Is TikTok being banned and can an influencer really cause an $800M company to fail?

The world of startups has been buzzing with activity this week, with TikTok facing a potential ban in the U.S. and influencers like MKBHD making waves with their honest product reviews. In a rare show of bipartisanship, the House of Representatives has passed a bill giving TikTok’s parent company a nine-month ultimatum to sell or face extinction in the U.S. This move has sparked debate about free speech rights and the impact on businesses.

Meanwhile, the power of influencers was on full display as popular YouTuber MKBHD’s critical review of Humane Ai’s product led to backlash and accusations of causing harm to the company. The influence of influencers in the startup world is becoming increasingly apparent, with their opinions carrying significant weight.

In other news, innovative startups like Mood.camera and Poetry Camera are shaking up the photography world with their unique offerings. Mood.camera offers a vintage photography experience on your phone, while Poetry Camera generates poetry based on visual encounters and prints them out on paper.

On the fundraising front, Pascal, a lab-grown diamond startup, has secured nearly $10 million in VC funding, while Rippling has closed a $200 million funding round at a valuation of $13.4 billion. These developments highlight the continued interest and investment in innovative startups with disruptive ideas.

Overall, the startup world continues to be a hotbed of innovation, controversy, and excitement, with new developments and trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest startup stories and fundraises in the coming weeks.