Hi there,

It’s still Prime Day, which means it's a perfect time to try out those $10 baguette slippers you had your eyes on dig into our research on Amazon. 

We cover everything across:

• Retail — As Amazon invests to grow its global footprint, where are emerging e-commerce players finding white space?

• Financial services — Is Amazon building a bank? Here’s how it stacks up against other big tech cos in the $28.2T fintech market.

• Auto & mobility — Amazon has emerged as a major force in the auto tech space, acquiring AI cos as it homes in on autonomous mobility.

• Strategy — These are the 9 industries Amazon could disrupt next, and here’s everywhere the giant has been placing its bets since 2020. 

Bonus: as Jeff Bezos rings in his last few weeks as CEO, read our key takeaways from his annual letters to shareholders since 1997.

Now on to today's research. 

The amazing AI race

Over the last 10 years, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple (aka FAMGA) have been aggressively acquiring AI startups to build out new products and services.

Here’s how the tech leaders stack up in the race for AI. 

Let’s get this show on the road

Don’t miss our webinar tomorrow (June 23) on all things retail tech. 

We’ll be digging into what’s driving retail tech investment so far this year and taking a sneak peek at funding trends for Q2’21. Save your spot here.

Back in business

Future of Fintech (October 5-6, NYC) is back and it’s in person (with an online option). 
 

Join us for:

• The live unveiling of our annual Fintech 250 — the 250 most promising private companies in fintech

• CB Insights signature 1:1 fireside chats with C-suite executives at financial institutions, CEOs of unicorn startups, and fintech luminaries

• 30+ live demos from tech companies helping financial institutions digitize

• CB Insights research on the trends you should be watching closely

• Case studies, workshops, and roundtables featuring NO BS discussions on real industry challenges

• Unparalleled in-person networking via 1:1 meetings, happy hour events, and small group conversations

Get your ticket today at the best available price.

The whole package

Amid the boom in e-commerce, brands and retailers are looking for packaging solutions that can boost their sustainability efforts and improve inventory management. 

From biodegradable plastics to cold chain packaging, we highlight 90+ companies creating more sustainable and connected packaging in this client-only market map. 

Tearsheet. Zachary Miller (@newrulesinvest) takes a look at the CB Insights Big Tech In Fintech report.

MedCity News. Anuja Vaidya (@anujav89) reports on Bright Health’s IPO plans and cites CB Insights insurtech funding data.

CNBC. Ryan Browne (@Ryan_Browne_) covers Vienna-based GoStudents’ funding raise and cites CB Insights unicorn data.
 

P.S. Want a unique seat with a view into accelerating technology change? Join the CB Insights Intelligence Unit — we’re hiring analysts. Check out the opportunities here.

The Blurb

Something to smile about. A joke petition demanding Jeff Bezos buy and eat the Mona Lisa has received a response from the Louvre: “will not comment.”

NYT 
 

In the crosshairs. As ransomware attacks rise, crypto could see increasing regulatory pressure for enabling crime.

WSJ

Rock bottom. More than 20% of the ocean floor is now mapped, a new milestone. 

BBC

Nutty business. A trucker in California is under arrest for allegedly stealing and attempting to sell 42,000 pounds of pistachios worth over $100K. 

The Guardian 

Huracan season. Lamborghini has seen a surge in sales as the pandemic wanes, saying it’s almost sold out for 2021. 

Fortune