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In this episode
Kalanick's Atoms has hired Anthony Levandowski, acquired his company Pronto, and secured a $100 million investment from Uber, the company that ousted Kalanick in 2017. The company that ousted him is now backing him.
Why it mattersUber's investment looks like a hedge against being outflanked in the robotaxi race.
Via Financial Times via TechmemeOn our radar beforeUber has now come up in 5 of our 194 episodes. First: Ep 1, 25 Feb. Latest: Ep 191, 3 Sep. Every episode on Uber.
Why it mattersChinese loyalty schemes are rewarding customers with AI compute, which could set new expectations for rewards programmes elsewhere.
Via Rest of World via TechmemeWhy it mattersSézane's residency treats physical presence with editorial logic as media, making calendar-driven seasonal campaigns feel dated.
Via The Industry FashionWhy it mattersCartier's five years at Venice show cultural authority building up for sponsors that stay rather than rotate.
Via VogueOn our radar beforeCartier has now come up in 3 of our 194 episodes. First: Ep 88, 23 May. Latest: Ep 106, 10 Jun. Every episode on Cartier.
Why it mattersStreetwear brands are starting to build physical places, with community claims resting on worlds rather than campaigns.
Via ArchDailyOn our radar beforeCARNIVAL has now come up in 2 of our 194 episodes. First: Ep 149, 23 Jul.
Why it mattersHip-hop's cultural support system is maturing into the institutional model orchestras and opera houses have long had.
Via Consequence of SoundTravis Kalanick returning with Uber's backing, Sézane recasting its history as a six-month Paris residency and Jay-Z treating thirty years of rap as a canon all revalue things that had been written off or taken for granted. These are second acts done with conviction. Returning figures and long histories are carrying more authority than newcomers still racing to be first.
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