July 16, 2025
Tech News
Amogy, a Brooklyn-based startup, has raised $80 million to advance its ammonia-to-power technology for ships and data centers. This funding round, primarily coming from Korean investors, highlights the company’s strategic focus on Asian markets where demand for innovative energy solutions is growing rapidly.
The startup’s technology aims to replace fossil fuels with ammonia, a compound that serves as a hydrogen carrier. Amogy’s process involves cracking hydrogen atoms from nitrogen to generate energy, resulting in zero NOx emissions. The company plans to deploy its commercial-scale systems within the next few years, targeting the maritime and power generation sectors.
Meanwhile, in the world of consumer insights, Rwazi has secured $12 million in Series A funding led by Bonfire Ventures. Founded by Joseph Rutakangwa and Eric Sewankambo, Rwazi aims to fill the gap in reliable market intelligence for emerging economies. The company uses AI-powered software to provide real-time data on consumer behavior, which helps businesses improve customer acquisition and loyalty.
To differentiate itself from competitors, Rwazi focuses on collecting zero-party data, which refers to information voluntarily shared by consumers. This approach allows for a more accurate understanding of market trends, especially in countries where traditional data sources are lacking. The new funding will be used for scaling operations and enhancing technology to capture evolving consumer behaviors across 190 countries.
In regulatory news, Reddit has rolled out an age verification system in the UK to comply with the recently implemented Online Safety Act. This step aims to protect minors from harmful content by requiring users to provide government-issued ID for age confirmation. Although Reddit assures that user data will be protected, critics have raised concerns about privacy risks related to identity verification.
This move follows the trend set by other platforms, such as Bluesky, which also initiated age verification in response to the Online Safety Act. The legislation mandates that companies take steps to limit children’s exposure to inappropriate material, a necessity that has prompted many social media platforms to rethink their user authentication methods.
Tech Explained
Ammonia – A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen, ammonia is primarily used in fertilizers. In the context of power generation, it acts as a hydrogen carrier, facilitating the transport of hydrogen for energy production while lowering safety risks as compared to handling hydrogen directly.
Hydrogen Carrier – A substance that can store and transport hydrogen in a stable form. Ammonia is an effective hydrogen carrier because it can be converted back into hydrogen when needed, making it easier to handle, particularly in shipping and power generation applications.
Zero-party data – This term describes data that consumers intentionally share with a company, often in the context of their preferences and experiences. Rwazi’s approach relies on this data type, allowing for more accurate consumer insights and customized market intelligence strategies without relying on outdated or flawed third-party data.
AI – Short for Artificial Intelligence, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines. Rwazi’s platform utilizes AI algorithms to analyze consumer behavior in real time, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to market changes and enhance customer engagement efforts.
Age verification – A process used by online platforms to confirm a user’s age, often necessitating personal identification. In light of the UK’s Online Safety Act, Reddit has implemented age verification to restrict access to harmful content for underage users, enhancing the safety of its platform while adhering to legal requirements.
