everything you need to read this week by @stephthefounder (May 26th)

The goal is to be the best weekly newsletter to be the most succinct + fun way to learn about all the best things you need to know across tech, startups, VC, etc, sent out every Monday. (and at the minimum, it will include the links I post about every week on instagram!). Feedback (and a better/more creative newsletter name than the boring one I have now) always welcome!

Happy MDW — wishing us all a restful weekend/day, and while we take this chance to slow down, we’re also holding space to remember the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice & and to thank everyone who continues to serve.

💰 Companies that will make you a millionaire

Every week I highlight a few of my favorite startups that I personally think are really promising. They’ve typically received funding that week + are hiring, and occasionally I’ll include some special bonus ones.

This week’s companies:

1. Slash:

They started as a neobank for sneaker resellers but showed real hustle by pivoting into hot sectors like crypto and performance marketing after a big market shift. Now, with a fresh $41 million funding round this week, they're setting their sights on becoming a major player, potentially following the successful path of other vertical neobanks like Mercury and Brex who focus on specific business needs.

Job openings can be found found here

2. Catena Labs:

They are building a really cool AI-first bank, designed for AI agents to handle finances with human guidance. Catena Labs recently raised $18 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Crypto, with participation from other notable investors like Circle Ventures and Coinbase Ventures.

Job openings can be found here