Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.Erica Wenger, a three-time founder and venture capitalist, is challenging the conventional focus on "unicorn" startups by advocating for "elephants." These emphasize resilience, strong business fundamentals, and longevity. Her "elephants, not unicorns" thesis critiques the obsession with high valuations, seeking to identify companies with sustainable success. In 2023, Wenger founded Park Rangers Capital, raising $4.3 million for its first fund. The firm focuses on startups that embody her elephant philosophy, with early investments in companies like Superpower and Beehiiv. Wenger uses a national park analogy to describe the ideal VC-founder relationship: founders are the majestic national parks, while VCs are park rangers who support and protect them without overshadowing their work. Her approach resonates with industry leaders who admire her innovative branding and community engagement strategies.Recent deals in the venture capital landscape include Chaos Industries raising $510 million led by Valor Equity Partners and Gopuff securing $250 million led by Eldridge Industries. Additionally, Cognizant acquired 3Cloud and Investcorp acquired Kanawha Scales & Systems. NVP Capital raised $80 million for its second fund focused on enterprise software and AI companies, and Renee Shah joined Redpoint Ventures as a partner from Amplify Partners.In response to recent electoral losses and cost-of-living concerns, the White House is considering reducing tariffs on various food imports such as beef, bananas, coffee, and fruit. This potential policy shift is part of broader efforts to address economic challenges faced by consumers.There is a significant shift toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in business and technology. CEOs are increasingly viewing layoffs as strategic moves rather than setbacks. This trend reflects a changing business environment where AI is seen as a tool for efficiency and cost reduction. Corporations like Amazon, Target, and Verizon have announced large-scale layoffs attributed to AI advancements rather than economic downturns. The stock market has reacted negatively to the perceived AI bubble, with significant declines in shares of companies heavily investing in AI. Concerns over inflated profits and substantial capital expenditures related to AI have fueled investor skepticism. Globally, economist Mohamed El-Erian warns of potential negative outcomes from the AI bubble while concerns grow over credit market vulnerabilities. Additionally, new Visa-Mastercard settlements might alter credit card reward structures amid these shifting dynamics.Verizon is preparing for a major workforce reduction amidst challenging financial times. The newly appointed CEO aims to transform Verizon's culture and cost structure by exiting non-profitable businesses and converting stores into franchises.Apple and Tencent have reached an agreement regarding payments within Tencent’s WeChat service. This deal is significant for Apple as it looks to strengthen its position in China amidst local competition.In cybersecurity news, law enforcement agencies executed "Operation Endgame," dismantling numerous servers used by cybercriminals involved with various malware operations. This coordinated effort resulted in significant arrests and seizures.On the tech front, companies like Meta are revamping services such as Facebook Marketplace with new features as part of their ongoing innovation efforts.A study by Cisco reveals that only 36% of companies have formal change management plans for AI adoption. Without such plans, firms may struggle

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