Netflix games boss says consoles not the future as streamer looks to phone-controlled party games"Are eight year-olds and ten year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6?"Image credit: Netflix News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on March 28, 2025 After Netflix's tentative first few years in games - which has seen it grow its mobile library, acquire studios, and dabble in triple-A development before dramatically changing course - the streamer's new gaming boss, Alain Tascan, has laid out the company's latest vision. This, he says, is less about the console model and more about phone-controlled party games.Tascan - a 30-year industry veteran who most recently served as executive vice president of game development at Epic Games - joined Netflix last July, taking over the role from Mike Verdu, who briefly transitioned to vice president of generative AI at Netflix before departing the company. And with nine months at the streaming service now under his belt, Tascan recently outlined his vision for Netflix gaming at this year's GDC.As reported by The Game Business, that vision takes a four-pronged approach, focusing on narrative and transmedia projects, on big mainstream IP, on being a trusted destination for families, and on party games played on TVs using mobile phones as a controller.The latter, as Tascan sees it, is Netflix's attempt at Wii-style industry "disruption". "I love the Wii," he told The Game Business. "I am very vigorous about lowering friction and eliminating it if we can. I see that the subscription is friction as well. Maybe good friction because it makes business sense... But the other friction is having enough controllers for family. Having a piece of hardware that might be expensive... Waiting for a game to download... I am [looking at] all the obstacles, and asking if we can reduce them as much as possible."As such, it's perhaps not surprising to hear Tascan's dismissal of the classic console model. "[When it comes to] console, we started to look at the future where the platform is agnostic," he said. "Look at the younger generation. Are eight year-olds and 10 year-olds dreaming of owning a PlayStation 6? I am not sure. They are wanting to interact with any digital screen, whatever it is, wherever it is, even in the car. With console you're thinking about high definition, you're thinking about the controller... If we look at this older model, I think it will restrain us."Tascan also seems unconvinced classic console-style games have much value for Netflix - which might go some way to explaining why the streaming service recently culled staff at respected Oxenfree developer Night School Studio, and why it closed its high-profile triple-A studio before it could release a game last year. "Does it really need to be these super complicated RPG-style games?," he posited to The Game Business. "There is a place for them, for sure. But this for me this is what's interesting... What do we give [Netflix subscribers], and in what way, so they can enjoy and engage with [games] over and over?"The answer to that question is, apparently, party games. "I believe we can give instant fun, using the phone controller as a very innovative controller," Tascan explained. "On every phone you have a gyroscope, you have a microphone, you have a speaker, you have a touchscreen... if you give that to creative people, what do they do? Whether you're alone, or with two people, or 20 people, why not? Can we do something really engaging?""We need to push the vision more than anything else and try to disrupt," he continued, "because I believe the threshold you need to hit for people to be entertained by games is very high... In terms of the disruption we can bring, distribution is one and the other is the phone as a controller. The communication between the phone and the TV. The IP. The transmedia aspect... I don't know exactly which one will work, but we have a few cards to play that are very unique.""We have some very special competitive advantages," Tascan added. "We've just scratched the surface. For instance, for Squid Game, you watch the show and you unlock some currency in the game. But that's just the beginning. Imagine places where you watch something and then something special appears in the game, and maybe in the future you do something in the game and then you watch something because of AI or what have you and something happens there. We have a lot of things that we can imagine and reimagine."No matter how Tascan's vision of mobile-driven party games, unlockable currency, and "AI or what have you" pans out, he insists Netflix is in the gaming business for the long haul. "If you look at our two co-CEOs... and look at where Netflix was 10 years ago in terms of their core business... they know the path of being stubborn, hard-working, innovating, having a vision and going after it... I believe them when they told me that gaming was important, because if [Netflix] wants to entertain the world then there's no-way around it, we need to be in games. When I look at these two leaders in particular... I believe in their full commitment."

Nightdive hints at possible System Shock 2 remake after remaster's releaseAnd System Shock 3 news could be coming.Image credit: Eurogamer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on March 28, 2025 Following last week's news of a June release date for Nightdive Studios' long-in-the-works System Shock 2 remaster, the developer's been talking about the future of the beloved series - suggesting a full-blown System Shock 2 remake could potentially also be on the cards.A System Shock 2 remaster was initially announced back in 2019, midway through the development of Nightdive's System Shock 1 remake. And while the remake's road to release was a rocky one, the end result was very positively received - to the point there's now enthusiasm for fully fledged System Shock 2 remake too. Something Nightdive's well aware of."I've been asked twice earlier today why we didnt do a remake," Nightdive director of business development Larry Kuperman told VGC in a recent interview. "And I said, 'Are you somehow under the impression that because we do a remaster that we won't be able to do a remake in the future?'" Kuperman's comments could, of course, be easily dismissed as purely hypothetical, if he hadn't then added, "That might be something that I can either confirm or deny. But there's going to be content coming out."Here's a look at Nightdive's upcoming System Shock 2 remaster.Watch on YouTubeWhat that "content" might be is unclear, but given Nightdive owns the rights to the System Shock franchise, it's technically free to build on the games however it pleases. Where things get murkier, however, is the situation surrounding the series away from System Shock 1 & 2. System Shock 3, for instance, is currently in limbo, with the rights to the game now with Tencent following a complicated series of events that saw the project fall off the rails.Speaking to VGC, Kuperman acknowledged the "situation around System Shock 3 is very complicated", but suggested there might be some clarification on the project "potentially within a year... or it could take longer". But regardless of how System Shock 3 plays out, Kuperman confirmed Nightdive still has "visions of what we can do within what we control"."We'll see what happens," he added. "I mean, there's stuff that we can do within the first and the second [games]." Which does, of course, brings us full circle, back to a potential System Shock 2 remake, or some unspecified new "content" for the first two titles at the very least.Before all that, though, there's Nightdive's System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster. This long-in-the-works spruce-up of BioShock developer Irrational Games' critically acclaimed 1999 FPS/RPG sci-fi horror hybrid promises enhancements to characters, weapon models, textures, cinematics, and animations. That's alongside quality of life improvements, optimised controller support, updated co-op multiplayer, and achievements - all of which players can experience when the remaster launches for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC on 26th June.

Odds are that if youre making a cup of joe, your mind is on caffeine instead of thinking through how to clean a Keurig coffee maker. Unlike most traditional coffee makers, the pod holder for the K-Cup is a damp and dark place. The water reservoir can get icky if left unattended for too long, and the drip tray beneath the coffee cup doesnt just collect waterits also a bath for bacteria and sludgy grime. Whats more, hard water increases mineral deposits that can cause your Keurig mechanisms to glitch. That said, learning how to clean a coffee maker of this caliber doesnt have to sap all of your energyafter all, a coffee machine shouldnt drain you. That would just be ironic.The good news: This appliance can be easy to maintain, especially if you set a regular reminder to descale the single-serve coffee maker. Here, a step-by-step guide to a clean machine so you have a perfect cup of coffee every time. Plus, were sharing AD-approved Keurigs and cleaning essentials you can shop on retailers like Amazon as an extra perk.What is the best way to clean a Keurig?Think of cleaning a Keurig in three parts: Wiping down the exterior, rinsing out clogs and buildup, and descaling to get rid of calcium deposits. The simplest no-fuss solution is to invest in a Keurig descaling solution and maintenance kit, available on Amazon. But there are plenty of things you can do to tackle scale buildup using household products like white vinegar and distilled water.Step 1Water and electricity dont mix. Unplug your Keurig machine before you start cleaning.Step 2Remove the water reservoir (or water tank). Pour out leftover water, preferably into a nearby plant. Its a good idea to clean the container at least once a week with soapy water. If your Keurig has a water filter, remove and replace the water filter cartridge once every two months. Dedicate an old toothbrush to scrubbing grimy coffee residue from corners of the drip tray. Its also a great tool to clean under the K-Cup pack holder (where the coffee comes out). Allow all the pieces to air dry.Step 3Clean the pod holder. Lift the handle to open the machine and gently push the K-Cup holder from beneath (yes, it comes out). This further breaks down into two pieces, one of which is the funnel with the brewer needle. With a paper clip, gently circle inside the opening to dislodge coffee grounds and release clogs stuck to the insides. A toothbrush, a damp cotton swab, or even an unused mascara applicator can do the job. Once youre satisfied, rinse the funnel and K-Cup holder with hot water. Dont forget to clean the brewing needlehere a paper clip is also your friend.Step 4For a more serious clean, use white vinegar or descaling solution to remove mineral deposits from the water reservoir. You only need to do this every three to six months.Step 5Now, start the brew cycle using fresh water only. Youre not making a cup of coffee yet so skip the pod. Repeat this step several times to flush out the descaling chemical or vinegar.Step 6Wipe down the exterior surface with a microfiber cloth to minimize water spots and reinstate your Keurigs newness factor.How do I clean the inside of my Keurig?Empty the entire descaling solution into the water reservoir, and then add filtered water until it reaches the brim (you can also buy distilled water, but plain water from the tap is acceptable in a pinch too). Plug the machine back in, turn it on, and place the largest mug you own under the sprout. Program the machine to brew to the highest cup setting (8 or 10 ounces). Start the brew cycle.Repeat this process until the reservoir is empty, dumping the solution from mug to sink as you go. Once youre finished, let the machine sit for about a 30 minutes so that the solution can soak the inner parts. Then, rinse out the reservoir once again with fresh water by starting another brew cycle sans coffee. Per the Keurig manufacturing instructions, it takes about a dozen cycles to full flush out the chemicals so they dont end up in your cup of coffee. As the final step, leave an empty mug underneath the funnel, in case water leaks out. You Keurig should be spic-and-span for your morning coffee.How do I clean my Keurig with white vinegar?If the Keurig descaling solution isnt on hand, white vinegar is the cleaning solution you can have on hand. Youll want to do equal parts water and vinegar. Fill the reservoir about halfway with white vinegar, and then add water until you reach the top. Dont fill the reservoir all the way to the top with vinegar, otherwise you might have a vinegar tastea coffee flavoring youll want to skip. Lift the lid so that the solution can go into the Keurig. The vinegar solution can stay in the machine for about 30 minutes, but dont let it sit for more than three hours.

When it comes to the best outdoor dining sets, theres a whole world beyond the glass-top patio tables and old-school picnic setups of our youth. Not that theres anything wrong with the classics (well happily hang out under a sunbrella any day), but with all the different styles, material preferences, and space requirements out there, it can be nice to see what else exists in the patio furniture landscape.Theres plenty to consider when choosing a set: how much space you have, how often youll be using the furniture, the style of your space, and what materials work best for your climate. Teak, wicker, acacia wood, aluminum, and plastic all have their pros and are generally weather-resistant (which explains their popularity), but they can all benefit from the right kind of care. And once you figure out exactly what youre going forwhether it be an armchair or a rocking chair, a conversation set or an expandable rectangular tableits also worth investing in some quality covers or figuring out where youll store the furniture during truly inclement weather.To help make the process a little easier and breezier, weve rounded up a few of our all-time favorite patio sets. And once youve made your selection, hop on over to our favorite outdoor lights to fully complete the look.Our Top Picks for Outdoor Dining Sets:Best Large Dining Set: Article Calliope Wicker Outdoor Dining Table and Kempel Bench, from $999Best Bistro Set: Castlery Bistro Foldable Table with 2 Como Chairs, $559 479Most Aesthetic Dining Set: Serena & Lily Monterrey Dining Table and Sausalito Dining Chairs, from $3,598Best Teatime Set: Business & Pleasure Co. Al Fresco Dining Table and Al Fresco Dining Chair, from $1,798Best Budget Dining Set: Devoko Outdoor Dining Set, $380Article Calliope Wicker Outdoor Dining TableArticle Kempel Outdoor BenchThis six-seater brings 1970s California cool to your patiopitcher of margaritas not includedwith a solid acacia surface set atop airy wicker for a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Paired with acacia benches, the setup can benefit from an open seating arrangement that encourages mingling, closeness, and mobility all evening.Specs:Dimensions: Chairs: 17"H x 47"W x 13.5"D; Table: 30"H x 78.75"W x 47"DMaterial: Chairs: Acacia; Table: Solid Acacia table top, synthetic wicker constructionCare: Chairs: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Periodically wash with gentle detergent and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and mildew and allow to air dry.Table: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Periodically wash with gentle detergent and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and mildew and allow to air dry.Assembly? Chairs: Some assembly required; Table: Some assembly requiredCastlery Bistro Foldable Table & 2 Como ChairsPerfect for those with a smaller outdoor space, this bistro set combo made up of a foldable table and two wicker and steel chairs brings lots of laid-back style without taking up too much square footage. The aluminum table falls just under 25 inches in diameter, which is plenty of room for a few cocktails or a lunch spread. The chairs are also attractive enough to stand on their own (and available la carte), or theres a dining set with a larger table for spreading out (but were partial to the romantic size of this table for two).Specs:Dimensions: Table: W24.6" x D24.6" x H29.1"; Chair: W23.2" x D26.4" x H30.1"Material: Table: Aluminum; Chair: Steel Frame with PE Wicker Seat & BackrestCare: Chairs: To prevent mildew from forming, stand cushions on one end and let them dry completely before storing. Cushion covers are removable for easy cleaning. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Table: Clean with a damp cloth.Assembly? Chair: Fully Assembled; Table: Legs to be FittedSerena & Lily Monterey Dining TableSerena & Lily Sausalito Dining ChairWhile not technically a dining set, this Serena & Lily combo has all the coastal grandma sophistication you could ask for. The dining table combines an X-cross powder-coated metal frame with a beautiful reconstituted stone top. The chairs combine an aluminum frame with gorgeous, crisscrossing rattan. The cushions guarantee a comfortable dinner party and theyre machine washable in case things get a little too raucous.Specs:Dimensions: Table: 94.5"L x 41.5"D x 31.5"H; Chair: 22.5"W x 23.5"D x 32"HMaterial: Table: Powdercoated metal frame with a reconstituted stone top; Chair: Hand-wrapped and hand-bent resin over a powdercoated aluminum frameCare: Table: Use mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and make sure all excess soap is removed. Avoid the use of chemicals and abrasives as these will damage the surface. Chair: Clean once or twice a year by hosing down the frame or using a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Be sure to rinse off all soap residues with fresh water after cleaning.Assembly? Table: n/a; Chair: n/aBusiness & Pleasure Co. The Al Fresco Dining TableBusiness & Pleasure Co. The Al Fresco Dining ChairIf your idea of an attractive outdoor patio dining set is straight from the pages of a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook, then this might be the combo for you. The coated steel table and chair are a visual feast for the eyes and work just as well outdoors as in. The table is patio-umbrella-ready and the chairs are primed for the funky patterned cushions of your choice. Even if you never eat a thing on this table, youll be full on good vibes.Specs:Dimensions: 30"H, 47.25" diameterMaterial: Steel frame; high-grade coatingCare: Cover or store indoors during inclement weather or when not in use. Wipe clean with soft clothAssembly? Some assembly requiredDevoko 9-Piece Patio Dining SetWith over 1,500 five-star reviews, this affordable dining set is a clear bestseller. The set includes four chairs and four ottomans, easily expanding to fit a larger crowd without too large of a blueprint. The furniture is made from rattan and the pillows are polyester, both durable unfussy materials that will stand up to the elements.Specs:Dimensions: 43"W x 43"D x 29"HMaterial: 100% PolyesterCare: Wipe with Dry ClothAssembly? YesRio Outdoor Teak Build-Your-Own Dining SetMade of solid teak wood and customizable to your seating needs, this sturdy and attractive dining table set would look lovely in almost any outdoor living space. The rectangular dining table comes in three different lengths, with chairs and benches available in multiple combinations and lengths. The upholstery on the chairs, a mildew-resistant Olefin, is also quick-drying to weather rain showers.Specs:Dimensions: Table: W63"/78.7"/94.5" x D31.5"/37.4"/41.3" x H29.9"; Chair: W20.7" x D21.7" x H32.7"; Bench: W51.2"/70.9" x D15" x H17.7"Material: Table; Solid Teak Wood, Chair and bench: 100% OlefinCare: Wipe with Dry ClothAssembly? Chair: Fully Assembled, Bench & Table: Legs to be FittedMcGee & Co. Atalanta Outdoor Dining TableMcGee & Co. Lockridge Outdoor Arm ChairA concrete round dining table creates a sense of occasion, and the shape encourages a closeness amongst your guests that always makes for a great dinner party: drinks flowing, sun setting, canaps rolling. Placed in a particularly verdant garden the concrete creates a striking contrast, but in a close-cut lawn and cement patio it shows itself as modern, if not a little futuristic. The weave of these structured teak dining chairs softens the significance of the concrete slightly, so your guests can feel relaxed in their seats, whatever the setting.Specs:Dimensions: Table: 60" Dia. x 30" H; Chairs: 22" W x 23" D x 34" HMaterial: Table: White concrete; Chairs: Teak Frame with Plastic Wicker Seat & BackCare: Table: Remove dust and smudges with a soft, dry cloth. We recommend avoiding the use of cleaners, polishes, and abrasives, as these will damage the finish. Chairs: If spills occur, blot immediately and wipe with a damp cloth using water only. We recommend avoiding the use of cleaners as they contain chemicals that may tarnish or damage the finish.Assembly? N/aWest Elm Portside Wood Extendable Dining Table SetThis extendable dining table seats anywhere from six to eight people (or 10, with a squeeze) and if youre searching for a no-fuss dining setrectangle table, slats, high-quality materials (namely moisture-resistant solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood)this definitely fits the bill. It looks perfect as is, but a tablecloth, some fabulous dinnerware, and a few tea lights would really take it over the top.Specs:Dimensions: 76.5"W x 35"D x 29"H; Extended: 106"W x 35"D x 29"HMaterial: Moisture-resistant solid mahogany and solid eucalyptus wood with wire-brushed surface.Care: When not in use, or during periods of severe weather, store or cover your pieces with West Elm furniture covers (sold separately) to minimize color variations and natural wear and tear.Assembly? N/aCostway 5-Piece Wicker Outdoor Bar SetThis outdoor bar set is perfect for a casual happy hour or cozy late-night meal. The PE rattan on the bar and stools is weather-resistant and contrasts nicely with the white cushions. The table is 42 inches high, so it works equally well as a table with the included stools or a bar area for the occasional backyard fiesta.Specs:Dimensions: Chair: 42.5H x 16W x 19.5D; Table: 43.5H x 31.5W, 47.5LMaterial: Acacia, polyesterCare: When not in use, or during periods of severe weather, store or cover your pieces with West Elm furniture covers (sold separately) to minimize color variations and natural wear and tear.Assembly? Yes, tools providedNeighbor Haven Dining SetThis set is both durable and design-forward, offering more than what initially meets the eye. This gorgeous table and weather wicker armchairs are straight out of an outdoor dining furniture fantasy. The table is made of solid FSC-certified teak and all-weather woven rope. Available with seating for four, six, or eight as your dinner parties will keep getting bigger once word gets out you have the best backyard for it.Specs:Dimensions: Table: 76 3/8"L x 37 7/8"W x 30H; Chair: 18H 15 D x 21WMaterial: FSC-certified solid teak wood frame, polyester rope backCare: N/aAssembly? Yes, tools provided17 Stories Genece Round Metal Bar Table SetSometimes you just want to sit up a bit higher, maybe dangle your feet a little, and do it all outside. Luckily this bar table set is here to help make all your dreams come true. The table stands 41 inches tall and the bar stools, which offer back support for anyone with a weak core, also give shorter stackable chairs a run for their money. Available in nine splashy colors (including a very fun yellow powder-coated steel frame option) theres something for every style.Specs:Dimensions: Table: 41" H x 24" W x 24" L; Chair: 45.25'' H X 17.75'' W X 20'' DMaterial: MetalCare: Clean product with solvent and water-based cleanerAssembly? Yes, tools providedIkea Sergern / Ensholm Table and ChairsAnd then theres this charming powder-coated aluminum with four chairs and plenty of good looks. The dark green color stands out among all-wood patio furniture sets without being too out there. Its umbrella hole permits all sorts of patio umbrella combinations, and though the table seats four, its just under 58 inches long, so it works in big and small dining spaces alike.SpecsDimensions: Table: 35 x 57 7/8"; Chairs: 17 H x 17 W x 14 1/8DMaterial: Aluminimum, polyesterCare: N/aAssembly? Yes, tools provided

President Trump is slapping 25% tariffs on all cars imported to the United States, including from our immediate North American neighbors. Hes also placed a 25% tariff on certain parts used to build cars. Its a decision that will likely supercharge the cost of new and used cars, but its also a gift to Tesla, the company run by Elon Musk, his biggest financial supporter in the presidential election.The new tariff regime comes at an auspicious time for Tesla. The company is dealing with the fallout of Musks promotion of far-right ideology and his involvement with the unpopular Department of Government Efficiency, which has sparked protests around the world. Tesla has recently relied on promotions and price cuts to boost sales, and yet it still sold fewer EVs in 2024 than it did in 2023 and is off to a rough start in 2025.New tariffs could shift that calculus, at least in the U.S. Tesla builds all of its cars destined for the North American market in the U.S. at factories in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas. That means none of the cars it sells in the U.S. will be subject to the 25% vehicle import tax.Tesla does import around 20% to 30% of the components used to build those cars, so that will causesome headache. Musk admitted on X that Tesla is NOT unscathed by these tariffs and claimed they will have a significant impact. But the companys long-standing effort to establish local supply chains near its factories is now being rewarded.Essentially every other automaker is in a worse position than Tesla, and the tariffs will especially affect competing EVs. Around 80% of the cars Ford sells in the U.S. are built domestically. But it makes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and the popular (and far more affordable) Maverick hybrid pickup truck in Mexico.General Motors, meanwhile, builds its Blazer and Equinox EVs in Mexico. Hyundai has found increasing success with its electric vehicles in the U.S. market, but nearly all of those are built in South Korea.Much like Tesla, upstart electric automakers like Rivian and Lucid Motors wont have to worry about the vehicle import tariffs because they make their EVs in Illinois and Arizona, respectively. Like Tesla, they import parts that will be subject to tariffs but they are in a worse position to absorb those costs since both companies are still losing buckets of money on every EV they sell.This sets up a scenario where other EVs may see price increases greater than any Tesla might implement. That price separation could become even more of a boon to Tesla when it rolls out its mysterious new lower-cost EV this year something the company has said will happen in the next few months.Of course, Trump announced these tariffs after weeks of waffling on whether he would implement them in the first place. The president has claimed these will be permanent. But like so many other things he proposes, that could always change.

Meta, X, and Snap are celebrating a new Utah law that will require Apple and Google to take responsibility for verifying users ages on their app stores and obtain parental consent for minors.The tech giants have been battling to determine which party should be responsible for age verification on the app stores. Companies like Meta believe the app stores themselves should verify users ages because these entities host and distribute the apps. The app stores, however, argue that companies making the apps should bear the responsibility as theyre the ones offering the product to end users.Utah isnt the only state considering some such legislation around age verification; it is the first to enact a law of this kind. The App Store Accountability Act, as the new law is called, was passed by Utahs legislature earlier this month, then headed to Gov. Spencer Coxs desk for a signature to make it official.Ahead of the laws passing, Apple announced a new set of child safety initiatives for its App Store, which include an age-checking system for apps. Its implementation would allow app developers to use a new Declared Age Range API to access age range informationprovided by the parent. This information doesnt provide the app developer with the minors exact age or birthdate, but allows them to customize their app experiences appropriately based on the age range provided.Apples system requires the app developers to do the work of requesting the age range before an app is used, rather than the App Store verifying the age at the time of download. Not surprisingly, social media companies are thrilled the new Utah law would require app stores to verify users ages before apps can be downloaded onto their devices.In a joint statement, Meta, X, and Snap praised Utahs move, saying:We applaud Governor Cox and the State of Utah for being the first in the nation to empower parents and users with greater control over teen app downloads, and urge other states to consider this groundbreaking approach. Parents want a one-stop-shop to oversee and approve the many apps their teens want to download, and Utah has led the way in centralizing it within a devices app store. This approach spares users from repeatedly submitting personal information to countless individual apps and online services. We are committed to safeguarding parents and teens, and look forward to seeing more states adopt this model.In total, 16 U.S. states, including California and Texas, have introduced their own versions of app store legislation focused on age verification and youth safety.

Mexico City-based Mendel has raised $35 million in a Series B round of funding, it tells TechCrunch exclusively.Corporate spend management platform Mendel last raised in December 2021 a $15 million Series A round and $20 million in debt after participating in Y Combinators Winter 2021 cohort. With this latest capital infusion, the startup has brought in a total of $60 million in equity funding and $50 million via a credit facility.Mendels mission is straightforward: to reinvent corporate spend management by automating most of the operations for an enterprise CFO that are currently done manually. Or put even more simply, it wants to be a one-stop shop for all B2B spend. Its offering integrates expense management, payments, and corporate travel.Our goal is to give CFOs and finance teams in Latin America real-time visibility and control over their spend be it employee expenses, vendor payments, or business travel bookings, said co-CEO and co-founder Alan Karpovsky.Karpovsky and Alejandro Zecler (who both previously founded and sold other startups) started Mendel in early 2021, and Helena Polyblank (CPO) and Gonzalo Castiglione (CTO) later joined as co-founders.Mendel declined to reveal valuation, with Karpovsky saying only the round reflected a significant step up from the companys previous raise. The company also declined to reveal hard revenue figures, with Karpovsky noting only that its annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew almost 2.5x year-over-year, with gross margins of over 75%.Were not yet profitable, but we anticipate reaching profitability by late 2025, he told TechCrunch.Base10 Partners led Mendels latest round, which included participation from new investors PayPal Ventures and Endeavor Catalyst, as well as existing backers Infinity Ventures, Industry Ventures, and Hi.vc.SAP Concur meets AMEXThe company says that since it is software first and focused on enterprises, it is able to charge recurring SaaS fees rather than relying exclusively on interchange revenue or lending-based models. Its revenue comes from a combination of SaaS fees (over 50%) for its expense management and travel tool and interchange fees from credit cards as well as a take rate from its bill pay product.Karpovsky believes that the companys LatAm focus gives it an advantage over other global players in that its able to address complex, country-specific regulations such as tax codes, invoicing requirements, and multi-currency workflows, among other things.We like to say Mendel is like SAP Concur and AMEX having a child, Karpovsky quipped.As for comparisons to New York-based decacorn Ramp, he said that in many ways, Mendel is like Ramp for Latin American enterprises with a few differentiators, including the fact that it is focused on large, complex organizations that require multi-entity, multi-currency, multi-credit-line and deep ERP integrations.Presently, Mendel has 80 employees, compared to 64 employees a year ago. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand geographically. Its already operating in Mexico and Argentina with about 500 customers, including Mercado Libre, FEMSA, Adecco, and McDonalds. Its looking to expand into Chile, Colombia, and Peru in 2025, and Brazil in 2026.Our approach from day zero was first consolidating the largest Spanish-speaking market in LatAm before starting the geo-expansion, Karpovsky said.Base10 Partner Jason Kong told TechCrunch that his firm was attracted to what it viewed as Mendels unique positioning as a spend management platform for large companies in underserved but growing Latin America.The companys high capital efficiency being cash-flow positive in December 2024 stood out in a sector where many players struggle with unit economics, Kong added. Additionally, Mendels ability to replace legacy solutions like SAP Concur and win large enterprise customers at a fast sales velocity (sub-3 months for 3,000+ employee enterprises) demonstrated clear product-market fit. Other companies also operating in this space in Latin America include Clara and Jeeves another YC alum but both target more SMBs and rely more on transactional fees, noted Kong.

The crowned jewel of the nearly one square mile city of Central Falls, Rhode Island, is Jenks Park, the only large park in one of the densest cities in America. The land was a gift of Alvin Jenks, a descendant of the family which had been among the towns earliest settlers and one of its leading industrial families, and provided a much-needed recreational/open space for the dense industrial city. In 1890, planning began on the park with consists of hilly terrain cut through by paved paths, rocky outcroppings, and large metal gazebos which were fabricated at the nearby Fales and Jenks machinery works. At the crest of the parks hill is Cogswell Tower, a clock and observation tower given by a former resident, Caroline E. Richards Cogswell. The stone tower was designed by architect Albert Humes, who ironically, was serving as mayor of Central Falls at the time, which may represent somewhat of a conflict of interest to gain the commission The Cogswell Tower stands 70-feet-tall and is constructed of rough stone with a pyramidal roof that was once surmounted by an eagle. Its most remarkable aspect, a circular, iron structure which surrounds the base appearing from below as a sort of Hula-Hoop to the tower. Jenks Park and the iconic Cogswell Tower remain as a source of pride for the City of Central Falls.

The oldest extant school building in present-day Central Falls, Rhode Island, is this brick schoolhouse, constructed in 1861, to serve as the main village school. The rather plain two-story brick building was built just before the Civil War, during a period of rapid industrialization and growth in Central Falls, when it was then the dense core of the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The building contained classrooms for pupils from elementary through high school. Italianate in style, the rather unadorned building does feature oversized windows with some containing rounded tops, deep eaves, and a subtle recessed arch in the central bay on the facade. The school has been vacated for some time, and in 2024, plans materialized to convert this building into affordable housing. Hopefully the renovation/restoration is thoughtful for such a significant piece of the citys history.

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