Veon Brewster, working at a large tech company, developed Veba Baby, a device that tracks the time, temperature, and amount of baby's feeding for pumped breast milk, connected to an app that sends alerts when milk quality is compromised. The product, priced at $130, was launched after two years of R&D and personal investment, including a HELOC against the Brewsters' house. Brewster, originally from Jamaica, faced challenges in fundraising despite having a working prototype and aims to raise a $1 million seed round, bolstered by a strong showing at the Consumer Electronics Show. Veba Baby employs a full-time developer and 22 contractors, with plans to expand the team with seed funding.

The rise of the creative economy in small towns, such as Catskill, NY, is seen as a potential counterbalance to the labor market disruption expected from artificial intelligence. With a high rate of entrepreneurship and a focus on hands-on creative occupations, these communities are fostering environments where locally owned businesses thrive. Initiatives like Upstart Co-Lab, founded by Laura Callanan, aim to support these small-scale creators through impact investing. The creative economy includes diverse industries such as fashion, food, and film, and is gaining recognition as a means to create middle-class jobs and support those who struggle with corporate hierarchies.

Rochester, NY, once dominated by companies like Kodak, is emerging as a promising innovation hub, as predicted by MIT economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson in 2019. The city is experiencing a resurgence in industries such as semiconductor, advanced optics, and medical technology, partly due to federal funding like the CHIPS Act. Startups like Mosaic Micro and established companies like Optimax are poised for growth. The University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology contribute to a skilled workforce. Despite challenges in revitalizing the downtown area and attracting startup talent, Rochester's innovation ecosystem is supported by organizations like Greater Rochester Enterprise and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Danaris Mazara, founder of Sweet Grace Heavenly Cakes, faced the devastation of her bakery burning down due to a fire originating in a neighboring liquor store. Despite the total loss and the challenges of bureaucracy and insufficient support from some organizations, Mazara plans to rebuild with the help of her community in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Her story highlights the resilience of an immigrant entrepreneur and the importance of business interruption insurance. The bakery's destruction is a significant setback, but Mazara's determination and community support suggest a hopeful future.

Microsoft's software, particularly Microsoft Exchange servers, was hacked in 2021, exposing vulnerabilities in widely-used email programs. Small businesses, which often rely on built-in security features from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, are particularly at risk. Cybersecurity experts argue for better default security in software to protect against attacks. Microsoft has a significant market share in enterprise email and has taken steps to improve security, but challenges remain. Cyber insurance companies like At-Bay are seeing increased pressure due to the rise in cyberattacks. Government regulators may need to intervene to ensure cyber safety, as the burden of security often falls on consumers and small businesses. The article discusses the broader implications of cybersecurity in a highly networked society and the role of technology companies in creating secure products.

Cybersecurity experts warn that email programs from major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their reliance on old technology. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 blocks millions of malicious emails monthly, but the 2021 hack of Microsoft Exchange servers exposed the vulnerability of small businesses that cannot afford cybersecurity services. The article discusses the need for better default security in software, the role of big tech in cybersecurity, and the increasing cyber insurance premiums due to the rise in cyberattacks. It also touches on the potential need for government regulation to ensure cyber safety, similar to the evolution of car safety standards.

Cybersecurity experts warn that default email programs from big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are old and vulnerable to cyber attacks. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 blocks millions of malicious emails monthly, but the reliance on outdated technology poses risks. The 2021 Microsoft Exchange server hack, attributed to a Chinese government-sponsored group, exposed vulnerabilities affecting millions of small businesses. Cyber insurance companies like At-Bay criticize big tech for inadequate default security measures. Changes to default settings can improve security but may also lead to user backlash. The article discusses the balance between enhancing security and preserving digital privacy, with insights from industry professionals and government agencies.

Cybersecurity experts warn that email programs from major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are based on old technology that is vulnerable to cyber attacks. Microsoft's software, including Microsoft Exchange servers, has been compromised in the past, highlighting the risks to small businesses that rely on built-in security features. Cybersecurity website KrebsOnSecurity emphasizes the importance of default settings, which users rarely change. The article discusses the role of big tech companies in cybersecurity, the rise of cyber insurance, and the need for more secure default settings and quicker vendor responses to vulnerabilities. It also touches on the potential need for government regulation to ensure cyber safety, drawing parallels to the evolution of car safety standards.

Cybersecurity experts have identified the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices as a potential inflection point for increased cyberattacks. With an estimated 17 billion IoT devices worldwide, they present new vulnerabilities that can be exploited, potentially affecting critical infrastructure and human life. Cybersecurity firms like Mandiant and insurers such as Marsh & McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group are concerned about the risks. Attacks have already disrupted operations at Toyota and targeted Ukraine's power grid and the Port of London. The industry is responding with innovation and new products, while regulators are developing guidelines and laws to improve IoT security. However, challenges remain, such as the difficulty in updating IoT devices with security patches. The article also highlights the specific risks to medical devices and cars, with the latter becoming a growing target for cyberattacks.

The Women Inventors’ Rate in the U.S. is only 13%, but historical evidence suggests a significant undercount of women patent-holders. The article explores the possibility that the concept of invention has shifted from ideas improving lives to those generating high profits, potentially disadvantaging women. It highlights three women inventors: Jasmine Johnson of ParentCo with her 'outlet plug plate', Tracy Luckow and Lori Gitomer of Whipnotic with their flavored whipped cream, and Lisa Lane of Lane Innovations with the 'Rinseroo' shower attachment. These inventors demonstrate that women's contributions to innovation may be undervalued and that a broader definition of invention could lead to more support for everyday inventions.

The author of the article is the founder of New Builders Dispatch and the writer of the forthcoming book titled 'Little Book of Robo Investing: How To Make Money While You Sleep'. The focus of the author's work is on pivotal moments for entrepreneurs and their businesses. Additionally, the author is interested in utilizing finance as a tool to foster a more equitable society. The article does not provide specific details on companies or cover specific events, but rather outlines the author's areas of interest and expertise.

Over half of Americans oppose allowing Syrian refugees into the country, perceiving them as a security risk. The U.S. has admitted approximately 2,200 Syrian refugees, and President Barack Obama proposes to accept an additional 10,000, facing strong opposition.