Latest news with #Bebop
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top 10 anime series that predicted the future right
Anime has long served as a mirror for our hopes, fears, and wildest technological dreams. While many futuristic storylines lean into fantasy, some shows have astonishingly predicted real-world developments decades before they became mainstream. From wearable tech to AI-driven cars and virtual idols, these series imagined a future that turned out to be eerily accurate. Whether intentionally prophetic or coincidentally brilliant, these anime offer more than entertainment. They offer glimpses into the world we live in today. 10 anime series that foresaw the future, according to CBR Cowboy Bebop In the 1998 episode 'Speak Like a Child,' a package arrives at the Bebop via drone, a concept that seemed like pure sci-fi at the time. Fast forward to today, and drone deliveries are an emerging reality, especially in logistics and e-commerce. Cowboy Bebop also imagined a world of gig-economy bounty hunters and digitized culture, making its predictions even more impressive. Ghost in the Shell This iconic cyberpunk series delved deep into cybercrime, AI consciousness, and body augmentation. Major Kusanagi and her team tackled crimes involving hacked minds and digital espionage, concepts that mirror today's cybersecurity threats. With real-world tech now dabbling in neural implants and AI surveillance, Ghost in the Shell feels less like fiction and more like a warning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Chobits Aired in 2002, Chobits presented a society where humanoid computers called Persocoms serve as personal companions. Though today's androids lack human-like emotions, Japan and other countries are actively developing AI-driven robots that offer companionship, customer service, and elder care. Chii's journey eerily parallels modern ethical debates around artificial intimacy and robot consciousness. Neo-Human Casshern Back in the 1970s, this series envisioned a robot uprising and introduced Friender, a shape-shifting robot dog. While we haven't built dog-bots that turn into tanks yet, companies like Boston Dynamics have created eerily lifelike robotic canines now used in defense and search operations. Casshern's vision of animal-like AI is closer than ever. Serial Experiments Lain Released in 1998, this psychological sci-fi drama predicted how deeply the internet would alter human identity. The 'Wired' network in Lain resembles the modern-day internet, and the way people construct alternate personas online echoes today's social media behavior. It was ahead of its time in examining digital detachment and psychological dependence on tech. Sailor Moon Sailor Mercury's 'Super Computer,' introduced in the early '90s, looked like a clamshell laptop with real-time analytics capabilities. Fast forward to today, and her device resembles modern smartphones or high-end tablets. The idea of instant data analysis, facial recognition, and wearable tech was pure fantasy then but it's everyday reality now. Megazone 23 Released in 1985, this OVA featured Eve, a virtual idol controlled by a secret AI system. Before Hatsune Miku or K-pop holograms, Megazone 23 explored how digital celebrities could influence the public. With today's virtual influencers and AI-generated pop stars, this anime was uncannily prescient. éX-Driver Set in a future where all cars are AI-controlled, this early-2000s anime revolved around 'éX-Drivers' who took the wheel when tech failed. In the real world, self-driving cars are being tested on public roads, and the series' questions about overreliance on automation feel more relevant than ever. Dragon Ball Z The scouter, a wearable device used to read opponents' power levels, first appeared in DBZ in the late '80s. Decades later, Google Glass and augmented reality headsets look remarkably similar. While scouters were made for battle, modern AR tech aims to enhance real-world data access in education, medicine, and industry. .hack//Sign This 2002 series imagined players trapped inside a full-dive virtual MMORPG. Today's VR games may not go that far, but with headsets like Meta Quest and immersive platforms growing in popularity, .hack//Sign predicted the rise of virtual gaming worlds and the blurred line between reality and simulation.
Techday NZ
02-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Bebop reaches NZD $1.2 million ARR in 45 days with SME focus
Bebop, an AI-driven sales enablement product developed by Black Pearl Group, has recorded NZD $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within 45 days of its market launch. The announcement highlights Bebop as being the fastest-growing product in the company's portfolio, reaching its ARR milestone at twice the speed set by Pearl Diver, another product from the same company that attained NZD $10 million in ARR over 24 months. Access for SMEs According to Black Pearl Group, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have traditionally found themselves excluded from access to high-quality sales intelligence due to the cost and scale of established platforms such as ZoomInfo, Clearbit, and Apollo. Bebop is intended to address this gap. The company reports that Bebop provides rapid access to highly targeted lists of verified decision-makers at millions of US-based companies, supported by personalised strategic dossiers. Nick Lissette, Chief Executive Officer, commented on the product's rapid uptake: "Bebop is like ChatGPT, but specifically built for sales and revenue growth. This is one of the fastest go-to-market trajectories we've seen across the SaaS and AI landscape, and customers have rapidly validated our value proposition. We hit it out of the park with Pearl Diver, so it's extremely exciting to see Bebop overtake its impressive early adoption. Bebop's traction validates our core thesis: that speed, usability, and value drive adoption. And our platform was built to scale these advantages, fast" Positioned on cost The company states that Bebop delivers sales intelligence tools similar in function to existing enterprise solutions but is priced to make such tools accessible to SMEs. This approach, Black Pearl Group claims, meets growing demand for AI-based and cost-effective sales applications tailored to SME needs. Lissette further said, "There's rising demand for AI-native, cost-effective sales tools that solve real SME challenges. With Bebop, we imagined unlocking unlimited revenue opportunities and cutting-edge business intelligence. Early customer feedback highlights Bebop's ability to 'save hours in research,' 'generate customers effortlessly,' and 'bring the power of AI to the everyday business owner'. That's real results; and a real threat to Silicon Valley sales giants." He contrasted Bebop's capability with earlier generations of business-to-business sales software, which he described as depending largely on SQL queries with interfaces optimised to simplify data retrieval. According to Lissette, Bebop's design provides a distinct experience by understanding both the offerings of a business and its relevant target market, ultimately helping to generate actionable insights for revenue generation. Lissette stated, "Bebop has intelligence at its core – genuinely understanding what a business provides and exactly who needs it. Our product delivers a fundamentally different experience that unlocks deep insights that fuel measurable revenue growth." Product development and outlook Bebop was built and brought to market within 90 days, which the company credits to its ongoing investment in its proprietary Pearl Engine software and underlying data infrastructure. The company suggests this effort illustrates its ongoing technology-driven approach to product development. Lissette added, "That conviction has been validated. The results show Bebop is not just viable – it's a force multiplier for BPG's revenue growth. It now stands alongside Pearl Diver as a key driver in our product portfolio, reinforcing our strategy of building scalable, high-impact tools for customer acquisition." He continued, "Bebop's rapid market-fit means our line of sight on NZD $20 million ARR is even clearer. And this also will greatly contribute to our medium target of NZD $50 million ARR." Karen Cargill, Interim Chief Financial Officer, remarked, "We have deliberately invested since our capital raise into platform development and talent acquisition. The vision and engine is working. Our investment and market timing have aligned. With two products both demonstrating scale and demand, we're well positioned for sustained growth."
Techday NZ
02-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Bebop reaches USD $1.2 million ARR in 45 days with SME focus
Bebop, an AI-driven sales enablement product developed by Black Pearl Group, has recorded USD $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within 45 days of its market launch. The announcement highlights Bebop as being the fastest-growing product in the company's portfolio, reaching its ARR milestone at twice the speed set by Pearl Diver, another product from the same company that attained USD $10 million in ARR over 24 months. Access for SMEs According to Black Pearl Group, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have traditionally found themselves excluded from access to high-quality sales intelligence due to the cost and scale of established platforms such as ZoomInfo, Clearbit, and Apollo. Bebop is intended to address this gap. The company reports that Bebop provides rapid access to highly targeted lists of verified decision-makers at millions of US-based companies, supported by personalised strategic dossiers. Nick Lissette, Chief Executive Officer, commented on the product's rapid uptake: "Bebop is like ChatGPT, but specifically built for sales and revenue growth. This is one of the fastest go-to-market trajectories we've seen across the SaaS and AI landscape, and customers have rapidly validated our value proposition. We hit it out of the park with Pearl Diver, so it's extremely exciting to see Bebop overtake its impressive early adoption. Bebop's traction validates our core thesis: that speed, usability, and value drive adoption. And our platform was built to scale these advantages, fast" Positioned on cost The company states that Bebop delivers sales intelligence tools similar in function to existing enterprise solutions but is priced to make such tools accessible to SMEs. This approach, Black Pearl Group claims, meets growing demand for AI-based and cost-effective sales applications tailored to SME needs. Lissette further said, "There's rising demand for AI-native, cost-effective sales tools that solve real SME challenges. With Bebop, we imagined unlocking unlimited revenue opportunities and cutting-edge business intelligence. Early customer feedback highlights Bebop's ability to 'save hours in research,' 'generate customers effortlessly,' and 'bring the power of AI to the everyday business owner'. That's real results; and a real threat to Silicon Valley sales giants." He contrasted Bebop's capability with earlier generations of business-to-business sales software, which he described as depending largely on SQL queries with interfaces optimised to simplify data retrieval. According to Lissette, Bebop's design provides a distinct experience by understanding both the offerings of a business and its relevant target market, ultimately helping to generate actionable insights for revenue generation. Lissette stated, "Bebop has intelligence at its core – genuinely understanding what a business provides and exactly who needs it. Our product delivers a fundamentally different experience that unlocks deep insights that fuel measurable revenue growth." Product development and outlook Bebop was built and brought to market within 90 days, which the company credits to its ongoing investment in its proprietary Pearl Engine software and underlying data infrastructure. The company suggests this effort illustrates its ongoing technology-driven approach to product development. Lissette added, "That conviction has been validated. The results show Bebop is not just viable – it's a force multiplier for BPG's revenue growth. It now stands alongside Pearl Diver as a key driver in our product portfolio, reinforcing our strategy of building scalable, high-impact tools for customer acquisition." He continued, "Bebop's rapid market-fit means our line of sight on USD $20 million ARR is even clearer. And this also will greatly contribute to our medium target of USD $50 million ARR." Karen Cargill, Interim Chief Financial Officer, remarked, "We have deliberately invested since our capital raise into platform development and talent acquisition. The vision and engine is working. Our investment and market timing have aligned. With two products both demonstrating scale and demand, we're well positioned for sustained growth."
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
$1.2m In ARR In 45 Days – Silicon Valley Sales Giants Under Threat As Bebop Takes Aim
Press Release – Blackpearl Group Bebop was developed and taken to market in just 90 days. This was only possible because of years of investment into Blackpearl Groups proprietary software and data platform – formally known as Pearl Engine – a testament to the companys rapid innovation and robust technology infrastructure. Wellington, New Zealand – Black Pearl Group Limited (NZX:BPG) has announced that Bebop, its latest AI-driven sales enablement product, has reached $1.2 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in just 45 days – making it the fastest-growing product in the company's history. Bebop achieved this milestone at twice the speed of Pearl Diver, itself a standout performer with $10 million of ARR within 24 months. Most SMEs have been locked out of high-quality sales intelligence – legacy platforms like ZoomInfo, Clearbit, and Apollo are built for enterprise and priced accordingly. Bebop changes that. In just seconds, this AI sales agent scans millions of US-based companies to deliver a hyper-targeted list of verified decision-makers, complete with personalised strategic dossiers. 'Bebop is like ChatGPT, but specifically built for sales and revenue growth. This is one of the fastest go-to-market trajectories we've seen across the SaaS and AI landscape, and customers have rapidly validated our value proposition. We hit it out of the park with Pearl Diver, so it's extremely exciting to see Bebop overtake its impressive early adoption. Bebop's traction validates our core thesis: that speed, usability, and value drive adoption. And our platform was built to scale these advantages, fast' comments Nick Lissette, Chief Executive Officer Faster and more intelligent for a fraction of the cost Bebop delivers enterprise-grade sales intelligence at a fraction of the cost of other platforms – finally making AI-powered sales intelligence accessible to the SME market. 'There's rising demand for AI-native, cost-effective sales tools that solve real SME challenges. With Bebop, we imagined unlocking unlimited revenue opportunities and cutting-edge business intelligence. Early customer feedback highlights Bebop's ability to 'save hours in research,' 'generate customers effortlessly,' and 'bring the power of AI to the everyday business owner'. That's real results; and a real threat to Silicon Valley sales giants,' believes Lissette. He adds that this previous generation of B2B tools relies on SQL queries over large databases, with apps designed to make that experience as seamless as possible. 'Bebop has intelligence at its core – genuinely understanding what a business provides and exactly who needs it. Our product delivers a fundamentally different experience that unlocks deep insights that fuel measurable revenue growth.' Doubling down on AI's potential Bebop was developed and taken to market in just 90 days. This was only possible because of years of investment into Blackpearl Group's proprietary software and data platform – formally known as Pearl Engine – a testament to the company's rapid innovation and robust technology infrastructure. 'That conviction has been validated. The results show Bebop is not just viable – it's a force multiplier for BPG's revenue growth. It now stands alongside Pearl Diver as a key driver in our product portfolio, reinforcing our strategy of building scalable, high-impact tools for customer acquisition,' reiterates Lissette. 'Bebop's rapid market-fit means our line of sight on $20M ARR is even clearer. And this also will greatly contribute to our medium target of $50M ARR.' 'We have deliberately invested since our capital raise intovplatform development and talent acquisition. The vision and engine is working. Our investment and market timing have aligned. With two products both demonstrating scale and demand, we're well positioned for sustained growth,' concludes Karen Cargill, Interim Chief Financial Officer About Blackpearl Group Blackpearl Group (BPG) is a market leading data technology company that pioneers AI-driven sales and marketing solutions for the US market. Specifically engineered for small-medium sized businesses (SMEs), BPG consistently delivers exceptional value to its customers. Our mantra is simple: 'Better Growth Together'. When our customers win, we win. Founded in 2012, BPG is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
$1.2m In ARR In 45 Days - Silicon Valley Sales Giants Under Threat As Bebop Takes Aim
Wellington, New Zealand – Black Pearl Group Limited (NZX:BPG) has announced that Bebop, its latest AI-driven sales enablement product, has reached $1.2 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in just 45 days - making it the fastest-growing product in the company's history. Bebop achieved this milestone at twice the speed of Pearl Diver, itself a standout performer with $10 million of ARR within 24 months. Most SMEs have been locked out of high-quality sales intelligence - legacy platforms like ZoomInfo, Clearbit, and Apollo are built for enterprise and priced accordingly. Bebop changes that. In just seconds, this AI sales agent scans millions of US-based companies to deliver a hyper-targeted list of verified decision-makers, complete with personalised strategic dossiers. 'Bebop is like ChatGPT, but specifically built for sales and revenue growth. This is one of the fastest go-to-market trajectories we've seen across the SaaS and AI landscape, and customers have rapidly validated our value proposition. We hit it out of the park with Pearl Diver, so it's extremely exciting to see Bebop overtake its impressive early adoption. Bebop's traction validates our core thesis: that speed, usability, and value drive adoption. And our platform was built to scale these advantages, fast' comments Nick Lissette, Chief Executive Officer Faster and more intelligent for a fraction of the cost Bebop delivers enterprise-grade sales intelligence at a fraction of the cost of other platforms - finally making AI-powered sales intelligence accessible to the SME market. 'There's rising demand for AI-native, cost-effective sales tools that solve real SME challenges. With Bebop, we imagined unlocking unlimited revenue opportunities and cutting-edge business intelligence. Early customer feedback highlights Bebop's ability to 'save hours in research,' 'generate customers effortlessly,' and 'bring the power of AI to the everyday business owner'. That's real results; and a real threat to Silicon Valley sales giants,' believes Lissette. He adds that this previous generation of B2B tools relies on SQL queries over large databases, with apps designed to make that experience as seamless as possible. 'Bebop has intelligence at its core - genuinely understanding what a business provides and exactly who needs it. Our product delivers a fundamentally different experience that unlocks deep insights that fuel measurable revenue growth.' Doubling down on AI's potential Bebop was developed and taken to market in just 90 days. This was only possible because of years of investment into Blackpearl Group's proprietary software and data platform - formally known as Pearl Engine - a testament to the company's rapid innovation and robust technology infrastructure. 'That conviction has been validated. The results show Bebop is not just viable – it's a force multiplier for BPG's revenue growth. It now stands alongside Pearl Diver as a key driver in our product portfolio, reinforcing our strategy of building scalable, high-impact tools for customer acquisition,' reiterates Lissette. 'Bebop's rapid market-fit means our line of sight on $20M ARR is even clearer. And this also will greatly contribute to our medium target of $50M ARR.' 'We have deliberately invested since our capital raise intovplatform development and talent acquisition. The vision and engine is working. Our investment and market timing have aligned. With two products both demonstrating scale and demand, we're well positioned for sustained growth,' concludes Karen Cargill, Interim Chief Financial Officer About Blackpearl Group Blackpearl Group (BPG) is a market leading data technology company that pioneers AI-driven sales and marketing solutions for the US market. Specifically engineered for small-medium sized businesses (SMEs), BPG consistently delivers exceptional value to its customers. Our mantra is simple: 'Better Growth Together'. When our customers win, we win. Founded in 2012, BPG is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and Phoenix, Arizona.
