Latest news with #NateWilliams
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets open up 2025-26 roster spot by waiving Nate Williams
The Rockets are opening up a 2025-26 roster spot by waiving Nate Williams, who had been on a non-guaranteed minimum contract with the Rockets. The Houston Rockets opened up a roster spot Sunday by waiving guard/forward Nate Williams, whose minimum salary for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season was not guaranteed until October. In the team's announcement, the Rockets also said they signed undrafted rookie free agent Cameron Matthews, a forward out of Mississippi State. But according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko, Matthews was signed to an Exhibit 10, training-camp contract, which will allow him to compete for a roster spot at that time. So, in effect, the Rockets are leaving the status of Williams' roster spot to be determined. A player such as Matthews could perhaps earn it with a strong training camp, or the Rockets could make another minimum-salary signing later in the 2025 offseason. Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed, allowing teams to release those players without financial penalties before the ensuing regular season. In effect, they buy time and allow teams to further evaluate those players during training camp and the preseason. Williams had finished up the 2024-25 regular season on a standard contract with the Rockets, and he went into the offseason with a deal that had yet to guarantee for 2025-26. Both Williams and Matthews are part of Houston's 2025 summer-league team, which has four games remaining in Las Vegas. Two are on Sunday and Monday afternoons versus the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, respectively (schedule). More: Mississippi State forward Cameron Matthews leads Houston's undrafted rookie signings
New York Post
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
I covered Prime Day then performed at the ballet after — my 11 survival products
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. I'm a writer at the New York Post, a Juilliard-trained violinist, and a three-time marathon runner. At times, my life can feel…a little full. And as a commerce writer, I've tested thousands of products, but today I'm sharing my unadulterated thoughts and the beloved products that have seen me through hell and back. This past week, as Prime Day took over everyone's carts and my calendar, I found myself thinking about just how extreme this balance is. Because while the world sees Prime Day as a chance to score deals and move on, for me, as a commerce writer, it's a high-stakes sprint. Weeks of prep, early-morning call times, and 10- to 12-hour writing days that start around 4 a.m. Advertisement During this time, brands compete for the best discounts, and we track every flash sale, algorithmic shift, and surprise restock like we're trading on the floor of the NYSE. I wish that were an exaggeration, but I'm as serious as calling my 55-pound Sheepadoodle back during off-leash hour at the park. We're talking hands-on-hips serious. Nate Williams But the madness doesn't stop when I log off. That's when my second life begins. Most days, I squeeze in a break to run four miles because marathon habits die hard, and then write 1,000 words on the thriller I've been writing as part of an 80-day 1st draft challenge I've been publicly documenting on Instagram to hold myself accountable. And yes, I know it sounds like a full day's work, but then, I run down to Lincoln Center to perform with the American Ballet Theatre. I am a violinist for some of the most legendary dancers this world has ever seen: Skylar Brandt, Catherine Hurlin, Herman Cornejo to name a few of my faves (but also the iconic Misty Copeland in a legendary hall: the Metropolitan Opera House). It's exhilarating, exhausting, and makes life a little more beautiful. And in a world filled with chaos and despair at every turn, isn't that worth striving for? People always ask me how I keep it all together. And the truth is, I really don't, I just have a very patient husband and loving dog who support me every step of the way. But I also have products I rely on for survival mode, and it gives me so much joy to share them with you. I know you'll enjoy as much as I do! Cozy Earth When I'm not styled to the nines in the office, I wear this PJ set as my off-duty uniform. It's so soft and hangs on my skin with a comforting weight, but since it's made from viscose, it's also cooling. Plus, it's available in inclusive sizing from XS to XXXL. Save an additional 35% with our exclusive coupon code: NYPOST. Amazon I love ending my day with a good book instead of mindlessly scrolling through my phone. Clémence Michallon is the bestselling author of The Quiet Tenant, which I enjoyed immensely. If one can say that about a serial killer book? I highly recommend picking up a copy of her newest release, Our Last Resort, to slip away for a much-needed vacation. Don't worry, your life will be there when you get back. Michallon has a beautiful way of writing with such vivid detail that it feels like you've stepped into the pages; everything she writes is a must-read. CozyEarth It's the next best thing to having a dog, weighted, cushy, and so comforting, I want to snuggle in it all day, even in the summer with the AC blasting. I look forward to it after work, and honestly, I'll probably buy a new one every year for the rest of my life. It really is that good! CozyEarth, please never stop making it. Save an additional 15% with this coupon code: COZYDAYS Roborock I never cared about vacuums at all until I started writing for The Post. That's when my vacuum testing journey began, and this robot quickly became a standout. It's saved me hours cleaning my apartment. I just tell Google to activate 'Winston' (yes, I named him), and he gets to work, vacuuming and mopping while I write, practice violin, or head out for a gig. You can read my full review to see how he performs and judge for yourself. I have this laptop for work at The Post, but if you can splurge on one for yourself, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to reset the brain and not be bothered by work on off-work hours. I love my Apple MacBook Air because of its lightweight, which makes it easy to travel with and take to a coffee shop or park to finish out my word count. Unagi Owning a scooter has saved me so much time; I no longer have to wait for public transportation or pay for every swipe. There are tons of options on Amazon, and with fast, free shipping for Prime members, they're well worth the investment. Just think how much you'll save in the long run, I know I have. Emma Sutton-Williams Marcella I love this dress because I often find myself in the office, but also performing at Lincoln Center. It's very hard to find a dress that can go from day to night, but the midi length of this makes it easy for me to do a round trip to home and back only once. And it's under $100! INEZ Hear me out. These shoes are three and a half inches tall, and yes, that normally sounds like a horrible idea, but they make me look like a supermodel and actually feel really comfortable. I would never lie to you about this, and I will be honest: I did lie to my third-grade teacher. However, I'm a changed woman. Emma Sutton-Williams I also own these shoes in a 2.5-inch height for walking around and running errands, but the 3.5-inch height is better suited for shows and fancy events. INEZ shoes are handmade in Spain and will treat you right. Be gentle with the soft leather, as it can wear easily if handled roughly. OZLO Sleepbuds If I'm going to get through these long days, I need sleep desperately. As much as I adore my husband, he can be a loud sleeper with snoring that will kiss my sweet ZZZs goodbye. I love to turn on my book at night or listen to ambient waterfalls to help me off to sleep. These noise-canceling headphones block unwanted noises like snoring and horns. They also turn off your podcast or music when you fall asleep and use a gentle alarm in your ear to wake you. These headphones sense when you fall asleep and then switch off your preferred streaming service to play built-in soundscapes instead, including babbling brooks and deep brown masking noise. Emma Sutton-Williams The price is a little steep, but if you struggle with getting solid shut-eye, they're worth the investment. Read my full review here. Amazon As I've stated, I'm a reader right before bed, but I also read in the Broadway pits between rests while performing. It's an ar,t but I am really good at multitasking. But I will say it can be very dark, so I keep my reading light with me to pull me through the long days and keep my spirits high. It has soft, warm light and rarely needs to be charged. I've tried a lot of running shoes, but the Brooks Women's Glycerin 21 has been one of my go-to shoes recently. It has enough cushion to help me cover lots of miles in a day while still being structured with lots of support from heel to toe. If you're just getting into running or have years under your belt, I highly recommend giving these a try. And since running shoes need to be replaced regularly once the cushioning wears down, why not make these your next six-month go-to? This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post's office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian's Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
Forbes
11-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Community Capital: Building Founder-Funder Ecosystems—Part Two
Nate Williams is Managing Partner of Union Labs VC, a seasoned investor and operator focused on the convergence of SaaS & DeepTech. In Part One, "Community Capital: How Networks Drive Deep Tech," I made the case that in deep tech, community is foundational. The complexity of building at the intersection of science, hardware and software requires something more resilient than a spreadsheet or pitch deck. It requires trust. And trust is built inside community. Now let's talk about the 'how.' While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to building effective founder-funder ecosystems, I've found there are core principles that consistently generate high net promoter score (NPS) outcomes: intentionality, authenticity and alignment. Here's how to design and scale communities that matter—and that drive results. 1. Start with shared curiosity, not a calendar invite. In my experience, the best communities don't start with logistics. They start with a question: "What are we collectively trying to figure out that we can't solve alone?" From AI applications in precision manufacturing to unlocking public-private partnerships in defense tech, your community must orbit a real frontier. For example, the early days of one of my company's event series weren't driven by volume—they were driven by shared intent. A handful of deep tech investors realized we needed a safe space to cross-reference market insights, learn from missed opportunities and calibrate around new and novel technical developments. That curiosity turned into a consistent monthly ritual and now includes up to a dozen firms with collective expertise across artificial intelligence, autonomy, semiconductors, defense and more. 2. Design for depth, not just scale. Many founder-funder events chase scale—bigger guest lists, larger venues, more sponsors. But in my experience, true community capital is commonly forged in smaller, trust-rich spaces. Instead of headcount, curate for chemistry. Invite individuals who are at similar inflection points with their startups, careers or networks and who are wrestling with industry challenges. Pair ambitious operators with experienced startup founders for a chat. Look for people who aren't just interesting on paper but interested in building something that matters—and doing so collaboratively. When thoughtfully constructed, small gatherings can become industry catalysts, especially in venture capital. Done right, they can spark collaborations that outlive the events—sometimes even leading to cofounding relationships, early customer pilots or downstream investment. For example, one of our community series works precisely because it strips away hierarchy and replaces it with shared outdoor experiences. No stages. No panelists. Just climate and deep tech entrepreneurs and investors tackling real hills—literally and metaphorically—while cycling and sharing what's hard, what's working and what's next in our industry. 3. Build structure around informal signals. Too many communities seek to remain informal forever. But I've found that the most impactful ones evolve—gently—into systems. One best practice I recommend: Lightly track the outcomes of your connections. Which introductions led to new hires, early customers or co-investments? You don't need detailed customer relationship management (CRM) dashboards, but you should allocate time for reflection. Which rituals are worth repeating? What's missing? Is there return on investment (ROI) to keep this community event going, or is it time for a pivot? The goal isn't bureaucracy, but awareness. I've found that community capital becomes more effective when it's not just vibrant, but intentional. 4. Let the community shape itself. One of the biggest community-building myths I've encountered is that the host must control everything. As a recovering micromanager, I do understand this. But I've learned that the best founder-funder ecosystems become co-owned. They evolve organically, shaped by the needs of their members via their output through the events. Make it easy for others to step in and lead. Rotate moderators. Change venues. Open the agenda. Encourage shared ownership of events, conversations and outreach. When your community becomes a platform for others to build upon, it can become more resilient—and more scalable. 5. Design for emotional ROI. Yes, community leads to deal flow, diligence acceleration and talent acquisition. But perhaps the most undervalued return is emotional endurance. Deep tech and physical AI are hard. Venture capital is hard. Startups can be close to impossible. They can be stressful, both slow and chaotic, and oftentimes uncertain. Founders and funders alike need environments that remind them why they're doing this work—who else is 'in the arena'—and that the struggle is shared. When you get it right, a founder walks away not just with advice but with renewed zeal. A GP finds renewed conviction in a thesis iteration they've been questioning. A Fortune 500 exec realizes they're not the only one betting their career arc on physical world AI. That's real capital. Want community? Be a node, not a gatekeeper! If Part One was about recognizing the value of community capital, Part Two is your permission slip to go build it. You don't need to wait for someone to 'launch' the group. Start with a dinner meetup. A shared doc with relevant articles and research. A bike ride or poker night. A WhatsApp thread. Build it around a topic that matters and people who care. In early-stage venture capital—especially in deep tech—I've found that the firms with the most effective communities often see the best signals, the best ideas and the best people first. And in this game, timing is everything. So go be a node. Invite others in. Help more people do the hard thing well. I'll see you on the ride! Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA summer league: Rockets, Reed Sheppard open play Friday vs. Clippers
Led by Reed Sheppard, the Rockets open their schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league with Friday's matchup versus the Clippers. We've got the details on when and how to watch. The Houston Rockets will begin their schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league with Friday night's matchup versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Tipoff from the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion in Las Vegas is at 9:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be broadcast live on NBA TV (available to stream on FuboTV, which has a free trial, and via NBA League Pass). Because it is the opening game for both teams, projecting starters is difficult. However, the Rockets will certainly prioritize minutes and point-guard repetitions for second-year prospect Reed Sheppard. Drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round, the 21-year-old Kentucky product is expected to have a significant role during the upcoming 2025-26 season. Other players of note on Houston's roster are guard Nate Williams, currently on a minimum-salaried contract with the Rockets; two-way players Kevon Harris and N'Faly Dante; and Moses Brown, a center with considerable past NBA experience. For the Clippers, players of note on the LA roster include Kobe Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers, and Jordan Miller. The Rockets will play at least five games in Las Vegas, with their next contest scheduled for Sunday afternoon versus the Detroit Pistons. As in 2024, Garrett Jackson (normally an assistant to Ime Udoka with the Rockets) is serving as head coach for the summer Rockets. More: 2025 NBA summer league schedule: Rockets learn July opponents, game times in Las Vegas
