As Microsoft Incorporates DeepSeek Model in Azure, the Tech Giant Shows Realism and Why It is Winning

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January 30, 2025

Practical realism as Microsoft incorporates China’s DeepSeek model in its cloud computing Azure offerings: “In a move that signals a shift in its artificial intelligence strategy, Microsoft has made Chinese startup DeepSeek’s R1 AI model available on its Azure cloud platform and GitHub, the company announced.”

In Tekedia Institute, I teach a course on Business Model. Largely, I consider a company’s business model as the most important component in the business. Yes, it is the logic of the firm which defines how companies capture value in the market.

And when you go deeper, the Board has one core job: hire a CEO and help build an executive management that will discover the best business model for a company. A company’s business model is so catalytic that a bad one can destroy a great “product or service”, and there is no future in a firm running on a wrong business model.

The current CEO of Microsoft (Satya Nadella) is a great business model zen-master. I used him and Microsoft in the course’s case study. When he became the CEO of Microsoft about a decade ago, the market cap was less than $400 billion. Quickly, he ramped things up, and took the company to $1 trillion and now it is about $3.1 trillion.

What happened? The former CEO before him was a purist as he defended why Microsoft Office and other products must not be prioritized to work seamlessly in Apple iOS and Android ecosystems, because he was still expecting the Windows Mobile to evolve and take over. Even though more than 1 billion iPhone users were asking for these products, he did not care that much.

But when Satya came, he pursued a frenemy playbook – we can be friends and enemies when necessary. He just did it again by incorporating a Chinese AI model in his core product, discarding the purity which many arrogant leaders will push: do not touch it because it is from China, it has no privacy, etc. But here, Satya is already making money on the Chinese model even before those folks figure out how to launch a checkout page. That is why Microsoft is rising: it has a realistic and practical leader

DeepSeek released R1
And it leaves ChatGPT o1 behind.
– DeepSeek R1 is 100% Opensource
– Performance on par with OpenAI-o1
– MIT licensed: Distill & commercialize freely!
– API is 96.4% cheaper than ChatGPT

Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, according to LinkedIn, is having a busy Thursday in Washington, D.C. During a meeting with policy makers, the OpenAI CEO reportedly used the rise of DeepSeek to urge more American investment in artificial intelligence. Later, Altman announced a partnership with the U.S. National Laboratories that will see one of OpenAI’s models installed on their Venado supercomputer. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports, citing anonymous sources, that SoftBank is weighing a $25 billion investment in the startup.

Source materials from https://lnkd.in/dMNkVWGt

Could This Altcoin Dethrone Aave? Whales Seem to Think So

By

TI Partners

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January 30, 2025

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The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape constantly shifts, with new projects challenging established giants. Among the most promising contenders is FXGuys, a rising star in the DeFi and PropFi sectors that has captured the attention of crypto whales. With its record-breaking presale and unique features, FXGuys is positioning itself as a potential rival to Aave, one of the leading platforms in the space.

>>>JOIN FXGUYS HERE<<<

Why FXGuys Is Gaining Momentum

The FXguys is more than just another altcoin. Built around the $FXG token, the platform delivers real-world utility through staking rewards, trading incentives, and a prop trading funding program. Its comprehensive ecosystem has quickly made it a high-potential altcoin, attracting retail and institutional investors.

Currently in its Stage 2 presale, FXGuys has already raised over $2.6 million, with tokens priced at an accessible $0.04. This strong presale performance reflects the growing confidence in FXGuys’ ability to compete with established projects like Aave.

Staking and Consistent Returns

One of FXGuys’ standout features is its staking model, which offers up to a 20% profit and revenue share derived from broker trading volumes. This model not only incentivizes long-term holding but also provides consistent, tangible returns for investors.

In comparison, Aave’s focus on lending and borrowing is less geared toward direct rewards for token holders. FXGuys’ staking program has thus emerged as a more attractive option for those seeking passive income in the DeFi market.

Empowering Traders With Prop Trading

FXGuys has redefined the landscape for retail traders with its prop trading funding program. This feature allows top-performing traders to access accounts with up to $500,000 in capital after passing evaluation challenges. With an 80/20 profit split favouring traders, FXGuys is setting new standards for accessibility and profitability.

The platform’s integration with the FXGuys Trader platform and compatibility with popular trading tools like MT5 and cTrader further enhance its appeal. These features make FXGuys a standout choice for smart prop traders and one of the best proprietary trading firms in the market today.

Trade2Earn: Redefining Engagement

Another innovation driving FXGuys’ popularity is its Trade2Earn program, which rewards users with $FXG tokens for every trade. By incentivizing activity and liquidity, FXGuys creates a dynamic ecosystem that benefits traders and the platform.

While Aave excels in decentralized lending, it lacks mechanisms similar to those directly rewarding user engagement. Focusing on active participation, FX Guys has positioned itself as a more community-driven alternative.

No-Tax Trading and Global Accessibility

The FX guys prioritize user convenience with its no-tax trading model, ensuring users can maximize their profits without additional costs. The platform’s no-KYC decentralized trading also enhances accessibility, allowing users worldwide to trade securely and privately.

Additionally, FXGuys supports same-day fiat and crypto withdrawals in over 100 local currencies, making it one of the most user-friendly platforms in the DeFi space. This global accessibility is another area where FX Guys has a competitive edge over Aave.

Whales Backing FXGuys

Crypto whales, often early adopters of high-growth projects, have shown significant interest in FXGuys. The project’s unique combination of staking rewards, trading incentives, and accessibility has made it a magnet for large-scale investors seeking substantial ROI.

With its presale success and growing community support, the FXGuys is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to Aave. Its focus on delivering tangible benefits to its users has struck a chord with investors looking for more than speculative gains.

>>>JOIN FXGUYS HERE<<<

Could FXGuys Dethrone Aave?

While Aave remains a dominant force in the DeFi sector, FXGuys is making a compelling case for itself as a potential rival. Its innovative features, user-centric design, and strong presale performance have set it apart.

For those seeking a project with long-term growth potential and immediate utility, FXGuys represents an attractive opportunity. As it continues to gain momentum, FXGuys could challenge Aave’s position at the top of the DeFi hierarchy.

To find out more about FXGuys follow the links below:

Presale | Website | Whitepaper | Socials | Audit

Thank You For Funding the Future via Generous Scholarships

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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January 30, 2025

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In this era of knowledge, Tekedia Institute appreciates and thanks Dr. Dozie Amuzie for sponsoring many young people to Tekedia Mini-MBA, starting Feb 10. Dr, we wish you more wins in 2025 and beyond. Thank you for funding the future.

Tekedia Institute >> to discover and make scholars noble, bright and useful.

Good People, join me to thank Dr. Ikechukwu Okoh for supporting young people to attend Tekedia Institute programs, through generous scholarships. Dr. Okoh, we thank you for your generosity and kindness. As you sojourn in markets and careers, win the future and thrive. Thank you for funding the future.

Tekedia Institute: our product is Knowledge.

Emerging trends in the global cannabis industry

By

TI Partners

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January 30, 2025

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The cannabis industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with more countries legalizing its use for medicinal and recreational purposes.

As a result, investors are taking notice of this lucrative market, and entrepreneurs are jumping at the opportunity to capitalize on it. In this article, we will explore some emerging trends in the global cannabis industry that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Focus on health and wellness

As consumers increasingly seek natural alternatives for managing various health issues, CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, is gaining popularity for its purported therapeutic properties.

This demand is fueling the development of a wide array of CBD-focused products, including oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and even beverages. These products are often marketed for their potential to alleviate symptoms like pain, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disorders, appealing to a health-conscious consumer base.

This trend has also led to a surge in demand for products with specific ratios of CBD to (tetrahydrocannabinol) THC. While CBD offers potential wellness benefits without the “high” associated with THC, some consumers find that a combination of both compounds, in varying ratios, can be more effective for their needs. This has prompted manufacturers to create products with carefully balanced CBD:THC ratios, catering to individual preferences and desired effects.

Expansion into emerging markets

The global cannabis industry is not limited to developed countries; emerging markets are also beginning to open up.

Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya have shown interest in legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes. This presents a significant opportunity for companies like Barney’s Farm to expand their reach into these new markets.

As more countries legalize cannabis, there is an increase in demand from emerging markets. As cannabis use becomes more common and accepted in popular culture, negative stereotypes are gradually fading. This shift is particularly evident among younger generations who have a more open-minded view of cannabis.

The cannabis industry is evolving beyond traditional smoking methods, offering a wide range of products. This diversification caters to different consumer preferences and lifestyles, making cannabis more appealing to a broader audience.

Vertical farming

Another trend that’s gaining traction in the cannabis industry is vertical farming. This method of growing cannabis involves using controlled environments and hydroponics to maximize yields while minimizing space and resources.

With vertical farming, growers can produce higher-quality crops more efficiently, reducing costs and increasing profit margins. As the demand for cannabis continues to rise, vertical farming is becoming an attractive option for commercial growers.

Rise of cannabis tourism

The phenomenon of cannabis tourism is rapidly expanding across various regions, driven by an increasing number of destinations that offer unique opportunities for visitors to engage with cannabis culture and products.

As more jurisdictions relax their laws regarding recreational cannabis use, tourism related to the industry is experiencing significant growth, with visitors drawn to destinations that offer unique opportunities, even to find for themselves the best tasting strain.

The rise of cannabis tourism is creating a unique business opportunity for companies to tap into the increasing interest in exploring cannabis culture and products, thereby driving growth and customer engagement.

Companies such as Barney’s Farm are leveraging cannabis tourism by developing unique experiences that enable customers to explore their products in a more interactive and engaging manner, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and driving business growth.

The evolving consumer acceptance of cannabis is expected to continue in the coming years. As more research is conducted and regulations evolve, cannabis is likely to become even more integrated into mainstream society. This trend will have significant implications for the cannabis industry, public health, and social attitudes towards drug use.

Geregu Power Records 71% Profit Surge, Highlighting the Untapped Potential in Nigeria’s Power Sector

By

Samuel Nwite

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January 30, 2025

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Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first publicly listed electricity generation company, has reported a record-breaking 71% increase in profit after tax to N27.4 billion for the 2024 financial year, marking its fifth consecutive year of profitability.

This growth was primarily driven by a 65.3% surge in revenue to N137.1 billion, the highest the company has ever declared. The strong financial performance underscores the enormous profitability of Nigeria’s power sector, despite the chronic electricity shortages that continue to affect the majority of the population.

Nigeria, Africa’s fourth-largest economy and most populous country continues to battle a power deficit that has stifled economic growth for decades. With an estimated population of over 200 million, a staggering 85 million Nigerians—nearly 43% of the population—lack access to electricity, according to the World Bank. For those who have access, supply remains unreliable, with frequent blackouts and grid collapse being common occurrences. This leaves a massive gap in the market, one that companies like Geregu Power have positioned themselves to exploit profitably.

Geregu Power has not only remained profitable but has steadily grown its earnings yearly, proving that the sector remains lucrative for those who can navigate the landscape effectively. The company’s total assets surged to N243.7 billion, an increase of 33.7% compared to the previous year, indicating a continuous expansion in its power generation capacity.

A deeper look at Geregu Power’s revenue breakdown shows that energy sales rose by 69% to N87.4 billion, while capacity charges increased by 59.4% to N49.6 billion. These figures suggest a rising demand for electricity in Nigeria, and more importantly, that power companies operating within the sector can generate significant earnings if they have the capacity to meet this demand.

However, rising costs affected the company’s operating profit margins, which declined slightly from 51.3% to 42.6%, reflecting the broader impact of inflation on operational expenses.

One major challenge in Nigeria’s power industry remains the issue of non-payment and debt accumulation by government-backed agencies like the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc. Geregu Power’s impairment charges soared to N9 billion, a sharp contrast to the N986 million write-back recorded in 2023. Sources within the company indicate that the impairment relates to outstanding payments from NBET. Some analysts argue that if impairment charges were kept at industry averages of around 6%, Geregu Power’s profit could have been as high as N50 billion.

The company also reduced its external debt burden, repaying N17.6 billion in bonds and borrowings, while also taking on an additional N9.7 billion in financing to support expansion efforts. Investments in plant capacity were evident as the company spent N42 billion on assets under construction, indicating that it is actively scaling up to generate more power in the coming years.

Geregu Power’s profitability has also translated into higher returns for investors, as it announced an increase in dividend payments to N21.25 billion, the first dividend hike since its listing in 2023. Previously, the company had maintained an annual dividend of N20 billion, making this increase a sign of confidence in its continued financial strength.

However, the profitability of Geregu Power highlights a stark paradox in Nigeria’s electricity industry: while the sector remains highly lucrative for companies, the vast majority of Nigerians continue to struggle with access to reliable power. Nigeria currently generates between 4,000 to 5,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, far below the estimated 30,000 MW needed to power the country’s homes and industries effectively. The gap between supply and demand means that businesses and households rely heavily on alternative sources of energy such as diesel generators, solar power, and inverters, making electricity an expensive commodity.

Despite the enormous market opportunity, Nigeria’s power sector continues to face structural bottlenecks. The transmission and distribution networks are largely inefficient, with outdated infrastructure that struggles to handle even the current low generation levels.

The sector is also plagued by policy inconsistencies, liquidity constraints, and regulatory challenges, making large-scale investments risky. However, companies like Geregu Power have managed to leverage these inefficiencies to their advantage, filling the power gap and reaping substantial financial rewards.

However, energy analysts believe that the success of Geregu Power is a strong indicator that Nigeria’s power sector is not only viable but capable of delivering exceptional returns for investors willing to navigate its challenges.

As Microsoft Incorporates DeepSeek Model in Azure, the Tech Giant Shows Realism and Why It is Winning

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