment to transitioning to an all-electric lineup by 2030. However, the shift has come at a significant cost, including extensive job cuts across the region.

In 2023, Ford announced 3,800 layoffs across its European operations, followed by an additional 4,000 job losses last year. Most of these reductions have occurred in Germany, where Ford is winding down production at its Saarlouis plant. The factory, which produces the Focus compact car, is slated for closure, further complicating Ford-Werke’s recovery.

A Billion-Dollar Bet on Transformation

Ford-Werke Managing Director Marcus Wassenberg emphasized that the new financial injection is a critical step in the company’s ongoing transformation.

“The billion-dollar cash injection aims to reduce the over-indebtedness of the Ford-Werke plants and support the transformation of our business in Europe,” Wassenberg stated.

While the fresh funding provides short-term relief, analysts caution that Ford-Werke’s long-term survival hinges on its ability to boost EV sales and streamline operations. With competition intensifying and market uncertainties persisting, the road ahead for Ford’s European business remains challenging.

How to Beat River Styx in Hades

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

In the roguelike game Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, players guide Zagreus, the son of Hades, in his quest to escape the Underworld. One of the final challenges in this journey is navigating the Temple of Styx, a labyrinthine area filled with deadly traps, poisonous enemies, and formidable mini-bosses. Successfully overcoming this area is crucial to reaching the surface and confronting Hades himself. This article provides strategies and tips to help you conquer the Temple of Styx and emerge victorious.

The Temple of Styx serves as the game’s fourth biome, following Tartarus, Asphodel, and Elysium. Unlike previous areas, the Temple of Styx presents a unique structure: upon entering, you’ll encounter multiple doorways, each leading to a different chamber filled with enemies, traps, and potential rewards. Your primary objective is to find a Satyr Sack, a bag of treats that will persuade Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the Underworld, to let you pass and proceed to the final boss encounter with Hades.

Navigating the Chambers

Each doorway in the Temple leads to a series of chambers, culminating in a reward room. The number of chambers varies, but typically you’ll face two to four combat encounters before reaching the reward. The rewards can include boons from the gods, Centaur Hearts (which increase your maximum health), Charon’s Obols (currency), or Pom of Power upgrades (which enhance your existing boons).

Dealing with Traps

The Temple of Styx is notorious for its lethal traps. You’ll encounter guillotines that drop from the ceiling and spinning blade rifts that can quickly deplete your health if you’re not careful. To navigate these hazards:

Stay Mobile: Constant movement is key. Standing still increases the likelihood of taking damage from traps.
Use Dash Wisely: Your dash ability can help you evade traps and reposition quickly during combat.
Observe Patterns: Take note of trap patterns and time your movements to avoid them.

Handling Poison

Poison is a prevalent threat in the Temple of Styx, primarily inflicted by giant rats and satyrs. Once poisoned, your health will rapidly decline until cured. To manage poison effectively:

Identify Healing Fountains: Each chamber contains a Mandragora Statue (healing fountain) that cures poison. Familiarize yourself with their locations upon entering a room.
Prioritize Poisonous Enemies: Eliminate enemies that can inflict poison as quickly as possible to reduce the risk.
Maintain Awareness: Monitor your health and status effects closely. If poisoned, make curing yourself a top priority.

Confronting Mini-Bosses

At the end of certain chambers, you’ll face mini-bosses. Two notable encounters are:

King Vermin: This diminutive yet deadly rat boasts high health and can summon giant vermin allies. Its swift attacks can inflict significant damage. To defeat King Vermin:
- Stay Mobile: Avoid staying in one spot to reduce the chances of being overwhelmed.
- Utilize Companion Attacks: If you have access to Companion Attacks, such as Megaera’s, use them to deal substantial damage quickly.
- Focus Fire: Concentrate your attacks on King Vermin to eliminate it before dealing with summoned enemies.
Snakestone: This heavily armored foe floats over pits and unleashes cascading laser attacks that cover large areas. To overcome Snakestone:
- Attack Over Safe Ground: Wait until Snakestone positions itself over solid ground before attacking.
- Accept Some Damage: Due to limited safe zones, you may need to endure some damage while delivering attacks.
- Use Companion Attacks: Deploying Companion Attacks can expedite the battle and minimize risk.

Selecting the Optimal Path

Choosing which doorway to enter can influence your success in the Temple of Styx. While the Satyr Sack’s location is randomized, some strategies can improve your chances:

Prioritize Centaur Hearts: Opting for paths that offer Centaur Hearts can increase your maximum health, providing a buffer for upcoming challenges.
Assess Boon Rewards: Consider paths that grant boons from gods whose abilities synergize with your current build.
Manage Resources: Keep an eye on your current health, boons, and currency to make informed decisions about which path to take.

Preparing for the Final Boss: Hades

After acquiring the Satyr Sack and pacifying Cerberus, you’ll face Hades in a two-phase boss fight. Preparation is crucial:

Health Pool: Aim to have your health between 250 to 300 before confronting Hades.
Death Defiance: Ensure you have Death Defiance charges available to revive upon defeat.
Boon Synergy: Equip boons that complement your playstyle and weapon choice. Defensive boons, such as Athena’s Divine Dash (which grants deflect), can be particularly beneficial.
Companion Keepsakes: Consider using Companion Keepsakes to summon allies during the fight for additional support.

Conquering the Temple of Styx in Hades requires a combination of strategic planning, quick reflexes, and adaptability. By understanding the layout, anticipating traps, managing poison, and effectively dealing with mini-bosses, you can navigate this treacherous area successfully. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be well-equipped to face Hades and achieve your goal of escaping the Underworld.

How to watch Nvidia GTC 2025, including CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

GTC, Nvidia’s biggest conference of the year, will return starting Monday in San Jose. If you can’t make it in person, don’t sweat it. TechCrunch will be on the ground covering the major developments.

Many of the biggest presentations, talks, and panels will be livestreamed as well. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote from the SAP Center on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT, which you’ll be able to stream and watch online at Nvidia.com without having to register and on Nvidia’s YouTube channel.

We’re expecting Huang to reveal more about Nvidia’s next flagship GPU series, Blackwell Ultra, and the next-gen Rubin chip architecture. Also likely on the agenda: automotive, robotics, and lots and lots of AI updates.

Nvidia.com is also where you’ll find a catalog of all the virtual and on-demand sessions at GTC, including workshops on efficient large language model customization, conversations on generative AI for core banking, and demos of datasets for specialized domains like biology.

Food delivery startup Wonder acquires media company Tastemade for $90M

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Food delivery startup Wonder is acquiring media company Tastemade for around $90 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2012, Tastemade produces food, travel, and home videos and operates several free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.

The acquisition gives Wonder access to a content studio, production company, and advertising business. Wonder will leverage all of these assets to promote its brands to a wider audience, the company says.

The deal marks Wonder’s latest step toward its mission to create a mealtime “super app.” Wonder founder and CEO Marc Lore, who was previously Walmart’s head of e-commerce, wants to turn Wonder into an AI app that not only tells you what to eat but also automatically orders it for you from Wonder kitchens.

With this acquisition, users may soon be able to place a delivery order for a dish that they’re seeing being prepared by a chef on a Tastemade streaming channel.

Wonder’s past acquisitions include Blue Apron and Grubhub. The startup has raised a total of $1.6 billion to date.

Noida International Airport Delay: Tata Projects Faces Rs 3 Crore Monthly Fine

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Significant delays at the much awaited Noida International Airport are not only interfering with travel plans but are also becoming a financial nightmare for Tata Projects, the company in charge of building it. According to Kevin Fleck, CFO of Zurich Airport, the delay is costing the airport a substantial Rs 3 crore a month, which Tata Projects might have to pay. Although some airport components are complete, crucial infrastructure, like the terminal, still has to be completed, which will delay the final regulatory permissions required to start operations.

Tata Projects to construct Noida International Airport at Jewar - CNBC TV18

Credits: CNBC TV18

Several questions are raised by this unexpected setback: Why is there a delay? When is the airport going to be completed? What effects would this have on travelers, companies, and India’s aviation industry? Let’s examine the specifics.

Heavy Fines and Financial Implications

Kevin Fleck revealed during a post-earnings call that Zurich Airport is facing fines of about 10,000 Swiss francs (about Rs 9 lakh) every day. This adds up to an incredible Rs 3 crore in penalties over a month. Zurich Airport has the contractual authority to charge Tata Projects these fines, but this puts tremendous pressure on the construction company to expedite the project or risk losing millions of dollars before the airport even opens.

These fines pose a risk to Tata Projects’ reputation in addition to being a financial hardship. The firm, which is renowned for managing major infrastructure projects, will have to move quickly to prevent more issues and guarantee that the airport satisfies all safety and regulatory requirements on schedule.

What’s Done, What’s Pending?

The passenger terminal, a crucial component of the airport, is currently undergoing interior finishing, even though the runway and control tower are purportedly finished. Due to this obstacle, the airport is unable to obtain an aerodrome license, which is an essential accreditation that guarantees operational preparedness and safety and is granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The aerodrome license is anticipated to be granted by the DGCA in May 2025, provided that all outstanding work is finished on schedule. However, there is doubt that this deadline will be fulfilled because of how slowly construction is progressing.

Regulatory Hurdles and Clearances

Airports cannot function without multiple layers of regulatory approvals, the most critical being the Aerodrome Information Publication (AIP). This document serves as a comprehensive guide for pilots and aircrew, detailing all the regulations, navigation procedures, and operational guidelines required for flights at the airport.

Currently, the airport operator is collaborating with regulators to finalize these approvals. However, until the terminal interiors and security infrastructure are fully in place, the DGCA cannot grant the necessary clearances, leaving the airport in a state of limbo.

When Will Flights Finally Take Off?

The biggest concern for travelers and aviation stakeholders is: When will the Noida International Airport finally become operational?

An official spokesperson for Noida International Airport stated that the airport will start with domestic flights and then expand to international flights in the upcoming months. The June quarter of 2025 is now anticipated to have a soft launch, though it will be gradual rather than abrupt. At first, freight operations will take precedence, and passenger services won’t start until the terminal’s interior renovations are finished.

Given the project’s size and the current delays, additional postponements could occur if things do not proceed as planned.

Government Scrutiny and Intervention

Because he recognizes the importance of the project, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a personal interest in seeing it through to completion. He recently conducted a thorough evaluation of the airport’s growth with officials from the aviation ministry and the DGCA.

The state administration is also in talks with central authorities to expedite regulatory clearances and ensure a smooth transition into operational status. However, if construction delays persist, there may be political and economic ramifications because the airport is an essential piece of infrastructure for North India’s connectivity and economic growth.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, led by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, reviewed Jewar Airport’s construction delays, noting unfinished terminal work that may limit Noida International Airport to cargo operations initially. (Photo source: Sesa Sen/NDTV Profit)

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Credits: NDTV Profit

The Bigger Picture: Why This Delay Matters

For India’s aviation sector, the Noida International Airport is a game-changer, not simply another airport. When it opens, it will have the greatest area of any airport in India and is anticipated to greatly reduce traffic at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).

Additionally, the airport is intended to serve as a significant cargo center, boosting India’s supply chain infrastructure and enabling quicker transportation for companies. Ongoing delays, however, may lead to lost income, missed business chances, and irate travelers and airlines.

End of an Era: Ford Focus Production to Cease in November 2025

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Ford has officially announced that its long-running compact hatchback, the Focus, will cease production in November 2025. This marks the end of a 25-year journey for the vehicle, which first hit the roads in 1998 and quickly became a favorite among drivers worldwide. While the Focus was discontinued in the United States in 2018, it continued to thrive in Europe—until now.

A Ford spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement, saying, “The Focus has been an important part of the Ford family in Europe for over 25 years, and we are deeply grateful for the loyalty and passion our customers have shown for this iconic vehicle. As previously announced, we are now focused on delivering a new generation of exciting electric vehicles to customers across Europe, and the production of the Ford Focus will therefore cease in November 2025. We remain committed to serving our Focus customers with ongoing service, parts, and support.”

The Legacy of the Ford Focus

For a quarter of a century, the Ford Focus has been a mainstay in the compact car segment, earning a reputation for reliability, affordability, and performance. Throughout its four generations, the Focus evolved from a practical daily driver to a rally legend, leaving behind a strong motorsport heritage.

Enthusiasts fondly remember performance variants like the Focus SVT, the Saleen-tuned Focus N2O, and the high-performance Focus RS, which helped redefine what a hot hatch could be. With turbocharged powertrains, all-wheel drive capabilities, and track-ready handling, the RS models became cult favorites among driving enthusiasts.

Ford Focus will cease production in 2025, shifting strategic emphasis towards electrification — End of an Era: Ford Focus Production to Cease in November 2025

Why Is Ford Ending the Focus?

The decision to discontinue the Focus aligns with Ford’s broader strategy of shifting towards electric mobility. The automotive giant is investing heavily in EV technology, with new models like the all-electric Capri and a greater focus on crossover SUVs such as the Kuga and Puma.

As European regulations push for lower emissions and increased sustainability, traditional gasoline-powered hatchbacks like the Focus are being phased out. With the Fiesta and Mondeo also exiting Ford’s European lineup, the company’s showrooms will soon have a dramatically different look.

The Impact on the Auto Industry

The end of the Focus is not just a loss for Ford fans—it also marks a shift in the overall automotive landscape. The compact hatchback segment has been shrinking in favor of SUVs and electric crossovers, signaling a broader industry trend. While electric vehicles promise greater efficiency and sustainability, some enthusiasts lament the decline of affordable, fun-to-drive small cars.

The Saarlouis plant in Germany, where the Focus is currently built, will also face an uncertain future. While Ford has not confirmed what will replace the Focus at the facility, the company has indicated that it is exploring opportunities for other projects.

What’s Next for Ford Enthusiasts?

Though the Focus is bowing out, Ford remains committed to producing engaging vehicles. The Mustang and Bronco continue to capture hearts, and the company’s electrification efforts promise a new era of performance-oriented EVs.

For now, the Focus takes its place in the history books as one of Ford’s most beloved nameplates—a car that delivered practicality, performance, and passion for over two decades.

As we bid farewell to this compact legend, one thing is certain: its legacy will live on in the hearts of car lovers everywhere.

How to Capture Yian Kut-Ku in Monster Hunter Wilds

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

In the expansive universe of Monster Hunter Wilds, the Yian Kut-Ku stands out as a distinctive Bird Wyvern, recognized for its vibrant plumage and aggressive demeanor. Capturing this creature requires meticulous preparation, strategic combat, and an understanding of its unique behaviors.

The Yian Kut-Ku is characterized by its large, fan-like ears that flare when threatened and a robust beak capable of swift pecking attacks. As a Fire-type monster, it can unleash fireballs, posing significant challenges to unprepared hunters. Typically, Yian Kut-Ku inhabits regions like the Scarlet Forest and Iceshard Cliffs, making these areas prime hunting grounds.

Preparation: Gearing Up for the Hunt

Before embarking on a quest to capture the Yian Kut-Ku, it’s essential to equip yourself appropriately:

Weapon Choice: Given its vulnerability to Water, weapons imbued with Water elemental attacks are highly effective. If unavailable, Ice and Thunder elements serve as suitable alternatives.
Armor Selection: Equip armor that offers resistance to fire-based attacks to mitigate potential damage from its fireballs.
Essential Items:
- Traps: Carry at least one Shock Trap or Pitfall Trap. These are crucial for immobilizing the monster during the capture process.
- Tranq Bombs: A minimum of two Tranq Bombs is necessary to sedate the Yian Kut-Ku once trapped.
- Healing Supplies: Stock up on Mega Potions and Energy Drinks to maintain health and stamina during the hunt.
- Status Ailment Remedies: Nulberries can counteract Fireblight if you’re hit by its fire-based attacks.

Locating Yian Kut-Ku

Yian Kut-Ku predominantly roams the Scarlet Forest and Iceshard Cliffs regions. During the “New Ecosystems” main quest, hunters are introduced to this creature as part of the storyline. It’s advisable to consult with in-game characters, such as Alma, who provide insights into its whereabouts.

Engaging the Beast: Combat Strategies

Approaching Yian Kut-Ku requires a balance of offense and defense:

Attack Patterns: The Yian Kut-Ku exhibits several attacks:
- Pecking Frenzy: A rapid succession of pecks targeting hunters at close range.
- Fireball Spit: It launches fireballs that can inflict Fireblight upon contact.
- Tail Whip: A sweeping attack targeting those behind or beside it.
- Charge Attack: A headlong rush that can be unpredictable but leaves it vulnerable if it stumbles.
Countermeasures:
- Mobility: Maintain constant movement to evade its attacks, especially the fireballs.
- Exploiting Weaknesses: Focus attacks on its head and tail, as these are its primary weak points.
- Utilizing Items: Sonic Pods can disorient the Yian Kut-Ku, providing windows of opportunity for attacks or setting traps.

The Capture Process

Capturing Yian Kut-Ku involves a precise sequence:

Weaken the Monster: Engage in combat to reduce its health. Signs of fatigue, such as limping or retreating to its nest, indicate it’s nearing capture readiness.
Set the Trap: Once weakened, place a Shock Trap or Pitfall Trap in its path. Luring it into the trap will immobilize it temporarily.
Sedate with Tranq Bombs: While the Yian Kut-Ku is trapped, quickly throw two Tranq Bombs to induce sleep, completing the capture.

Post-Capture Rewards

Successfully capturing Yian Kut-Ku yields valuable materials:

Yian Kut-Ku Certificate S: Proof of your successful capture, often used in crafting specialized gear.
Materials: Items such as Kut-Ku Carapace, Kut-Ku Ear, Kut-Ku Scale+, Kut-Ku Wing, Giant Beak, Inferno Sac, and Bird Wyvern Gem are obtainable. These materials are essential for crafting and upgrading weapons and armor.

Additional Tips for Hunters

Fireblight Management: If afflicted by Fireblight from its fireball attacks, roll repeatedly to extinguish the flames or consume a Nulberry for immediate relief.
Handling Multiple Yian Kut-Kus: In scenarios where multiple Yian Kut-Kus are present, use Dung Pods to disperse them, ensuring a one-on-one confrontation.
Staying Alert: Despite its relatively predictable attack patterns, complacency can lead to mistakes. Always remain vigilant and adapt to its behaviors.

Capturing Yian Kut-Ku is a testament to a hunter’s skill and preparation. By understanding its habits, exploiting its weaknesses, and employing effective strategies, you can add this formidable Bird Wyvern to your list of successful captures. Each hunt not only enhances your prowess but also enriches your journey in the vast world of Monster Hunter Wilds.

As Intel welcomes a new CEO, a look at where the company stands

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Semiconductor giant Intel hired semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan to be its new CEO. This news comes three months after Pat Gelsinger retired and stepped down from the company’s board, with Intel CFO David Zinsner and executive vice president of client relations Michelle Johnston Holthaus stepping in as co-CEOs.

Tan, who was most recently the CEO of Cadence Design Systems, is joining Intel — and rejoining the board — at an interesting time in the Silicon Valley company’s history. Intel has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the past few years — to put it mildly.

When Gelsinger took the helm in February 2021, Intel was already struggling and was falling far behind its peers in the semiconductor race. At the time, the company was likely still reeling from missing out on the smartphone revolution in addition to missteps when it came to chip fabrication.

It was also an interesting time for the semiconductor industry at large. The sector had seen a lot of recent consolidation in late 2020, including AMD acquiring Xilink for $35 billion and Analog buying Maxim for $21 billion, among others.

So how was Gelsinger’s most recent tenure at Intel? Let’s take a look.

Gelsinger got right to work when he started. He announced a modernization plan for the company, dubbed IDM, or integrated device manufacturing. The first part of the goal was a $20 billion investment to build two new chip manufacturing facilities in Arizona, with plans to boost chip production in the U.S. and beyond.

In 2022, the company announced the second part of this IDM plan, which involved a three-pronged approach to chip manufacturing: Intel’s fabs, third-party global manufacturers, and building out the company’s foundry services. As part of this plan, the company announced it would acquire Tower Semiconductor for $5.4 billion to help build out Intel’s custom foundry services.

That deal fell through, however, after facing regulatory hurdles. It was canceled in the summer of 2023. At the time, TechCrunch reported that the merger not going through would have a serious impact on the company’s modernization plans. In September 2024, Intel took steps to transition its chip foundry division, Intel Foundry, to an independent subsidiary.

The time leading up to Gelsinger’s retirement was particularly tumultuous for Intel. The company’s stock price plummeted about 50% from the beginning of 2024 to Gelsinger’s departure in December. Intel announced plans to lay off 15% of its workforce, around 15,000 people, in August after dismal second-quarter results. At that time, Gelsinger said the company had struggled to capitalize on the AI boom in the same way its rivals had, and that despite falling behind, Intel had overgrown headcount.

In the time since Gelsinger’s departure, the company has delayed the opening of its Ohio chip factory — again — and decided not to bring its Falcon Shores AI chips to market.

But as Tan takes the lead, things may be starting to head in the right direction. Intel finalized a deal with the U.S. Department of Commerce to receive a $7.865 billion grant for domestic semiconductor manufacturing through the U.S. Chips and Science Act; Intel has already received $2.2 billion of that grant money, according to its fourth-quarter earnings call. The company was also able to notch a win when it comes to the popularity of its Arc B580 graphics card, which sold out after positive early reviews.

Anthropic CEO says spies are after $100M AI secrets in a ‘few lines of code’

March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 Olivia Craig

Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei is worried that spies, likely from China, are getting their hands on costly “algorithmic secrets” from the U.S.’s top AI companies — and he wants the U.S. government to step in.

Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event on Monday, Amodei said that China is known for its “large-scale industrial espionage” and that AI companies like Anthropic are almost certainly being targeted.

“Many of these algorithmic secrets, there are $100 million secrets that are a few lines of code,” he said. “And, you know, I’m sure that there are folks trying to steal them, and they may be succeeding.”

More help from the U.S. government to defend against this risk is “very important,” Amodei added, without specifying exactly what kind of help would be required.

Anthropic declined to comment to TechCrunch on the remarks specifically but referred to Anthropic’s recommendations to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) earlier this month.

In the submission, Anthropic argues that the federal government should partner with AI industry leaders to beef up security at frontier AI labs, including by working with U.S. intelligence agencies and their allies.

The remarks are in keeping with Amodei’s more critical stance toward Chinese AI development. Amodei has called for strong U.S. export controls on AI chips to China while saying that DeepSeek scored “the worst” on a critical bioweapons data safety test that Anthropic ran.

Amodei’s concerns, as he laid out in his essay “Machines of Loving Grace” and elsewhere, center on China using AI for authoritarian and military purposes.

This kind of stance has led to criticism from some in the AI community who argue the U.S. and China should collaborate more, not less, on AI, in order to avoid an arms race that results in either country building a system so powerful that humans can’t control it.