NYC stock markets ring in new year with record-setting showing from technology companies
Breaking records isn’t a bad way to start 2018, and that’s exactly what happened when the Nasdaq closed over 7,000 for the first time on Wednesday. Leading the charge were tech companies, with both hardware and software alike seeing massive gains. [Chron]
Happy Returns moves into old Radio City Music Hall ticket booth
One of NYC’s most unique storefronts is now occupied by a seasonally-friendly startup: Happy Returns. The 43-square-foot ticket booth at the legendary Radio City Music Hall will now be occupied by the company, which helps customers make quick and easy returns from e-tailers like Everlane and Tradesy and therefore avoiding the ever-more-legendary hassle of the New York City postal system. Time to dig up those questionable holiday gifts and head to Midtown! [New York Post]
Nimi Katragadda promoted to partner of BoxGroup, increasing female VC presence in NYC tech
BoxGroup, the VC firm with investments in Harry’s, Handy and Warby Parker, just announced the promotion of Nimi Katragadda to partner. Katragadda, who is now the firm’s first female partner, joined BoxGroup in 2015. Katragadda was also recognized by Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list in 2017. This latest promotion continues a string of NYC-based VC firms recognizing female talent. [Forbes]
Governor Cuomo introduces bill that would fund jobs in health, tech and clean energy
On Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a bill to the New York State legislature that would invest $175 into the creation of tech sector jobs. Research predicts that New York will add more than 300,000 tech sector jobs in the coming decade. As part of the same bill, Cuomo hopes to make leaps in New York’s use of clean energy and energy storage, setting targets even higher than the notably eco-friendly state of California. [State Scoop]
Iced tea company stock soars after renaming company “Long Blockchain”
Businesses are jumping on the Bitcoin bandwagon in their own unique ways. Long Island Iced Tea, a Hicksville-based non-alcoholic beverage company, announced a rebranding of their company to none other than Long Blockchain — a reference to the system on which cryptocurrency functions. A simple renaming caused company stock to skyrocket more than 280%, and enabled an addition of two new board members. Bitcoin just might be digital gold after all. [Wall Street Journal]
