Issue #61: Bluesky Takes Flight

Jack Dorsey's decentralized social platform is making waves, but does it have what it takes to challenge the giants?

As the social media landscape evolves, a new challenger has entered the ring: Bluesky. Backed by ex-Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, this decentralized social network is rapidly gaining traction—and raising questions about its potential to dethrone X, formerly known as Twitter. Built on the AT Protocol, the platform promises enhanced user control and strong privacy features, targeting the growing demand for alternatives to tech monopolies. Though still invite-only, its steady buzz points to a larger conversation about the future of digital communication. Learn more.

Key Highlights:

• Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform developed by Jack Dorsey, who also co-founded Twitter.

• It operates on the AT Protocol, prioritizing user autonomy, data privacy, and open-source frameworks.

• The platform remains in beta testing and is invite-only, but its growth trajectory suggests widening appeal.

• Bluesky is receiving positive feedback for its lightweight interface and customizable algorithms—both of which set it apart from competitors like X.

• Challenges remain, including scalability, monetization strategies, and the broader adoption of decentralized social networks.

While Bluesky is still in its infancy, its momentum reflects a growing desire for innovation in the deeply entrenched social media space. As platforms like X wrestle with user concerns over content moderation, privacy, and algorithmic control, Bluesky's promise of a transparent and user-first digital environment could be the breath of fresh air many are looking for. That said, the real test will be its ability to scale and sustain engagement in a crowded market. With social media at a tipping point, Bluesky’s rise could mark the beginning of a new chapter in digital connectivity.

Quick Bites Overview

Here are some interesting quick news items from the tech world:

Cohere Valuation Soars to $6.8B Amid Enterprise AI Trend

Cohere is raising the stakes in enterprise AI, hitting a jaw-dropping $6.8 billion valuation. Backed by tech powerhouses AMD, Nvidia, and Salesforce, the company is laser-focused on offering secure large language models (LLMs) tailored exclusively for enterprise needs, not consumers. It’s part of a broader push towards making AI business-friendly—and evidently, investors are sold. Learn more.

Lovable Eyes $1B ARR—And It's All About the 'Vibe'

Lovable, the buzzworthy vibe-coding startup, has its sights set on an impressive milestone: $1 billion in annual recurring revenue within the next 12 months. CEO Anton Osika credits its phenomenal growth to innovative tech and distinct market appeal. Will Lovable live up to its name and conquer enterprise subscription models with ease? Early projections suggest 'yes.' Learn more.

Multiverse Shrinks AI Models to a Zoo-Worthy Size

Buzzy AI startup Multiverse has unveiled two tiny high-performing models nicknamed the ‘Model Zoo.’ One model is hilariously compared to the size of a fly’s brain, while the other resembles a chicken’s brain—talk about downsizing! These innovative tools aim to pack powerful AI capabilities into hyper-efficient packages, and they’re capturing attention as game-changers in model optimization. Learn more.

Run ChatGPT-Style AI Locally on Your Mac—For Free

OpenAI’s latest gpt-oss-20b and gpt-oss-120b models let you run ChatGPT-like AI directly on your Mac—offline, free, and hassle-free. Moving AI tools off the cloud unlocks exciting possibilities for privacy-conscious users, especially those with Apple Silicon Macs. Fancy turning your computer into an AI powerhouse without a subscription? OpenAI just made that future a reality. Learn more.

Women Are Doubling Their Presence in VC Leadership

A new report by nonprofit All Raise reveals women and nonbinary individuals in partner roles at top venture capital firms have doubled in recent years—defying market headwinds. CEO Paige Hendrix Buckner shed light on what’s driving this shift in an interview with TechCrunch. If progress were a metric, the VC world might finally be catching up. Learn more.

Startup Shutdown Of The Day :(

AI Education Startup Mathify Closes Its Doors

Mathify, a startup leveraging AI to help students with math by providing tailored tutoring solutions, has officially shuttered operations. Despite raising $15 million in funding and gaining early traction with 100,000 users, the company cited unsustainable operational costs and fierce competition as reasons for its closure.

Key Points:

• Founded in 2018 with backing from top-tier firms like Sequoia Capital.

• Raised $15 million in funding across two seed and Series A rounds.

• Offered AI-powered personalized math tutoring to K-12 students.

• Struggled to compete with bigger players like Khan Academy and Quizlet.

• Had a user base of 100,000 but couldn't convert enough to paid subscribers.

Lessons for Founders:

Mathify's story highlights the importance of sustainable growth and revenue models in the edtech space. Startups targeting education often face the dual challenge of catering to a price-sensitive audience while investing heavily in technology. Balancing these competing priorities requires crystal-clear unit economics from day one. For founders, the key takeaway is not just to build a great product but to ensure that the market has the willingness—and ability—to pay for it. Learn more.