March 12, 2025
Tech News
A new venture capital firm named Leitmotif, secretly forged with the support of the Volkswagen Group, is actively funding around 20 startups focused on decarbonization. With an $300 million commitment, it aims to establish a bridge between European industries and U.S. innovations.
The firm, which is co-led by former Volkswagen executives, plans to allocate approximately 70% of its investments in U.S.-based startups while leveraging its strong ties with the automaker to create synergies. This strategy aims to make money first and foremost, followed by identifying new innovations for the Volkswagen Group.
In a separate development, Huawei has issued a last call for pre-orders of its newly launched devices, including the Mate XT, MatePad Pro 13.2, and the FreeArc headphones in Malaysia. The Mate XT is celebrated as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, showcasing remarkable features such as a 1TB storage option and advanced camera capabilities.
The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 tablet also boasts impressive specifications, including a 13.2-inch 144Hz display and a Kirin T92 chip, positioning it as an attractive offer for tech enthusiasts. Pre-order customers can access exclusive gifts, driving up the anticipation around these devices before the closing date.
Meanwhile, TikTok is addressing safety concerns among parents with updates to its Family Pairing feature. The new “wind down” reminder for teens encourages them to stop using the app after 10 PM, accompanied by calming music, while parents gain more control over usage times and account followings.
In addition to these features, TikTok is incorporating age assurance technology to prevent children under 13 from accessing the app, highlighting its commitment to fostering a safer digital environment for younger users amid ongoing scrutiny of its platform.
Tech Explained
Venture Capital – Funding provided by investors to startups and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. It typically involves high risk but offers the possibility of high returns, making it essential for funding innovative projects.
Pre-Order – A purchase option that allows customers to reserve a product before its official release, often accompanied by limited-time offers or bonuses to incentivize early buyers.
Tri-Fold Smartphone – A device featuring three sections that can be folded to offer both compact and expanded screen sizes, providing versatile functionality while still being portable, exemplified by the Huawei Mate XT.
Age Assurance Technology – Systems designed to verify a user’s age before allowing access to certain online content, often utilizing data or machine learning to ensure protection for underage users in various digital environments.
