Peng, a serial entrepreneur in China, is pursuing brain–computer interface development through two ventures: NeuroXess, which develops implantable BCI systems, while Gestala is dedicated to non-invasive interfaces that rely on ultrasound technology. The efforts come as U.S. companies including Elon Musk’s Neuralink and OpenAI-backed Merge Labs continue advancing similar technologies.

Investor demand significantly exceeded the amount sought, with commitments totaling more than $58 million, Peng said.

The deal marks the biggest early-stage funding round so far in China’s brain–computer interface industry. The capital will help grow the team from 15 to about 35 employees by the end of the year, support R&D, and fund the construction of a manufacturing facility in China. Gestala  expects to complete its first-generation prototype later this year.

Globally, investment in BCI technologies has been rising, especially when it comes to ultrasound technology. This is the first ultrasound BCI company in China.

According to Peng ultrasound may become the next generation of brain–computer interface technology, offering the possibility of broader access to brain activity and new ways to interact with neural signals. Its possible that the non-invasive ultrasound could reduce the risks associated with brain surgery. The ultrasound technology can monitor larger areas of the brain, including deeper neural circuits. Also using phased-array ultrasound, the system can precisely stimulate or inhibit neural activity without requiring surgical procedures, he explained.

The company is also investigating potential uses in mental health conditions such as depression, autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and even stroke rehabilitation. Some of the longer-term targets include Alzheimer’s disease, essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.

Gestala is collaborating with major Chinese hospitals to fast-track clinical trials at substantially reduced costs, estimated at just 20% to 33% of comparable research in the U.S. or Europe. The company is also building  “Ultrasound Brain Bank” — a large clinical dataset aimed at training AI models to decode brain activity and aid future neurological diagnostics.

Despite increasing geopolitical tensions, Peng said he hopes researchers in the U.S. and China will collaborate on deep-technology development.

Both countries bring different strengths,

Peng said.

China offers large-scale clinical research capacity and efficient supply chains, while the U.S. has world-class scientific talent.

He added that joint initiatives could also focus on developing large clinical datasets to advance global neuroscience research.

Image: Phoenix Peng LinkedIn profile, Edited – 12.03.2026

Let’s Talk about Money

Investing our money in the stock market might be one of the best ideas that could provide us with a secure income for long-term goals. Proper investing is the key to a financially secure future. Today, more than ever, we need to take that step and invest our money in the most rational way possible for the long term.

However, finding the best investment strategy can be a daunting task. However, we should not give up on the goals we have. There are enough proven ideas for proper investing, even for people who are not that experienced in the investing world yet.

Remember that each of us has a unique financial situation. The best way to invest depends on your personal preferences as well as your current and future financial situation. Today, we’ll present a few steps that will guide you to the right sequence and investment choice according to Nerdwallet.

Here’s a five-step process that can help you figure out how to invest your money now:

#1. Determine your financial goal and when you want to reach it.

#2. Decide if you want to manage your money yourself or work with a service to do it for you.

#3. Choose the type of investment account you will use.

#4. Open an account.

#5. Choose your investments.

Although at first glance the steps seem familiar to everyone, the truth is that you need to approach each one with special care when you perform each one.

Step #1. Set a goal for your money

Choosing how you will invest your money starts with determining your investment goals, when you need or want to achieve them, and how prepared you are for the risk you are taking. That’s because every investment carries its own risk.

Long-term goals: Goals that are in a time range of more than 5 years. One common such goal is retirement, but you may have others such as a down payment for a house or for college tuition. If so, you need to take a look and become well acquainted with the specifics of investing for long-term goals.

Short-term goals: Goals that are no more than 5 years away. For example, a vacation abroad next summer, etc. However, according to many investment professionals, money for short-term goals should not be invested. If you need the money you have saved in less than five years, then it is a good idea to know the specifics of investing for short-term goals.

Today, in this article, we will look at investing for the long term. How do you invest without a clear goal? And do such investments carry more risks? How close are they to a successful investment?

Step #2. Will you do it alone?

Once you’re clear on your goals, you can tackle the specific questions about how to invest (from choosing an account type to the best place to open an account to selecting investment vehicles). This is where you need to ask yourself “Will I be able to do this on my own?”.

Today, seeking professional help is much easier than it was a few years ago, thanks to the advent of automated portfolio management services, also known as robo-advisors.

These online advisors use computer algorithms and sophisticated software to build and manage a client’s investment portfolio, offering everything from automatic rebalancing to tax optimization and even access to human help when you need it.

Step #3. Choose an investment account

When buying most types of investments, including stocks and bonds, you need an investment account. Just as there are a number of bank accounts for different purposes – checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit – there are several investment accounts you should know about.

Some accounts offer tax advantages if you invest for a specific purpose, such as retirement. Here, you need to consider the possibility of being taxed or penalized if you withdraw your money early or for a reason that is not considered qualified by plan rules.
Other accounts are general purpose and should be used for nonretirement purposes, such as buying a house.

Step #4. Open your account

Online Broker: This option allows you to take control of your account, managing it yourself by buying and selling various investments such as stocks, bonds, funds, and more complex financial instruments. Opting for an online broker is ideal for investors seeking a wide array of investment options or those who prefer to actively manage their accounts.

Robo-Advisor: This involves partnering with a portfolio management company that utilizes computer algorithms to handle the majority of tasks for you. They construct and oversee a portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and financial objectives. Typically, you’ll pay an annual management fee, usually ranging from 0.25% to 0.50%. Robo-advisors primarily utilize funds, making them less suitable for those interested in individual stocks or bonds. However, they’re perfect for investors who prefer a hands-off approach.

Step #5. Select Investments Aligned with Your Risk Tolerance

Deciding where to invest money hinges on determining your risk tolerance. Your choice will be influenced by your financial objectives and your comfort level with assuming greater risk for the possibility of increased investment returns.

Typical investment options comprise: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Real Estate.

In tough times like today, which mark the beginning of an era of economic upheaval, inflation and hundreds of layoffs in the tech industry, being able to properly invest the money we earn is more than a good solution for a more peaceful future.

If you’re still having a hard time allocating your finances as well as investing in the right things, you shouldn’t despair. You have already taken the first step when you expressed your desire to learn how to handle your money wisely.

Every one of us, whether we are just entering the investment world or not, wants to put some of our hard earned money to increase our financial situation over time. Did you know that there is no better time than the present? Yes, CNN prove that with these top advice for beginners investitors.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett said, “Someone is standing in the shade today because someone else planted a tree a long time ago.” With those words, he wanted to give one of the most valuable pieces of advice to anyone, which is that the earlier you start investing, the better things will work out for you in the long run.

And while there are no clear and definitive rules about how someone should invest their money, the good news is that you have more than plenty of choices today. All that’s required of you is to research everything about investing thoroughly, and a dose of courage, of course. Because success belongs to the brave!

In today’s article, we’ll look at eight great ways to start investing right now

Stock market investments

Historically, investing in stocks has been one of the fastest, most efficient and most effective ways to improve your financial situation, and over the long term.

From the start of the Great Depression in 1930 to 2023, the average annual return on stocks is 5.9%, according to officialdata.org. Stocks are securities that represent an individual’s ownership stake in a company.

“If you’re a beginner investor, you’re probably in the wealth accumulation phase, not the wealth preservation phase,” says James Beckett, a financial coach and investment analyst at MoneyStocker.com. “If that’s true, you should be 100% in stocks.”

Although stocks are sometimes volatile, they offer greater financial benefits than other investments. “As a new investor, volatility isn’t as important because you probably have time to ride out any bumps in the market,” Beckett notes.

Novice investors shouldn’t invest in just one asset class, however. Once a new investor has established a workable investment portfolio, it’s a good idea to make sure it doesn’t harbor investment risks.

Portfolio diversification*

Portfolio diversification* can do this job for you. New investors may consider investing in an index fund that provides diversification among many different companies.

Diversification* is an investment strategy that seeks to reduce risk while maximizing return by using an allocation of capital across different assets in a way that does not allow too much exposure to a single asset.

Also, an appropriate idea is the “core & exploration” approach, which uses an index fund as a core holding and a set amount for “exploration” by purchasing individual stocks.

“A reasonable start is to have 80-90% of the portfolio in a core index fund and 10-20% in individual stocks,” says Aaron Ritsema, senior portfolio manager at private asset management firm LaFleur & Godfrey in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Keep in mind that it’s important to do your own research and know what you’re buying, whether it’s an index fund or an individual stock”, he added. 

Investments in real estate

Investing in real estate is expensive, but the potential returns justify the risk.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home sale in the U.S. reached $400,000 for the first time in 2022. That represents an annual increase of 14.2%.

One caveat to investing in real estate is that it requires you to educate yourself very well in the field, which takes more time. These days, however, this would not be such a difficult task.

There are enough mentors and investors in the market who conduct courses and from whom you would learn a lot.

Bonds and fixed income investments

Government and corporate bonds, also known as fixed income investments, are usually investments that can help limit risk in an investment portfolio.

Reducing risk sooner or later is important for all investors, but this is especially true for new investors who could benefit from the money-preserving qualities that bonds bring.

To balance risk and keep purchase costs low, novice investors can purchase a bond fund to reduce volatility levels and save on initial purchase costs.

Mutual funds and ETFs

When investing in stocks, the last thing a new investor should do is put all of their eggs in one basket. That’s where mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can help.

Mutual funds are investment companies that pool money from investors to purchase securities, such as stocks or bonds, and are overseen by professional fund managers. ETFs are also pooled investments, but they are priced and traded on stock exchanges and typically track index funds or other asset classes.

Such funds enable new investors to spread their money across hundreds of different securities so they don’t have to rely on the performance of a single stock to make money. Both types of funds are professionally managed by experienced fund managers who charge a regular fee for the service.

And yes, choosing between mutual funds and ETFs is not always so easy, but the former can be more profitable for novice investors.

If you found this article useful, stay tuned for part 2 of the best ways to invest for beginners next week. 

Emphasizing the ROI in the Player Experience
The Return on Investment (ROI) stands out as a crucial metric underscoring the significance of the PX. Research indicates that each $1 allocated to enhancing the player experience can result in a $3 return. This underscores the considerable financial benefits that gaming companies can unlock by prioritizing the delivery of outstanding player experiences.

Beyond Financial Advantages
The impact of investing in player experiences within the gaming industry extends beyond mere monetary gains. Through seamless API integration with LLMs such as LLaMa, gaming companies can afford players convenient access to vital features like in-game assistance, tips, and enriched virtual environments. This not only heightens player satisfaction but also reinforces player loyalty and engagement.

Favorable Effects of AI-Powered Assistance:
Harnessing AI-powered assistance for player experience optimization yields further positive outcomes. It simplifies player interactions, leading to diminished operational costs and heightened efficiency. Through the automation of routine tasks and the provision of precise and timely information, gaming providers can redirect resources toward addressing more intricate and strategic facets of game development.

Proving value in a competitive environment:
In the swiftly changing landscape of the gaming industry, showcasing the significance of PX and its correlated ROI is crucial. Embracing cutting-edge AI technologies, such as the DeepInfra API models, enables gaming companies to create smooth and personalized gaming experiences for their players. This leads to increased satisfaction, enhanced engagement, and, ultimately, greater success in the gaming industry.

Elevating the player experience isn’t just a smart business choice; it’s a strategic step towards cultivating lasting player relationships and maintaining a leading position in the competitive gaming industry.

The FBAR filters will be designed and built at several manufacturing centers in the U.S., including Fort Collins, Colorado, where Apple said it already supports more than 1,100 jobs.

“We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of American manufacturing. All of Apple’s products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we’ll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America’s future.”

commented Apple CEO Tim Cook.

This is not the first agreement between Apple and Broadcom. The first deal between the tech companies was providing chips for several Apple devices, such as the AirPort and iPhone 5S. The new collaboration will enable Broadcom to continue investing in critical automation and workforce upskilling projects.

In 2021, Apple pledged to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy over five years, and today it’s about to deliver with its latest deal.

This is believed to be Ingka Investment’s first deal with an ocean-specific LP vehicle. Ocean 14 Capital first launched in November 2021 after raising €80m in seed funding from European investment fund, Builders Vision, Minderoo Foundation. In September last year, the fund added €10m from Monaco’s sovereign wealth fund.

According to the OECD, by 2030, around $3 trillion will be generated by ocean-based businesses within the so-called ‘blue economy’.

“Ocean 20: Building a Sustainable Blue Economy”
In a special session on “Ocean 20: Building a Sustainable Blue Economy” Peter Thomson, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Oceans and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action community of ocean leaders, said a sustainable blue economy represents nothing less than “the future of human security” and is critical to intergenerational equity, urging leaders to seize critical opportunities for Ocean Action in 2023.

Over the next three years, Ocean 14 will support 20-25 growth-stage ocean restoration businesses, particularly in areas such as sustainable fishing practices, alternative protein products and ocean conservation.

Around two-thirds of the LP Fund’s money will be directed to European ocean start-ups.

It currently has four portfolio holdings. Two have been officially disclosed: AION, a Norwegian circular economy company that helps supply chains reuse plastic waste, and SyAqua, a shrimp aquaculture company with operations in the US and Singapore.

The LP Fund was set up by Max Gottschalk, former founder of Gottex Fund Management, along with George Duffield and Chris Barnes, who previously co-founded the Blue Marine Foundation, a charity tackling ocean problems caused by overfishing.

The importance of technologies
Tech not only has allowed more plastic to be extracted from oceans, but it has given businesses an array of data insights into the health of marine and aquaculture ecosystems. Tech.eu reported recently on a major ocean plastics removal programme undertaken by Rotterdam’s Ocean Cleanup. Other European startups in the field, such as Lisbon’s TEKEVER, are deploying drones to survey oceans and extract data insights.

Sustainable oceans featured on the agenda of World Economic Forum delegates at January’s summit in Davos.

“It is a real testament to the quality of our fund and intention that Ingka Investments has come on board in such a significant capacity. If there’s no ocean, there’s no us – it connects us all. It provides food security and plays a vital role in achieving the UN sustainability agenda”

Said Chris Barnes, co-founder of the marine sustainability charity “Blue Marine Foundation”.

The perfect goal
Ingka’s head of financial market investments, Samuel Rundle, added: “Ingka Group is guided by the IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many. As a purpose-led company, our aim is to invest with impact, delivering positive returns for communities and the environment for generations to come.

Samuel also commented that ocean health is critical to cleaner and more inclusive restoration. He also shares his strong impressions of the Ocean 14 team’s strategy, and that they are excited to contribute to accelerating sustainable solutions to improve the state of the oceans.

One easy way to measure the change is through the headlines – such as those reporting Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI, the company behind the dazzling text generator ChatGPT, followed by other AI startups looking for big money. Or those for school districts frantically trying to keep up with students using ChatGPT to write coursework. Or those for digital publishers like CNET and BuzzFeed, who admit or brag that they use artificial intelligence to create some of their content – and investors reward them for it, Vox wrote on the subject.

“Until recently, these were science experiments that no one cared about. In a short period of time, they became projects with economic implications.”

Says Matthew Dreihurst, co-founder of artificial intelligence startup Spawning.ai.

There’s another leading indicator: the lawsuits filed against OpenAI and similar companies that claim artificial intelligence engines illegally use other people’s labor to create their platforms and products. This means they are directly targeting the current boom in generative AI – software such as ChatGPT that uses existing text, images or code to create new work.

And in January, we saw a similar class action filed (by the same lawyers) against Stability AI, developer of the AI art generator Stable Diffusion, alleging copyright infringement.

Meanwhile, Getty Images, the UK-based photo and art library, said it would also sue Stable Diffusion for using its images without a license.

And the tech giants leading the way in artificial intelligence – besides Microsoft, Google and Facebook have made huge investments in the industry, though they have yet to present much of it to the public – are far more powerful and established than their dotcom boom counterparts.

Data-driven artificial intelligence diet
The technology behind AI is a complex black box, and many of the claims and predictions about its power may turn out to be exaggerated. Yes, some AI software seems to be able to pass some of the tests for MBA and medical licenses, but it still won’t replace your CFO or doctor.

And sometimes the data question changes depending on who you ask. Elon Musk was an early investor in OpenAI – but after he became the owner of Twitter, he said he didn’t want to let OpenAI search Twitter’s database.

Not surprising, as I just learned that OpenAI had access to Twitter database for training. I put that on pause for now.

Need to understand more about governance structure & revenue plans going forward.

OpenAI was started as open-source & non-profit. Neither are still true.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 4, 2022

What does the past tell us about the future of artificial intelligence?
Here’s where we have to remember that the next big thing isn’t always like this: remember the days when people were trying to figure out what Web3 and FTX actually meant, paying millions of dollars for Super Bowl ads? That was a year ago.

In conclusion, we have to watch the future development of AI and all the platforms that use it, and the scandals between companies that are coming are inevitable given the investments that are being made in the sector.

SEEDS Capital catalyses smart investments into innovative Singapore-based early-stage tech startups, through working with co-investment partners.

1Derlife Growth and SEEDS Capital’s capital splash into an automated electric vehicles provider in Singapore follows investment from Momentum and Yinson, to bolster MooVita on its journey to speed up the rollout of the company’s driverless solutions in Singapore, Malaysia and beyond. Yinson’s signed a term sheet with GreenTech Malaysia Alliances Sdn. Bhd. to accelerate the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Malaysia to accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a more environmentally sustainable transport network.

MooVita has pioneered the development of driverless software solutions deployable worldwide. With the vision to revolutionise urban transportation in an era defined by electrification and automation, its component-based software is a cost-effective solution designed to convert regular cars into self-driving vehicles for applications such as first/last-mile transportation, logistic transportation and utility solutions. Established in 2016 with headquarters in Singapore and offices in Malaysia and India, MooVita plans to bring its products to Europe while expanding and strengthening its footprint in Asia-Pacific. Gregory Lee, Principal of 1Derlife Growth, said:

“1Derlife Growth is excited to join MooVita’s journey. The electric and autonomous vehicle market has enormous potential. Current estimates suggest the industry will grow at a CAGR of 22% hitting US$60bn in 2028. However, I believe it will be much faster than this, thanks to a large and growing consumer and enterprise market. MooVita has demonstrated its strategic position in these two fast-growing segments, and we are sure they will play a pivotal role expanding EV growth in Singapore, Malaysia and beyond.”

Driven by Singapore’s push to automatise the public transportation system and accelerate towards a low-carbon future has granted the homegrown EV makers a first-mover advantage. As a result, MooVita is in a prime position in the global race to expedite the world’s goals of creating clean, safe and efficient urban transit networks. Leveraging its green and environmentally friendly technologies to unlock EV and AV vehicles possibilities in urban settings, MooVita has demonstrated its vast market potential and is on track to become one of the leaders in the global EV and AV tech space.

The map that Fintech Australia released is free for investors and can be accessed by all members of the fintech and startup community. It also breaks down the type of funding each group provides. For instance, it can narrow down if a VC firm only invests in Series A rounds. Simone Joyce, Chair of FinTech Australia said:

“Mapping major funders is a job many founders would do themselves when looking for funding. We’ve essentially taken this work off of time-poor early-stage founders, and created a valuable resource for the industry in the process.”

FinTech Australia’s goal is to provide more open resources for the fintech industry. It follows September’s launch of the regulatory map for early-stage startups and overseas companies expanding into Australia.

Besides donating equipment, Sandvik offers training opportunities that enable the students to get hands-on experience with the actual gear used in the industry. M. Malanga, HOD – Design and Technology Teacher Education at the TVTC’s Management Board, commented:

“We are very grateful for the support Sandvik has rendered to Technical And Vocational Teacher’s College with the donation of equipment, and we particularly appreciate the opportunity given to us to expose our degree students to hydraulic practicals at Sandvik’s workshops in Kitwe.” 

Students regularly visit the Sandvik facilities in Kitwe. In the workshop the Sandvik training team demonstrates how the equipment works in relation to the students’ focus of study. The goal is the future technicians to be able to apply the knowledge obtained in class.

“Most of our technicians are former graduates of these institutions, and we believe that engaging in community involvement has a significant positive impact on the society while it also secures the growth of a future generation of skilled technicians and leaders in the industry,” says Mutale Chilufya.