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No-Code and Gen Z: The Productive and Future-Proof Match

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Vivek Goel


For the new generation of workers just entering the workforce (who we fondly call Gen Z), it’s about meaningful jobs and building an impactful career than run-of-the-mill stuff.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, people are reflecting on what they want from their jobs and growth trajectory. Gen Z, in particular, is placing more importance on workplace flexibility. “Work-life balance” has become the ultimate selling point to attract, motivate, and keep early-career workers. In addition, these young employees desire cutting-edge technology that will enable them to remain as productive, effective, and connected as possible.

The Equation between Gen Z and Technology

Gen Z is the first generation who grew up in a digital age. Therefore, they are accustomed to connectivity and technology. Early exposure to devices from millennial parents is thought to have resulted in them having their smartphones by the age of 12. Global Web Index’s survey indicates that 98% of Generation Z worldwide own smartphones.

At least 8 hours a day is how 74% of Gen Z spend their free time online. They are available on various gadgets, including laptops and tablets.  Their exposure to digital media affects how people get information and form opinions. Advantageously, these can serve as platforms for creative expression, inquiry, and learning.

They are more knowledgeable about the technical aspects of technology now that they have been exposed to it. Coding has already been incorporated into the middle school curricula in nations including the United States, Australia, and Israel. Teaching coding to young minds can facilitate adoption and provide them the ability to approach challenges logically and creatively. They can use this expertise not just in programming but in a variety of other careers.

However, due to a lack of mentors and modernized technology, this has not yet been appropriately implemented in other nations. But now that no-code platforms are available, kids will find it simple to start creating their no-code programs, websites, or apps. These resources will make visual programming as simple as dragging and dropping for them. Although there is some code, the learning curve is simple and can be quickly picked up on sites like Youtube, Twitter, Discord, etc.

No-Code and Gen Z – The perfect match

Maintaining employee engagement and preventing burnout is more critical than ever in the face of the “Great Resignation,” which saw four million Americans quit their jobs in July alone. Giving employees the ability to automate away the most tedious parts of their days is the best approach to handle this.

Gen Z is accustomed to using technology to solve problems because they were raised in an era of Google, YouTube how-to videos, and drag-and-drop website builders. There is no reason why this should be any different in the workplace. But unfortunately, no-code is the DIY technology this generation has been waiting for.

No-code platforms have become a golden goose for Gen Z, who have limited access to coding education. A generation of young, “not so obsessed with coding” personnel is being given unprecedented flexibility, thanks to no-code platforms. They can build team-specific applications without much dependency on IT.

No-code is not limited to apps and websites but can enable workflow automation for mundane tasks. As a result, flexibility-loving young employees can save many hours on admin tasks and involve themselves in other high-level analyses and processes.

Of course, no-code tools require deductive reasoning that is inherent to coding. For example, you must be able to create pivot tables or comprehend what machine learning capability is and its potential applications.

The critical thing to remember is that no-code tools are practical because they are simpler to use and appeal to a younger generation familiar with the reasoning these platforms need to operate. Moreover, today’s students view their computers and mobile gadgets as more than merely consuming screens they can activate. Instead, they use them as tools of self-expression, research, and analysis.

Gen Z, No-Code, and Creator Economy

In the creator economy, a person or a group creates visual material or a tangible good and uploads it on a platform. It might be a YouTube video, a handmade necklace sold on Etsy, or even a carefully cropped Instagram photo. It can generate income if someone interacts with it or sees it. Selling, sponsorships, and subscriptions for unique content are ways they can make money upfront.

It’s a tailor-made model for Gen Z for running independent businesses.

No-code is now a tool for creators and young entrepreneurs, with Web3 enabling the decentralization of content delivery. Platforms that can facilitate the production, distribution, monetization, and business management of Gen Z are indispensable for the creator economy to expand. No-code development gives more individuals the ability to become creators and gives creators control over how their work is distributed.

No-code platforms give creators access to other key technologies like AI or blockchain, which can significantly benefit their solopreneur ship. Additionally, they can now create NFT collections consistent with their brand.

Given that most young creators are presumably not tech-savvy, no-code is an ideal tool for the creator economy. Only a tiny fraction of people can create apps or websites from scratch; even then, it typically takes them years to learn and even longer to complete. For a variety of reasons, no-code can give a big push to the middle-class creator economy.

Conclusion

Raising the bar is a crucial aspect of progress in many ways. For example, the standard for data utilization in the workplace, in business, and entrepreneurship is being raised by Gen Z. They are more adept than ever at combining multiple standalone services and integrating them into seamless user interfaces for their clients, readers, and users.

The No-Code Generation can close the productivity gap in the global economy, improving our lives and saving everyone’s time in the process.

Featured Image Credit: Provided by the Author; Thank you!

Vivek Goel

19+ years of leadership experience in IT companies of all sizes ranging from start-ups to large organizations in India and USA. Expertise in strategy and operations across functions such as Sales and Business Development, HR, Process and Quality, Project Management and Product Development.

Politics

Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

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Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

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Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

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Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

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Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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