Startup Around

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have, in the last decade been overhauling the UK financial sector’s regulatory framework and governance, with the introduction of the Senior Managers and Compliance Regime, or “SMCR” (read more).

Changing the Compliance CultureIn previous years, the way in which financial compliance operated was such that there would be a compliance manager or an individual within a financial firm who was responsible for all compliance-related matters and breaches.

This meant that they had all but sole responsibility placed upon their shoulders to manage the entire scope of the firm’s compliance obligations.

Limited Scope Firms – A small number of financial firms in the UK will be subject to more limited rules as limited scope firms.

This is something the FCA and financial firms in the UK who are aware are looking to fix. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585611023.4949648/SMCR-and-The-Changing-Face-of-UK-Financial-Regulations?ref=audio_experience

Zoom with 6+ customers a week.

Every customer should know who their customer success manager is.

For Your Customer Success Team — And You.

| SaaStrDo customer marketing.

Spend a bit more of your marketing budget on existing customers, not just demand gen. More here: How to Invest in Customer Marketing: The 10+10 Framework | SaaStrDo QBRs. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585609216.4530902/How-do-you-build-strong-relationships-with-customers??ref=audio_experience

Option3Ventures, a New York and the Washington DC area-based cybersecurity investment specialist firm, is raising its first fund.

Option3Ventures also appointed Rick Andlinger as Partner and Chief Investment Officer.

Before taking this role, Andlinger has spent over two decades as President of an extended family office, Andlinger & Company, where he specialized in private equity and venture capital investing.

Andlinger also has helped companies grow in his various roles as a CEO, a board member and an investment banker.

Led by Manish Thakur, Option3Ventures is a cybersecurity investment firm that focuses on those companies at the very frontiers the of the cybersecurity sector, offering solutions to problems that existing technologies cannot address. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585607413.1673691/Option3Ventures-Launches-New-Fund;-Appoints-Rick-Andlinger-as-Partner-and-CIO?ref=audio_experience

Thumbtack CEO Marco Zappacosta announced in a blog post today that the company has laid off 250 employees.

(Zappacosta said he will not take any salary at all, starting today.)

And it also includes big layoffs.

Laid off workers will receive a severance package with both “cash and equity components,” Zappacosta said.

He also said Thumbtack is doing what it can to help its service providers, such as “building features that support more remote work with customers — like video consults for a sink replacement that would typically be done onsite.” | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585605719.377829/Local-services-marketplace-Thumbtack-lays-off-250-employees-–-TechCrunch?ref=audio_experience

When Rebecca Minkoff first moved to New York City, the then-18-year-old was making $4.75 an hour.

And I thought if I’m going to work as hard, it’s going to be for myself and I want to call my own shots,” she said.

My mom would sell these cast covers, like decorative covers for people with broken arms at the flea market.

When I wanted a dress, she taught me how to sew a dress instead of buying the dress.

The constant thread was, “I’m not going to pay for this. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585603808.26054/Rebecca-Minkoff-has-some-advice-for-e-commerce-companies-right-now-–-TechCrunch?ref=audio_experience

But this principle can apply to accelerators too, as recently shown by 500 Startups.

This change is now in effect so startups can sign up for its four-month seed program at any time of the year.

“Like other accelerators, 500 has always accepted startups into our batches two times per year,” said Blumenthal in the post.

As a result, 500 Startups is becoming more flexible not only in terms of when it accepts applicants, but in its approach with entrepreneurs too.

So it’s nice to see 500 Startups does as it preaches. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585602007.2076445/500-Startups-announces-changes-to-its-accelerator-program?ref=audio_experience

Startups To Watch From chronic disease management to documenting end-of-life decisions, we take a look at 9 startups targeting senior care.

Where is this data coming from?

Start your free trial today Email Where is this data coming from?

Start your free trial today EmailSenior care is becoming increasingly important in the US, and investors are paying attention.

Big tech companies like Apple and non-traditional players like Best Buy have expressed interest in serving seniors. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585600211.3149111/9-Startups-Improving-Aging-At-Home,-End-Of-Life,-And-Healthcare-For-Seniors?ref=audio_experience

3D printers are churning out everything from medical masks to face shields, oxygen valves, parts to make ventilators from snorkeling masks and even hands-free door handle attachments.

Makers, whether individuals or businesses of all sizes are answering the call with their 3D printers.

The Manufacturing Potential of 3D PrintersThe one thing that makes 3D printing technology so valuable is its connectivity.

With this connectivity, owners of 3D printers can start printing a design after they download it from the internet.

How to Start 3D Printing PPEIf you happen to have a 3D printer, take a look at the links below to volunteer your machine and start 3D printing PPE: | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585598419.9376998/3D-Printers-Used-for-Making-Medical-Masks,-Other-PPE?ref=audio_experience

Loft—Sao Paulo’s instant buying proptech startup—recently announced the launch of a R$5 million fund (approximately US$980,000) to protect construction workers’ income.

Considering most of these employees are unable to work from home, social distancing could mean being unable to put food on the table.

Of course, Loft is not alone, governments and companies are figuring out ways to keep these families from going under.

2 for 1Interestingly enough, Loft and Decorati will contribute one Brazilian real for each real paid upfront by their clients.

Workers who receive these upfront payments will need to get the job done eventually, and the payment will be settled through work amortization. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585596611.7288132/Brazil's-proptech-Loft-and-Decorati-create-safety-net-to-keep-workers-home?ref=audio_experience

Today we’re happy to unveil the Disrupt Digital Pro Pass that we’ve been working hard to finalize.

Here’s what you get with your Disrupt Digital Pro Pass, starting at $245:Live stream and VOD (video-on-demand) from the Extra Crunch Stage .

Digital Pro pass holders can arrange 1:1 meetings with founders whether they be virtual or exhibiting on the show floor in-person.

TechCrunch’s hugely popular platform to connect like-minded attendees will be accessible to Digital Pro pass holders as well as in-person attendees.

In addition, of course, Pro pass holders also have access to the features of the free Disrupt Digital Pass:Live stream and VOD from the Disrupt Stage. | To read full story, visit https://startuparound.com/read/1585594807.8625674/Experience-Disrupt-SF-online-with-the-Disrupt-Digital-Pro-Pass-–-TechCrunch?ref=audio_experience