Prop E heads for a W: Despite some criticism from venture capitalists, lobbyists and others, the affordable housing proposal Proposition E is likely to pass. The proposition, considered by SF voters last week, is winning based on preliminary vote totals, though as of Monday some ballots had not yet been processed. The measure would tie the creation of new office space to the creation of additional affordable housing in the city. [SF Chronicle]
Waymo money: Last week, the autonomous driving startup announced it raised $2.25 billion in external investment in a round led by Silver Lake, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Mubadala Investment Company. The company is now reportedly valued at $30 billion. [Financial Times]
Still no edit button: Twitter is looking to follow the ephemeral social media trend (think Snapchat and Instagram Stories) with a just-announced test of “fleets,” i.e. “fleeting tweets” that disappear 24 hours after users post them, in Brazil. The social network’s hope is that fleets might lead to more user engagement on the platform. [Variety]
In other Twitter news, Jack Dorsey tweeted that the company just held its first virtual global all-hands meeting using Google Meet and Slack. Twitter is one of many tech companies encouraging its employees to work remotely due to coronavirus fears, and Dorsey himself is reportedly re-considering his previously announced plan to spend six months in Africa because of the outbreak. [Twitter]
Insurance for startups: Startups often face unique challenges when it comes to securing business insurance, so it makes sense that a group of startups has sprung up to tailor to their needs. Among them are Vouch and Embroker. [Built In SF]
WeWork sold Managed by Q: Managed by Q co-founder Dan Teran initially sold his company to WeWork for $220 million, and fought to buy it back, but WeWork has reportedly now sold the company to Eden, a Managed by Q competitor, instead. The reported purchase price was $25 million, though the company has not confirmed that price. [TechCrunch]
Thinking sustainably: Direct-to-consumer footwear startup Allbirds is now offering a three-week class on sustainable design for free to 12 lucky participants. It’s partnering with Pensole, a design academy in Portland, Oregon, for the course, which launches on March 23. Applications close Monday. [Fast Company]
Founders Fund exit: Cyan Banister, the first woman partner at the Peter Thiel-founded Silicon Valley VC fund, is leaving the fund to become a member at a new firm called Long Journey Ventures. The move will bring Banister back to her early stage roots. [TechCrunch]
