Stripe-backed blockchain startup Tempo raises $500 million in funding - Fortune

Tempo, a blockchain startup backed by Stripe, has successfully raised $500 million in a Series A funding round led by Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital and Greenoaks. This significant investment values the company at an impressive $5 billion, with participation from notable investors like Sequoia and Ribbit. This funding is crucial as it highlights the growing interest and confidence in blockchain technology, positioning Tempo as a key player in the industry.

At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, experts highlighted a concerning trend: women may fall behind in the $124 trillion Great Wealth Transfer due to a 'confidence gap' in financial planning. This issue is significant because it underscores the psychological barriers that hinder women's financial decision-making, potentially impacting their economic futures and wealth accumulation.

The rise of blockchain technology is offering a promising solution to the growing concerns over personal data privacy in the age of AI. As blockchain advances, it provides a way to verify our identities and actions without depending on corporate AI tools that often mishandle our information. This shift is significant because it empowers individuals to take control of their data, ensuring greater security and trust in digital interactions.

Asymmetric Capital Partners has successfully raised $137 million for its second fund, surpassing its initial target of $125 million. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging investment landscape shaped by zero interest rate policies. The fund's success not only reflects investor confidence in Asymmetric's strategy but also highlights a potential shift in the market, making it a significant development for both the firm and its stakeholders.

Brazilian startup Turbi is making waves in the car rental market by securing a significant investment of 156 million reais ($29 million) from Itau Unibanco. This funding will help Turbi expand its operations domestically and gear up for a potential IPO. This is an exciting development not just for Turbi, but for the Brazilian startup ecosystem, as it highlights the growing interest in innovative business models and the potential for public offerings in the region.

The latest insights into the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe reveal the secrets and rituals that make these workplaces stand out. This matters because understanding what drives employee satisfaction can help other companies improve their own work environments, leading to happier employees and better productivity.

At the Fortune's Most Powerful Women conference in Washington, D.C., YouTube executive Tara Walpert Levy emphasized the importance of identifying future CEOs with specific traits for effective succession planning. Her insights highlight how proactive boards can ensure leadership continuity and drive organizational success, making this discussion particularly relevant for companies looking to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Nestlé is set to lay off over 16,000 employees as part of a restructuring initiative under its new CEO, with automation being cited as a key motivator. This move highlights the ongoing trend of companies prioritizing efficiency and technology over human resources, raising concerns about job security in the industry. As automation continues to reshape the workforce, the impact on employees and the economy will be significant.

Bessent, the Chinese vice premier, is set to meet with US officials in an effort to defuse the ongoing tensions surrounding the proposed tariff hikes. This meeting is significant as it could lead to a resolution that benefits both economies, potentially easing trade relations and fostering a more stable economic environment.

Bessent's upcoming meeting with China's vice-premier is a promising step towards resolving the recent tensions in trade over rare earth minerals. This gathering signifies a potential thaw in relations, which is crucial given the importance of these materials for various industries. As both nations navigate this critical issue, the outcome could have significant implications for global supply chains and economic stability.

China's rare earth product exports have declined in September, reflecting the impact of Beijing's stricter regulations on these strategic minerals. This drop not only affects global supply chains but also intensifies the ongoing tensions between China and the United States. As rare earths are crucial for various high-tech industries, this situation could lead to significant repercussions for international trade and technology sectors.

Keir Starmer's handling of China relations has led to increased complications for the UK, as the country struggles to find a clear strategy amidst contrasting approaches from the EU and the US. While the EU aims to 'de-risk' its ties with China, the US has taken a more aggressive stance with a trade war. This situation highlights the UK's muddled approach, making it harder for Starmer to navigate the complexities of international relations and trade, which could have significant implications for the UK's economy and global standing.

Sinopec has redirected a supertanker away from a port that is under US sanctions, according to ship tracking data. This move highlights the ongoing complexities of international trade and the impact of sanctions on global shipping routes. It matters because it reflects how companies navigate geopolitical tensions while trying to maintain their operations and supply chains.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock has just dropped her new single 'Dead and Gone,' which is part of her highly anticipated debut album 'My Ego Told Me To.' This release marks an exciting step in her solo career, showcasing her growth as an artist and her unique sound. Fans are eager to see how this single will resonate and what it means for her future projects.