Sunday 19 April 2015

Slack Is Swept Up In Silicon Valley's Gold Rush

Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield says he didn’t need to raise an extra $160 million. But he did it anyway.



Michal Cizek / Getty Images


To understand the frothiness of Silicon Valley, just ask Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield why he raised $160 million in additional capital for his workplace messaging startup.


It's not that he needed the money. Butterfield said Slack hadn't even touched the $120 million it raised in October.


But he felt he needed to tap investors anyway.


"It would almost be a bad sign if a company isn't raising money now, because the conditions are so good," Butterfield, 42, told BuzzFeed News. "It's getting to the point now where every company that can raise money is doing it just because the market is so good."


Slack's new funding round, which it officially announced on Thursday, and which gives it a $2.8 billion valuation, vividly shows how the venture capital market is feeding on its own inertia. The hottest startups are raising money largely to keep up with each other and not be seen as falling behind.


Of course, raising more money at a higher valuation creates a greater risk that a company could fall short of its investors' expectations. But in a sense, this risk is itself contributing to the funding boom.


Butterfield said Slack's new capital was "a decent hedge against a change in the macro environment," meaning it insulates the company against the possibility of a slowdown in the financing market. If investors stop being so generous in the future, Slack will be able to sit on the sidelines with its cash pile until things get better.


Butterfield added that Slack's particular business model could probably weather a downturn. The startup gets a predictable stream of revenue from companies that subscribe to its group chat service for their employees. A weak economy, Butterfield said, wouldn't hurt that setup too much.


"I don't wish that the economy turns to shit," he said, "but we would be in a great position if that were to happen."


For now, Slack and other startups are riding a wave of investor enthusiasm. Raising money at a higher valuation — Slack's latest round more than doubles the $1.1 billion valuation it achieved last fall — is almost as much a marketing decision as a financial one, helping a young company attract customers and employees.


"It increases the perception of the validity of the business," Butterfield said, creating a "positive feedback loop." A higher valuation helps especially when courting big corporations that are less familiar with the latest tech trends, he said.


Fundamentally, a big valuation is just a big bet by investors that a company will produce a large return. Asked whether Slack would pursue an initial public offering or a sale to a larger company, Butterfield said it was too early to make that call, since the company's product debuted only last year.


But he said he and other insiders were doing fine.


"I'm going to make more money than I'll ever need," Butterfield said, "no matter what the outcome is at this point."


Is This Doctors App A Digital Classroom — Or Medical Porn?

The Figure 1 app allows doctors to share and discuss graphic photos of their patients — and allows the public to gawk at them. Doctors and hospitals should be worried about the app’s legal and ethical risks, experts say. Warning: Graphic images.



Figure 1


A few years ago, when Joshua Landy and two colleagues wanted to create an app for doctors to share photos of their patients, their first step was hiring a lawyer.


They were right to be concerned. In the United States, strict so-called HIPAA laws make it illegal for doctors, hospitals, or insurance companies to divulge anyone's personal medical information without consent. Similar laws exist in Canada and other countries.


But these privacy rules do not extend to photos of unidentifiable people. So Landy's team created tools within their app to help doctors remove any personal details, such as faces or tattoos.


Today the app, called Figure 1, is perhaps better known as the "Instagram for doctors." It has hundreds of thousands of users in nearly 100 countries. Doctors post photos — such as graphic shots of rashes, gallstones, oozing infections, and an arm that had been caught in a tortilla slicer, just to name a few — with short captions sometimes noting the patient's age and sex. And they make comments on others' photos, ranging from quick-and-dirty diagnoses to off-color jokes. The images are viewed more than 3 million times a day.


More than 40% of all U.S. medical students use the app, according to Landy, a testament to its power as a teaching tool. But he says it's useful in the clinic too. On Thursday, Figure 1 announced a new feature, called "Paging," that allows doctors to instantly request specialists to comment on specific photos.


"It creates what we're hoping will be a network of hundreds of thousands of health care professionals who can gain access to the knowledge and experience of specialists at any time, anywhere in the world," Landy, an intensive care doctor in Toronto, told BuzzFeed News.


But many experts in health law and ethics, as well as many doctors, feel uneasy about Figure 1 — especially as its network grows. Anyone can download the app and view the photos, and Landy said non–health care professionals make up about 10% of users. Critics say that doctors who post photos may open themselves (and their hospitals) up to legal liability, whether for violating patient privacy or for suggesting an inappropriate diagnosis.


The biggest issue is that doctors don't necessarily ask their patients' permission before snapping their photos and posting them to the app. When doctors upload a photo, a button pops up that will lead them to consent forms. But the app does not store them or collect any data on how often they are used.


And even when patients officially consent, it's not clear whether they truly understand how widely their photos will be shared.


"I'm not sure why this is open to the public," Nicolas Terry, a law professor at Indiana University who specializes in health, told BuzzFeed News. "Because I think that does pose the question: Is this a professional site, or is this thinly disguised medical porn?"




View Entire List ›


9 Photos Of Jeb Bush In The 1970s

The prospective presidential candidate had long, wavy hair and a mustache.


Optional soundtrack…



w.soundcloud.com



George Bush Presidential Library and Museum



George Bush Presidential Library and Museum



George Bush Presidential Library and Museum




View Entire List ›


Senator Backs Placing A Woman's Image On The $20 Bill

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen introduced the bill Tuesday. She wants to a panel of citizens to suggest a woman in history for the honor.


The nonprofit Women On 20s has been campaigning to replace Andrew Jackson with a woman on the $20 bill by 2020. Now Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, has also introduced legislation with the same goal.


The nonprofit Women On 20s has been campaigning to replace Andrew Jackson with a woman on the $20 bill by 2020. Now Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, has also introduced legislation with the same goal.


The measure introduced Tuesday, which will first go to the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, calls for the Secretary of the Treasury to convene a panel of citizens.


They would make recommendations to the Treasury about featuring a woman on the $20 bill.


Darren Mccollester / Getty Images


So far, nearly a quarter million people have cast votes on the nonprofit's website in the final round for who they will nominate for the bill: Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, or Wilma Mankiller.


So far, nearly a quarter million people have cast votes on the nonprofit's website in the final round for who they will nominate for the bill: Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, or Wilma Mankiller.


Shaheen doesn't have a particular woman in mind, Nickel said. Asking a panel to decide is a method that has precedent in the 1920s, the last time the Treasury chose new portraits for U.S. currency.


Women On 20s


Women On 20s will still accept votes as a separate initiative from Shaheen's and keep working toward their ultimate goal of sending a petition to the White House for consideration.


Women On 20s will still accept votes as a separate initiative from Shaheen's and keep working toward their ultimate goal of sending a petition to the White House for consideration.


Changing currency does not require congressional approval, but Women On 20s is still glad to hear their mission keeps spreading.


"We were very pleased to have Sen. Shaheen's support because we know the White House would probably like to know that Congress is behind this," Women On 20s executive director Susan Ades Stone told BuzzFeed News.


Women On 20s




View Entire List ›


At Least 60 People Were Cited At 4/20 Celebrations In Denver

Pot may be legal in Denver, but you still can’t smoke it in public.


As people in Denver toked up in anticipation of 4/20, police sent out reminders that smoking in public or selling it outside of retail pot shops is still illegal.


As people in Denver toked up in anticipation of 4/20, police sent out reminders that smoking in public or selling it outside of retail pot shops is still illegal.


Brennan Linsley / AP


On Saturday, about 60 people were cited for violating Colorado's marijuana law, the Denver Police Department said.


On Saturday, about 60 people were cited for violating Colorado's marijuana law, the Denver Police Department said.


Celebrations took place around the area over the weekend as April 20 approached. It was the second unofficial pot holiday since Colorado approved recreation use of marijuana.


Brennan Linsley / AP




View Entire List ›


27 Things People Who Went To High School In Texas Will Understand

No, you didn’t ride a horse to school.


Regardless of where you went to school, football fever was a very real thing.



Remember in Texas it's not a sport, it's a religion.


instagram.com


Which was great, because pep rallies were an excuse to get out early and show some school spirit.



Whether you had school spirit or not.


instagram.com


And homecoming week meant mums GALORE, along with the nonstop sound of cowbells in the hall.



One mum to rule them all.


instagram.com


Whataburger was your go-to spot to eat after school...



"Just how you like it."


instagram.com




View Entire List ›


Bruce Jenner To Talk About Personal Journey, Family In Diane Sawyer Interview

Jenner says family members are “the only ones I’m concerned with” in a new promo clip for the interview, which is set to air Friday on ABC.


Family members are the only concern of Bruce Jenner, the Olympian and reality star told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an interview set to air Friday.


Family members are the only concern of Bruce Jenner, the Olympian and reality star told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an interview set to air Friday.


ABC / Via abcnews.go.com


The network has been slowly teasing the topics of the exclusive two-hour interview, in which BuzzFeed News has reported Jenner will discuss being transgender for the first time. In the most recent promo, which aired Sunday, Jenner says family members are the only concern.


"I can't let myself hurt them," Jenner says.


Jenner also appears to reflect on years in the public eye, first as an athlete, then in Keeping Up With The Kardashians.


"It made me who I am,"Jenner says.


ABC is promising a "far-reaching" interview, though the network has not said anything about Jenner's gender identity. Rather, the promo material touts Jenner's decisions, future, and journey.


"My whole life has been getting me ready for this," Jenner says.


"Bruce Jenner — The Interview" airs 9 p.m. ET Friday on ABC.



youtube.com


LINK: The Importance Of Bruce Jenner’s Very Public Transition




View Entire List ›


How Severe Is California's Drought Really?

The drought is breaking records and forcing Californians to make hard decisions. But understanding its severity is a complicated process that yields gloomy results.



A visitor walks near the receding waters at Folsom Lake in January.


Robert Galbraith / Reuters


In California, April really is the cruelest month.


At a time when the Golden State's reservoirs should be brimming and the snowpack deep, much of California is instead parched and dry. Gov. Jerry Brown has announced historic mandatory water restrictions on urban areas, and some are wondering if people and business are about to start fleeing.


But understanding the true severity of California's drought is harder to pin down and depends a lot on how it's defined, according to scientists who spoke with BuzzFeed News. To understand what's going on it's easiest to break the drought down into two very general categories: First, how much water California has in an absolute sense, and second, how much California needs for all of its people.


You may have heard that the current drought is California's worst in 1,200 years. That oft-cited figure comes from a paper by Daniel Griffin, of the University of Minnesota, and Kevin Anchukaitis, of the Woods Hole Oceanic Institution.


In conversations with BuzzFeed News, both researchers explained that they came to that conclusion after studying tree ring samples, as well as using what's known as the Palmer Drought Severity Index, or PDSI. Basically the PDSI measures soil moisture as it compares to what is "normal" for a particular place.



Daniel Griffin collects a tree-ring sample from a dead tree, which can be used to extend the tree-ring record back in time up to 700 years.


Courtesy Dan Griffin and Kevin Anchukaitis. / Via sites.google.com




View Entire List ›


20 Vegetarian Broccoli Recipes You Definitely Need To Try

You won’t be disappointed.


Broccoli Burgers with Spicy Cashew Mayo


Broccoli Burgers with Spicy Cashew Mayo


Burgers that are actually good for you! Recipe here.


Via hummusapien.com


Broccoli & Asparagus Rabe over Chickpea & Chive Mash


Broccoli & Asparagus Rabe over Chickpea & Chive Mash


Spring is in the air. Recipe here.


Via dollyandoatmeal.com


Broccoli Avocado Lime Salad


Broccoli Avocado Lime Salad


So many greens. Recipe here.


Via deliciouslyella.com


Cheddar & Broccoli Grilled Cheese


Cheddar & Broccoli Grilled Cheese


A match made in heaven. Recipe here.


Via iamafoodblog.com




View Entire List ›


21 Faces All Best Friends Will Immediately Recognize

No words required.


The "Let's get into trouble" face:


The "Let's get into trouble" face:


ABC Family


The "You're not telling me everything" face:


The "You're not telling me everything" face:


Fox / Via giphy.com


The "Please help me" face:


The "Please help me" face:


Paramount Pictures


The "Can we please stop talking about him" face:


The "Can we please stop talking about him" face:


Fox




View Entire List ›


Which Character From "The Craft" Are You?

Which witch are you really?


21 Perfect Gifts For The "Game Of Thrones" Fans In Your Life

Brace yourself. Gifts are coming.


House Sigil Wood Coasters


House Sigil Wood Coasters


Etsy, $27


Etsy / Via etsy.com


Khaleesi Long Sleeve T-Shirt


Khaleesi Long Sleeve T-Shirt


Etsy, $16


Etsy / Via etsy.com


Margaery Tyrell iPhone 6 Case


Margaery Tyrell iPhone 6 Case


RedBubble, $26


RedBubble / Via redbubble.com


House Stark Cookie Stamps


House Stark Cookie Stamps


Etsy, $12


Etsy / Via etsy.com




View Entire List ›


If You Ever Ate At A Sizzler You Need To Watch This Ridiculous Vintage Commercial

#Freedom.


A commercial for the restaurant Sizzler from 1991 going viral may be one of the weirdest and most patriotic commercials of all time. We can't even explain it, you just have to watch.



youtube.com


Some on the Reddit thread speculated the film was not actually a commercial but a video meant to attract franchisees.


Whoever it was originally meant for, it is now inspiring America. Just look at this American family out for a bike ride. They deserve a hearty buffet meal.


Whoever it was originally meant for, it is now inspiring America. Just look at this American family out for a bike ride. They deserve a hearty buffet meal.


youtube.com


If you're wondering, Sizzler says it's the restaurant of freedom because hard-working folks have the freedom to CHOOSE THEIR FOOD. Menus be damned!


If you're wondering, Sizzler says it's the restaurant of freedom because hard-working folks have the freedom to CHOOSE THEIR FOOD. Menus be damned!


youtube.com




View Entire List ›


Are You More Phil Dunphy Or Cameron Tucker From "Modern Family"?

You really can’t go wrong either way.



ABC


49 "Friends" Quotes Guaranteed To Brighten Up Your Day

How you doin’?



NBC



NBC



NBC



NBC




View Entire List ›


18 Things Everyone Should Know About Airline Miles

Learn how to get more boarding passes for your buck.



Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed


Miles from each airline are redeemed differently, so get to know your preferred airline's system.


Miles from each airline are redeemed differently, so get to know your preferred airline's system.


Do enough research to know what your miles are worth, and what the most efficient ways are to use them. Here's a basic overview:


American Airlines miles are especially good for travel to South America and Asia, because of their route network and partner airlines. They use a zone-based awards chart, meaning you'll need to use a set amount of miles for a ticket based on which areas of the world you're flying from and to.


Delta uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the number of miles you'll need can fluctuate based on demand, price of the ticket, day of the week, and other factors. You'll often get a good value on domestic flights and flights to western Europe and Australia.


United miles are useful for getting to most of Europe, and to far-flung destinations like South Africa and the South Pacific. They use a zone-based chart, but there is one caveat: they charge more for award flights on partner airlines, which are usually the ones flying to those far-flung destinations.


Southwest miles are fixed-value (1.67 cents per mile) and redeemed based directly on the price of the ticket. Southwest is a domestic airline, but they've recently been adding some flights to the Caribbean and a few other nearby international destinations. Aruba or Cancun, anyone?


Beyond the big American carriers, you can branch out to international airlines, which can be surprisingly useful for domestic travel. For example, British Airways has one of the best programs for short-distance flights in the US. As you start to learn more, the sweet spots of each program will begin to reveal themselves, and you can match your own travel goals to the program that's best for them.


cineraria.tumblr.com


Miles are worth about two cents each (or should be).


Miles are worth about two cents each (or should be).


To maximize your value, always try to get at least two cents of value out of each mile when you redeem them in exchange for a plane ticket. Check out this blog post for a more detailed explanation of how to calculate mileage value.


You can actually redeem your miles from the airlines or banks that issue them for a value of one cent each, but it's not a good idea. You'll get a lot more value out of your miles by redeeming them for travel.


Ashlyn Anstee / giphy.com


Credit cards are one of the best ways to earn miles.


Credit cards are one of the best ways to earn miles.


It's true. Co-branded airline credit cards offer huge sign-on miles bonuses which are often good for a free flight — or two! The best cards do have an annual fee, but, depending on how often you travel, you'll often find that the value of the flights you'll get to take can outweigh that fee.


Most of the credit cards also offer perks like trip insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and free checked luggage. Keep in mind that you'll need a good credit score to get approved and qualify for even better bonuses with these cards.


Via femalemag.com.my




View Entire List ›


19 Snapchats That Ed Miliband Has Definitely Sent

For the love of God will someone please take Ed’s phone away from him.



Chris Jackson / Getty Images / BuzzFeed



Christopher Furlong / Getty Images / BuzzFeed



STEFAN ROUSSEAU/AFP / Getty Images / BuzzFeed



Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images / BuzzFeed




View Entire List ›


If Ellen DeGeneres' Tweets Were Motivational Posters

“I appreciate dolphins every day. But today, let’s do it with porpoise.”



Unsplash / Via Twitter: @TheEllenshow



Unsplash / Via Twitter: @TheEllenShow



Unsplash / Via Twitter: @TheEllenShow



Unsplash / Via Twitter: @TheEllenShow




View Entire List ›


People Try A -220°F Frozen Chamber For Health

As of 2013, the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was reportedly 135.8 degrees below zero Fahrenheit…this chamber is 220 degrees below Fahrenheit.



youtube.com


16 Things I Overheard At The Selena Festival

I went to Corpus Christi, Texas to experience the first-ever Fiesta de la Flor, a two-day festival honoring the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.


Fiesta de la Flor took place on Friday and Saturday, to commemorate the life and music of the late Selena Quintanilla.


Fiesta de la Flor took place on Friday and Saturday, to commemorate the life and music of the late Selena Quintanilla.


There were a variety of musical acts that included Los Lobos, Little Joe y La Familia, Selena's widow and guitarist Chris Perez and his band, and A.B. Quintanilla y Los Kumbia King Allstarz. There were food trucks, a bar, vendors, a mini-amusement park for kids, all taking place in Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas.


Norberto Briceño


The event was declared sold out by the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau.


The event was declared sold out by the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau.


While not evident at first, it definitely got crowded by the end.


Norberto Briceño


"Mom! WHAT'S INSIDE?!"


"Mom! WHAT'S INSIDE?!"


The festival took place in Bayfront Park in Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas. The weather was humid but manageable (at least for the time being). Gates opened at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and there were A LOT of people. The love for Selena fueled people to stand around for hours waiting to get in. The vibe was akin to opening day at Disneyland – not really sure what to expect, but knowing you're in for something special.


Norberto Briceño




View Entire List ›


When Your Best Friend Starts Dating Someone

No really, I’d love nothing more than to watch you two make out.



youtube.com / Via BuzzFeedYellow


25 Random Thoughts That Actually Make The Most Sense In The World

Mind, literally, blown.


We eat pizza from the inside out.


We eat pizza from the inside out.


Polarbear58


pizzashares.tumblr.com


If you live to be 70 years old you will spend TEN YEARS of your life on Monday.


If you live to be 70 years old you will spend TEN YEARS of your life on Monday.


Pen-Man


reactiongifs.com


Sometime in the future, someone will say your name for the last time.


Sometime in the future, someone will say your name for the last time.


petrichorE6


AMC / Via elcascanueces.tumblr.com




View Entire List ›