10 things in tech startup you need to know today

Good morning! Here is the startup news you need to know this Thursday.

1. Uber struck a deal with NASA to develop Flying Taxi Air Control Software. Uber is working with NASA to develop software for managing “flying taxi” routes in the air along the lines of ride-hailing services it has pioneered on the ground.
2. ShelterZoom, a new real estate start-up instantly connects buyers with sellers. A new tech startup launching Thursday aims to streamline the real estate process for Realtors, buyers and sellers.
3. Google opens applications for Launchpad Africa accelerator.  Google today launched applications for its Launchpad Africa accelerator to early-stage startup from across a number of countries across the continent. The tech giant will take on 10 startups in the program’s first batch, set to start early next year in Lagos, Nigeria — from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
4. Scientists think they’ve discovered a fourth type of fuel for humans — beyond carbs, fat, and protein. A San Francisco-based startup HVMN recently launched a drink made of pure ketone ester that it says can help people harness its performance-boosting qualities. The company partnered with Oxford University to leverage $60 million worth of scientific research with elite athletes.
5. Honda “Xcelerates” Startup Collaborations Globally to Drive Open Innovation. Honda plans to create transformative products and services through open innovation, Honda Innovations is expanding its global open innovation program for early stage innovators to Detroit, Japan, China, and Europe.
6. Peter Thiel-Backed Startup, Stash, To Build Banking App “For All Americans.”  The two-year-old startup hopes its new mobile banking service will empower millions of Americans to manage and simplify their day-to-day financial lives.
7. FireEye, an enterprise cybersecurity startup raised $4.5 million in funding. According to a recent SEC filing, security startup FireEye has raised $4.5 million in financing from an undisclosed investor.
8. El Al’s Cockpit Innovation and Lufthansa join forces in hunt for travel tech. The technology investment arm of El Al Israel Airlines is joining forces with Germany’s Lufthansa Systems to identify and cultivate breakthrough technologies in the aviation and travel spheres.
9. Amazon is not invincible, says Silicon Valley’s most powerful Aussie Jeremy Liew.  The most powerful and celebrated Australian investor in Silicon Valley says fears of Amazon’s dominance in e-commerce are overblown.
10. Fintech Select announces the launch of physical bitcoins. Fintech Select announced in a press release that it is launching a test pilot project around it’s physical Bitcoin product line to accompany the closed loop Selectcoin card at participating retail locations.