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LM Funding America

LM Funding America Inc is a financial services company. The company provides funding to nonprofit community associations located in the state of Florida and to nonprofit community associations in the states of Washington and Colorado. Its products include Original Product and New Neighbor Guaranty. Its original product offering consists of providing funding to Associations by purchasing their rights under delinquent accounts that are selected by the Associations arising from unpaid Association assessments. It currently has two lines of business recently commenced cryptocurrency mining business and historical specialty finance business. The Company has two operating segments: Specialty Finance and Mining Operations, which generate the majority of its revenue.

LM Funding America Inc

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft Corp., in a recent video, highlighted the potential consequences of the U.S. reducing its support for global tuberculosis (TB) treatment and diagnosis efforts.
What Happened: Gates, a long-time advocate for global health and a prominent philanthropist, <a href="https://www.gatesnotes.com/home/home-page-topic/lightbox/tuberculosis-impacts-of-health-aid-cuts-video">warned via a</a> video, released on Saturday, that if the U.S. were to scale back its global TB aid, it could result in at least 2 million additional deaths. 
Gates emphasized the importance of the U.S. in the global fight against TB, citing the country&#8217;s significant role in diagnosing and treating TB cases worldwide. He stressed that any reduction in this support could have catastrophic effects on the global TB situation.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46448779/inside-trumps-oval-office-crypto-push-why-did-11-republicans-suddenly-change-their-vote">Inside Trump&#8217;s Oval Office Crypto Push: Why Did 11 Republicans Suddenly Change Their Vote? &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Gates has also recently released a new book titled &#8220;Everything Is Tuberculosis.&#8221; The book, authored by John Green, explores the profound historical and global impact of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that continues to plague many impoverished regions.
Why It Matters: The warning from Gates comes in the wake of a concerning trend in TB cases. In May, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45128878/cdc-logs-highest-tuberculosis-caseload-in-a-decade-advocates-warn-who-pull-out-leaves-america-flying-blind">the highest TB caseload in a decade</a> was reported, with critics cautioning that the U.S.&#8217;s retreat from global health programs could potentially lead to a resurgence of the disease domestically.
With an estimated 13 million residents carrying a latent infection, and about 10% at risk of developing active disease without treatment, the disease has been a pressing concern for the US.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report updated on July 17, 2024, a total of 6,182 people died in the United States between 2012 and 2021 while being treated for or diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Read Next: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46475118/bitcoins-4-year-cycle-is-dead-researcher-says-heres-why-it-matters-for-xrp">Bitcoin&#8217;s 4-Year Cycle Is Dead, Researcher Says: Here&#8217;s Why It Matters For XRP &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Health Care

Events

MSFT

Bill Gates Warns US Cuts To TB Aid Could Lead To 2 Million Additional Deaths Worldwide

Brazil&#8217;s Supreme Court has intensified its legal actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro, issuing search warrants and restraining orders. This development follows allegations that Bolsonaro sought interference from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In retaliation, the U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and others, according to a Reuters report. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Moraes&#8217; actions as a &#8220;political witch hunt,&#8221; leading to immediate visa revocations for Moraes, his allies, and their families.
Bolsonaro&#8217;s residence was searched, and he is now under an ankle monitor, prohibited from using social media or approaching embassies. He has criticized Moraes, labeling him a &#8220;dictator&#8221; and describing his situation as &#8220;supreme humiliation.&#8221; Despite denying any plans to flee, Bolsonaro expressed a desire to meet Trump if he regains his passport.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46444255/forget-dogecoin-shiba-inu-heres-which-coin-the-memecoin-supercycle-analyst-is-betting-on-instead">Forget Dogecoin, Shiba Inu: Here&#8217;s Which Coin The &#8216;Memecoin Supercycle&#8217; Analyst Is Betting On Instead</a>
Bolsonaro is facing trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup to prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office. Trump has criticized the trial, threatening a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1. Moraes has cited these tariffs as an effort to provoke an economic crisis in Brazil.
Why It Matters: The tensions between the U.S. and Brazil have been escalating, particularly after Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on Brazilian imports. In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump condemned the trial of Bolsonaro as a &#8220;Witch Hunt&#8221; and accused Brazil of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46334793/trump-sends-lula-a-letter-imposing-50-tariffs-calls-bolsonaro-trial-a-witch-hunt-brazils-president-hits-back-will-not-accept-any-form-of-tutelage">undermining free elections</a>.
Furthermore, Trump has announced an additional 1<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46267477/trump-threatens-10-additional-tariff-on-all-brics-aligned-nations-says-tariff-letters-drop-at-noon-monday">0% tariff on countries</a> aligning with BRICS&#8217; anti-American policies, escalating trade tensions further. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization of which Brazil is one of the founding members.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: BW Press / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Trump Ally Jair Bolsonaro Hit With Restraining Order As Brazil Supreme Court Cracks Down: Marco Rubio Calls It 'Political Witch Hunt'

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to unseal grand jury testimony related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
What Happened: The Justice Department has emphasized the public&#8217;s persistent interest in the Epstein case, highlighting the necessity of releasing the transcripts, according to a report <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/18/politics/jeffrey-epstein-grand-jury-files-trump-bondi">by</a> CNN. A similar motion was filed concerning Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein&#8217;s associate.
President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi initiated this motion following criticism over the administration&#8217;s handling of Epstein-related documents. Bondi, who had previously promised to release all pertinent documents, recently retracted her statement, citing a lack of evidence for a &#8220;client list&#8221; or foul play in Epstein&#8217;s death.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46486695/taco-paradox-justin-wolfers-explains-new-loop-wall-street-is-not-tanking-expecting-trump-to-chicken">TACO Paradox: Justin Wolfers Explains &#8216;New Loop&#8217; — Wall Street Is Not Tanking Expecting Trump To &#8216;Chicken Out&#8217;, But He&#8217;s &#8216;Not Chickening Out&#8217; Because Wall Street Isn&#8217;t Tanking</a>
The filing noted that a review was conducted to uncover evidence for investigating uncharged third parties, but none was found. The decision to release the testimony now rests with a federal judge, who must consult with victims and uncharged individuals mentioned, a process that could take an extended period.
Why It Matters: The move to unseal the grand jury testimony is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to manage the narrative surrounding Epstein&#8217;s case. Recently, President Trump directed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46486660/trump-directs-pam-bondi-to-release-more-epstein-documents-subject-to-court-approval-threatens-legal-action-against-wsj-over-epstein-letter">Attorney General Pam Bondi</a> to release more documents related to Epstein, subject to court approval. This decision comes amid backlash from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46460597/trump-administration-weighs-special-prosecutor-releasing-new-epstein-documents-to-contain-maga-backlash-report">MAGA community</a> over undisclosed files.
FBI Director Kash Patel has publicly d<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46386186/kash-patel-says-the-conspiracy-theories-just-arent-true-says-hell-serve-his-role-as-long-as-trump-wants-him-to-amid-epstein-list-controversy">ismissed conspiracy theories</a> surrounding the case, affirming his commitment to his role under Trump&#8217;s administration. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46433619/mike-johnson-breaks-ranks-with-trump-on-the-very-delicate-subject-of-epstein-im-for-transparency">called for greater transparency</a>, diverging from Trump&#8217;s stance.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Trump-Backed DOJ Motion Seeks Release Of Jeffrey Epstein, Maxwell Grand Jury Transcripts

President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, and the umbrella company News Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NWSA#NASDAQ">NWSA</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NWS#NASDAQ">NWS</a>), Rupert Murdoch and two of the paper's reporters <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46486660/trump-directs-pam-bondi-to-release-more-epstein-documents-subject-to-court-approval-threatens-legal-action-against-wsj-over-epstein-letter">over an article linking him to a birthday</a> greeting allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
What Happened: Filed in federal court in Florida, Trump's lawsuit accuses the Journal of publishing a maliciously false report that he sent Epstein a risqué birthday letter featuring a hand-drawn image of a nude woman and the line, "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret," reported Reuters.
Trump denied the claims outright and blasted the article as defamatory and politically motivated. "I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage' newspaper, the WSJ," Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday morning. "That will be an interesting experience!!!"
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18220754/Screenshot-2025-07-19-at-7.37.51%E2%80%AFAM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992338" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source Truth Social</figcaption></figure>
WSJ did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga's</a> request for comments.
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Why It's Important: According to the Journal, the letter was part of a leather-bound birthday book Epstein compiled, featuring messages from various high-profile individuals.
Epstein, a disgraced financier and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46460597/trump-administration-weighs-special-prosecutor-releasing-new-epstein-documents-to-contain-maga-backlash-report">registered sex offender</a>, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. He had longstanding social ties with Trump and other elite figures, though Trump has said he cut off contact with Epstein well before his legal troubles became public.
The lawsuit comes amid renewed public interest in the Epstein case, as the U.S. government seeks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/07/46487267/jeffrey-epstein-row-polymarket-bettors-see-higher-odds-of-trump-administration-releasing-undisclosed-documents-this-month">unseal grand jury transcripts related</a> to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Following the WSJ report, Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, who has been at odds with Trump over the last couple of months, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46488532/elon-musk-attacks-trump-for-calling-jeffrey-epstein-case-a-hoax-then-defends-him-against-birthday-letter-leak">seemingly defended him</a> using his AI chatbot Grok to debunk the claim as likely fake.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

NWSA

Donald Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against WSJ And Rupert Murdoch

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a reduction in its workforce and the closure of its scientific research office. This move is part of President Donald Trump&#8217;s initiative to reduce the size of the federal government.
What Happened: According to a Reuters report, the EPA announced on Friday that it will reduce its workforce by at least 23% and close its scientific research office.
As of January, the EPA had 16,155 employees. Following layoffs and employees opting for financial incentives to leave or retire, the agency&#8217;s workforce will be reduced to 12,448. This restructuring is anticipated to save the government $748.8 million.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46503030/bitcoin-stuck-below-118000-as-ethereum-xrp-dogecoin-extend-gains">Bitcoin Stuck Below $118,000 As Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Extend Gains &#8211; Benzinga</a>
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated, &#8220;This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars.&#8221; The EPA will create a new office, the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, to focus on scientific research.
The EPA&#8217;s Office of Research and Development, which oversees various research projects, will be eliminated. This office is responsible for health risk assessments of &#8220;forever chemicals&#8221; such as PFAS, studies on the spread of Valley fever, and investigations into respiratory illness in the rural South.
Why It Matters: This move by the EPA is in line with a series of downsizing initiatives across various government departments.
Earlier in July, the U.S. Supreme Court <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46313304/trumps-federal-job-cuts-gets-supreme-court-go-ahead-doge-outpaces-big-tech-in-layoffs-across-us-bureaucracy">cleared the way for Trump&#8217;s federal job cuts</a>, potentially affecting tens of thousands of government employees. The Department of Education also faced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46408031/trumps-education-department-cuts-cleared-by-supreme-court-1400-jobs-on-the-line">mass layoffs affecting nearly 1,400 workers</a> and the potential transfer of key functions to other agencies.
Meanwhile, the cuts in U.S. aid, part of the workforce shrinking, have also raised concerns over the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46380959/bill-gates-warns-of-devestating-effects-of-usaid-funding-cuts-its-not-too-late-to-reverse-them">severe consequences on HIV programs in Africa</a>, with calls for a reversal of the decision. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned that the aid cuts could trigger a catastrophic global health crisis, projecting millions of additional deaths by 2040.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock

EPA To Slash Over 3,700 Jobs, Eliminate Key Science Division Amid Trump's Federal Cuts

Julia Austin has worn nearly every hat a founder can imagine: operator, investor, educator, and coach at Harvard Business School, where she now co‑chairs the Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship. Her new<a href="https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=67517"> guide</a>, "After the Idea," shows how messy and overwhelming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45872579/billionaire-marc-lores-7b-food-startup-wonder-backed-by-google-ventures-eyes-2028-ipo-with-5b-revenue-goal-and-ai-powered-superapp-plans">startup</a> life really is once the initial spark fades and real execution begins.
Austin said that a startup journey rarely follows a straight line and that messy turns appear once founders try to turn an idea into a functioning business,<a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91360117/tips-startup-founders-need-to-know"> Fast Company</a> says. She says that most founders focus on product development early on and overlook culture, financial planning, legal structure, and brand positioning until later.
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Deep uncertainty and impostor syndrome often creep in behind the scenes while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/opinion/25/04/44852934/the-5-traits-that-make-founders-stand-out-to-investors">founders</a> try to appear confident from the outside. Austin believes early intention around operations would help many teams avoid painful course corrections, Fast Company says.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Move Slow to Go Fast: The Unsexy Startup Secret</h2>
According to Fast Company, Austin debunks the myth of launching quickly, urging founders to build true customer understanding through immersive discovery. "Discovery goes beyond customer interviews," she said. Real discovery involves observing customers in their natural environment and running experiments to validate assumptions.
An example Austin highlights in the book is Brij, which began with a QR code tracking idea but pivoted after leaving tagged items in public to observe reactions. The team realized brand‑focused QR codes had much greater potential than lost‑and‑found tagging. That experiment saved them costly infrastructure work for an idea they did not really need.
Discovery, as Austin puts it, is like checking the weather before hiking. It does not answer everything, but it prevents walking into a storm blind, Fast Company says. The insights gathered guide everything else, from product roadmap to hiring and budgeting, not just the initial project scope.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hiring, Cashflow, and Legal: The Startup Trinity</h2>
According to Fast Company, Austin writes that hiring requires more than skills. Hiring demands cultural fit, trust, values alignment, and pressure‑tested communication. Financial decisions can make or break a venture. Founders face daily trade‑offs between runway and growth, balancing hiring and capital efficiency. Legal choices around incorporation, equity splits, and intellectual property will reverberate through future partnerships and funding rounds.
Founders must also have tough conversations with co‑founders when visions diverge, with investors when metrics miss targets, and with customers when promises fall short, Austin says. She reminds readers that messy emotional work is universal, no matter the startup's domain, Fast Company says.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Build Emotional Endurance as a Strategic Asset</h2>
Founders commonly begin coaching sessions with Austin saying, "I am so overwhelmed," reflecting burnout, tension, and internal friction that cannot be ignored, Fast Company says. Austin recommends radical honesty, admitting stress, setting clear boundaries, building a support network, and investing in self‑care. Coaches or mentors who understand startup turbulence can normalize emotional challenges and keep founders grounded.
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She stresses that resilience, relationships, and emotional endurance are as essential as strategy and product execution. The average startup lifespan for a company that survives is seven to ten years. According to Fast Company, Austin writes that the more intentional founders are about managing their emotions, the stronger their companies will be.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Align on Outcomes Before the Hustle Starts</h2>
According to Fast Company, Austin argues that founders often agree on financial goals without discussing personal motivations. She tells a story about Sam and his co‑founder, who both wanted revenue growth, but one aimed for a quick exit while the other was happy running a modest business. That misalignment surfaced only when an acquisition opportunity appeared.
Austin urges founders and early joiners to clarify why they are entering "Startup Land" and what success looks like for them personally, Fast Company says. Writing down personal goals ensures alignment over time. What "success" means at launch can easily change as the company grows.
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Image: Shutterstock

News

'I Am So Overwhelmed': Harvard Startup Coach Says This Is The No. 1 Thing Founders Confess Behind Closed Doors — Here's What To Do About It

Palmer Luckey is making another big bet: this time, not in virtual reality or military defense, but digital finance. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45990943/anduril-partners-with-germanys-rheinmetall-to-build-smart-autonomous-air-systems-and-rocket-motors-for-europes-defense-amid-ceo-palmer-luckeys-ipo-push">Anduril</a> CEO and Oculus founder has launched Erebor, a digital bank that already holds a valuation of $2 billion as it raises at least $225 million in funding,<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/palmer-luckeys-new-digital-bank-erebor-valuation-2025-7"> Business Insider</a> reports.
Venture firms Founders Fund and 8VC, led by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45609524/ups-sells-ware2go-to-peter-thiel-backed-stord-as-startup-gains-2-5m-square-feet-to-compete-with-amazon-expand-to-u-k-and-netherlands">Peter Thiel</a> and Joe Lonsdale, respectively, are backing the project, according to sources with knowledge of the deal who spoke with Business Insider. The fundraising remains in progress, and details could still change, but the size of the round and the players involved have already drawn attention across Silicon Valley.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Erebor's Tolkien Name Isn't Just for Show</h2>
Erebor takes its name from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the Lonely Mountain is described as a place of treasure and power, Business Insider says. That symbolism may not be coincidental, as Luckey has a track record of blending fantasy themes with serious business. His earlier startup, Anduril, shares the name of a legendary sword from the same fantasy universe.
Erebor has applied for a U.S. bank charter that would allow it to operate as a regulated institution, according to internal documents reviewed by Business Insider. The bank plans to offer crypto-collateralized loans and other services tailored to startups and digital asset companies.
Jacob Hirshman, who previously worked at stablecoin issuer Circle, and Owen Rapaport, co-founder of Aer Compliance, will lead Erebor as co-CEOs, Business Insider reports. Mike Hagedorn, the former CFO of Valley National Bank, lists his current role as Erebor president on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehagedorn/"> LinkedIn</a>.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Crypto Pivot Aligns With Erebor's Rise</h2>
Erebor's launch comes as the Trump administration takes a more favorable stance on the cryptocurrency sector. In recent months, President Donald Trump has <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-and-u-s-digital-asset-stockpile/">endorsed</a> creating a strategic bitcoin reserve.
Trump also appointed venture capitalist David Sacks as the country's first crypto czar, tasking him with developing a legal framework to provide long-sought clarity for the cryptocurrency industry and leading the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.
The venture firms funding Erebor have clear political ties to Trump. Peter Thiel donated over $1 million to pro-Trump super PACs during the 2016 election, according to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/09/tech/peter-thiel-facebook-exit-gop-politics">CNN</a>.&nbsp; Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), has also supported America Pac, a group that backed Trump's 2024 re-election campaign,<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/c1aeef78-590f-4f65-97ff-40f96106254a"> Financial Times</a> reported.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Oculus to Anduril to Erebor, Palmer Luckey Keeps Building Billion-Dollar Systems</h2>
Luckey founded Oculus at age 19 and sold the VR company to Facebook, now Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), for $2 billion just two years later. Business Insider says that after leaving Meta in 2016 following controversy over a $10,000 donation to a pro-Trump meme group, Luckey co-founded Anduril, which reached a $30.5 billion valuation in June 2023 after raising $2.5 billion.
Although Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied politics played a role in Luckey's exit, Business Insider says the two have since reconnected through a military tech collaboration announced earlier this year.
Following Circle's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRCL#NYSE">CRCL</a>) recent public market debut, with shares up over 113% since listing, Erebor's launch enters a crypto sector already drawing heightened institutional interest.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Image: Shutterstock

CRCL

PLTR

Oculus Founder Palmer Luckey's 'Lord Of The Rings'-Inspired Digital Bank Hits $2 Billion Valuation With Backing From Founders Fund

Sales of private-label products, more commonly referred to as store brands, rose by 4% over the last year, <a href="https://www.plma.com/article/private-label-sales-rose-39-2024-record-271-billion">according</a> to the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
The $9 billion increase, which brought sales of private label products to a record $271 billion, is caused by a number of factors, according to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/01/shoppers-are-trading-down-to-store-brands-without-even-realizing-it.html">CNBC</a>.
&nbsp;"The quality, value, and innovation that store brands provide can't be beat," PLMA President Peggy Davies said in a statement. A survey by market research company First Insight backs her assessment.&nbsp;
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According to First Insight's "<a href="https://www.firstinsight.com/white-papers-posts/the-quiet-takeover-of-private-label">The Quiet Takeover of the Private Label</a>" study released in January, 84% of shoppers now trust the quality of store brand products just as much, or more than, the quality of name-brand products. Additionally, 72% of shoppers are unable to tell apart private-label products and name-brand products, and 47% of shoppers have intentionally tried out a private-label product because it was duping a name-brand product.
"Companies are savvy in how they market," First Insight CEO Greg Petro told CNBC. "It's not just consumers that can be fooled, it's experts."
Rochester Institute of Technology packaging design professor Bruce Myers told CNBC that many stores are improving the aesthetics of their private-label products in order to indicate to consumers that "their brands as equal or better quality at a better price." This is a drastic change from a few decades ago when stores were scaling back on packaging in order to indicate that they were "passing the savings on to you."
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
Of course, price still remains a significant factor in the appeal of private-label products.&nbsp;
According to the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUSR0000SAF11">Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a>, grocery store prices have risen 23% over the last five years. Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo's Agri-Food Institute chief agricultural economist, told CNBC that the average household's spending power has outpaced this increase, but points out that consumers "really are very bad at tracking the relative change of those two things."
Petro put it this way, "[consumers] are saying ‘What I'm paying for what I'm getting is not worth it.'"&nbsp;
First Insights' findings also reflect this. According to the survey, 45% of consumers say that they've permanently switched from a name-brand product to a private-label product if they've found that it matches or exceeds their expectations.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
However, these experts say that name-brand products aren't going away any time soon. Especially because stores rely on the existence of name-brand items to highlight their private-label alternatives.
"The only reason you know that private label is a value is because you glance right next to it in the refrigerator section and that something else is 25 or 40% more expensive," Swanson told CNBC.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
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Personal Finance

Dupe Culture At The Supermarket: Sales Of Store-Brand Products Up By 4%

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

Amphenol (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APH#NYSE">APH</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 10.51% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 22.07%. Currently, Amphenol has a market capitalization of $125.15 billion. 
Buying $1000 In APH: If an investor had bought $1000 of APH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $7,280.03 today based on a price of $103.34 for APH at the time of writing.
<h3>Amphenol's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752882311_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 10 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 1.83% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.39%. Currently, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a market capitalization of $118.08 billion. 
Buying $1000 In VRTX: If an investor had bought $1000 of VRTX stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $3,509.46 today based on a price of $459.81 for VRTX at the time of writing.
<h3>Vertex Pharmaceuticals's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752881411_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

VRTX

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Vertex Pharmaceuticals 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Carlisle Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSL#NYSE">CSL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 3.41% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 14.97%. Currently, Carlisle Companies has a market capitalization of $17.72 billion. 
Buying $1000 In CSL: If an investor had bought $1000 of CSL stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $3,951.28 today based on a price of $409.59 for CSL at the time of writing.
<h3>Carlisle Companies's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752880524_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Carlisle Companies Stock In The Last 10 Years

Amid rising infrastructure demands, AI startups like Crusoe Energy Systems are tapping large-scale credit lines, PitchBook <a href="https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/ai-startups-gobbling-more-than-third-venture-debt-dollars-2025">reported</a>. Crusoe last month <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/11/3097837/0/en/Crusoe-Secures-750-Million-Credit-Facility-from-Brookfield-to-Accelerate-the-Development-of-Energy-First-AI-Factories.html">raised</a> a $750 million credit facility from Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAM#NYSE">BAM</a>) to expand its data centers and acquire more graphics processing units from Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
That deal reflects a broader trend in venture financing. AI and machine learning startups have secured an outsized share of venture debt so far, accounting for more than a third of the $30 billion deployed across the U.S. and Europe, according to PitchBook. That marks a significant increase from 2024, when such companies attracted 24.9%, or $22.9 billion, of total debt funding.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Startups Are Turning to Debt Sooner</h2>
According to PitchBook, the shift toward debt financing is being driven by rising compute costs and high early-stage valuations in AI.&nbsp;
"There are companies coming out of the gate with these large chunky seed rounds," Silicon Valley Bank Managing Director, Early-Stage Startups Bo Ren told PitchBook. "But then there's a Series A valuation drop-off because they can't live up to the VC expectations."
Ren said that many AI startups are turning to venture debt earlier in their lifecycle as they struggle to maintain growth targets set by their inflated early valuations.
Ren also cited infrastructure costs as a key factor: "Given the cost of compute, it's very much like the price of gas, it just keeps going up and up. That's where a lot of the venture debt conversations start," she told Pitchbook.
PitchBook data shows that the median pre-money valuation for AI startups has climbed to $25 million so far this year, up from $15 million in 2024.
Trending: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Large Debt Deals Backed by GPUs</h2>
Several AI infrastructure startups have recently raised major venture debt deals to purchase high-performance chips.
Lambda Labs also raised a $500 million special-purpose financing vehicle, collateralized by GPUs it already owned, to expand its chip inventory.
GPU cloud provider CoreWeave&nbsp; (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWE#NASDAQ">CRWE</a>), which recently went public, raised $2.3 billion in debt with similar terms, PitchBook reported. The loan was backed by the company's Nvidia GPU stockpile.
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some Lenders Are Cautious</h2>
"How long is the useful life of those chips? If it's 10 years or even seven years, that makes sense," CIBC Innovation Banking Executive Managing Director and Co-Head Paul McKinlay told PitchBook. "But if it's two years, that starts to become a tougher proposition."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Venture Debt's Rapid Expansion</h2>
PitchBook reported that total venture debt deployment reached $53.3 billion in 2024, a 94.5% increase from 2023. That growth was primarily fueled by later-stage startups preserving valuations amid slowing VC rounds.
In 2025, AI is driving the next wave of venture debt demand—now extending to earlier-stage companies.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

CRWE

NVDA

AI Arms Race Heats Up As Startups Borrow Billions To Buy Nvidia GPUs

Alamos Gold (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 3.36% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.42%. Currently, Alamos Gold has a market capitalization of $10.48 billion. 
Buying $100 In AGI: If an investor had bought $100 of AGI stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $231.53 today based on a price of $24.91 for AGI at the time of writing.
<h3>Alamos Gold's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752878716_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $100 Invested In Alamos Gold 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1866364/000121390025065767/ea0249333-f1_webull.htm">https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1866364/000121390025065767/ea0249333-f1_webull.htm</a>

Offerings

BULL

Webull Files For Up To 75.16M Share Ordinary Stock Offering By Selling Shareholder

Shaquille O'Neal is a basketball legend and, at this point, just as famous for his investments as his free throws—arguably more so. People follow his money moves almost as closely as his one-liners. One of his most quoted? The line he famously tells his kids: "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40943843/we-aint-rich-im-rich-nba-legend-shaq-says-his-daughters-and-sons-dont-get-equal-treatment-my-boy">We ain't rich. I'm rich.</a>"
But for all the business deals and billionaire energy, even Shaq turns to others when it comes to investing.
He's talked openly about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44068159/nba-legend-shaq-says-his-net-worth-quadrupled-once-he-took-note-from-jeff-bezos-and-started-investing-in-things-that-change-peoples-lives">learning from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos</a> to "invest in things that are going to change people's lives," and has said he admires legendary investor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44380108/trust-me-im-reading-what-hes-doing-every-day-nba-legend-shaq-with-a-500-million-net-worth-swears-by-warren-buffetts-investing-wisdom">Warren Buffett's long-term mindset</a>.
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But when it comes to knowing what to jump into next, Shaq says there's one guy he watches closely: Mark Cuban.
"Whenever Mark is investing in, I'm investing in," he said in an interview with <a href="https://people.com/shaquille-oneal-praises-mark-cuban-investments-exclusive-11771079">People magazine</a> published last week. "Mark could say, ‘Hey, I got a toilet tissue brand coming out.' I'm doing it."
That wasn't a joke. Shaq's not shy about following Cuban's lead—and he actually just did it. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44446047/shaq-didnt-like-me-now-he-and-mark-cuban-are-betting-on-beatbox-beverages-a-200-million-brand-that-scored-one-of-shark-tanks-biggest-deals">After seeing BeatBox Beverages</a> at clubs while DJing, he gave it a try and was sold. "I thought it was Capri Sun… then I tried. I was like, ‘This is pretty good,'" he told People.
Cuban had already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43084861/mark-cubans-29-million-shark-tank-portfolio-from-200k-in-dude-wipes-to-200m-for-beatbox-beverages-im-killing-it">backed the brand on "Shark Tank" with a $1 million deal</a>. So Shaq picked up the phone, talked to Cuban, and joined the party as an investor.
"My spiel to everyone is being a teammate," Shaq said. "I'm going to be the one to help take it to the next level."
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
And that's the pattern with Shaq. He says he only backs companies he actually uses and likes. "Every company that I'm with, I definitely have to like the product. If I don't like your product, I can't take your money and sell something I don't like to the people," he told People.
As for Cuban, Shaq said he trusts his instincts because <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46384691/mark-cuban-says-if-he-suddenly-woke-up-poor-overnight-hed-hustle-as-a-bartender-and-sales-rep-and-has-no-doubt-hed-be-rich-again">Cuban's track record speaks for itself</a>. "He's been very successful since he sold [Broadcast.com]," he said. That sale, of course, made Cuban a billionaire when Yahoo bought the company for $5.7 billion back in 1999.
Shaq didn't say how much money he's put into BeatBox, but that's not really the point. "I don't know what I'm making. I have no idea on any deal that I'm doing because I don't do it for that," he told <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/06/18/qa-shaquille-oneal-talks-deal-with-texas-based-beverage-brand-cooper-flagg-and-more/">The Dallas Morning News</a> last month. "I just do it. I'm having fun, and whatever happens, happens."
So, if Cuban's next move is paper towels, toilet tissue, or a brand-new snack food, don't be surprised if Shaq's already writing the check. Because if Cuban's in? Shaq's in. No questions asked.
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<li>$100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.</li>
<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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