Fusion Guns, French Nerds & Next-Frontier Space Rockets

Good Friday to you all

This week, I've been helping my clients with sales. I have doubted the notion that storytelling is useful to companies, but it seems to be back in full fashion for 2025.

Perhaps reality is biting in that while people buy from people, those people had better be smart, trusted and able to lead a conversation. Drongos and weirdos who can only read the brochure in their sales pitches can go to the back of the class.

What drives success in complex, consultative and C-level sales is a point of view, a strong personal brand and the ability to challenge.

And so, herewith, is the news this week.

A UK-based nuclear fusion startup has developed an innovative "fusion gun" technology, aiming to make fusion energy more accessible and cost-effective. First Light Fusion is pivoting this technology to defence applications, exploring how its high-speed projectile-based fusion system could be used in military settings. Originally designed as a pathway to clean energy, the shift raises questions about whether fusion’s first real-world applications. And when it will be available...

Meanwhile, French scientists have set a new milestone in nuclear fusion by sustaining a plasma reaction for 22 minutes, surpassing China's previous record. Their breakthrough brings fusion energy closer to reality, but scaling it for practical use remains an enormous challenge.

While fusion fights on to deliver practical energy solutions, it 'could' - er maybe - one day - power space travel. Pulsar Fusion, a UK company, is developing a nuclear fusion-powered rocket that could cut travel time to Mars in half. With sustained fusion still a distant goal for energy grids, its early applications may be in space propulsion, where even partial fusion reactions can provide a significant advantage. Any progress in this field will be amazing, but it's pretty out there.

As fusion remains in the research phase, traditional nuclear power is making a comeback. Italy is reviving nuclear energy, decades after phasing it out, citing the need for stable, carbon-free electricity. At the same time, scientists have developed a breakthrough nuclear fuel designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of next-generation reactors. This new fuel can withstand higher temperatures, addressing some of the key risks associated with nuclear power. But will people on the street ever trust it?

The race for better nuclear power is largely being driven by AI, many would argue. However, the Brits are not keeping pace, Microsoft whinges. A survey by Microsoft reveals that over half of UK organizations lack a coherent AI strategy, with many still stuck in experimentation rather than deployment. Microsoft UK’s CEO, Darren Hardman, argues that AI could reshape industries much like the internet did, but warns that failing to act now could leave companies behind. I wonder how sales are going.

Meanwhile, AI infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with South Korea set to host the world’s largest AI data center. The $35 billion project, spearheaded by Brian Koo of the LG founding family, is expected to generate $3.5 billion in annual revenue and solidify the country’s position as a leader in AI and data processing.

The semiconductor market is already seeing the effects of AI’s explosive growth—Broadcom’s stock has surged on record earnings, driven by insatiable demand for AI chips. Funny how precious metals territories are in vogue for global political arguments right now, isn't it.

This surge for chip power will have been buoyed President Trump's latest executive order to establish a US Bitcoin reserve, a major pivot in government crypto policy. By officially stockpiling digital assets, the US is signaling its intent to be a dominant force in the crypto economy. If only people trusted it.

That's it for this week folks.

Call me for coffee, ya? I'm moving over to Mayfair.

Dan x