logo
FAQ 202 LED Mask Gains Momentum as a Breakthrough Innovation in Anti-Aging Skincare

FAQ 202 LED Mask Gains Momentum as a Breakthrough Innovation in Anti-Aging Skincare

Sweden, May 29, 2025 -- From TikTok tutorials to clinical skincare recommendations, LED face masks are everywhere—and for good reason. These advanced light therapy wearables use different wavelengths of light to target skin concerns such as fine hyperpigmentation, acne, and loss of firmness. Once reserved for clinics and spas, they're now becoming must-haves in home routines around the world. However, not all LED face masks deliver the same level of results. At the forefront of this skincare revolution is FAQ Swiss, a brand under FOREO umbrella specialized in anti-aging.
Pictured: FAQ 202 Anti-Aging Silicone LED Mask
Two years after its launch, FAQ 202 Anti-Aging Silicone LED Mask continues to impress both consumers and skin health professionals with its science-backed results and cutting-edge design. In an age where skincare trends come and go, FAQ 202 proves that innovation rooted in real dermatological science is here to stay.
'We're told that beauty and youth are one and the same. We are also told that ageing is inevitable, however, with FAQ 200 Collection, we are changing the narrative. As an innovative Swiss biotech company, FAQ Swiss' mission is to push the science of understanding the aging process to the absolute limit. And then keep pushing. While we agree we can't avoid aging, we certainly can influence how we age. FAQ Swiss harnesses the most powerful, cutting-edge anti-ageing technology and ingredients available to recharge and rejuvenate your body in the comfort of your own home, with no cables and no bulky machines.' says Filip Sedic, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FOREO and FAQ Swiss.
Pictured: FAQ 202 Anti-Aging Silicone LED Mask
Using clinical anti-aging LED therapy to provide clinical anti-aging results, FAQ 202 features 8 different wavelengths of LED light—red, blue, green, orange, purple, cyan, yellow, and NIR (near-infrared)—to stimulate collagen production, treat acne, even skin tone, and more.
It's clinically proven to:
KEY FEATURES AND INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
Red light therapy: 8 LED wavelengths tackle everything from wrinkles and pigmentation to blemishes and dullness.
Even light coverage: FAQ 202 LED masks spread light evenly across the skin via 600 optimized points of light - ensuring the LED wavelengths evenly penetrate each millimeter of skin. 100% of users agree.
Perfectly fits every face: Designed with unique flexi-fit silicone, FAQ 202 molds to the face like a transparent second skin - so every area of the face receives the same concentration of LED light.
Complete freedom of movement: Ultra-lightweight, transparent and wireless, with an open eye and mouth design, and soft non-slip headband, FAQ 202 is unobtrusive and extremely comfortable to move around while continuing with the day. 100% of users agree.
Pre-programmed treatments: Getting a 5 minute quick-fix or target specific skin concerns with thorough pre-set routines on the FAQ Swiss app.
Smart Swiss design: FAQ 202 is USB rechargeable, ultra-hygienic, non-porous, easy to clean, and quick-drying. It also comes with its own display case.
What makes FAQ Swiss LED face masks different from all other LED face masks on the market
FAQ 202 ends the compromise on expensive masks that don't provide effective coverage for the face. It's an entirely new generation of LED masks that features an ultra-lightweight and extremely hygienic smart Swiss design. Other LED masks have bulbs in various places, which means that the skin is getting the LED light treatment only on those concentrated points. The FAQ Swiss' smart masks have points of LED light spread out densely at very small intervals across the mask surface, making sure each area of the face gets even light coverage and on top of that, the masks also gently heat the skin to dilate pores temporarily so that the LED can penetrate into the skin in the most effective way.
To find out more about FAQ Swiss and to keep up to date with future growth and innovation, visit foreo.com/faqswiss or follow @faqswiss.
Contact Info:
Name: Dalija Tot
Email: Send Email
Organization: FOREO
Website: https://www.foreo.com/
Release ID: 89160681
If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

18 Flowy Dresses From Walmart You'll Basically Live In
18 Flowy Dresses From Walmart You'll Basically Live In

Buzz Feed

time7 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

18 Flowy Dresses From Walmart You'll Basically Live In

A printed maxi dress (with pockets) in a soft, breathable fabric that'll have you flowing from place to place. With its smocked empire waistline and stunning print variety, it's essentially a year-round style that will look just as lovely with sandals as it will with tall boots. Promising review: "This is turning out to be my favorite dress right now. It has pockets!!!! It fits me perfectly, and I recommend anyone thinking of getting it to buy it." —Walmart CustomerPrice: $48.89 (originally $61.99; available in sizes S–2XL and 13 colors/patterns) A printed tie-front maxi that's serving beachfront-resort ready. This glorious print is waiting to make its debut on vacation, whether that's near or far. So do yourself a favor and find some space in your case, because with its tie-up design, you'll get a conveniently customizable fit each and every time. Promising review: "Such a cute dress! I purchased the green version and love it. I found the sizing to be accurate. Length is perfect. Could definitely wear it dressed down with sandals or dress it up with jewelry and heels. Great for the beach, cruise, and warmer climates. Also, could throw a jean jacket over it for cooler spring temperatures." —MaryPrice: $26 (available in sizes XS–4X and two colors) A floral long-sleeve cocktail option, super flowy and luxe-feeling to get you through your calendar full of events. Great for chilly evenings or days when you want to protect your shoulders, since it's both lightweight and offers sun-shielding coverage. Promising review: "Super cute dress and really well made! Bright colors, fun patterns, and design make this dress a true classic. The high waist gives this dress some added uniqueness. Super comfortable with great coverage in the bust area for me. Elevate your appearance in this beautiful dress!" —CarriePrice: $34.88 (originally $50.99; available in sizes S–XL and eight colors) A sleeveless tiered dress so vibrant and soft, you can whisk it away on vacation or wear it for a warm-weather outing. Either way, you'll feel comfy and look ultra sophisticated with its swingy feel and tiered design. Promising review: "Lightweight, travels well, looks formal too!" —AbbyPrice: $21.56+ (originally $39.99; available in sizes S–XXL and four colors) An off-the-shoulder maxi dress you'll be reaching for on repeat because it will serve you just as well at home as it will away. Offering a look you'll never give the ~cold shoulder~ to, it's available in a couple of colorful designs and a solid, while it shows off your neckline with a fit that's comfy and sure to turn heads. Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress and wish there were more color options available. I would buy them in every color. I love that it has pockets and is flowy." —RhanaPrice: $26 (available in sizes XS–XXXL and three colors/patterns) A pleated A-line sun dress that masters the art of looking put-together with minimal effort. Its Swiss dot, high-neck, sleek, sleeveless design, and pleats are — in a word — stunning for semi-formal occasions. Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect, but it is a SUPER CUTE dress. Quality stitching. Stretchy, lightweight, and comfortable, but also has a nice structure. My only call-out is that it isn't lined, so I will need to wear a slip with it." —Walmart CustomerPrice: $46.79 (available in sizes S–XXL and five colors) A cutout midi dress in a picture-worthy lemon print that's destined to make several appearances this season. Be prepared to enter a new tax bracket — because in this style, you'll become rich with compliments. Promising review: "Best dress I've ever purchased. It would have been over $100 from some name brands, and this one is just as great a quality and cut! Note, it's for ladies with a larger chest. I'm 34H and ordered S — fit like a glove!" —DanielPrice: $34 (available in sizes XS–XXL and two colors) A fit-and-flare mini dress built with a cotton-spandex flow. It features a stylish angled drop waist that's giving edgy yet chic ballerina. Pair it with some mesh ballet flats for an OOTD that will certifiably have to graduate from stories to the grid. Promising review: "Great fit. Great quality. I need it in five more colors. Worth every penny." —CoreyPrice: $9.85+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and three colors) A printed tiered dress gifted with the ability to have you looking put-together even on hot and humid days. The flowy flutter sleeves will fit any aesthetic, aka one that simply wants to feel cool and comfortable. Promising review: "Beautiful dress. Quality is great. I usually wear a large, but it was too big, so I returned and ordered a medium. It fits perfectly. This dress can be casual or dressy. It all depends on accessories. Love it!" —MiniJoePrice: $19.79+ (originally $44.99; available in sizes S–2XL and nine colors/patterns) A lacey midi dress with so many adorable embellishments, I don't think I can cope. From the tassles to the pom-poms to the floral lace me to overcome this, I'm going to need you to add it to cart. Thank you in advance. (And also, you're welcome, because in addition to that, this has adjustable straps!) Promising review: "This dress stole my heart. Everybody is asking where I got it from. Perfect summer lace — suitable for the summer nights and beach days." —LiliaPrice: $47.99 (available in sizes XS–XL) A V-neck printed dress designed with butterfly sleeves and discreet pockets, so you can slip tissues and your phone into 'em to capture your tears and the bride's lewk without needing to lug around a clutch. Promising review: "It is rare that I can just throw on a dress and have it be a great fit and look fantastic on me, and that is what happened with this dress. I was skeptical about buying online, but now I'm a believer." —MichellePrice: $22.99+ (available in sizes L–4X) A spaghetti-strap V-neck dress lightly lined for extra coverage and made from a fabric that'll drape comfortably on your skin. It features a hollowed-out front design that sits along an elasticized waistband for added comfort. Casual summer weddings and special nights on vacation are just waiting for this number. Price: $47.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and five colors) A poplin mini dress so dreamy that its cotton fabric will simply drape over your body in one gorgeously cling-free silhouette. It looks seriously chic and high-end thanks to the decorative buttons and drop waist (that's fully lined), so do yourself a favor and grab it before it's gone. Price: $19.50 (originally $26, available in sizes XS–XXL and two colors) A satin halter pleated dress doted on for its fit, flow, and unique design. Offered in brights and neutrals, you can't go wrong with this level of elegance, and for the price, you might as well snag a couple in the different shades. Promising review: "This is a really nice dress. The neckline is very unique and lays nicely. The fabric is a beautiful satiny fabric that hangs nicely. The waistband is elastic and could definitely wear a belt with it. As usual with the Scoop brand, the attention to detail and quality are exceptional." —SusanPrice: $10.54+ (originally $38; available in sizes XS–XXL and 4X and four colors) A cotton mini dress you'll end up wearing on repeat. Its loose fit paired with its adorable little flutter sleeves is calling your name for heat-wave days. Bonus: This very trendy butter yellow is ideal for grilling season. Price: $15.98 (available in sizes XS–XXXL and two colors) A V-neck lace dress exuding elegance and class that you can insert into your cocktail attire collection for a quick pick the next time you need to attend a fancy event. Trust me, it will come in clutch, and it's simple enough that you can get away with wearing it several times without anyone batting an eye. Promising review: "I love this dress, very comfortable and classy. I have a bigger bust, so it's hard to find dresses that fit well. This one is great!" —TrinaPrice: $54.99+ (originally $87.98; available in sizes M–4XL and four colors) A satin V-neck long-sleeve you'll have a hard time not swinging from side to side in. Its delicate fabric and ditsy floral design were made for warmer weather, but the sleeves (with cute elastic cuffs) offer coverage from the chill. Ergo, it's the year-round dress your closet may be missing. Promising review: "Loved this dress in the ditsy floral design so much that I ordered the solid black one the following day. Perfect fit, perfect length and style! Sale price made it irresistible!" —NelleNPrice: $24.99+ (originally $29.99; available in sizes XS–4X and two colors) A puff-sleeve tie-back dress that's making me want to grab my nearest and dearest and book an Airbnb along the shore. The Coastal Grandma moment just got a major upgrade with this billowy midi that's made for leaving your cares (read: work emails) behind. Promising review: "This dress is a beautiful coral. I would pair it with silver bracelets and hoop earrings. The material is lovely; the dress is lined. The dress almost came to my ankles." —GabbyPrice: $17+ (originally $19.98; available in sizes XS–4X and six colors) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Popular Eating Habit May Be A Disorder, Experts Warn
Popular Eating Habit May Be A Disorder, Experts Warn

Buzz Feed

time8 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

Popular Eating Habit May Be A Disorder, Experts Warn

Spend more than 30 seconds on TikTok, and you'll hear fitness influencers sing the praises of intermittent fasting. This eating plan is touted as a 'lifestyle change' rather than a diet, where people consume calories on a 16:8 plan (fast for 16 hours; eat normally for eight hours), a 5:2 plan (eat normally for five days; fast for two days) or another variation. The purported benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous: It can curb late-night eating, reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improve gut health and, of course, lead to weight loss. But for folks who may be affected by disordered eating, intermittent fasting could lead down a slippery slope. An estimated 9% of the U.S. — or about 28.8 million people — will have an eating disorder in their lifetimes. While eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia must meet specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, disordered eating can apply to anyone with body image issues, dieting and/or psychological distress around food. People with disordered eating behaviors might hide in plain sight behind popular diets and wellness trends like intermittent fasting, which provides the perfect cover for restrictive eating. It's A Socially Acceptable Disguise Most people would be concerned to hear a friend say they were starving themselves, but no one bats an eye with intermittent fasting. 'Intermittent fasting can sometimes serve as a socially acceptable disguise for disordered eating behaviors,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Becky Mehr, director of outpatient nutrition at The Renfrew Center, a network of eating disorder treatment facilities. 'While it is often marketed as a tool for weight loss, improving metabolic health or simplifying eating patterns, it can become problematic — especially for those with a history of eating disorders,' she said. Mehr explained that because scheduled fasting requires skipping meals and ignoring hunger cues, it'll hide your disordered eating without raising concern. In fact, it could promote the opposite: praise for weight loss or 'perceived discipline' that could reinforce harmful behaviors. Mehr adds, 'Our bodies are not machines or calculators — they don't thrive on rigid calorie restrictions or time-bound nourishment.' Dr. Anne Marie O'Melia, chief clinical and quality officer at the Eating Recovery Center, told HuffPost, 'For individuals who are genetically and environmentally vulnerable to developing eating disorders, any form of caloric restriction or adherence to rigid food rules — including intermittent fasting — significantly increases their risk.' In fact, recent research has shown that many young women who participated in intermittent fasting had traits of eating disorder behaviors such as overeating, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, compulsive exercise and fasting. 'We know that dieting and restriction are the number one predictors of eating disorder onset, particularly in adolescents and young adults,' O'Melia explained. 'The promise of short-term benefits like weight loss or metabolic changes pales in comparison to the real and devastating risks: Eating disorders have significant psychiatric and medical consequences, and the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses.' Intermittent fasting 'may seem harmless or even beneficial at first, but for too many people, it is a gateway into long-term, life-threatening struggles with food and body,' she added. Bottom line: The potential benefits of intermittent fasting do not outweigh the risks of developing or worsening an eating disorder. So how do you know if it's safe to try intermittent fasting? Our experts shared that it's all in your head — or, more specifically, in your mindset. 'The key difference lies in mindset, intent and impact on daily life,' Mehr said. If you are able to do intermittent fasting without obsessive thoughts about food or body image, and without rigid food rules that impair your daily functioning, then it might be OK. For everyone else, it can quickly spiral into disordered eating. This might look like 'experiencing intense anxiety about breaking 'rules,' obsessing over food, feeling shame about eating, avoiding social events involving food or using fasting as a way to control weight at all costs,' according to O'Melia. 'No one sets out thinking, 'I want to develop an eating disorder,' but for individuals with certain genetic, psychological and environmental risk factors, seemingly healthy choices can inadvertently lead to dangerous patterns,' O'Melia said. Signs intermittent fasting is triggering disordered eating include: Compensatory behaviors, like excessive exercise or purging. Avoiding social meals that don't fall in your eating window. Increasing preoccupation with food, body image or weight. Low energy, mood disturbances, sleep issues or trouble concentrating. Only eating 'safe' or 'healthy' foods. Eating in isolation; secrecy or hiding of eating behaviors. Binge eating symptoms, feeling of loss of control when eating. Feeling anxiety, guilt or shame if you eat outside your 'allowed' window. Experiencing medical issues such as fainting, amenorrhea, GI distress, or fatigue, dizziness, weakness, irritability or obsessional thinking about food. Negative or emotionally reactive responses to expressions of concern about changes in behavior. Any additional or increasing behaviors that can be associated with eating disorders, such as laxative use, changes in exercise patterns, developing food rules about the types of food eaten rather than just the times that food is eaten. If fasting starts to feel like an obligation instead of a choice — or affects your ability to enjoy life — it may be time to reevaluate. 'It's critical to remember that the human body is incredibly complex — and it thrives when treated with compassion, not punishment,' O'Melia said. 'Most people' should not do intermittent fasting, Mehr said, and 'especially those with a history of eating disorders, mental health struggles or nutrient deficiencies.' O'Melia added, 'Anyone with a personal history or a significant family history of an eating disorder, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, significant anxiety or depression, trauma history, or compulsive exercise patterns should avoid intermittent fasting.' If you have a fragile relationship with food and could be affected by self-imposed rules or restrictions around when you can eat, then intermittent fasting is not for you. 'Our bodies are designed to let us know when they need fuel,' Mehr explained. 'Ignoring those cues can lead to preoccupation with food, disrupted metabolism and emotional distress. [Intermittent fasting] is like telling someone to only use the bathroom during certain hours — it creates fixation, not freedom.' Our experts agreed that no one should do intermittent fasting without close guidance by their medical provider. Our experts were quick to slam any structured diet or food group restriction (other than for allergies). 'Eating should be a source of nourishment and pleasure, not a battleground,' O'Melia explained. 'I encourage patients to focus on balanced meals, variety, satisfaction and listening to their bodies.' Both experts recommend intuitive eating that listens to hunger and fullness cues. This includes eating a wide variety of foods without guilt (yes, desserts too!); respecting body diversity; participating in joyful movement; managing your stress and getting enough sleep; and centering mental, emotional and social health alongside physical health. And be gentle with yourself when unlearning toxic diet culture ideals. 'Food is not just fuel; it's joy, connection, culture and comfort,' Mehr said. 'A healthy eating pattern respects both your body's needs and your lived experience.' 'Instead of listening to external rules, we should be learning to trust our bodies,' Mehr added. 'All bodies are different. All bodies are valuable. And food should never be a source of shame or punishment.'

China's grueling ‘996' work culture is being debated by European startups — 7 founders and VCs on why they are resisting
China's grueling ‘996' work culture is being debated by European startups — 7 founders and VCs on why they are resisting

CNBC

time9 hours ago

  • CNBC

China's grueling ‘996' work culture is being debated by European startups — 7 founders and VCs on why they are resisting

The European startup scene was recently shaken by a LinkedIn debate with some venture capitalists applying pressure on founders to embrace a culture of overwork to compete on a global stage. The "996" work culture reigns supreme in China and has been adopted by various tech giants including Jack Ma's Alibaba and Bytedance's TikTok, but the system has also been the subject of much protest in recent years. Tech workers in Europe told CNBC in 2021 that they're turning down job offers, rejecting interviews, or even quitting their roles, upon learning of TikTok's 996 work culture. Sebastian Becker, general partner at Switzerland-based VC company Redalpine added to the debate on LinkedIn by addressing the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has called for removal of the legal work limit of eight hours per day in Germany in a bid to increase efficiency, while keeping the 40-hour week. Becker said Merz' proposal doesn't go far enough, as "40 hours a week won't cut it." "In Silicon Valley, 60-70 hour weeks aren't the exception — they even have a term for it: 996 — 9am to 9pm, six days a week... we can have the same amount of smart, ambitious people, but if we're consistently being outworked, we won't win," Becker said. Index Ventures Partner Martin Mignot in London explained on LinkedIn that 996 originated in China and has "quietly become the norm" at startups internationally. Part of the reason behind this most recent push is that there's a persistent view that Europe's tech and startup scene is lagging behind the U.S. and China, both of which have produced tech giants and are known for intense work cultures. However, Suranga Chandratillake, general partner at Balderton Capital, told CNBC Make It that these views are outdated as Europe has produced deca-corns in recent years— companies worth more than $10 billion including Klarna, Revolut, Wise, and The continent has yet to produce a trillion-dollar tech firm like Nvidia. "The European tech market and ecosystem is keeping up today with the U.S. and Asia... back in the 1980s the European tech scene was behind the tech scene on the West Coast of the US, but that's not the case now," Chandratillake said in an interview. The calls for Europe to adopt the 996 work culture sparked a wave of backlash. CNBC spoke with seven European startup founders and VCs on why they disagree. The obsession with China's 996 or Silicon Valley's 24/7 work culture emerges from a glorification of hustle culture in the startup landscape, founders and VCs said. "It's about a fetishization of overwork rather than smart work…it's a myth," Chandratillake said. "California is very good at telling stories and there's a lot of mythmaking around the concept of what startups look like…. there is hard work involved but if you really spend time in that ecosystem, you will discover that lots of people work really hard, but there are also periods where they don't work." Nina Mohanty, a Silicon Valley native and founder of London-based Bloom Money, said there are actually "lasting effects and unintended consequences" to adopting an aggressive overwork culture, "You only have to think about Revolut and the culture that they have is probably the closest that we've seen in Europe to the 996 culture, and they struggled," Mohanty told CNBC. "Their churn rate was incredibly high within their team, and they even struggled to get their banking license, and their culture was actually cited as one of those reasons." For its part, Revolut told CNBC it operates in a "high-growth, high-performance environment." "In line with this, we've evolved how we support our people: through value-based behaviours, structured development, and a culture that's collaborative, challenging, and built for scale," a spokesperson from Revolut said. Noa Khamallah, general partner at Don't Quit Ventures, pointed out that there's "no need for 996" and that these values are often at odds with both the European mindset and regulation. "Europe's most successful companies — from Spotify to SAP to ASML — didn't achieve dominance through overwork but through sustainable innovation cultures," Khamallah said. He offered the examples of Silicon Valley's Uber and Meta, both companies that expanded into Europe and faced massive regulatory pushback. "These examples reveal how Silicon Valley's 'move fast and break things' ethos often breaks against European values around worker rights, privacy, and sustainable business practices," Khamallah said. An always-on culture decreases retention and creates a revolving door of talent, Sarah Wernér, co-founder of Husmus, told CNBC. "Overwork today is a productivity crisis tomorrow," Wernér said. "Personally, I hope my competitors are doing 996. It makes poaching great people a lot easier when they decide they've had enough." Dama Sathianathan, a senior partner at Bethnal Green Ventures said it's unhelpful to "prescribe" working hours, especially if it means putting workers' wellbeing at risk. "Optimizing labor doesn't always lead to better productivity, or help with differentiating from other companies long-term, if you've made work devoid of meaning," Sathianathan explained. Meanwhile, the youngest generation at work are less likely to put up with overworking and tend to prioritize work-life balance. Jas Schembri-Stothart, founder of Luna, a health and wellness app for teen girls, said 996 will drive young talent away from European startups. "People may tolerate overwork for a while, but eventually it leads to churn and even resentment, especially with Gen Z and younger millennials, there's much less tolerance for toxic hustle cultures," Schembri-Stothart said. Founders insist that instead of increasing working hours, startups need more funding and resources to position themselves as key players in the global startup scene. "What Europe really needs isn't more hustle-porn it's more aggressive funding," Wernér said. "With the right level of capital, our startups can hire enough talent to work intensely without breaking themselves. If a team of 10 is burning out to keep up with a 50-person U.S. VC or Chinese government-backed startup, the problem isn't their stamina, it's their cap table." In fact, since 2015 Europe's tech startups have missed out on nearly $375 billion in growth-stage funding, with founders losing out on a potential $300 billion in European investments, according to Atomico's State of European Tech report published in 2024. Additionally, one in two companies raising funding turn to the U.S. for capital rather than Europe. "What European startups really need is access to the right resources — funding, talent, and support — to grow, innovate quickly, and scale effectively," Schembri-Stothart said. "The venture landscape in the U.S. is a different ballgame altogether, and it's tough to compete with that without a stronger ecosystem here. Founders acknowledged that the startup life requires intense hustle and grind, but it's a more nuanced picture than just adopting 996. Timothy Armoo, co-founder and former CEO of Fanbytes, an influencer marketing firm that he sold for eight figures in 2022, told CNBC that he's a "huge supporter" of this new 996 push, but admitted that timing is key. "I think there are seasons but I also think that if you are a first-time founder or if your primary goal is basically wealth creation, I'll be very candid, if this is your season, and you're stepping back, then you're not serious about it," he said. Armoo said there are no excuses because AI allows entrepreneurs to be maximally efficient as it can reduce certain time-consuming manual tasks. Meanwhile, Bloom Money's Mohanty, said that when she's not sleeping, she's working. "I think early stage teams tend to almost unknowingly or without actually saying it, work the 996 life, because when you are early stage, you just have to hustle harder with less, and especially if you're the founder, you're always on and always working, and it can be very, very difficult to turn off." Schembri-Stothart draws the line at exploiting her team to produce more work. "It's my choice to work at the weekend, but I'd never expect that on my team, it's definitely not glorified to push your teams to breaking point. Silicon Valley tech exec Dion McKenzie warned that expectations of a 996 culture could make VC funding even more out of reach for early-stage startups. "My fear is that as these new norms and trends become the status quo and benchmarks for getting funded, it excludes so many brilliant founders that value their mental health and/or can't commit to a 996 due to caregiving responsibilities or being a parent," Mckenzie said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store