Tech:NYC Digest: October 14

Tech:NYC Digest: October 14

October 14, 2021 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Thursday, October 14, 2021

In today’s digest, FDA votes to approve Moderna third dose for 65+ and high risk populations, ideas for providing office perks to remote employees, and how your team can be involved in the NYC Recovery Challenge.  

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By the numbers:

  • New positive cases statewide: 4,401 (-284)

    • New positive cases, NYC: 1,056 (-83) 

  • Statewide Fatalities: 40 (+8)

  • NYC Positivity Rate: 1.3 percent (no change)

  • Statewide Vaccine Progress:

    • Percentage of adults (18+) with at least one dose: 85.3 percent 

    • Percentage of total population with at least one dose: 72.3 percent 

Today’s latest: 

  • The FDA today voted unanimously to recommend a third dose of the Moderna vaccine for those ages 65 and older, as well as those at higher risk due to medical conditions or their jobs. The recommendation makes the same conclusion that was made for the Pfizer booster last month. (New York Times)

    • New York public health officials are awaiting final guidance, but updated information on booster eligibility will be posted here.

  • New forecasts by the CDC predict COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations will continue to decline over the next month, but the agency also warned the number of new cases in children remains “exceptionally high,” with more than 148,000 cases reported as of last week. (CNN)

  • A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Health found a booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine could produce a stronger immune response than a second dose of the J&J vaccine for those with one J&J dose. (NPR)

  • Several new vaccine pop-up sites will be set up at movie theaters in the city this weekend. Anyone who gets their first dose at these sites will also get a $100 gift card. (NY1)

  • New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli launched a new online tool to monitor federal and state spending on COVID-19 relief programs, including funds for excluded workers and small business recovery. Explore more here.

In other reading:

  • A Bookstore in a Bus in the Bronx (Curbed)

  • How Citizen Scientists Are Mapping the Hottest Parts of NYC (Gothamist)

  • See NYC’s bold new subway map, inspired by Massimo Vignelli’s 1972 classic (Fast Company)

With most tech companies pushing their return-to-office dates into 2022, the search is on for more creative ways to offer the company perks their employees are used to. 

  • Ongoing WFH means most companies will host their end-of-year holiday parties the same way they started the year: on Zoom. (Protocol)

Beyond company holiday parties and staff retreats, the pandemic has pushed companies to find digital alternatives to employee perks year-round, especially those looking for ways to keep newly scattered or permanently remote employees motivated. (Washington Post)

Some New York-based startups have evolved their own businesses to meet that need:

  • SnackMagic is an online delivery service providing its workers with monthly customizable snack boxes, with the option to include personal care products and goodies for pets. It also launched a SwagMagic service to allow companies to add their logos to custom swag products that can be included in the boxes.

  • Pizzatime is a service that allows companies to pre-purchase deliveries, allowing remote workers to order pizzas from nearby pizzerias.

  • Other companies are introducing new benefits to cover everything from pet adoption fees, subscription boxes of aromatherapy candles, or House Plant Box, which sends a new houseplant every month.

Other tech companies are experiencing growth they attribute to employee perk programs focused on remote workforces:

  • DoorDash for Work, the company’s corporate customer program, has risen 52 percent since the beginning of the year.

  • Eats on Uber for Business grew more than six times the rate it did in the same period last year.

The takeaway: Tech workers take jobs in part for the company culture, and after two years of remote work, the more their companies can deliver the perks of office life at home, the better.

In other reading:

  • Ohi, a New York City-based commerce platform that promises delivery service in 20 minutes or less, raised $19 million in Series A funding. Palm Drive Capital led the round and was joined by JAM Fund. (Forbes)

  • SeatGeek, a New York City-based ticket platform, agreed to merge with RedBall Acquisition Corp., a SPAC led by Billy Beane, backer of Oakland Athletics, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital Partners. (CNBC)

  • SWFT, a New York City-based electric mobility company, raised $10 million in seed funding. Investors include Martin Lauber (Managing Partner of 19 York), Mark Joseph (CEO of Mobitas Advisor), and David Zwick (Managing Director, RedCap Technologies). (TechCrunch)

Newlab is accepting applications for its Founder Fellowship, an initiative run in collaboration with the NYC Economic Development Corporation. The program is open to early-stage companies working on urban tech solutions addressing issues such as climate change, energy, govtech, public health, transportation, and more. Selected companies receive a 12-month Flex II membership, including access to the Newlab space, network, and other business development and investment opportunities. Learn more and apply by Oct. 27 here.Generation USA and LaGuardia Community College are providing a free, ten-week online training program to become a digital marketing analyst. The program begins on Oct. 27 and includes mentorship from professional coaches, resume workshops, interview prep, and industry certification. Learn more and apply here.The NYC Recovery Challenge, an initiative by Tech:NYC, Google for Startups, and Cornell Tech, is accepting applications from early-stage startups with ideas to support NYC’s economic recovery. Selected teams receive up to $100K in non-dilutive cash awards, as well as product, marketing, and other business support services. Learn more and apply by Oct. 29 here.TechDay New York is accepting submissions for participation in its Founders Summit, a day-long gathering of founders and C-suite executives curated by Techstars and The Fund general partner Jenny Fielding. Attendance is by application only, with in-person and virtual options. Learn more here. The Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) is accepting applications for its Winter 2022 program. Selected companies receive a $100K investment, founder mentorship, and the potential for follow-on funding from ERA’s Fund. Learn more and apply by Nov. 9 here.

The NYC Wine & Food Festival is back! Beginning today through Oct. 17, you can get tickets to culinary demos, walking food tours, intimate dinners, and other events (but only if you’re fully vaccinated). All proceeds this year go directly to organizations supporting New Yorkers in need.

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