The US IPO market, expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, faces challenges from rising Treasury yields. Yields on 30-year Treasurys recently surpassed 5%, potentially affecting valuations of high-growth companies and leading some to delay IPOs. "Rates are one of the key potential headwinds" for the IPO market, said Robert Stowe, head of Americas equity capital markets at Barclays Plc. "If there's an impact on the equity market then there will be an impact on the IPO market."

Poor communication with your team can affect employee trust, retention and engagement, writes clinical psychologist and author Monica Vermani, who offers seven steps to better communication, including the need for leaders to engage in two-way communication, adapt their style and invest in training. "When leaders share organizational goals and values, talk about opportunities on the horizon and share information about navigating organizational changes and challenges, they create a culture where employees feel valued and included," Vermani writes.

Venture capitalists can offer significant value to startups beyond capital including helping with recruitment efforts, securing key customer introductions and providing guidance on scaling operations, according to Elena Pantazi of Northzone. Pantazi stresses the importance of founders actively engaging with their VCs for strategic advice and personal development support, which can be crucial during the highs and lows of building a business.

Financial wellness technologies are becoming a key employee perk in 2025, with companies like Salt Labs and Dayforce leading innovations in on-demand pay and financial planning tools. As economic conditions tighten, HR leaders are leveraging these benefits to boost engagement without increasing wages, addressing workers' financial priorities such as credit improvement and emergency savings.

Startups are applying their technology and looking to fill gaps as wildfires continue to affect the Los Angeles area. For example, Frontline Wildfire Defense says that 57 homes in the area had activated its advanced sprinkler systems. In addition, insurance startups might find opportunities in the area as the market shifts.

Venture Global plans to raise up to $2.3 billion at a $110 billion valuation in an initial public offering of 50 million shares priced between $40 and $46 each, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The IPO would be the largest in the US energy sector since 2013.

The biopharma market saw increased investment in the third quarter compared with the prior period, although headwinds remain, writes PitchBook's Jacob Robbins and Jordan Rubio. They offer an in-depth look at the market and note that the chemistry sector has powered the broader biopharma segment.