From TechCrunch · 34 stories
Venice AI raises $65M Series A, becomes a unicorn valued at $1 billion
Venice AI has raised $65 million in Series A funding, reaching a valuation of $1 billion. The startup caters to users by providing privacy-preserving access to over 200 AI models, capitalizing on the growing demand for reliable AI solutions amid privacy concerns.
Google's Gemini Spark AI Assistant Launches on macOS with New Features
Google's Gemini Spark AI assistant is now available on macOS, enhancing its integration with various applications. The update allows users to manage files and interact with apps such as Google Tasks and Keep, increasing competition with other desktop AI agents.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to Feature Builders Stage for Startup Scaling Strategies
The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host discussions for startup founders on scaling strategies. Attendees can learn from industry leaders on critical topics such as fundraising and go-to-market strategies. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants in San Francisco from October 13-15.
Vinton Cerf, 'Father of the Internet,' retiring from Google next week
Vinton Cerf will retire as Google's chief internet evangelist after over 20 years with the company. Cerf, known for co-developing TCP/IP, is recognized as a foundational figure in internet technology, impacting its development since the 1970s.
Wayve offers $85M employee tender at $8.5B valuation
Wayve has initiated an $85 million tender offer for employees to sell vested shares at an $8.5 billion valuation. This measure aims to retain talent amid a rising trend in AI startups providing liquidity options for employees, ensuring they remain with the company instead of pursuing other opportunities.
Former DeepMind Researchers Launch AI Trading Startup Valued at $500M
Three former DeepMind researchers have established EquiLibre Technologies, an AI startup applying reinforcement learning to stock trading. The startup has recently raised a Series A round and achieved a valuation of $500 million, contributing to quant hedge funds with strong trading performance.
Etched achieves $5B valuation with $1B in AI chip sales contracts
Etched, a competitor to Nvidia, has reached a $5 billion valuation and secured $1 billion in sales for its AI chips. The startup's 'frontier inference clusters' aim to address efficiency challenges in AI inference processes, drawing significant investor interest.
Threads enhances Live Chats with new features and expands user access
Meta's Threads introduces new features to its Live Chats, including translation support and tools for hosts. The platform is also expanding Live Chats access to highly followed users, aiming to improve real-time engagement and community interaction.
Tesla tests Cybercab without steering wheel or pedals in Austin
Tesla has begun testing a Cybercab prototype in Austin, Texas, which features no steering wheel or pedals. This move is significant as it marks a step towards fully autonomous robotaxis amidst changing regulatory landscapes regarding vehicle design.
X launches hosted MCP server for easier AI tool integration
X has introduced a hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to simplify API access for AI applications. This change reduces the integration burden on developers, allowing them to use their own account permissions without building separate MCP servers.
Arcturus develops nano-infused metals to reduce electrical losses by half
Arcturus has created a method to infuse carbon nanomaterials into copper and aluminum, potentially halving energy losses in electrical grids. This innovation could substantially increase electricity availability, especially during peak demand periods, addressing growing energy needs as industries electrify.
Micron's Market Valuation Surges Amid AI-Driven Memory Chip Demand
Micron's stock has increased over 236% in a month, fueled by high demand for memory chips due to AI. The company briefly surpassed the valuations of Meta and Tesla, signaling strong investor confidence in the memory market amid ongoing supply shortages.
NPCI CEO highlights AI's role in future of India's digital payments
Dilip Asbe, MD and CEO of NPCI, asserts AI will drive user growth and fraud prevention in India's UPI system, targeting over 1 billion daily transactions. Enhanced AI capabilities could facilitate credit distribution and improve user onboarding through voice recognition.
Instagram testing new features for customizing 'Your Algorithm'
Instagram is experimenting with new methods for users to customize 'Your Algorithm', enhancing content personalization. This development aims to make the algorithm setting more integral to the user experience, reflecting user preferences more effectively.
SoftBank CEO Questions Viability of Elon Musk's Orbital Data Centers
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son expressed skepticism about Elon Musk's orbital data center vision, stating it may not reduce costs and will take too long to implement. This skepticism highlights the uncertainty in the tech landscape regarding investments in space computing amid pressing AI demands.
Apple Vision Pro VP Paul Meade leaving for OpenAI's hardware team
Paul Meade, VP of Apple Vision Pro, is leaving to join OpenAI’s hardware team. His departure follows leadership changes at Apple under incoming CEO John Ternus, which have prompted a shake-up within the hardware engineering team.
Asian AI Startups Launch Models Amid Anthropic Export Ban
Chinese firm 360 and Tokyo-based Sakana AI launched AI models Tulongfeng and Fugu, respectively, as the U.S. export ban on Anthropic's Mythos and Fable 5 continues. These new models aim to fill the gap left by restricted access to powerful AI tools and cater to local needs, especially in cybersecurity and language optimization.
FTC approves Musk's acquisition of SpaceX alumni startup Mesh Optical Technologies
The FTC has approved Elon Musk's potential acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers. Mesh develops optical transceivers for data centers, which could enhance SpaceX's data center efficiency and its new agreements with AI companies.
Corgi Denies Theft of Papermark's Open Source Software Amid Controversy
Corgi, funded by Y Combinator, faced allegations from Papermark of stealing software features. Corgi refuted the claims, asserting that no code from Papermark was used, although it acknowledged similar design elements in its product, Dataroom.
OpenAI appoints former Uber India chief to enhance its India operations
OpenAI has appointed former Uber India president Prabhjeet Singh as its first managing director in India to strengthen its market presence. This move follows recent expansions in India, underscoring India's significance as a key market for OpenAI.
OpenAI, Google, Apple, and SpaceX develop custom chips to reduce Nvidia reliance
OpenAI announced its Jalapeño inference chip, built with Broadcom, as part of a trend where companies like Google and SpaceX are creating custom silicon. This shift aims to mitigate single-supplier dependency, providing better control and tailored performance for specific needs.
TikTok expands features aiming to become a super app
TikTok is evolving beyond social media by integrating features like hotel booking and fintech capabilities. This shift mirrors the super app model popular in China, aiming to consolidate multiple functions into one platform.
Aseon Labs raises $10M to develop robotic cleaning and charging pods for robotaxis
Aseon Labs has secured $10 million in seed funding to create automated pods for cleaning and charging robotaxis. The startup's solution aims to reduce 'deadhead miles,' potentially enhancing profitability for autonomous vehicle services.
OpenAI in Discussions with US Government for 5% Equity Stake
OpenAI is in early talks to give a 5% equity stake to the US government to improve relations and share AI-generated wealth amidst regulatory scrutiny. CEO Sam Altman proposed this to create a public AI fund, inspired by the Alaska Permanent Fund concept. The plan is part of discussions on how leading AI companies can contribute to public ownership, although the specifics and necessity for congressional approval remain unclear.
Elon Musk Denies Reports of SpaceX Handheld AI Device Prototype
Elon Musk has denied reports that SpaceX is developing a handheld AI device, calling the claims "utterly false." Despite this, several outlets reported a prototype, allegedly shown to investors, that was thinner than an iPhone and featured technology from xAI. The reports have raised questions about SpaceX's potential in AI hardware and mobile services, but Musk's denial leaves the company's plans uncertain.
OpenClaw AI agent app launches on Android and iOS
OpenClaw, an open source AI agent, launched on iOS and Android, enabling users to run agents on mobile devices. This allows for increased accessibility and potential use in tasks like coding and meal planning, despite mixed user experiences.
Clicks Technology unveils BlackBerry-inspired smartphone in new video
Clicks Technology has showcased its Clicks Communicator, a BlackBerry-inspired smartphone, in a new video. Priced at $499, it features a tactile keyboard, innovative Signal Light notifications, and customizable back covers, appealing to users seeking a functional alternative to traditional smartphones.
Acti launches AI-powered keyboard for iOS and Android smartphones
Acti has launched an AI keyboard for iOS and Android that integrates actions across apps. This aims to enhance user experience by allowing AI interaction without switching between applications.
Riverside adds newsletter feature for podcast and video creators
Riverside has introduced a newsletter feature aimed at its podcast and video users, allowing them to convert existing content into newsletters. This development seeks to streamline content creation for users already utilizing Riverside's recording tools and differentiates it from traditional newsletter platforms.
Govee launches Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro for luxury ice enthusiasts
Govee has introduced the Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, priced at $500, designed for those who prefer nugget ice. The appliance produces 60 pounds of ice daily and can be controlled via the GoveeHome app or voice commands.
Xprize founder advocates for global surveillance, claiming it improves behavior
Peter Diamandis, founder of the Xprize Foundation, argues that global surveillance would lead to better human behavior. He envisions a pervasive 'Sensor Ecosystem' that utilizes various technologies for constant monitoring, raising concerns about privacy and accountability.
Jersey Mike's IPO Includes AI Mentions Amid Industry Hype
Jersey Mike’s IPO documents mention 'AI' 22 times despite the company primarily selling sandwiches. This reflects a broader trend where companies feel pressure to incorporate AI into their narratives due to investor interest in the technology.
Ian Bogost's 'The Small Stuff' examines technology's impact on sensory experiences
Ian Bogost's upcoming book, "The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life," explores how technology has dematerialized everyday experiences and disconnected people from the sensory world. The book argues for valuing sensory experiences amid technological convenience, presenting an alternative perspective on living in a tech-centric society.
Founder Conno Christou Uses AI in Cancer Battle Following Rare Diagnosis
Conno Christou, a health-conscious entrepreneur, was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma after experiencing blood clots. He utilized artificial intelligence to inform his treatment decisions, leading to a more effective chemotherapy regimen that increased his odds of survival.