Hi there,
 

Sequoia Capital recently did a great job mapping out the generative AI space.

So we wondered if we could build on Sequoia’s initial work using CB Insights company data.

Unicorpse?

The results are in from our unicorn poll last week: y’all are bearish on the current crop.

One-third of respondents said they think <25% of companies valued at $1B+ (on paper) are still worth that.

Investors are also pulling back. Declines in tech company valuations deepened in the third quarter, as you can see in our Tech Valuations Report.

For more on the pressures unicorns face, check out this analysis.

Trash talk

Retail industries — like fashion and food — produce literal tons of waste.

So they’re increasingly falling under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. 

We cover the technologies helping retailers make the shift in this deep dive.

This is on the record

AI is top of mind for the 50 largest American and European retail banks. 

This cohort has mentioned AI and related tech 200+ times on earnings calls since 2017.

But what are they saying exactly? Find out more in this research brief.

Good medicine 

Developing a new drug is costly and time-consuming for pharma companies — and the return on this investment has been declining for years.

We identified 82 early-stage companies trying to flip the script by making the process faster and cheaper.

Requests for Technology 

Every week, hundreds of CB Insights customers source technology vendors on our platform.

Here are a few recent RFTs we’ve received:

RFT #1 — A global data solutions provider is looking at partners specializing in Web3 to drive and enhance its R&D. 

RFT #2 — On behalf of its commercial life sciences client, a US digital health consultancy is looking to connect with vendors to explore patient education capabilities. 

RFT #3 — A fintech partnerships and innovations team is exploring options to use the services of a banking-as-a-service provider.

If you’re building technology that can assist with any of this, submit an Analyst Briefing here. 

Taking control 

Many brands and retailers have outsourced fulfillment to speed up delivery without breaking the bank.

American Eagle Outfitters and Gap, however, are building out their own logistics networks. 

Curious to know what they’re up to? Find out in this research brief.

Tearsheet. Elizabeth McCluskey discusses how to pitch investors and mentions CB Insights research.

Bloomberg. Ed Ludlow (@EdLudlow) covers the top startups by value using CB Insights data.

Business Insider. Bethany Biron (@bethanybiron) dives into IPO-success-stories-turned-failures and cites CB Insights data.

I love you.

Anand

@asanwal

P.S. Retail tech 100 applications are open and the clock is ticking. Be sure to get your submission in by the posted deadline — tick, tock, tick, tock.

P.P.S. What’s your best dad joke?