Anime Stars' Pioneer Talent Firm Shuts Down
VShojo Inc., which represented popular so-called VTubers — charismatic anime avatars operated by real people — closed its doors on Thursday, according to a posting by Justin Ignacio, founder and chief executive officer of the San Francisco-based company.
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Kleiner Perkins is having a very good week
Even while the tech industry is still fanning its face over Figma's hot IPO on Thursday, another significant tech IPO occurred this week: Ambiq Micro. On Wednesday, the chip maker for wearable devices saw its shares climb from the initial price of $24 to over $42 on Friday. There's one thing both companies have in common: Kleiner Perkins was a major investor. So it's been a very good week for the venerable venture firm. Just for fun, we've calculated the value of Kleiner Perkins' stake in each company. Kleiner sold 1,346,499 shares of Figma at the IPO price of $33, Figma disclosed, and could have sold as many as 2,756,020 shares at that price if the bankers exercised their option to nab additional shares. Given how much demand outstripped supply for shares of Figma, we're going to assume the bankers will snap up the full tranche (or they already have). Meanwhile, Kleiner still holds 52,364,374 shares of Figma, the company says. Share prices are still fluctuating wildly in heavy trading on Day 2, from about $110 to over $142, but closed Day 1 at $115, so we'll use that number. For Figma: An estimated $91 million returned from share sales and a remaining stake worth more than $6 billion (2,756,02 shares at $33 = $90,948,660, and 52,364,374 shares at $115 = $6,021,903,010). For perspective, this stake in Figma alone is worth 3x the last mega-funds the firm raised, which was $2 billion across two vehicles in 2024. By the way, the Kleiner partner who oversaw its investment was Figma board member Mamoon Hamid. Ambiq is a much smaller company and it was a much smaller IPO. It sold a total of 4 million shares and raised $96 million for itself in its IPO. Existing shareholders are subject to the classic 180 days lockup before they can sell. Kleiner holds 2,081,831 shares, the company disclosed. Shares are still trading at a premium to the IPO price as of Friday and closed Thursday at $43.85. So we'll use that price. Ambiq stake: $91.3 million (2,081,831 at $43.85 = $91,288,289). But wait! There's more. Kleiner is also having a good month and possibly year (Kleiner has declined comment for this story). The firm reportedly scored a decent return earlier this month as part of Google's deal to license tech from Windsurf and hire away its top talent. We don't know exactly how much of the $1.1 billion or so VCs obtained from the Windsurf deal went to Kleiner specifically. But TechCrunch's Marina Temkin reports the total return was about 3x the original funding. And at least one more Kleiner-backed company is waiting in the wings to IPO. Fleet tracking startup Motive Technologies raised $150 million led by Kleiner Perkins, with Ilya Fushman joining the board, the company announced this week. Bloomberg reported in December that Motive is gearing up for an IPO, potentially still in 2025. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
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Starbucks CEO talks rising coffee prices and tariffs
Coffee prices (KC=F) have risen more than 20% over the past year. President Trump's tariffs could cause them to climb even higher. Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol explains how the company prepares for higher prices and if it means you will have to start paying more for your morning cup. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Opening Bid. the outlook for coffee prices. Uh, first actually coffee prices have already climbed well off the canvas and now you have uh, potential tariffs, very high tariffs into the mix. When will the price of coffee at Starbucks be forced to go much higher because of these tariffs? You know, look, here's the good news is we are a very much diversified in our uh, coffee buying and also the guys do a great job of being smart about what we buy, when we buy, how we hedge it. And so, uh, it has minimal impact, uh, you know, in the very near term. So we're able to be thoughtful about what we need to do going forward. So, obviously we'll continue to keep a close eye on it. It's something that is a big deal to us and uh, we're going to continue to make sure that we navigate it smartly. Brian, so will you have to raise prices and do you think Starbucks has the ability to do that? You know, right now we don't have any plans to raise prices. Um, and in the future, if we find that we need to do something like that, you know, we'll be smart about how we increase those prices. Related Videos Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol talks Q3 earnings, turnaround strategy Starbucks earnings fall short, CEO touts turnaround plan Komatsu CFO on US Tariff Impact Reddit, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, Fluor: Trending Tickers Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Search Business Group Launches Generative SEO Services in Southern California to Help Healthcare Providers Dominate AI Search
Fullerton, CA, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Search Business Group, a Latino-owned digital marketing agency based in Southern California, announced the launch of its new Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services to help doctors, dentists, and veterinary practices rank on AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. The new offering positions providers across the region to stay visible and competitive as patient search behavior shifts toward generative AI Arellano, Founder and Creative Director of Search Business Group, leads healthcare marketing innovation with a focus on inclusivity, data-driven strategy, and digital agency's healthcare-specific strategies have led to significant performance outcomes for practices across Orange County and beyond. One example includes New Generation Dentistry in Mission Viejo, which achieved a 300% increase in year-over-year revenue, a 60% increase in local search traffic, and a 70% rise in phone leads following a comprehensive campaign involving web development, SEO, and content optimization. Search Business Group is led by award-winning Creative Director Ron Arellano, whose background includes more than two decades of creative leadership across high-profile brands such as the NY Mets, T-Mobile, Bridgestone, and WeightWatchers. Under Arellano's direction, the agency has pivoted its expertise toward the healthcare sector, bringing global-level strategy to small and mid-sized practices. 'Doctors and specialists often lack access to custom marketing that reflects their unique voice and community,' said Arellano. 'Search Business Group fills that gap with culturally aware campaigns that produce real business results.' The agency has supported a wide range of providers—including orthodontists, oral surgeons, veterinary clinics, and med spas—by combining human-centered design with technical precision. Its approach emphasizes performance analytics, local SEO, and user-first content while also addressing representation and language equity in healthcare communications. As part of its forward-looking strategy, Search Business Group has also introduced Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services to help healthcare providers rank in AI-driven search engines such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. This positions clients to stay visible and competitive as consumer search behavior continues to evolve. Search Business Group's foundation is rooted in both innovation and inclusion. As a first-generation immigrant from Ecuador, Arellano brings a cultural fluency that informs the agency's work across diverse markets. Search Business Group continues to expand its reach while prioritizing equity, trust, and growth in healthcare marketing. About Search Business Group Search Business Group is a Fullerton, California-based digital marketing agency specializing in healthcare, dental, and veterinary marketing. The Latino-owned firm offers services in SEO, web design, web development, content strategy, and generative search optimization, helping healthcare providers improve digital visibility and patient engagement through performance-driven, culturally informed Results: A 528% increase in online patient forms from January to July 2025, generating over $1.4 million in estimated revenue through digital strategy and local SEO. Press inquiries Search Business Group Bianca Montalvo contactus@ 714-519-6290 1316 North Placentia Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831 A video accompanying this announcement is available at: in to access your portfolio
