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TODAY’S TOP PICKS FOR YOU

1. A new era? Is Social Media falling apart?

2. What CEOs talked about in Q3 2023?

3. Zendesk: A promising future lies ahead?

4. Supermarket Wars: Waitrose eyes online expansion through Amazon

INSIGHTS

A new era? Is Social Media falling apart?

• People are using big social media platforms less due to too many ads and less genuine interactions.

• New smaller social media platforms are popping up, offering a more personal and clutter-free experience.

• Platforms like Threads and Mastodon are giving users more control over their social media experience.

• These new platforms are exploring different ways to make money, like in-app ads or getting support from their community.

Why this matters: The shift towards smaller platforms shows a changing trend in how we interact online. It's a response to the drawbacks of big social media, like privacy issues and fake news. For professionals, understanding this shift can help find better online spaces for meaningful discussions and networking in their fields.

What CEOs talked about in Q3 2023

• Q3 2023 saw a significant rise in discussions around AI, AI chips, and sustainability among CEOs during earnings calls.

• ChatGPT is losing traction, with a shift towards broader AI topics and enterprise-wide applications of generative AI.

• AI chips, particularly GPUs, received increased mentions, reflecting a growing focus on AI infrastructure.

• Discussions around sustainability and renewable energy rebounded, albeit lower than their peaks in Q1 2022​.

Why this matters: The shift in CEO discussions towards AI and sustainability mirrors the broader trends in the tech sector, indicating a strategic realignment towards these critical areas. This realignment could lead to further investments and innovations, impacting various sectors including Finance, Technology, AI, and Engineering. As professionals navigate through these evolving domains, staying abreast with CEO sentiment and corresponding technological advancements could provide a competitive edge.

Zendesk: A promising future lies ahead

• Founded in 2007, Zendesk, a customer service software firm, battled a series of challenges last year but has emerged stronger with a positive outlook​.

• The company faced a $17 billion takeover bid and a failed $4.1 billion offer to acquire SurveyMonkey, both rejected due to undervaluation and investor disagreement​.

• Change in leadership saw long-time CEO Mikkel Svane step down, making way for industry veteran Tom Eggemeier​.

• Despite turbulence, Zendesk retained its market position, showcasing resilience and adaptability, ready to continue its growth trajectory under new leadership and private equity ownership​.

Why this matters: Zendesk's journey illustrates a tech firm's resilience amidst external pressures and internal changes, underlining the significance of strong leadership and adaptability in sustaining market position and moving towards a promising future.

Supermarket Wars: Waitrose eyes online expansion through Amazon

• Waitrose in discussions with Amazon for a third-party online grocery deal, following Amazon's similar arrangements with Iceland, Co-op, and Morrisons.

• The move aims at regaining market share, with Waitrose's market share dipping to 4.6% amidst rising competition from discounters like Aldi and Lidl.

• Previously partnered with Ocado for online sales, Waitrose has also collaborated with Deliveroo and Uber Eats for rapid home grocery deliveries.

• Amazon's growing footprint in the UK grocery sector marked by the recent opening of its 19th Amazon Fresh store in London.

Why this matters: The potential collaboration between Waitrose and Amazon underscores a growing trend of traditional retailers leveraging online marketplaces to navigate competitive pressures and consumer shifts towards online shopping. This deal, if finalised, could set a precedent for other retailers and expand Amazon's grocery offerings, further intertwining tech giants with traditional retail landscapes.