Latest news with #Meridian
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Helpful Products You'll Be Very Smug You Bought At The Beginning Of Summer
A handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother you'll want to stock up on if you're a "just in case" kinda human — it's made with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate skin and gently relieve pain from the sun's unforgiving rays within just a few hours. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! A waterproof disposable camera so you can have all the nostalgia of capturing vacation memories in the '90s and all the hijinks of doing it underwater. Reviewers especially love this as an option to keep their actual cameras safe! A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on that at-home pedicure. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A "cold tech" cooling comforter, aka the holy grail of blankets for hot sleepers — this is designed with lightweight, breathable fabric that instantly reduces your skin temperature, helping with night sweats, hot flashes, and general overheating at night. Bonus: it's fully machine washable without losing its magic cooling powers! A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising. And a pair of sweatproof "floating" air conduction headphones designed to stay put by settling just over your ear instead of inside it — basically all the convenience and privacy of earbuds, without the discomfort of physically putting them in your ears. It picks up calls just as well as any other pair, and is designed so the sound isn't audible to anyone else! A DEET-free plant-based bug repellent to repel mosquitos for up to six hours *without* repelling all the humans in your general vicinity, because unlike other popular repellents, this has a lovely lemon eucalyptus smell. A delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" — it suctions on all kinds of bug bites to reduce swelling, itchiness, and redness. A delightfully affordable battery-operated patio umbrella light you can easily install without any tools, so you don't have to do wine and cheese in the darkness if the sun sets before your appetite does. A Meridian "Manscape" trimmer perfect for summer touch-ups — a lot of people don't know is an excellent razor for *anyone* shaving in sensitive areas, since it's mainly marketed toward men. If you're worried about nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, and razor burn, particularly in your pubic area, this waterproof trimmer is about to be your new favorite gizmo. Plus Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, just in time for potential summer shaving shenanigans. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas, helping spare you from razor burn and ingrown hairs. A teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler you can slide into the USB to keep your computer active on Teams, Slack, and all those other various technological overlords that keep track of you so you can take some moments to yourself in the sunshine when you need it. ☀️😎 A Yonanas fruit soft serve maker that magics any frozen fruit into an ice cream or sorbet texture so you can have a yummy frozen treat made to your *precise* favorite fruit combos. A lot of folks with dietary restrictions swear by this to get their ice cream kicks! Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradually-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps — especially considering how costly competitive serums are! A waterproof, sandproof, super lightweight JBL Flip 6 speaker so you can impress your friends not just with your excellent playlist curation skills, but the ridiculous sound quality that comes out of this tiny gizmo. It's so portable that you can easily tuck it into a tote bag on your way to a beach or pool hang, and waterproof that reviewers even keep it in the shower! E.l.f.'s Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo with some real "Laneige, but make it cheap" energy. This mango and watermelon duo is actually the oh-so-tropical remix of the brand's wildly beloved Squeeze Me More Lip Balm that came out last year, so reviewers are already obsessed with how lightweight, hydrating, and deeelicious these go-to balms are. A fast-acting, refillable plug-in fly trap for flies, fruit flies, moths, and gnats that works up to 400 feet by using a light to lure them. The best part?? The "trap" part is on the back, so you don't have to behold a little bug graveyard in your kitchen when you flick on the lights in the morning. And an investment-worthy high-voltage outdoor bug zapper to stop uninvited guests from joining you during dinner on the patio — this gizmo instantly stops mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and moths in their tracks. Mixsoon Bean SPF 50 Sunscreen with an ~airy~ texture, making this K-beauty staple perfect for anyone who loves a good SPF but hates the icky sticky feeling of it. This feather-light, hydrating sunscreen plays so well with makeup that it's about to become the primer of your ✨dreams✨. PLUS an SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, a K-beauty staple with a curved balm stick style that makes it super easy to apply, and a non-sticky, white cast-free formula that plays ABSURDLY well with makeup. If you're looking for a lightweight "soft matte" sunscreen to protect your skin, this is your new BFF. A portable Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler, aka every finicky cold bevvy drinker's DREAM. This gadget can take a 12-ounce can of seltzer, soda, or beer at room temperature and make it ice cold in just one minute. A lot of people who complain that their fridge doesn't make drinks "cold enough" also swear by this for an extra icy kick. A 360-degree portable neck fan that puts all the other versions of it to shame — this one is designed with a comfier non-slip silicone neck grip and bladeless fans, so you don't have to worry about your hair getting caught in them. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra just as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. And a pair of high-waisted running shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers also compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day. A ~beverage fridge~ because at this point, bevvy culture has become so pronounced that it's disrespectful to put your beloved Diet Cokes, Spindrift, and various hard seltzers of choice in the fridge with the rest of your food. This chic cooler holds 115 cans (!!) so you never run out of space to live that bevvy life. A blister-preventing foot balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can break in and wear your favorite summer flats, heels, and sandals without worrying about getting big ole blisters on your feet. An air purifier with a true HEPA filter *and* a UV light sanitizer that did not come here to play, particularly not in the summer — reviewers swear by this for dealing with smoke from wildfires to high pollen counts to seasonal allergies, but this reusable filter also traps dust, odors, and pet dander to help you breathe easier. A pack of unscented SweatBlock wipes that work for up to *seven days* after application — perfect for those of us whose underarms are a little, uh, enthusiastic, to say the least. Reviewers especially swear by this for events that might bring on nervous sweating! A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan for the backseat that's handy whether or not your car has a functional AC — if you live in an area where your car scorches in the summer, you know full well that you'll take ANY KIND OF AIR YOU CAN GET. Parents especially swear by this to keep kiddos in rear-facing car seats cool! And a two-pack of car cooling cushions that plug right into your car's adapter to *instantly* circulate air and cool off the interior. No more showing up to the function SWEATING OUT OF EVERY PORE IN YOUR BODY!! Hallelujah. A weatherproof outdoor Wi-Fi extender you can easily mount on a pole or wall so "work from home" becomes "work from the backyard with an ice-cold Diet Coke in hand." Being one with nature still counts even if you're scrolling Reddit. And an outdoor power strip stake designed to blend into the landscape, so you can plug in all your fun backyard tech for the summer without sacrificing the ~~aesthetic~~. This features a nine-foot-long cord and can power up to six things at a time, so it's no slouch! A two-way "walkie-talkie" radio with a 16-mile radius, making it easy to go on summer hiking and camping trips without losing track of your fellow humans if one of you is like, "Oh, wow! A bird!!" (Guilty as charged.) Parents also swear by them for keeping in touch with kids too young for phones if they're out walking the dog or playing with friends! Sol de Janeiro's aluminum-free "Rio Deo" refillable deodorant — because yes, that yummy sunshine pistachio caramel "can't put my finger on it, but I'm obSESSED" smell from their cult-favorite skin-firming Bum Bum Cream is now available for your armpits. Everyone raise a glass to celebrate (REAL high, so we can all get a whiff of summer ☀️☀️😋). A Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack (aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Blackstone Investor Raises $7M for Meridian, Private Equity's New AI Operating System
NEW YORK, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meridian, the AI-powered deal management platform for the private markets, today announced its $7 million Series Seed fundraise. The round was led by 645 Ventures with participation from existing investor Chaac Ventures. Meridian also welcomed a group of high-impact angel investors – industry leaders from private equity, credit, and M&A law, many of whom have actively shaped Meridian as early users. Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian is building the AI operating system for private market investors. The company combines modern CRM with deep workflow automation and proprietary AI agents to solve the core operational pain points of the world's leading investors – from deal origination to exit. "Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions," said Alexander Sen, founder and CEO of Meridian. "We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals – and we've vertically integrated AI to enable workflows that were never possible before." Meridian brings together a team of over 25 across New York and Miami, with experience spanning enterprise software, AI infrastructure, and capital markets. The company has also hired an experienced customer team who guide firms through the most important technological shift facing private markets today. At the heart of the platform is Scout, Meridian's AI engine. Scout powers intelligent agents that map markets, pinpoint the right companies, automate core evaluation workflows, and surface relationship signals where they matter most. It helps firms spot high-conviction deals before the market does – giving teams a decisive sourcing and diligence edge. Meridian has to date focused on the top of the market, helping some of the world's largest private equity and credit firms run better, more intelligent deal sourcing and evaluation processes. The platform is quickly gaining share at top 100 firms and is now expanding into LPs, investment banks, and global hedge funds – reflecting a broader shift toward modern infrastructure across every layer of private company investing. "There's a generational shift happening in private markets – more complexity, more competition, and more data," said Nnamdi Okike, Managing Partner at 645 Ventures. "AI is a game changer for private market deal sourcing, due diligence and deal management. Firms that do not leverage AI in this new market will be left behind. We were particularly drawn to Alex's insights into how AI will transform private markets, which were developed through his experience in private equity. Meridian is arming investors with the system they'll need to win." The funding will be used to expand Meridian's AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and scale go-to-market efforts globally. "Private market firms are under pressure to move faster, operate leaner, and make sharper decisions," said Sen. "Software is no longer just overhead at private equity firms – it's become a source of edge. The best investors are treating technology and data as central to how they generate outsized returns." To request a demo or learn more, visit About Meridian Meridian is the AI-native operating system for institutional private markets. The platform combines next-generation deal software, massive datasets, and intelligent agents into a single system that helps investors originate, evaluate, and execute with greater speed and precision. Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian serves private equity, credit, and broader financial services firms engaged in M&A. The company is headquartered in New York and Miami, with a team of product builders, engineers, and customer leaders with deep experience across enterprise software and private markets. Learn more at About 645 Ventures 645 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders building iconic companies. The firm invests at the Seed and Series A stages and supports founders through its proprietary software platform Voyager and deep Connected Network. 645 Ventures manages over $550M in AUM across five funds. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact Kelsey Cullen, KCPR650.438.1063kelsey@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Ex-Blackstone Investor Raises $7M for Meridian, Private Equity's New AI Operating System
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Meridian, the AI-powered deal management platform for the private markets, today announced its $7 million Series Seed fundraise. The round was led by 645 Ventures with participation from existing investor Chaac Ventures. Meridian also welcomed a group of high-impact angel investors – industry leaders from private equity, credit, and M&A law, many of whom have actively shaped Meridian as early users. "Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions. We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals." Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian is building the AI operating system for private market investors. The company combines modern CRM with deep workflow automation and proprietary AI agents to solve the core operational pain points of the world's leading investors – from deal origination to exit. 'Private equity still runs on fragmented, manual systems: clunky software, Excel trackers, and scattered third-party data subscriptions,' said Alexander Sen, founder and CEO of Meridian. 'We're building software that finally reflects how top investment teams source and diligence deals – and we've vertically integrated AI to enable workflows that were never possible before.' Meridian brings together a team of over 25 across New York and Miami, with experience spanning enterprise software, AI infrastructure, and capital markets. The company has also hired an experienced customer team who guide firms through the most important technological shift facing private markets today. At the heart of the platform is Scout, Meridian's AI engine. Scout powers intelligent agents that map markets, pinpoint the right companies, automate core evaluation workflows, and surface relationship signals where they matter most. It helps firms spot high-conviction deals before the market does – giving teams a decisive sourcing and diligence edge. Meridian has to date focused on the top of the market, helping some of the world's largest private equity and credit firms run better, more intelligent deal sourcing and evaluation processes. The platform is quickly gaining share at top 100 firms and is now expanding into LPs, investment banks, and global hedge funds – reflecting a broader shift toward modern infrastructure across every layer of private company investing. 'There's a generational shift happening in private markets – more complexity, more competition, and more data,' said Nnamdi Okike, Managing Partner at 645 Ventures. 'AI is a game changer for private market deal sourcing, due diligence and deal management. Firms that do not leverage AI in this new market will be left behind. We were particularly drawn to Alex's insights into how AI will transform private markets, which were developed through his experience in private equity. Meridian is arming investors with the system they'll need to win.' The funding will be used to expand Meridian's AI capabilities, accelerate product development, and scale go-to-market efforts globally. 'Private market firms are under pressure to move faster, operate leaner, and make sharper decisions,' said Sen. 'Software is no longer just overhead at private equity firms – it's become a source of edge. The best investors are treating technology and data as central to how they generate outsized returns.' To request a demo or learn more, visit About Meridian Meridian is the AI-native operating system for institutional private markets. The platform combines next-generation deal software, massive datasets, and intelligent agents into a single system that helps investors originate, evaluate, and execute with greater speed and precision. Founded by Alexander Sen, a former investor at Blackstone, Thoma Bravo, and CVC, Meridian serves private equity, credit, and broader financial services firms engaged in M&A. The company is headquartered in New York and Miami, with a team of product builders, engineers, and customer leaders with deep experience across enterprise software and private markets. Learn more at About 645 Ventures 645 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders building iconic companies. The firm invests at the Seed and Series A stages and supports founders through its proprietary software platform Voyager and deep Connected Network. 645 Ventures manages over $550M in AUM across five funds. Learn more at
Newsroom
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsroom
Don't expect rooftop solar to power NZ's future, says new Meridian boss
Mike Roan has been running renewable power systems for 33 years. Straight out of university, he got a job at Whakamaru hydro power station on the upper Waikato River. And in two weeks' time, the 55 year old will step into the role of chief executive of Meridian, the country's biggest renewable power generation company. His family drives only EVs: a BMW iX SUV, and a Peugeot 208 "shopping trolley" for around town. The upfront cost is "challenging", he admits, but they pay themselves off. "And they're a bloody amazing piece of technology."
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Hyundai, Jeep, Tata, Honda and Citroen offer big discounts in June. Take a look
As carmakers gear up for mid-year momentum, June 2025 is turning out into an attractive month for car buyers in India. Several major manufacturers have announced notable discounts, benefits, and special schemes on popular models. From Jeep's premium SUVs to Honda's sedans, Hyundai's hatchbacks, Tata's EVs and Citroen's anniversary deals, customers can avail themselves of a wide range of offers across segments. If you too are looking to buy a new automobile in the month, take a look at the benefit options given below: Jeep India is aggressively pushing discounts across its portfolio amid slowing sales. The Jeep Compass is available with benefits of up to ₹2.95 lakh, including a direct consumer offer of up to ₹1.70 lakh, a corporate discount of ₹1.10 lakh, and an additional ₹15,000 special benefit for select professionals such as doctors, employees of leasing firms, and corporate partners. The Compass is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 168 bhp and 350 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic. Priced between ₹18.99 lakh and ₹32.41 lakh (ex-showroom), this offer could make it more accessible to potential buyers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is sold only in its top-spec Limited (O) trim at ₹67.50 lakh (ex-showroom), gets a flat discount of ₹3 lakh. Benefits may vary depending on city, stock, and dealership. Jeep's biggest offer is on the Meridian SUV, with total benefits reaching up to ₹3.90 lakh. This includes consumer discounts of up to ₹2.30 lakh, corporate discounts of up to ₹1.30 lakh, and a special benefit of ₹30,000. The Meridian is available in four trims, namely Longitude, Longitude Plus, Limited (O) and Overland, priced from ₹24.99 lakh going up to ₹38.79 lakh. Honda is offering promotional benefits of up to ₹1.20 lakh across its lineup. The Honda City is available with offers worth ₹1,07,300 on all variants, while the City e:HEV hybrid sees total benefits of ₹65,000. These discounts typically include a loyalty bonus, exchange benefits, and a complimentary extended warranty. Competing in the midsize sedan segment, the City faces rivals like the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia, and Volkswagen Virtus. For SUV buyers, the Elevate ZX variant gets the highest offer this month, with total benefits reaching ₹1.20 lakh. This includes a combination of exchange bonuses, loyalty rewards, and corporate offers. The Elevate rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in India. The midsize SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which makes 120 bhp. The newer third-generation Honda Amaze doesn't get direct cash discounts but comes with corporate benefits and special loyalty bonuses for existing Honda customers. On the other hand, the older second-generation Amaze gets benefits of up to ₹57,200. The subcompact sedan rivals the Maruti Dzire and features affordable EMI schemes starting at ₹1,111 per lakh. Hyundai India has announced benefits of up to ₹85,000 across four models this June, the Venue, Exter, i20 and Grand i10 NIOS. These include cash discounts, exchange bonuses, and scrappage incentives. Terms may vary by dealership and region, so buyers should check with local outlets for specifics. The Hyundai Venue gets the highest discount of the lot, offering up to ₹85,000 in benefits. This compact SUV is available in seven trims and three engine options, including a 1.2-litre petrol making 82 bhp, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol producing 118 bhp and a 1.5-litre diesel churning out 113 bhp. Prices range from ₹7.94 lakh to ₹13.62 lakh (ex-showroom), with multiple manual and automatic transmission choices. The Hyundai Exter is available with a total discount of ₹55,000. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and also available in CNG, the Exter competes with the Tata Punch. Ex-showroom prices range from ₹5.99 lakh to ₹10.43 lakh. The sporty i20 hatchback gets up to ₹55,000 off this June. With prices between ₹7.04 lakh and ₹11.24 lakh, the i20 remains popular among young buyers. It comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 86.7 bhp and 114.7 Nm, mated to either a manual or IVT gearbox. Hyundai's most affordable offering, the Grand i10 NIOS, sees benefits of up to ₹65,000 this month. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine making 81 bhp and 113.8 Nm and offers manual and AMT transmission options. Ex-showroom pricing for the NIOS ranges between ₹5.98 lakh and ₹8.38 lakh. Tata Motors has also kicked off a nationwide monsoon service camp for its customers, running from June 6 to June 20 across 1,090 workshops in 500 cities. This initiative includes a free top wash, a 30-point vehicle inspection, and discounts on parts, labour, engine oil, and accessories. Alongside this, Tata is offering impressive discounts on its electric vehicle range, including the Curvv EV, Nexon EV, Punch EV, and Tiago EV. The Curvv EV sees benefits of up to ₹70,000 on MY2024 stock, with ₹50,000 as a green bonus and ₹20,000 under exchange or scrappage schemes. The Nexon EV, with 30 kWh and 45 kWh battery options, is available with a total discount of ₹40,000. The Punch EV and Tiago EV, both available with benefits on MY2024 and select MY2025 units, offer discounts of up to ₹70,000 depending on the variant. These deals are limited to specific variants and stocks, making it essential for buyers to check with local Tata dealerships. Celebrating its fourth anniversary in the Indian market, Citroen is offering substantial savings of up to ₹2.80 lakh on select models until June 30. These anniversary offers are aimed at both new and existing customers. In addition to the savings, current Citroen owners are entitled to a complimentary car spa during this promotional period. The brand has yet to specify which models are covered under the full ₹2.80 lakh benefit, so potential buyers are encouraged to visit Citroen's official website or connect with their nearest showroom for detailed information.
