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  • French Startup VELA Raises $43M for Austal to Create a Groundbreaking Gigantic Sailing Cargo Trimaran!⛵

French Startup VELA Raises $43M for Austal to Create a Groundbreaking Gigantic Sailing Cargo Trimaran!⛵

French Startup VELA Raises $43M for Austal to Create a Groundbreaking Gigantic Sailing Cargo Trimaran!⛵

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Fabien B
October 27, 2024

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🧵 Here are some insightful SaaS updates and tools we’ve curated for you today:

🚀Latest in SaaS and Dev Tools Discover cutting-edge SaaS advancements and essential development resources.

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SaaS sprawl is the unchecked addition of software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools across an organization, often leading to inefficiency, higher costs, and increased security risks. While these applications are valuable for communication and project management tasks, rapid adoption across departments without centralized control can clutter the tech environment and create unnecessary overlap.

What We Think

Organizations must audit their SaaS landscape, centralize control, and set clear guidelines to manage this sprawl effectively. By optimizing SaaS usage, enforcing security, and ensuring smooth integration, companies can reclaim the value of SaaS while reducing redundancy and protecting sensitive data. Streamlined SaaS management isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about improving workflow, enhancing security, and creating a cohesive software ecosystem that supports growth.

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Grip Security’s “2025 SaaS Security Risks” report reveals that 90% of SaaS and 91% of AI tools within organizations are unmanaged, posing significant security threats. The report highlights the rise of “Shadow SaaS” applications used without IT oversight, increasing risks of data breaches and compliance issues. Traditional security tools fall short, prompting Grip to advocate for a shift toward identity-driven security and cross-departmental collaboration to address these vulnerabilities effectively.

The SaaS landscape is moving towards “customization on tap,” enabling businesses to tailor applications seamlessly to their unique needs. Emerging tools—such as low-code/no-code platforms, headless architectures, iPaaS, and AI-powered customization—allow users to modify workflows, integrate apps, and personalize functionality without extensive coding. This evolution makes SaaS solutions more adaptable and accessible, bridging the gap between standardized and custom-built software.

Operating two SaaS products, ResumeMaker.Online and aiCarousels.com have become my safety net and growth strategy. By diversifying, I mitigate platform risks, as reliance on a single ecosystem can lead to vulnerability if it changes. Having two products provides stability, allowing for calm, strategic decisions without the pressure of relying on one product alone. Shared codebases between the two make updates and feature swaps easier, optimizing resources. While balancing both has its challenges, the flexibility, resilience, and growth opportunities this approach offers have been invaluable.

💻 DEV RESOURCES

Golang 1.21 introduces significant enhancements to type parameters, allowing developers to write more flexible and reusable code. Additionally, improvements in memory management provide better performance and reduced garbage collection pauses, making Go more efficient for concurrent applications.

Kotlin 1.8 supports context receivers, enabling developers to define contextual information for functions, enhancing code clarity and reusability. This release also strengthens multiplatform capabilities, allowing developers to seamlessly share more code between different platforms.

Unity 2023.1 has advanced graphical features, including improved ray tracing and better lighting effects, making it easier for developers to create visually stunning games. Performance optimizations in this release aim to boost frame rates and reduce load times, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

🚀 Cool SaaS Tools

Discover innovative tools reshaping the SaaS landscape.

Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that allows SaaS teams to create, prototype, and iterate on designs in real time. Its cloud-based platform enables designers and stakeholders to work together seamlessly, fostering creativity and ensuring that everyone is aligned throughout the design process.

Monday.com is a flexible work operating system that streamlines SaaS companies' project management and team collaboration. With its customizable workflows, visual timelines, and automation features, It helps teams stay organized, prioritize tasks effectively, and enhance productivity across various projects.

A customer messaging platform designed to centralize communication for SaaS businesses. Crisp offers features like live chat, chatbots, and email integration, allowing companies to engage customers across multiple channels. Its analytics tools provide insights into customer interactions, helping teams improve response times and enhance user satisfaction.

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💸 WHO RAISED?

VELA, a French startup launched in late 2022, has successfully secured €40 million ($43 million) to construct the world's largest sailing cargo trimaran, aiming to revolutionize sustainable transport across the Atlantic. The funding, led by Crédit Mutuel Impact, 11th Hour Racing, and BPI - French Public Investment Bank, supports VELA's goal of providing a swift, eco-friendly alternative for shipping various goods. The trimaran, designed by Austal, will be 220 feet long and equipped with advanced technology, allowing for ocean transit in under 15 days, significantly faster than traditional cargo ships.

Stavanger-based energy tech startup Starflow has secured €1.7 million in pre-seed funding, led by Skyfall Ventures, with contributions from Sondo Capital and angel investor Trond Riiber Knudsen. The investment will aid in developing Starflow's Energy Hub, a hardware platform designed to enhance energy management among solar panels, EV chargers, batteries, and home systems. Co-founder Jonas Helmikstøl, previously associated with successful EV charging company Easee, aims to empower homeowners with greater control over their energy consumption through a battery-agnostic and modular platform.

California-based startup HealthEx has raised $14 million in seed and Series A funding, led by General Catalyst with participation from Electric Capital. The funds will accelerate the development of its consumer preference and consent platform, which aims to simplify patient voice integration across healthcare activities. HealthEx's AI-driven solution helps healthcare organizations create, collect, and enforce patient consent, addressing security and compliance risks associated with traditional consent processes. HealthEx aims to enhance patient trust and streamline data management in an increasingly data-driven healthcare landscape by providing ethical access to health data.

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