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Here are this week's top research briefs.

The Creator Economy Market Map
From content creation tools to administrative platforms, these 125+ companies are innovating across the creator value chain.

From Alibaba To Zynga: 45 Of The Best VC Bets Of All Time And What We Can Learn From Them
These venture bets on startups that "returned the fund," making firms and careers, were the result of research, strong convictions, and patient follow-through. Here are the stories behind the biggest VC home runs of all time.

The Race For AI: Which Tech Giants Are Snapping Up Artificial Intelligence Startups
Artificial intelligence companies are a prime acquisition target for companies looking to leverage AI tech without building it from scratch. In the race for AI, this is who's leading the charge.

Here’s A List Of 128 Bankruptcies In The Retail Apocalypse And Why They Failed
From executive missteps to pandemic-related shutdowns, we look at why some of the biggest retailers, including Sears and JCPenney, have filed for bankruptcy.

The Top 250 Fintech Companies Of 2020: Where Are They Now?
In September 2020, CB Insights announced our third annual Fintech 250 — a list of the 250 most promising private fintech companies across the globe. We take a look at where these companies are now.

Modern Card Issuer Marqeta Is Going Public. Here’s What It Means For Payments Tech & Issuer Innovation
We look at how the company is taking on the payments industry as digital transactions surge — and where it might fall short in the public market.

Open Banking Outlook: How The API Economy Is Reinventing Financial Services
Open banking is at an inflection point, with usage, partnerships, and funding on an upward trajectory. We analyze the growing trend and the implications of API-led consumer data transmission for the rest of financial services.

ESP Vendor Assessment Matrix — Underwriting Data Platforms In Life Insurance
This report uses the CB Insights Execution Strength & Positioning (ESP) Matrix to analyze vendors that deliver underwriting data platforms in life insurance.