Flywheel

Energy storage startup Qnetic is testing a flywheel system aimed at grid-connected storage, positioning it as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Flywheels store energy mechanically in a spinning rotor, offering long cycle life without the material supply or degradation issues tied to batteries. The project is drawing interest from clean-energy communities weighing whether mechanical storage can scale against dominant lithium-ion technology.

Strategy, the bitcoin-focused company led by Michael Saylor, is continuing its cycle of buying and selling shares to fund further bitcoin purchases. The so-called flywheel strategy—using capital raises and convertible debt to accumulate more bitcoin—remains in motion, drawing attention from investors tracking how the company sustains its buying power amid bitcoin price swings.

A US startup has launched a pilot project for a 200 kWh flywheel energy storage system, according to pv magazine Global. Flywheel technology stores energy mechanically in a spinning rotor rather than chemically, offering fast response and long cycle life. The pilot will test the system's performance as interest grows in alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for grid storage.

BCG has released new research arguing that online marketplaces must prepare for agentic commerce, in which AI agents shop, compare and transact on behalf of consumers. The work, highlighted by marketplace technology firm Mirakl, links the shift to a digital flywheel effect: more AI-driven transactions generate more data, which in turn improves the agents' recommendations. Retailers are being urged to assess whether their platforms are agent-ready.

Walmart+ membership growth is being described as a key part of Walmart's broader retail flywheel, with the subscription service seen as reinforcing shopping frequency, loyalty and sales across the company's business. The report highlights the program's role in the retailer's strategy as it competes with rivals like Amazon Prime for recurring customer engagement.