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	Friday Fix: The Download, Rewarded Interest, and Smashing Boxes Posted Today tl;dr Each week, GrepBeat.com shares stories and news about startups and tech, and David Schwartz helps you catch up with "The Friday Fix." This week, they talked about different topics, including an interview with Scott Finkelstein of NextLot Inc., a podcast on building startup teams, and features on local companies like Rewarded Interest and Smashing Boxes. You can listen to the full podcast and subscribe to stay updated on everything happening in your area!
	Durham’s Smashing Boxes Announces “Human-First” Evolution For The AI Era Posted Yesterday tl;dr Smashing Boxes, a company founded by Nick Jordan in 2010, is entering a "new era" with a focus on using AI while keeping human judgment central. They offer faster product development, AI training, and an on-call partnership model to help businesses innovate and reach the market quickly. Although their methods are evolving, their core services remain the same, and the changes are already in effect, aiming to enhance their role as innovation partners.
	Durham’s Rewarded Interest Puts Consumers in Control of Their Data Posted Yesterday tl;dr Rewarded Interest is a startup that created a Chrome extension to help people control how their data is used online and even get paid when advertisers use it. The founders, who have experience in internet security and advertising, believe that people should have simple tools to manage their privacy and make informed choices about sharing their data. They aim to expand their service to more platforms and grow their user base so that people can earn money from targeted ads.
	The Side Quest: Krista Covey of First Flight Venture Center Posted Yesterday tl;dr Welcome to "The Side Quest," a show by GrepBeat hosted by Joe Colopy and Sonali Sanjay, where they talk about technology in North Carolina and feature guests with interesting projects. This week's guest is Krista Covey from First Flight Venture Center, who talks about her experiences and what's happening at her center. You can listen to the episode on their podcast or watch it on YouTube, and don't forget to subscribe for more episodes!
	In The Soup: Building an Effective Team in Your Early Days Posted Wednesday tl;dr In this episode of "Happy In The Soup," hosts Jenn and Melissa talk with Adam and Runbin about how to hire people for their startup teams. They suggest trying out new hires with a trial period to see how they fit into the company. The episode is sponsored by Curious Ant, and you can listen to it on The GrepBeat Podcast.
	The Download: Scott Finkelstein, Co-Founder and CEO, NextLot, Inc. Posted Tuesday tl;dr Scott Finkelstein is the co-founder and CEO of NextLot, a company that helps auctioneers hold online auctions on their own websites. He started the company with his dad, who had the idea, while Scott used his technology skills to make it happen. Recently, NextLot has grown a lot, especially during COVID-19, and they now offer a complete auction solution that helps with everything from event setup to payment.
	Monday Mix: Application Deadlines, Duke Climate Summit, and Triangle Ecommerce Posted Monday tl;dr Start your week with the Monday Mix from The GrepBeat Podcast, which shares stories and news about North Carolina's tech communities. There are several events happening, like the Triangle Ecommerce Meetup on February 24th and the 1 Million Cups events in Durham and Wilmington on February 25th. If you're interested in more events or deadlines, check out their community calendar or subscribe to the show for updates every Monday!
	Raleigh’s Teen-Led Cubo Cruise Looks To Revolutionize Driving Safety Posted February 20, 2026 tl;dr Four high school friends from Raleigh created Cubo Cruise, a device to prevent distracted driving using AI, even before they had driver's permits. Their invention alerts drivers when they're not paying attention, and it was developed from a simple school project into a product they hope to sell worldwide. The team has gained recognition, presented at major tech events, and plans to partner with car companies while staying close friends.
	Friday Fix: Anumá Aerospace, BEAMRaiL, and Cubo Posted February 20, 2026 tl;dr GrepBeat.com shares news and stories about startups and tech, and the "Friday Fix" helps people catch up on this information every week. This week, they talked about companies like BEAMRaiL and Anumá Aerospace, and shared episodes of podcasts like “In The Soup” about wellness and “The Side Quest” with Tim McLoughlin. You can listen to more by subscribing to The GrepBeat Podcast to stay updated on local tech news.
	The Side Quest: Business Perspectives, Puppy Pandemonium, and More with Tim McLoughlin Posted February 19, 2026 tl;dr Welcome to "The Side Quest," a show by Joe Colopy and Sonali Sanjay that talks about tech in North Carolina and features guests with interesting projects. This week's guest is Tim McLoughlin from Cofounders Capital, who shares about his hockey and Harvard experiences, his new puppy, and his recent funding activities. You can listen to or watch the episode and subscribe so you don't miss future updates.

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