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Gamma’s $2.1B Valuation: Is PowerPoint Doomed?

It’s a funny thing, seeing the tech world move at warp speed. You blink, and suddenly there’s a new contender, ready to shake things up. This time, it’s Gamma, the AI-powered presentation tool, making some serious waves.

Notably, Gamma’s co-founder and CEO, Grant Lee, just announced some pretty impressive numbers. We’re talking about a $2.1 billion valuation and a cool $100 million in annual recurring revenue. That’s not chump change, right? It’s the kind of figures that make you sit up and take notice, especially in the competitive world of tech startups.

And, you know, the whole thing got me thinking: could this be the beginning of the end for PowerPoint? I mean, PowerPoint has been the presentation software of choice for, well, pretty much everyone for decades. It’s in the DNA of business presentations, academic lectures, you name it.

But Gamma? It’s different. It’s built on AI, designed to make creating presentations faster and, maybe, a little less painful. The whole pitch is about streamlining the process, making it easier to whip up something visually appealing without spending hours wrestling with design.

The AI Factor

The rise of AI has changed the landscape for all sorts of things, and the presentation game is no exception. It’s not just about automating the creation process. It’s also about changing the way we think about presentations.

It seems like Gamma has tapped into something. People are looking for ways to work smarter, not harder. They want tools that can help them communicate their ideas effectively without getting bogged down in the technicalities of design. It’s a compelling vision, for sure.

Back in the day, creating a decent presentation meant hours of work. You’d be fiddling with layouts, choosing fonts, and trying to make sure everything looked polished. But with AI, a lot of that heavy lifting can be automated. You feed the system your content, and it generates a presentation. That’s the promise, anyway.

Is PowerPoint Doomed?

Now, I’m not saying PowerPoint is going to disappear overnight. It’s a behemoth, deeply entrenched in the way we work. But the fact that Gamma has reached such a high valuation, so quickly, it does make you wonder. It shows there’s a real appetite for something new, something different.

And let’s be honest, PowerPoint can be… well, it can be a bit clunky sometimes. The interface isn’t always the most intuitive. It’s a tool that’s been around for a long time, and it shows. So, there’s a definite opening for a competitor that can offer a more modern, streamlined experience.

Still, it’s a long shot, right? Taking on Microsoft is no small feat. But Gamma has momentum. They’re growing fast, and they’ve got some serious financial backing. The $100 million ARR is particularly telling. It shows that people are actually using the product and, presumably, finding value in it.

What’s Next?

So, what’s next for Gamma? That’s the big question. They’ve got the valuation, they’ve got the revenue, and they’ve got the buzz. The next step will be to keep growing, keep innovating, and keep chipping away at PowerPoint’s dominance.

For now, it’s a fascinating story to watch unfold. It’s a reminder that the tech world is always changing, always evolving. And that the tools we use to communicate, to share ideas, are constantly being reimagined.

You could say it’s a David versus Goliath story, but with a twist. It’s AI versus… well, you know.

November 10, 2025

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Gamma’s $2.1B Valuation: Is PowerPoint Doomed?

So, this is interesting, isn’t it? I was just reading about Gamma, the AI presentation tool that’s kind of being touted as a PowerPoint-killer. And it turns out, they’ve just hit a $2.1 billion valuation. That’s… a lot.

Grant Lee, the co-founder and CEO, says they’ve also reached $100 million in ARR – annual recurring revenue. Which, if true, means they’re growing, and growing fast. The whole thing makes you wonder, is this the future of presentations? Is PowerPoint, this thing we’ve all grown up with, on its way out?

Gamma, from what I understand, uses AI to help you create presentations. You feed it your content, and it spits out something visually appealing. It’s designed to be quick and easy, which, let’s be honest, is what a lot of us are looking for when we’re staring down the barrel of a presentation deadline.

Notably, the technology category is seeing a lot of these kinds of startups. AI is, well, everywhere. And it makes sense that it would find its way into something like presentations. It’s a task that can be tedious, time-consuming. Anything that promises to make it easier is going to get a look.

I mean, PowerPoint has been the default for so long. It’s what we all know. But it’s also… a bit clunky, isn’t it? A bit dated. It’s easy to see how something that’s built from the ground up with AI in mind could offer a real advantage. The ease of use is a big selling point, I’d imagine.

And the numbers? $2.1 billion is serious money. It’s a sign that investors are seeing something here, that they believe in the potential of Gamma and its AI-powered approach. The $100 million ARR is another key data point. It suggests that people are actually using the product, and that they’re willing to pay for it.

This is all happening in 2025, according to the TechCrunch report. So it’s not like this is some far-off future. It’s happening now. The startup world moves fast, and it looks like Gamma is leading the charge.

I can’t help but wonder what this means for the future of work, too. Will presentations become easier, more streamlined? Will we all be using AI to create our slides in the coming years? It’s a bit of a shift, and it’s always interesting to see how technology changes the way we do things.

Anyway, it’s just a thought. For now, it seems like Gamma is making a splash. And PowerPoint? Well, we’ll see.

November 10, 2025

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AWS Weekly Roundup: Anticipating re:Invent 2025

Alright, so it’s that time of year again, isn’t it? The AWS Weekly Roundup just dropped, and it’s got me thinking about re:Invent 2025. Seems like it was just last year, but already, we’re only three weeks away.

I remember last year’s re:Invent. Sixty thousand people descended on Las Vegas, Nevada. The atmosphere? Electric. You could feel the buzz everywhere, from the keynote sessions to the late-night networking events. It’s a huge deal for the AWS community, a real gathering of minds.

This year, the anticipation is building. I’m already looking forward to the new launches and announcements. That’s always the highlight, right? Seeing what AWS has been cooking up, how they’re pushing the boundaries of cloud computing.

Notably, the roundup touches on some key areas. There’s the usual updates on Amazon S3, which is always evolving, always getting better. Then, of course, Amazon EC2, the workhorse of the AWS infrastructure. They’re constantly refining those services, making them more powerful, more efficient.

But re:Invent is more than just product updates, though. It’s about the whole experience. The chance to connect with other AWS users, the deep dives into new technologies, the keynotes that set the tone for the coming year. It’s a place to learn, to network, and to get inspired.

I’m also wondering what this year’s conference will bring. What new innovations will be unveiled? What trends will dominate the conversations? It’s always a bit of a guessing game, but that’s part of the fun, you know?

Meanwhile, registration is still open. If you’re considering going, I’d say, do it. It’s an investment in yourself, in your career. It’s a chance to learn from the best, to see what the future holds, and to be a part of something big.

I’m already mentally preparing for the trip, you could say. Booking flights, making a list of sessions, and, most importantly, getting ready to soak it all in. It’s a lot to take in, but that’s the point, isn’t it? To be immersed in the world of AWS, even if it’s just for a few days.

It’s funny, the whole thing. The sheer scale of it. All those people, all those announcements, all that energy. It’s a bit overwhelming, in a good way. You walk away feeling energized, ready to take on the world. Or, at least, ready to take on the next cloud project.

For now, I’m just looking forward to it. Three weeks. It’ll be here before we know it.

November 10, 2025

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Carbon Credit Market: Consolidation & Uncertainty

So, the carbon credit market — it’s changing, isn’t it? Seems like just yesterday everyone was talking about the gold rush, and now? Well, now we’re seeing some serious consolidation. Carbon Direct is buying Pachama, and honestly, it feels like a turning point.

It’s not exactly a surprise, though. The voluntary carbon markets have been, you know, a bit of a wild west. Lots of players, lots of different standards, and a whole lot of questions about the actual impact of it all. This move by Carbon Direct, though… it’s different. It’s like a signal that the big players are starting to really dig in, ready to shape the future.

And what does that future look like? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The TechCrunch article, published November 10, 2025, points to a period of uncertainty. You can feel it, too. There’s a lot of scrutiny on carbon credits right now, with folks wondering if they’re actually doing what they claim to do. Are we really offsetting emissions? Or are we just, well, shuffling numbers around?

The Players and the Stakes

Carbon Direct, for those who don’t know, is a climate solutions company. Pachama? They’re all about using tech to verify and manage carbon offset projects. So, in a way, it makes sense. A company that provides the credits, merging with one that helps to validate them. It seems logical, you could say.

But it’s bigger than that, I think. This whole thing is about trust. The voluntary carbon markets need it. They need it badly. If companies can’t trust the credits, they won’t buy them. If investors aren’t confident, they’ll pull back. And that would be a problem, wouldn’t it? Because these markets, in theory, are supposed to be a key part of the fight against climate change.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

So, what happens next? Well, we’ll probably see more of this. More mergers, more acquisitions. The market is maturing, and that means some players will inevitably get squeezed out. The stronger, more established companies, like Carbon Direct, will likely swallow up the smaller ones, or at least partner up.

This consolidation could be a good thing, you know? It could lead to more standardization, more transparency. Maybe it’ll help to weed out some of the, let’s say, less credible projects. It could also mean that the cost of carbon credits goes up, as the market becomes more concentrated. That’s something to watch.

And then there’s the whole issue of demand. Will companies continue to buy carbon credits? Will they be willing to pay more? It all depends on the regulations, the public perception, and, of course, the actual effectiveness of these projects. It’s a complex web, for sure.

A Changing Landscape

The TechCrunch piece mentions this shift, and I think it’s spot on. The article really captures that feeling of a market in flux. It’s a bit like watching a storm gather. You can see the clouds rolling in, the wind picking up. You know something big is about to happen, but you can’t quite predict where the lightning will strike.

So, yeah, the carbon credit market. It’s a story that’s still being written. And right now, it feels like a chapter is closing, and a new one is just beginning. For now, we wait and see what the future holds.

November 10, 2025

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Knicks’ Miles McBride Launches ‘Mmotion’ App

So, a new app just dropped, and it’s got a pretty interesting backstory. Miles McBride, the guard for the New York Knicks, is stepping into the tech arena with his own creation: an app called “Mmotion.” The buzz is, it’s aiming to be a contender in the location-sharing space, giving Snap Map a run for its money. It launched on November 10, 2025, according to TechCrunch, which is always a good place to start when you’re trying to get the scoop on the latest tech.

It’s not just another location tracker, though. Mmotion is trying to blend that whole “where are you?” vibe with social discovery. The idea? Find people nearby who share your interests. You know, maybe you’re into indie music, or perhaps you’re a serious foodie. The app, it seems, wants to connect you with like-minded folks in your area. That’s the core of it.

You could say it’s a bit of a pivot from the court to the code, right? McBride, known for his hustle on the court, is now trying to bring that same energy to the app world. It’s a move that’s definitely raising eyebrows, and for good reason. Athletes getting involved in tech isn’t exactly new, but it’s always interesting to see how they approach it. They bring a different perspective, you know?

Notably, the app is focusing on friendship. The whole idea is to help you connect with people. It’s not just about showing where you are. It’s about finding your people, which is a pretty cool concept when you think about it. It’s a space that’s seen a lot of activity in recent years, with apps like Snap Map already established. So, Mmotion is stepping into a crowded market, that’s for sure.

How Does It Work?

Well, from what I’ve gathered, Mmotion combines location sharing with social discovery features. It’s a way to see where your friends are while also finding people nearby who share your interests. That’s the gist of it. It’s a pretty straightforward concept, but the execution is key, of course. The app will have to nail down the user experience, the algorithm, and all the stuff that makes an app sticky, so people keep coming back.

The tech world moves fast, and competition is fierce. Snap Map has a huge user base, so Mmotion has its work cut out for it. It’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out. The article on TechCrunch didn’t go into a ton of detail about the specific features, but the idea is clear: it’s all about connecting people.

The Bigger Picture

This whole thing is kind of a reflection of how intertwined sports and tech have become. Athletes are no longer just athletes; they’re brands, and they’re entrepreneurs. McBride’s move with Mmotion is a perfect example. It’s a way to diversify, to build something new, and to leverage his platform. It’s a smart move in a way, especially if the app takes off. And, hey, even if it doesn’t, it’s a learning experience, right?

The app landscape is always evolving. New apps pop up all the time, and some stick around while others fade away. It’s a gamble, but it’s also exciting. I mean, who knows? Maybe Mmotion will be the next big thing. Or maybe it won’t. But the fact that someone like Miles McBride is putting his name and effort behind it makes it worth watching.

For now, Mmotion is out there, trying to find its place in the world. It’s a story about a basketball player, a new app, and the ever-changing world of technology. And honestly, it’s a story about connection.

November 10, 2025

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Lenskart IPO: Stock Market Rollercoaster Ride

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about Lenskart, the online eyewear giant, and their recent IPO. Honestly, the whole thing felt a little… wild. It’s not every day you see a company valued at nearly $8 billion go public, right?

The first day on the stock market is always a nail-biter, and for Lenskart, it was no different. The opening wasn’t exactly a roaring success. The stock opened with a bit of a whimper, which definitely set some nerves on edge. You could feel the tension, I’m sure.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Against the odds, Lenskart managed to pull things together. By the end of the day, the stock had clawed its way back, closing slightly above the IPO price. It wasn’t a massive jump, mind you, but it was enough to suggest that investors still had some faith in the company. And that’s saying something.

Now, the whole situation got me thinking. The big question on everyone’s mind was whether that valuation was justified. $8 billion is a hefty price tag, and it definitely sparked a debate. Was it too high? Just right? Or maybe somewhere in between? The market, as it often does, seemed to be saying, “We’ll see.”

Lenskart, if you don’t know, has built a pretty impressive business. They’ve disrupted the optics industry, offering a wide selection of eyewear online and through physical stores. They’ve got a strong brand and a loyal customer base. But the stock market is a fickle beast. What works in the business world doesn’t always translate to immediate success when you’re publicly listed.

The first day performance is often a reflection of investor sentiment, the overall market conditions, and, let’s be honest, a bit of luck. Lenskart’s experience is a good reminder of how unpredictable the stock market can be. It’s a pretty wild ride.

The public listing is a big step for any company. It brings in capital, yes, but it also brings a whole new level of scrutiny. Investors are watching, analysts are analyzing, and the pressure is on to perform. So, what happens next for Lenskart? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

It’s easy to see why.

November 10, 2025

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Gameskraft Layoffs: Real Money Gaming Ban’s Impact

There’s been a bit of a shakeup in the gaming world, and honestly, it’s not looking great for everyone. Gameskraft, a gaming startup, is the latest to feel the pinch, and the story is, unfortunately, becoming all too familiar. The company is laying off a significant chunk of its workforce — a staggering 400 employees, to be exact. And the reason? Well, it all boils down to the ban on real money gaming (RMG) in the country.

Now, if you’ve been following the business scene, this probably isn’t a huge surprise. The ban on RMG has been looming, and its impact is starting to ripple through the industry. Gameskraft, like many others, is now grappling with the fallout. It’s a tough situation, and it really highlights the challenges that startups face when the regulatory landscape shifts so dramatically.

This whole thing is pretty wild, if you think about it. You have these companies, like Gameskraft, that are building something, creating jobs, and trying to innovate. Then, a ban comes down, and suddenly, everything changes. It’s not just about the financial hit, either. It’s about the people who lose their jobs, the projects that get put on hold, and the overall uncertainty that hangs over the industry.

And it’s not just Gameskraft, either. The tags associated with this story, like “Real Money Gaming,” “Layoffs,” and “Gaming Industry,” are becoming unfortunately common headlines. It’s a sign of the times, and it’s a clear indication that the RMG ban is having a real, tangible effect on the businesses involved.

Anyway, let’s talk about Gameskraft for a second. They’re a pretty big player in the gaming space, so this move is definitely going to send some shockwaves. I mean, 400 jobs is a lot. It means families affected, careers disrupted, and a lot of talented people suddenly looking for new opportunities. It’s a stark reminder that even in a booming industry, things can change in an instant.

And the “why” is pretty straightforward: the ban on real money gaming. The government is cracking down, and companies that rely on this model are now struggling to stay afloat. It’s a classic case of policy having a direct, and often painful, impact on the business world.

Now, what happens next? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Will more companies follow suit? Will the industry find a way to adapt? Or will this ban continue to reshape the gaming landscape? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is clear: the situation is still evolving.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for the employees affected, and for the industry as a whole. It’s a reminder that the world of business is always shifting, and that even successful companies can face unexpected challenges. It is what it is.

November 10, 2025

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Slow Ventures’ Finishing School: Etiquette for Founders

There’s been a quiet shift happening. It seems like the venture capital world is getting, well, fancy. Or, at the very least, they want their founders to be. This week, Slow Ventures hosted a three-hour “Etiquette Finishing School.” Yep, you read that right. A finishing school. For startup founders.

I know, right? Pretty wild. The whole thing was designed to help these founders learn to be… well, fancy. The curriculum? Everything from the perfect handshake to the nuances of public speaking and even office decorum. I’m picturing tiny forks and pinkies up, but I’m probably wrong.

It’s a fascinating move, honestly. You’ve got these companies, these scrappy startups, building the future, and suddenly, they need a lesson in how to shake hands properly? It’s a bit of a culture clash, but maybe that’s the point. The world of venture capital has always had its own set of unspoken rules, and perhaps Slow Ventures is trying to help their founders navigate that world a little smoother.

The goal, it seems, is to equip these founders with the tools they need to succeed not just in building a product or service, but also in the boardroom, at networking events, and, well, wherever else they might find themselves. Think about it: a polished founder is probably more likely to impress investors, land partnerships, and generally make a good impression. And in the world of startups, perception is often reality.

This “Etiquette Finishing School” covered a lot of ground. The perfect handshake, which, let’s be honest, is a skill many of us could probably brush up on. Public speaking – a huge factor in whether a startup gets funded or not. And then there’s office decorum. I’m curious what that entailed. Were there lessons on how to arrange the succulents? How to avoid passive-aggressive sticky notes?

Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking about the evolving definition of what it means to be a successful founder. For a long time, it was all about the hustle, the late nights, the ramen noodles, and the ability to code like a ninja. Now, it seems, there’s a new set of skills being valued. Soft skills, you might call them. The ability to network, to present yourself well, to navigate the social landscape of the business world.

And it makes sense, right? As startups grow, founders have to step into a different role. They go from being the doers to the leaders, the visionaries, the faces of the company. And that requires a whole new set of skills. This is the new normal, it seems.

Look, the “Finishing School” concept is unusual, but maybe it’s a sign of the times. It’s a signal that the venture capital world is becoming more sophisticated and that founders need to keep up. It’s an interesting concept, to say the least.

November 9, 2025

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Attract Top Talent: Startup Strategies Without Big Budgets
There’s been a quiet shift happening. Startups, those scrappy underdogs of the business world, are facing a familiar challenge: how to snag the best talent without the massive bank accounts of the big tech behemoths. It’s a classic David versus Goliath scenario, and honestly, it’s always been a tough fight. But, as I was reading a recent article, I realized there’s a smarter way to play the game.

The core of the issue? Money. Or, rather, the lack of it. Big tech companies can offer eye-watering salaries and perks that smaller companies just can’t match. So, how do you compete? The answer, according to the article, lies in something that’s become a cornerstone of startup culture: employee equity.

Now, before you zone out, thinking this is all finance-speak, stick with me. This isn’t about complex spreadsheets. It’s about fairness, strategy, and understanding what really motivates people. It’s about giving employees a real stake in the company’s success, which, in turn, can be a powerful lure.

The article, which I found on TechCrunch, dove into this very topic. It featured insights from three industry insiders who really know their stuff. They broke down how startups can set up an employee equity strategy that remains fair as the company grows. Because, let’s be honest, what seems fair at the seed stage can look a whole lot different when you’re scaling up.

The Equity Equation: Fairness First

One of the key takeaways? Fairness isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Employees need to believe they’re being treated equitably. That means understanding how equity works, how it’s distributed, and how it translates into real value. It’s not just about handing out stock options; it’s about creating a system where everyone feels valued and motivated.

The insiders emphasized the importance of transparency. Be upfront about the equity pool, how it’s allocated, and how it might change over time. This builds trust and shows employees that you’re not just trying to pull a fast one. It’s a long game, after all. Building a great team takes time.

They also pointed out that equity isn’t the only thing. A competitive salary, a good work-life balance, and a positive company culture are all important pieces of the puzzle. Equity is the cherry on top, the thing that can make a good offer great.

Growth and the Equity Plan

So, how does a startup’s equity strategy evolve as it grows? This is where things get interesting. The article highlighted the need to revisit the equity plan regularly. What works at the beginning might not be sustainable as the company scales. And let’s be real, scaling is the goal, right?

This means considering things like:
- Dilution: As you bring in more investors, the percentage of equity each employee holds will likely decrease. This is normal, but it’s important to communicate this clearly.
- Performance-Based Equity: Tying equity to performance can be a powerful motivator. It rewards those who contribute the most to the company’s success.
- Refresher Grants: As employees stay with the company, consider offering additional equity grants to keep them engaged and invested.
The article also touched on the legal side. Equity plans can be complex, so it’s crucial to get good legal advice. Make sure everything is structured correctly to avoid problems down the road. It’s an investment, but it’s a worthwhile one.

The Big Picture: Why It Matters

The real beauty of a well-crafted employee equity strategy? It’s a win-win. Startups get access to top talent, and employees get the chance to share in the company’s success. It fosters a sense of ownership, which can lead to increased productivity, loyalty, and a stronger company culture. It’s not just about attracting talent; it’s about building a team that’s invested in the long haul.

And honestly, in a world where the competition for talent is fierce, that kind of edge can make all the difference. It levels the playing field, allowing startups to compete with the big guys, not just on salary, but on something even more valuable: a shared vision of success.

Anyway, that’s how it seems to me.
November 8, 2025

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TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Startup Battlefield 200 Highlights

There’s a certain buzz that hangs in the air at TechCrunch Disrupt. You can feel it, right? It’s a mix of anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little bit of caffeine-fueled energy. This year, at Disrupt 2025, the Startup Battlefield 200 was the place to be, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

It’s where you go to see the future, or at least, a sneak peek of it. These aren’t just any startups; they’re the ones pushing boundaries, dreaming big, and, you know, actually building the things we’ll all be using in a few years. They were all there, exhibiting and pitching their hearts out on the Showcase Stage.

The whole point? To celebrate outstanding achievements. And let me tell you, there were plenty to celebrate. The level of innovation on display was pretty wild. From AI-powered solutions to sustainable tech, the Startup Battlefield 200 was a real melting pot of ideas. You could feel the passion radiating from the founders as they talked about their companies, their missions, and, of course, their visions for the future.

One of the coolest things about Disrupt is the sheer variety. You have companies from all over the world, working on everything you can imagine. It’s a reminder that great ideas can come from anywhere. And that’s what makes events like this so important. They create a space for these startups to connect with investors, potential partners, and, you know, the wider tech community.

The Showcase Stage itself was a hub of activity. Startups were constantly giving demos, answering questions, and trying to grab the attention of the crowd. The energy was infectious. It’s where the “how” of their success was on full display—the pitching and exhibiting. It’s a tough crowd, too. Everyone there is looking for the next big thing, the next game-changer.

So, what exactly did these startups achieve? Well, that’s the beauty of it. The achievements are as diverse as the companies themselves. For some, it was securing funding. For others, it was making key connections. And for many, it was simply getting their name out there. They were all there at TechCrunch Disrupt, an event hosted by TechCrunch, and they all had a story to tell.

The whole thing was a celebration of what’s possible when you bring together brilliant minds, cutting-edge technology, and a shared vision for the future. It’s easy to see why. The Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a glimpse into the future. And honestly, it was pretty inspiring.

November 7, 2025

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