Observed Signal · Jan 31, 2024 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Wide Resistance Against Apple's Core Technology Fee
Apple's plan to implement a Core Technology Fee (CTF) under the EU's Digital Markets Act has sparked widespread protest from Spotify, Microsoft, Mozilla, Epic Games, and Threema. The fee charges €0.50 per app install after the first million, which critics argue undermines the DMA's goal of enabling alternative app stores. Threema CEO Martin Blatter calls on the EU Commission to reject Apple's proposal. Concurrently, Spanish HR scale-up Factorial acquired Berlin-based AI startup Empion to integrate AI-driven talent assessments into its platform, following a $150M Series D round at a $2.5B valuation led by General Catalyst.
Apple's Core Technology Fee is a major policy change affecting app distribution across the EU, with widespread backlash from major tech companies, and the article also covers a significant M&A in the HR tech/AI space.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple introduced a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per install after 1 million installs on iOS.
- Threema, Spotify, Microsoft, Mozilla, and Epic Games publicly protested Apple's CTF.
- Threema CEO Martin Blatter urged the EU Commission to reject Apple's proposed solution.
- Factorial acquired Empion, a Berlin-based AI recruiting startup, for an undisclosed amount.
- Factorial raised $150M in Series D funding at a $2.5B valuation, led by General Catalyst with Atomico and Four Rivers.
Connected Companies & Entities
12 Entities mapped“Apple is imposing the Core Technology Fee under the EU Digital Markets Act....”
“Spotify demanded the EU Commission act against Apple's monopolistic behavior....”
“Microsoft's Xbox division criticized Apple's new policy as a step in the wrong direction....”
“Mozilla is listed among companies protesting Apple's fee....”
“Epic Games is listed among companies protesting Apple's fee....”
“Siemens Mobility is a customer of Empion....”
“Deutsche Telekom is a customer of Empion's AI assessment platform....”
“General Catalyst led Factorial's Series D round....”
“Atomico participated in Factorial's Series D round....”
“Personio is a Munich-based competitor to Factorial in the HR software market....”
“Mistral AI recently acquired the Linz-based AI startup Emmi AI....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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