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Writer's pictureMariane Bekker

This Week in Tech: Autonomous Taxis, Elon vs Zuck Showdown, Layoffs Drop, and Legal Troubles

Updated: Aug 12, 2023



Welcome to our weekly tech recap, where we bring you the latest highlights and updates from the ever-evolving world of technology. This week has been packed with significant developments that span across different sectors. From groundbreaking achievements in autonomous driving to a surprising MMA showdown announcement, and encouraging news about layoffs to legal troubles in the tech industry, there's no shortage of stories to catch up on. Let's dive into the highlights of this week's tech recap:


Autonomous Taxis Take the Spotlight in San Francisco



In a major stride for autonomous driving, the California Public Utilities Commission has given the green light for Cruise, backed by General Motors, and Alphabet's Waymo to operate paid robotaxi services 24/7 in San Francisco.


This landmark decision marks a significant achievement for self-driving vehicle operators, enabling them to expand statewide and into other U.S. cities. While the move has been met with excitement, concerns about traffic congestion and road blockages remain, underscoring the challenges of integrating autonomous vehicles into urban environments.


The Ultimate Tech Rivalry: Musk vs. Zuckerberg MMA Fight



Tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have escalated their rivalry from the business arena to a physical showdown. The two CEOs have agreed to an MMA fight that will be streamed online and held in Italy. Beyond the spectacle, this unexpected event highlights the competitive nature of the tech industry and its most prominent figures. The fight's charitable focus on supporting veterans adds a unique twist to the narrative, making this upcoming event a topic of intense interest and discussion.


Layoffs Slow Down But Continue to Reshape the Tech Landscape



The tech industry continues to experience workforce reductions, with layoffs affecting both established giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as startups across various sectors. The reasons for these layoffs remain consistent, citing macroeconomic challenges and a quest for profitability.


However, there's a glimmer of positive news within these numbers. While January saw a significant 89,554 employees laid off, the trend has shifted. June reported only 9,991 layoffs, signaling a slowdown in the rate of workforce reductions. This suggests that while challenges persist, the industry is gradually finding its footing.


FTX Co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sent To Jail



In a striking turn of events, FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who had been under house arrest, has been sent to jail. Facing fraud and money laundering charges linked to the collapse of a crypto exchange, Bankman-Fried's legal troubles have intensified due to alleged violations and tampering with witnesses.

This case emphasizes the heightened scrutiny that the cryptocurrency industry is under and underscores the broader challenges and responsibilities of industry leaders.


Remember to follow our blog for weekly tech recaps, where we bring you the latest insights and stories that shape the world of technology. Until next time, stay curious!

 

Follow me LinkedIn and Twitter for insights, industry trends, and valuable resources about Startups, Tech, and Diversity.


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Mariane Bekker is a passionate advocate for women in tech, an angel investor, and the founder & CEO of Upward, a premier boutique recruitment agency connecting companies with exceptional diverse tech talent. With over a decade of experience building diverse engineering teams at leading startups, she’s navigated the intricacies of the startup landscape and understands the unique needs and aspirations of founders. Follow her LinkedIn and Twitter for insights, industry trends, and valuable resources about Startups, Tech, and Diversity.

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