Venture investment in startups run by women has always lagged the overall market, and with companies across sectors cutting back on their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, things seem grimmer than ever for female founders.But the data tells a different tale for 2024 at least according to this one report by European venture platform Female Foundry: Venture investment to startups founded by women in Europe declined 12% in 2024 from a year earlier,but it was nearly in line with the 11% decrease in overall venture investment. Notably, women who founded deep tech startups are raising more than men are in that area.The report, dubbed Female Innovation Index 2025, found that the number of female founders in deep tech is increasing thanks to that sectors links to academia, where women tend to be more equally represented. About 33% of all venture capital raised by female entrepreneurs in Europe is going into deep-tech startups 2% more than gender-agnostic startups. Key areas of innovation include synthetic biology, generative AI, and drug development.For the report, Female Foundry surveyed more than 1,200 female founders, female investors and executives, and over 35 private equity firms, venture associations, and ecosystem players across 20 European countries. Its worth noting here that Female Founders counted startups that had at least one female co-founder, which greatly increases the sample size of startups considered in this report, compared to other reports that only refer to all-women founding teams when they say female-founded startups. Several surveys last year generally agreed that women founders continued to be vastly outnumbered by men, with all-women founding teams raising only 2.2% of the venture capital allocated for 2024.I started the index because I realized that the oft-quoted 2% figure about the number of female-founded startups is not detailed enough, AgataNowicka, founder of Female Foundry and the author of the report, told TechCrunch. I would not have been included in that stat, because as an entrepreneur, I had a male co-founder. We should be taking into account far more diverse metrics.That deep tech metric is heartening, but Nowicka thinks women in academic environments need to be encouraged more to take up entrepreneurship. There is still a little bit of stigma attached to entering a startup from academia, she said.She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had helped create a more level playing field for women in tech because the wider industry had been forced to open up.As a founder in 2016, most VCs didnt even have a website or had just a landing page. Many events were held privately, she said. The venture capital industry transformed during COVID because of the boom in investment during 2021-2022. VC became overall more accessible to women [] because they needed deal-flow, and it became more competitive.Here are a few interesting nuggets from the report:Female-founded businesses in Europe raised 5.76 billion in 2024, marking a 12% drop from the 6.56 billion these companies raised in 2023. The health, fintech and food sectors see the most venture investment going to startups with female founders.The seed stage is where female founders see the most success, and on average, round sizes raised by women-founded startups increased 7% across stages compared to 2023.More than 80% of the 50 largest funding rounds raised by female-founded startups in 2024 went to those with scientific backgrounds in areas such as synthetic biology (282.4M), generative AI (221.8M), and drug development (169.9M).The U.K., France, and Germany top the charts for investment in female-founded companies, while Finland and Denmark have the highest proportion of venture capital allocated to such startups.

In BriefPosted:6:18 AM PST March 4, 2025Image Credits:Michael Dunning / Getty ImagesPolish space agency says its investigating a cyberattackPolands space agency (POLSA) says it is working to restore services following a cybersecurity incident.POLSA, the Polish government agency responsible for the countrys space activities, said in a post on X that it had immediately disconnected its network from the internet after detecting the cyberattack on Sunday. POLSAs website remains offline at the time of writing.Polands digital minister Krzysztof Gawkowski confirmed in a separate post that state cybersecurity services had detected unauthorized access to the Polish Space Agencys IT infrastructure, and were working to identify who was behind the cyberattack.The nature of the incident is not yet known and POLSA did not immediately respond to TechCrunchs questions.In January, Gawkowski told local media that Poland is the most attacked country in the European Union when it comes to cyberspace incidents, attributing most of the incidents to Russia. The country last year said it was targeted by APT28, a state-sponsored hacking group operated by Russian military intelligenceTopics

Breakdown & ShowreelsSnow Angels (Snnglar): VFX Breakdown by FilmgateBy Vincent Frei - 04/03/2025 A storm like the one in Snow Angels isnt easy to filmbut thanks to the invisible VFX made by Filmgate, the snow, wind, and icy chaos feel absolutely real. Discover how their artists craft natures fury with precision and subtlety!Click on the picture to watch the reel.WANT TO KNOW MORE?Filmgate: Dedicated page about Snow Angels on Filmgate website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

In this free bonus tutorial from Game Asset Workflow course, well explore two methods of displacing intricate geometry in Blender using generated depth-maps.Links:Game Asset Workflow: Complete Blender Guide on BlenderMarket (aka SuperHive)On GumroadDownload the source images & depth mapsKevin Stratvert How to Install & Use Stable Diffusion on WindowsDepth Map Script for Stable DiffusionMaterializeBlenderSketchfabSketchfab CC0 sculpture models:01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06The post Generate Depth Maps and Displace Super-detailed Bas-reliefs Blender Tutorial appeared first on Creative Shrimp.

VERIGRAFT, a Swedish biotechnology company specializing in regenerative medicine, has been awarded a 1.2 million Eurostars grant for the PREPPER (PREcision Printed PERsonalized Tissue Therapies) project. The initiative is a collaboration with Readily3D SA, a Swiss company developing volumetric 3D bioprinting technologies, RISE, a Swedish research institute focused on applied sciences, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, a major medical center involved in clinical research. The project is developing 3D printed arterial grafts designed to closely replicate natural arteries, improving surgical outcomes and durability in vascular procedures.Synthetic vascular grafts used in current procedures often face challenges with poor integration and high failure rates. PREPPER aims to address these limitations by integrating advanced 3D printing, solution-blown fiber technology, and tissue engineering to create personalized grafts that function more like natural arteries. The funding will support the refinement of these techniques, potentially leading to a first-in-human clinical trial. The vascular graft market is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, highlighting the demand for improved solutions in this field.VERIGRAFT, in collaboration with Readily3D, RISE, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, secures Eurostars funding. Photo via VERIGRAFT.This Eurostars grant is a major milestone for VERIGRAFT and regenerative medicine. With PREPPER, we are accelerating the future of personalized tissue therapies, said Dr. Raimund Strehl, the companys Chief Technology Officer. The global vascular graft market is projected to exceed $4 billion by 2026, and PREPPER positions Europe at the forefront of 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. Dr. Strehls statement underscores the strategic importance of the project for VERIGRAFT and the broader medical field.Founded in 2014, VERIGRAFT specializes in tissue engineering solutions for vascular and neurological conditions. The company focuses on developing bioengineered grafts that address limitations in existing treatments for patients with chronic diseases and disabilities. Operating preclinical laboratories near Gothenburg University and one of Swedens largest hospitals, the company collaborates with researchers and investors from Europe, Asia, and the US.PREPPER aims to advance 3D bioprinting techniques that could extend beyond vascular grafts into broader areas of regenerative medicine. By refining biocompatibility and integration properties, the research could inform developments in engineered tissues for other medical applications.Recent Innovations in Pharmaceutical 3D PrintingMB Therapeutics, a Montpellier-based startup specializing in pharmaceutical 3D printing, has secured 2 million in seed funding to develop a facility that will enable pharmacies to produce personalized medications on-site. This facility aims to address the growing demand for customized treatments and to overcome challenges like drug shortages, production scaling, and medication quality in pharmacies. With over 1,000 pharmacies in Europe involved in drug compounding, MB Therapeutics focuses on providing 3D printing technology that automates traditional manual processes, improving safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.Meanwhile, UK-based FabRx is advancing pharmaceutical 3D printing with its M3DIMAKER 1 3D printer, designed to automate capsule production in pharmacies. The printer uses semi-solid extrusion (SSE) technology and includes a built-in quality control system to ensure precise dosing and consistency, meeting European Pharmacopeia standards. FabRxs research shows that 3D printing can reduce costs by up to 35% for minoxidil capsules while cutting manual labor by 55%. The process also minimizes pharmacists exposure to active ingredients, increasing safety and efficiency.Personalized medicine. Photo by MB TherapeuticsReady to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Featured image shows VERIGRAFT, in collaboration with Readily3D, RISE, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, secures Eurostars funding. Photo via VERIGRAFT.

Oaxaca 88 | Ricardo de la ConchaLocated between two significant public spaces in Mexico Citythe Fuente de Cibeles and Parque EspaaOaxaca 88 is within the Condesa neighborhood, an area known for its rich architectural history and tree-lined avenues. This setting presents opportunities and constraints, requiring an architectural response that engages with the existing urban grain while contributing a contemporary perspective on mixed-use housing.Oaxaca 88 Technical InformationArchitects1-9: CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosInterior Design: IP STUDIO / Ivanka V PichardoLocation: Mexico City, MexicoTotal Built Area: 2,444 m| 25,000 Sq. Ft.Plot Size: 27m x 15m (Irregular Shape)Completion Year: 2024Photographs: Ricardo de la ConchaThe building adheres to a strict modulation system guided by the structural framework, which is reflected throughout the project: in its materiality, interiors, and facade treatments.-Bernardo Quinzaos, CCAOaxaca 88 PhotographsStreet View | Ricardo de la ConchaFront Facade | Ricardo de la ConchaBalconies | Ricardo de la ConchaRear Facade | Ricardo de la ConchaEntrance | Ricardo de la ConchaEntrance | Ricardo de la ConchaCourtyard | Ricardo de la ConchaLiving Room | Ricardo de la ConchaBedroom | Ricardo de la ConchaSpatial Organization and Housing TypologiesThe irregular plot (27m x 15m) dictated a design strategy that maximizes spatial efficiency while preserving openness. Instead of a monolithic mass, the architects opted for two distinct volumes connected by a central vertical circulation core. This division achieves multiple objectives: it enhances cross-ventilation, optimizes daylight access, and creates a clear organizational logic within the building. The designs sensitivity to context is evident in its treatment of the street interface, where a commercial space anchors the ground level, fostering pedestrian engagement and reinforcing urban continuity.Oaxaca 88 comprises 26 residential units ranging from 38m to 117m, with the largest reserved for the penthouse. The projects spatial logic is governed by modular organization, which informs the plan and elevation. The dual-volume strategy ensures that all units benefit from northern or southern exposure, an essential consideration in a city with pronounced solar gain.Within this framework, efficiency is paramount. The units employ adaptable layouts, with multi-functional furniture seamlessly integrated to maximize space. For instance, storage elements are designed to double as partitions, maintaining openness while delineating different functions. Expansive balconies and terraces extend the interior spaces outward, reinforcing a sense of transparency that mitigates the constraints of high-density living.Circulation is deliberately structured to foster both privacy and connectivity. The central core functions as the projects spine, ensuring precise vertical movement while separating front and rear volumes. This organization results in a legible, rational distribution of spaces, where each unit maintains a direct relationship with the exterior.Oaxaca 88 Materiality and Tectonic ExpressionOaxaca 88s material language is defined by its use of exposed concrete, a decision that underscores both structural clarity and aesthetic intent. The project adheres to a strict structural grid that manifests across all scales, from facade articulation to interior detailing. This modulation is particularly evident on the northern facade, where two large concrete panels frame the apartments, creating a subtle yet deliberate rhythm that echoes the internal configuration.The modulation shifts to three sections on the rear facade, accommodating basement parking while maintaining coherence across levels. This approach reinforces the projects tectonic clarity, ensuring its structural logic remains legible in both plan and elevation.While concrete dominates the material palette, it is complemented by elements that introduce warmth and tactility. Light wood is used for interior joinery, offering a counterpoint to the rawness of concrete surfaces. In circulation areas, gray-toned natural stone provides a durable yet refined texture, reinforcing the projects emphasis on longevity and material honesty.Externally, green ironwork elements are a chromatic bridge between the building and its natural surroundings. This subtle yet effective intervention demonstrates an awareness of the broader visual environment, ensuring that the building remains integrated rather than imposing.Broader Architectural SignificanceOaxaca 88 contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban housing in Mexico City, where issues of density, affordability, and contextual integration remain pressing. By prioritizing spatial efficiency without compromising quality, the project offers a viable model for high-density residential developments that maintain livability.The dual-volume configuration challenges conventional approaches to apartment block design, advocating for a more nuanced response to site conditions. This strategy enhances environmental performance and underscores the importance of adaptive spatial planning in contemporary urban housing.While Oaxaca 88 does not explicitly position itself as a sustainability-driven project, its design incorporates several passive strategies contributing to environmental efficiency. The separation of volumes facilitates natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. The choice of exposed concrete serves as both structure and finish, minimizing the need for additional cladding materials and reducing embodied carbon.Moreover, integrating vegetation at street level and within private terraces enhances microclimatic conditions, softening the interface between built and natural environments. These strategies, though subtle, align with broader efforts to create more resilient and adaptable urban living spaces.Oaxaca 88 PlansGround Level | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosLevel 2 | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosLevel 5 | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosLevel 6 | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosRoof Garden | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosSection | CCA | Bernardo QuinzaosOaxaca 88 Image GalleryAbout CCACCA (Centro de Colaboracin Arquitectnica) is an architectural firm founded by Bernardo Quinzaos, known for its innovative approach to contemporary architecture in Mexico. The studio focuses on context-driven design, material honesty, and structural clarity, often integrating sustainable and modular strategies into its projects. Their work spans residential, commercial, and cultural architecture, emphasizing spatial efficiency and urban integration.Credits and Additional NotesArchitect: Bernardo Quinzaos (CCA | Bernardo Quinzaos)Interior Design: Ivanka V Pichardo (IP STUDIO)Collaborating Team Members: Victor Ziga, Keren EspinozaClient: Grupo BlackloftConstruction Company: Abisal ConstruccionesResidential Units: 26 apartments (Smallest unit: 38 m, Largest unit: 117 m Penthouse)Commercial Space: Ground-floor retail adjacent to pedestrian and vehicular accessCirculation: Central vertical core connecting two separate volumesParking: Basement level with designated modular grid layout

Liu Jiakun is the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate, making him the 54th recipient of the annual prize.Jiakun is based in Chengdu, China, the same city he was born in. He founded his eponymous practice, Jiakun Architects,in 1999. The Pritzker Prize jury recognized Jiakun for honing an approach that oscillates between utopia versus everyday existence, history versus modernity, and collectivism versus individuality. The jury praised his work for being rooted in local Chinese philosophy and traditions. Jiakuns portfolio is expansive, ranging from small-scale exhibition designs, vast institutional buildings, to masterplans for cities. His largest project is West Village, a 5-story building completed in 2015 in Chengdu which takes up an entire city block.West Village (Chen Chen/)In describing his own approach, Jiakun said in a statement: Architecture should reveal somethingit should abstract, distill and make visible the inherent qualities of local people. It has the power to shape human behavior and create atmospheres, offering a sense of serenity and poetry, evoking compassion and mercy, and cultivating a sense of shared community. This attention to place and community is discernible in projects like West Village, where a central courtyard lined with trees serves as a public gathering place. Jiakun was educated at the Institute of Architecture and Engineering in Chongqing (renamed Chongqing University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Architecture in 1982. When he started out on his career in architecture, it was a transformative time politically and economically for China as a nation. Soon after, he contemplated giving up on architecture but attended a solo architectural exhibition of a former classmate and was inspired to continue practicing design.Courtyard view of West Village ()In Liu Jiakuns work, identity is as much about the individual as it is about the collective sense of belonging to a place. He revisits the Chinese tradition as a springboard for innovation devoid of nostalgia or ambiguity, the jury noted in its citation.For him, identity refers to a countrys history, the traces of its cities and the relics of its communities. At the same time, he integrates the local and global dimensions with unprecedented results, it added.The Renovation of Tianbao Cave of Erlang Town (Arch Exist/)Museum projects from Jiakun include, Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (2002); Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (2006); Museum of Clocks, Jianchuan Museum Cluster (2007); Lancui Pavilion of Egret Gulf Wetland (2013); and Suzhou Museum of Imperial Kiln Brick (2016). Beyond institutional work Jiakun has tried his hand at city planning, projects such as the Songyang Culture Neighborhood (2020) are emblematic of his practices ability to apply an understated modernity with ancient heritage. Another example of work on an urban scale is the renovation of Tianbao Cave District of Erlang Town, which fully takes advantage of its mountainous landscape. Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum (Bi Kejian/)Songyang Culture Neighborhood (Arch Exist/)Alejandro Aravena, chair of the jury and 2016 Pritzker laureate, commended Jiakun for his work in exurban peripheral areas throughout China.Cities tend to segregate functions, but Liu Jiakun takes the opposite approach and sustains a delicate balance to integrate all dimensions of the urban life, Aravena said. In a world that tends to create endless dull peripheries, he has found a way to build places that are a building, infrastructure, landscape and public space at the same time, his work may offer impactful clues on how to confront the challenges of urbanization, in an era of rapidly growing cities.Atrium at Museum of Clocks, Jianchuan Museum (Bi Kejian/)The Pritzker Prize jury was comprised of several prominent architecture and cultural figures, some of which are past winners of the award: Alejandro Aravena, Barry Bergdoll, Deborah Berke, Stephen Breyer, Andr Aranha Corra do Lago, Anne Lacaton, Hashim Sarkis, Kazuyo Sejima, and Manuela Luc-Dazio.This spring, Jiakuns award will be celebrated in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This will be followed by a global, virtual ceremony this fall. His recognition follows that of Riken Yamamoto, an architect from Japan.

Naturally NeutralGeneral Assembly crafts a calm oasis with textural complexity on the Upper West SideByKatya Borkov March 4, 2025Other (William Jess Laird)SHAREGeneral Assemblys Upper West Side residence strikes a harmonic balance between grandeur and simplicity, paying homage to the buildings prewar history through intentional pairings of natural materials. Noting how the family of four uses the space, designers Sarah Zames and Colin Steif opened up the segmented floorplan to create a spacious living area where loved ones gather for annual Super Bowl parties. Wood details, like a set of sliding doors that demarcate the kitchen, are paired with natural stone elements to create a grounded feeling. Five massive, vibrantly patterned stones are juxtaposed against wooden furnishings; slabs of quartzite and veined marble have become sinks, countertops, and a commanding kitchen island; and a custom-carved table acts as a light counterweight to complement the islands unique shape.General Assembly often creates custom pieces to realize its unique visions, which led the firm to open its own retail store for home renovation materials, furniture, and lighting. The living rooms modular coffee table was one of the first pieces designed for the space, reproductions of which can be found in the GA store. The tables curved edges and rounded shape gesture to the unique, sculptural irregularity of natural forms that characterize the firms work.Read more on aninteriormag.com.

hamzeh - stock.adobe.comNewsTech and Global Mobility: The Impact of the New US AdministrationAs the US business community prepares for policy changes under the Trump administration tech companies are focused on the potential impact of new policies on legal immigration under the H-1B visa programmeBy William Diaz, Fragomen LLPPublished: 04 Mar 2025 13:41 Tech companies in the United States are some of the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies who cannot find the people with the skills they need in the US to temporarily hire qualified people from overseas including the UK.With limited exceptions the H-1B program is restricted to a total of 85,000 new visas available annually for qualified foreign workers in specialty occupations.One of the final acts of the Biden administration, included a final regulation that made important business-friendly modifications to the H-1B program that went into effect on 17 January 2025.Specifically, the rule revises the definition of the H-1B specialty occupation, strengthens protections for student visa holders awaiting H-1B status, strengthens the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ability to audit employers on-site for immigration compliance, and codifies the agencys longstanding policy of deference to its prior approvals, among other provisions.As the US business community prepares for policy changes under the new administration, the focus for many, especially those in the tech industry, are possible impacts to legal immigration. President Trump has expressed a number of different views related to this visa category, and has show support for H-1B visas in the lead-up to his inauguration.The approach to the H-1B program has varied across different administrations. Historical data indicates that H-1B petition denial rates increased during the first Trump administration, peaking at 24% for initial employment petitions, compared to denial rates as low as 6% in the four years prior. If similar policies are reinstated, denial rates may rise again, making it harder for tech companies to hire qualified people from the UK.Workplace immigration audits may also increase under the new Trump administration. These audits typically involve a review of key aspects of H-1B petitions, including wages and work locations, to ensure compliance with regulations. Employers that hire foreign workers may benefit from conducting internal compliance reviews to prepare for potential future enforcement actions.The H-1B program includes wage requirements that vary based on profession, location and experience. If wage level requirements, increase businesses will need to evaluate the feasibility of hiring for entry-level positions under the program.The first Trump administration imposed travel restrictions against a variety of countries citing security-related grounds. Additional restrictions were introduced following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related grounds. The administration offered limited exemptions for employees of industries engaged in support for critical US infrastructure including various tech-related fields.The current Trump administration has indicated plans to impose holds on issuing visas for certain countries as part of broader policy objectives. The degree to which those in the tech field may be exempt from future travel restrictions is unclear but any future exemptions offered would require a determination that the travel is in the US national interest.Should the H-1B programs use become more limited in the coming years, employers should also consider the following alternative US visa options: The O-1 visa is available to those able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in their area of expertise. While the visa category does require a showing that one is at or near the top of their field, the O-1 is not subject to numerical limitations and has proved largely less controversial than the H-1B program. The L-1 intracompany transfer visa type allows for the visa sponsorship of an employee who has at least one year of continuous employment within a corporate group while outside the US. It is a common strategy to park employees outside the US for a year before pursuing the L-1 visa option as an alternative to the numerically limited H-1B program. The E-2 visa is available to a limited set of nationalities (treaty countries), including the UK, while further requiring that the nationality of the visa applicant aligns with the nationality of the ultimate ownership of the US employer (e.g., a company with at least 50% British ownership may deploy a British citizen on the E-2 visa). Provided the nationality requirement is met, the E-2 is an alternative to the H-1B.Given the ongoing policy shifts, companies in the technology sector should explore the full range of available US visa options and consider a multi-jurisdictional approach to workforce management to attract and retain talent under a second Trump administration.William Diaz is a US Immigration Attorney at the global mobility advisers Fragomen.In The Current Issue:DeepSeek-R1: Budgeting challenges for on-premise deploymentsInterview: Why Samsung put a UK startup centre stageDownload Current IssueSLM series - IBM: Why smaller AI models unlock value at the edge CW Developer NetworkDigital Disruption, the Future of Work, and the Evolving Role of Print Quocirca InsightsView All Blogs

More than 900 people attended the Nutanix Next Tour event in London in February. For Nutanix, many were not existing customers the majority were customer prospects, and the ongoing concerns about VMware now being owned by Broadcom means that many people including many attendees are looking for alternatives.The completion of VMwares acquisition by Broadcom at the end of 2023 signalled a refocus on VMwares largest customers. Broadcoms strategy has been to move companies from perpetual licence to software subscriptions. It also changed licensing and introduced software bundles that have made the VMware platform more expensive for some customers.During its annual VMware Explore conference in Las Vegas, Broadcom president and CEO Hock Tan said that Broadcom has simplified VMwares product lineup from 8,000 product variants down to four core offerings.Weve invested a lot to make our products easy to use and work together, he said. Were taking the software youve grown to love and trust VMware vSphere, vSAN, NSX, vRealize and making it all work better together. We enable you to deploy it as a stack to virtualise your entire datacentre to create a single platform.For years, businesses have relied on VMware to provide server virtualisation in their datacentres. The technology is so deeply embedded in many organisations that swapping out VMware for an alternative product is seen as costly and high risk. Broadcoms strategy is to get its enterprise customers to run workloads in private clouds built based on VCF, the VMware cloud foundation platform.Nutanix is effectively a rival in this market, offering a software platform that provides server virtualisation, containerisation and the ability to run workloads on-premise and in public clouds, all managed via a single admin tool. For certain workloads, containerisation is often positioned as more efficient than server virtualisation, especially in organisations that are on a cloud-native journey. However, there is a significant footprint of organisations that will remain for the foreseeable future with an IT estate where VMware plays a major role.Nutanix positions containerisation using Kubernetes as a way to enable workloads to run in multiple public clouds, A global survey conducted by Vanson Bourne of 1,500 IT and DevOps/platform engineering decision-makers around the world for Nutanix, which was recently published, reported that more than half of the organisations (54%) have containerised all their applications. According to Nutanix, this is driven in part by cloud-only organisations that are running all their applications in one or more public clouds.Given the changes Broadcom has made to VMware, which has resulted in extra costs for some users who do not want to buy the whole VCF suite, Nutanix sees an opportunity to encourage organisations to start moving virtual servers onto its own platform. Such a migration may simply start with moving VMware virtual machines onto the Nutanix platform, but over time, Nutanix is encouraging its customers to migrate these to its alternative to VMware called AHV.Discussing the turnout at the London Nutanix Next Tour event, Andrew Brinded, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Nutanix, said : Weve had more non-customers than weve seen at these events before, which is very encouraging.Nutanix regards the situation among VMware customers as a long-term plan. The opportunity presents itself only when businesses have VMware contracts that are about to expire and decide that, given the changes Broadcom has made, it may be time to look at alternative hypervisors.Even within organisations that decide to swap out VMware, Brinded said: It takes a while for them to think about where theyre going to go with and how theyre going to move. Then they have to plan their migration strategy.Brinded said such a migration strategy involves a multi-year project. Nevertheless, Nutanix is keen to showcase customers who are migrating away from VMware to its AHV hypervisor platform.One example is Markerstudy Group, which owns insurance brands including Coop, Gadget Cover, Purely Pets and Auto Windshields. Markerstudy Group has been a long-term Nutanix customer since migrating off legacy hardware, and what is interesting about its VMware migration is that it is occurring in stages. Compliance with financial regulations initially drove the companys initial decision to move from a traditional three-tier datacentre architecture to hyperconverged infrastructure based on Nutanix.To comply with Financial Conduct Authority regulations covering a requirement to have supported IT systems when handling customer transactions, CTO Nick Ovenden said there was a small window of opportunity to move from legacy hardware onto Nutanix. We ended up flipping somewhere in the region of 1,500 to 2,000 virtual machines, he said. This was achieved in just six weeks, moving VMware from the old hardware onto Nutanix hyperconverged infrastructure.The company is now actively migrating these virtual machines onto AHV, the native hypervisor that Nutanix bundles with its hyperconverged infrastructure platform.Looking at the changes that Broadcom made to VMware licensing, Ovenden said: We had always planned to go to AHV but this gave us a mark in the calendar.If the company could achieve a full migration from VMware by the date Broadcoms new licensing measures came into force, he said it would be possible to avoid the price hikes associated with the new VMware licensing.Markerstudy Groups overall strategy is to remove VMware and move over to AHV. However, given that the business has historically expanded through acquisitions, the commercial agreements that exist within the companies Markerstudy Group takes over need to end before the acquired companies can be moved onto AHV. For instance, Markerstudy acquired BGL Group in 2022 and there is currently a project to migrate all of BGL Groups VMware systems onto AHV by August this year.There is little doubt that IT departments will continue to run VMware in their datacentre infrastructure for a very long time. But paying for functionality that is surplus to requirements is costly, which is why there are many VMware customers who want to continue using the product without the full product bundle Broadcom is selling.As Markerstudy Group has demonstrated, it is possible to continue to take a phased approach to migrate away from VMware. The fact that hundreds of people who are not its customers attended Nutanixs London event shows that there is interest in VMware alternatives and IT leaders are likely to replace VMware as contracts expire.Read more articles about VMwareVMware backup Key decision points if you migrate away from VMware: VMwares pricing changes have spurred some organisations to move to new virtualisation environments, but theyll need backing up. We look at the key points to consider.What are the options when migrating from VMware: Broadcoms changes to VMware licensing means some people are facing big price increases we look at how these can be avoided.