Latest news with #Alinea
Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Keke Palmer: It would be a "dream" to start a business in Chicago
Keke Palmer wants to reinvest in the city that taught her how to "hustle." Driving the news: In an interview with Axios, the actress and host said it would be a "dream" to start a Chicago-based incubator for rising content creators. The big picture: The star's acting career began in Chicago with a small role in "Barbershop 2: Back in Business." The Harvey native says she's helped fund 20-30 scripted and unscripted projects, showcased on her YouTube channel, KeyTV. What she's saying: Palmer says her Chi-town upbringing has helped her navigate Hollywood. "Chicago is like a hustler type of place. Everybody is trying to make it happen, like entrepreneurialism was something that I saw very early on with my mom, from her being a teacher to doing music on the side, to having her own album, to her writing for other people, to getting paid for her performances during church services." "I think it just naturally showed me that you can be a business person. You can have a bunch of different ways to make money, to feed your goals, chase your dreams." Behind the scenes: The " One Of Them Days" star tells Axios she learned to be a savvy businessperson at a young age and got her first credit card at 12 years old. "I understood early on that the card company that I'm working with is not just supposed to be taking from me, but they're supposed to give me something in return that helps my business become easier." Dig in: Palmer says when she's not eating her father's cooking, she likes to dine at Alinea.
Metro
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Indiana Jones selling faster on PS5 as new Doom trailer targets Sony's console
Microsoft's shift to becoming a multiplatform publisher appears to be paying off, as an oddly PlayStation-specific trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages is released. Four months after it originally launched on Xbox Series X/S and PC, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle was officially released on PlayStation 5 this month. The game is the latest in a growing number of Xbox exclusives appearing on other platforms, as Microsoft shifts to becoming a multiplatform publisher which prioritises its Game Pass subscription service over Xbox consoles. What that means for the future of Xbox hardware remains to be seen, but based on the sales of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle on PlayStation 5, it seems like Microsoft is finding a considerable amount of success on Sony's platform. According to Alinea analyst Rhys Elliott, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle has sold over 117,200 copies on PlayStation 5 within a week of its launch on April 17, 2025. It is said to be selling 28% faster than on Steam, which sold 91,200 in the same timeframe in December. The analyst claims it is outpacing Xbox sales too, but there are some caveats. While there aren't any exact sales figures, it's estimated just under five million Xbox players 'checked out' Indiana Jones And The Great Circle on Microsoft's console, but 'the overwhelming majority' played it via Game Pass. As such, they didn't need to actually buy the game. The same analyst predicts the PlayStation 5 version will eventually outdo the overall Steam sales, which is estimated to be around 300,000 copies. According to Microsoft in January, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle attracted over four million players following its launch on December 9, 2024 across Xbox Series X/S and PC. While it's not exactly surprising that the PlayStation 5 version would outpace sales across Xbox, as it is a far more popular console, these results might inspire Microsoft to launch its games across all platforms simultaneously – even if that would be somewhat detrimental to Xbox hardware. More Trending As such, Microsoft might be paying close attention to the upcoming launch of Doom: The Dark Ages, which is set to release across PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S on May 15, 2025. Although the series has always been multiformat, Microsoft's subsidiary Bethesda has released a trailer for the shooter specifically aimed at PlayStation players. In the video entitled the Cosmic Realm First Reveal Trailer, uploaded to the PlayStation YouTube account (and notably not Xbox), id Software's Hugo Martin doesn't mention Xbox once, and closes out the trailer by saying the team 'wants to give Sony fans something special'. While this kind of marketing is to be expected considering PlayStation 5 is the biggest platform for a game like Doom, it is still an odd sign of the times – and one which leaves a big question hangingover Xbox's role in the console space moving forward. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: 16 Nintendo franchises missing from the Switch 2 line-up MORE: Pokémon Gen 10 on Switch 2 is an 'oceanic adventure' as leaks reveal new info MORE: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had more players on Steam than any Final Fantasy
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Fintech Alinea Invest Raises $10.4 Million For Gen Z Wealth Platform
Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Anam Lakhani and Eve Halimi of Alinea Invest In a crowded fintech market dominated by legacy names and VC-fueled scale plays, two Gen Z founders just reminded the industry of one critical truth: connection beats convention. Today, Alinea Invest—a Gen Z-focused wealth management platform—announced a $10.4 million Series A round led by Play Ventures, with participation from GFR Fund, Y Combinator, Gaingels, FoundersX, F7, and Visible Ventures. The app, founded by Anam Lakhani and Eve Halimi, now serves over 1 million users, 92% of whom are women and 70% of whom are Gen Z. With an average user age of just 22, Alinea has quickly built one of the most loyal—and overlooked—investor audiences in fintech. That's not by accident. The co-founders met at Barnard College and started building Alinea in 2021 after stints at Goldman Sachs and Citi. But they didn't just build for a demographic—they built as it. That's part of what makes Alinea stand out. 'We are the customer,' says Lakhani. 'From day one, we were designing for ourselves—and our friends. What we realized is that beginner investors want both guidance and freedom. They want to be told what to do, but they also want autonomy. At Alinea, we call it the salad and the fries.' That design philosophy has paid off. Alinea achieved 6x year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, reaching a $6 million net revenue run rate with a team of just 10. 'Eve and Anam have cracked the code on what Gen Zs and millennials actually want from an investing platform,' said Phylicia Koh, Partner at Play Ventures. 'This audience is searching for financial tools that speaks to them without talking down to them. Alinea is what I wished existed years ago for young women like myself." And unlike traditional firms that rely on expensive paid acquisition, Alinea's growth has been powered by a simple, often underestimated strategy: founder-led storytelling. Instead of funneling millions into ads, Lakhani and Halimi built their user base by showing up where their audience actually lives—on TikTok, Instagram, and in real-world community events. Their TikTok presence alone has garnered over 550 million views under the #alineaapp tag. 'Our marketing is really about telling a story,' says Halimi. 'It resonates deeply because it's authentic. We're not just selling a product—we're building a brand, and people—especially young women—see themselves in us.' This strategy isn't just about aesthetics or relatability. It's a savvy business move that unlocks acquisition, retention, and brand trust in one of fintech's most elusive segments: young, first-time investors. This strategy is also well-timed. We're in the early stages of what's being called the 'Great Wealth Transfer'—a historic shift of over $84 trillion in assets from Baby Boomers to younger generations over the next two decades, according to Cerulli Associates. Women and Gen Z are poised to inherit a significant portion of that capital, yet remain largely underserved by traditional financial institutions. Capturing their trust now isn't just a growth strategy—it's a long game for market leadership in wealth management. Alinea's latest evolution takes this even further. With fresh capital in hand, the team is rolling out AI Allie, an AI-powered financial coach that acts like a 'money best friend,' according to Lakhani. Designed to remove friction from the investing journey, the founders told me Allie can recommend next best actions, align users with cause-based investments, and personalize guidance based on a user's income, goals, and experience level. 'The question shouldn't be: Can I open a brokerage account and trade?' Lakhani says. 'It should be: I have $5,000—how do I actually grow that, sustainably and confidently, from where I am right now?' For a generation raised on personalization, instant feedback, and values-driven choices, AI Allie represents more than tech. It's a new user experience model for wealth-building—one that reflects how Gen Z actually navigates financial life. Despite volatility in markets, the co-founders said that Alinea has seen record activity among its users—especially in recent downturns. Lakhani points out that today's Gen Z investors are more informed and more resilient than previous generations. 'Retail investors used to panic in a downturn. Now they lean in,' she says. 'We're seeing that mindset shift, and we want to be the platform that supports that new kind of investor.' Still, raising capital wasn't easy. 'We're female founders in consumer fintech,' Lakhani adds. 'That's a double whammy in this market. But we knew our numbers. We knew our community. And we knew that our time was now.'
The Guardian
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter review – kitchen tyrant's story
A chef is yelling at an underling: 'I will kill your whole family if you don't get this right!' The chef is Charlie Trotter, but he is filmed not at work, but for a scene in My Best Friend's Wedding; Trotter's cameo in the 1997 movie played up to his reputation as a tyrannical perfectionist. He opened his eponymous restaurant in Chicago aged 27, swiftly becoming a rock-star celebrity chef. In 2012, Trotter dramatically closed the kitchen on its 25th anniversary and died a year later of a stroke aged 54. This documentary about him is a solid if slightly unsatisfying portrait, lacking real depth or flavour. Trotter was born into a wealthy family (raised on hotdogs and meatloaf, jokes his mother). Mostly self-taught, he got an education in gastronomy by eating his way around Europe. In 1987 he opened Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, bankrolled by his father, Bob, another workaholic. Trotter desperately wanted to please his dad, who in retirement threw himself into helping make his son's restaurant a success. Trotter Sr later had misgivings, which he put into a letter advising Charlie to stop bullying kitchen staff (Trotter's tirades were legendary). The dynamics of their father-son relationship look intriguing but, like a lot about Trotter's life, questions hover in the air, unasked or unanswered. The film rattles through talking heads (family, friends, ex-employees, one ex-wife, even Trotter's most loyal customer) without much poking and prodding. Among the best of the speakers is chef Grant Achatz, mentored by Trotter then ghosted when he left to start his own restaurant Alinea. 'I never knew if we were friends or enemies. I think we were both.' When Michelin came to Chicago, Alinea was awarded three stars, Charlie Trotter's two. If they'd come five or 10 years earlier, it would have been a different story. In archive interviews, Trotter seems to be playing a version of himself, a caricature like in My Friend's Wedding, quick with a disparaging quip. 'If it weren't for the customers and the employees,' he says, 'the restaurant business would be the greatest business in the world.' Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter is on digital platforms from 14 April.
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Faena Miami Beach Launches Faena X Alinea And More This Spring
At Faena Miami Beach, reinvention is an art form. Known for its unmistakable blend of glamour, culture, and creativity, the property has once again refreshed its offerings, introducing new culinary, cultural and wellness experiences that further solidify its place as one of the most imaginative destinations in the world. This spring, Faena unveils a series of new additions to lure the global traveler. From an intimate farm-to-table restaurant with Latin flair to original stage productions that blur the line between cabaret and opera, here's everything new to discover at Faena. The dining room at Campo Tucked within the relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired Casa Faena, the newly opened Campo invites guests to gather around a table where heritage and innovation meet. Executive Chef Antonio Maldonado presents a menu rooted in American cuisine, but rich with Latin influences and seasonal ingredients. Think heirloom tomatoes with burrata and guava glaze, smoky grilled meats with chimichurri and a dessert menu that plays with dulce de leche in unexpected ways. The vibe is rustic-chic—like a countryside dinner party that wandered to the beach. Campo is warm, soulful and a welcome new addition to the Miami dining scene. Known for its red velvet drama and cinematic glamour, Faena Theater is A scene from Faena's annual Jazz Series entering a new chapter of original entertainment. This season brings a dynamic slate of performances, starting with Carmen, a fiery and modern interpretation of the classic opera. The show is bold, sensual, and unmistakably Faena—blending flamenco, burlesque, and contemporary dance into a captivating whole. For something a little more soulful, RETRO is a Motown-inspired musical journey through the golden age of funk and rhythm & blues. The production weaves music, movement, and visual storytelling into a feel-good, high-energy night out. And jazz lovers can look forward to the return of the Faena Jazz Series, now in full swing with monthly performances through June. With a rotating lineup of acclaimed jazz musicians from around the world, it's a must-do for culture seekers. Alinea's famous Hot Potato, Cold Potato In a rare culinary crossover, Faena is partnering with Chicago's legendary Alinea to celebrate the restaurant's 20th anniversary. From April 30 to May 25, Faena will host this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, bringing Alinea's avant-garde tasting experience to Miami Beach. The residency promises a multisensory journey into the future of fine dining, with a menu created especially for the occasion. For food enthusiasts, this is a bucket-list event—and one of the most anticipated culinary moments of the year. Faena's impact on Miami's art scene continues to flourish. On Tuesday, April 29, the Faena Art Gala returns with its annual fundraiser, this year themed Follow Your Rainbow. The event promises an immersive celebration of joy, color, and community, with artist Joel Mesler at the center of the evening's visual narrative. Expect bold installations, vibrant performances, and an atmosphere that transforms the ordinary into the otherworldly—all in support of Faena Art's mission to uplift local and international artists alike. Just steps away, the Faena Art Project Room hosts its latest exhibit, Before Sunrise by Magnus Sodamin, on view through April. The show offers a luminous, meditative exploration of color, nature, and transcendence—yet another reminder that Faena's vision is as much about the ethereal as it is about the experiential. A New exhibit at Faena Art Project Room: Before Sunrise (available through April) by artist Magnus Sodamin Wellbeing at Faena isn't a service—it's a philosophy. At Tierra Santa Healing House, guests can now take advantage of an expanded roster of offerings including weekly meditation, sound healing sessions, and expert-led workshops that draw from global wellness traditions. Whether you're looking for Ayurvedic treatments or a beachfront yoga flow, Tierra Santa offers a serene retreat in the heart of Miami Beach. Looking to fall, the Faena Forum will host the Ultimate Wellness Conference from September 26–28. The three-day gathering will bring together leaders in holistic health, biohacking, mindfulness, and fitness for a transformative weekend of panels, classes, and immersive experiences. It's the perfect capstone to a season of renewal.
