[author: Jared Brenner]

Some interesting links we found across the web this week:

Startup Funding Trends Point to Double-Digit Growth and an International Future
If the season’s got you down, the always awesome David Rose is out with a pretty rosy look back at 2016, which many commentators perceived as a down year for startup investment. Check out the study linked in the article for depth on both domestic and international growth.

What is Happening to the Price of Bitcoin? Startups and Industry Veterans Discuss.
Speaking of international growth, don’t look now, but bitcoin is back on the rise after a year of stagnation, especially in South America and Asia.  

Portugal Once Launched Ships, Now It Launches Startups
Meanwhile, across the pond, the original explorers are getting into the startup game. Portugal’s scene certainly is not the best-known, but opportunities abound in the post-Brexit EU, and Portugal is taking full advantage if this piece from Bloomberg is any indication. 

The Problem With Employee Regulations in the Sharing Economy
As you build your team, learn from the lessons of entrepreneurs past and don’t over-rely on the flexibility of independent contractor status as an alternative to employment. Great thoughts on the subject here from AlleyWatch.

How Banks Can Keep Up With Digital Disruptors
From the Wharton School, we like this piece about challenges to traditional banks by fintech startups, because it’s more about how to disrupt (and which industries are most at risk) than finance in particular.