CB Insights - that’s block-tastic

Hi there,

In 2020, blockchain moved from being possible to practical.

The regulatory environment has become more welcoming. There's also more clarity around how blockchain could be used to solve real problems — from real-time clearing and settlement to supply chain management to cross-border payments.

Today, in conjunction with Blockdata, we announced the Blockchain 50, the 50 most promising private technology companies applying blockchain technology to a wide range of industries.

The Blockchain 50 were pruned from a list of nearly 3K applicants and nominees. Take a look at the Blockchain 50 here.

The results are in
 

The pandemic has created an opportunity for D2C startups offering mail-in lab testing and at-home tests to take market share from healthcare diagnostics incumbents like LabCorp.

But testing isn’t the only revenue stream under attack. We explore all the ways private companies are unbundling LabCorp, from basic testing to genetic risk screening to drug discovery, here.

Cruise control
 

Earlier this week, Walmart announced plans to deploy driverless delivery trucks in 2021, while Amazon-owned Zoox premiered its fully electric robotaxi.

These companies aren't the only ones investing in autonomous vehicle R&D. See 40+ corporates working on the tech in our report here.

Living in a material world
 

For brands, embracing sustainability doesn’t have to cost more. Using sustainable materials can lead to additional business benefits and savings, such as reduced transport costs, lower supply chain risk, and decreased emissions.
 

Clients can dig into the bottom-line benefit — alongside other advantages — of sustainability in beauty & personal care here.

Bring me up to speed
 

Virtual reality has moved beyond the world of gaming to improve learning for students of all ages and to help workers prepare for high-pressure situations.

From learning a new language to operating large machinery, explore how VR can foster more meaningful educational experiences in this client-only brief.

Financial Times. Makoto Kajiwara discusses the future of Japan’s economy and cites CB Insights unicorn data.

The Telegraph. Laurence Dodds (@LFDodds) looks at Amazon’s moves in healthcare and references CB Insights research.

Dallas Business Journal. Brian Womack (@brianwomack) reports on insurtech Bestow’s recent raise and cites CB Insights data.

P.S. If you're hardworking, helpful, humble, hungry, and have high standards, we'd love to chat. See all our open positions here.

Speed of light. Some high-frequency traders are installing hollow-core fiber — which can convey data faster than standard fiber-optic cables — to gain an edge.

WSJ 

Blast from the past. The Museum of Future History’s first exhibition looks at how toys from the past may have shaped our future.

Fast Company 

To the point. In Japan, fintech companies’ generous rewards programs have created a subculture of loyalty points enthusiasts.

Rest of World 

/srs. Tone indicators — like /s for sarcasm and /f for fake — are being used by some young people to convey tone online.

NYT 

Now watch me work. Some remote workers looking to boost productivity are paying companies to join group focus sessions on Zoom.

WIRED