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Checkout With Bitcoins
& CEO's are doing ConCalls with their 'AI Avatars'
Checkout with ‘Bitcoins’ Goes Mainstream
Bitcoin payments are gaining traction in the retail sector, with Block Inc. introducing Bitcoin checkout options at select Las Vegas retailers. This initiative allows customers to use Bitcoin for purchases, integrating cryptocurrency into everyday transactions. When customers scan the QR code at checkout, Square handles things behind the scenes, including real-time exchange rates and confirmation.
Beyond Block, several major companies have embraced Bitcoin payments. Luxury brands like Gucci and Balenciaga accept Bitcoin in select stores, while tech retailers such as Newegg and Overstock have long supported cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, platforms like Shopify enable merchants to integrate Bitcoin payments into their online stores.
This growing acceptance of Bitcoin by diverse businesses—from luxury fashion houses to tech retailers—signals a broader shift towards integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream commerce.
AI Avatars Take the Mic: CEOs Embrace AI Avatars for Earnings Calls
Tech CEOs are now using AI avatars to lead earnings calls, signaling a bold shift in executive presence. Klarna's Sebastian Siemiatkowski debuted his digital twin for the company’s Q1 2025 update, underscoring its deep bet on AI—after cutting 700 jobs. (Watch Here)
Zoom’s Eric Yuan followed suit, using his AI clone (built with Zoom’s own tools) to kick off the Q1 2026 call. While he joined live for Q&A, Yuan praised the avatar and hinted at more appearances—marking a new chapter in how leadership shows up.
This isn’t just a gimmick—it reflects a growing trend where AI doesn’t just run the backend, but now fronts the brand. As digital doubles take the stage, the line between tech and human touch is starting to blur.
🌍 Where the Giants Are….
North America leads the pack in 2025 with 2,129 publicly listed companies valued over $1 billion—38.6% of the global total. But the momentum is shifting, with Asia-Pacific (1,643 firms) rapidly catching up, driven by tech-led economies like Japan, India, and Taiwan.
Europe claims nearly a quarter of these corporate giants, while the Middle East punches above its weight with 309 firms, thanks to surging AI and energy investments in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. India’s rise is especially notable—it now ranks third globally in billion-dollar firms, outpacing traditional heavyweights like the UK and China.
Africa remains underrepresented with just 45 firms, though South Africa dominates the continent’s presence. Globally, startup ecosystems in cities like Shanghai are fueling the next wave of billion-dollar businesses through aggressive VC backing and innovation.