Good morning. As artificial intelligence reshapes how people work, some business leaders are betting less on replacing employees—and more on helping them adapt to the technology.
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, the U.S.’s largest bank, has emerged as one of the most vocal executives urging caution about AI’s impact on jobs. Dimon expects to employ fewer workers in the next five years, but he warned that rushing into AI-driven layoffs without safeguards could backfire, potentially triggering “civil unrest,” he said recently while speaking at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Fortune reported.
Dimon said he would even welcome government bans on replacing large numbers of workers with AI if that were necessary to “save society.” He also insisted that companies must plan for the human consequences of automation. “I have a plan to retrain people, relocate people, income-assist people,” Dimon said of the 300,000-plus employees on his payroll.
Regarding the AI boom set to take hold in enterprises, there is significant computing power needed to underpin it all. For more on that topic, I recommend a Fortune feature by my colleague Sharon Goldman, “At the edges of the AI data center boom, rural America is up against Silicon Valley billions.”
Building a future where AI uplifts human talent
Dimon is not alone in calling for AI strategies that put people at the center. Also in Davos, Microsoft President Brad Smith took on what he described as a defining question for leaders during a Harvard Business Review executive panel session: “Can technology be a platform that enables people to get better?” He framed the future of work as a race between humans and machines. “If we’re just going to say today, ‘the best we are today is the best we’re ever going to be,’ then computers will outpace us,” he said.
Smith argued that the outcome changes if each advance in AI is used to upgrade human capability rather than replace it. If workers can use smarter machines to get better at their jobs, he suggested, then in many areas “machines will never catch up.” “You talk about leadership,” he added. “Are we not going to use, as employers and as leaders, technology as tools to help our employees get better themselves?”
Those questions are becoming more urgent as AI moves from experimentation to everyday use. This year, AI is shifting from the pilot and testing phase to enterprise-wide scaling as worker access to AI tools expands, according to Deloitte’s State of AI in the Enterprise 2026 report. Surveyed companies have broadened worker access to AI by around 50% in just one year. While only about one-quarter of respondents said their organizations have moved 40% or more of their AI experiments into production so far, more than half expect to reach that level in the next three to six months.
Yet the report also highlights a gap that connects directly to the concerns raised in Davos. Insufficient worker skills are cited as the biggest barrier to integrating AI into the business, even as fewer than half of companies are making significant changes to their talent strategies. For leaders like Dimon and Smith, the message is clear: the real test of AI leadership may be less about how quickly companies adopt new tools and more about how effectively they help their people keep up.
Bénédicte de Bonnechose was appointed CFO of the Michelin Group, effective June 1. She will succeed Yves Chapot. A member of the Michelin Executive Committee since Jan. 1, 2021, Bonnechose currently supervises the Urban and Long-Distance Transportation Business lines, as well as the European region. She joined the Michelin Group in April 2019 as deputy group CFO.
Dan Karpel was appointed interim CFO of Caleres (NYSE: CAL), a portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, effective immediately. Karpel also serves as the company’s SVP and chief accounting officer. He succeeds Jack Calandra, who is leaving Caleres at the end of the month to pursue other opportunities. His departure is not related to any disagreement with the company. The company started an external search for a permanent successor.
Big Deal
Organizational AI adoption has not changed meaningfully from the previous quarter, according to a new Gallup report. In Q4 2025, 38% of U.S. employees said their organization has integrated AI technology to improve productivity, efficiency and quality, while 41% said their organization has not implemented AI tools and 21% said they don’t know. These results are similar to Q3 figures.
Gallup reports that employees in technology, finance and higher education show the highest levels of AI use, especially compared with employees in retail, manufacturing and health care.
However, the report also finds that employees who already use AI at work did so slightly more often in the fourth quarter of 2025 than in the prior quarter, continuing a gradual increase since 2023. The share of employees who use AI daily has grown from 10% to 12%, and frequent use—defined as engaging with AI at work at least a few times a week—has edged up three points to 26%.
Courtesy of Gallup
Going deeper
“Minnesota-based CEOs, including Fortune 500 bosses, call for ‘immediate de-escalation of tensions’ after fatal shooting” is a Fortune article by Jason Ma.
In an open letter Sunday from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, more than 60 CEOs said the business community has been working behind the scenes with officials for several weeks.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” CEOs state in the letter.
Overheard
“Retailers did not ask to be put into the middle of America’s political and legal fight over immigration. But they are being drafted nonetheless, and need to scream these facts loudly from the mountaintops to de-escalate a worsening situation.”
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, professor and founder of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, and Steven Tian, a research director at the institute, and a former analyst for Rockefeller Capital Management, write in a Fortune opinion piece.
Good morning. Chickenjoy—its crispy, juicy fried chicken—and Jolly Spaghetti are signature menu items at Jollibee, a Filipino fast-food chain that is building a growing fan base in the U.S. Now, the company is setting its sights on Wall Street.
The Philippines-based Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), the restaurant’s parent company, disclosed earlier this month that it plans to spin off its international operations and pursue a U.S. initial public offering for that business. The contemplated spin-off and listing are targeted for late 2027, leaving “quite a bit of time ahead of us for the work to be done,” Jollibee Global CFO Richard Shin said during a Jan. 14 media roundtable.
JFC, which includes restaurant brands such as Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, is currently traded as a single group on the Philippine Stock Exchange and operates in 33 countries. Over the past 15 quarters, JFC’s international network has posted a 26.7% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the group’s overall 15.1% rate of expansion. The separation reflects increasingly distinct strategic profiles for the domestic and international businesses, Shin said.
In March 2025, Jollibee launched its first U.S. franchising program. After opening its first North American location in 1998 in Daly City, California, the brand has since expanded to more than 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada as of early 2026.
Why go the route of a U.S. IPO? “I think there’s a fact that we can all agree on: the U.S. capital markets have deep investor-based experience in valuing global consumer and restaurant growth companies,” Shin said on the call.
Many such companies are still growing into their potential yet are often rewarded with higher multiples and valuations, he said. While that outcome is not guaranteed for JFC, a U.S. listing offers greater capital depth, liquidity, and broader analyst coverage, with any final decision subject to valuation and required approvals, he added.
The IPO market in the U.S. is heating up again, Fortune’s Jeff John Roberts writes in a new feature article. “While 2026 will almost certainly not match the banner year of 1999, which saw 476 companies go public, investors should have far more choices than they did four years ago, when just 38 firms held an IPO,” he writes.
Shin also framed the separation of JFC in terms of simplifying how investors assess the corporation, noting the group includes businesses at different stages of their life cycles, with varying returns and opportunities. Distinct domestic and international entities, he suggested, could offer investors clearer, more targeted investment options as the strategic profiles of the two segments continue to diverge.
Reasons for pursuing the separation include improved transparency, discipline in capital allocation, execution against the growth strategy, and the ability to attract an investor base aligned with the risk–return profile of each business rather than being judged solely on short-term financial metrics, he said.
“The transaction is aligned with the Jollibee Group’s long-term value creation strategy,” Shin said.
With its eyes on Wall Street, Jollibee is betting that global taste and investor appetite will be on its side.
Helen Cai was appointed senior executive vice president and CFO of Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE: B), effective March 1, following the departure of long-serving finance chief Graham Shuttleworth, who will be leaving the company after its year-end results. Cai has served on Barrick’s board since November 2021 and brings more than 20 years of experience in equity research, corporate finance, capital markets, and M&A at firms across the mining, industrial, and technology sectors, primarily with Goldman Sachs and China International Capital Corporation.
Meredith Peck was named CFO of Zekelman Industries, the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America. Peck succeeds Mike Graham, who will retire on May 15 following a planned transition period. She brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience to Zekelman Industries and most recently served as CFO for COTSWORKS, Inc., after earlier roles as the company’s controller and then vice president of finance and administration. Earlier in her career, Peck held senior leadership roles at KeyBank and began her career in public accounting at PwC, and she is also a former U.S. Coast Guard officer.
Big Deal
In a blog post on Sunday, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar provided an update on the tech giant, including its revenue. In 2023, revenue reached $2 billion in annual recurring revenue; it rose to $6 billion in 2024 and jumped to more than $20 billion in 2025.
This revenue growth closely tracked an expansion in computing capacity. OpenAI’s computing capacity rose from 0.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 to 0.6 GW in 2024 and about 1.9 GW in 2025.
Friar writes: “Compute is the scarcest resource in AI. Three years ago, we relied on a single compute provider. Today, we are working with providers across a diversified ecosystem. That shift gives us resilience and, critically, compute certainty.”
In an accompanying LinkedIn post, Friar said that from a finance perspective, demand is real and growing at rates never seen by any company previously, and that customers are paying in proportion to the value delivered. She added that capital is being deployed deliberately into the constraints that actually matter, especially compute.
Going deeper
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) have published a Global Economic Conditions Survey, based on the results of their Q4 2025 poll. Members from around the world share their views on the macroeconomic environment.
Confidence among CFOs improved somewhat, but remained below its historic average, and the key indicators point to caution at their firms, according to the findings. Accountants flagged economic pressure, cyber disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty as the top risk priorities, underscoring that risks are increasingly complex and interlinked.
“Accountants remain cautious entering 2026, amid a highly uncertain global backdrop,” Jonathan Ashworth, chief economist of ACCA, said in a statement. “The global economy performed better than expected in 2025 and looks set to remain resilient in 2026 amid recent monetary easing by central banks, stock market gains, supportive fiscal policies in key countries, and the ongoing global AI boom.” However, there remains significant uncertainty, amid a wide range of risks, “not least on the geopolitical front, which are more heavily skewed to the downside,” he said.
Overheard
“We are entering an IPO ‘mega‑cycle’ that we expect will be defined by unprecedented deal volume and IPO sizes.”
—Goldman Sachs’ global co-head of investment banking, Kim Posnett, recently told Fortune. Posnett discussed how she sees the current business environment and the most significant developments in 2026 in terms of AI, the IPO market, and M&A activity. Posnett, named among the leaders on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list, is one of the bank’s top dealmakers and also serves as vice chair of the Firmwide Client Franchise Committee and as a member of the Management Committee.
Good morning. This year has shown that AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s redefining finance.
In covering AI, I’ve spoken with CFOs across industries who are focused on value creation and developing real-world use cases for AI to reshape everything from forecasting and financial planning to strategic decision-making. As data moves faster than ever, finance leaders are asking a new question: not what AI could do, but how it can truly transform the enterprise. I’ve also talked with industry experts and researchers about topics ranging from the ROI of AI to “prompt-a-thons” and debates over whether AI will turn CFOs into chief capital officers.
Finance chiefs are signaling the next big evolution—2026 will be the year of enterprise-scale AI. Pilot programs and proofs of concept are giving way to avenues for full-scale deployment as CFOs expect AI to deliver measurable value: faster decisions, leaner operations, and predictive insights that can provide a competitive edge. However, that level of transformation comes with new demands—governance, data integrity, and human oversight matter more than ever.
I recently asked finance chiefs from leading companies how they expect AI to redefine what it means to lead in finance. For instance, Zane Rowe, CFO at Workday, told me: “There has never been a more exciting time to be a CFO with AI unlocking new opportunities for value creation through unprecedented data and insights. Most of the focus has been on experimentation and discovering the art of the possible, but this year, leaders will shift from ‘What can AI do?’ to ‘How do we build the foundation for scale?’ They will manage a more nuanced AI portfolio that balances launching pilots with rolling out proven solutions, and they will prioritize the unglamorous but critical work of data governance, process redesign, and maintenance of new technologies. Success in 2026 will be defined by how we mature our AI strategy to ensure it is both agile, durable, and enterprise-grade.”
Shifting from the perspective of a major tech company to a beauty and cosmetics leader, Mandy Fields, CFO at e.l.f. Beauty offered this prediction: “From where a CFO sits, AI simultaneously helps broaden our view to get a better macro picture and can help put a sharper focus on very specific points of interest. e.l.f. Beauty is growing globally, and AI has visibility across it all. Going into next year, we’ll continue to explore how we best leverage AI in finance to lean into its strengths. It’s a pretty similar approach to our high-performance teamwork culture in which we encourage the team to pursue and thrive in the areas where they have expertise, learn continuously and move at e.l.f. speed.”
You can read more insights from over a dozen CFOs on how AI will shape finance in 2026 in my complete article here.
This is the final CFO Daily of 2025. The next issue will land in your inbox on Jan. 5. Thank you for your readership—and wishing you a wonderful holiday season. See you in 2026!
Good morning. An AI-fueled takeover of finance jobs doesn’t appear imminent, experts say.
My Fortune colleague Emma Burleigh takes a deep dive into this topic in her new report, “Is AI really killing finance and banking jobs? Experts say Wall Street’s layoffs may be more hype than takeover—for now.” For example, despite Wall Street’s headline-grabbing layoffs this year, overall headcount across banking and finance has remained relatively stable.
“I think the general [headcount] trend in the banking industry over the last decade is stable to slightly declining,” Pim Hilbers, a managing director working with banking and talent at BCG, told Burleigh. “I don’t see that changing anytime soon. That doesn’t mean that everybody just stays in their job for life. I think we see a lot more mobility than we saw in the past.”
Burleigh writes about the banking sector: “So far, America’s largest financial institutions haven’t been making deep workforce cuts. Bank of America employed just four fewer workers at the end of the third quarter this year, compared to 2024. In that same time period, JPMorgan saw its headcount climb by 2,000 employees, and more than a third of the new staffers were brought onto corporate operations. Even Goldman Sachs, which implemented multiple rounds of layoffs this year, employed 48,300 this September—around 1,800 staffers higher than the year before.
“Banks aren’t ready to shed staffers just yet; experts tell Fortune they’re pulling back on headcount growth for as long as possible, leaning on AI efficiency gains until they’re forced to add more humans to payroll. They predict this sluggish period of hiring could last for years.” Although AI isn’t replacing bankers just yet, there could be trouble on the horizon for marketers and accountants. You can read the complete report here.
Regarding banking, AI is also reshaping competitive advantage, a recent BCG report finds. Predictive, generative, and agentic AI are redefining the foundations of scale, efficiency, and customer experience. Banks must anchor AI strategy in business strategy. And “winning institutions” focus on where AI will deliver real returns, not just on deploying more technology, according to BCG.
In any democracy, and especially in Washington, D.C., the act of protest is a way to get one’s point across — and while a protest may be loud and rambunctious, moments often contain beauty.
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DC photographer on protest art: ‘It comes from rage, but also determination’
In any democracy, and especially in D.C., the act of protest is a way to get one’s point across — and while a protest may be loud and rambunctious, moments often contain beauty.
Oxford English Dictionary defines “protest” as, “a statement or action expressing disapproval or objection.”
When D.C.-based photographer Antonia Tricarico photographs protests in the nation’s capital, she’s a conduit to what’s happening in front of her.
“I’m not going there asking them to pose, or if I can take photographs,” she told WTOP. “I’m feeling the emotion.”
Tricarico is in the midst of a Kickstarter fundraising effort for her new book, titled, “Be My Rebel: Protest Photographs through art, music, action, and essays.”
Two of her earlier books captured the inherent protest of punk rock: “Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essay from Washington, D.C. and Beyond, 1997-2017” and “The Inner Ear of Don Zientara: A Half Century of Recording in One of America’s Most Innovative Studios Through the Voices of Musicians.”
Tricarico said the images she captures can contain raw emotions.
“It comes from rage, but also determination,” Tricarico said.
She said she feels empathy for the people she is photographing.
“I totally understand that sometimes an action that looks like it’s coming from rage and violence can really put people in a weird spot,” she said.
Tricarico envisions a hardcover edition with 200 pages containing over 200 photographs and 18 essays from local artists. The Kickstarter campaign will run through Dec. 10.
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Good morning. Liquid Death has tapped Ricky Khetarpaul, a PepsiCo alum, as finance chief of the popular L.A.-based water startup that’s expanded into other beverages.
“It’s a truly healthy beverage platform with a proven track record as an innovator across categories,” Khetarpaul told me. “I’ve been a big fan of Liquid Death.”
Founded in 2017 by CEO Mike Cessario, Liquid Death is valued at approximately $1.4 billion and is known for its edgy, skeleton-stamped tallboy cans filled with water, sparkling water, or iced tea with fruit juice—not alcohol.
In 2024, the company’s scanned sales were north of $300 million, and it has achieved a 380% CAGR since its 2019 launch. This month, Liquid Death announced a new distribution deal with Big Geyser in New York.
Khetarpaul succeeds Karim Sadik-Khan, who joined Liquid Death as finance chief in June 2024. Sadik-Khan is currently the CFO at Spindrift, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Before joining Liquid Death, Khetarpaul was the CFO of Health-Ade, a kombucha and gut-health soda brand. He previously served as North America CFO for Lavazza, spent over eight years in finance at PepsiCo, leading reporting, forecasting, and planning for a $5 billion beverage portfolio, and held leadership roles at Sabra Dipping Co. and Walgreens Boots Alliance.
He noted that the biggest challenge for CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands is building strong consumer loyalty. “Even bigger brands I’ve worked with have struggled,” he said. “But in just a few years, Liquid Death has built one of the biggest fan bases in the beverage industry.”
Strategic marketing
According to a recent NCSolutions survey, half of Gen Zers said they are alcohol-free by choice, and 43% believe Gen Z is driving the “sober curious” movement. Gen Z and millennials account for over 70% of Liquid Death’s customers.
Cessario, a former marketing executive, credits the company’s entertainment-first, social media-centric marketing for its strong appeal among young consumers. Liquid Death has 14.5 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.
Khetarpaul sees marketing as a growth center, drawing on his own experience in sales and marketing at PepsiCo before moving into finance. “I view the CFO role as a growth driver, not just a traditional controller,” he said. “Liquid Death’s marketing converts brand awareness into sales; the company is very metrics-driven. We measure marketing investments both strategically and in terms of ROI, which is music to any CFO’s ears.”
The brand has also run campaigns with celebrities and partners. For example, it recently launched a limited-edition Fruity Pebbles sparkling water called Cereal Criminal on Amazon. Liquid Death plans to enter the $23 billion energy drink market in 2026 with Liquid Death Sparkling Energy, which is naturally caffeinated from coffee beans rather than synthetic sources, Khetarpaul said.
However, the segment is highly competitive, dominated by brands such as Red Bull and Monster. As CFO, Khetarpaul is set to play a key leadership role in helping Liquid Death become the “next true multi-category beverage brand,” Cessario said in a statement.
Backed by a loyal fan base and an ambitious CFO, Liquid Death is ready to disrupt the beverage aisle—again.
Lydia Brown has been appointed CFO of Citrin Cooperman, a professional services provider for private, middle market businesses and high net-worth individuals, effective Oct. 13. Brown succeeds Larry Diamond, who will retire after three years of dedicated service as the firm’s CFO. Brown brings more than 30 years of experience in the professional services industry, including senior financial leadership roles across both private-equity-backed and publicly traded companies. Most recently, she served as CFO for HKA, a global consultancy.
Craig Chamberlin was appointed EVP and CFO of Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE: VRT), a digital infrastructure company, effective Nov. 10. Chamberlin succeeds David Fallon, who previously announced his intention to retire from Vertiv and serve as a consultant to the company through Dec. 31. Chamberlin joins Vertiv from Wabtec Corporation, where he most recently served as group VP and CFO of the company’s transit segment.
The MPW franchise started in 1998 with the publication of the first-ever Most Powerful Women in Business ranking. The response to this list made it clear that these trailblazing women needed a platform to come together and discuss the unique challenges they were facing. And so, Fortune MPW evolved into a community of leaders that gathered at invite-only events, such as the annual Summit. This year’s theme is “Leading in a Dynamic World.”
Going deeper
The latest EY Global IPO Trends report found that in Q3 2025, global equity markets rebounded strongly, with major indices in the U.S., Asia, and Europe reaching new highs after months of pressure from tariffs, interest rate uncertainty, and debt concerns. The rally was driven by looser monetary policy and solid corporate earnings, according to the report.
Overheard
“Frankly, this thing that trade is dead is completely overstated. Trade is like water. You put [up an] obstacle, it goes around it.”
—Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, said during the Fortune Most Powerful Women summit in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Georgieva downplayed any fears of a trade war but recognizes the world is becoming “foggier” and full of uncertainty. She said one of the biggest challenges comes from getting buy-in that cooperation is better than division: “We are in this one big boat. It is a rough sea. We’d better row together,” Fortunereported.
Good morning. U.S. tech companies, particularly in software, have dominated the 2025 Fortune Future 50 list.
Snowflake, a cloud-based data storage company, takes the top spot on the list released this morning, followed closely by data, analytics, and AI provider Databricks. Both companies are fueled by the rise of AI in business—their platforms enable organizations to unlock and activate their own data as the foundation for artificial intelligence. Rounding out the top five are Celonis, DataRobot, and Astera Labs.
Since 2017, Fortune has partnered with the consulting firm BCG to publish the Future 50, an annual index of global companies, both publicly traded and venture-backed private firms, with the strongest prospects for above-average, long-term growth. The list highlights top scorers in “corporate vitality,” a measurable and manageable quality that reflects a company’s innate ability to expand.
Snowflake is not only well-positioned for growth but also preparing for leadership changes. Earlier this month, the company announced that Brian Robins will become CFO on Sept. 22, succeeding Mike Scarpelli, who is retiring. Robins served as CFO of GitLab since 2020 and, before that, held CFO roles at Sisense, Cylance, AlienVault, and Verisign, a Nasdaq-listed company.
“Snowflake is at the center of the AI revolution,” Robins said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be a part of this hyper-growth phase.” He said he’s committed to helping the company scale efficiently to achieve its vision.
Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Snowflake, echoed that sentiment: “We’re incredibly confident in our next chapter of growth with Brian taking the helm as our new chief financial officer. Brian’s deep commitment to operational rigor and long-term high growth aligns perfectly with Snowflake’s strategic direction.”
Robins will be tasked with sustaining Snowflake’s momentum. For the quarter that ended July 31, the company reported earnings of 35 cents per share, nearly double from the same period last year. Revenue climbed 32% to $1.1 billion, surpassing estimates of $1.09 billion.
With a new finance chief, rising demand for AI-powered solutions, and continued revenue growth, Snowflake is aiming to remain a dominant force. View the complete Fortune Future 50 list here.
Joshua Reed was appointed CFO of Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS), effective Sept. 15. Reed brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience. Most recently, he served as CFO of Omega Therapeutics, a then publicly traded biotechnology company. Before that, Reed was the CFO at Aldeyra Therapeutics. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade at Bristol Myers Squibb, culminating in his role as VP and head of finance operations for the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Travis T. Thomas, CFO of Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI), has resigned effective immediately to pursue other opportunities. According to the company’s announcement, his resignation was not the result of any disagreement between Ring Energy and Thomas regarding financial, operational, policy, or governance matters. Rocky Kwon, currently VP of accounting, controller, and assistant treasurer, has been appointed interim CFO. The company has begun a search for a permanent replacement.
Big Deal
Americans’ trust in the responsible use of AI has improved since Gallup began measuring the topic in 2023, according to a newly released report. This year, about a third (31%) of Americans surveyed said they trust businesses to use AI responsibly—3% said “a lot,” and 28% said “somewhat.” In 2023, only 21% expressed trust in businesses’ use of AI.
Still, skepticism remains. Forty-one percent of respondents this year said they do not trust businesses much when it comes to using AI responsibly, while 28% said they do not trust them at all.
The findings come from the latest Bentley University–Gallup Business in Society survey, based on responses from 3,007 U.S. adults in a web-based poll.
According to Gallup, the challenge businesses face as they deploy AI is clear: “They must not only demonstrate the technology’s benefits but also show, through transparent practices, that it will not come at the expense of workers or broader public trust.”
Courtesy of Gallup
Going deeper
“Unconscious Uncoupling: CFO Business Partnering 2025” is a report by Datarails based on a survey of 240 U.S. heads of sales, marketing, HR, IT, customer service, and R&D departments regarding their relationships with CFOs. Although finance teams have evolved into strategic business partners, nearly all business executives (97%) still view their finance chief’s primary role as “limiting spending.”
Overall, 51% of executives ranked poor communication as their biggest complaint in the relationship. IT executives reported having the strongest “business partner” relationship with the CFO’s office, according to the survey.
“Without finance partnership, businesses will continue to lose significant opportunities to drive growth,” said Didi Gurfinkel, CEO and co-founder of Datarails.
Overheard
“In the same way that every company became a technology company, I think that every company will become an AI company.”
—Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev told David Rubenstein last week during an interview on Bloomberg Wealth.
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Good morning. Retaining and engaging employees remains a core priority for many companies.
For Synechron, this meant celebrating its $1 billion annual revenue milestone by making every employee a part owner. The private AI and tech consultancy recently announced its offering a universal equity grant to all 16,000 employees worldwide—each will receive $1,000 in restricted stock units (RSUs).
Unlike typical performance- or tenure-based models, this RSU grant is equal for all employees, regardless of location or role. There’s no minimum tenure requirement for the award, which is granted to current employees only. The company maintains separate, performance-driven equity awards as well.
Reaching $1 billion, bootstrapped and without outside investors, is a notable accomplishment, CEO and cofounder Faisal Husain told me. Founded in 2001, the once-small New York startup has grown over 24 years into a global player with offices in 21 countries.
Leadership wanted a celebration of the milestone that reflected the company’s values, Husain said. After considering standard rewards like gift cards or gadgets, they chose a shared equity stake. “It’s the best form of appreciation,” he said.
“We’ve all heard the stories—if you bought $1,000 of Amazon or Microsoft shares 20 years ago, it would be worth a lot today,” Husain told me. Synechron employees could have a similar opportunity.
Asked if an IPO is in Synechron’s future, he said it’s possible, but, for now, the focus is on growth, innovation, and helping clients through technology’s rapid changes. “We’ve kept the company privately held for 24 years,” Husain said. At some point, things may change, he added, “but we’re not in any rush.”
Leadership sets the culture
The grant ties directly to Husain’s leadership philosophy—it reflects a culture of transparency and inclusivity reinforced by regular town halls and a belief that everyone should share in the firm’s success, he said.
I spoke with two Synechron employees. Roya Shahilow, chief of staff in London for a decade, recalled joining when revenue was just $300,000. “The $1 billion mark felt like a dream in the distance,” she said. “It’s a proud moment to have achieved that.”
Annushree Chute, senior manager of immigration and travel in Pune, India, also with the company for 10 years, echoed that the excitement in the office was palpable when the news broke. Both credit the company’s supportive culture for their long tenures. “Connecting with everyone, from associates to the CEO, is very important,” Chute said. Shahilow added, “Granting these RSUs speaks volumes about our culture.”
Every employee received a medallion as a physical symbol of their shares. Shahilow plans to frame hers; Chute will display hers on her desk.
As CEO, Husain is both reflecting on this achievement and focused on future growth. “Now we have to chart a new path,” he said. “How do we go from $1 billion today to $10 billion? It’s my role to make sure we stay on the winning side.”
Inder M. Singh was appointed CFO and chief operating officer of IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a quantum computing and networking provider, effective immediately. Singh succeeds Thomas Kramer, who will remain at IonQ in an advisory capacity for up to 60 days. Singh most recently served as CFO of Arm, a British semiconductor and software design company, where he oversaw the majority of its IPO. Singh previously held several leadership roles at Unisys, a global technology solutions company, culminating with his position as CFO. Before that, Singh led financial strategy for Cisco, one of the world’s largest networking companies, as its VP of corporate financial strategy and M&A.
Samantha Rutty was appointed EVP and CFO at Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MYE), a manufacturer, effective Sept. 22. Rutty brings to her new role more than two decades of finance leadership experience across global services and manufacturing companies. She joins Myers from The Brink’s Company, where she had served as VP and CFO of Brink’s North America since November 2022. Before that, Rutty spent 20 years with Eaton Corporation in a series of senior finance roles, including director of finance, eMobility.
Big Deal
The Labor Department released the August jobs report on Friday, showing U.S. employers added just 22,000 jobs as the labor market continued to cool. Hiring slowed from an upwardly revised 79,000 in July. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest level since 2021.
The results are likely to heighten concerns at the Federal Reserve about labor market weakness, according to a note to clients from BofA Global Research. “There is now clearer evidence of deterioration in labor demand, not just supply,” BofA economists wrote. “Therefore, we are changing our Fed call to show two 25bp cuts this year, in September and December.”
Jerome Powell’s current term as chair of the Federal Reserve is set to expire in May 2026. BofA economists maintain their view that the next Fed Chair will guide the Federal Open Market Committee in a more dovish direction. They now expect another 75bp of rate cuts under the new chair, aiming for a terminal rate of 3.00-3.25%.
“We pencil those in for June, September, and December 2026,” the note says. “This raises our forecast of cumulative cuts by end-2026 from 100bp to 125bp.”
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish its preliminary payroll revision, which recalculates which recalculates employment numbers for the previous year using more comprehensive data, such as company payrolls.
Going deeper
“Anthropic reaches $1.5 Billion settlement with authors in landmark copyright case” is a Fortune report by Beatrice Nolan.
From the report: “Anthropic agreed to pay authors around $3,000 per book for roughly 500,000 works, after it was accused of downloading millions of pirated texts from shadow libraries to train its large language model, Claude. As part of the deal, Anthropic will also destroy data it was accused of illegally acquiring. The fast-growing AI startup announced on Sept. 2 that it had just raised an additional $13 billion in new venture capital funding in a deal that valued the company at $183 billion.” Read the complete report here.
Overheard
“We’re actually seeing the human skills coming into premium.”
—Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, told Fortune in a recent interview regarding the use of AI-generated content.
The Groundbreaking RPG Platform Fabled is Transforming the Tabletop Experience and Has Already Captured the Imagination of Backers Worldwide
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, November 12, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Fabled, the all-in-one RPG platform redefining the tabletop gaming experience, has officially launched on Kickstarter, achieving its initial funding goal in just 12 hours and unlocking two stretch goals within the first few days. Designed to empower game masters and players with limitless customization, Fabled brings the magic of tabletop roleplaying games into an immersive and intuitive virtual space.
“Fabled was created with one mission in mind: to give adventurers complete creative freedom,” said David Logan, Fabled founder. “Traditional systems can feel restrictive, so we designed Fabled to put complete control in the hands of game masters and players. The community’s response has been beyond our expectations, and we’re thrilled to keep building on this momentum.”
The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a fully immersive virtual tabletop with real-time dynamic dice rolls, a roleplaying engine to create custom rules, items, skills, and worlds, customizable character sheets, AI-powered world-building tools, and more. With Fabled, game masters can design unique campaigns, players can personalize their gameplay experience, and content creators can sell and share their creations through the newly unlocked Community Marketplace.
“Community-driven content is at the heart of what we do,” added Logan. “We’re building this platform alongside our supporters, listening to feedback, and continuously improving. With the help of our incredible backers, we’re excited to bring the ultimate RPG experience to life.”
Having reached the Community Marketplace milestone, the next stretch goal is to develop the Mobile Companion App. This feature will allow players to take Fabled anywhere — from local game stores to physical sessions. The app extends the virtual tabletop tools to mobile devices, enabling dice rolling, character sheet management, inventory updates, image sharing, and combat management.
Interested backers can join the campaign and secure a discount on a premium subscription by visiting Kickstarter. The Fabled Kickstarter runs until Nov. 21 PT, offering exclusive opportunities for early supporters to help shape the future of tabletop gaming.
To learn more and back the campaign, visit us at Kickstarter.
DANBURY, Conn., October 15, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Elestrals, the record-setting trading card game (TCG), proudly announces Elestrals Clash!, a groundbreaking cross-platform experience. This free-to-play desktop and mobile client will offer seamless, fully automated gameplay, transforming how Casters clash and allowing players to engage in strategic battles wherever they are. Join the upcoming Kickstarter offering exciting stretch goals like Alpha/Beta Access, Exclusive Digital Goods, Physical Promo Cards, Booster Boxes, Uncut Sheets, and more.
From towering peaks to shadowy forests and ocean depths, uncover the mythical, enchanted creatures known as Elestrals. Wield their Elemental forces and clash for supremacy on a brand-new digital platform in an epic battle to Ascend to Immortality. Whether it’s Earth, Fire, Water, Thunder, Wind, Frost, Solar, or Lunar, fate lies in your hands.
A Proven Development Team
Elestrals Clash! immerses players in rich 3D environments where strategy meets spectacle. The talented team behind Elestrals Clash! has a history of success in the TCG space, previously building a widely used fan-made app, Pixelborn, that quickly gained traction in the community. With their help and experience,the Elestrals team will adapt their knowledge for Elestrals Clash!, allowing us to create a fun and cost-effective solution for players.
Cosmetics: A Player-First Approach
Casters can look forward to unlocking exclusive items via Pandora’s Box, a dynamic system that unlocks rare art, backgrounds, sleeves, animations, and more, adding personalized flair to each player’s journey. Our Pantheon Battle Pass will also offer progression-based rewards, with premium and free tiers for all players to enjoy.
Key Features May Include:
Onboarding Tutorials – Learn the ropes with the guidance of in-game Divines like Demeter and Zeus, offering immersive voiceovers and interactive lessons.
Casual and Ranked Play – Whether battling for fun or competing for rewards, climb the ranks to earn exclusive physical and digital prizes.
Tournaments – Revel in the cheers of the Coliseum as you battle your way through our Play Network events. Do you have what it takes to Clash in the arena?
AI Opponents & Puzzles – Hone your skills against AI bosses or challenge yourself with intricate community-driven puzzles.
“Being able to bring Elestrals Clash! to life after our historic $1.5 million Kickstarter would be a dream come true,” says aDrive, CEO and Founder of Elestrals, “I’ve spent over a decade building communities, and we’ve poured our hearts into crafting a game that captures the essence and magic of Elestrals. We want to give fans an immersive experience that deepens the strategy and lore. I can’t wait for players to start their adventure!”
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the future of Elestrals! Join us in bringing Elestrals Clash! to life on Kickstarter. Please help us create a way for players to enjoy our game with the official release of Elestrals Clash! Stay tuned for more details, special rewards, and additional updates.
For more information, visit our Kickstarter campaign.
Premier Outdoor Product Manufacturer, Wildland and Cinch, a Leader in Outdoor Gear Innovation, to Transform Campsite Cooking Experience
The Joint Venture’s Campaign Was Launched on Kickstarter, July 31st, 2024.
SHERIDAN, Wyo., August 7, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Wildland, a premier outdoor product manufacturer, in collaboration with Cinch, a leader in outdoor gear innovation, announces the launch of their latest product, the Kitchen Cruiser. Set to transform campsite cooking, the Kitchen Cruiser will provide a comprehensive kitchen experience in a portable format.
The campaign launched on Kickstarter on July 31, 2024, marking Cinch’s sixth crowdfunding initiative. With a track record of raising over 2 million dollars on the platform, this campaign reached its funding goal in less than 60 minutes. It has also earned the prestigious Kickstarter “Project We Love” badge.
The Kitchen Cruiser, designed by Wildland, addresses the common challenges of campsite cooking. It transforms from a compact, portable box into a full-fledged kitchen, complete with prep areas, cooking stations, cleaning facilities, and storage. The innovative design includes a running water system with a battery-powered sink and a gas stove, making gourmet cooking in the great outdoors not only possible but also easy and enjoyable.
Jake Jackson, the founder of Cinch, established his outdoor gear company in 2009 to address the lack of innovation in the industry. Through crowdfunding, Jackson has successfully launched groundbreaking ideas and has built a global community of outdoor enthusiasts. Cinch’s previous five crowdfunding campaigns have raised over $2 million from thousands of customers in more than 80 countries.
“Camping often means compromising on meals. With the Kitchen Cruiser, we aim to change that,” says Jackson, the founder of Cinch. “Our goal is to make it possible for campers to cook delicious meals anywhere, without needing a truckload of equipment. Everything you need is in one portable box.”
Wildland, known for their innovative rooftop tents and overlanding products, brings their expertise to this collaboration. As one of the world’s leading outdoor product manufacturers, Wildland has a reputation for forward-thinking designs and industry-first innovations.
“Our partnership with Cinch on the Kitchen Cruiser brings together our strengths in design and manufacturing,” says Posy Wu, head of product design from Wildland. “We’re excited to see how this product will enhance the camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.”
About Wildland: Wildland is a leading manufacturer of outdoor products, specializing in rooftop tents and gear for the overlanding community. Renowned for their innovation and award-winning designs, Wildland continues to push the boundaries of outdoor product manufacturing.
About Cinch: Cinch is a pioneering company in outdoor gear, known for its innovative camping equipment. Founded in 2009 by Jake, Cinch has successfully leveraged crowdfunding to launch unique products and build a global community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Smart Sensors To Monitor Your Plants’ Every Need. No More Guesswork on Plant Problems. Expert Insights at Your Fingertips to Effortlessly Help Your Houseplants Thrive.
LONDON, England, July 9, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– SmartyPlants, an innovative startup in houseplant care technology, has launched its smart sensors on Kickstarter. This cutting-edge technology revolutionizes indoor plant care by providing real-time feedback and personalized tips.
The statistics are alarming: 46% of adults buy houseplants each year. In the last 18 months, 48% of these buyers have killed an average of five plants. This results in staggering numbers of dead plants, calculated at: 190 million in the U.S., 38 million in the UK, 23 million in Canada, 266 million in Europe, and 90 million in Australia. This leads to frustration and deters many from continuing to care for plants.
Based in London, UK, SmartyPlants makes indoor plant care accessible, efficient, and enjoyable. By providing reliable, real-time data and actionable advice, it addresses challenges like overwatering and insufficient light and ensures everyone can have thriving plants.
SmartyPlants’ sensors monitor light, humidity, temperature, soil moisture, and nutrients, relaying this data to an intuitive mobile app. The app provides actionable insights and personalized care tips for optimal plant health and growth. Integrating smart sensors, AI, and a mobile app makes it easy to understand your plant’s needs, transforming the interaction between people and their plants. It even connects to your smart home through Home Assistant, opening up many automation possibilities.
“SmartyPlants focuses on helping the 48% of houseplant owners who have accidentally killed five or more plants over the last 18 months. No judgment – we understand that it can be hard to know what to do!” said Ben Beavers, Founder of SmartyPlants. “We want you to enjoy your plants stress-free, and with our technology, we can make sure they’re looked after. We are driven to help people plant smarter, not harder.”
The launch of SmartyPlants on Kickstarter has shown tremendous promise. Funded within 17 minutes, SmartyPlants quickly climbed Kickstarter’s technology rankings, reaching the number one spot by day three. Midway through the campaign, they have over 1,000 backers and raised over £100,000 ($125,000), placing them in the top 1% of all-time Kickstarter projects. They also received a coveted “Projects We Love” award from Kickstarter, awarded to the most innovative projects by the Kickstarter editorial team.
This Kickstarter campaign offers backers exclusive rewards and discounts, and a chance to join a community of passionate plant lovers and tech enthusiasts committed to sustainable living.
About SmartyPlants:
SmartyPlants is dedicated to revolutionizing houseplant care through innovative technology. Combining horticulture expertise with advanced data analytics, SmartyPlants makes plant care simple, efficient, and effective. For more information, visit the Kickstarter page or contact Ben at ben@smartyplants.ai.
We are excited to announce that SmartyPlants has launched an affiliate program and we welcome media outlets’ participation. For more details and to sign up, please visit https://smartyplants.kickbooster.me/boost/smartyplants
He was skeptical to start with, especially on the flat, but after climbing a relatively steep slope he conceded, “I would usually have to stop halfway up here and would definitely be more out of breath than I am.” He also noticed that walking on the flat, “alters my natural stride, and I feel like I’m someone with a disability that’s being held as I walk.”
Asked if he’d spend $1,200 on it though, Dad laughed.
The Dnsys X1 is heavily discounted as part of the brand’s crowdfunding campaign, with pricing from $750, which is slightly more palatable than the suggested retail price if and when it makes it to the market—though at $1.2 million and counting you’d assume it will.
My final prototype sample certainly had issues. Without the benefit of the Dnsys app, the controls on the X1 are fiddly and confusing, with various tones and tiny lights representing power modes and battery life.
The app makes everything easier, but it’s not great. I had to ask the brand what the different power levels actually represented, as there was no guidance. Levels one and two, for instance, are designed for women “with regular body weight”; levels two to four are for long-distance walking and climbing hills; and levels five and six are for trail running and intensive sports activities. Hopefully this basic info will be added to the app before proper launch.
During testing, the unit also failed several times. According to the engineers, this was a safety feature that kicks in when the straps are not in the right position. This in itself is a good thing, but I couldn’t tighten the straps any more, and the unit was unable to reset itself. Hopefully, for the Kickstarter backers, these are just teething problems.
Pensioner Power
There’s no denying the Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton works. It really does power you along and take the strain out of your legs when walking uphill. It’s too heavy, though, and the waist strap needs to be comfier.
Judging the Dnsys X1 as it stands now, it gets the score here—and it should be underlined that, even though this is a final-stage prototype, Dnsys was insistent we could fully review this model. If the glitches we found can be sorted out, it’ll be interesting to see how the shipped product, supposedly coming in September, differs.
I can’t help thinking, however, that the brand is currently targeting the wrong audience. Not a single person in the marketing literature looks like they actually need help hiking, walking, or running.
I’m lucky enough to be relatively fit and healthy, but as I get older and bits start to crumble, I’d love to know that there is a way for me to still get out and explore. Yes, my dad initially scoffed at the price, but he’d almost certainly spend big to keep doing what he loves—and I for one would love to welcome more Mighty Morphing Power Pensioners to the trails.
DnD Dice | RPG games | Roulette wheel | Measurement tool | Fidget Toy. One Neo, Many Possibilities. Switch games as easy as Load, Spin, Play!
AUSTIN, Texas, May 16, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Why settle for one, when your gadget does many? Meet Neo Spin, a multi-functional, everyday carry gaming gadget that offers a unique blend of functionality and entertainment. Notion Builds LLC, a product design company based out of TX, USA, innovates new products with core principles of fun, form, and function, launches its latest offering Neo Spin on Kickstarter. Versatile, modular, and customizable, Neo Spin offers a range of opportunities to expand its portfolio of functionalities and is a perfect companion for all ages.
Robust Construction: Neo Spin is an all-metal precision CNC manufactured with brass caps on either side and a stainless steel disc on the inside. The disc, with a ball bearing at its core, spins between the brass casings with ease. Measuring just 40mm in diameter and 10mm thick, weighing around 2.5 oz, Neo Spin is a perfect everyday carry companion.
How it works: The SS discs are swappable and each disc is laser engraved on either side with strategic games, DnD dice, and a roulette wheel, to name a few. Load the disc of your choice, spin the disc, and hold after a few seconds. Align the number with the arrow on the case for the result. It’s perfectly random and produces fair gameplay.
One NEO, Many Possibilities: Neo Spin is loaded with features and functionalities that complement each other, which are not limited to just a few games but are expandable with one’s imagination. The personalization options challenge one’s creativity to constantly come up with different possibilities in playing various games.
Fidget Spinner: The diamond-knurled SS disc with brass caps on either side has a premium feel, and the perfect weight of the spin is a breeze for fidget lovers. Pocket-friendly, Neo Spin is easy to take out, fidget, and slip it back.
Measurement Disc: It’s never easy to measure a curve with a linear scale or a measuring tape. When Neo Spin is rolled on a curved surface, the measuring disc rotates along the surface, indicating the distance traveled on the curve.
Personalization: Make Neo Spin truly yours and suit your needs. Neo Spin offers a custom disc, wherein the user can get their personalized details engraved on the disc and decide who’s going to pay the next restaurant bill or play a game they wish they had.
TheNeo Spincampaign is live on Kickstarter and is already 450 backers strong with over $35k funds raised, offering rewards exclusive to backers with discounts upwards of 35% off the proposed retail price. Be among the first to experience this innovative gadget and make everyday life a little more fun by visiting the campaign page.
The Gadget On team has unveiled their latest innovation, TitanSpin, on Kickstarter. This groundbreaking gadget is setting new standards in the everyday carry (EDC) market, blending functionality, durability, and entertainment in an unprecedented way.
One Spinner, Five Cards, Over 80 Tools
TitanSpin is a pocket-sized, titanium EDC designed to offer quick fixes and endless fun. It promises to be more than just a tool—it’s a revolutionary experience.
Unique Hybrid
Fusion of Function and Fun: TitanSpin stands out as the world’s first fidget spinner that incorporates a comprehensive suite of over 80 tools. This innovative hybrid provides a seamless blend of entertainment and practicality, making it an essential companion for a wide range of activities.
Precision and Quality
CNC Machined Perfection: Each of TitanSpin’s five magnetic interlocking cards is crafted with CNC precision, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability. These cards are not merely tools; they are finely engineered pieces designed to deliver both utility and enjoyment.
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Customizable and Compact
Tailored for Every Need: TitanSpin includes five magnetic interlocking cards, each dedicated to specific uses—Daily, Outdoor, Tech, Survival, and Fishing. Whether users need to fix a bike, set up camp, or simply relieve stress, TitanSpin has a solution.
Why TitanSpin Stands Out
Versatility and Convenience: TitanSpin combines the benefits of a toolbox, a survival kit, and a fidget spinner, all within a compact form factor. Its unique design and practical applications make it an invaluable addition to any EDC collection.
Durability and Style: Constructed from high-quality titanium, TitanSpin is built to last. Its sleek, modern design ensures it is not only functional but also a stylish accessory.
Support TitanSpin on Kickstarter
TitanSpin is now available on Kickstarter, where early backers can take advantage of exclusive deals and be among the first to own this innovative EDC gadget. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a revolutionary project that redefines the everyday carry experience.
Explore TitanSpin on Kickstarter and discover why this multi-tool fidget spinner is becoming a must-have for EDC enthusiasts. TitanSpin is poised to enhance the EDC landscape, offering unparalleled versatility, durability, and style. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on this game-changing gadget.
On April 29, an in-development farm sim from Crytivo called Farm Folks shared a now-deleted post about breast jiggle physics on its official X/Twitter account that kickstarted a firestorm, emboldened gaming’s baddest actors, and wreaked havoc in the game’s official Discord. The team behind the studio has since apologized, but the aftermath lingers, leaving confusion and doubt about the company’s true intentions in its wake.
I spoke to the CEO of Crytivo, Alex Koshelkov, about the post, jiggle physics, bad actors, and more, to try and paint a clearer picture.
The Farm Folks breast physics controversy
The post in question, shared to Farm Folks’ more than 28,000 followers on X/Twitter and beyond, featured a paneled video of three versions of one of Farm Folks’ femme-presenting characters walking, with three different percentages displayed on each panel. The text accompanying the post read: “Alright, folks, it’s time for some serious game development talk! We’re tinkering with character physics in Farm Folks. Burning question: which version has the perfect breast jiggle physics?”
The percentages (30, 50, and 90) indicated the level of jiggle physics applied to the character. The official Farm Folks account replied to its own post, asking fans if they wanted to see “what 150% looks like.”
Screenshot: Crytivo / Kotaku
The responses were less than positive, clearly charged by the culture war currently raging in games that’s seen a fifty-something former Blizzard employee rallying people against community managers, Pokemon GO changes, a narrative design company, and the perceived censoring of Shift Up’s new action RPG Stellar Blade. Members of the Farm Folks Discord took to the chat to demand clarity about the social post, wondering if it was fueled by misogynistic attitudes in games or was just very, very tone deaf. Bad actors flooded the comments on X/Twitter, and some bled into the Discord, as well.
After being tagged, Crytivo founder Alex Koshelkov joined the conversation, writing, “Sorry guys, I was going through morning calls. Let me check what’s happening here and I’ll respond.” He went back and forth with a few people, with some questioning Koshelkov’s alleged ignorance regarding the GG2.0 movement. He apologized several times.
Screenshot: Discord / Kotaku
“I’m not pretending; I’m explaining the reasoning behind this,” Koshelkov wrote in one apology. “Our goal is not to over-sexualize our characters; it’s the opposite. The goal is to achieve realistic physics and reactions to the world. We have ragdolls, we have inverse kinematics, hair moves with wind, and so on. It just felt natural to have tasteful breast movement on the character.”
Koshlekov promised that the original post would be deleted and an apology would be shared in its wake. That apology said that the team “crossed a line” and was “inappropriate” in its portrayal of in-game jiggle physics. It was jumped on by Mark Kern, the aforementioned former Blizzard employee.
Kern posted a statement on X/Twitter saying that “you should never apologize to cancel pigs” because “they were never your customers. They don’t buy games/comics. They will ask for more and will even blast you for your apology. They want to hurt you, and an apology only emboldens them to do more. You lose sales. Your real customers hate you for caving. You leave money on the table. You have an obscure indie game and it’s hard to stand out. You literally missed your chance to get 10x the support and visibility by doing this. It’s not too late @FarmFolksGame. If you delete the apology and put the jiggle physics back in, and tell them to pound sand, you can still rocket your game to marketing success.”
His post was one of many lamenting Farm Folks’ decision to apologize for the post.
Image: Crytivo
Farm Folks CEO on backlash, boob physics, and bad actors
I didn’t expect Koshlekov to respond to my request for comment, let alone talk to me via Discord video call for over an hour about Farm Folks, his dislike of “cozy game” labels, the game’s purposefully cheeky content (which you can see in some of its oldersocialmediaposts), and American politics. (Koshlekov is originally from Turkmenistan.)
“The wording was silly,” he said when I asked about the original post, the response to which he said was “overwhelming” and “unfortunate” because “the internet is almost a one-sided court” where “no matter what we say, it doesn’t matter.”
“The original idea was—yeah we spiced it up with a joke, which was the problem—but the general idea was to make sure that we’re doing [breast physics] right…because our game is very immersive. It’s not that we’re fixated on women’s parts…our entire character body is full of technology…to me, breast movement was not controversial since it’s human biology.”
Farm Folks’ social media presence has historically been somewhat cheeky.Image: Crytivo / Farm Folks on X
Koshlekov insisted that “he wasn’t even following” the Stellar Blade discourse. “I learned more about it recently, so that’s why we really wouldn’t gaslight [and pretend we didn’t know].” He then talked at length about how Farm Folks wasn’t just a cozy game, that it has elements of immersive sims, PvP and PvE modes, and was overall “a bit more mature” than other games in the genre.
“We’re apologizing for the wording…and there’s people saying ‘you guys shouldn’t apologize, not cool, you should stand up to the crowd.’ No, we fucked up. We’re happy to apologize.”
But the bouncy boobs will stay in some capacity: “Regarding elegant, tasteful [breast physics] implementation, I still think that we’re going to do it.”
More than once in our conversation, Koshlekov referred to “both sides,” suggesting that there were bad actors involved on either end of the spectrum. I asked if he wanted Farm Folks to court the kind of players that joined the Discord in bad faith, or those who believe that boobies should be bouncing at 150% physics. This was his response, edited for brevity and clarity:
We don’t want vulgarity. Because like, it can be fun. It can be a little bit goofy, it can be meme-y, but we’re not gonna go after, like over-sexualization goofiness in the ways like Conan Exiles, where you can like modify penises and things like that. We’ve listened to our community, we heard that sometimes we talk about, like, implementing, like, that jiggle physics, right? Which, again, like, we obviously have tons of settings for any kind of physics, like the body parts, just like we can, we can do it with soft spots like the butt, we can do it with chest, shoulders. Anything’s like we’re just assigning it—it just makes it immersive.
But to answer your question—No, we don’t want to attract nasty people, we don’t want those. We will have some limits—like as much as we want to give it, but it’s so controversial—I want the player to choose how they want their character to look. Like, if you want, for example, the breast to have a little more movement or not. But like again, it’s not going to be like you scroll [the physics slider] up and then this is just like all over the place, and it’s like, goofy…We are definitely not tailoring our game for little kids…We want to spice it up for people to have action, to have fun.”
Here, he digressed into talking about GTA and the team’s plans for PvP elements before asking my opinion on the issue. I told him that I had been the subject of a harassment campaign since early March. I said that I felt not pigeonholing his game in the cozy genre was smart, before bringing it back to the discourse, and the harassment that has often followed suit.
“The issue is political…some groups of people don’t agree with this, and some groups of people have no limits,” he said. “I think we’re in the crossfire, and the question goes to if [the post] was intentional or not—like, no, not really…We’re not using any kind of gross tactics where it’s enraging our community. That’s stupid, right? I’ve been hearing a little bit about the, I don’t really know the game name, the Blade game, I’ve seen the screenshots [of protagonist Eve’s outfits and body] and they’re crazy to me…it’s not even almost fitting to the game.”
I asked how he felt about some people, Kern included, saying that Farm Folks will miss out on support from because of its apology.
“Fuck that. I don’t care what he thinks,” Koshlekov replied. “I’m apologizing for structuring it badly…if we were to rewind the times, we would skip that.” He confirmed that some of his Discord responses were formulated really quickly, and there were some language barrier issues because of the swiftness in which they were written. “But I don’t want to use that as justifications, if we fucked up with that, we fucked up that.”
“We don’t want to be a part of [the culture war]. We don’t want [Kern] to give us any recommendations, we prefer to evaluate it from what we consider human character…we want to be sincere with our fans and do good…we don’t want to get into that kind of dirt,” he said. “I see this as the biggest problem in the United States [Farm Folks’ 20-person team is based in Dallas, Texas, nine of which are women], all the people are very divided. There’s two camps and everybody’s throwing stones at each other. I’m more on the side of like, we need to—it sounds a little bit silly—but I think it’s about uniting and finding a language between each other.”
“The goal is for players to properly represent themselves in the game. We’re not aiming for over-exaggerations,” Koshlekov insisted. “The goal is to make it very elegant and very sensitive to women and their bodies…You have to be a very poor person to kind of sexualize this…like the internet is full of sex right now. There’s some crazy things that you can find, if you’re having problems with our characters, like, look for help. Maybe go and date a woman or something like that. Because this is not our goal, we don’t want to attract people that are attracted to only these body parts.”
Though Koshlekov toed the “both sides” line, he did make it clear that the goal of Farm Folks is to “be diverse.”
“I’m not afraid of that word. I know those guys can pick it up and start shaking it like crazy like monkeys in a zoo, but we are after diverse gameplay. Everybody’s welcome. Doesn’t matter what your gender or your preference is, everybody’s welcome.”
I felt more than a little bit of whiplash while talking to Koshlekov—in one breath he’d say something like “everyone is welcome” and in another he’d bemoan the existence of radicals on both sides. He told me he was talking to me with an open heart, but made a comment about the press twisting words. In our over hour-long conversation, he spoke about saving bugs in his house, how young I looked (thanks Botox), and Turkmenistan politics. But ultimately, it felt like he was open to having a discussion and against bad actors using Farm Folks as a battleground for their culture war, even if he was hesitant to make sweeping, politically charged statements.
Only time will tell.
Not long after we concluded our interview, I was told that one person who was speaking out against the boob physics post was kicked from the Farm Folks Discord, ostensibly after asking about past Kickstarter campaigns. “We’re not banning anyone if they have questions or constructive criticism,” Koshlekov said in a Discord DM.
Update 05/02/2024 at 5:30 p.m. EST: After several posts of Koshlekov’s were sent to me in which he stated that one of the above quotes misrepresented him, I reached out via Discord DM and asked what he felt was misrepresented. Below is the complete quote from our original conversation, unedited, as well as his statement.
To the politics where it’s like there’s almost no way of winning any of them right, but like I don’t really want to win any of them. In a way—If you don’t understand and if you’re being radical about it is there’s not much we can do about that but the message with the game to like the fans that would like to enjoy the game, so the goal is to properly represent themselves in the game. We’re not aiming for like over-exaggerations, we want to be delicate and elegant with this, right, so we want to have it like some immersive elements in our games, but we’re not for some goofy disrespectful things like over-exaggerating things that can offend, and as I told my team I was like even like offending or hurting like five people in our, in our community base, we have no problems apologizing for that, right like, so we will try to tailor towards everyone it’s like they call it as our weaknesses is like ‘all you guys tailored towards your fan base,’ it’s like no, it’s like we are making a game, we want to make sure that like everybody likes it, you know, it’s like, of course, there’s a little bit of people, as you mentioned on both sides, like no matter what we do, but the goal is to make it very elegant and very sensitive to to women to their bodies. And if, again, I just feel like, like, of course, it doesn’t need to be over-exaggerated, but it can potentially exist in the game. [AM: Yeah] At the same time, we have no problems, like disabling it, but I feel like that’s a little bit of loss in the way that like, again, I don’t think that there’s any kind of sexual emotions attached to them. Right? Like, it’s just like, you have to be a very, very poor person to, to kind of sexualize that was like, like, like. The internet is full of sex right now. Like, there’s some crazy things that you can find, then if you are having problem with our characters, like, I feel like that’s, like, look for help. [Both laugh] Like, I think like maybe go and go date the woman or some things like or something like that. Because it’s like, this is not our goals. Like we don’t want to attract people that, like, are attracted to only these body parts. And we wanted to make it immersive and nice and kind of, because it’s hard for me to use word ‘realistic’ because, like, people will call us like ‘your game is not realistic’. But it’s style. Stylistically realistic. [AM: Yeah] Right. And always, like we’re paying attention to little details like realism, but it’s stylized, you know, it’s like so it’s still we’re trying to do realistic, right, like, character is reacting things. So like, they’re gonna get cold, they’re going to get warm, you have to wear cold, cold, cold jackets during the winter, like snow pants and everything is like we’re paying a lot of attention. And it’s just like, this particular piece, people are just like, get very attracted to it was like, in a ways like I still want to treat it as, we clearly fucked up with the message right? Like, but like I feel like having the mechanic like that, as you said as well as like, I think it’s okay, as long as it’s like, tastefully implemented. [AM: Yeah]. Without any craziness.
Kolshekov’s statement, sent via Discord DM:
“Hi Alyssa, I strongly believe that this sentence was taken out of a context to support a specific narrative and goal. I believe it’s part of a larger context where you and I agreed that having a breast physics in the game is acceptable. The quote that you shared was my response to people that are offended by the breast movement in the game. I’m clarifying what I meant since it seems it was taken out of bigger context and I probably didn’t choose the best words to express it. I didn’t intend to hurt anyone or call names, but it’s being interpreted this way now.”
HONG KONG, April 25, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Lofree, a trailblazer in innovative keyboard design, proudly introduces the Lofree Edge, setting a new standard for smooth typing in the ultra-thin low-profile keyboard. Building upon the success of the acclaimed Lofree Flow, known for its “best tactile feel” among keyboard enthusiasts, the arrival of the Lofree Edge marks a significant milestone in the evolution of keyboard technology.
The Lofree Edge epitomizes elegance and sophistication with its ultra-slim profile, crafted from semi-solid casting magnesium alloy and 3K-density carbon fiber. At just 5.4mm thin and weighing only 485g, the Edge offers superior tactile feedback, ensuring a sublime typing experience that is second to none.
Compared to its predecessor, the Lofree Flow, the Edge boasts the latest Kailh POM Switch 2.0, engineered to deliver an unparalleled typing experience. Featuring a reduced travel distance of 2.4mm and a slimmed-down thickness of 9.8mm, the Edge strikes the perfect balance between extreme thinness and ultra-smooth tactile feedback. Additionally, Lofree has developed customizable software, the Lofree Configurator, allowing users to adjust key values and choose their preferred backlighting. This software facilitates significant enhancements in functionality and performance.
The Lofree Edge incorporates an innovative PCB-gasket mount design, seamlessly blending lightweight construction with exceptional typing comfort and Hi-Fi sound.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Lofree introduces the Zero Emission Concept with the Edge keyboard. Repurposing leftover carbon fiber boards into an additional panel mount called “Zero,” users can transform waste into a valuable resource, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
“We are excited to unveil the Lofree Edge, a groundbreaking addition to our keyboard lineup,” said Ken Jiang, spokesperson for Lofree. “With its smoothest typing and lightweight & ultra-slim design, the Edge redefines the low-profile keyboard. Featuring 2.4mm Kailh POM Switch 2.0, PCB-Gasket Mount design, customizable Lofree Configurator Software, Edge revolutionizes your typing.”
Once a Kickstarter campaign is complete, you need to turn to a creator’s own page to buy the products after the campaign clock has ticked down — that is, until now. Today, Kickstarter announced that it is (finally!) including preorder functionality as part of its core platform once the campaign is over. It calls the feature “late pledges,” and the platform says it’s planning to make it available to all creators “soon.” Those following the industry will probably meet the announcement with an eyeroll and a “welcome to the club,” as Indiegogo launched its equivalent — InDemand — almost a decade ago.
Late to the party-ness aside, since its inception in 2009, Kickstarter has been a trailblazer in the crowdfunding space. The introduction of late pledges is a welcome addition to its support of creative individuals. The feature opens up new avenues for backers who missed the initial campaign but also simplifies the process of post-campaign contributions, making it a win-win for all parties involved — not least Kickstarter, which until this point has seen post-campaign presales go off-site, which means the platform wasn’t able to skim its usual 5% platform fee off the top. Which, of course, it will do for late pledges as well.
Bit of a no-brainer, really.
How it works
When creating their campaign, creators can activate late pledges from their dashboard, so the party can continue once a project is successfully funded. This adds a dedicated “Late Pledges” section to their project page, where new backers can choose rewards and pledge their support at their convenience, just like in the initial campaign phase. A spokesperson for Kickstarter assures us that Late Pledges is seamlessly integrated within the Kickstarter platform, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all users.
For founders, the late pledges feature makes a lot of sense. A product’s Kickstarter page often has an enormous amount of Google clout, and will frequently show up in the top search results. Driving people toward spending money is an obvious next step. That makes late pledges an excellent way to leverage the momentum from successful campaigns. Potential backers discovering the project later can still participate and secure their desired rewards without waiting for a separate preorder campaign. Creators can also offer exclusive rewards or limited-time incentives to attract additional support, maintaining excitement and visibility of their projects.
It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, however: Crowdfunding campaigns can be excruciatingly hard to deliver in some cases, and there’s often a post-campaign period where the real gets really real, and manufacturing and design challenges start showing up. Continuing to take preorders at that stage could represent a risk: managing an increased volume of backers, fulfilling rewards and potentially affecting the initial urgency that drives many crowdfunding campaigns. Additionally, creators may need to carefully consider the timing and duration of the late pledges period to avoid diluting the impact of their initial campaign.
Despite potential challenges, the late pledges feature offers substantial benefits to Kickstarter creators. Backers gain more flexibility and the opportunity to support projects they might have missed initially. It’s also easy to imagine a world where the feature could contribute to a more sustainable crowdfunding environment by allowing projects to generate ongoing support.
It’ll be interesting to see where Kickstarter takes the feature going forward — it’s easy to imagine the platform introducing enhancements like time-limited pledge windows or integration with other platform features to boost project visibility and success. The evolution of this feature could lead to broader changes in Kickstarter’s strategy, emphasizing long-term creator-backer relationships and expanding support tools for creators.
Since 2014, Russell Dauterman has been an artist mainstay of Marvel comics, and one of the best working at the publisher today. From working with Jason Aaron to tell the story of Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor to giving stylish looks to the X-Men for their annual Hellfire Galas (RIP), his work has consistently been pretty damn good, and it’s now being collected into a whole book you can have on your shelf.
The Secret to Taika Waititi’s Success
Earlier in the week, BacketKit announced an upcoming Kickstarter campaign for The Marvel Art of Russell Dauterman. The 216-page hardcover will collect the past decade of his work, including covers (regular and variant), interiors and design work—from X-Men to Scarlet Witch and Thor, he says the book will include “as much as I can.” For those who are fans of his costume variant covers, he confirmed all of those would be featured, including one for Thor that hasn’t been seen before now. The book will also include commentary from Dauterman himself and other extras he says will feature “some things a few of you have asked for! I’ve been working on this for awhile,” he added, “[and I] eally hope you enjoy it!”
Dauterman first came into comics in 2011 with The Mis-Adventures of Adam West (written by Darren G. Davis, Reed Lackey, and West himself) and Annie Automatic (Sam Scott). After a brief stint with Boom! and DC Comics, he started at Marvel with Greg Rucka’s short Cyclops run before going to Aaron’s Thor book, and the rest is history. Since going to Marvel, his art has always been eyecatching, and the publisher knows it; his contributions have consistently been featured on outlets like The View and Entertainment Weekly.
The Marvel Art of Russell Dauterman Kickstarteer will begin soon—April 23 or 24, if the countdown math is right—and more details about what’s included in it and when it’s arriving—will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Are you ready to embark on a musical journey that’s as easy as playing your favorite game? Look no further than EASYPLAY 1s, the handheld, portable music keyboard that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Let’s dive into what makes this innovative device a game-changer in the world of music.
Introducing EASYPLAY 1s: A Music Keyboard for Everyone
EASYPLAY 1s is more than just a typical music keyboard; it’s a gateway to endless musical possibilities. Designed by SummerTones, a brand committed to making music accessible to all, EASYPLAY 1s features a unique 3×5 matrix keyboard layout with 25 keys. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll find that playing music on EASYPLAY 1s is a breeze.
Features That Make EASYPLAY 1s a Must-Have Musical Companion
What sets EASYPLAY 1s apart from other keyboards is its impressive array of features. With 10+ preset instrument sounds, including piano, guitar, and drums, you’ll have everything you need to create your own melodies. The innovative rotary tone shifters allow you to seamlessly navigate through different instruments and octaves, making it easy to explore various musical styles.
But that’s not all – EASYPLAY 1s also boasts advanced MIDI functionality, allowing you to connect effortlessly to your phone or computer via Type-C or Bluetooth. Whether you’re dropping beats, creating songs, or generating sound effects, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Plus, with its compact design smaller than an iPhone 15 Pro Max, EASYPLAY 1s is perfect for capturing inspiration on the go.
Unleash Your Musical Creativity Anywhere, Anytime
With EASYPLAY 1s, you’re no longer confined to a traditional music studio. Whether you’re on the bus, in the park, or at a friend’s house, you can unleash your musical creativity anytime, anywhere. The portable design and affordability of EASYPLAY 1s make it the perfect choice for anyone passionate about music.
Get Ready to Jam with EASYPLAY 1s: Where Gaming Meets Music
Are you a fan of music games like Sky: Children of the Light or Guitar Hero? Then you’ll love EASYPLAY 1s. With its innovative design that bridges the gap between gaming and music, EASYPLAY 1s is sure to captivate enthusiasts of all ages. Plus, with customizable keycaps and colorful keyboard stickers, you can make EASYPLAY 1s truly your own.
In conclusion, EASYPLAY 1s is not just a musical instrument – it’s a game-changer in the world of music. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned musician seeking new inspiration, EASYPLAY 1s has something for everyone. So why wait? Get ready to unleash your musical creativity with EASYPLAY 1s today!
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