Latest news with #Foundations
Geek Wire
13-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Seattle vs. San Francisco: Founders compare startup cultures after AI conference trip
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . Veteran entrepreneur Matt Shobe speaks to a group of Seattle founders during their trip to San Francisco for the AI Engineer World's Fair. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Ellis) What happens when you send Seattle founders down to San Francisco for a few days? Some hot takes on the stark differences in startup culture between the two cities. A group of early stage entrepreneurs and members of Foundations, a Seattle-based startup community, traveled together to the Bay Area for the AI Engineer World's Fair earlier this month. Between conference keynotes and workshop sessions, the Seattle founders debated how their hometown startup ecosystem compares to Silicon Valley. Some of their takeaways: San Francisco's sheer density of founders and constant idea exchange makes it the startup capital of the world. Seattle could benefit from more of that energy — but its calmer pace with less intensity has advantages. With deep tech talent buoyed by hometown hyperscalers in Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle is a great place for building AI startups, especially those with a vertical focus. But it also lacks marketing and sales expertise as Seattle founders are heavily technical. Another key observation: founders and investors in Silicon Valley founders are far less risk-averse. 'There are a lot more crazy ideas,' said Art Litvnau, a Seattle founder who helped launch Foundations. Seattle's more 'chill' startup environment can foster a healthier ecosystem, with stronger peer support and fewer distractions. But that relaxed culture can also mean a lack of urgency and intensity, according to the Seattle founders. Ishan Anand, a Seattle-area founder who previously lived in the Bay Area, said he felt like San Francisco has its 'mojo' again. 'It's got a serendipity that creates collective momentum,' he said. That serendipity is especially crucial during the AI boom as new techniques emerge on a weekly basis. 'Just imagine trying to stay on top of things without having a really strong community,' said Patrick Ellis, CTO and co-founder of Seattle startup Snapbar. Foundations launched last year in part to help create a 'serendipity factory' for Seattle. The group runs a unique accelerator program and now has more than 200 members, including early stage founders along with longtime entrepreneurs and investors from the Seattle tech ecosystem. 'What I really like about Foundations is to capture that serendipity, that slice of San Francisco, and bring that here,' Anand said. 'When I come here, I feel like I'm back in San Francisco.' Previously: Takeaways from the AI Engineer World's Fair: The startup playbook is being rewritten in real-time
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Security Benefit bolsters its flagship Foundations Annuity with New Indices and Index Accounts
TOPEKA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Security Benefit today announced the addition of index accounts based on three new indices to its flagship fixed index annuity (FIA), Foundations Annuity. The new indices represent international, technology, and small cap segments, as well as a simple Trigger Rate strategy benchmarked against the S&P 500 ®. With these new options, Foundations now features 15 different index-linked accounts featuring equities, bonds, commodities, and Treasury asset classes that allow advisors to align with their economic and market outlook. 'More asset classes means more ways to mirror your managed money strategies within the safety of an FIA,' said Toby Leonard, AVP, Product Development at Security Benefit. 'Diversification is key to a client's long-term asset mix. With Foundations, advisors can derisk portfolios by taking market loss off the table, allow for tax-deferred accumulation, and prepare for multiple scenarios with a protection-based product.' The global economic environment appears stable, though near-term risks remain. However, current trends could drive accelerated growth in markets over time: artificial intelligence, data center build-outs, reshoring of manufacturing, pharmaceutical development, space programs, and more. To tap into this long-term potential, Security Benefit added index accounts based on three well-known indices, each featuring an Annual Point to Point Index Account with a Cap: MSCI EAFE The MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Nasdaq-100® The Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX®) represents 100 of the largest, most dynamic non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and some of the most innovative companies in the world. These companies are selected based on market capitalization and are renowned for their innovation, market leadership, and growth potential. NDX includes major players across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrials, making it a comprehensive benchmark for growth-focused investors. Russell 2000® Small Cap The Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the US equity universe. The Russell 2000® Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 7% of the total market capitalization of that index, as of the most recent reconstitution. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. Trigger Rate Strategy* Additionally, Security Benefit has added a straightforward crediting strategy for clients benchmarked against the S&P 500. With the new Annual Point to Point Trigger Rate strategy, a Trigger Rate is established at term (6% is used as an example in the graph), and Index performance of 0% or higher credits the stated Trigger rate. 'Now, with the addition of these four new strategies, advisors have more asset classes from which to diversify clients' allocations within Foundations, with none of the associated market risk,' added Leonard. For more information: About Security Benefit SBL Holdings, Inc. ('Security Benefit'), through its subsidiary Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBLIC), a Kansas-domiciled insurance company that has been in business for 133 years, is a leader in the U.S. retirement market. Security Benefit together with its affiliates offers products in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments for employers and individuals and held $55.1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. Security Benefit, an Eldridge Industries business, continues its mission of helping Americans To and Through Retirement ®. Learn more at and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. SB-10064-29 FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY - NOT FOR USE WITH CONSUMERS Annuities are issued by SBLIC in all states except New York. *The S&P 500 Annual Point to Point Index Account with Trigger Rate may not be available in all states. Visit for details. Security Benefit Life Insurance Company is not a fiduciary and the information provided is not intended to be investment advice. This information is general in nature and intended for use with the general public. For additional information, including any specific advice or recommendations, please visit with your financial professional. The Security Benefit Foundations Annuity, form 5800 (11-10) and ICC10 5800 (11-10), a fixed index flexible premium deferred annuity, is issued by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. Product features, limitations, and availability may vary by state. In Idaho, Foundations is issued on form ICC10 5800 (11-10). Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured; are not obligations or deposits of and are not guaranteed or underwritten by any bank, savings and loan, or credit union or its affiliates; and are unrelated to and not a condition of the provision or term of any banking service or activity. Fixed index annuities are not stock market investments and do not directly participate in any equity, bond, other security, or commodities investments. Neither an index nor any fixed index annuity is comparable to a direct investment in the equity, bond, other security, or commodities markets. S&P Dow Jones Indices Disclaimer: The 'S&P 500,' 'S&P 500 Low Volatility Daily Risk Control 5% Index,' 'S&P Multi-Asset Risk Control (MARC) 5% Index,' and 'S&P 500 Factor Rotator Daily RC2 7% Index' are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates ('SPDJI') and have been licensed for use by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL). S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates ('S&P'); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ('Dow Jones'), and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by SBL. The Foundations Annuity is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of purchasing the Foundations Annuity nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the above named indices. Nasdaq-100® Disclaimer: Nasdaq®, Nasdaq-100®, Nasdaq-100 Index®, and NDX® are registered trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. (which with its affiliates is referred to as the 'Corporations') and are licensed for use by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company The Product(s) have not been passed on by the Corporations as to their legality or suitability. The Product(s) are not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT(S). Russell 2000® Disclaimer: The Foundations Annuity (the 'Product') has been developed solely by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. The Product is not in any way connected to or sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the 'LSE Group'). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. All rights in the Russell® 2000 (the 'Index') vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. 'Russell®' is a trade mark(s) of the relevant LSE Group company and is/ are used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Product. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Product or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. MSCI Disclaimer: The MSCI indexes are the exclusive property of MSCI Inc. ('MSCI'). MSCI and the MSCI index names are service mark(s) of MSCI or its affiliates and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. The financial products referred to herein are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by MSCI, and MSCI bears no liability with respect to any such financial products or any index on which such financial products are based. The annuity contract contains a more detailed description of the limited relationship MSCI has with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and any relevant financial products. No purchaser, seller or holder of this product, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote this product without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI's permission is required. Under no circumstances may any person or entity claim any affiliation with MSCI without the prior written permission of MSCI.
Geek Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Seattle startup community Foundations adds more office space, plans expansion in Bellevue
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . Inside the Foundations space in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. (Foundations Photo) The experiment seems to be working. Foundations, the Seattle-based startup community that launched last year, is doubling its physical space in Capitol Hill and is exploring an expansion in Bellevue, just east of Seattle. This wasn't the plan when longtime entrepreneur and investor Aviel Ginzburg founded Foundations in a bid to support early stage founders. But that's part of the point. 'Everything at Foundations is an experiment,' he told GeekWire. There are now 236 total members at Foundations, which includes longtime entrepreneurs and investors from the Seattle tech ecosystem, along with 55 'founders-in-residence' that work with Foundations for six months as part of a lightweight accelerator program until they reach certain milestones. Some of those companies were ready to 'graduate' recently and wanted to stay engaged with the Foundations community. At the same time, 5,000 square feet opened up on the floor below Foundations' existing space — which will now be a co-working office for Foundations members and their companies. 'It's a fun evolution of the program,' Ginzburg said. 'We didn't know what was really going to happen. We thought it was like, 'Oh, you're going to go out on your own.' But it seems like these communities of people still want to be working and building together.' Foundations has emerged as a key support system for founders who can participate in the community without giving up equity or paying fees. 'Foundations was the catalyst that helped us transform what we were building from just a product into a fully-fledged company,' said MediScan CEO Kavian Mojabe, whose health tech startup will work out of the new space. The group also accepts founders at varying levels of their startup journey. 'Foundations meets us where we are, with mentorship, events, and feedback that fits into our chaotic schedules,' said Shawn Ramirez, CEO of EloraHQ. Ginzburg — who launched Foundations with Tyler Brown, Ryan Dao, and Art Litvinau — said his experience building the group has shown the strength of Seattle's startup scene. 'There is a lot more entrepreneurial talent and awesome startups here than people realize,' he said. 'They are just very disorganized, siloed and not properly networked.' Having a community like Foundations is also helpful for founders navigating the AI boom. 'The technology changed so quickly,' Ginzburg said. 'If you're not learning through osmosis and watching others, you're falling behind. So there is this deep desire for all these early stage companies to be physically around each other.' Aviel Ginzburg accepts the 'Geeks Give Back' award at the GeekWire Awards earlier this month in Seattle. (GeekWire Photo / Dan DeLong) Foundations operates as a benefit corporation, a legal distinction designed for entities that want to turn a profit and also prioritize social and public good. The co-working expansion will help provide additional revenue in addition to investment and sponsorships. Ginzburg, a general partner at Seattle VC firm Founders' Co-op who previously ran the Amazon Alexa accelerator, said he's exploring potential partnerships with commercial real estate firms to funnel companies into office space as they scale. 'Our goal here is not to make money,' he said. 'Our goal is to support the community and have this thing keep rolling and keep cranking.' People from other big cities are now reaching out to Ginzburg about how they can launch something like Foundations in their own startup communities. But in a lot of ways, Foundations is unique to Seattle. 'It's about the people and the community,' Ginzburg said. 'The structure and the systems are less interesting than the core group of people coming together.' He added: 'Our mission is to make Seattle a better place to be a founder.' Foundations is filling a gap left by the surprise departure of Techstars Seattle last year. It's one of several startup groups in the Seattle region aiming to help founders, including Pioneer Square Labs, the AI2 Incubator (which just launched the AI House), and others. Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based group that operates innovation programs, recently announced two new accelerators in the Seattle region. Other accelerator programs include Creative Destruction Lab, Startup Haven, Maritime Blue, and Jones + Foster.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Awards Will Kick Start Careers In Classical Music For Three Young NZers
Press Release – Dame Malvina Major Foundation Encouraging and enabling young people to pursue their dreams in classical music has always been at the heart of the Foundations work, says Dame Malvina Major. These awards are one way we help open doors, ease the financial burden, and let … Three awards of $10,000 will kick start careers in classical music for young New Zealanders The Dame Malvina Major Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Arts Excellence Awards, offering three national awards of $10,000 each to support outstanding young New Zealand singers and instrumentalists preparing for a professional career in classical music. Founded on Dame Malvina's vision to support talent 'from grassroots to excellence,' the Foundation has awarded over 100 Arts Excellence Awards since the programme began, helping to launch the careers of many of New Zealand's brightest young artists. 'Encouraging and enabling young people to pursue their dreams in classical music has always been at the heart of the Foundation's work,' says Dame Malvina Major. 'These awards are one way we help open doors, ease the financial burden, and let young artists focus on their craft.' The Arts Excellence Awards are open to New Zealand citizens aged 18 – 30 who have undertaken a significant part of their training within New Zealand. In 2025, the programme has expanded to a national scope, with all applicants now considered for the three national awards. Additional regional awards are also available including The Cecily Maccoll High Achiever Award in Canterbury, and The Nancy and Ron Grant Arts Excellence Award for eligible vocalists or pianists from the South Island. The Awards can support a wide range of classical training projects, from tertiary study to audition tours, workshops, coaching, or masterclass fees – with travel and accommodation also considered where appropriate. Applications close at 5pm, Sunday 30 June 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 15 August 2025.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DGR Systems Expands Digital Foundations Strategy with Strategic Hires and HPE NASPO Contract Win in Florida
TAMPA, Fla., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DGR Systems LLC is proud to announce a significant advancement in its Digital Foundations strategy with the expansion of key service capabilities, deepening OEM partnerships, and being awarded access to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) NASPO ValuePoint and Cloud Contracts in the state of Florida. DGR Systems Logo (PRNewsfoto/DGR Systems) This contract award is a major milestone in DGR Systems' commitment to delivering next-generation infrastructure and cloud solutions through its growing Digital Foundations portfolio. It reinforces the company's focus on providing scalable, secure, and future-ready platforms that support modernization initiatives across the public and private sectors. To support this strategic direction, DGR Systems has made targeted investments in leadership talent, including the appointment of Steve Cavendish to lead the Digital Foundations drive, and Chris Black to drive growth and maturity of DGR's professional services offerings. These hires underscore the company's mission to align its people, processes, and partnerships around delivering measurable value to customers. "Our Digital Foundations strategy is all about giving our customers the technical backbone they need to transform and thrive," said Steve Cavendish, Vice President Digital Foundations at DGR Systems. "Access to the HPE NASPO and Cloud contracts is a tangible result of our ongoing investments in OEM alignment, solution engineering, and service delivery excellence." With the HPE contract, DGR Systems is uniquely positioned to deliver high-value solutions in compute, storage, networking, and hybrid cloud—paired with expert implementation and lifecycle support from a trusted local partner. For more information on DGR Systems and its Digital Foundations offerings, visit Contact: info@ (813) 344-1615 Who is DGR Systems: DGR Systems helps organizations build resilient digital foundations, secure operations, and transform their workplaces to thrive in an evolving technology ecosystem. From digital foundations and cybersecurity solutions to cutting-edge workplace innovations, DGR Systems delivers solutions that achieve measurable results, inspires transformation, and prepares customers for tomorrow. Cision View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DGR Systems
