In a world where businesses are constantly evolving, one name stands out as a pioneer of growth hacking—Abhimanyu C Jivraj. Based in India, Abhimanyu is a versatile growth hacker whose expertise transcends traditional marketing. While many associate growth marketing with advertising and brand awareness, Abhimanyu’s approach dives deeper into the very fabric of business operations, touching everything from research and development (R&D) to finance and engineering. His methodology aligns with the A3R3 funnel (Awareness, Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, and Referral), a sophisticated model that fosters long-term success for companies by improving both products and services and also their marketing and customer experience over time.

Abhimanyu describes growth hacking as what Einstein would call an “inch equation that explains the universe”—except, in this case, it explains the intricacies of business growth. It’s a common misconception that growth hacking and growth marketing are the same. Growth hacking, however, takes a holistic view by focusing on all business functions and emphasizing innovation and continuous improvement. “You’ll find ‘growth marketer’ on my website, but in the truest sense, I am a growth hacker,” says Abhimanyu.

A Journey of Bold Choices and Strategic Innovation

Abhimanyu’s career path is as unconventional as it is inspiring. He began his professional life as a print engineer but quickly realized that the printing industry offered little room for innovation. Despite societal and familial pressure to follow the traditional route of an engineer, Abhimanyu pursued his passion for marketing and business. His decision wasn’t easy—switching careers and stepping into the unknown was met with resistance, especially in a society where the herd mentality often prevails.

However, his determination paid off. Abhimanyu built a reputation as a strategic thinker with a flair for digital and customer experience management. His work with Fortune 500 brands showcases his ability to achieve exceptional results.

Growth Hacking: The A3R3 Funnel and Beyond

The turning point in Abhimanyu’s career came when he discovered the A3R3 funnel during his tenure at a Singapore-based digital agency. Originally coined by American Investor Dave McClure as the Pirate Metrics (AAARRR), the framework provides a comprehensive strategy for businesses to scale. Later marketers expanded on this concept by incorporating awareness as a crucial element, thus creating the A3R3 funnel—a model that not only focuses on customer acquisition but also emphasizes retention and revenue generation through product-led growth.

Inspired by Sean Ellis, who popularized growth hacking, Abhimanyu connected with Ellis on LinkedIn and immersed himself in the methodology. “Reading his book ‘Hacking Growth’ by mistake turned out to be a life-changing event,” Abhimanyu says. His commitment to this growth-focused approach is evident in his achievements, including the gamification of stock investing for college students, (a project in which Abhimanyu worked) which led to a doubling of website traffic in just three months.

Setting the Standard for Growth Hackers Worldwide

Abhimanyu’s multifaceted background and ability to integrate various business functions into growth hacking sets him apart from his peers. Traditional marketers often focus narrowly on marketing, but Abhimanyu sees the bigger picture. He compares it to how we perceive the Earth as flat by gazing when in reality, it’s a complex, spherical entity. “A growth hacker’s job is to understand the entire ecosystem of a business,” he explains. This mindset has enabled him to provide consultancy to businesses 

Through his work, Abhimanyu hopes to inspire others to embrace growth hacking as a tool for innovation and transformation. He believes that focusing solely on one area limits the potential for true impact. “The beauty of growth hacking is that you can start small in your field—whether it’s marketing, operations, or branding—and then expand as you learn more.”

Facing the Future: Resilience and Opportunity

In challenging times, such as recessions, Abhimanyu sees opportunities where others might only see risk. He believes that businesses should focus on investing and growing during downturns, rather than retreating. “Recession is a blessing in disguise. This is when companies should be buying out competitors, integrating vertically, and focusing on smart branding and marketing,” he advises.

As Abhimanyu continues to carve out his place in the global growth hacking space, his vision for the future is clear. He aims to help businesses leverage the A3R3 funnel to create sustainable economic moats. His mantra, inspired by Bruce Lee—”Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless—like water”—perfectly encapsulates his approach to growth hacking: adaptable, innovative, ever-evolving, and boundary-breaking.

Final Thoughts

Abhimanyu C Jivraj’s journey from print engineering to becoming one of India’s most versatile growth hackers is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. His ability to apply the principles of growth hacking across various business functions sets him apart from traditional marketers and positions him as a thought leader in the field. For Abhimanyu, the future is all about expanding his impact and inspiring others to embrace the growth hacker mindset—one that leads not just to business success, but to continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation.

In his words: “Never stop learning, and always be open to new opportunities.”

In addition to the stunning lunar events like the harvest Supermoon and potential lunar eclipses, September is a particularly significant month for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike. As the nights grow longer and cooler, the sky becomes a canvas for an array of celestial phenomena. Notably, the transition from summer to autumn brings a shift in the visibility of constellations and planets. This month, constellations like Pegasus and Andromeda are more prominent, inviting amateur astronomers to explore their mysteries. Moreover, the crisp autumn air enhances visibility, making it an ideal time for stargazing. Observers may also catch a glimpse of the planets, with Jupiter and Saturn shining brightly in the night sky. Jupiter, in particular, can be seen peeking over the eastern horizon shortly after sunset, providing a magnificent sight for those with telescopes or even binoculars. The beauty of the harvest Supermoon serves as a reminder of nature’s rhythms, and as the leaves begin to change color, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking backdrop for nighttime observation. With numerous opportunities for community gatherings and festivals during this season, families and friends can come together to appreciate not just the moon and lunar eclipses but the entire celestial display above. This communal aspect of stargazing enriches the experience, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the universe and each other. As we look ahead to October and the promising meteor showers, this time of year offers a perfect blend of cultural celebration and natural beauty, urging everyone to step outside, breathe in the cool air, and lose themselves in the wonders of the cosmos

Skygazers worldwide were treated to a stunning view of a partial lunar eclipse alongside September’s full harvest moon on Tuesday night. The moon reached its peak fullness at 10:35 p.m. ET but will continue to appear full until Thursday morning, as noted by NASA. During the eclipse, which lasted about an hour, viewers could see a shadow that made it seem as if a bite had been taken out of the moon. This partial lunar eclipse occurs when Earth partially blocks sunlight from reaching the full moon. It was visible across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. The moon entered Earth’s full shadow at 10:13 p.m. ET and exited at 11:16 p.m. ET, with the peak of the eclipse expected at 10:44 p.m. ET.

Unlike total lunar eclipses, which can cast a reddish hue known as a blood moon, this partial eclipse left only a segment of the moon darkened. “If you didn’t know it was happening or didn’t look at the moon, you might not notice,” said Noah Petro, NASA project scientist. However, the keen observer might spot the darker ‘top right’ corner of the moon where it was fully in shadow. Petro encouraged everyone to take a moment to look up at the moon, as it’s always a rewarding sight.

September’s full moon is the second of four consecutive supermoons expected in 2024. Generally, a supermoon appears larger and brighter because it’s closer to Earth. For this full moon, the distance was around 222,637 miles (358,300 kilometres), compared to the average distance of 238,900 miles (384,472 kilometres).

This harvest moon, named for its timing close to the autumnal equinox on September 22, often appears orange when rising due to atmospheric thickness near the horizon. Traditionally, this full moon helped farmers harvest summer crops before the first frost, as detailed in The Old Farmer’s Almanack. Various indigenous tribes have their own names for this moon, such as the “moon of full harvest” from the Hopi and the “corn maker moon” from the Abenaki.

European traditions also honour the harvest with names like the “fruit moon” and the “barley moon.” Cultural celebrations around this time include Korea’s Chuseok and the Chinese Mooncake Festival, both of which emphasise family and ancestral remembrance. Looking ahead, the next full moon, the hunter’s moon on October 17, will also be a supermoon, coming even closer at 222,095 miles (357,428 kilometers). Following that, the beaver moon will occur on November 15, and the cold moon will wrap up the year on December 15.

Skygazers can also look forward to an exciting meteor shower season as 2024 comes to a close, with peak dates for celestial events provided by the American Meteor Society.

At its recent product announcement event, Apple introduced a new feature for its AirPods Pro model, revealing that the wireless headphones will now serve as over-the-counter hearing aids. This advancement aims to assist over 1 billion people globally who experience mild to moderate hearing loss. According to Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, the hearing aid feature will enhance sound clarity and vibrancy by boosting specific frequencies. Additionally, it will leverage machine learning for real-time sound adjustments throughout the day.

The feature has received authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be available to AirPods Pro 2 users through a software update this fall in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. At a price of $249, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 could provide a more affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids, which can be quite costly. However, these AirPods may not be suitable for everyone.

Approximately 30 million adults in the US experience some level of hearing loss, though only about 20% seek treatment, according to the FDA. Untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of depression. The high cost of traditional hearing aids and related medical visits has been a barrier to treatment for some individuals.

Apple’s initiative follows the FDA’s 2022 approval for over-the-counter hearing aids, which allowed adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase them directly without a doctor’s prescription. To utilise the new hearing aid feature, AirPods Pro 2 users must complete a hearing test that plays various tones to assess their hearing loss. This test will customise the hearing aid functionality, amplifying specific sounds needed in real-time, such as speech or environmental noises.

Nevertheless, over-the-counter hearing aids like the AirPods Pro 2 are not a solution for severe or profound hearing loss, and the FDA still mandates a prescription for individuals under 18. The feature represents a significant step towards improving accessibility and acceptance of hearing support, as noted by Michelle Tarver, acting director of the FDA’s Centre for Devices and Radiological Health.

Apple’s entry into the health sector isn’t unprecedented. Its Apple Watch already offers features for detecting irregular heart rhythms and, with the latest Apple Watch 10, can now alert users to potential sleep apnoea. Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, expressed enthusiasm for Apple’s innovation, highlighting its potential to increase awareness and address hearing loss.

While the announcement received praise from some hearing aid users, a common concern raised on social media was the battery life of the AirPods, which is currently measured in hours rather than days. A Reddit user remarked that while the new feature is exciting, longer battery life would be beneficial for users.

SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission made history with its launch early Tuesday, sending a four-person crew of civilian astronauts into orbit. Hours later, the crew had already achieved a significant milestone: reaching the highest orbit around Earth ever recorded, surpassing a record set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying the Polaris Dawn crew reached a peak altitude of 1,400.7 kilometers (870 miles) at 9:19 p.m. ET on Tuesday, exceeding the Gemini 11’s record of 853 miles (1,373 kilometers). While NASA’s Apollo missions traveled further, they were destined for the moon and did not orbit Earth. The Polaris Dawn mission also marks the farthest any human has traveled since the last Apollo mission in 1972, and the farthest into space a woman has ever journeyed.

In an update posted on social media, the Polaris Dawn program reported that the crew enjoyed their first on-orbit meals and began the mission’s initial science and research tasks, including testing SpaceX’s Starlink network. Starlink, which currently provides internet services on Earth, is being tested for potential in-space connectivity, a capability crucial for future deep-space missions.

Despite these achievements, the most challenging aspects of the five-day mission are yet to come. The Polaris Dawn crew, which includes Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman, former US Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, is preparing for the first commercial spacewalk, set to begin early on their third day in space. This spacewalk will occur approximately 435 miles (700 kilometers) above Earth.

During the spacewalk, the Crew Dragon capsule will be depressurized, and a circular hatch will be opened. Two crew members, Gillis and Isaacman, will exit the spacecraft for about two hours, exposed only to the vacuum of space and protected by SpaceX’s new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits. These suits, developed in just two and a half years, contrast sharply with NASA’s aging spacesuits, which have been in use for over 40 years.

To prepare for the spacewalk, the Crew Dragon capsule is conducting a lengthy “pre-breathe” process to adjust the astronauts’ bodies to the changing pressure. This process involves slowly purging nitrogen from the crew members’ blood to prevent decompression sickness, similar to the precautions scuba divers take to avoid rapid ascent.

The pre-breathe routine for Polaris Dawn will last about 45 hours, significantly longer than the rapid pre-breathing process used on the International Space Station, which takes only a couple of hours. This extended preparation is designed to mitigate the risk of nitrogen bubbles forming in the blood as pressure changes.

In the vast expanse of space, where challenges are as boundless as the universe itself, the resilience of women astronauts shines brightly. These women have defied expectations, often outperforming their male counterparts in crucial areas, and their journeys parallel the stories of immigrants who bravely navigate new and unfamiliar territories. Both groups are united by their ability to overcome immense obstacles with determination and tenacity, showcasing unique strengths that transcend any challenge.

Women in Space: Defying the Odds

For decades, women have been at the forefront of space exploration, from Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, to Christina Koch, who set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman. These pioneers have faced immense physical and psychological challenges: microgravity impacts muscle and bone density, while isolation and confinement can severely affect mental health. Yet, women have demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and durability, contributing significantly to scientific advancements in space.

Studies suggest that women may possess certain physiological and psychological advantages over men in space. For example, they may be less vulnerable to some types of space radiation and adapt better to bone density loss in microgravity. Additionally, women tend to excel in social cohesion and teamwork, which are essential for the success of long-duration missions. These qualities, coupled with a potentially lower risk of cardiovascular issues, highlight the unique strengths women bring to space exploration.

Martina Dimoska: A Beacon of Resilience from the Balkans

Martina Dimoska, the first female analog astronaut from the Balkans, exemplifies this spirit of perseverance. Growing up in Kičevo, a small city in North Macedonia, Martina faced numerous challenges. However, her passion for space led her to excel academically and earn a place at the International Space University, where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Space Studies.

Martina has broken new ground as the first female Balkan Analog Astronaut, completing extensive training and participating in three significant missions. She also founded the International Space Alliance (ISA), an organization dedicated to democratizing access to space exploration and fostering innovation, particularly in underdeveloped regions and underprivileged communities. ISA’s initiatives span from Africa to India, Latin America to Europe, and the United States, advancing the space technology sector through education, hackathons, and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

The Immigrant Experience: A Parallel Journey

The journey of immigrants mirrors the challenges faced by women in space. Like astronauts venturing into the unknown, immigrants leave behind familiar surroundings to navigate uncharted territories, facing barriers such as language, culture, and economic hardships. Yet, their resilience and determination to build better lives for themselves and their families are unparalleled.

Martina Dimoska’s story is not only a testament to her individual resilience but also a reflection of the broader immigrant experience. Her transition from a small town in North Macedonia to the forefront of space exploration symbolizes the immigrant journey — filled with obstacles, yet propelled by a steadfast determination to reach new heights.

Resilience Unites: Women in Space and Immigrants

The resilience of women in space and the experiences of immigrants are intertwined by a shared capacity for overcoming significant challenges. Women like Mae C. Jemison, Sian Proctor, and Hayley Arceneaux have demonstrated that space is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or physical challenges. They have redefined the space industry with their achievements, while astronauts like Peggy Whitson, Samantha Cristoforetti, and Sunita Williams have showcased diverse yet exceptional leadership and endurance.

Similarly, women in the private sector, such as Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, are leading space missions, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars. Their contributions reflect the same resilience seen in immigrants who, despite facing significant challenges, continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

Women and Immigrants: The Ultimate Survivors

The assertion that women may exhibit greater perseverance than men is supported by both scientific evidence and lived experiences. In space, women have shown remarkable adaptability, from managing the psychological pressures of isolation to enduring the physical demands of long-term space travel. Their strengths in social cohesion, teamwork, and lower susceptibility to certain health risks further underscore their suitability for challenging environments like space.

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Under Formal Investigation in France; Bail Set at $5.56 Million

Telegram founder Pavel Durov is now under formal investigation in France and is barred from leaving the country, as announced by a French prosecutor in a statement released Wednesday night.

The Russian-born billionaire faces scrutiny for several alleged offenses linked to criminal activities on the platform. These include complicity in illegal gang transactions, money laundering for organized crime, and failing to provide information to authorities.

Durov is subject to judicial supervision, with bail set at $5.56 million (5 million euros). He is also required to check in with the French police station twice a week.

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Released from Custody; Formal Investigation Launched in France

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, was released from police custody in France earlier today and transferred to court for questioning, following his dramatic arrest at a Paris airport earlier this week.

The formal investigation announced on Wednesday evening does not imply guilt but suggests that prosecutors believe there is sufficient basis for a thorough examination of the case. Durov has not been formally charged at this stage.

The prosecutor’s office also revealed that the French National Office for Minors reported a “near absence of response” from Telegram regarding court requests related to offenses such as trafficking, online hate speech, and crimes involving pedophilia.

The investigation includes suspected involvement in ‘complicity in the administration of a platform facilitating illegal transactions within an organized gang,’ a charge that could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Pavel Durov, 39, was detained at Paris’s Bourget Airport on Saturday under a warrant related to Telegram’s moderation practices. He faces investigation for charges involving alleged complicity in crimes facilitated through the platform, including fraud, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child pornography.

The scrutiny extends to Telegram’s role in enabling content for terrorist groups and far-right extremists due to its limited content moderation.

Durov was held in custody for up to 96 hours, the maximum period allowed under French law before formal charges must be filed.

His arrest has sparked a debate on freedom of speech, drawing significant concern in both Ukraine and Russia. The app is highly popular in both countries and serves as a critical communication tool amid the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.

Russia has condemned Durov’s detention, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticizing France for allegedly violating international norms on free speech. She claimed that the French actions reveal a disregard for these principles.

In response to fears about Telegram’s future, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has attempted to reassure Russian users, advising them not to delete sensitive messages from the app amid the ongoing controversy.

‘Absolutely No Political Motives’

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that the decision to charge Pavel Durov was ‘in no way political,’ marking a rare direct intervention by a French leader in a judicial matter.

Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, now boasts over 950 million users, according to a recent update from Durov. The app’s encryption means that law enforcement and Telegram itself have limited visibility into user content.

Durov, born in the Soviet Union in 1984, gained prominence as the ‘Mark Zuckerberg of Russia’ and left the country in 2014. He now resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered, and holds French citizenship. His net worth is estimated at $9.15 billion, according to Bloomberg, and he has led a high-profile, globetrotting lifestyle.

While Telegram is praised by free speech advocates for enabling secure communication in restrictive regimes, critics argue that it has also become a refuge for illicit activities, including those by the terrorists behind the 2015 Paris attacks.

As Durov noted to CNN in 2016, ‘You cannot make it safe against criminals and open for governments. It’s either secure or not secure.’

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France: What You Need to Know

The arrest of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, over the weekend has brought significant attention to both the app and its founder. Durov was detained at Paris’s Bourget Airport on a warrant related to Telegram’s alleged lack of content moderation.

French prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that the charges against Durov include accusations that Telegram has been used to facilitate fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of child sexual exploitation material. Durov is also accused of failing to provide requested information or documents for the investigation.

Telegram has recently faced criticism for its use by extremist groups and terrorists. The arrest has ignited a debate over internet freedom and responsibility for online content. Russian lawmaker Maria Butina, who was convicted of spying in the US, has labeled Durov as a “political prisoner,” while French President Emmanuel Macron has asserted that the arrest is a judicial matter and not politically motivated.

Macron emphasized that the arrest is part of a broader investigation into criminal activities associated with Telegram, which has led to 12 separate charges since July 8. Telegram maintains that it complies with EU laws and that Durov has “nothing to hide.”

Here’s what you need to know about Telegram and the issues surrounding its CEO’s arrest.

What You Need to Know About Telegram

Telegram, launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, is an encrypted messaging service with over 950 million users, according to a recent update from Durov. The app has become one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, serving a wide range of functions from everyday communication and sharing photos and documents to distributing official government messages in various countries.

Telegram’s encryption means that neither law enforcement nor Telegram itself can easily monitor user activity on the platform. This level of privacy has made it a valuable communication tool in countries with restricted freedom of speech, including Russia, Iran, and India. It is also widely used in Ukraine for sharing war-related news and air raid warnings.

However, these same privacy features have attracted illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and extremist content from groups like White supremacists and ISIS. Telegram supports large chat groups, accommodating up to 200,000 users, which facilitates the rapid spread of misinformation. This contrasts with other encrypted services like WhatsApp, which have stricter group size limits.

In March, Durov announced that Telegram was approaching profitability following the introduction of advertising and subscription options, and hinted at the possibility of an initial public offering.

A Platform That Has Sparked Controversy

Aside from its association with criminals and extremists, Telegram has drawn criticism for its involvement in significant conflicts and political events, as well as its steadfast commitment to encryption.

In 2018, Moscow sought to ban Telegram after the platform refused to provide decryption keys to Russian security services, which would have enabled state authorities to access private messages. Despite the ban, Durov remained resolute in defying it, and the ban was eventually lifted in 2020.

In 2021, Telegram gained popularity among Trump supporters and followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory as mainstream social media platforms, like Facebook, tightened their policies on false claims about the 2020 US presidential election. This shift raised concerns among law enforcement about potential real-world violence stemming from disinformation.

Last fall, Telegram took steps to restrict access to several channels linked to or operated by Hamas during the group’s conflict with Israel. Earlier this month, the platform began actively removing content inciting violence after reports that it was being used to organize far-right, anti-immigrant riots in the UK.

Telegram spokesperson Remi Vaughn stated that the company’s moderators are actively monitoring the platform, utilizing both AI tools and user reports to enforce its rules against violent content. Telegram has maintained that it is unreasonable to hold the platform or its owner accountable for abuses of the service, emphasizing that calls to violence are explicitly banned by its terms of service.

Who Is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov, Telegram’s billionaire founder and CEO, was born in the Soviet Union in 1984. He has noted that he demonstrated a strong aptitude for math and coding from a young age.

In 2006, at just 21 years old and freshly graduated, Pavel Durov founded Vkontakte (VK), a social media platform that soon earned him the nickname “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia.” However, in 2013, when VK was used by protesters in Kyiv to organize demonstrations against Ukraine’s pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych, Durov faced a request from the Kremlin to hand over private data of Ukrainian users. 

Durov refused, leading to his resignation as VK’s CEO, the sale of his shares, and his departure from Russia in 2014. “I don’t want to take orders from anyone,” Durov has said about his decision to leave.

He launched Telegram in 2013 and now resides in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered. Durov also holds French citizenship.

In addition to managing Telegram, Durov has gained a following as an online influencer, frequently sharing travel photos and shirtless images on Instagram. He has also claimed to have fathered over 100 children through sperm donations made over the past 15 years.

The body of Mike Lynch, the 59-year-old British tech investor, has been recovered from the sunken Bayesian superyacht, according to Massimo Mariani from the Italian Interior Ministry, who spoke with Reuters on Thursday.

Lynch, who co-founded the tech company Autonomy—which Hewlett-Packard acquired for $11 billion in 2011—was aboard the luxury yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning after being struck by a tornado.

Lynch amassed significant wealth from Autonomy, with his net worth recently estimated at around $450 million. However, the acquisition quickly became troubled, with HP writing down Autonomy’s value by $8.8 billion within a year. The deal, intended to boost HP’s software business, was mired in legal issues, culminating in a high-profile fraud trial.

Prosecutors had accused Lynch and former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain of inflating Autonomy’s revenue before the sale. Lynch was acquitted of 15 charges, including conspiracy and wire fraud, in a San Francisco court this June. The verdict was a significant relief for Lynch, who described it as a momentous shift from what could have been a devastating outcome, according to the Times.

Autonomy, founded in 1996, grew to become Britain’s largest software company and a prominent member of the FTSE 100 index. Mike Lynch, the company’s co-founder, was highly regarded by academics and scientists and served as an advisor to the British government on technology and innovation.

Lynch was on the Bayesian, a 56-meter yacht connected to his wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors. Ownership records from maritime information service Equasis reveal that the yacht is registered to Revtom Limited, a company owned by Bacares.

As of Thursday, Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, remains missing, according to Mariani. Divers continue to search the area where the yacht sank. Earlier in the day, a fifth body was recovered from the wreckage and transported to ambulances at the Sicilian port of Porticello, as reported by a CNN team on-site.

Mike Lynch, a 59-year-old British tech entrepreneur, is among those missing after a tornado caused the luxury superyacht he was aboard to sink off the coast of Sicily, Italy, early Monday.

Lynch, who co-founded Autonomy, a tech company sold to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion in 2011, has a reported net worth of around $450 million. The acquisition, one of the largest British tech deals at the time, soon faced controversy. HP wrote down Autonomy’s value by $8.8 billion within a year, leading to a series of legal challenges.

Lynch and former Autonomy finance executive Stephen Chamberlain were accused of inflating Autonomy’s revenue before the sale. However, Lynch was acquitted of 15 charges, including conspiracy and wire fraud, in a San Francisco court in June. Reflecting on the verdict, Lynch noted, “When you hear that answer, you jump universes. If this had gone the wrong way, it would have been the end of life as I have known it in any sense,” he told The Times, a UK newspaper.

Autonomy, established in 1996, rose to become Britain’s largest software company and was listed on the prestigious FTSE 100 index. Lynch earned acclaim from academics and scientists and was invited to provide technological and innovation advice to the British government.

The yacht on which Lynch was traveling, the Bayesian, is connected to his wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors. Maritime records from Equasis indicate that the 56-meter yacht is owned by Revtom Limited, a company registered in the Isle of Man and owned by Bacares.

Fifteen people were rescued from the incident, including one child who was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Palermo. Eight individuals were hospitalized, and the Coast Guard reported that one body was discovered on the yacht’s hull.

China to Restrict Antimony Exports for National Security: New Limits Affect Key Military and Industrial Uses

China will implement new export limits on antimony and related materials starting September 15, according to the Commerce Ministry. This move is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to control critical minerals where it holds a dominant position.

Last year, China produced nearly half of the world’s antimony, a vital metal in military technology including ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons, and night vision gear, as well as in batteries and solar equipment. The ministry stated that these restrictions are aimed at protecting national security and fulfilling international obligations, such as non-proliferation.

The restrictions encompass six types of antimony-related products, including ore, metals, and oxides, and also prohibit the export of gold-antimony smelting and separation technology without prior approval.

Experts like Christopher Ecclestone from Hallgarten & Company see this move as a strategic play to prioritize domestic needs over international sales, potentially intensifying pressure on US and European militaries.

Dual-purpose

Exporters of affected products must obtain export licenses for dual-purpose items and technologies—those with both military and civilian applications—according to the new regulations.

In response, the US and other nations are accelerating efforts to reduce their dependence on China for essential materials, implementing policies and support measures to bolster their own critical minerals industries, including rare earths.

In an April research note, analysts from China Securities predicted that rising demand for arms and ammunition, driven by ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, would likely lead to stricter controls and increased stockpiling of antimony ore.

Perpetua Resources, which is developing a US-based antimony and gold project with backing from the Pentagon and the US Export-Import Bank, had initially planned to start production by 2028, pending final permits. However, China’s recent actions have prompted the company to explore ways to accelerate antimony production.

Jon Cherry, CEO of Perpetua, told Reuters, “We are exploring measures to expedite antimony output during construction to address these strategic needs.” He added that the US Department of Defense is acutely aware of antimony’s critical importance and the growing supply constraints.

Perpetua’s shares surged as much as 19% on Thursday, reaching their highest level in three years.

Expanding restrictions

China’s new restrictions build on a series of measures introduced over the past year.

In December, China implemented a ban on exporting technology for producing rare earth magnets, adding to existing prohibitions on technology for extracting and separating these critical materials. Additionally, Beijing has tightened controls on graphite products and imposed new restrictions on gallium and germanium exports, which are essential for the semiconductor industry.

Antimony prices have reached record highs this year, driven by tight supply and increasing demand, particularly from the photovoltaic sector where the metal enhances solar cell performance.

This surge has significantly boosted the stock prices of Chinese producers such as Hunan Gold (002155.SZ), Tibet Huayu Mining (601020.SS), and Guangxi Huaxi Non-Ferrous (600301.SS), which have seen gains of 66% to 93% in 2024.

An antimony producer in Hunan province, speaking anonymously due to media restrictions, noted that while they are awaiting the impact of the latest restrictions, they anticipate short-term price support from a rush of stockpiling by international buyers.

Despite being the largest supplier of refined antimony, China remains a net importer of antimony concentrates, sourcing ore from countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Russia. Customs data reveals a significant drop in imports from Russia this year.

Jack Bedder, co-founder of consultancy Project Blue, highlighted that the current antimony market is characterized by a lack of concentrate feedstock.