Category: Business

BusinessHardware

Samsung Reportedly Scraps Galaxy S26 Edge Following Underwhelming S25 Edge Performance

Samsung has reportedly abandoned plans for a Galaxy S26 Edge successor following disappointing sales of the current S25 Edge model. According to Korean media reports, the company will discontinue the ultra-thin smartphone line after current inventory sells out. The decision comes despite Samsung’s heavy promotion of the device’s slim design and early market entry ahead of Apple’s iPhone Air.

Samsung Discontinues Edge Line Following Sales Shortfall

Samsung Electronics has reportedly cancelled development of the Galaxy S26 Edge and will discontinue the current S25 Edge model once existing stock is depleted, according to reports from Korean media outlet Newspim. Sources indicate that the decision follows several months of underwhelming sales performance for the premium thin-form-factor smartphone.

by Natalie Brooks
BusinessTechnology

Venture Capital Veteran Ron Conway Exits Salesforce Foundation Following CEO’s Political Remarks

Longtime tech investor Ron Conway has stepped down from the Salesforce Foundation board following CEO Marc Benioff’s political statements. The resignation ends a decade-long tenure and a 25-year friendship between the two Silicon Valley figures. Sources indicate the departure stems from ideological differences regarding recent political commentary.

Prominent Investor Departs Philanthropic Board

Venture capital pioneer Ron Conway, founder of SV Angel known for early investments in major tech companies, has resigned from his position on the Salesforce Foundation board, according to reports from The New York Times. The resignation comes shortly after Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed support for President Trump and suggested National Guard troops should patrol San Francisco streets, sources indicate.

by Darren Holt
BusinessStartups

Global Payroll Provider Deel Secures $300 Million, Valuation Soars to $17.3 Billion Amid Expansion Drive

Payroll and HR startup Deel has raised $300 million in a new funding round, according to reports, boosting its valuation to $17.3 billion. The company reportedly plans to use the capital for global infrastructure expansion and acquisitions, aiming to offer native payroll in over 100 countries by 2029.

Funding Round and Valuation Milestone

Payroll startup Deel has reportedly raised $300 million in a Series E funding round, according to Reuters, valuing the company at $17.3 billion. Sources indicate the round was led by new investor Ribbit Capital, with participation from existing backers including Andreessen Horowitz and Coatue Management. This represents a significant increase from the company’s previous valuation of $12.6 billion earlier this year.

by Natalie Brooks
BusinessMedia

CNN Launches Revamped Streaming Strategy with All Access Subscription Tier

CNN is making another attempt at streaming dominance with its newly announced All Access subscription tier. The service promises live programming and extensive on-demand content, launching three years after CNN+’s rapid failure.

CNN’s Streaming Renaissance

CNN is attempting a streaming comeback with its newly announced “All Access” subscription plan, according to reports from the network’s official press release. This marks the network’s second major attempt at a standalone streaming service following the spectacular failure of CNN+ in 2022, which operated for less than a month before being shuttered.

by Natalie Brooks
BusinessLegal

Smartmatic Faces Federal Bribery and Money Laundering Charges in Philippines Contract Case

Smartmatic has been added to a federal indictment alleging company executives participated in a bribery scheme targeting Philippine election officials. The voting technology company faces charges of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and money laundering violations. Smartmatic’s spokesman categorically denied the allegations, claiming political influence in the case.

Voting Technology Company Added to Federal Indictment

Federal prosecutors have expanded their case against Smartmatic executives by adding the company itself to an indictment alleging bribery of Philippine election officials, according to reports filed in U.S. District Court. The superseding indictment, filed in the Southern District of Florida, adds criminal charges of money laundering and foreign bribery against the voting technology company directly.

by Darren Holt