Latest news with #Buckland
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Social media startup Zeen is shutting down after raising $9 million
Making it as a social media startup ain't easy. Zeen, the maker of a social collage platform, confirmed to Business Insider on Monday that it was shutting down operations. "If there was any other way to keep it going, we would've done that," cofounder Miri Buckland told BI. "Ultimately, over the last couple of months, it became clear that it wasn't going to grow to the scale that it needed to as a VC-backed startup." Buckland cofounded the company, which was originally called Landing, with Ellie Buckingham in 2019. The startup raised a total of $9 million in venture capital from firms including Stellation Capital. The company's first product was Landing, a social media app that felt nostalgic for the 2010s days of Polyvore or Pinterest, and was a brief hit with Gen-Z users. The startup shut down the Landing app in September. The company then rebranded to Zeen and pivoted away from building a new social media platform and toward the creator economy. It introduced a shoppable collage feature that creators could use across social media platforms, particularly Substack newsletters. Creators could easily integrate affiliate-marketing links using Zeen's website. "We've had products in many different iterations through Landing and through Zeen, and we hoped that this would be something that we could grow into a much bigger business," Buckland said. Building a long-lasting, profitable social media platform isn't an easy game. That's one reason some investors have backed away from the category. Other social media darlings have faced fates of either dwindling popularity or, in some cases, shutting down entirely. For instance, Poparazzi, a photo-sharing app that was a viral hit in 2021, announced it would shut down in 2023. Meanwhile, some creator economy startups have also had to face shutdowns, like film studio Creator+. "We made the decision that now was the time to shut it down," Buckland said. "Fundraising or becoming profitable, they weren't viable pathways for us at this point. It's a sad decision, honestly."
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Wales Online
Paedophile runs from questions after trying to get court order dropped
Paedophile runs from questions after trying to get court order dropped Paul Buckland claimed the restriction was preventing him from accepting a promotion at work A paedophile tried to get a court order lifted after being offered a promotion. Paul Buckland, from Cardiff, was handed a sexual offences prevention order in 2011 after he admitted a long list of crimes involving horrific child abuse images – but this week he appeared in court to argue the restriction should be dropped because he needed unbridled internet access to "become a supervisor" at work. The 45-year-old's bid to get the order discharged went awry when a Cardiff Magistrates' Court judge informed him he was also under a second order – imposed in 2016 because he had failed to comply with the first one. Realising he would need to overturn not just one but two restrictions Buckland withdrew his application and said he would seek further legal advice. In 2011 he pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates' Court to 17 counts of making an indecent photo of a child and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image of a person "performing oral sex with a horse". Paul Buckland leaves Cardiff Magistrates' Court (Image: Conor Gogarty ) The titles of the files referred to an eight-year-old "Mexican girl", a 10-year-old "girl from Russia", and a "preteen 12-year-old Lolita". They also included the words "pedo" [sic], "childlover", and descriptions of grotesque sex acts. At the time the court imposed 35 days of sex offender treatment and a sexual offences prevention order. It states Buckland must not use a computer unless it has software to prevent access to child abuse images. The order also bars him from using a mobile phone with internet access. Article continues below However it does include exceptions for using a computer at work or while under supervision so it is not clear why Buckland felt it was holding him back from taking a promotion. His recent application called for the order to be removed on the grounds that "he has been in full-time employment for 18 months and he has been asked by employers to train to become a supervisor for which he will require internet access". This week, when a suited Buckland appeared at the magistrates' court, the prosecutor Nicholas Evans pointed out he had failed to consider that he was also under a sexual harm prevention order imposed in 2016 by Cardiff Crown Court. That order was handed down because he had breached the 2011 restriction by using the internet without software to prevent him accessing illicit material. Paul Buckland leaves Cardiff Magistrates' Court (Image: Conor Gogarty ) Mr Evans said there were "concerns" over Buckland's application not only because of his 2011 and 2016 convictions but also a 2020 caution for breaching a notification requirement. District Judge Rhys Williams noted that the 2011 and 2016 orders were "virtually identical" and that there appeared to be "some confusion" on Buckland's part over how many orders he was under. The judge told Buckland the 2016 order could not be discharged by the magistrates' court because it was made by a higher court. Buckland, of Penlline Street in Roath, was advised he would have to make an application to Cardiff Crown Court if he wanted a judge to consider discharging that order. He replied: "I think I'll withdraw my application and get more advice." As Buckland left court we asked him if he would be putting an application to the crown court. You can watch footage of him fleeing our questions at the top of this page. Article continues below
West Australian
01-07-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Young apprentice jockey Holly Nottle experiencing incredible run after starting career just a month ago
The sultry climates of Carnarvon and Port Hedland are a long way from the farm where Holly Nottle grew up, but that's exactly where the promising apprentice jockey is making her mark. On a property between Brookton and Corrigin, Nottle was riding horses from toddler age but until as recently as a few years ago, the 21-year-old had no connection with racing. That psychological moment came only in the last few years when she began a casual employment with the famous Kersley family. 'About three years ago, I started trackwork, but I was really on and off with it,' Nottle told TABradio. 'I'd move to my parents' farm and work there and then come back up to Perth for a month and do a bit more trackwork. 'At the end of 2023, I thought that this is something that I really want to give a go.' After satisfying officials with more than 40 trials, Nottle was offered her first race ride from boss Greg Kersley aboard Buckland at Pinjarra on May 28, reining the galloper into second place. Three weeks later, she was rewarded with her first winner as the Kersley-trained Leetron led all the way and began a whirlwind run for the apprentice. With a double at Port Hedland two days later and another brace at Carnarvon less than a week on, she even bagged a Northam winner in between for good measure. Further success at Kalgoorlie on Sunday took her tally to seven victories from her last 24 rides, with only a weighting mishap reducing that number from eight. 'I didn't think this is how my career would start,' she said. 'It's been different. I definitely haven't had this much attention before, so I don't really know how to feel about it all. 'I actually really enjoy riding on the dirt. Port Hedland would be my favourite track because it goes to grass in the straight; I like that change. 'It was really hard at the start. I've noticed a few people that weren't answering my calls are now starting to answer. 'A few people ring and ask if I can ride, so that makes me feel good. 'I still think I've got a lot to learn, and I definitely think it's a challenge riding against the other jockeys that are really good and at a top level, but my confidence is definitely growing.' Despite hailing from a family of farmers and fisherman, it should come as no surprise that Nottle has an aptitude for racing given her lifelong affinity with horses. 'I did a lot of gymkhanas and ag shows where you do a lot of jumping,' she said. 'In the last five years, I was competing in rodeos around WA. Barrel racing and steer decorating where you get a ribbon off the steer's back. 'If you're barrel racing, it's the thrill of going really fast and taking quick turns. It's the same with racing; going really fast and making quick decisions as you go. With guidance from trailblazing senior hoops such as Holly Watson, Tash Faithfull and Lucy Fiore, even greater success seems assured for the burgeoning talent, who rides Tropical Sun ($26) at Northam on Wednesday.
Winnipeg Free Press
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Letters, June 23
Opinion Re: Frequency is what works for transit, Think Tank, June 20. I strongly agree with most of the points made by Joe Kornelsen. Although I will miss direct access to the routes we'll be losing, I agree that it makes sense to have most routes spend as little time as possible downtown. This will greatly reduce congestion downtown and allow buses to have a better chance to stay on schedule. Another plus will be better use of existing resources. Currently we have too many buses not in service during rush hour as they return from their express destinations. It is my understanding that this type of one-way service will be discontinued. Unfortunately, the new system is not designed to provide good service to downtown residents, particularly in off-peak hours. This could easily be corrected by adding a feeder route from city hall to the University of Winnipeg that would allow downtown residents direct access to downtown amenities and to all the transfer points for the various suburban routes. As it stands, the new system will greatly inconvenience downtown transit users, especially those with disabilities. Eric Hemmerling Winnipeg Another way to improve transit in Winnipeg is to adopt a law similar to Washington State's law that gives buses right away over cars. RCW 46.61.220 states: 'The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signalled and is reentering the traffic flow.' Stuart Williams Winnipeg I wish to thank Jerry Buckland for his welcome and refreshing perspective on the growing emphasis on militarization — including in Canada, a nation once internationally regarded for its peacekeeping legacy. (Can militarization deliver a safer world? Think Tank, June 20) I'm reminded of Bill Clinton's campaign catchphrase, 'It's the economy, stupid.' Buckland, as a professor of economics, seems to suggest a vital revision: 'It's justice…' It's still about the economy but now seen through the lens of justice — a profound shift in thinking, reminiscent of Nelson Mandela's words: 'A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.' All too often, conflicts are framed as power struggles among so-called leaders. Buckland's reference to the devastating casualties — 100,000 Ukrainians and 250,000 Russians — is sobering. I wonder if the word justice appeared in any communiqués from the recent G7 summit. What we do know is that Canada committed $4.3 billion in military support. It's striking how the term military support has become a euphemism for 'more aid to destroy.' History shows that real societal change moves from the bottom up, though political leaders often claim the credit. As the well-known song pleads, 'Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.' One does what one can. Edwin Buettner Winnipeg The Spence neighbourhood is about to lose its only centrally located bank, specifically, the Royal Bank at the corner of Sargent and Sherbrook. A notice is posted saying they will be closed as of July 10, 2025. Here are some considerations: 1) Neighbourhoods need banks. They are a cornerstone of a healthy community. If people want to buy things from stores and restaurants, they need banks. This bank is located in the closest thing we have to a business district and its absence will leave a gaping hole. We often hear about food deserts, but there are also bank deserts — and I'm afraid our neighbourhood is about to become one. 2) People in the Spence neighbourhood don't have extra money to spend on bank fees. If they have to use an ATM from another bank, they will pay $3.50/transaction. For people who live on EIA or disability pensions, the monthly margins are very tight, and this extra cost is a problem. 3) The new branch is a long way away for people who do not have a car. The branch will be moving from 588 Sargent to 1395 Ellice. To get to this new location, people will have to take a bus, which adds to the cost of banking. 4) There is no nearby bank to switch to. I live nearly in the centre of the neighbourhood and the current bank is a three minute walk away. The TD Bank (Notre Dame) is 10 minutes, the Bank of Nova Scotia is 25 minutes, and the Assiniboine Credit Union is 17 minutes. In a neighbourhood where lots of people walk, getting there and back takes time and is difficult. For seniors and people with physical disabilities the problem is compounded. 5) This bank always seems to be very busy. There are often lineups — even at the two ATMs. There are about 5,000 people in Spence — more than in many small towns, so it's hard to believe there isn't enough business. For people who drive or who don't have to worry about transaction fees, the loss of a bank is not a big deal. The loss probably won't leave their neighbourhood with another abandoned building. But, for neighbourhoods that struggle to keep as many of the ordinary things as possible — grocery stores, department/dollar stores, bakeries, restaurants, retailers — losing a bank is a big deal! Cheryl Martens Winnipeg Re: Surgical wait times headed in the wrong direction under the NDP, Opinion, June 13 It is easy to find fault and criticism, but let us try and be supportive by being positive. Canadians benefit from universal health care that works, and we should be showing some support. My personal journey with Amyloidosis, a blood disorder, demonstrates the efficient care Canadians receive. This blood disorder was first recognized by doctors at the Stonewall Medical Clinic. Diagnosis and treatment was initiated at Cancer Care Manitoba. I continue treatment at Cancer Care in Selkirk. This treatment is timely and efficient. This Amayloidosis has damaged my kidneys beyond repair. I am now under the care of the Peritoneal Clinic at Seven Oaks Hospital. This knowledgeable and empathetic care will give me the chance to live at home and, for the most part, carry on a normal life. The necessary supplies and care are offered through the health-care system. My appreciation goes out to the universal health system, local doctors, Homecare, Cancer Care Manitoba and the Kidney Clinic. My disease was diagnosed and treatment started in a timely manner. I am also blessed to have wonderful support from family and friends. Please do don't drag our health system down with negative news; let us look for what is working and show our appreciation. I cannot change the fate handed to me, but I can show support for the care I receive. Again, we need positive news and show support for the universal health care Canadians receive. Walter Badger Stonewall Because Canadians are more patriotic, because Canadians are buying home-grown Canadian food instead of food from south of the border, because Canadians are looking at vacations in their own province and vacations in other parts of this great country, I thank the 'big bully ' to the south of us. Simply because of his silly tactics, he just made us all much, much stronger. I thank him — you know who it is — without mentioning his name. Well done Canada and all Canadians. Ken Butchart Winnipeg
AU Financial Review
13-06-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Making transactions smarter – for businesses and customers
'As it is a near real-time payment solution, it dramatically reduces the delays caused by our current bank direct-debit solution,' Buckland says. Customer benefits Customers also have their own issues with managing their payments. A common challenge is keeping track of multiple direct debits coming out of their account, especially when they're spread across bank accounts and credit cards. But this new digital transaction system aims to provide a smooth digital customer experience, allowing customers to see all their recurring payments in one place — via their banking app or online — where they can easily authorise new agreements, or cancel or pause existing ones. In addition to the added transparency, this also makes for greater security — another reason why Dymocks Tutoring is trialling the technology. With customers required to approve any direct debit/payment requests within their authenticated banking channel, that extra layer of security gives them much needed peace of mind in their interactions with the company. 'One of our motivators has been an increasing concern from customers about the security of their data and payment details,' Buckland explains. 'In an era of ever-increasing data breaches, customers are understandably hesitant to provide payment identifiers and want to be more in control of their financial arrangements. We see this as a perfect way to give customers the control and certainty they seek, all through a system they already have confidence in.' Telco makes things clear Australian telecommunications company More Telecom will also use the payment solution, and believes it will make online transactions significantly easier. As well as offering its customers the option to use PayTo to pay bills, More also intends to use it to allow new customers a way to check out online and sign up for its services without needing a credit card. Faster notifications of when payments are made — and of any pause or cancellation of payments — aims to improve transparency and efficiency for businesses. It also notifies customers when a payment in connection with their account is made, paused or cancelled, giving customers the same benefits of transparency and efficiency. 'This efficiency enables More to provide a better experience for the customer in relation to payment queries and billing issues,' says More's chief innovation officer, Ryan Marks. Banks on board PayTo is available through online banking with more than 50 banks, financial institutions and credit unions. CommBank's general manager for Real Time Payments and Payments as a Service, Alison Chang, says the technology supports several use cases. 'It can be integrated into a business or government entity for their end customers to pay for utilities, fund a digital wallet, transfer funds in me-to-me transactions, buy things in an app, online or instore, as well as subscribing to services,' she says. PayTo runs on Australia's real-time payments network, the NPP, operated by Australian Payments Plus (AP+). AP+, which also owns BPAY and eftpos, views PayTo as an important step toward transitioning payments to the NPP and away from the legacy BECS payment system, which is expected to close in 2030. AP+ product lead Oli Mitchell believes the technology's benefits go beyond replacing direct-debit payments. 'PayTo can be used by businesses to manage disbursements such as payroll, dividends and accounts receivables, by employers sending superannuation payments, and by purchasers completing property transactions,' he says. Because these agreements can effectively be used as 'payment authorities', Mitchell explains they can also be used by businesses to outsource routine payment processes, such as payroll (up to a pre-approved limit) or invoice payments handled by their accountants. Things you should know Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL and ACL 234945. PayTo and PayID are registered trade marks of NPP Australia Limited ABN 68 601 428 737. This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. You should consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decision based on this information. The information in this article and any opinions or conclusions are reasonably held or made, based on the information available at the time of its publication.
