For years, GovTech was the investment world’s least sexy category. Long sales cycles. Tortuga speed procurement processes. Entrenched incumbents. And enough red tape to circle the globe.

We didn’t see it that way.

While others looked the other way, we leaned-in – backing companies that embraced the complexity rather than avoiding it. From Carbyne to Via Transportation, we’ve bet on a simple truth: in GovTech, friction is a feature, not a bug.

1 View gallery Lior Prosor. ( Courtesy )

Why? Because once you become the standard in a public agency, you tend to stay that way. Contracts are sticky. Switching costs are high. And when you get it right, win rates can exceed 60% – numbers that would make most enterprise SaaS founders jealous.

Ironically, some of the best-performing companies on the public and private markets today are GovTech players. Palantir and Tyler Technologies have become breakout stories in the public markets. And in the private markets, you’ll find companies like Anduril, Flock Safety, OpenGov, Peregrine, and of course Via – all helping to redefine how government operates in the modern era.

Today, interest in GovTech is rising, helped by the tailwinds from DefenseTech and a broader rethink around public sector innovation. But this isn’t just a shift in investor perception. It’s a shift in government expectation.

Welcome to the Era of the Efficiency Mandate

Thanks to initiatives like DOGE (focused on driving operational efficiency and accountability), public agencies are under pressure to do more with less. A good product isn’t enough. You need to cut costs, improve outcomes, and make your agency buyer look like a hero, all at once.

Efficiency, taxpayer ROI, and impact aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re the baseline.

The best GovTech startups today understand that. They’re not just building tools, they’re solving pain. They’re not selling software – they’re delivering wins.

The Winning GovTech Formula: 3 Traits We Keep Seeing

1. Obsessed with Efficiency

Great GovTech isn’t about bells and whistles. It’s about doing more with less – less headcount, less manual process, less overhead. DOGE’s recent review of 8,500 contracts, which led to nearly $30 billion in savings, is a wake-up call. For the right startups, it’s also a massive opportunity to align their pitch with a government priority.

Take Tyler Technologies, for example. By automating property tax assessments and other core functions, they’ve cut costs while actually improving services.

2. Cloud + AI > Legacy Bloat

Government IT is under pressure to modernize, and fast. That’s opening the door for cloud-native, AI-powered platforms to replace bloated, slow, paper-heavy systems. The mandate is clear: fewer people doing more work, enabled by automation.

3. Distribution Is the Unlock

Go-to-market in GovTech is tough. Procurement takes time. Relationships matter. And every agency operates a little differently. That’s why distribution and partnerships are everything. The best companies don’t sell alone, they tap into trusted allies with existing reach.

Palantir’s recent partnership with Anthropic to bring Claude into federal agencies is one high-profile example. But there are many others. OpenGov, for instance, has accelerated adoption by integrating with procurement platforms like Bonfire, streamlining RFP workflows and embedding their solution directly into the tools governments already use. It’s not just smart sales – it’s a structural advantage.

Carbyne: A Case Study in How to Get It Right

We’ve seen all of this play out at Carbyne, which just closed its Series D , backed by Cox, AT&T, and Axon.

Carbyne builds cloud-native platforms for emergency contact centers, modernizing 911 and dispatch systems nationwide. Their product is faster, smarter, and more reliable than the outdated infrastructure it replaces. But what really sets Carbyne apart is who it empowers.

At the heart of every emergency call is a 911 operator, underpaid, overworked, and making split-second, life-and-death decisions. Carbyne helps them cut through noise, route calls intelligently, and dispatch with confidence. That intelligence then carries through to the first responders – firefighters, EMTs, police, giving them better visibility and faster coordination.

In short, it’s tech that doesn’t just serve the system, it serves the people who make the system work.

Their rapid growth has been powered not just by great product, but by smart public-private partnerships, with AT&T, GMR, Converge, Tyler, and now Axon. Carbyne is a masterclass in building with the public sector’s mission in mind, and proving that impact and commercial success aren’t mutually exclusive.

Sagarika Chakraborty, the Indian mother who inspired this hard-hitting movie, shared her thoughts on Rani’s win in an exclusive interview with Firstpost’s Lachmi Deb Roy. She said ‘This recognition is not just a personal triumph for her—it is a moment of validation for every mother who has ever fought against unimaginable odds for her children’.

Rani Mukerji bagged the Best Actress National Award win for her impactful portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Sagarika Chakraborty, the Indian mother who inspired this hard-hitting movie, shared her thoughts on Rani’s win in an exclusive interview with Firstpost and said ‘This recognition is not just a personal triumph for her—it is a moment of validation for every mother who has ever fought against unimaginable odds for her children.’

“As the real-life inspiration behind _Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway_ and the author of The Journey of a Mother, I am overwhelmed with emotion to see Rani Mukerji honored with the National Award for her performance in the film. This recognition is not just a personal triumph for her—it is a moment of validation for every mother who has ever fought against unimaginable odds for her children,” said Chakraborty.

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Talking about her book and praising Rani Mukerji’s layered and extraordinary portrayal, she added, “My book chronicles the raw, often painful truth of what I endured. The circumstances I was forced to navigate were far more complex and heartbreaking than what could be portrayed in a two-hour film. Yet within that limitation, Rani Mukerji nailed it. Her portrayal was deeply moving, layered, and extraordinarily powerful. She brought not just authenticity but soul to my story—her performance was nothing short of outstanding.”

Sharing that reality was more painful compared to shown in the film, Chakraborty shared, “Of course, cinema has its own constraints. It’s impossible to encapsulate every detail and emotional turn of events in just over two hours. That’s why I’ve carefully documented the many twists, legal battles, and emotional breakdowns in my book. The reality was even more painful and demanding than what the audience witnessed on screen. Every page of The Journey of a Mother is a testament to the strength and endurance a mother must summon when her children are at stake.”

Sagarika also shared that she has already started work on the second part of her book, which will lead to a possible sequel. “Given the overwhelming response and the global relevance of this issue, I have already begun working on the second part of my book. There is so much more yet to be said—more layers to this journey that the world needs to understand. Once the writing is complete, I plan to engage in discussions with the director and producers about a potential sequel. There are still many truths to be told,” the author said.

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“Above all, I am immensely happy and proud that Rani Mukerji’s incredible performance has received the recognition it truly deserves. I believe stories like mine must reach people—not only to raise awareness, but to inspire courage, hope, and change in society. If this film and my book can empower even one struggling parent, then all the pain was not in vain,” she concluded.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a world that moves fast and feels busier by the day, we often find ourselves looking ahead—waiting for the next big thing: milestones, weekends, or special plans we hope will lift our spirits. And while those moments can certainly uplift us, so can the everyday moments that quietly shape our lives. The small ones that pass us by and we tend to overlook: a shared laugh, running errands, me-time during our daily commutes, lunch breaks with coworkers, dinner with family, or the comforting ritual of your favorite cup of coffee.

“Feel the PICKUP,” the newest campaign by PICKUP COFFEE, is a reminder that uplift isn’t found only in the big, standout moments — it lives in the in-between, too. In the small, fleeting pockets of our day that we often miss. What some call “glimmers.” Through this campaign, PICKUP COFFEE invites everyone to take notice, and rediscover the feel-good, daily uplifts that’s been there all along—beginning with your daily cup of coffee.

PICKUP COFFEE was built on a simple belief: that everyday moments — big or small, like a daily cup of coffee — can uplift you. But that kind of uplift shouldn’t be hard to find or come at a high price.

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The team saw that coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a moment of UPlift, right when someone needs it. So they set out to build a brand that’s fast, accessible, and affordable — without compromising on taste and quality. One that’s meant to be part of your everyday life, not just the special occasions. No exclusivity, no fuss — just great coffee made for everyone. That’s exactly what “Feel the PICKUP” is about. It captures the heart of what drives the brand: a mission and bigger purpose — to UPlift everyone, everywhere, one PICKUP at a time.

One brand, many ways to UPlift

“Feel the PICKUP” is more than just a campaign — it’s an expression of PICKUP COFFEE’s deeper purpose to UPlift the everyday. Because uplifting those everyday, in-between moments is at the heart of what PICKUP COFFEE stands for, the brand has been finding new ways to bring that feeling to life. Here are some of its latest innovations:

1. The Launch of PICKUP PRIME

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Just last month, PICKUP COFFEE unveiled its very first PICKUP PRIME branch at SM Seaside Cebu. More than just a store, PICKUP PRIME is a dedicated space where the community can come together — to meet, connect, and enjoy an elevated PICKUP experience. Plans are underway to roll out additional PRIME stores in key areas, making this enhanced experience available to even more customers.

2. The Introduction of the PICKUP Club via the PICKUP App

True to the “Feel the PICKUP” campaign, the PICKUP Club is here to turn your daily coffee habit into a feel-good ritual — filled with rewards and surprises for the PICKUP COFFEE community. Fully integrated into the PICKUP COFFEE App, the loyalty program features tiered membership levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald — designed to uplift and appreciate those who choose PICKUP as part of their daily routine. Members earn points with every order and unlock increasingly bigger perks as they level up, including exclusive discounts, birthday treats, welcome bonuses, weekly deals, and VIP-only benefits. More than just a points system, the PICKUP Club is a way to make the everyday coffee experience feel more rewarding — with every cup.

As a way to celebrate the launch, PICKUP COFFEE is providing a special treat: Share the PICKUP — a Buy-3-Get-1 offer for all Club members to enjoy. This exclusive voucher will be available daily on the PICKUP App from July 31 to August 3, 2025.

3. The Introduction of PICKUP Frappes

PICKUP COFFEE is now serving up its most indulgent lineup yet: PICKUP Frappes. These blended creations are designed to turn simple cravings into small moments of joy — true to the Feel the PICKUP spirit. From Kape Kastila to Oreo to Triple Choco Chip, each frappe is crafted to uplift everyday moments—whether you’re cooling off, celebrating something big, or just treating yourself because you can.

These exciting milestones were unveiled on July 30 at Calle at 9465, Parañaque through a thoughtfully crafted “degustation” menu — designed to serve as a meaningful reminder of the UPlifting moments that surround us every day. The experience engaged both senses and emotions, inviting guests to Feel the PICKUP for themselves — through every flavor, every sip, every story, and every shared moment of connection.

As “Feel the PICKUP” rolls out across digital platforms, physical stores, and surprise activations, the campaign serves as a timely reminder: moments of uplift are all around us — in both the big and the small — and PICKUP COFFEE is here to meet those moments with quality, convenience, and heart. From seamless ordering on the PICKUP App, to the rewards of the PICKUP Club, and ongoing flavor and experience innovations, PICKUP COFFEE continues to bring the spirit of Feel the PICKUP to life.

So, what PICKs you UP? The brand invites everyone to take notice and rediscover the uplift that’s been there all along. To notice the moments — big and small — that lift us up, and to “Feel the PICKUP” every day, everywhere. Because it’s often the everyday moments that stay with us — and quietly make all the difference.

Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, for the first time since his pitching debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. It’ll not only be an iconic faceoff but also a recall to his match-up against Mike Trout in 2023.

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The 2023 World Baseball Classic has been etched into the minds of baseball fans, with Ohtani and Trout’s final outing being the highlight of the game. Ahead of the rivalry showdown on Wednesday, Mookie Betts put it into words, noting,

“It was just a moment in history that, in that situation, may never happen again.”

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Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts can’t agree more as he compared the faceoff to a “world scale of baseball”. St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado recalled getting “chills” as he witnessed the battle.

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“It was like a movie script coming together that you have Shohei Ohtani, team Japan, versus Mike Trout, team USA,” said Dino Ebel, team USA’s third-base coach in 2023 WBC. “To have that kind of matchup and that kind of atmosphere, it’s something I will never forget.”

He said it was Shohei Ohtani’s “nastiest” pitch he’d ever seen. The game ended with Japan celebrating their win over Team USA in a 3-2 score.

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Looking back at the 2023 WBC, Roberts expressed that he was “glued in,” and hopes Ohtani “gets the best of” Trout in the latest matchup. Trout will be starting as the designated hitter for the Angels.

Mookie Betts’ day off canceled, set to join Shohei Ohtani vs. Angels

Mookie Betts [Source: Imagn]

While the 2023 WBC atmosphere might not be recreated once again, the baseball world is buzzing over the Shohei Ohtani-Mike Trout matchup. However, a slight change has been made before the game.

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts updated that Mookie Betts, who was on a scheduled leave, will be playing against the Angels. Max Muncy, at the last moment, was taken out of the lineup due to soreness on his right side.

Fabian Ardaya @FabianArdaya Max Muncy felt some soreness in his right side in the cage this afternoon. He’s going in for testing tomorrow. That’s why he was scratched.

As for Ohtani, Roberts has a plan to start him for five innings tonight before making any further adjustments. It’ll be a heavy blow for the team if Muncy has to be sidelined for an extended period.

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About the author Kaushani Chatterjee Kaushani Chatterjee is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda with over 4 years of experience at publications such as FirstSportz.

Her favorite teams are the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. She is a fan of both the teams which left her conflicted during the 2024 World Series game.

She started watching the MLB during her school years and developed a keen interest in the sport. Now she is hooked.

Kaushani’s hobbies include guitar, sketching, watching anime (tons of them), listening to music, and watching Asian dramas (Korean/Thai in general). Know More

Hear us out. What if we told you that your next Instagram-worthy summer travel moment doesn’t even require a plane ticket? This summer, McDonald’s is inviting everyone to step into the world of McDonaldland. It’s the home of Ronald McDonald and his crew of iconic characters, and it’s welcoming visitors in a fun new way. You don’t need to book a flight or pack a bag. Just head to your local McDonald’s and experience a playful escape where an everyday meal feels like a mini-vacation. Before we get into what’s on the menu, know this: McDonaldland is about bringing back the joy of simple moments and turning your next visit into something worth sharing.

Let’s start with the McDonaldland Meal, your ticket to a little summertime fun. At the heart of it all is the Mt. McDonaldland Shake, made from the legendary blue lava of Grimace Island’s thick shake volcanoes. The flavor is part of the mystery, and every sip gives you a new reason to guess.

With the meal, you can choose a Quarter Pounder with Cheese® or a 10-piece McNuggets®, served alongside Fries®. This lineup delivers on all fronts, whether you’re craving something savory or just looking to enjoy the moment.

Of course, no trip is complete without a souvenir. Every McDonaldland Meal includes one of six Souvenir Kits, each one inspired by a resident of McDonaldland. Inside, you’ll find something playful to take home. For example, the Grimace Souvenir Kit comes with two postcards to share with friends and five Grimace-themed stickers to keep or collect. Each one also includes a QR insert that activates a Booking.com discount, just one more way to keep the magic going.

This is more than a meal. It’s a chance to pause, enjoy every bite, and let a little bit of McDonaldland magic brighten your day.

All around you, the McDonaldland crew is doing what they do best. Grimace is out here spreading joy like it’s his full-time job, Birdie’s catching the sunrise over the Sundae Mountains like she’s got nowhere else to be, and you already know Hamburglar is posted up, plotting on somebody’s burger. Their energy is woven into every fry, every familiar face behind the counter, and every moment that reminds you that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

Pull in solo or bring the whole group chat. Stay for ten minutes or linger until your shake hits the last refreshing sip. Either way, McDonaldland turns a normal day into something you’ll talk about later. No airports, no check-ins, just a short drive, a cold Mt. McDonaldland Shake, a hot meal, and a moment that feels easy and real.

Book a trip to your local McDonald’s either in-app or in-person and let McDonaldland be the highlight of your summer adventures, with good food, good company, and a little extra fun to share along the way.