Connected Economy

The innovations in technology, connected devices, software, payments and cellular technology make it possible for people and businesses to connect with each other and do business via any device, an in any digital or physical location safely, securely, and in real time. This integration of the digital and physical worlds will transform the economy across the ten pillars that today represent its key cornerstones – pillars that are already experiencing the impact of disruptive innovation as new blended, digital-first experience-driven ecosystems are now taking shape.

Fresha Raises $80 Million to Bring AI to Beauty Scheduling

Fresha Raises $80 Million to Bring AI to Beauty Scheduling
Fresha Raises $80 Million to Bring AI to Beauty Scheduling
May 21, 2026  |  Investments

Beauty-and-wellness scheduling software firm Fresha is now a $1 billion company. The startup announced the new valuation Thursday (May 21) along with news it had...

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Pattern Group Launches AI-Powered Execution Engine for eCommerce
Pattern Group Launches AI-Powered Execution Engine for eCommerce
May 21, 2026  |  eCommerce

eCommerce acceleration firm Pattern Group announced Tuesday (May 19) the launch of Pattern Intelligence, or “Pi,” an artificial intelligence (AI) engine designed to automate marketplace...

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Walmart’s Secret Weapon Is the Boring Old Store
Walmart’s Secret Weapon Is the Boring Old Store
May 21, 2026  |  Retail

Retail scale still matters. But Walmart’s first quarter of fiscal year 2027 made clear the company’s next phase of growth runs through something harder to...

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The Next AI Boom Is Worker Training
The Next AI Boom Is Worker Training
May 21, 2026  |  Artificial Intelligence

When graduating seniors at the University of Arizona roundly booed a former Google CEO every time he mentioned artificial intelligence, the jeers annoyed the billionaire...

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Warby Parker Offers Glimpse of Google-Powered Smart Glasses
Warby Parker Offers Glimpse of Google-Powered Smart Glasses
May 20, 2026  |  Wearables

Warby Parker has introduced its first pair of Google-and-Samsung-powered smart glasses. Set to launch this fall, the Intelligent Eyewear frame “combines Warby Parker’s distinctive approach...

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AI Is Turning Federal Compliance Into a Competitive Weapon 
AI Is Turning Federal Compliance Into a Competitive Weapon 
May 20, 2026  |  Artificial Intelligence

The federal contracting rulebook keeps changing, and falling behind on any single requirement can cost a firm its contract. Today’s contractors face overlapping demands spanning...

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Study Finds AI Adoption Rises as Consumers Stop Noticing It
Study Finds AI Adoption Rises as Consumers Stop Noticing It
May 20, 2026  |  Artificial Intelligence

The dominant framing surrounding artificial intelligence has been one of astonishment. It represents technology advancing faster than society can absorb it. But findings from the...

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Ex-FTX Executive Rolls Out AI Trading Platform With ‘No-Loss’ Model
Ex-FTX Executive Rolls Out AI Trading Platform With ‘No-Loss’ Model
May 19, 2026  |  Investments

Perpetuals.com Ltd. has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered trading platform that allows users to submit trading strategies without risking their own money. This marks a...

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