Walmart Has Showed up in the Metaverse: News Of Small Tech Business

During the past few days, there has been a lot of talk about the “metaverse.” No, we are not talking about the Matrix or Sword Art Online, but a new type of internet created by many small businesses. So look for fresh news!

Walmart Is Secretly Getting Ready To Join The Metaverse

It’s been a big week for Walmart. First, they announced that they’re partnering with Microsoft to offer customers access to their “Metaverse” – a virtual world created by the software giant. Then, they showed up in the Metaverse themselves… as a small tech business.

That’s right – Walmart has created a version of themselves in the Metaverse, and they’re already making waves in the digital world. The company has set up shop in an avatar-based 3D environment, and they’re already offering products and services to customers.

This is a big deal. It shows that Walmart is serious about incorporating new technologies into its business model. They’re not dipping their feet in the water, but they’re making a concerted effort to be a part of the Metaverse.

Betterment Announces “Interest” Service

Betterment, the largest independent online financial advisor in the U.S., today announced the launch of Betterment Interest. This service allows customers to earn up to 2.69% annual percentage yield (APY) on their deposited cash with no minimums, fees, or risk.

In addition to providing high yields and FDIC insurance on deposits up to $250,000, Betterment Interest also comes with automated saving and budgeting tools to help people make the most of their money. The service is currently available to all U.S.-based Betterment customers.

“We’re always looking for ways to help our customers grow and improve their financial lives, and we’re excited to offer this new way to help them save and earn more,” said Jon Stein, CEO, and founder of Betterment. “With Betterment Interest, customers can now automatically grow their savings without thinking about it.”

A No-Code Platform Softr Has Obtained Large Investments

Softr has obtained significant investments from Walmart and Salesforce, which will help the company develop its no-code platform and expand its customer base. The deal values Softr at $500 million.

The investment from Walmart is an extension of the retailer’s previous relationship with Softr. In 2019, Walmart started using Softr’s platform to build internal applications. The retailer has since produced more than 100 apps on Softr, including a tool to track employee training and another to manage store inventory.

Salesforce’s investment is also part of an existing relationship between the two companies. Salesforce uses Softr’s platform to build applications for its customers.

IT Services Segment Expects To Raise Its Financing To About $4.5 Billion

In the next 12 to 18 months, IT spending is anticipated to exceed pre-COVID levels. Gartner, an analyst organization, believes that the corporate software market will grow. This is good news for small tech businesses that provide IT services and products.

The pandemic has forced companies to invest in technology to remain competitive. Many businesses have turned to small tech companies for help with this transition. As a result, the demand for IT services has increased significantly.

In order to meet this demand, small tech businesses need to raise their financing. According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, the IT services segment is expected to grow its funding to about $4.5 billion in the next 12 to 18 months. This is a significant increase from the $3 billion that was raised in the previous 12-month period.

Microsoft Has Announced The Launch Of A Startup Accelerator For Companies That Utilize Technology To Benefit The Environment

The new accelerator, called Microsoft for Earth, will provide funding and resources to help these startups grow and scale their businesses.

“Technology can be a powerful force for good, and we want to support startups using technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “The Microsoft for Earth accelerator is one way to support this important work.”

Microsoft for Earth will provide up to $500,000 in funding to each startup and access to Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform and other resources. The first cohort of companies will be announced later this year.

This is not the first time Microsoft has supported startups working on environmental solutions. In 2015, the company launched its first accelerator for cleantech startups in Beijing. To date, Microsoft has invested in more than 50 cleantech startups worldwide.