The Weekly Spill (In Shorts)
Welcome to The Weekly Spill—Silicon Bay Partners’ regularly scheduled download of thoughts, takes, and the occasional side-eye at the world as it actually is (not just as it’s pitched in a deck). Each week, we sift through the noise across current events, politics, startups, and financial markets to bring you what matters—and what’s just pretending to.
We aim to keep things light, even when the topics aren’t. That means a bit of satire where it’s earned, a bit of skepticism where it’s called for, and a commitment to staying grounded in facts even when opinions sneak in through the side door. We won’t always be non-judgmental—but we will always try to be clear-eyed.
Think of this as your informed, occasionally irreverent briefing for the week ahead. Read it for insight, stay for perspective, and feel free to disagree—that’s o.k. too. Fair warning: Sometimes we spill more than once a week!
Catch A Charge
Ionna is partnering with Circle K to add its “Rechargeries” — high-speed EV charging stations with canopies, lighting, and other driver amenities — to 350+ US Circle K locations.
In The Mood For A Drink
Starbucks is testing a ChatGPT app that gives customers personalized drink suggestions based on “vibes,” prompts, and photos.
RFK Jr. Once Removed A Dead Raccoon’s Penis
Why: To ‘study later’, book claims. I figured that to land a spot in the Trump administration—especially someone like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—you’d need at least a light résumé and/or questionable decision-making. Apparently, “interesting life choices” is now a qualifying credential.
At this rate, Lorena Bobbitt might want to dust off her résumé—she’s suddenly looking overqualified.
Higher Education Is Now Glamorous
Gizmo, an AI-powered app that turns students’ notes into gamified study sessions, raised a $22m Series A to expand its workforce and US market presence. Since launching in 2021, it’s amassed 13m users across 120+ countries.
Show Me The Money
The Trump administration is finally, slowly, beginning the process of refunding the illegal tariffs it collected over the past year, and some private companies say they will speed those refunds along to consumers.