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Planet42 raises $16 million💰| Ethereum breaks $4,000 mark 🪙 | Airbnb bans Indoor security cameras 🏠

Planet42 raises $16 million💰| Ethereum breaks $4,000 mark 🪙 | Airbnb bans Indoor security cameras 🏠

Innovation Village
March 12, 2024

In today’s menu 🥘

💰 Planet42 raises $16 million to repay euro-denominated loans, plans operations expansion in South Africa and Mexico
🪙 Ethereum breaks $4,000 mark; Bitcoin hits record high as interest in crypto ETFs surges
🛜 Kenya and UAE to Jointly Develop World’s First Geothermal-Powered Data Centre
🏠 Airbnb Bans Indoor Security Cameras to Safeguard Guest Privacy

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🪙 CRYPTOCURRENCY

Ethereum breaks $4,000 mark; Bitcoin hits record high as interest in crypto ETFs surges

Bitcoin continues to show strength as it enters the new week, reaching an unprecedented high and extending the gains it has recently made. As the leading cryptocurrency in the market, Bitcoin last registered a surge of 4%, taking its value up to $72,492.42. Even before this, Bitcoin had already made headlines as it attained a new all-time high, with its value reaching an impressive $72,750.16.

Simultaneously, Ether, the digital currency related to the Ethereum network, recently exceeded $4,000 for the first time since December 2021, partly due to the influence of bitcoin. The currency was noted to increase by 4%, settling at $4,063.43. Investor anticipation is also geared towards Ethereum network’s impending considerable tech upgrade known as “Dencun.” Previously, the cryptocurrency has experienced price surges leading to the day of the upgrade, followed by selling activities once the event occurs..…continue reading

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💰 FUNDING

Planet42 raises $16 million to repay euro-denominated loans, plans operations expansion in South Africa and Mexico

Planet42, a car subscription service based in South Africa, has raised $16 million, the equivalent of R300 million, in debt and equity funding from Standard Bank. The funding, which is in local currency, will be used to repay the company’s expensive loans previously made in Euros. This follows on from the company’s raising of $100 million in combined equity, credit facility, and debt just one year prior. In total, the company has raised roughly $150 million to date…… read more

🛜 INFRASTRUCTURE

Kenya and UAE to Jointly Develop World’s First Geothermal-Powered Data Centre

Kenya has inked a groundbreaking agreement with the United Arab Emirates to establish the world’s first geothermal energy-powered data center.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by EcoCloud, Kenya’s leading data center solutions provider, and G42, an Emirati firm specializing in artificial intelligence (AI). The signing ceremony was witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and the UAE’s Ambassador to Kenya, Salim Ibrahim Binahmed Mohamed Alnaqbi.

This project symbolizes a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly digital future for Kenya and the surrounding region. CEO of EcoCloud, Eng. Amos Siwoi, highlighted the fact that, by utilizing geothermal energy, the project will meet the region’s data needs while also establishing a new benchmark for environmentally friendly infrastructure.…… read more

🏠 ONLINE MARKETPLACE

Airbnb Bans Indoor Security Cameras to Safeguard Guest Privacy

Airbnb has announced a significant change in its policy regarding security cameras within listings, aiming to enhance renters’ privacy. Effective April 30th, the vacation rental platform will no longer permit hosts to use indoor security cameras, irrespective of their location or purpose. This shift comes in response to numerous reports from guests who discovered hidden cameras in their rentals, prompting Airbnb to prioritize the privacy of its users.

Previously, hosts were allowed to install security cameras in “common areas,” such as hallways, living rooms, and front doors. However, hosts had to disclose the presence of these cameras in their listings, ensure their visibility, and were prohibited from placing cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms. The new policy takes a more stringent approach by prohibiting indoor security cameras entirely.……continue reading