Is going after Big Tech harming start-ups? ๐
Plus are we on the brink of bringing back extinct species? ๐ฆฃ
Hey ๐
This weeks newsletter is sponsored by DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo stands as a beacon in the realm of online privacy, serving as a one-stop solution for individuals keen on reclaiming their digital space. With over a decade of experience, DuckDuckGo has been unwavering in its commitment to developing pioneering technology and collaborating with policymakers to simplify and democratize the internet experience.
The companyโs app has been downloaded over 78 million times annually, securing its position as the #2 search engine on mobile in the United States, UK, and several other countries. Impressively, DuckDuckGo has been profitable since 2014, boasting revenues exceeding $100 million annually. The company continues to innovate, recently introducing a suite of privacy solutions including Email Protection, App Tracking Protection, and its inaugural Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows, reinforcing its commitment to comprehensive privacy solutions in the digital age.
DuckDuckGo are currently hiring for Senior Backend and iOS engineers on Haystack. Check out their cultural values, engineering practices and more on the Haystack app ๐ฒ
๐ Big Tech & Startup
EU and UK regulators are tightening the noose on Big Tech, aiming to protect startups. However, there's a growing sentiment that this might be counterproductive. If tech giants like Google and Microsoft decide to exit markets like London, it could mean fewer opportunities for startups, less investment in the tech ecosystem, and a talent drain.
Recent regulatory actions, such as the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocking Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and the EU's Digital Services Act, are seen by some as pushing Big Tech too far. The core argument? Over-regulation might stifle the very startups it aims to protect. Big Tech, with its vast resources, can offer opportunities and scale that startups can't achieve on their own. The call to action? Embrace Big Tech's potential for collaboration and synergy with startups, rather than viewing them as adversaries. After all, London, with its thriving tech scene, is proof that Big Tech and startups can coexist and flourish together.
๐ญ Science & Futuristic Tech
The dream of resurrecting extinct species, a concept often explored in science fiction, is inching closer to reality. Scientists recently extracted RNA from the remains of the Tasmanian tiger, a breakthrough that could be a game-changer for 'de-extinction' endeavors. While DNA provides the blueprint for life, RNA acts as the architect, translating those plans into living beings. This discovery has rekindled hope for reviving species like the dodo, quagga, and the Tasmanian tiger itself.
However, challenges abound. Even if these animals are brought back, would they behave as their original counterparts did? And would they fit into today's ecosystems or become invasive? While the potential benefits of de-extinction are tantalising, ethical and ecological considerations remain. As the boundaries of science expand, the question looms: should we play with the threads of life and death?
โก๏ธ Haystack Live
We're happy to announce our first speaker for Haystack Live at the Tyneside Cinema. James is a self-employed cloud engineer with a background as a software developer, currently helping clients achieve their goals in AWS with CDK in TypeScript. He loves getting stuck in toย designing, building and operating systems at scale, helping clients from small startups to national enterprises. He'll be talking about his journey to becoming a Cloud Developer, and whether you should consider doing the same.
Haystack Live is taking place at the iconic Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the 26th October. Alongside cutting-edge tech talks, you can expect a night of pizza, drinks and networking with your fellow techies and our partner companies. Tickets are completely free but spaces are limited - book your ticket to secure your place today!
๐งโ๐ป Dev, Data & Design
Have you checked out our latest update yet? Weโve made some pretty big changes!
Weโve added a load of new role types across Engineering, Management, DevOps, Design, Data, Architecture, and Products, Projects & Delivery.ย We've also optimised our matching algorithm to make sure youโre only seeing the most relevant roles. This includes more support for tech-agnostic roles, and a stronger emphasis on non-tech factors, such as location and salary. Jump back into Haystack on mobile or web to update your profile and check out whatโs new!
โ๏ธ Miscellaneous
AI is being used to identify and cure treatment-resistant depression ๐ง
The worldโs brightest laser, described as a being a โmillion, billion, billionโ times brighter than the Sun is being built in the UK ๐ก
A new study has found volcanoes were more likely to be more responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs than asteroids ๐ฆ
๐ฒ New on Haystack
Ably | Remote
๐ Currently hiring for across Dev & Data