Latest news with #BenCarr
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Video Game The Sims Inspired An $11 Million-Backed Startup
Think this is nice? It's a version of the weekly Under 30 newsletter and would be even better in your inbox. Ben Carr and Caoimhe Murphy You log onto an online lesson, ready to meet your new instructor. They greet you warmly, respond in real time, and gesture naturally as they speak. It takes a moment to realize: this isn't a person at all, it's AI. The lifelike avatars, complete with micro expressions and nuanced body language, were created by Anam, an AI startup launched by Under 30 Europe alum Caoimhe Murphy and her cofounder Ben Carr. The AI avatars have been sold to companies like L'Oreal and Henkel, which customize them to act as educators, customer service agents, or even therapists. One of the main use cases is as instructors in workforce training videos. For instance, executives at Henkel's haircare brand Schwarskopf found that their hairdressers were going to TikTok to learn best practices. 'They needed a training platform that was engaging and could be controlled,' Murphy said. 'That's where Anam came in.' While AI agents have been on the rise in the last year, the initial idea for Anam stemmed from Murphy's childhood obsession with The Sims, a video game where users customize digital characters. She officially founded the company in 2023 to bring her version of digital characters to life. Last week, Anam closed a $9 million seed round led by Redpoint Ventures, bringing their total funding to $11 million. The funding will go toward Anam's product engineering team and go-to-market strategy, as well as the company's expansion to the U.S. Murphy and Carr met while working together at an AI video startup Synthesia—which is currently valued at some $2 billion—where Murphy worked on the go-to-market strategy and Carr worked as a research engineer. The pair sought to design a personalized AI experience beyond the traditional chatbot or text to video interaction. While most AI avatar startups rely solely on mouth movements to replicate human interaction, Anam's technology renders every pixel of the human face to hold a natural conversation in real-time. The avatars blink, raise their eyebrows and move their shoulders with less than a second of reaction time. 'I've never written a line of code in my life which is very atypical for a generative AI founder,' Murphy said. 'But I am very commercial and I think that is how we have been able to build a business that is technical but still drives value.' Anam recently launched a feature called 'One Shot,' which creates an AI persona from only a picture that can hold real-time conversation and respond to prompts. However, this technology is currently a private tool to mitigate the ethical risks of misuse. 'It's incredible technology but also dangerous if found in the wrong hands,' Murphy said. 'Our enterprise customers are the only people that have access to it because we want to put up the right guardrails before it is open to the public.' Despite the growing AI market, Anam doesn't view other AI startups as their competition, but humans themselves. 'Our vision is to have AI personas that feel indistinguishable from real life,' Murphy said. 'We need to create personas that feel even more engaging and realistic [than human beings].' More next week, Alexandra, Alex and Zoya Jorge Richardson (right) and his cofounders. 'My vision was and still is to put free drinking water access on every street corner of every city around the world,' said under 30 alum Jorge Richardson, the cofounder and CEO of Hope Hydration. This week, they're taking one step closer. They closed a $20 million Series A, bringing their total funding to $26 million. But they're not just a water company. Instead, they fund the initiative on advertisements shown on the screens of their water filtration systems (which they set up at places like Cannes Lions and Coachella). Read on to find out how they're using ads to provide free and clean drinking water here. -Glioblastoma Research Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to funding brain cancer research founded by Under 30 Social Impact alum Amber Barbach, announced it awarded a $50,000 grant to Under 30 Science honoree Dr. Shane Shahrestani to launch Project Kenny—the first effort to develop a fully implantable, rechargeable device that delivers continuous brain cancer treatment without external hardware. Shahrestani, who earned his MD from USC and PhD in Medical Engineering from Caltech, previously cofounded StrokeDx, a startup creating portable imaging tools that rapidly identify stroke type. The new project is now underway at Cedars-Sinai. -Bilt Rewards, the credit card startup that lets users earn points on rent payments, this month announced $250 million in additional funding. The round was led by General Catalyst and GID and brought Bilt's valuation to $10.75 billion. According to billionaire founder and 30 Under 30 alum Ankur Jain, the startup is on track to surpass $1 billion in revenue by the first quarter of 2026. Bilt also announced a major shift in its operations, parting ways with Wells Fargo—its previous card issuer—and partnering with Cardless, the fintech behind credit cards for companies like Coinbase. -Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment alum Sydney Sweeney is adding another title to her resume (and one we, at Forbes, love most): Founder. The Euphoria star is reportedly set to launch a lingerie brand, backed by Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez, and Coatue's Ben Schwerin. Sweeney is no stranger to the world of fashion, having served as an ambassador or campaign face for a range of fashion and beauty brands, including Tory Burch, Miu Miu and Guess. -While TikTok is flooded with videos claiming 'recession indicator' after 'recession indicator' (or economic changes like lipstick sales increasing as more consumers look for the little luxuries in a time of strife), one big luxury is also taking a swing: Golf! Not only did golf apparel brand Good Good Golf close a $45 million fund this spring, but golf shirts are apparently the current craze on Wall Street. You might notice more bankers, investors and the like showing up to their city jobs with logoed polos. It's allegedly because they're giving a "head nod' to the other men who are "part of [their] secret society.' (Business Insider) -Every wonder what it's like to be a summer intern in New York City? These students tell all: Some are splitting rent with roommates to make (often unpaid) life in one of the most expensive cities possible; others are super-commuting from Connecticut. There's an occasional outing to a TikTok hot spots for food, drinks and, of course, pilates. But mostly, they're 'trying to level up [their] game' and 'prove to [themselves] that [they] could maneuver the real world.' (The New York Times) -Big news in the newsletter business! 2017-founded newsletter platform Substack announced this week a $100 million Series C. The round was led by BOND and Peter Chernin's The Chernin Group (TCG), and big names participated, too: A16z, Klutch Sports' Rich Paul, and Skims CEO Jens Grede. The platform has more than 5 million paying subscribers (Variety)
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Sunday Brunch star flooded with support as they share cancer diagnosis
A Sunday Brunch star has taken to social media to share the heartbreaking news that she has been diagnosed with cancer Sunday Brunch's Morgan McGlynn has shared the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis. The presenter took to Instagram to break the "earth-shattering" news to her followers, posting a picture from her hospital bed. She captioned the post: "In October 2024, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. It was nothing short of earth-shattering. But we've done our best to keep like as normal as possible for our daughter." The Channel 4 show's resident cheese connoisseur, who tied the knot with husband Ben Carr in 2022, went on to say: "Treatment is different for every person. No two paths are the same. But here's what happened to me. "I was given a week before chemo to get my ducks in a row, which included chopping my hair off and IVF and egg retrieval, something I'm incredibly grateful I was able to do. "Then came six months of weekly chemotherapy. The hardest thing I've ever done. Some weeks, I sat for 13 hours at a time, thanks to my friends who kept me company. And for those who've been through the cold cap, you'll know it's no joke." "I had to catch my breath and get through the hardest parts before sharing this," she confessed. The cheesemonger then explained why she decided to share her harrowing journey online, having been previously unaware of many of the symptoms of breast cancer prior to her own diagnosis, reports the Express. She concluded: "If even one person sees this and it prompts them to check a lump or get a second opinion, it could save a life. Please trust your gut." Fortunately, the broadcaster's situation is improving. Morgan shared: "Two weeks ago, I had surgery - and a few days later we got some very, very good news. I want to say thank you - to my amazing husband, family, friends, and the people who have shown up in a million small and mighty ways." Her celebrity pals and dedicated fans were quick to express their support online. One user penned: "I'm so sorry to hear. Your incredibly brave and honest post has really moved me deeply. Sending you every good wish I can imagine. It sounds like you have a phenomenal inner strength and an army of loved ones around you [heart emoji]." Another commented: "Oh my goodness shattering news for you to take in. So, so well done for getting through it and ALSO for sharing on here. You're an absolute [star emoji] sending energy and positivity [white heart emoji]." A third agreed: "What a post thank you for sharing, sounds like you are surrounded by love and loved ones," while a fourth added: "Sending hugest hug. You are a warrior." A fifth joined in with: "So happy to hear you;ve had good news. It's a tough, tough road and after diagnosis you're never the same. The cold cap is not for the faint hearted! It makes you realise how strong you can be. Well done and best of luck to you." Sunday Brunch airs from 10am on Channel 4.
Bloomberg
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Mastering Climate Risk: Essential Strategies for Asset Owners and Asset Managers
The financial industry faces escalating global regulatory demands concerning climate risk. This session cuts through the complexity, providing asset owners and asset managers with the essential knowledge and practical tools to navigate this critical landscape. We will discuss how to define and integrate ESG and climate risk into your investment framework, drawing on the latest insights from the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) scenarios. Gain practical lessons from real-world climate scenario analysis implementations, including the crucial application of Climate VAR. Equip yourself to strategically manage climate-related risks and opportunities within your portfolio. Speakers Nick Burrough Sustainable Finance Market Specialist, Sydney Bloomberg Nick Burrough joined Bloomberg in 2015 and is based in Sydney. Nick over 30 years of experience across Sell Side Fixed Income Trading, Consulting and most recently Bloomberg. Nick has worked in London, Toronto and now Australia, and now as the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Specialist for Australia & New Zealand helps clients understand Bloomberg's solutions and develop these solutions as the market and regulations develops. Nick graduated from Durham University with a BSc in Mathematics & Physics, is an Associate of Corporate treasurers and holds CFA ESG Valuation & Investing and CFA Climate Risk certification. Ben Carr Global Head of Climate Risk Products Bloomberg Ben Carr leads climate risk product development at Bloomberg. He is a climate-related financial risk expert with over two decades of financial services experience working in both the public and private sector including at the Bank of England, the European Commission and Aviva. He has run several sustainable finance fora including the Scenario Analysis Working Group of the Climate Financial Risk Forum, co-chaired by the Bank of England and UK Financial Conduct Authority. He has led the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) track of the UN convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance and the Sustainability Working Group of the CRO Forum. Ben is also a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Carr leads climate risk product development at Bloomberg. He is a climate-related financial risk expert with over two decades of financial services experience working in both the public and private sector including at the Bank of England, the European Commission and Aviva. He has run several sustainable finance fora including the Scenario Analysis Working Group of the Climate Financial Risk Forum, co-chaired by the Bank of England and UK Financial Conduct Authority. He has led the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) track of the UN convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance and the Sustainability Working Group of the CRO Forum. Ben is also a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Warwick. Anthony Lee Risk Specialist Sales Bloomberg Anthony worked as a derivatives trader and PM for over 15 years in Hong Kong. He's been with Bloomberg for the past 8 years. His current role covers insurance companies, hedge funds, asset managers and corporations on risk and regulatory solutions.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion: The election is just the beginning
Opinion A few weeks ago, I did something I hadn't done in almost two decades. I went door knocking for a political candidate in my riding. Even more surprising? The candidate represented a party I had never voted for before, not even at the provincial level. Like many others, I found myself in unfamiliar political territory this federal election. House after house, I spoke with people rethinking their political affiliations, not because they were giving up on politics, but because they were paying closer attention than ever before. Many were worried. Some were terrified. But most importantly, they were all informed. A woman walking her dogs stopped us on the sidewalk to ask who we were campaigning for. She said she came from a political family and her father was a well-known provincial Tory. This time, for the first time, she was voting Liberal, with Ben Carr earning her support. I told her Ben was the right choice. Conversations at the door were animated. Voters knew the platforms, they knew where and when to vote, and they were deeply engaged. Some were eager to test our knowledge of our candidate's platform while others gave us political history lessons dating back to the 1970s. Many pointed to the unsettling developments in the United States as a wake-up call for us here in Canada. In a democracy, it's easy to fall into political inertia and assume our vote doesn't matter. I'm embarrassed to admit there have been two elections where I didn't vote. Sorry, dad. My father was raised in a place where democratic principles weren't always followed in practice. From a young age, he instilled in us the value, and privilege, of participating in a truly democratic process. I've carried that lesson with me, even in the moments when I chose to not act on it. And maybe that's why this election hit differently, because it felt like a return to something important, something worth protecting. Something had shifted. Neighbours who once kept their politics private were now proudly displaying billboard-sized signs. Liberal red and white were suddenly everywhere in my neighbourhood where party loyalty had long been more hush-hush. Elections Canada reported that nearly 70 per cent of eligible Canadians voted, the highest turnout since 1993. That's encouraging. But it also raises a question: where were the other 30 per cent? What keeps a third of eligible voters from casting a ballot? Is it disillusionment? Distrust? A belief that nothing ever changes? Whatever the reason, we can't afford to ignore it. A democracy is only as strong as the number of people who participate. While I was hopeful seeing the engagement at the doors, I worry about what happens next. Will we keep paying attention now that the signs are gone? Will we stay informed without debates and platforms to compare? Will we keep talking to our neighbours about the kind of country we want? Or will we pat ourselves on the back for keeping Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre out and turn our attention to hockey playoffs and summer plans? The truth is the job isn't done. It's only just begun. Holding a government to account doesn't happen every four years, it happens every day. It happens when we speak up, write letters, attend town halls, and show up for causes that matter. The political process extends far beyond voting. It happens when we read beyond the headlines, follow credible news sources, call out misinformation, and advocate for policies that reflect our values. Knowing what's credible in an age where misinformation spreads like wildfire is a certainly a challenge. You can look for news organizations that are transparent about their sources, that issue corrections when they get things wrong, and that distinguish opinion from reporting. Be skeptical of sensational headlines or stories that align too neatly with your worldview. Crosscheck stories across multiple news outlets. Staying informed isn't just about consuming news, it's about questioning where it comes from. This is a time to put those critical thinking skills to use, my friends. So, if you voted this time — especially if it was your first — don't let that be the end of your political engagement. Let it be the beginning. Stay involved. Keep asking questions. Keep expecting better. Demand it. Politicians work for you. Hold them accountable. For the record, despite the red wave that overtook the country, I campaigned for and cast my ballot for Leah Gazan, who has proven to be a true champion for Winnipeg Centre. Sometimes, partisan politics need to be put aside when there are individuals who truly make a difference and fight for the values we hold dear. Samantha Turenne is a Winnipeg writer.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
She should have been able to trust him but instead 'lived in fear' every day
A bullying boyfriend bit, grabbed and hurled objects at his former partner in a long campaign of abuse. Ben Carr engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour against his victim for three years. Cheshire Police says that from December 2019 to December 2022, the 42-year-old physically assaulted her on multiple occasions. READ MORE: Jet2 slashes holiday prices to European destination after major travel firm folds READ MORE: UK travel firm suddenly shuts down after 59 years and cancels all holidays Carr caused her bruising, as well as biting her and grabbing her throat to restrict her breathing. He was also verbally abusive towards her, would throw items at her, and damaged her laptop on one occasion. Even when the relationship had ended, Carr continued to try and contact the victim with unwanted calls and messages. Carr was arrested after his victim reported the incidents to police in April 2023. He was interviewed and later charged in connection with the offences, which took place in Willaston, near Nantwich. Carr, of Freemen Street, Stafford, was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour following a trial at Chester Crown Court. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE He was jailed for 30 months on April 15, plus an additional eight weeks for the activation of a suspended sentence previously imposed in June 2022 by Staffordshire Magistrates' Court. Carr is now also subject to a restraining order to protect the victim in this case. Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "No-one should have to live in fear when just going about their daily life, especially when the perpetrator is someone they should be able to trust. "Carr both physically assaulted the victim and verbally abused her, even bombarding her with unwanted contact once the relationship ended. "I would like to commend the victim's bravery throughout this investigation. "This sentence should serve as a reminder that Cheshire Constabulary takes all offences of this nature and domestic abuse extremely seriously. "Any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the needs of the victim always being our main priority.'
