Top stories today:

1. TikTok aims to 10x its Shop U.S. revenue to $17.5B in 2024
2. Global VC deals reach $346B in 2023, -54% vs. 2021
3. Microsoft introduces Copilot key on Windows 11 PCs
4. Mediterranean diet wins U.S. News diet of the year

0. Data and calendar

1. TikTok aims to 10x its Shop U.S. revenue to $17.5B in 2024, as it 4x merchant fees to 8%

• Merchant fee increase is gradual: 2% now, 6% in April, and 8% in July for most categories, vs. Amazon's 15% also for most categories.

  • Amazon charges 5% for clothes <$15, meaning it can still be cheaper than TikTok Shop.

• Global revenue is already at ~$20B.

• Latin America launch in the coming months.

2. Global VC deals reach $346B in 2023, -54% vs. 2021

Exits were even more hurt, at $225B, -85% vs. 2021

In the U.S, the South is the region that is experiencing the most growth in funding, led by Florida and Texas

4. Microsoft introduces Copilot key on Windows 11 PCs

• It replaces the rarely used menu key, second Ctrl key, or Fn modifier key.

• It launches the built-in Windows Copilot sidebar.

5. Mediterranean diet wins U.S. News diet of the year

• The Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and other diseases.

• Based on the views of 43 experts, including MDs, dietitians, and epidemiologists.

6. Interesting videos, posts, and memes

7. Other headlines

AI

• Perplexity raises $74M at $520M, 10M MAUs.

• Microsoft Edge now calls itself “AI browser.”

• Intel spins out Articul8 AI, based on their work with BCG.

Tech

• 23andme: there was no breach, hackers used already leaked passwords.

• Twitch will ban people implying they are naked.

• Roku to launch premium 55, 65, 75-inch TVs, costing up to $1,500.

• Zuckerberg sold $428M in Meta stock in Nov.-Dec.

• Fred Wilson: 2024 year of AI apps, web3 apps, energy transition.

• The CEO Report: become a better leader by subscribing, 100% free.*

• Sidebar: accelerate your career in 2024.*

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Tech & law

• SpaceX accused of unlawfully firing 8 employees critical of Musk.

• Apple agrees to settle lawsuit about scammers exploiting gift cards.

Biotech

• Ants recognize infected wounds and treat them with antibiotics.

• Goldman Sachs raises $650M biotech fund.

• Scientists discover HKDC1 that could prevent cellular senescence.

Business

• FOMC in Dec. saw rate cuts likely, but path uncertain.

• The Messenger weighs shutting down after burning ~$50M raised.

• Xerox to cut 15% of its 20,500-person workforce.

• Tencent buybacks hit a record $1.3B in December.

• Ad-based news in 2024: a look at.

• Arrived: learn how to invest as little as $100 in fractional real estate, which has outperformed the S&P500 over the past 20 years.*

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Crypto

• Etherscan buys Solscan.

• Bitcoin's blockchain is 15 years old.

• BTC falls to $43K as ETF launch still pending.

• Hyperverse crypto scheme collapses, CEO appears to be fake.

• Binance puts “Monitoring Tag” on 10 tokens, including XMR, ZEC.

U.S. politics

• Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn CO ballot ban.

• Jeffrey Epstein doc unsealed, 150 associates named.

World

• Iran: 2 explosions kill ~100 in crowd marking death of Soleimani.

• Houthis given ultimatum by U.S., allies.

• M777 howitzer production restarted by BAE given demand.

• Russia to buy ballistic missiles from Iran.

• Ukraine, Russia exchange ~248 prisoners, largest yet.

• Hamas CEO: a look at how Zaher Jabarin leverages Turkey for financing.

• U.S. seeks drone basis in West Africa to counter Islamist threat.

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