The CEO of battery developer Our Next Energy, Mujeeb Ijaz, has stepped down following the withdrawal of a $100 million investment by a U.K. firm. The demotion comes after the startup rejected a $150 million sale to Microsoft and subsequently shut down.
Life at Sea Cruises, a residential cruise startup, is facing challenges in acquiring a ship for its upcoming three-year world cruise due to investor withdrawals. The company had promised a unique life at sea experience, with residents buying a three-year package and sailing to 382 ports across 140 countries. However, the company has yet to acquire a vessel for the cruise, and unless it finds one without extensive refurbishments, the trip may be canceled. Life at Sea is exploring options to buy another ship, but if unable to sail on December 1, it will offer alternative departure dates or expedited refunds to buyers. Other residential cruise startups have also faced delays and challenges in 2023.