Very happy for our friends at Confido, who today announce their $20 million Series A to build the AI operating system for scaling CPG brands. The company launched with automated Cash Application and Deductions Management and quickly expanded into Trade Promotion Management and Sales Forecasting — giving finance and sales teams a single platform to plan, execute, and analyze every retail dollar. They've already processed $1B+ in deductions, and their current customers are forecasting $1.5B+ in sales. 100s of high-growth brands including @drinkolipop, MUSH, @DrSquatchSoapCo, @Momofuku, and @DUDEwipes use Confido to manage cash flow, recover revenue, and forecast demand — all in one system. Congrats Justin and Kara!

💸A $500M money-transfer merger just got announced: @WesternUnion will acquire @IntermexWire, a company specializing in money transfers to Latin America and the Caribbean, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $500 million. The acquisition price is $16 per share, representing a premium of over 70% compared to Intermex’s previous closing price of $9.28. Strategic Implications •Western Union expects the deal to enhance its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) by more than $0.10 within the first full year after completion. •The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Western Union’s footprint in the high-growth Latin American market, where Intermex has a strong presence. •The move will also broaden Western Union’s North American retail presence and diversify its operational model beyond its traditional focus. Contextual Background •Intermex recently suspended issuing quarterly guidance and revised its annual profit and revenue forecasts downwards, citing economic uncertainty.

Stablecoins are catching on -- but not where you'd expect: Bolivia is grappling with record-high, 25% inflation—the highest in over three decades—and a severe shortage of U.S. dollars. The crisis has eroded confidence in the boliviano and in the socialist government. 🪙Stables filling the gap Against this backdrop, digital assets are increasingly being used not just for speculation but as practical tools for daily commerce and preserving value. Everyday businesses—from beauty salons giving Bitcoin discounts to ATMs converting coins into crypto—demonstrate how digital currencies are integrated into daily life. 📈Remarkable transaction surge Since Bolivia lifted its ban on cryptocurrencies in mid-2024, use of virtual assets in transactions has skyrocketed—soaring over 530%, from about $46 million in the first half of 2024 to $294 million in the same period of 2025. Total volumes have reached approximately $430 million across more than 10,000 operations. ☠️Risks and caution Despite the surge, economists warn this trend is not a sign of economic stability. Instead, it's a reflection of Bolivians' diminishing purchasing power. Critics also highlight the volatility of crypto and the potential for exploitation, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. 🏦Institutional response In a nod to crypto’s growing relevance, Bolivia’s central bank has signed a formal agreement with El Salvador to help craft a regulatory and technical framework for crypto adoption, drawing on El Salvador’s experience as the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender. @twifintech @thestablecon

Edward Woodford (@e_woodford) got banned from @LinkedIn for cold-emailing investors. Today, his company powers BlackRock’s crypto rails. This is how he built ZeroHash (@ZeroHashX) into a $2B+ fintech quietly shaping digital finance. Here's his stellar journey: 👇🧵

This week, in everything is fintech: Airlines don't make money from flying passengers. They lose money on flights, but make it up immensely on points, payments, and rewards. Every major US airline's operating profit is subsidized by loyalty programs.

$CHYM Chime just reported earnings -> Active members grew to 8.7Mn -> Purchase Volume grew +18% YoY to $32.4Bn -> ARPAM (avg rev per active member) +12% YoY to $245 -> Tripled MyPay transaction margin QoQ

Who are the most interesting early-stage founders you know building agentic commerce tools?

Who are the most interesting early-stage founders you know building agentic commerce tools?

Now 17 out of 18! 3 hr computer outage last night. United is the 🐐🐐🐐

What kind of flowers should I get?