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Articles by Josh Pherigo
State of the VC-Backed CFO 2026
More than a third of companies spending on AI have reduced junior hiring in 2025 due to AI adoption, and that number is expected to increase in 2026 as efficiency gains compound. AI is rewriting the org chart, but its effect so far has been nuanced. It’s only triggered layoffs at 5% of the companies surveyed, signally a hiring mix shift rather than broad cuts.
The Future of Frontier Technology 2025
Investors are backing frontier tech funds at the highest rate in 10 years – more than one in three VC dollars in 2024 went to a fund with a stated focus in frontier technology. The old adage that hardware investing is tough still persists, yet advances around availability, cost and production are lowering the barrier to entry.
The Future of Fintech 2025
In 2025, nearly half of VC-backed fintech acquisitions were made by other VC-backed companies, up from roughly a quarter in 2021. As late-stage companies continue to struggle with value overhang from the era of zero interest rates, private consolidation is becoming a more viable strategy for achieving a public exit.
AI's tipping point
The reasons were both technical and economic. The mass market appeal and straightforward sales motion of consumer autos and robotaxis made self-driving cars the logical place for autonomous vehicles (AVs) to start. Cars are relatively inexpensive to buy and retrofit, and city streets — with established traffic rules and fixed features — make for a more structured training environment. Heavy equipment operates in very different environments.
Tech VC grows in the midcontinent
Why Middle America is ripe for deep tech innovation Founders outside of the elite tech hubs see a benefit when it comes to stretching their dollars. Lower labor costs and operating expenses often mean startups can raise smaller rounds and still achieve meaningful milestones. While lower deal sizes and valuations might sound like a downside, they’ve been a blessing in disguise in the current market.
Denton County begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses
The first same-sex couple has been given a marriage license by Denton County Clerk Juli Luke, following Friday operations that turned at least three couples away. Whitney Hennen and Sara Bollinger, both UNT alumnae, was the first couple in the county to receive their marriage license, though another couple, who did not talk to reporters, had their paperwork processed before Hennen and Bollinger.
First marriage license for gay couple denied in Denton
UPDATE 12:18 p.m. – Nickell and Hernandez have decided to go to the Dallas County office to get their application processed. UPDATE 12:05 p.m. – Another notice has been posted at the County Clerk’s desk, stating that the office is not currently issuing gay marriage licenses pending a vendor issue. UPDATE 12:00 p.m. – After consulting with legal consel, the District Attorney has given County Clerk Juli Luke deciding power on application status.
UNT players get NFL shot
The 2015 NFL Draft was this past weekend, but no one from the Mean Green football team was selected. The last time that happened was in 2004. But, there were three Mean Green players that signed as undrafted free agents once all seven rounds were over. Whether they actually make their respective teams remains to be seen, but they will at least get a shot in training camp. Akunne signed with the Atlanta Falcons after the draft.
UNT assessing damages at Kerr Hall following Monday flood
Housing officials still have not determined when students will be allowed back into their dorms following a flood in wing A resulting from a sprinkler that went off when two students used a lighter to cook s’mores. Sarah Amberson, hall director of Kerr, told reporters a restoration company is drying and sanitizing the rooms, and assessing moisture levels. She said the rain over the last few days affected the moisture inside Kerr.
Breaking down HB 40 on its way to the Senate
Breaking down HB 40 on its way to the Senate The Texas House last week, after a three-hour debate, passed a measure, 122-18, that directly counteracts Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracturing. Of the three Denton County state representatives, only Tan Parker (R-Lewisville) voted against HB 40. Denton’s own representative, Republican Myra Crownover, supported it. Authored by state Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Antonio), HB 40 did leave the House attached with some key compromises.
Fracking ban losing to state spin game
Ten weeks remain in the current legislative session and Denton’s prohibition of hydraulic fracturing is suffering from a political spin game, ignorant of the ban’s premise but effective nonetheless. Texans debated House Bill 40 before the Energy Resources Committee of the Texas House on Monday in Austin. It is only one of numerous oil related bills that have been filed this session, many in reaction to the ban itself.
Denton Square is now chain-free
After a short two-year stay, the Subway on the Square has closed its doors. The restaurant dealt with obstacles from competition, including the two additional Subways within minutes of campus, to community resistance with many members of the Denton community saying a chain restaurant does not have a place on the Square. “The Square is supposed to be a historic mark of Denton,” visual arts and design freshman Breana Haag said.
Dallas Protesters remember Michael Brown
Update 12:30 p.m.: Two students were arrested by Dallas police last night during the protest. Studio Art and pre-RTVF senior Jonathan Adams and history sophomore Clinton McBride were charged with obstruction of a highway passage, which is a class B misdemeanor. Bail has not been set for either student. The crowd clapped and cheered every time a strong opinion booms from the megaphone. The crisp, cold air added to the subtly peaceful atmosphere.
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