hodler

11 Feb 2026, 18:02

'This Is Not Good for Crypto': Lawmakers Slam SEC Chair for Easing Industry Policing

As the crypto market hemorrhages value, scrutiny has increased on the impact of President Trump’s crypto dealings on investor confidence.

11 Feb 2026, 17:42

SEC's Paul Atkins grilled on crypto enforcement pull-back, including with Justin Sun, Tron

The U.S. agency's chairman said in a House hearing that he's open to a confidential briefing for lawmakers on the topic.

11 Feb 2026, 16:45

AI Sales Startup Monaco Launches with $35M to Revolutionize CRM with Human-Guided Agents

BitcoinWorld AI Sales Startup Monaco Launches with $35M to Revolutionize CRM with Human-Guided Agents In a bold move that signals the next evolution of sales technology, former Founders Fund venture capitalist Sam Blond has officially launched Monaco, an AI sales startup that secured $35 million in funding to challenge industry giants like Salesforce. The San Francisco-based company emerged from stealth on Wednesday with a unique proposition: combining sophisticated AI agents with experienced human sales professionals in a hybrid model that could redefine how startups approach customer acquisition. Monaco’s public beta launch follows extensive private testing and represents a significant development in the increasingly competitive AI sales technology landscape. Monaco AI Sales Startup Emerges with $35M Backing Monaco has raised substantial capital through two funding rounds. The company completed a $10 million seed round followed by a $25 million Series A investment. Significantly, both rounds were led by Founders Fund, the venture capital firm where Sam Blond previously worked as a partner. Human Capital also participated in the funding. This substantial financial backing demonstrates strong investor confidence in Monaco’s approach to sales technology. The startup’s founding team brings together impressive credentials from across the technology sector. Sam Blond previously served as head of sales at financial technology company Brex before his brief tenure at Founders Fund. His brother Brian Blond, a co-founder, transitioned from sales to venture capital at Human Capital and previously worked at Sutter Hill Ventures. The technical leadership includes Abishek Viswanathan, former Chief Product Officer at Apollo and Qualtrics, and Malay Desai, previously Senior Vice President of Engineering at Clari. Monaco has attracted an impressive roster of angel investors, including: Stripe founders Patrick and John Collison Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan Greenoaks Capital founder Neil Mehta These high-profile backers provide Monaco with not just capital but also strategic connections and industry credibility as it enters a crowded market. The Human-in-the-Loop AI Sales Approach Monaco distinguishes itself from other AI sales startups through its hybrid model that integrates artificial intelligence with human expertise. The company’s platform features AI-native customer relationship management (CRM) software combined with a proprietary database for prospect identification similar to ZoomInfo. However, unlike purely automated competitors, Monaco employs experienced sales professionals who monitor and guide the AI agents’ work. This human-in-the-loop approach addresses several critical challenges in AI sales technology. First, human experts ensure the AI doesn’t “hallucinate” or generate inaccurate information during outreach campaigns. Second, they train the AI systems to better understand and sell the specific products or services. Third, actual customer meetings remain conducted by human representatives rather than AI avatars or automated systems. “We can replace full workflows with agents,” Sam Blond explained during the launch announcement. “Monaco builds a database of prospects, identifies the exact people at a target company to pitch and the sequence in which to target them. We orchestrate and execute that sequence. We schedule a meeting.” Addressing the AI Sales Technology Market Gap Monaco specifically targets seed and Series A-stage startups that typically lack resources to hire experienced sales teams. The company’s model makes professional sales expertise accessible to these younger companies through a subscription service rather than requiring direct hires. This addresses a significant market gap where early-stage companies need sophisticated sales capabilities but cannot afford traditional enterprise sales teams. “It’s this combination of the technology, but also the service,” Blond emphasized. “Monaco does not have an agent pretending to be a sales rep trying to sell to the customer.” The company currently employs approximately 40 people, many with extensive sales backgrounds, creating what Blond describes as a “career salespeople” culture within the organization. Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning Monaco enters an exceptionally crowded AI sales technology market. Y Combinator alone has graduated hundreds of sales-focused startups in recent years. The competitive landscape includes several distinct categories: Competitor Category Examples Key Differentiators Modern CRM Platforms Attio, Clay, Conversion Next-generation interfaces and workflows AI SDR Tools 11x, Artisan, 1mind Automated sales development representatives Incumbent Giants Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho Established market presence with AI additions Data Providers ZoomInfo, Apollo Prospect databases and intelligence Monaco positions itself against HubSpot as its primary initial competitor, targeting the same price-sensitive startup market. However, Blond acknowledges the ultimate ambition is to challenge Salesforce’s market leadership. “In the broad category of sales technology, there’s a market leader right now. That market leader is Salesforce,” Blond stated. “We are in the early innings of the next platform shift that will lead to a new market leader.” The company’s pricing strategy remains undisclosed beyond being a flat fee structure currently discounted during the beta period. This approach contrasts with Salesforce’s complex tiered pricing and HubSpot’s freemium model, potentially offering simpler cost predictability for early-stage companies. Industry Context and Timing Considerations Monaco’s launch occurs during a period of significant transformation in sales technology. The broader CRM market continues expanding rapidly, with Grand View Research projecting the global CRM market to reach $157.53 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%. Artificial intelligence integration represents the most significant trend within this expansion. However, AI sales tools face several adoption challenges. According to recent surveys by Gartner, approximately 42% of sales organizations report difficulties with AI implementation, citing concerns about data quality, integration complexity, and resistance from sales teams. Monaco’s human-in-the-loop approach directly addresses these adoption barriers by maintaining human oversight and expertise within the automated workflow. Blond points to the absence of a dominant AI-native sales platform as creating opportunity. “There definitely is not the ‘Cursor for sales’,” he noted, referencing the popular AI coding assistant. “But there will be.” This reference highlights how specialized AI tools have transformed adjacent industries like software development, suggesting similar potential in sales technology. Founder Motivation and Market Selection Sam Blond’s decision to enter the competitive sales technology market stems from his professional background and expertise. After leaving Founders Fund just 18 months after joining, he publicly stated that venture capital wasn’t for him and he preferred “going back to operating.” With extensive experience in sales leadership at Brex and earlier in his career, Blond identified sales technology as his natural domain. “As a non-technical founder, there’s really only one type of technology company that I’m qualified to be the founder of: a sales technology company,” Blond explained. This focus on domain expertise aligns with broader startup success patterns where founders with deep industry experience often outperform those without relevant backgrounds. The company culture reflects this sales-focused orientation. Monaco’s office features World War II-esque motivational posters with slogans like “Save Startups” and “Build the future with Monaco.” A prominent office gong rings whenever the AI system successfully schedules a meeting with a prospect, creating tangible recognition of system successes. Technical Architecture and Product Capabilities Monaco’s platform combines several technological components into an integrated system. The AI-native CRM forms the foundation, designed specifically for AI workflows rather than adapted from traditional CRM architectures. The proprietary prospect database provides enriched contact information and organizational data similar to established providers like ZoomInfo but integrated directly into the workflow. Key product capabilities include: Automated Outreach Campaigns: AI agents create and execute personalized email sequences based on prospect data and response patterns Meeting Coordination: Automated scheduling integrated with calendar systems and prospect availability Follow-up Management: AI-generated follow-up communications guided by human sales experts Meeting Intelligence: Automated note-taking and action item extraction from sales conversations Pipeline Analytics: Real-time sales funnel tracking with predictive conversion metrics The human oversight component operates through a dedicated interface where experienced sales professionals review AI-generated content, provide feedback and corrections, and intervene when human judgment is required. This creates a continuous learning loop where both the AI systems and human operators improve through interaction. Conclusion Monaco represents a significant new entrant in the AI sales startup landscape with its unique combination of sophisticated AI agents and human sales expertise. The company’s substantial $35 million funding, impressive founding team, and high-profile investor backing position it as a serious contender in the competitive sales technology market. By targeting the underserved early-stage startup segment with a hybrid human-AI approach, Monaco addresses both the resource constraints of young companies and the implementation challenges of pure AI sales tools. As the sales technology industry continues its rapid evolution toward AI integration, Monaco’s human-in-the-loop model offers a compelling alternative to both traditional CRM platforms and fully automated competitors. The company’s success will depend on execution, market adoption, and its ability to scale both its technological capabilities and human expertise components effectively. FAQs Q1: What makes Monaco different from other AI sales tools? Monaco combines AI automation with human sales experts who monitor and guide the AI’s work. Unlike purely automated systems, Monaco maintains human oversight to ensure accuracy and provide actual human representatives for customer meetings. Q2: How much funding has Monaco raised? Monaco has raised $35 million total through a $10 million seed round and a $25 million Series A round. Both rounds were led by Founders Fund with participation from Human Capital. Q3: Who are Monaco’s primary competitors? Monaco initially competes with HubSpot for early-stage startups but ultimately aims to challenge Salesforce. The company also faces competition from modern CRM platforms like Attio and Clay, plus AI sales automation tools like 11x and Artisan. Q4: What types of companies does Monaco target? Monaco specifically serves seed and Series A-stage startups that need sophisticated sales capabilities but lack resources to hire experienced sales teams. The company makes professional sales expertise accessible through subscription rather than direct hiring. Q5: What is Monaco’s pricing model? Monaco uses a flat fee structure currently discounted during the beta period. The company has not disclosed specific pricing details but positions itself as more affordable for startups than enterprise solutions like Salesforce. This post AI Sales Startup Monaco Launches with $35M to Revolutionize CRM with Human-Guided Agents first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 15:55

GBP/USD Trims Critical Gains After Blowout NFPs Temper Fed Cut Bets

BitcoinWorld GBP/USD Trims Critical Gains After Blowout NFPs Temper Fed Cut Bets LONDON, January 10, 2025 – The GBP/USD currency pair surrendered significant early gains during Friday’s trading session after unexpectedly strong US employment data dramatically shifted market expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy. This development represents a pivotal moment for currency traders who had positioned for imminent interest rate cuts from the world’s most influential central bank. GBP/USD Reacts to US Employment Data Surprise The currency market experienced immediate volatility following the release of January’s Non-Farm Payrolls report. Initially, the British pound had strengthened against the US dollar during early European trading. However, the NFP data revealed the US economy added 353,000 jobs in December, substantially exceeding economists’ consensus forecast of 170,000. Consequently, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.7%, defying predictions of a slight increase. This robust employment picture prompted traders to reassess their positions rapidly. Market participants quickly adjusted their outlook for the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Previously, futures markets had priced in a high probability of rate cuts beginning as early as March. Following the data release, however, these expectations diminished significantly. The shift in sentiment created immediate downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair, which fell from session highs near 1.2750 to trade around 1.2680. This movement illustrates the direct correlation between US economic data and major currency valuations. Federal Reserve Policy Expectations Recalibrated The stronger-than-anticipated jobs report fundamentally altered the narrative surrounding the Federal Reserve’s next moves. For months, markets had anticipated a dovish pivot from the Fed as inflation showed signs of cooling. The employment data, however, suggests the US labor market remains remarkably resilient. This resilience gives the Federal Open Market Committee more flexibility to maintain higher interest rates for longer without triggering a recession. Several key metrics from the report influenced this recalibration: Wage Growth: Average hourly earnings rose 0.6% month-over-month and 4.5% year-over-year, exceeding forecasts. Labor Force Participation: The rate held at 62.5%, indicating stable workforce engagement. Revisions: Previous months’ job gains were revised upward by 126,000, strengthening the trend. These figures collectively reduced the perceived urgency for the Fed to cut rates. Higher wages can sustain consumer spending, potentially slowing disinflation. Therefore, the central bank may prioritize ensuring inflation returns sustainably to its 2% target before easing policy. Historical Context of NFP Market Reactions Historically, significant NFP surprises have produced substantial currency movements. The table below shows recent examples of how large data deviations moved the GBP/USD pair: Date NFP Actual NFP Forecast GBP/USD Move Dec 2023 216K 170K -0.8% Nov 2023 199K 180K -0.5% Oct 2023 150K 180K +1.2% This pattern demonstrates that positive US employment surprises typically strengthen the dollar against other major currencies. The January 2025 reaction follows this established market behavior precisely. Comparative Central Bank Dynamics The GBP/USD movement reflects not just US developments but the contrasting monetary policy outlooks between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England. While the Fed may delay cuts, the Bank of England faces its own complex economic landscape. UK inflation has proven stickier than in the US, particularly in services and wage growth. However, the British economy shows signs of weakness, with GDP contracting in recent quarters. This divergence creates a challenging environment for currency traders. On one hand, delayed Fed cuts support the US dollar through higher relative interest rates. On the other hand, the Bank of England cannot easily cut rates while domestic inflation remains above target. This policy tension often results in heightened volatility for the GBP/USD pair as traders weigh competing fundamental factors. Market-implied probabilities for Bank of England rate cuts shifted modestly following the US data. Initially, traders had expected the BOE to follow the Fed in cutting rates. The strong NFP report, however, introduced uncertainty about whether global central banks would move in unison or if the Fed might lag behind its peers. Technical Analysis Perspective From a technical standpoint, the GBP/USD rejection at the 1.2750 level carries significance. This price area represented a key resistance zone that had capped advances multiple times in recent months. The failure to break above this level, combined with the fundamental shift from the NFP data, suggests potential for further near-term weakness. Technical indicators showed notable changes following the data release: The Relative Strength Index retreated from overbought territory above 70 Moving average convergence divergence momentum turned negative Trading volume spiked to three times the 20-day average These technical developments typically signal a shift in short-term momentum. Support levels now become crucial, with the 1.2650 area representing the next significant test for the currency pair. Broader Market Implications and Risk Sentiment The reaction extended beyond the GBP/USD pair to affect broader financial markets. US Treasury yields surged following the report, with the 2-year yield rising 15 basis points. Equity markets initially sold off on concerns about higher-for-longer interest rates before partially recovering. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, climbed 0.7%. This market-wide response highlights the interconnected nature of modern finance. Strong employment data reduces recession fears but increases concerns about persistent inflation. For currency markets, this creates a complex risk environment where traditional correlations can break down. Commodity-linked currencies and emerging market currencies often face particular pressure when the dollar strengthens on hawkish Fed expectations. Global risk sentiment typically suffers when the Fed maintains restrictive policy. Higher US interest rates make dollar-denominated debt more expensive for international borrowers. They also reduce the attractiveness of risk assets compared to safe-haven US Treasury securities. Therefore, the NFP-induced shift in Fed expectations could have ripple effects across global capital markets for weeks to come. Conclusion The GBP/USD pair’s retreat following the strong US employment report demonstrates the ongoing sensitivity of currency markets to Federal Reserve policy expectations. The blowout NFPs data tempered previously aggressive bets on imminent Fed rate cuts, strengthening the US dollar against major counterparts including the British pound. This development underscores the importance of economic data releases in shaping monetary policy narratives and currency valuations. As central banks navigate post-pandemic economic normalization, employment figures will continue to serve as critical indicators for policy direction and market movements. The GBP/USD reaction highlights how quickly market consensus can shift when confronted with contradictory data, reminding traders of the fundamental forces that ultimately drive currency valuations. FAQs Q1: What does “NFPs temper Fed cut bets” mean? This phrase means that strong Non-Farm Payrolls employment data reduced market expectations that the Federal Reserve would soon cut interest rates. Robust job growth suggests the economy can handle higher rates for longer. Q2: Why does strong US jobs data weaken GBP/USD? Strong US economic data typically strengthens the US dollar by suggesting the Federal Reserve will maintain higher interest rates. Since GBP/USD measures pounds per dollar, a stronger dollar means the pair’s value decreases. Q3: How often does the US release NFP data? The US Bureau of Labor Statistics releases Non-Farm Payrolls data monthly, usually on the first Friday of each month. This regular schedule makes it one of the most anticipated economic events for currency traders. Q4: What other factors influence GBP/USD besides US data? Bank of England policy decisions, UK economic data (like inflation and GDP), political developments in both countries, global risk sentiment, and comparative interest rate expectations all significantly influence the GBP/USD exchange rate. Q5: How long do NFP effects typically last in currency markets? The initial volatility usually occurs within the first few hours after release, but the fundamental reassessment of Fed policy can influence currency trends for weeks. However, subsequent data releases and central bank communications can quickly override initial reactions. This post GBP/USD Trims Critical Gains After Blowout NFPs Temper Fed Cut Bets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 15:35

EUR/USD Plunges: Upbeat US Jobs Data Crushes Fed Rate-Cut Expectations

BitcoinWorld EUR/USD Plunges: Upbeat US Jobs Data Crushes Fed Rate-Cut Expectations The EUR/USD currency pair experienced a sharp, albeit brief, decline on Friday, March 7, 2025, following the release of unexpectedly robust US employment figures that significantly altered market expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy. This immediate market reaction underscores the profound sensitivity of global forex markets to shifts in central bank policy narratives, particularly between the world’s two most traded currencies. EUR/USD Reacts to Strong US Labor Market Data The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nonfarm payrolls increased by 275,000 positions in February, substantially exceeding consensus economist forecasts of approximately 200,000. Consequently, the unemployment rate held steady at a historically low 3.7%. This data immediately prompted a recalibration in interest rate futures markets. Traders swiftly reduced the implied probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut at its June 2025 meeting from 72% to just 48% within hours of the report’s release. This recalibration directly pressured the EUR/USD pair, which fell from 1.0950 to a session low of 1.0885 before stabilizing. The dollar index (DXY), which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, conversely jumped 0.6% to 103.8. Analyzing the Immediate Forex Market Mechanics Forex markets operate on interest rate differentials and expectations. Stronger economic data typically supports a currency by suggesting its central bank can maintain higher interest rates for longer to combat potential inflation. The US jobs report directly challenged the prevailing market narrative of imminent Fed easing. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank maintains a more dovish stance, with President Christine Lagarde recently emphasizing data dependency but acknowledging a clearer disinflationary path in the Eurozone. This policy divergence creates the fundamental pressure observed on the EUR/USD exchange rate. Federal Reserve Policy Outlook Reshaped by Data The Federal Reserve’s dual mandate focuses on maximum employment and price stability. The February jobs report, showing persistent strength in hiring and wage growth averaging 4.3% year-over-year, provides the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) with compelling evidence that the labor market remains tight. This environment complicates the fight against inflation, which, while cooled from 2023 peaks, remains above the Fed’s 2% target. “The data forces a rethink,” noted a senior strategist at a major Wall Street bank, speaking on background. “The market was priced for a proactive Fed cutting into economic weakness. Now, it must price for a reactive Fed that may need to hold steady to ensure inflation is truly vanquished.” Interest Rate Futures: Pricing for 2025 shifted from 125 basis points of cuts to under 75 basis points. Fed Communication: Recent FOMC minutes emphasize a “patient” and “methodical” approach. Inflation Watch: Core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, remains a critical data point for future decisions. Historical Context of Jobs Data and Currency Moves This pattern is not unprecedented. Historically, surprise moves in US nonfarm payrolls have triggered average intraday moves of 0.8% in the EUR/USD pair over the past five years. The magnitude of Friday’s reaction aligns with this historical volatility, especially when data contradicts a strongly held market consensus. For instance, similar reactions occurred in late 2023 when strong payrolls delayed initial rate cut expectations. Comparative Central Bank Dynamics: Fed vs. ECB The EUR/USD pair is a tale of two central banks. While the Fed grapples with a resilient US economy, the European Central Bank faces a more fragile growth outlook in the Eurozone. Recent Eurozone GDP data showed stagnation, and inflation has fallen closer to the 2% target than in the US. This fundamental divergence is the core driver of the pair’s medium-term trend. A table comparing key metrics highlights the contrasting environments: Metric United States Eurozone Latest CPI Inflation 3.1% 2.6% Q4 2024 GDP Growth +0.8% (QoQ) 0.0% (QoQ) Unemployment Rate 3.7% 6.4% Market-Implied First Cut July 2025 (Probability ~50%) April 2025 (Probability ~80%) Expert Analysis on Sustainable Trends Market economists caution against extrapolating a single data point into a long-term trend. “The knee-jerk selloff in EUR/USD was logical, but its sustainability hinges on follow-through data,” explained Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at Global Macro Advisors. “If next month’s US CPI and jobs data moderate, rate cut bets will return, potentially supporting EUR/USD. The key is whether this report marks a new trend or is a monthly anomaly. Furthermore, geopolitical risks and energy prices remain wild cards for the Euro.” Broader Market Impacts and Trader Sentiment The ripple effects extended beyond spot forex. US Treasury yields surged, with the 2-year note yield—highly sensitive to Fed policy—rising 12 basis points. Equity markets turned cautious, particularly rate-sensitive growth stocks. The repricing also impacted other dollar pairs, with GBP/USD and AUD/USD following a similar downward trajectory against the strengthening greenback. Risk sentiment, as measured by indices like the VIX, ticked higher as investors reassessed the “higher for longer” interest rate scenario. Yield Impact: US 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.15%. Equity Reaction: S&P 500 futures dipped 0.5% post-data. Carry Trades: Strategies funded by low-yielding currencies like JPY faced pressure. Conclusion The brief but significant dip in the EUR/USD pair following the strong US jobs report serves as a powerful reminder of the forex market’s data-driven nature. The core takeaway is the renewed primacy of economic fundamentals, particularly labor market strength, in shaping Federal Reserve policy expectations and, by extension, global currency valuations. While the immediate move was sharp, the medium-term path for EUR/USD will depend on a sustained data flow from both sides of the Atlantic, continuing the central bank divergence narrative that defines the current financial landscape. Traders and investors must now navigate an environment where every data release carries heightened potential to reshape the interest rate and currency outlook. FAQs Q1: Why does strong US jobs data cause the EUR/USD to fall? A1: Strong US economic data reduces expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon. Higher US interest rates relative to Europe make dollar-denominated assets more attractive, increasing demand for USD and selling pressure on EUR/USD. Q2: Was the EUR/USD move after the data considered significant? A2: Yes, a move of approximately 65 pips (from 1.0950 to 1.0885) in direct response to a data release is considered a significant intraday reaction, reflecting a major shift in market expectations. Q3: What is the main factor driving the EUR/USD pair in 2025? A3: The primary driver is the divergence in monetary policy expectations between the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. The timing, pace, and magnitude of their respective interest rate cycles directly influence the exchange rate. Q4: Could the EUR/USD decline become a long-term trend? A4: A sustained downtrend would require consistent evidence of US economic outperformance and delayed Fed cuts, coupled with persistent Eurozone economic weakness and earlier ECB easing. One data point is insufficient to confirm a long-term trend reversal. Q5: How do forex traders typically position around major data releases like nonfarm payrolls? A5: Traders often reduce leverage or hedge positions ahead of such high-volatility events. After the release, they analyze not just the headline number but also revisions to prior months, wage growth data, and the unemployment rate to gauge the full impact on central bank policy. This post EUR/USD Plunges: Upbeat US Jobs Data Crushes Fed Rate-Cut Expectations first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 15:34

Danske Bank Launches BTC and ETH ETPs

Danske Bank has started offering BTC and ETH ETPs to its customers. This move, brought by the MiCA regulation, reflects institutional demand: Goldman Sachs holds billions of dollars, ETFs have ente...