From TechCrunch · 40 stories
2023 Sees Nearly 90 New Unicorn Startups Amid AI Investment Surge
In 2023, nearly 90 new startups achieved unicorn status, driven largely by AI investments. Notable examples include AI workspace provider MainFunc and cybersecurity startup Socket, among others in diverse sectors such as healthcare and crypto.
Mistral AI Raises $3.5 Billion Amid Growing Focus on Sovereign Tech
Mistral AI, a French AI startup, is raising around $3.5 billion at a valuation of $23.15 billion, doubling its worth. With growing attention on sovereign technology, Mistral aims to provide accessible AI systems while expanding its enterprise services, having rapidly increased its annual recurring revenue to over $400 million.
New AI-Powered Browsers Challenge Chrome and Safari in Market
The browser market is shifting focus from search capabilities to AI functionality. Several new AI-centric browsers, including Perplexity's Comet, The Browser Company's Dia, and Opera's Neon, are now available as alternatives to Chrome and Safari, aiming to integrate advanced functionalities directly into user experiences.
Dune keypad offers customizable meeting controls and shortcuts for Mac users
Project Mirage launched the Dune keypad, a three-key device that plugs into MacBooks to provide customizable shortcuts based on the active application. Priced at $119, it enhances productivity by allowing users to streamline controls for various software, particularly meeting apps, spreadsheets, and development tools.
Chevrolet Silverado EV sales lag behind competition despite strong features
Chevrolet's Silverado EV, an all-electric pickup truck, sold roughly 14,000 units last year, far behind gas models. The vehicle boasts impressive features like a 400-mile range and spacious interior but struggles to attract buyers. This underperformance raises questions about consumer preferences in the EV market, especially for trucks.
Private firms conduct complex orbital missions for U.S. Space Force
True Anomaly and Rocket Lab conducted a rendezvous mission for the U.S. Space Force, capturing imagery of satellites in orbit. This mission addresses reconnaissance challenges posed by rival nations in the growing space landscape.
Etched secures chip production with TSMC; seeks Arizona manufacturing support
Etched, a $5 billion semiconductor startup, announced its first chip production with TSMC. The company aims to overcome manufacturing challenges by potentially resourcing production to TSMC's Arizona facility as part of a strategy backed by investor Jack Selby.
IQM goes public via SPAC, cites uncertainty in quantum tech future
IQM, Europe's first public quantum company, went public via SPAC at a $1.9 billion valuation. The company cautioned that large-scale commercial adoption of quantum technology may never occur, affecting investor sentiment despite recent customer growth.
Hopper to pay $35M FTC settlement over hidden fees allegations
Hopper has agreed to a $35 million settlement with the FTC due to allegations of misleading users with hidden fees. The settlement requires Hopper to clearly disclose all pricing, marking a significant step in regulating deceptive practices in the app industry.
Anthropic explores AI chip collaboration with Samsung
Anthropic is in discussions with Samsung to develop custom AI chips, building on earlier plans amid industry chip shortages. This move aligns with trends among AI companies seeking independence from Nvidia and enhancing their hardware capabilities.
Wisk Aero sued for alleged wrongful termination over safety concerns
Wisk Aero is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who claims she was fired after raising safety concerns. The individual, Briahna O'Neill, alleges that her termination followed her reports about reduced FAA-required software testing to meet a flight deadline.
Magnify Ventures raises $46.6M Fund II backed by Melinda Gates’ Pivotal Ventures
Magnify Ventures has successfully raised $46.6 million for its second fund, with investment from Pivotal Ventures, led by Melinda French Gates. The new fund will focus on companies in the care economy, targeting AI tools for households and fintech solutions for families.
Lucid Motors CFO exits as new CEO implements leadership changes
Lucid Motors announced the departure of CFO Taoufiq Boussaid amid a leadership overhaul led by new CEO Silvio Napoli. The restructuring, including significant executive hires and job cuts, aims to align production with demand as the company struggles with low vehicle deliveries.
Ben Guez Uses OpenClaw AI to Automate Dating Instagram Posts
Ben Guez employs OpenClaw and Claude AI to automate Instagram posts targeting women after soccer matches. This approach has resulted in over one million views and significant engagement in a short period, illustrating unconventional use of AI in online dating.
Bhavin Turakhia invests $30M in Neo, an AI-based workplace software alternative
Bhavin Turakhia has invested $30 million into Neo, an AI-driven enterprise software platform. The platform aims to integrate AI more deeply into daily workflows rather than as a separate tool, challenging existing providers like Microsoft and Google.
Ashton Kutcher departs Sound Ventures to form new VC firm with Morgan Beller
Ashton Kutcher is leaving Sound Ventures to launch a new venture capital firm with Morgan Beller. The new fund will target early-stage investments in AI infrastructure, energy, and deep tech startups, reflecting a shift in investment focus.
Together AI secures $800M Series C, valued at $8.3B
Together AI raised $800 million in Series C funding, reaching an $8.3 billion valuation. The investment reflects the growing demand for AI infrastructure and open-source solutions.
Lime raises $167 million in IPO, valued at $1.66 billion
Lime has raised $167 million in its IPO, marking its transition to a public company with a valuation of approximately $1.66 billion. This funding is crucial for addressing significant financial liabilities, as Lime navigates a challenging micromobility market.
Honda starts battery production for energy storage, shifts focus from EVs
Honda has commenced battery production for energy storage systems as it pivots from its EV strategy in the U.S. This shift responds to dwindling EV demand due to the cancellation of tax credits, marking Honda's entry into the expanding energy storage market, which is expected to triple by the decade's end.
Humble Robotics emerges in autonomous freight vehicle space with $24 million funding
Humble Robotics, founded by Eyal Cohen, has raised $24 million to develop fully autonomous freight haulers. The company marks a resurgence in interest and investment in autonomous vehicles, reminiscent of the 2016 hype cycle.
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.
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.
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.
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.