Latest news with #Mura
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How This Ex-Founder Of A $300 Million Startup Is Bringing AI To Decades-Old Companies
Think this is nice? It's a version of the weekly Under 30 newsletter and would be even better in your inbox. The Mura team. In 2016, Under 30 Enterprise Technology alum Ryan Smith disrupted the cannabis industry with his software startup, LeafLink. It connected cannabis companies to weed growers, helping them order products and track deliveries, and went on to raise more than $300 million. Now Smith is making an audacious pivot for his next venture, called Mura. Far removed from the green rush, Mura is helping the service businesses that maintain our buildings, hospitals and infrastructure operate faster and smarter. The idea behind the startup is to create logistics software for companies that send out repair technicians for things like HVAC or plumbing. Instead of relying on people to handle emails, billing and scheduling across old systems, Mura uses AI to automate those tasks. The result, ideally, is less time spent on paperwork and more time on the actual repairs. It's already raised some $6 million from venture capital firms like Level One Fund and Lerer Hippeau, yet Smith's biggest advice to other founders is to not obsess over the money. 'At the end of the day, money is just a tool to do the building,' he says. 'I think we can build greater things with so much less now.' Smith started Mura with Claire DeRoberts, who was the first employee at LeafLink. This time, he says he wants to keep the team small and see how far they can go by staying lean. Convincing service industry veterans to embrace AI isn't exactly easy. Many of these companies are family-run and steeped in tradition. But he sees an opportunity: 'There's a generational shift in ownership happening,' he says. 'You now have more technologically progressive owners that are excited about how that can become part of how they run these businesses.' His strategy has been focusing on what the software can actually do for customers, not just the AI buzzword. 'It's like saying, 'Our software uses the internet.' Yeah, of course it does,' Smith says. 'Mura doesn't exist without AI, but the best way to sell it isn't by just talking about AI.' So far, Mura is already working with several large companies in the service industry, including those owned by private equity firms. One example is Tolin Mechanical, part of a growing group of HVAC companies under Service Logic. Unlike many software-as-a-service startups that charge per user or per license, Mura's pricing is transactional, so they're only getting paid when their tool is used. They're still in the testing phase with early customers, but Smith says eventually the goal for Mura is to become the invisible, 'dark software' that doesn't require any human interaction at all. See you next week, Alex & Zoya Featured Story Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs. Forbes unveiled its third annual 30 Under 30 Local list today, this time highlighting Ohio's state capital, Columbus. Athletes like football star (and startup founder) Caleb Downs and professional ironman (who's also a medical student) Matthew Marquardt were named. Local business leaders including comedy club owner Hannah Romich, fitness apparel cofounders Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson, and content creator Amelia Mei also made the ranks. Read more about the young up-and-comers across Arch City here. -Hailey Bieber joined the billion-dollar-brand ranks this week with the acquisition of her beauty company, Rhode. Makeup conglomerate e.l.f. Cosmetics has agreed to buy the company for $600 million in cash, plus $200 million worth of e.l.f. stock and potentially an additional $200 million based on brand success moving forward. Three years ago, we covered the Under 30 alum just a few months following Rhode's launch: throwback to that story here. -Good Girl Snacks, founded by 30 Under 30 Food & Drink alumna Yasaman Bakhtiar and Leah Marcus, celebrated a new product this week. Their latest bread and butter pickles (the startup's third pickle flavor thus far), is launching in collaboration with New York-based smashburger hot spot Popchew. This marks another B2B partnership for the brand—other partners include alternative milk company Malk, and alcohol-free drink brand Ghia, along with their shelf space at Erewhon. -Clearspace was founded in 2022 to help users cut down on screen time by suggesting a deep breath before opening Instagram or pushups before clicking on TikTok. This week, the software company revealed a new option for users to publish their screen time on a public landing page, changing the way screen time is currently tracked—which is just on your own device, and not easily shareable. Cofounder Oliver Hill (who launched the startup with Royce Branning) says this new offering is a way for users to build community, seek encouragement, create accountability, and even track their progress over time. Courtesy of Pereira We're bringing you the scoop on a new Under 30 community member. Up this week: Crystelle Pereira, a London based 2025 Under 30 Europe Art & Culture lister who made a name for herself as a contestant on Great British Bake Off in 2021 before going on to write a best selling cookbook, judging Amazon Prime's second season of The World Cook, as well as partnering with brands like Windows, Coca Cola and more. The following has been slightly edited for length and clarity. Can you tell me about your first memory of cooking or baking? My first real memory of cooking was when my sister was home with the flu. I decided to make her a pot of my Mum's chicken soup. My Mum was still at work, and I had no recipe. So I cooked from memory, relying on the steps I'd absorbed just by watching her over the years. When she finally tasted it, even my Mum (my toughest critic) was impressed. Who did you learn to cook and bake from? My Mum for sure. Probably around the age of 6, I was known as 'Crystelle who loves her food,' and my Mum's nickname for me was 'Chutney Mary.' Not only did I love eating food, but I was also drawn to the cooking process. I used to watch my Mum in the kitchen and she'd ask me to taste her curries—eventually asking me if the food needed more salt, sugar or lemon juice, teaching me about balancing savoury foods with a pinch of sugar or jaggery. Anything you haven't tried to make yet but are particularly excited to? Every Christmas my Grandma makes the most incredible Goan-spiced roast mutton. It's a true labour of love, and no other meat has ever come close to hers. This year, I've made it my mission to visit her house and learn the recipe firsthand. It's too good not to pass down through generations. You're based in London. What's the best food spot in London? It's so hard to pick just one, but my top two are Arabica (Eastern Mediterranean) and Kolae (Southern Thai grill). There's always such an eclectic mix of flavours and textures in their dishes which are the two most important aspects of a meal for me. What's your favorite food spot of all time? Again, it's impossible to pick one so my top three are Kimika in New York (Japanese-Italian Fusion), Kaab Gluay in Phuket which completely opened my eyes to the versatility of Thai cuisine, and Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo for the best sushi I've ever had in my life. You started your career in finance. What made you interested in that field in the first place? Funnily enough, I never imagined myself working in finance. I studied French and Spanish at university simply because I loved modern languages. Unsure what direction to take in my career, I attended a number of open days to explore my options—one of which was at Goldman Sachs. After telling someone there that I loved communicating and wanted a role that involved building relationships, I got a call the next day, encouraging me to apply for their spring internship. I ended up working there for four and a half years. You applied for The Great British Bake Off while still working your finance job. Why? Was becoming a full-time chef your goal at that time? I've always been a huge fan of Bake Off, but I never imagined I'd actually be on it. That changed a few years ago, when my sisters urged me to apply. But it was ultimately a conversation with my dad that pushed me to go for it: He came to the U.K. from Kenya with almost nothing and built a life from the ground up. His advice to me was to stop waiting for the perfect moment, because it doesn't exist. So I applied, fully expecting to be rejected. Two days later, I got a call from the producers. What's a day in your life currently look like? No two days are ever the same, and that's exactly what I love about my work. Most days start with some form of recipe testing at home, whether it's for a magazine feature or a brand collaboration. From there, things can take me all over the U.K.—perhaps filming a segment for a daytime TV show or doing a podcast recording, heading into central London for meetings or industry events, or hosting a cooking demo or supper club. And, of course, there's always plenty of eating in between! What's your best advice for someone who feels stuck in their career? How can they make a pivot like you have? Don't underestimate a 'side hustle' or a 'passion project.' If there is something you genuinely love and are passionate about, there is no reason why you can't turn that into your full-time job. Of course, be practical about it, and never blindly walk into something without considering the challenges. Make sure it can grow into something commercial. Remember that if you ever want to pivot, your time spent in your previous job is never wasted. And it's important to accept that it may not be easy going from a steady job to becoming self-employed. What's your prediction for the future of the food media space? What type of content will win? What's coming up next in the industry? I really hope to see greater diversity in the industry—especially when it comes to women and South Asians, who are still so underrepresented in this space. I'd love to become someone that younger South Asian girls, whether aspiring chefs or future TV personalities, can look to and feel inspired by. More broadly, I think sustainability will continue to be a major focus in the food world. Initiatives like regenerative farming are gaining momentum, and I expect to see more big food brands shifting toward more sustainable practices in how they source and produce. As for content, it's hard to predict when trends and viral moments can shift the landscape overnight. But one thing I've loved watching is how many global cuisines are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. In recent years, we've seen more attention on Filipino, South Korean, and Sri Lankan food. I hope that continues.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Workers strike at German breweries
Employees are walking out at several breweries in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region this week in a spat over wages. Workers took part in a "warning strike" yesterday (26 May) at Krombacher's brewery in Kreuztal. Around 150 Krombacher employees downed their tools for a two-hour period, Isabell Mura, deputy regional chairwoman of the North Rhine-Westphalia branch of the Food, Beverages and Catering Union (NGG), told Just Drinks. A "warning strike" acts as a "warning signal" to employers, Mura said. Demonstrations are also taking place today (27 May) at the Veltins brewery in Meschede, Hochsauerland, at the Dortmunder Actien Brauerei (DAB) in Dortmund, and Diebels brewery in Issum. "A lot of trouble has been brewing in North Rhine-Westphalia's breweries – especially at Krombacher in Kreuztal. Employers are putting the brakes on wages. This is provoking a 'knot in the beer pipeline' – namely, a whole series of warning strikes in many North Rhine-Westphalian breweries," Mura said in a statement. She added that the move across these German breweries could hit production. "Summer thirst could also suffer: Reduced beer production would also make barbecues and summer festivals drier," Mura said. The NGG union has called on brewery employers to give all staff a 6.6% wage increase this year. It has argued that employers have so far proposed a 2% hike for 2025, and a 2.2% wage increase for 2026, is "clearly too small a wage increase for properly brewed beer", said Mura. All full-time staff should earn at least €280 ($318) more a month, which "will primarily benefit those who aren't higher up the wage ladder like brewers", she said. The NGG is also calling for apprentices to receive €130 a month, Mura added. Responding to the news, Veltins told Just Drinks: "We consider the two-hour warning strike to be disproportionate given that a third round of negotiations has already been scheduled. The C. & A. Veltins brewery is interested in a better position for our employees in line with the market in agreement with both collective bargaining partners." Just Drinks has contacted Krombacher, DAB, and Diebels' owner Anheuser-Busch InBev for comment. Strikes also took place at Gaffel and Reissdorf in Cologne and Stauder, Essen, on Friday (23 May), Mura told Just Drinks. No further stoppages are planned for now, she added, noting that negotiations were due to take place with companies on 8 July. "Workers strike at German breweries" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Time Business News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Best Cafe Design Experts in Dubai – Unique & Inviting Concepts
Cafes in Dubai are no longer just about serving great coffee. They are cultural hubs, social lounges, remote offices, and creative escapes. In a city known for luxury, innovation, and cosmopolitan vibes, the cafe scene is competitive, dynamic, and deeply design-oriented. Whether nestled in the bustling streets of Downtown or hidden in the charming lanes of Al Quoz, the most successful cafes understand one thing: ambiance is everything. In this article, we dive into the elements that make a cafe not just functional but unforgettable. From furniture layout to lighting, material selection to brand storytelling, we explore how expert designers turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary destinations—and why Mura is leading the charge with inventive, authentic, and strikingly warm concepts. Dubai's cafe culture is booming, attracting coffee lovers, remote workers, influencers, and entrepreneurs. The city's multicultural population and high standards for aesthetics and experience demand more than just good food and drinks—people want an environment that feels like a lifestyle choice. The design of a cafe determines how long people stay, how often they return, and even how much they're willing to spend. A cozy corner, ambient lighting, creative use of textures, and even a photogenic backdrop for social media can boost a cafe's popularity exponentially. That's why working with the best Cafe Interior Design Company in Dubai is a game-changer. But creating that magic requires more than Pinterest boards. It demands strategic design thinking, local cultural insight, and a deep understanding of operational flow. Let's be honest—designing a cafe in Dubai is no small task. It's not just about chairs and counters. It's about integrating the brand's story into the space, optimizing customer movement, complying with regulations, and blending beauty with function. Here's why top-performing cafes trust experienced firms: Every brand has a story. An expert design team works closely with cafe owners to translate that story into physical space—from the color palette and lighting to the textures and flow. A themed cafe isn't just about props—it's about creating a full sensory experience. Seating arrangements, service counters, kitchen access, and customer pathways must all work in harmony. An efficient layout increases turnover, reduces staff stress, and keeps the experience seamless. In today's social media age, your interior is your best marketing tool. The right design team knows how to incorporate Instagrammable corners, create eye-catching signage, and introduce focal points that attract attention. Designing a commercial space in Dubai involves specific codes and approvals. Professionals ensure the layout is both legally compliant and aesthetically brilliant. Trends come and go. A great design firm builds a timeless identity with adaptability in mind—so your space can evolve without expensive renovations. Let's explore the ingredients that transform an average coffee shop into a buzzworthy hotspot. Lighting can make or break a space. Soft warm lights evoke comfort and calm. Industrial pendants add edge. Natural light brings freshness. A well-designed cafe plays with layers of lighting to cater to various moods throughout the day. Color impacts emotions and appetite. Warm earthy tones create comfort. Green energizes. Pastels relax. Expert designers use color strategically to influence mood, match the brand, and distinguish the space from competitors. Textures and finishes shape the tactile experience. Polished concrete floors, reclaimed wood tables, plush seating, matte ceramics—all these elements combine to create a sense of place. Materials also affect maintenance, durability, and acoustics. Seating should be versatile—some want to lounge, others need to work. Designers must balance comfort with utility. Layout must allow easy flow, accessibility, and multiple zones for different customer needs. From custom wall art to logo placement, every visual cue should reinforce the brand's personality. A minimalist brand may favor sleek lines and neutrals; a quirky local roastery might go for bold prints and vintage accents. Cafes can get loud. Thoughtful ceiling treatments, acoustic panels, and layout planning can help manage sound levels without killing the vibe. In the realm of cafe design, one name stands out—Mura. This design house is renowned for its ability to create spaces that are visually stunning, deeply personal, and flawlessly functional. Whether working with small startups or premium cafe chains, Mura delivers on creativity, craftsmanship, and character. Their team combines local cultural awareness with global design trends to craft interiors that don't just look great—they feel right. From concept to completion, they offer end-to-end services including space planning, material selection, lighting design, furniture sourcing, and even brand strategy. What sets Mura apart is their collaborative approach. They don't just decorate; they listen, research, and co-create with their clients to make sure every square inch aligns with the business goals and the vibe. Working with a trusted Cafe Interior Design Company in Dubai like Mura ensures that your space becomes a living, breathing extension of your brand. Curious about what the process looks like when working with a design firm like Mura? Here's a step-by-step overview: This is where ideas flow. The designer and client meet to discuss the vision, target audience, operational needs, and budget. Designers visit the site, take measurements, assess lighting, inspect plumbing/electrical setups, and begin envisioning the space's potential. Based on the brand identity, the design team prepares mood boards, sketches, and digital concepts that reflect the proposed look and feel. This is where the real transformation begins. The layout defines seating capacity, service flow, storage, and kitchen functionality. Designers present options for furniture, finishes, fixtures, and equipment. Everything is chosen to match the theme and budget. Using 3D rendering tools, the client gets a realistic preview of what the space will look like before execution begins. From procurement to installation, every detail is managed by the design team, ensuring quality control and timeline adherence. Once the space is fully set up and inspected, it's handed over to the client, ready to welcome guests and make an impression. Still wondering if investing in professional design is worth it? Here's how it pays off: Increased foot traffic: Eye-catching interiors draw attention and encourage walk-ins. Eye-catching interiors draw attention and encourage walk-ins. Customer retention: Cozy, appealing spaces encourage customers to linger—and return. Cozy, appealing spaces encourage customers to linger—and return. Brand loyalty: A strong interior reflects a strong identity, fostering emotional connection. A strong interior reflects a strong identity, fostering emotional connection. Social media buzz: Beautiful cafes get photographed and tagged, leading to organic promotion. Beautiful cafes get photographed and tagged, leading to organic promotion. Higher sales: A pleasant environment influences purchase behavior and average spend. In a city as trend-forward and competitive as Dubai, opening a cafe is about more than serving food and drinks—it's about building an experience. Design is your first impression, your silent brand ambassador, and your most powerful sales tool. To truly stand out, you need the insight, experience, and artistry of professionals who live and breathe creative space-making. That's why working with an experienced Cafe Interior Design Company in Dubai can transform your business vision into a reality that people can see, feel, and fall in love with. If you're ready to turn your cafe concept into something unforgettable, look no further than Mura—where each design is a story waiting to be told. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
07-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Potassium mining project in Brazil's Amazon rainforest divides Indigenous tribe
Indigenous leader Filipe Gabriel Mura stands before Soares Lake in Brazil's Amazon, looking out at the amber waters that are surrounded by a jagged shoreline that has been home for centuries to Indigenous people known as Mura. 'It's the most beautiful sunset," said Mura. "I doubt there's another like it in the world.' Mura and others from the tribe fear that the pristine beauty of the place may soon change. Hidden from view dozens of miles below ground, the region holds one of the largest reserves of potash, a mineral that includes potassium, on the planet. Now, Brazil Potash Corp., a Toronto-based mining company listed in the New York Stock Exchange, is set to start tapping the mineral, which is used to make fertilizer and is a key to Brazil's booming agribusiness. As can happen when mammoth projects are planned in Indigenous communities, Brazil Potash's plans are sparking fears of environmental impact and creating divisions. Opponents fear that mining will expose the tribe to harmful pollution and hurt tribal unity, while supoorters think it will raise their standard of living. The project, expected to soon break ground, has an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. It is planned near the mouth of the Madeira River, which flows into the Amazon River. The build-out will include two shafts reaching a depth of 920 meters (3,018 feet) below ground—the equivalent to a 300-story building. One shaft will be to transport workers and the ore they mine while the other will be for ventilation. Above ground, the project includes a processing plant, an area for solid waste storage, a 13-kilometer (8 miles) road and a port connecting to the Madeira River. The estimate production is 9.2 million tons of potash ore annually, which would meet 17% of Brazil's current demand, according to the company. The project received licensing by Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute, a state-level agency. However, it faces lawsuits from the Office of the Attorney General for a lack of proper consultation with the Mura and potential environmental risks, such as soil and water contamination, as the plant will be in a region prone to seasonal flooding. 'We risk losing our culture if the state denies our existence and that of our ancestors to pave the way for mining. I am honored to represent a people determined not to be erased,' said Mura, the tribal leader. Key Mura villages don't have government recognition In colonial times, the Mura were nearly driven to extinction while resisting non-Indigenous settlers. Today, the population is about 13,000 spread across this stretch of the Madeira River, a maze of smaller rivers, lakes and headwaters. Soares, a small village, is the closest to the planned mining site while nearby Urucurituba, another small village, is where the port will be built. Neither village has been officially recognized as an Indigenous territory, despite a formal request by the tribe in 2003. Historical records show the tribe has inhabited the area for at least 200 years. Brazilian law prohibits mining on Indigenous land. In a statement to The Associated Press, Brazil's Indigenous bureau, known as FUNAI, said that the recognition process was underway but couldn't provide more details on when or if the territorial designation may be made. FUNAI added that there was strong evidence that Soares and Urucurituba are Indigenous lands and that the project could bring deforestation, noise and air pollution, changes in aquatic fauna and other environmental impacts. Brazil Potash says it has consulted the Mura people and that the majority support the project. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said 90% of representatives from 34 out of 36 nearby villages voted. However, Brazil's Attorney General's Office, which is tasked with defending Indigenous rights, argues the consultation process was flawed. It secured a court order prohibiting company representatives from entering Mura territory. In a statement to the AP, Brazil Potash said it does not comment on ongoing lawsuits and declined to respond to emailed questions. Some Mura see a chance to raise their standard of living Aldinelson Moraes Pavão, 53, a leader of the Mura Indigenous Council who lives near the projected port, says the mining is a way out poverty and a way to preserve their culture. 'We're going to get schools and health grants. Professionals will be hired to work here. We are hopeful,' said Pavão. Another leader, Marcelo Lopes, a father of nine, says that the crops and fishing yields are no longer enough to sustain his Urucurituba village. Life has become more difficult thanks to drought, wildfires and the resulting smoke. 'Many times, we're left begging. It's humiliating, especially now that we have this treasure," Lopes said. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General's Office says the internal division is one of the project's first consequences. The suit alleges that the mining company acquired plots in the project area through deception, threats and coercion. It also highlights what it says are flaws in the licensing process. The project has potential risks and government support One environmental risk is the handling of rock salt, a byproduct of the mining called brine. The company says there will be two sites next to brine ponds to collect surface water, and thus contaminated water will be contained. According to the Attorney General, the site will be in a flood-prone area vulnerable to seasonal rising and falling river levels. Geologist Cisnea Basílio says that while the location is attractive because the mining can happen at relatively shallow depths, that comes with inherent risks. She warns that the underground mining carries the potential to crumble the surface, swallowing nearby villages. 'Accidents happen even in developed countries," she said. The federal government supports the project as vital for the economy. Brazil is one of world's largest importers of potash. The leading suppliers include Russia, Belarus and Israel, raising concerns that armed conflicts may cut supply or lead prices to skyrocket, which happened after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In the agribusiness sector, Brazil Potash has secured a transportation agreement with giant Amaggi conglomerate, which holds 362,000 hectares (894,000 acres) of productive area, almost five times the size of New York City. The plan is to transport the mineral in large barges through major Amazon Rivers to reach Mato Grosso State, Brazil's largest soybean producer. Internal disagreements have led to alienation Divisions over the project have become so deep that the tribal members are no longer meeting together, or taking collective decisions. On Feb. 19, 34 villages in favor of mining gathered at the Mura Indigenous Council's headquarters in Autazes. Amid cultural celebrations, they delivered hopeful speeches, anticipating prosperity from the mining. The next day, opponents met a few kilometers (miles) away, in Moyray village, and decided to break with the council, which was created over 30 years ago to represent the tribe. Instead, they created the Indigenous Organization for Mura Resistance of Autazes. 'I feel sad," Vavá Izague dos Santos, 48, a member of the new organization, said of the internal division. "We always walked together, stood together in the Indigenous struggle." ___ Associated Press reporter Fabiano Maisonnave contributed from Brasilia. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Washington Post
07-03-2025
- Washington Post
Potassium mining project in Brazil's Amazon rainforest divides Indigenous tribe
LAGO DO SOARES, Brazil — Indigenous leader Filipe Gabriel Mura stands before Soares Lake in Brazil's Amazon, looking out at the amber waters that are surrounded by a jagged shoreline that has been home for centuries to Indigenous people known as Mura. 'It's the most beautiful sunset,' said Mura. 'I doubt there's another like it in the world.'
