[author: Jared Brenner]

Some interesting links we found across the web this week:

Europe Approves New Trans-Atlantic Data Transfer Deal
Amid the Brexit fallout, the EU is pushing forward on its new “Privacy Shield” agreement with the US, which creates new protections for data transferred from European users to American tech companies. The new regulations will be crucial reading for startups targeting a transcontinental user base, and WilmerHale’s cybersecurity group has you covered with further analysis and links. Politico has a few quick takes from the key players and a wrap-up of other recent tech policy news.

Big Privacy Ruling Says Feds Can’t Grab Data Abroad With a Warrant
Elsewhere in the privacy sphere, Thursday a landmark federal court ruling increased privacy protections for American companies that store their data abroad (typically in Europe), as the court held that search warrants obtained under the Stored Communications Act can no longer be applied internationally. Although there are still other ways American prosecutors can pursue such searches, the case is seen as a victory both for large tech companies and civil liberties advocacy groups. (Bonus link: could artificial intelligence be the next great transatlantic privacy debate?)

Venture Investment Rises to $15.78 Billion as Deal Pace Drops in Second Quarter (Registration Required)
Anchored by two titanic deals, American startups rebounded in Q2 despite an overall drop in the number of financings and less aggressive valuations than we saw last year. The Wall Street Journal has the numbers, TechCrunch has the reactions of several veteran VCs and CIO has some great thoughts on how your company could respond.

Startups Try to Spread Outside of Silicon Valley (Registration Required)
Startups are a global market and we like to think beyond the Bay Area, especially to smaller American cities where companies take advantage of the cost of living and, if they’re lucky, a perception that they are undervalued.   

The Quest For the Next Human-Computer Interface
Most startups are software companies or online service providers, but what about those innovating in hardware? Smartphones and tablets have made touchscreen typing ubiquitous, but they haven’t yet replaced traditional keyboards for full-scale computing. The Atlantic dreams of the possibilities as we wait for the next leap forward.

The First 5 People To Hire For Your Tech Startup
We’re always on the lookout for solid early stage advice, and we like these tips from Forbes on hiring your first employees. And once you’re ready to give them options, you might point them to this excellent resource from The Muse.