Along with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has come a surging demand for data and data center capacity to host growing AI workloads. And more and more organizations find themselves in the race to build the infrastructure and data center capacity capable of supporting the current and future use of AI and machine learning (ML).  For finance functions, high-quality, well-organized, and trustworthy data is essential in the development of effective AI-driven operating models. And while speed is a big factor, trust and safety are even greater concerns in a technology environment where there are few guardrails for AI risk management. Just think of the internet with no rules around e-commerce, privacy, or business and personal safety.   So where does a management team get a handle on the critical issues around an AI approach that is both highly efficient from an operations standpoint and optimized for risk management? We believe in this case that the past can be the prologue: consider a principle known as the “medallion architecture” — a commonly used industry framework for managing large-scale data processing in cloud environments. For many of the same reasons it works so well there, we also find it applies well to data engineering. It’s particularly well suited for tax and finance operations, where data is one of the most valuable assets and for which flexible, scalable, and reliable data management is essential for regulatory compliance speed and accuracy.   Related:Will Enterprises Adopt DeepSeek? A Layered Approach  The reality is that data and AI are essentially inseparable in our new digital era. While data has existed for a long time without AI, AI does not exist without data. By extension, a solid data strategy is required for achieving meaningful returns on AI value, and medallion architecture is a highly effective data management tool that helps get the most out of an organization’s AI investment. As a data engineering model, it organizes information into three distinct tiers of bronze, silver and gold “medals.” Each layer has a specific role in the data pipeline, designed to facilitate clean, accurate and optimized dataflows for downstream processes:  Bronze: This is the raw data layer. The data is ingested from various sources, including structured, semi-structured and unstructured formats. At this stage, the data is stored in its original form without any significant transformation. This serves as a robust foundation, providing a full audit trail and allowing businesses to revisit the raw data for future needs.  Related:AI Is Improving Medical Monitoring and Follow-Up Silver: In this intermediate stage, data from the bronze layer is cleaned, filtered and structured into a more usable format. This involves applying necessary transformations, removing duplicates, filling in missing data and applying quality checks. The silver layer acts as a reliable data set that can be used for analysis, but it’s still not fully optimized.  Gold: This is the final stage of the data pipeline where the silver data is further refined, aggregated and structured for direct consumption by analytics tools, dashboards and decision-making systems. The gold layer delivers highly curated, trusted data that’s ready for use in real-time reporting and advanced analytics.  Applying the Benefits of Medallion Architecture in the Finance Sector  For financial institutions, data management needs are highly complex. Banks, trading firms and FinTech companies process enormous amounts of data daily, with requirements for accuracy, speed and regulatory compliance. Medallion architecture addresses the following needs.  1. Improved data quality and governance. Financial institutions must ensure data accuracy and completeness in alignment with strict regulatory requirements, such as Basel III, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and MiFID II. The multilayered features of medallion architecture support data quality checks that can be applied at each stage. By moving from the bronze to gold layer, data undergoes multiple transformations and validations, improving accuracy and reducing errors. It also facilitates better data governance and traceability, allowing for easier auditing and compliance reporting.  Related:Is a Small Language Model Better Than an LLM for You? 2. Scalability for large data volumes. The financial sector often deals with massive data sets — from transaction histories and market feeds to customer data. The layered approach makes it easier to scale these data pipelines. Since the raw data in the bronze layer is stored in its original form, it can handle the ingestion of high volumes of data without requiring immediate transformations. As data moves to the silver and gold layers, the architecture supports scalable processing frameworks that enable financial institutions to efficiently process large data sets.  3. Faster time to insights. In fast-paced financial markets, speed is essential. Trading firms, for example, need real-time data to make decisions on market movements. The medallion structure allows financial institutions to separate raw data ingestion from data analytics. Analysts can start working on silver and gold layers for immediate insights, while engineers refine and clean the data in the background. This results in quicker access to actionable insights, essential for high-frequency trading or real-time fraud detection.  4. Flexibility and agility. Medallion architecture offers flexibility in handling diverse data sources and types — an essential feature in the financial industry, where data comes from numerous channels. The bronze layer’s ability to store raw data in its native form makes it easy to adapt to new data types or sources without needing immediate transformations, while the silver and gold layers can be adjusted to reflect new business requirements, market conditions or regulatory changes.  5. Cost efficiency. Processing large volumes of financial data is expensive. Separating the raw data from the processed data helps reduce unnecessary data transformations and storage costs. Financial institutions can optimize their compute resources by running complex transformations only when needed, thus lowering operational costs.  6. Enhanced security and risk management. Raw data in the bronze layer can be heavily restricted, with only authorized personnel able to access it, while the curated gold layer can be more widely available for analysis. This segmentation of data access allows for tighter security controls and reduces the attack surface.  7. Advanced analytics and machine

By Christopher Cole ( February 25, 2025, 1:19 PM EST) — The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday named a top lawyer from the legislative branch as the agency’s new deputy general counsel for litigation…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

Shopify and Squarespace are two popular products that business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative types use to conduct business. Both are known for meeting the requirements of e-commerce or online store businesses. To meet their specific requirements and needs, entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations must distinguish the differences between software solutions to determine the best solution for their business. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that helps companies create an online store, manage transactions, and process payments. In contrast, Squarespace is a website builder that allows a company to create a website for any purpose, including an e-commerce website. Both software products have similar functionality, such as point-of-sale (POS) and e-commerce capabilities, but different pricing structures. 1 Zoho Sprints Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Burn-down Charts, Epics, Kanban, and more 2 Wrike Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Service Level Management Shopify vs. Squarespace: Comparison table Both software solutions may have similar features, but one feature may be better suited to meet a specific need or have an added capability that can be a deciding factor for a business. The provided comparison table will highlight similar features and note the differences. Shopify Squarespace Platform and functionality Designed as an e-commerce platform Focus on website building, including building an e-commerce website Payment gateway Apple Pay, PayPal, and Stripe, ACH debits, credit and debit cards Apple Pay, ACH debits, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Payment methods Can be configured to accept payments from multiple payment providers Can be configured to accept payments, but it is limited Easy to use and learn Steeper learning curve Yes, particularly for beginners Shipping options Offers more shipping options, including multiple shipping carriers Limited shipping option Integrations and compatibility Connects to more business applications Connects to a limited number of business applications Starting price $25 $25 For more information Shopify vs Squarespace: Pricing The pricing for these software products can be a deciding factor for large, medium, and small businesses. Shopify pricing Shopify has a free trial period of only three days. Shopify also allows interested customers an extended three-month trial period for one dollar a month. Shopify’s Advanced plan comes with more features and lower rates to meet the needs of a growing business. The enterprise version is designed for high-volume businesses. Shopify tiered plans start with the basic subscription: Free 3-day trial period Basic: $25 per month Shopify: $65 per month Advanced: $399 per month Enterprise: $,2300 per month Shopify’s POS system can operate in multiple countries. That said, their pricing may be out of reach for a small business. For global enterprise organizations, Shopify’s international capabilities and features will serve you best. Squarespace pricing Squarespace tiered plans are not as expensive as Shopify. Squarespace starts with the personal plan. Free 14-day trial period Basic: $25 per month Core: $36 per month Plus: $56 per month Advanced: $139 per month Squarespace also has a POS system, but it’s only available for U.S. customers. Both competing platforms will have transaction fees added to usage costs. Squarespace is the best choice if there are budget constraints, provided you only have U.S. customers. Squarespace offers refund money-back guarantees and free domain registration, making it more attractive for budget-minded businesses. Shopify vs Squarespace: Feature comparison Performance Shopify’s performance is better for e-commerce stores. Shopify outperforms Squarespace for large online stores due to the number of e-commerce features available. Shopify Performance Shopify’s third-party selection options and e-commerce features will outperform a created Squarespace website. Its advanced features, like payment gateways and dropshipping, outperform Squarespace even when the primary platform is Squarespace. Plus, Shopify’s uptime guarantee, automated backups, and real-time monitoring for threats 24/7 is the best choice for enterprise organizations needing reliable performance. Squarespace Performance Squarespace is designed for small businesses with limited coding knowledge but wants staff to easily create and manage a website. Small businesses or entrepreneurs requiring basic e-commerce functionality should consider Squarespace. The solution is also suitable for content-driven websites specializing in blogs, reviews, or educational topics. A content-driven website also uses Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which helps users find specific content quickly. E-commerce features and functionality Shopify’s e-commerce platform is designed for any business size, while Squarespace caters better to mid to small businesses. Shopify e-commerce Shopify provides a user-friendly interface that allows a semi-knowledgeable person to build an online store in a reasonable time. It features more marketing and functional business applications like order management and accounting in its e-commerce solution that can operate internationally. Additionally, Shopify offers more shipping options and multiple payment methods to accept payments from customers globally. Its marketing features, payment options, and social media integration make it more suitable for a marketing-based business. If a marketing feature is missing a crucial element, Shopify can add that essential element by using an extension, API, or HTML. Shopify is the best e-commerce solution since it’s specifically designed to perform e-commerce operations. Its third-party tools are more comprehensive than Squarespace, and the application marketplace gives Shopify the edge for features and functionality. Squarespace e-commerce Squarespace is better suited for small businesses, entrepreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, and creative types wanting to display their portfolios. Squarespace e-commerce capabilities can be integrated into a business website to process payments and manage inventory. Developers can build a limited set of business functional applications. If developers cannot develop the application and a third-party tool is available, they can attempt to use the third-party integration tool to attain the full functionality of a business application. Squarespace’s responsive design can scale your website up or down to fit any screen size. However, Squarespace may not scale up adequately with larger websites. Integrations and compatibility Both software solutions can integrate with other popular business software solutions. Squarespace can use Shopify online store to improve its online efficiency. Both solutions can be integrated with analytical

Dutch software firm Bird is moving most of its operations out of the Netherlands and opening new global hubs as it seeks a reprieve from “overregulation” in Europe, said co-founder and CEO Robert Vis. “The AI Act, financing, compensation, taxes, employment law — starting and running a company [in Europe] is hard,” Vis told TNW, adding that there are “too many disparate markets that are overregulated with no clear vision for the future while the world around us is changing.” Bird (formerly MessageBird) is one of the Netherlands’ leading tech scaleups, reaching unicorn status in 2018. Bird’s main product is a cloud-based platform that manages customer communications across messaging apps, calls, video, SMS, and email. The company also recently launched a new “AI employee” chatbot, which handles tasks such as responding to customer inquiries, qualifying leads, and providing personalised support.   Vis is now looking overseas to fuel the company’s next advances. TNW Conference – Groups get the best fun and the best deals Bring your team and multiply your efficiency to cover more grounds and collect new leads. “Both The Hague and Brussels enjoy being in meetings and talking more than they get shit done,” Vis said, adding that EU policymakers are “killing innovation.”    Amsterdam-based Bird will now open up three new offices in the US, and one each in Singapore, Dubai, and Istanbul. It will also open a “meditation, rejuvenation, and health centre” in Thailand for its employees, Vis said in a LinkedIn post.  Nevertheless, Bird will maintain an office in Lithuania and keep its tax base in the Netherlands for now — so it’s not leaving the EU entirely.  Earlier this month, Bird cut 120 jobs — roughly one-third of its total workforce, which is mainly based in Europe. New AI tools contributed to the staff cuts, said Vis, but it was also an effort to “position our teams closer to our customers” in the “Americas and Asia,” he told TechCrunch.   The news comes as the EU pushes ahead with its landmark AI Act, which entered force last year. The act lays out a rulebook for governing AI based on risk levels, designed to ensure the technology is deployed safely, transparently, and ethically.    The US, meanwhile, is moving in the opposite direction. While the EU imposes strict rules, the Trump administration is removing AI restrictions and giving tech sector leaders such as Elon Musk prominent roles in government.  “There is no stopping this technology whether we like it or not,” said Vis. “Whatever the future will hold — if you want to compete you need to be liberal not restrictive.” Robert Vis is a former speaker at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. source

As companies seek to realize the promise of generative AI, effective collaboration between CEOs and CIOs has become an unheralded, but critical driver of technological transformation.  Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing work across almost every industry. Leaders are facing immense pressure to substantiate the value of GenAI and effectively measure outcomes that demonstrate its impact to their people, boards and shareholders. To do so, they are aggressively moving from pilots to transformational programs to unlock new revenue streams, maximize ROI and cement their competitive advantage.   KPMG’s latest AI & Digital Innovation Quarterly pulse survey found that 79% of business leaders are prioritizing productivity gains, and that more than half are exploring the use of AI agents. Those tools can work independently to perform tasks and adapt in real time. To successfully implement GenAI or AI agents within an organization, it is crucial for the CEO and the CIO to work together to establish a shared vision and strategy to meet business objectives and maximize the return on their investment.   The CEO should have a clear understanding of the potential benefits that GenAI can bring and how it aligns with the long-term goals of the organization. The CEO should set the agenda and drive a culture of collaboration, cross-functional strategy and integration because siloed efforts are unlikely to yield the game changing transformation needed for a sustainable, competitive advantage.  Related:Risk Management for the IT Supply Chain Responsibilities for GenAI strategies are increasingly being shared across the C-suite as organizations adopt longer-term strategies. CIOs are also deeply involved in developing the strategy, and they have great influence over the technology investments. They also bring technical expertise to the table and provide insights into the feasibility of implementing the technology and the potential risks associated with it. The CIO should have an ecosystem strategy for their AI program that evaluates the compatibility of GenAI solutions with existing systems and considers the potential impact on the organization’s IT infrastructure.  CIOs must also spearhead efforts to break down functional siloes that can hinder enterprise-wide transformation. It is common for companies to prioritize digital transformation in certain functions over others, resulting in a capability gap that can be noticeable to customers, stakeholders and employees.  Effective communication between the CEO and the CIO is crucial for a successful GenAI implementation at scale. Regular touchpoints and open dialogue allow both parties to exchange ideas, address concerns, while aligning their expectations and initiatives with the organization’s goals. Related:The Top Habits of High-Performing IT Development Teams When I speak with executives, many of their experiences are similar — they are looking to close the gap between their aspirations and the everyday habits of their workforce. They want to understand how to put AI into production beyond writing drafts so they can see transformational change. They’ve invested their own time in experimenting with GenAI and believe in its transformative potential for their organization. Looking at clients across industries, what is most effective is when they prioritize modernizing their data strategies and systems to ensure the quality and integrity of their AI tools.   Successful organizations also are reimagining their workforces and considering how to future-proof their talent strategy. They are excited about the early successes they’ve seen with GenAI across different corporate functions like finance, sales and IT, and they want to translate those lessons into bigger opportunities.   It’s also no secret that GenAI implementation comes with inherent risks, such as data privacy, cyber and ethical concerns. Collaboration between the CEO and CIO helps mitigate these risks by having a robust risk management framework in place, which includes data encryption, access controls and compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape. Other areas that are ripe for collaboration include the establishment of ethical guidelines and changes to workflows and job roles.   Related:Hot Tech Jobs in 2025 Many also may not have fully considered the long-term costs, which is crucial for informed decision making. Understanding and managing the costs of AI adoption is vital, and organizations must establish comprehensive total cost of ownership models, with cross-functional governance, and standard procedures to track and manage the success.   Working together, the CEO and CIO can push forward these changes faster and more effectively. Findings from the 2024 KPMG Global Technology survey showed that 80% of C-suite technology leaders say senior leadership’s risk aversion makes  them slower than competitors to embrace new technology. This makes it crucial to have a strong change-management strategy in place so organizations not only can have a smooth adoption but also a faster and more efficient one. The CEO should communicate the benefits of GenAI to employees, emphasizing how it can enhance productivity and create new opportunities while the CIO can work with other leaders to embed the technology into existing workflows, and reduce barriers to adoption.   The CEO/CIO dynamic plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation of GenAI in organizations. Collaboration, shared vision, effective decision-making, risk and change management, and measuring success need to be top of mind. By working together, they can fully leverage the benefits of GenAI to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in the market.  source

By Christopher Cole ( February 26, 2025, 5:11 PM EST) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday repeated his claim that CBS doctored a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris last year, likely costing him votes in the November election, and said the Federal Communications Commission is looking “very strongly” into the matter…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

TL;DR: This RGB Command Station Headset Stand keeps your headsets organized, charges devices at up to 10W, and adds customizable RGB lighting to your setup for $29.99. A cluttered desk can slow you down, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working. The RGB Command Station is the solution, combining a dual-headset holder, built-in charging, and USB passthrough ports — all with a sleek, RGB-lit design. It’s not just about organization — it’s about optimizing your space for efficiency and style. Designed with professionals and gamers in mind, this plug-and-play headset stand keeps your gear within reach while reducing cable clutter. The two USB ports offer convenient power for charging devices or connecting accessories, while 10-watt wireless charging ensures your phone stays powered without extra cables. The sturdy base and anti-slip pads keep everything stable, and with six solid colors plus dynamic RGB lighting, your setup will look as good as it functions. Right now, you can grab the RGB Command Station for just $29.99 (reg. $34.99). If you have multiple headsets, you know the struggle of keeping them organized. This stand holds two headsets securely, so you can switch between gaming, calls, or content creation without digging through your desk. Its universal compatibility means it fits any headset size, from high-end gaming headsets to professional studio monitors. And cable clutter? Forget about it. The two USB passthrough ports let you connect accessories or charge devices while keeping your setup streamlined. Whether you need to power your gaming mouse, external hard drive, or smartphone, everything stays within arm’s reach. Your workspace isn’t just about function — it should reflect your style. The RGB Command Station offers six solid colors and a dynamic flashing RGB mode, so you can match your lighting to your gaming rig, office space, or mood. The built-in RGB lighting gives your desk a clean, high-tech aesthetic without extra setup. Get the RGB Command Station now on sale for $29.99 (reg. $34.99). Prices and availability are subject to change. source

By Robert Tilley and Lucy Morris ( February 18, 2025, 3:29 PM EST) — The future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — and federal enforcement of consumer financial laws more generally — is uncertain. The Trump administration has ordered the CFPB to freeze all enforcement activity, along with nearly all the bureau’s other functions, and it may be poised to defund, shutter or otherwise neutralize the bureau…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

For decades, European tech insiders have looked across the Atlantic with a mix of admiration and frustration. Casting envious eyes on the deep-pocketed VCs, an enormous consumer market, and a pipeline of elite talent, they often view the US as a promised land for business growth. The sentiment fuels calls for Europe to replicate Silicon Valley’s model. But Vidya Peters, CEO of Dutch unicorn DataSnipper, argues this approach is flawed. Rather than merely mimicking US tech, she urges startups and scaleups to embrace Europe’s strengths. A key one is sustainable, long-term growth. “Five years ago, it wasn’t very fashionable to be profitable,” Peters tells TNW. “But I think this is where the European sensibility is a strength, because European companies have always taken this approach, and now it’s hugely valued in the current economic climate.” The 💜 of EU tech The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol’ founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It’s free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now! This sharply contrasts with Silicon Valley’s growth-at-all-costs mentality. European businesses are already benefiting from this distinct approach. “When you watch some of these companies come out, they are much more durable in their growth and competitive advantage,” Peters says. DataSnipper is a prime example. The company was profitable early on, scaled rapidly, and recently hit a $1bn valuation. Ahead of her headline talk at TNW Conference in June, Peters shared a few secrets behind the company’s success. One is based on another European trademark: data protection. Privacy and security are integral features of DataSnipper’s core product, an AI-powered platform that automates repetitive finance and audit procedures.   “It’s been super important to our customers that we’re not training on their documents and data — and that’s been a central piece of how we built our AI products,” Peters says. “We review and look at their data to provide insights, but that data is theirs.” The company must also abide by the EU’s stringent data laws. Critics argue that these rules stifle innovation, but Peters points to the advantages.  “Europe really has the opportunity to lead in this space by balancing innovation with customer data protection,” she says. By embedding safety and transparency into AI, she continues, startups and scaleups can carve out a competitive edge over US rivals. “Doing it from a base of trust can help European companies win customers in a different way than their American counterparts can.” DataSnipper also has roots in another European hallmark: a bar in Amsterdam.  From Amsterdam to the world In 2017, Maarten Alblas and Jonas Ruyter were having a beer. Joining them was a friend who worked in auditing for KPMG. He faced a common affliction in his profession: an enormous spreadsheet that required painstaking scrutiny. He had to search through the document for invoices, bank statements, and receipts — all the while cross-checking the data.  Alblas and Ruyter believed software could ease his suffering. They settled on a solution: an intelligent automation platform that would dramatically increase the quality and efficiency of common audit procedures. The idea led to the founding of DataSnipper. Their software proved a hit with auditors. Soon, their user base had spread from the Netherlands to the UK and Germany. After finding success in Europe, they targeted new markets beyond the continent. To further fuel the growth, the company appointed Vidya Peters as CEO in 2023. She joined with expertise honed in Silicon Valley, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of MuleSoft. During her time at the software giant, the company went public on the NYSE before being acquired by Salesforce for $6.5bn.  She later gained extensive experience of Europe’s tech landscape. In 2019, she served as Chief Operating Officer of Marqeta, a payment processing firm. Again, she helped her company go public. In 2022, Marqeta made its market debut on the Nasdaq. The company ended the day with a market cap of over $16bn. At DataSnipper, she set her sights on accelerating growth and global expansion. The strategy has reaped rewards. In 2024, Deloitte named DataSnipper the fastest-growing tech company in the Netherlands for the second year in a row. Last month, the business reached the coveted unicorn status after raising $100mn at a $1bn valuation. Over 500,000 audit and finance professionals across more than 125 countries now use the software. As DataSnipper scaled, the company benefited from another European advantage: access to international talent.  DataSnipper’s talent pipeline “People undervalue the ability to hire from across the world here,” says Peters. DataSnipper has directly benefited from this access. From the Netherlands, the company can hire global talent on a visa with greater ease than in the US. Peters describes this as “a secret weapon” for European startups and scaleups. “It is much easier to do so with the visa opportunities that you have in Europe, the ability to issue work visas is significantly easier in Europe than it is in the US.” A diverse range of people now work for DataSnipper. In the company’s Amsterdam headquarters, 70% of employees are from outside the Netherlands. “That’s incredibly valuable because we have every language that you could possibly want to sell in Europe, and you can attract them right here to Amsterdam,” says Peters. DataSnipper’s global outlook has been instrumental in its expansion. After establishing itself in Europe, DataSnipper opened offices in New York, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Mexico City. Despite its global expansion, DataSnipper remains firmly rooted in the Netherlands. One of the country’s many attractions is a simple matter of time. “People forget that America is not the heart of the world,” says Peters. “You can wake up in Europe and sell to Asia Pacific. And after your lunch, you can sell to the US.” Europe’s pros and cons Despite the advantages of life in Europe, startups here still face substantial challenges. One is the diverging regulations, tax laws, and banking systems, which present roadblocks to growth across the continent. “We’re not taking full advantage of being part