🫀 Proof this was created by humans

Hey there, Explorers!

This newsletter is created by humans. Two humans, to be exact.

We don’t use AI to write any of our content. We do use it, though, to help us curate news, for some research, and to generate some images and ideas.

But that’s not the case with a lot of stuff we read, see, or hear lately. And it’s becoming increasingly harder to tell what’s being created by AI and what isn't. Mostly because the AI output is so good.

Why is it so good? Because it’s being trained on content created by humans. And largely, those humans aren’t being credited or compensated for that content. So lawsuits are starting to fly - a lot of them.

But there are startups that are tackling this problem opportunity, and in today’s issue, we explore one of those.

We also look at how tech is redefining the world of commerce and shopping and look at an AI mapping tool we recently discovered that blends AI with real IRL experiences.

Here’s what’s going on…

🗞️ TECH & TRENDS | News & More

🛒 It’s hot outside! Let’s make water and ice cream more expensive | Taking a page from Uber’s playbook, surge pricing is coming to your local grocery store. This month, Walmart became the latest retailer to announce it’s replacing the price stickers in its aisles with electronic shelf labels. The new labels allow employees to change prices as often as every ten seconds. Big game on tonight? Beer just got a surcharge… Bread about to go bad? No worries, here’s a discount!

🧠🛍️ Shopify is making shops smarter | The company that powers more than 4.6 million online stores just announced a bunch of AI-focused updates, including “Sidekick,” a support chatbot for merchants, helping them do things like make discount codes, generate reports, review analytics, or suggest blog post ideas. Other tools include smart categorization and tagging, suggested customer service replies, and AI image generation. It’s like hiring a team of a dozen people without the dozen people!

🫀 Proof this was created by humans | A new startup created by Trip Adler (former CEO of Scribd) and backed by David Sacks, Garry Tan, and Walter Isaacson helps people license—and monetize—their creative work to AI models. Created by Humans aims to be a platform where creators of videos, images, music, and even medical data can sell licensing rights for AI training.

🗺️ Put your world on a map | Maps help us understand the world around us. But you shouldn’t have to be Amerigo Vespucci to create your own. PamPam is a new and fun way to make custom guides and maps for your friends and community without coding or clunky tech (thanks again AI!)

💡🤖 Your business needs ideas, and we’ve got them! | Thinking about AI but need a game plan? Looking for innovative ideas for your business? Purple Horizons is the innovation lab that helps you turn potential into profit. Book a 30-minute strategy session with Ralph & Gianni and see how we can help your business grow!

💼 Maybe it’s time… | Your dream job is waiting for you! Upgrade your resume, fast-track your job search, and find the PERFECT job with Teal. Sign up – It’s 100% Free! ^_(Sponsored)

🗞️ CALLING MIAMI ENTREPRENEURS | Time to Level Up!

NextLevel X Northeastern is a one-day experience for small business owners, founders, and operators who are looking to build skills for the rapidly growing innovation marketplace. The speaker lineup will include incredible serial entrepreneurs and business leaders who will guide you through both inspirational and practical sessions. The event will be limited to 100 participants.

Founders and small business owners can apply here: NextLevel x Northeastern

📅 LET’S HANG OUT | Upcoming Events

📍 7/2 Bougie’s Tech & Trends Tuesdays

📍 7/9 Cafecito and Pastelitos

📍 7/17 Unreal Engine Miami Meetup

👋🏼 SEE YOU SOON!

🚀 Ever heard of The Explorers Club?

It's our exclusive community on Telegram where big ideas are born and the future gets shaped daily. Entrepreneurs, marketers, founders, and business leaders – we’ve got them all! We keep each other accountable and learn from the very best.

Is it worth it? Just ask any of our members – they’ll tell you how awesome it is!

Join us for just $8/month. See you inside! 🚀