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Energy in Europe is also at stake as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

As the Israel-Iran conflict escalates further, there is a mounting fear that natural gas fields are going to be targeted — as well as oil shipping routes. Europe’s liquefied natural gas supply would be seriously impacted, along with its economies.

Europe currently has a number of natural gas suppliers. Norway was the top supplier of gas to the EU in 2024, providing over 33% of all gas imports. Other suppliers included the United States, Algeria, Qatar, the UK, Azerbaijan and Russia.
The largest LNG importing countries in the EU include France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.
If shipments from Qatar are impacted, Belgium, Italy and Poland are the most impacted, as the country supplies 38-45% of their LNG imports, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

The good news is that demand for gas is usually at its lowest level in Europe at this time of the year. Even so, the hotter-than-usual weather across the bloc is boosting demand for cooling, which could increase the need for energy in the coming weeks.
“Spikes in energy prices push up inflation, and can have a knock-on effect on the central bank’s policy,” Alshammari said.
Central banks, including the US Fed and the Bank of England, have stopped short on cutting interest rates as the uncertainty is rising. If they see that inflation is more persistent in the near term, and that — in the case of the ECB and the BoE — the 2% target is floating away, further monetary tightening could squeeze the economy with higher costs for borrowing and investment.
“As a result of the Ukraine War, there was a pivot from the EU in particular to get their liquefied natural gas, their LNG gas, not from Russia but from producers including Qatar,” Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, told Euronews.
He added that anything constraining the transit of liquefied natural gas will have a quick impact on the EU, “particularly in the manufacturing sector”.
Oil demand is the highest in summer, partially due to industrial activity. But current supply constraints and higher prices could further squeeze manufacturing.
For European businesses, who are already facing heightened trade tensions linked to US tariffs, facing the current complications is “like playing four-dimensional chess”, Forgione said. He also spoke to Euronews before US strikes over the weekend.
Forgione predicted that sudden spikes in oil prices and depressed shipping rates may result in significant consumer price increases, supply shortages, and shrinkflation. This is where a product shrinks in size but the price remains the same.

Global market implications

Iran’s energy infrastructure is in the crosshairs of the conflict.
The country is the ninth-largest oil producer globally. At full capacity, the country produces 3.8 million barrels of oil a day, according to the US Energy Information Administration. But due to Western sanctions, Iran’s oil exports are mainly shipped to China and India.
Iran exports 1.5 million barrels per day, providing 10% of China’s oil imports. If the world’s second-largest economy, China, is deprived of this import, it could impact its economy as it is forced to source this from elsewhere, meaning prices could skyrocket.
The potential geopolitical consequences of the Iran-Israel conflict are leaving markets on edge, and it seems volatility is here to stay.
Meanwhile, Europe’s role in the conflict remains to be seen.
“My biggest worry is that it turns out to be a wider conflict, involving European countries, UK and France. This is the scenario that nobody wants to see happen,” added Alshammari.

2025-09-27
How to stay competitive and foster growth

Effective Leadership Strategies for UK Small Business Owners: How to Stay Competitive and Foster Growth

Effective leadership is essential for the success and growth of small businesses. However, small businesses often face unique challenges, such as limited resources and a constantly changing environment. As a small business owner, it’s important to understand these challenges and develop strategies for effective leadership.
One of the most important strategies for effective leadership is setting clear goals and expectations. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, having a clear vision and setting specific, measurable goals can improve a company’s performance by up to 15%. As a small business owner, it’s important to have a clear vision for the company and set specific, measurable goals for the team to work towards. By communicating these goals and expectations to the team, business owners can ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Communicating effectively is another crucial strategy for effective leadership in small businesses. Regular updates and being available to answer questions and address concerns can help to build trust and ensure that everyone is on the same page. According to a study by The Leadership Institute, effective communication is the key to building trust in the workplace. In small businesses, it’s particularly important as it allows the leader to provide context and updates on the company’s progress, and get feedback from the employees.
Leading by example is another essential strategy for effective leadership. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that a leader’s actions set the tone for the entire organisation. As a small business owner, it’s important to set the standard for professional conduct, work ethic, and ethical behaviour. Your employees will look to you for guidance, and your actions will shape the culture of the organisation.
Empowering and delegating is also a key strategy for effective leadership in small businesses. Empowering employees by giving them autonomy and ownership of their work not only reduces the workload on the leader, but also helps to develop the employee’s skills and knowledge. According to a study by Deloitte, a culture of empowerment leads to increased productivity and employee engagement. Delegating tasks and responsibilities is also crucial as it allows business owners to focus on the most important aspects of the business while allowing employees to grow and take on more responsibilities.
Being adaptable is also an important aspect of effective leadership in small businesses. The world of business is constantly changing, and small businesses must be able to adapt and embrace new ideas and technologies in order to stay competitive. According to a study by Forbes, companies that are more adaptable have 50% higher chances of surviving in the long run. As a small business leader, it’s important to have a flexible approach and be open to new opportunities.
Developing a strong team is also essential for effective leadership in small businesses. Building a team with a shared vision and work ethic can help to create a positive work culture and inspire employees to work together to achieve the company’s goals. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies that prioritize employee engagement have higher productivity and lower turnover rates.
Encouraging employee development is also crucial for effective leadership in small businesses. Investing in training, mentoring, and professional development can help employees improve their skills, knowledge, and career potential. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that organisations with strong learning and development programs have a 29% higher retention rate.
Finally, leading with a clear vision is essential for effective leadership in small businesses. Having a clear vision of where the company is headed and being able to communicate that vision to the team can help to align the company’s efforts and focus on what’s important. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, leaders with a clear vision are more likely to achieve successful outcomes.
In conclusion, effective leadership in small businesses is essential for the success and growth of the company. By setting clear goals and expectations, communicating effectively, leading by example, empowering and delegating, being adaptable, developing a strong team, encouraging employee development, and leading with a clear vision, small business owners can create a positive, productive work environment that leads to success and growth for the company. In the UK market, small businesses make up 99% of all enterprises and employ 60% of the workforce (according to the Federation of Small Businesses), which emphasizes the importance of good leadership in this sector. It is important to remember that effective leadership doesn’t mean micromanaging, but instead creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the company’s success. By following these strategies, small business owners in the UK can improve their leadership skills and create a positive impact in their business, as well as its employees and the community.

2025-09-20
Guatemala rocked by multiple quakes, at least two killed in hours
Shocking Earthquake Sends Buildings Vacating, Landslides Raging – Even El Salvador Can’t Shake Off the Vibes!

The raw tremors from last night’s quake rattled the region hard enough to prompt urgent evacuations of key structures and trigger a cascade of landslides across the valley. Government officials confirmed that the shaking was so intense, residents felt a tingling jolt that reached as far as the distant shores of El Salvador.

What Went Down
- Evacuations: Over 600 residents were moved from unsafe buildings to emergency shelters.
- Landslides: Several steep slopes gave way, covering roads and threatening upstream villages.
- Infrastructure: Power lines snapped, causing brief blackouts in the toughest neighborhoods.
Officials Speak Out

“We’re witnessing a massive 7.3‑magnitude shock that rippled through the whole area,” said the regional seismic monitor. “It’s a headache for everyone, but the reaction has been remarkably coordinated.”

Felt All the Way to El Salvador

Praised as a testament to the quake’s strength, residents in El Salvador reported feeling the aftershocks from their high‑rise apartments, leading locals to joke that the tremors were traveling faster than the local coffee maker’s brew.

What Comes Next?
- Road reopening teams will start checking routes within the next 48 hours.
- Medical camps are on standby for injury treatment.
- Community outreach will inform locals about safety guidelines and the safest evacuation routes.
And while the rocks may have moved, the town’s spirit remains unshaken—though with a fresh appreciation for earth‑quacked coffee and a newfound respect for strong building foundations.

Guatemala’s Rock‑Throwing Rhythm

In a weekend that felt like a seismic dance‑party, Guatemala’s ground took a shake‑up with over 37 quakes and aftershocks ranging from 3.0 to 5.6 in magnitude. The National Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology—thanks to Edwin Rodas—told locals that the shaking was so intense it even reached El Salvador.

What Went Down…
- +37 tremors rolled through daylight hours.
- Rocks fell from a hillside onto a pickup, claiming the lives of two drivers in Escuintla.
- Buildings were evacuated, landslides popped up, and some property took a bit of a bruised‑up kiss from the earth.
- President Bernardo Arévalo announced the main epicentre in Sacatepéquez, with aftershocks echoing in Escuintla and Guatemala.
Why It’s Gripping

When you’re cruising down a country road and suddenly the cosmos decides to drop a rock—the Jurassic vibes are real—panic runs through the crowd, and the whole nation feels the tremor with the same nervousness as a flash‑mob of geophiles.

The Human Impact

Those two men in the pickup truck will be remembered as the unfortunate passengers of a rock‑drop that took them. While most of the damage was minor, the escape from the shaking and the quitched landslides remind everyone that the earth still plays its own version of a surprise prank.

Earthquake Drama Unfolds in Palín

On July 9, 2025, a flurry of earthquakes hit the sleepy town of Palín, leaving behind a tapestry of wreckage and a community scrambling to find footing.

What Went Down
- Multiple Tremors in a Few Hours: Residents felt dozens of quakes, each shuddering the street furniture and causing the ground to shake. The frantic burst of activity stunned locals and officials alike.
- Five Casualties: Sadly, five people were trapped by landslides, yet emergency crews managed to pull out two of them from the wreckage.
- Alert Raised: The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction fired up an orange alert, the second‑highest on the emergency scale, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
Big Shakes That Counted
- 4.8‑Magnitude Quake: At 3:11 pm local time, the US Geological Survey catalogued a 4.8‑magnitude tremor that popped up 4 km southwest of Amatitlán, near Guatemala City, at a depth of 10 km.
- 5.7‑Magnitude Surge: Just minutes later, a 5.7‑magnitude quake struck 3 km northwest of San Vicente Pacaya in Escuintla, rattling the south‑central region.
- Another 4.8‑Magnitude Event: And the final shiver hit six kilometres northwest of Palín itself, matching the earlier 4.8‑magnitude intensity.
While the ground rattles and the rubble piles seem endless, the story is one of quick‑acting responders and resilient townsfolk, all piecing together their lives amid the tremors.
2025-09-10
WATCH: Lynisha Nelson Joined Brother Reggie Nelson in the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Space Coast Daily

All-Pro Reggie Nelson was inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame in 2012

WATCH: Standout basketball player Lynisha Nelson has joined her brother, former Palm Bay Pirate, Florida Gator, and two-time All-Pro Reggie Nelson, in the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.

While playing for the Panthers, Nelson left her record-setting mark on the Florida Tech basketball court.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Standout basketball player Lynisha Nelson has joined her brother, former Palm Bay Pirate, Florida Gator, and two-time All-Pro Reggie Nelson, in the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.
The Nelsons are the first-ever siblings to be inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame. Reggie was inducted into the inaugural Class of 2012, and Lynisha was inducted into the Class of 2021.
Lynisha Nelson, one of the top basketball players to ever come out of Brevard County, is going into the Hall of Fame in the college category. However, she could have just as easily gone in the prep category.WHILE PLAYING FOR THE PANTHERS, Lynisha Nelson left her record-setting mark on the basketball court. After closing out her career in the 2010-2011 season, she finished with the most career free throws made (488), most assists (605), and most steals (409). She was inducted into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
In high school, Lynisha Nelson scored more than 1,000 points for Melbourne Central Catholic. She received varsity letters all four years while playing for the Hustlers, and while at MCC, she was the definition of a student-athlete. She was an honor roll student as well as a top-flight ballplayer.
After graduating from Melbourne Central Catholic, Lynisha Nelson attended the Florida Institute of Technology, which was just a short drive from MCC. When discussing her choice of Florida Tech, she mentioned that she appreciated its smaller size and was particularly fond of the academics.
“I loved the one-on-one interaction with my professors,” said Lynisha Nelson. “That was a major factor for me in choosing Florida Tech.”Related Story:Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Randy Pobst Honed His Driving Skills as Teenager in Brevard

While playing for the Panthers, Lynisha Nelson left her record-setting mark on the basketball court. After closing out her career in the 2010-2011 season, she finished with the most career free throws made (488), most assists (605), and most steals (409).
Lynisha Nelson also garnered quite a few individual awards as she was a two-time Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Year, was named First Team All-SSC for three consecutive years, and was selected All-South Region Second Team for three straight years.WHILE PLAYING FOR THE PANTHERS, Lynisha Nelson left her record-setting mark on the basketball court. After closing out her career in the 2010-2011 season, she finished with the most career free throws made (488), most assists (605), and most steals (409). She was inducted into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
She showed her versatility her senior year, leading the Panthers in points per game (16.0), points scored (527), field goals made (155), free throws made (164), assists (192), and steals (122).
After graduating from Florida Tech, Nelson decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. She was in the service for three years and is currently in the Army National Guard with the rank of Sergeant.
When asked if she learned anything from playing sports that has carried over to her career in the military, she talked about the importance of “teamwork.” She went on to say, “Nothing can really get done without a team.”Related Story:WATCH: Larry Garrison to be Honored With Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award
Being inducted into a Sports Hall of Fame is nothing new for Nelson, as she was inducted into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
Reggie Nelson and Lynisha Nelson are both members of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame and are among the best athletes to ever come out of Brevard County.
When put on the spot and asked who’s the better athlete, herself or her brother, Lynisha laughed and said, “Definitely me! I won a couple of backyard games!” She also said that if you asked Reggie, he would say he is!
Regardless of who’s the better athlete, the brother-sister team of Lynisha and Reggie is the first-ever for the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.WHILE PLAYING FOR THE PANTHERS, Lynisha Nelson left her record-setting mark on the basketball court. After closing out her career in the 2010-2011 season, she finished with the most career free throws made (488), most assists (605) and most steals (409). She was inducted into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2018.AFTER GRADUATING from Florida Tech, Lynisha Nelson, above left with her brother Reggie, decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. She was in the service for three years and is currently in the Army National Guard with the rank of Sergeant.Related Story:America’s Tough Guy and WWE Super Star ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan is Professional Wrestling Icon
CLICK HERE TO SEE MEMBERS OF THE SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME

SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021:

■ PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY INDUCTEE: Amber Torrealba, Skimboarding; Randy Pobst, Auto racing
■ COLLEGE CATEGORY INDUCTEES: Lynisha Nelson, Basketball; Bryan Cook, Baseball; Steve Freeman, Soccer
■ PREP CATEGORY INDUCTEES: Julie Wollrath, Cross Country; Kaira Simmons, Track & Field; Cameron Harris, Jr., Football
■ AMATEUR/RECREATION CATEGORY INDUCTEE: Alli Penovich, Free Diving
■ COACHING CATEGORY INDUCTEES: Lee Mace, Football; Jim Oler, Basketball
■ SPORTS OFFICIAL INDUCTEE: Klaus Stafe
■ SPORTS JOURNALISM INDUCTEE: Capt. Eric Ciocher
■ SPORTS DEVELOPMENT INDUCTEE: Charles Clemente
■ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT INDUCTEE: Larry Garrison
■ SPORTS AMBASSADOR AWARD INDUCTEE: Rusty Buchanan
■ CHALLENGER AWARD INDUCTEE: Jordan Episcopo
■ TEAM OF THE YEAR: Astronaut High School Bowling
■ LEGACY CHAMPIONS: Merritt Island Baseball, 1999-2000
■ SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Fred Gay

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2021 INDUCTEES’ PROFILES

The Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame includes an impressive array of outstanding individuals to be inducted into the 2020 Class of the Hall of Fame. Dozens of nominees were considered in four categories, including professional sports, college sports, high school sports, and amateur sports.

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Tim Wakefield talks about his induction into the first class of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame. Space Coast Daily created the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and has so far inducted more than 200 of Brevard County’s most outstanding athletes, coaches, and sports personalities.The main athletic building on the Melbourne Campus hosts the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, as portraits of the Hall of Famers are displayed on the wall in the building’s main hallway that runs parallel to the gym and outside the athletic department offices.Related Story:HOT OFF THE PRESS! July 28, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

2025-09-01
600‑Year Silence Broken: Krasheninnikov Volcano Ignites in Kamchatka
Volcano Misbehaves: Ash Takes a Sky‑High Stroll

What We Learned Today
- Height: The ash puff stole the spotlight, soaring to about 5–6 km (over 16,000–19,500 ft).
- Trajectory: After its high‑rise debut, it trekked eastward for a solid 75 km (roughly 46 miles).
- Source: These figures come from the Kamchatka branch of Russia’s emergency services ministry.
Why It Matters

When a volcano decides to throw a party, the ash clouds can become uninvited guests for pilots, weather forecasters, and hikers alike. That 75‑km drift means planes might need to reroute, and trekkers could consider wearing masks if the air feels a bit gritty.

Bottom Line

The ash cloud’s dramatic ascent and persistent wander remind us that nature still has a knack for keeping us on our toes—especially when it decides to set new heights for drama.

Krasheninnikov Volcano, the Sleeping Giant, Finally Lets Out a Roar

If you thought the Kamchatka peninsula was all quiet and scenic, think again—our capricious volcanic pals just decided to throw a party!

What’s the Big Deal?
- First eruption in almost 600 years – the last recorded huff was in 1463.
- Plumes of ash puffed skyward, reaching 5‑6 km above sea level – that’s a bit less than an Olympic high‑school track.
- The mountain itself stands tall at 1,856 meters, and the lava billowed down the southern flank for a solid 2.7 km.
- Simultaneously, a 6.8‑magnitude earthquake shook the coast, prompting a brief tsunami alert that’s now been rescinded.
Why Should We Care?
- The eruption is a reminder that nature’s patience can be a short‑lived thing.
- Geologists will be cataloging every bubble of lava so they can predict tomorrow’s tantrums.
- Travelers need to keep their eyes peeled; the volcanic skies aren’t exactly Instagram‑friendly right now.
Keep Calm and Carry on… with an Eye on the Horizon

For now, the Kamchatka region is on high alert, yet the atmosphere is rated as “manageable” by volcanology pros. If you’re heading there soon, pack a snazzy pair of glasses and an attitude that’s ready for some fiery theatrics.

Happy travels – and let Krakennikov keep doing what it does best: blowing up a surprise party!

Possible connection to earlier 8.8 magnitude earthquake

Kamchatka’s Volcanic Circus: Earthquakes, Lava, and a Whole Lot of Drama

Why the Big Bad Volcano is So Hard to Ignore

Picture a rugged island riding an active tectonic roller coaster—this is the Russian Eastern Volcanic Belt. NASA’s Earth Observatory keeps its eye on about 300 volcanoes here, with 29 still throwing out ash and sparks like it’s doing a fiery performance.

What’s Been Going On This Week
- Steady earthquakes and tsunamis keep popping up along a peninsula that sits right by a massive ocean trench, where two tectonic plates are having a smackdown.
- Sunday’s tremor caused a volcanic eruption, and experts think it might be connected to the massive 8.8‑magnitude quake on Wednesday that sent pandemic‑level tsunami alerts all the way across the Pacific.
- Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the tallest volcano on Kamchatka, threw its own showcase earlier this week. Observers spotted rivers of molten lava racing down its western slopes, courtesy of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ geophysical crew.
The Bottom Line

With plate tectonics playing the bouncer and volcanoes hopping on the dance floor, Kamchatka’s volcanic scene remains one of the most active sites on our planet. Stay tuned—this is one show that’s definitely worth watching!

Negative travel advice remains in place

Krasheninnikov Volcano Fires Up Another Showcase – Orange Alert in the Airspace

What the EMERCOM Tells Us

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations just slapped an “orange” aviation danger code on the Krasheninnikov volcano. That means the skies over the area are off‑limits for flyers and climbers alike.
- The volcano’s surroundings are a dusty wasteland of cinders and sprawling lava fields.
- There’s no wildfire threat at the moment.
- Engineers are keeping a close eye on the volcano’s moods.
- Residents, staff, and infrastructure in the reserve are safe.
A First‑Time Epic from the Skies

Even though the volcano is a blast‑zone, it’s still a pretty cool sight. Tour operators from Snezhnaya Dolina captured the first ever live footage of a Krasheninnikov eruption during a flight over the Valley of Geysers. Talk about making history from the air!

Why It’s Not a Big Surprise

Vsevolod Yakovlev, the acting director of the Kronotsky State Reserve, reminded everyone that Krasheninnikov is just one of eight active volcanoes guarding the Kronotsky Reserve. “An eruption is expected in a region that’s a volcano playground,” he said. The locals know the land, and the land knows the locals.

Takeaway

If you’re craving adventure, it’s probably safer to stay on the ground this time. But keep your eyes on the news – who knows when Krasheninnikov will perform its next fiery act?
2025-02-26
Co-founder of Elon Musk's xAI departs the company

Igor Babuschkin, a co-founder of Elon Musk’s xAI startup, announced his departure from the company on Wednesday in a post on X. Babuschkin led engineering teams at xAI and helped build the startup into one of Silicon Valley’s leading AI model developers just a few years after it was founded.

“Today was my last day at xAI, the company that I helped start with Elon Musk in 2023,” Babuschkin wrote in the post. “I still remember the day I first met Elon, we talked for hours about AI and what the future might hold. We both felt that a new AI company with a different kind of mission was needed.”

Today was my last day at xAI, the company that I helped start with Elon Musk in 2023. I still remember the day I first met Elon, we talked for hours about AI and what the future might hold. We both felt that a new AI company with a different kind of mission was needed.Building…— Igor Babuschkin (@ibab) August 13, 2025

Babuschkin is leaving xAI to launch his own venture capital firm, Babuschkin Ventures, which he says will support AI safety research and back startups that “advance humanity and unlock the mysteries of our universe.”

The xAI co-founder says he was inspired to start the firm after a dinner with Max Tegmark, the founder of the Future of Life Institute, in which they discussed how AI systems could be built safely to encourage the flourishing of future generations. In his post, Babuschkin says his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Russia in pursuit of a better life for their children.

Babuschkin’s departure comes after a tumultuous few months for xAI, in which the company became engrossed in several scandals related to its AI chatbot Grok. For instance, Grok was found to cite Musk’s personal opinions when trying to answer controversial questions. In another case, xAI’s chatbot went on antisemitic rants and called itself “Mechahitler.” Most recently, xAI unveiled a new feature in Grok that allowed users to make AI-generated videos resembling nude public figures, such as Taylor Swift.

These scandals have at times overshadowed the performance of xAI’s models, which are state-of-the-art on several benchmarks compared to AI models from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic.

Prior to co-founding xAI, Babuschkin was part of a research team at Google DeepMind that pioneered AlphaStar in 2019, a breakthrough AI system that could defeat top-ranked players at the video game StarCraft. Babuschkin also worked as a researcher at OpenAI in the years before it released ChatGPT.

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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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October 27-29, 2025

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In his post, Babuschkin details some of the challenges he and Musk faced in building up xAI. He notes that industry veterans called xAI’s goal of building its Memphis, Tennessee supercomputer in just three months “impossible.”

xAI was able to build its AI supercomputer in record time, however, environmentalists warn that the temporary gas turbines powering the cluster are pumping out emissions into neighboring communities and exacerbating their longstanding health issues.

Nevertheless, Babuschkin says he’s already looking back fondly on his time at xAI, and “feels like a proud parent, driving away after sending their kid away to college.”

“I learned 2 priceless lessons from Elon: #1 be fearless in rolling up your sleeves to personally dig into technical problems, #2 have a maniacal sense of urgency,” said Babuschkin.

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2024-06-19