Hi there, 

News mentions of “hiring freeze” are surging.

It’s another sign that 2021's boom times are coming to an end.

What are thooose

Selling stuff to consumers’ digital identities presents huge branding and monetization opportunities for fashion brands and retailers. 

This channel is known as “direct-to-avatar.” 

In early 2022, we predicted that the D2A business model would take off as brands bet on the future of virtual worlds (like Roblox) and compete for relevancy online.

Now, Meta is launching a store where Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger users can buy digital clothing for their avatars. 

Outfits from Balenciaga, Prada, and Thom Browne will be available to start. 

As the metaverse vision takes shape, the big prize for brands is connecting with the future big spenders in Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Though it’s still early days for the metaverse, fashion houses are among the first businesses to aggressively go after the metaverse opportunity.

Now is your chance

“How come we are not part of that market map?”

“Why didn’t we get included in the AI 100? We’re better than X company on the list.”

“Why are we not included on your ESP Vendor Matrix in our space?”

Technology companies ping us all the time when they feel they’ve been omitted from CB Insights’ research.

First, it’s worth noting that there is no guaranteed way to be included.

However, the more we know about the amazing tech you’re building and your progress to-date, the more likely we’ll include you.

And this is why tech companies brief our analysts. 

Now you can too. 

And it’s free.

Yup — no pay-to-play shenanigans.

In just 45 minutes next week (June 28 @ 2pm ET), we’ll show you how our Analyst Briefing program works and how it can help you gain:

• Visibility & credibility with key tech buyers that use CB Insights

• Coverage in our research and recognition in our awards (AI 100, Fintech 250, etc.)

• An enhanced profile on CB Insights that includes your demo videos, customer testimonials, and other commercial and tech proof points

The Analyst Briefing program and webinar are 100% free. 

If you’re looking for a way to get in front of potential customers (and investors/acquirers) and into CB Insights research, sign up here to get the inside scoop.

And if you’d like to get started, you can go ahead and request an Analyst Briefing right here.
 

Quantum dreams

Amazon sees quantum computers as key to the future of AWS.

In 2019, the big tech co partnered with startups to launch a quantum service on AWS called Amazon Braket. It's positioning this service as an accessible way for organizations to begin experimenting with quantum computers.

This week, Amazon announced the launch of a new research center — the AWS Center for Quantum Networking. 

Amazon envisions a world where quantum devices are connected together in a quantum network, like how the internet connects our devices today. 

These networks could enable more secure global communications, among other applications — but much hardware and software development is needed to get there.

Read about Amazon’s quantum computing strategy in detail here.

The virtual fitting room

Remember the last time you returned a piece of clothing you bought online? 

Chances are it was because of the wrong fit or size. 

Leading fashion brands and retailers are turning to virtual try-on tech to not only reduce returns in situations like the above, but also increase engagement and drive e-commerce conversions.

Walmart, for example, purchased virtual fit startup Zeekit in May 2021. Less than a year later, it began rolling out Zeekit’s technology on its website and app.

In addition to Walmart, clients can see how Amazon, Alibaba, and others are using AI and AR to transform shopping here — and the vendors they’re turning to. 

Putting health IT on the map

Healthcare IT companies are changing how patients, providers, and payers experience and manage care.

New entrants in the space are streamlining everything from patient data collection and analysis to revenue cycle management. 

We map out 60+ early-stage startups reshaping the digital healthcare experience here.

NYMag. Michelle Celarier (@mcelarier) covers Tiger Global’s rise (and recent fall) and cites CB Insights data.

Bloomberg. Ezra Fieser (@ezrafieser) reports on a new LatAm-focused fund and mentions CB Insights research.

Forbes. Iain Martin looks at a VR mental health treatment and references CB Insights data.
 

P.S. We’re hiring for a senior product manager for our growth team. Check out the role here.