Index Ventures partner Danny Rimer
LEVON BISS FOR FORBESThe Memo is Forbes’ global weekly newsletter curating the latest in future trends, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
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New world order
This week marks the release of the Midas Europe list, Forbes’ annual ranking of the most influential (and successful) investors across Europe and the Middle East.
The latest edition reveals the current challenges we face today and offers a glimpse into the future. As my colleague Iain Martin notes, the triple whammy of war in Ukraine, an energy crisis and a frozen IPO market have sent chills through the startup world, with overall investment in European startups falling by 15% compared to 2021. Another report revealed an eye-watering €400 billion was wiped off the valuations of both private and public European tech companies.
The latest data paints a worrying short-term picture. However, there are reasons to remain optimistic: a new generation of startups is already rising up, attracting the attention of Europe’s top investors, who despite the cold winter, continue to look to the future.
5 Things We Learned
Your mother was right, you really can catch a cold from being cold. Researchers found a link between low temperatures and lowered immune responses, showing our bodies are less able to fight back against viruses during winter.
Brompton wheeled out its one millionth folding bicycle. Launched back in 1975, the iconic folding bike is still made in London today. 70% of Brompton’s production is exported worldwide.
Ursula Von Der Leyen is the world’s most powerful woman. The European Commission's President saw her power surge after a strong response to the pandemic and war in Ukraine. “She’s at the height of her powers right now” said a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Short-haul flights are about to become history in France. Flight routes that take less than 2.5 hours by train will be outlawed, starting with Paris Orly to Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux. What happens when there’s a rail strike?
Elon Musk has set up ‘dorms’ at Twitter HQ. Ever wanted to relive your backpacker hostel days and cut out your commute? Now you can at Twitter’s offices in San Francisco, exclusively for what Musk calls his “hardcore” staffers. Some rooms boast a touch of luxury with their very own plant included.
The Good
The four-day work week is….working. Global studies into the impact of shorter work weeks have shown promising results, including higher productivity and lower absence rates. 27 of the 33 companies in the study plan to make 4 day weeks permanent.
The Bad
Covid still killed over 9,000 Americans in November. Covid death rates in the U.S, are now being overlooked as they reach the levels seen linked to alcohol abuse. Meanwhile, China could be about to see a surge in cases as the country drops its zero-Covid policy after widespread protests.
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Watch
New York’s most hated highway is falling apart. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is a critical route into one of the world’s biggest cities, and yet it's falling into dangerous disrepair. The stakes are high, will New York City step up? The B1M, YouTube, free to watch worldwide.
Listen
Is ‘doing nothing’ a crime? Why do people sometimes not step in and what happens when inaction leads to devastating consequences? Bad People, BBC, free to listen worldwide.
Read
Happy Sexy Millionaire. Under 30 listmaker and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett reveals the secrets to living a truly fulfilled life and seek the success you deserve. Yellow Kite, from $9.99.
Taste
Lyaness, the world’s best bar. Nestled inside a luxury hotel on the river Thames, Lyaness picked up the top honor at the Spirited Awards. Come for the award-winning cocktails, stay for views.
