daily_brief

Human-Centered Startups Find Paths to Funding in AI-First VC Landscape

Singapore employers double down on AI upskilling, Orion board faces activist scrutiny, and USDC stablecoin payments enter mainstream finance.

By Chief in Tech

·

Your Morning in 30 Seconds

  • Pioneering People CEO Rita Kastrati shares three proven strategies to win over VCs with non-AI startups (Startups.co.uk).
  • 80% of Singapore companies now prioritize AI upskilling to close rising talent gaps (AmChamSG Manpower Survey via The Manila Times).
  • Orion faces a November 20 deadline as an activist investor demands access to board records (ad-hoc-news.de).
  • Bottomline completes its first USDC stablecoin corporate payments with Circle, signaling fintech’s next phase (The Paypers).
  • Medidata’s Synthetic Control Arm® wins top award for patient equity in clinical trials (GlobeNewswire).

The Lead

3 Ways to Win Over VCs When Your Startup Isn't AI-First

  • Rita Kastrati, CEO of Pioneering People, outlines actionable strategies for non-AI startups seeking venture capital in a market dominated by artificial intelligence narratives.
  • Key approaches include emphasizing founder expertise, demonstrating unique human-centric value, and showcasing defensible business models not easily replaced by AI.
  • Kastrati reports that VCs are increasingly receptive to solutions that solve human problems with strong market validation, even when not AI-driven.
  • The article was published today on Startups.co.uk.
  • For women founders and leaders, her advice reinforces the value of differentiated, people-first innovation and the advantage of strong storytelling in fundraising conversations.
  • Why it matters: Leaders must tailor their fundraising narratives—especially when their ventures are not AI-first—by clearly articulating human impact and strategic defensibility to attract capital in today’s VC climate.

What Changed

Singapore Companies Double Down on AI Upskilling Amid Skills Gap

  • AmChamSG’s 2026 Manpower Survey finds 46% of Singapore employers cite skills mismatch as a challenge (up from 34% in 2025).
  • 80% of surveyed companies are investing in AI upskilling to close talent gaps and drive ASEAN regional growth.
  • The survey reflects a sharp pivot toward tech-driven talent development strategies.
  • Implication: Tech executives need to prioritize continuous workforce development and ensure upskilling programs are accessible to diverse talent pools to remain competitive.

Orion Faces Governance Questions as Activist Investor Seeks Board Records

  • An activist investor has formally requested Orion’s board records, raising concerns about corporate governance.
  • Orion has until November 20 to respond to these demands, as reported by ad-hoc-news.de.
  • The development spotlights rising shareholder activism and the need for transparent board practices.
  • Implication: Boards should anticipate increased scrutiny and proactively review governance disclosures—especially critical for women executives seeking board roles.

Bottomline Completes First USDC Stablecoin Payments With Circle

  • Bottomline, in partnership with Circle, has executed its initial USDC stablecoin payment transactions (The Paypers).
  • This move marks the integration of digital currencies into mainstream corporate finance.
  • The development may accelerate adoption of stablecoins in B2B payments and treasury operations.
  • Implication: Finance and tech leaders should assess digital asset readiness and evaluate the operational benefits and risks of incorporating stablecoins into payment strategies.

Medidata’s Synthetic Control Arm® Wins Award for Patient Equity in Clinical Trials

  • Medidata’s Synthetic Control Arm® is named "RWE Solution of the Year" at the BioTech Breakthrough Awards (GlobeNewswire).
  • The solution is recognized for increasing patient access and equity in clinical trials by reducing the need for traditional control groups.
  • Industry recognition highlights the importance of patient-centered innovation in medtech.
  • Implication: Healthcare leaders should consider how data-driven trial methodologies can expand access and inclusion, supporting both regulatory and patient advocacy goals.

Watch Today

  • Orion’s board must respond to activist investor’s governance records request by November 20.

Signals

  • Qualcomm layoffs in India highlight continued volatility in the tech job market, affecting even highly qualified talent (India Today).
  • The photolithography equipment market is evolving as AI accelerators and EUV adoption reshape chip manufacturing economics (Semiconductor Insight).
  • Winning a tech startup grant in 2026 requires clear articulation of innovation and funding needs (NetSuite).
  • Access, not just breakthroughs, will define impact in healthcare innovation, emphasizing distribution and equity (Forbes).

Sources