From TechCrunch · 40 stories
Facebook launches dedicated Marketplace seller app and free human verification system
Facebook released a new "Seller" app for Marketplace users and introduced a free verification system to confirm human authenticity across Dating, Marketplace, and Groups. These updates aim to improve user engagement and organization on the platform, particularly for its large Marketplace user base.
Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua to step down as company expands into robotaxis and robotics
Amnon Shashua, founder and CEO of Mobileye, will step down from his leadership role after nearly three decades, as the company focuses on robotaxis and humanoid robots. This transition occurs as Mobileye shifts beyond its traditional chip supply business to develop its own autonomous driving systems and launch new services.
Insurance Startup Corgi Reportedly Raises Third Funding Round in Eight Weeks, Valued at $4B
Corgi, an AI-powered insurance startup, has reportedly closed a second extension of its Series B funding round, valuing the company at $4 billion. This marks its third funding round in eight weeks, highlighting rapid investor interest in AI-driven insurance solutions.
Runway Launches AI Model Router for Generative Media on Developer Platform
Runway introduced Media Router, a tool on its Runway Dev platform that automatically selects optimal generative AI models for image, video, and audio based on developer priorities like quality, speed, or cost. This development aims to simplify the integration of diverse generative media models for developers, addressing the increasing complexity of the generative media landscape.
AI Chip Startup Etched Raises $300M Series C at $10.3B Valuation
AI chip startup Etched secured $300 million in Series C funding, bringing its valuation to $10.3 billion. The company, founded in 2022, designs chips and full systems specifically for AI model inference, addressing a critical need for faster processing in AI applications.
Google's Gemini AI Assistant Nears One Billion Users, Tripling Growth in a Year
Google's AI assistant, Gemini, now has over 950 million monthly users, tripling its user base from the previous year. This growth positions Gemini to compete more closely with OpenAI's ChatGPT and indicates a significant expansion in the adoption of AI assistants.
ServiceNow invests $40 million in Indian banking software firm BusinessNext
ServiceNow invested $40 million in BusinessNext, an Indian banking software specialist, acquiring a 5% stake in the company. This strategic partnership combines ServiceNow's enterprise workflow platform with BusinessNext's AI-driven banking expertise to expand jointly into the global financial services sector.
Tesla Delays Volume Production for Cybercab, Semi, Megapack 3, Removes Optimus Goal
Tesla pushed back volume production timelines for its Cybercab, Tesla Semi, and Megapack 3 commercial energy storage solution beyond 2026, and removed the 2026 volume production goal for its Optimus robot. These delays coincide with increased company spending on new products and a strategic shift towards AI and robotics, resulting in higher capital expenditures and negative free cash flow despite rising revenue.
SoundCloud Acquires Decentralized Music Platform Nina Protocol After Its Shutdown
SoundCloud acquired Nina Protocol, a decentralized music platform that had recently shut down due to an unsustainable business model. This acquisition expands SoundCloud's offerings for independent artists, integrates Nina's editorial content, and provides a migration path for Nina's artists to SoundCloud.
Science Corporation's PRIMA vision-restoring chip receives EU approval
Science Corporation's PRIMA device, a brain-computer interface designed to restore vision, received approval from Europe's medical device regulator for sale. This approval allows the company to commercialize the device for age-related macular degeneration, offering a new treatment option for millions suffering from vision loss.
Yope raises $12.3M to build private social network without algorithms or ads
Yope secured $12.3 million in seed funding led by Northzone to develop a private social network. The platform focuses on "micro communities" without algorithms, ads, or public content, aiming to provide an alternative to large-scale social media by prioritizing privacy and real-world connections.
Cascade raises $3.5M seed funding to aid construction firms in project acquisition
Cascade has secured $3.5 million in seed funding to assist architecture, engineering, and construction firms in identifying and winning projects through an AI-driven platform. This funding will support the startup's market entry and expansion efforts within the construction industry.
Passionfroot raises $15M to expand B2B creator marketplace in the US
Passionfroot secured $15 million in Series A funding to enhance its B2B creator marketplace and expand into the U.S. and São Paulo. The funding will support growth by increasing personnel and establishing new offices, capitalizing on the rising need for creators as AI technology floods the market with products.
Synthesia launches Roleplay Sessions for interactive AI training
Synthesia has introduced Roleplay Sessions, an AI-driven interactive training tool for high-stakes conversations. This shift from video-based training aims to enhance learning through practice and feedback, addressing enterprise needs for measurable AI performance.
Rumors of Anthropic acquiring Physical Intelligence surface amid AI acquisitions
Rumors circulated that Anthropic was acquiring the robotics firm Physical Intelligence, which were partially confirmed as the two had acquisition talks in spring 2023. The potential acquisition emerges amidst significant AI acquisitions as firms seek to integrate physical-world understanding into their capabilities, crucial for future superintelligent systems.
Sila raises $300M to expand battery materials factory amid EV slowdown
Sila secured $300 million to expand its Washington factory, producing anode materials for over 100,000 EVs. This move comes despite a slowdown in U.S. EV sales but aligns with increasing global demand for alternative battery materials.
Einride acquires EV charging startup Flipturn for $38M
Einride has acquired EV charging startup Flipturn for $38 million in stock to enhance its EV-charging ecosystem. This acquisition aims to support Einride's strategy to scale its electric trucking business in the U.S. by integrating charging software with its electric truck offerings.
Paramount wins bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion
Paramount has successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion, surpassing Netflix's bid. This acquisition consolidates Paramount's position in the entertainment sector amid rising competition and shifts in media consumption.
UK government cancels digital ID card initiative amid public opposition
The UK government has abandoned plans for mandatory digital ID cards following widespread public opposition. The funds intended for the ID card program will now be redirected to help reduce household electricity costs amid rising living expenses.
Deezer reports over 50% of daily uploads now AI-generated
Deezer announced that more than 50% of daily uploads on its platform are AI-generated tracks, reflecting a significant increase. This rise in AI music has prompted Deezer to implement measures to remove certain uploads, in a bid to protect artists' rights and combat fraud.
Bluecore Energy secures $10M for portable nuclear reactors on barges
Bluecore Energy has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop portable nuclear reactors on barges. The startup aims to provide clean energy to ports and surrounding infrastructure, addressing growing power demands while utilizing existing water-cooled nuclear technologies.
Gritt raises $34 million to develop robots for solar panel installation
Gritt has raised $34 million in funding to deploy AI-driven robots for solar panel installation. The startup aims to address workforce shortages in solar energy construction by utilizing off-the-shelf hardware to automate tasks on-site.
Colossal Biosciences in talks for new funding at $20B–$30B valuation
Colossal Biosciences is negotiating to raise new capital at a valuation between $20 billion and $30 billion. The startup has begun generating revenue and has expanded its conservation technology offerings to various governments while pursuing multiple de-extinction projects.
X launches rebuilt Android app after extensive revisions
X has released a new Android app built from the ground up after significant development efforts. The update aims to improve user experience and performance on the platform, which has historically lagged behind its iOS counterpart.
YouTube updates policies to limit monetization of AI-generated content
YouTube has clarified its monetization policies to restrict low-quality AI-generated content. The updated guidelines define three categories of inauthentic content that cannot earn revenue through the YouTube Partner Program.
Flock Safety CEO to Address Surveillance and Privacy at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley will discuss the interplay of AI, surveillance, and public safety at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The event, scheduled for October 13-15, will address the growing privacy concerns surrounding Flock's surveillance technology, which faces significant public backlash despite the company's rapid growth and high valuation.
StrictlyVC announces return to NYC on September 10 for startup community event
StrictlyVC will host its first event in New York City since 2024 on September 10, 2026. The event, taking place at Ideal Glass Studios, marks an important moment as NYC startups continue to attract significant funding, with $1.13 billion raised in seed funding during H1 2026.
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck's AI startup InterPositive for $587 million
Netflix has acquired InterPositive, a startup co-founded by Ben Affleck, for $587 million. The acquisition aims to enhance Netflix's filmmaking capabilities using AI tools to address common production challenges.
Current AI Develops Open AI Infrastructure for Multilingual Access
Current AI, a nonprofit, is building an open-source AI infrastructure to support 22 Indian languages. This initiative, exemplified by the offline Suno Sutra device, aims to provide language accessibility and bridge the gap left by major AI developments predominantly in English.
Waymo resumes San Francisco robotaxi service after outage pause
Waymo's robotaxi service in San Francisco resumed after a one-hour pause due to a power outage affecting 7,000 PG&E customers. The company made temporary adjustments while assessing conditions and coordinating with local officials.
Neil Rimer anticipates AI wealth redistribution among tech leaders
Neil Rimer, co-founder of Index Ventures, predicts a redistribution of wealth in AI, either voluntary or involuntary. This statement signals potential shifts in tech philanthropy, particularly as traditional giving models like the Giving Pledge lose traction.
Vertu launches $6,880 Alphafold smartphone with AI automation for executives
Vertu introduces the Alphafold smartphone at $6,880, targeting executives with its AI agent, Hermes. This luxury device combines high-end materials with automation features designed to streamline executive tasks, marking an atypical approach in a crowded smartphone market.
Zoom user changes name to avoid consent for recording
VC Jeremy Levine alters his Zoom display name to protest AI transcription recording. This trend reflects growing concerns about consent and privacy in meetings as AI note-taking becomes more common.
Agility Robotics opens facility near Tesla to train humanoid robots
Agility Robotics has established a 60,000-square-foot facility in Fremont, California, to develop its humanoid robot, Digit. The company, seeking to transition to a public company, aims to capitalize on its existing contracts and experience while competing with Tesla's Optimus robot, which is set to begin production soon.
Valar Atomics seeks $1B funding round at $6B valuation for modular nuclear reactors
Valar Atomics is negotiating a new funding round aiming for a $6 billion valuation, led by Sequoia. The company has previously raised $450 million and is exploring nuclear energy to power AI data centers, highlighting the increasing interest in small modular reactors amid rising energy demands.
Companies develop kid-friendly phones to address parental safety concerns
In response to parental demand for safer smartphone options for children, multiple companies have begun creating kid-specific devices. These phones offer modified features and parental controls, enabling oversight of content and communications, which aims to enhance child safety in digital interaction.
Disrupt 2026 session targets pre-seed funding strategies for startups
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host a panel focused on securing pre-seed funding without a product. This session aims to guide founders facing challenges due to heightened expectations from AI startups dominating seed funding.
San Francisco mayor seeks stricter rules for autonomous vehicles after Waymo traffic issue
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie requested tougher regulations for autonomous vehicles following a July 4 incident where Waymo robotaxis caused significant traffic jams. Lurie emphasized the need for automated vehicles to reliably operate during emergencies, proposing four core operational capabilities for companies.
Ryan Beiermeister joins Founders Fund as partner after OpenAI tenure
Ryan Beiermeister has been appointed as a partner at Founders Fund, following her previous role at OpenAI. Her experience includes product strategy and public policy in AI, and she is noted for her connections within Silicon Valley, particularly with Trae Stephens from Palantir.
BP sells majority of venture portfolio, ending corporate venture arm
BP has announced the sale of the majority of its venture arm's portfolio to Verdane, signaling a retreat from climate technology investment. The decision follows BP's earlier pivot away from clean energy, marking a significant shift in its corporate strategy.