From TechCrunch · 40 stories
inDrive Expands Beyond Ride-Hailing with Advertising, Delivery, and Financial Services
inDrive, a ride-hailing company, is expanding its business beyond its core service by scaling new ventures in advertising, delivery, and financial services. This expansion aims to diversify revenue streams and capitalize on its user base in emerging markets, following a strategy similar to other ride-hailing platforms.
Autonomy Adds Gas-Powered Vehicles to Subscription Service After EV-Only Model Struggles
Autonomy, a vehicle subscription startup, is adding internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to its fleet after its initial EV-only strategy proved unsustainable due to an EV price war. This pivot aims to attract more customers by offering familiar powertrains and addressing the rising costs of new and used cars.
CloudNC raises $20M in Series B extension for AI-powered manufacturing software
CloudNC, a UK-based manufacturing software startup, secured an additional $20 million in a Series B extension round, bringing its total funding to $128 million. This funding will support the scaling of its AI-powered CAM Assist software, which automates parts of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining processes.
Clucky Alarm App Launches with Rooster Sound and Challenge-Based Dismissal
Clucky, a new iPhone alarm application, has launched with features including a crowing rooster sound and mandatory challenges to disable the alarm. The app aims to prevent users from returning to sleep by requiring interaction beyond simply turning off the alarm.
Ollie AI Assistant Achieves SOC 2 Compliance, Emphasizing User Privacy
Ollie, a family-focused AI assistant, has achieved SOC 2 compliance, demonstrating its commitment to user data protection and secure system operations through an independent audit. This compliance aims to differentiate Ollie in the competitive AI assistant market by assuring users their personal data will not be used for AI training or shared with third parties.
X transitions US creator payouts from Stripe to X Money, making it the sole payment method
X has announced that all US creator payouts will now be processed exclusively through its internal payments service, X Money, replacing Stripe. This change introduces instant payouts without minimum thresholds, but also removes alternative payment options for creators.
Pivotal, Larry Page-backed flying car company, announces CEO Ken Karklin's departure
Ken Karklin has stepped down as CEO of Pivotal, a flying car company backed by Larry Page, after more than four years in the role. Mike Ross, an aviation executive, will serve as interim CEO. This leadership change occurs as Pivotal continues sales of its Helix aircraft and develops its BlackFly model for defense and first responder use.
Thrive Capital Founder Josh Kushner Defends Involvement in Failed FIFA Venture
Thrive Capital founder Josh Kushner has publicly defended his firm's involvement in FIFA's failed plan to create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The plan, which would have involved private investment in FIFA's commercial rights, was scrapped due to backlash from European and North American football associations, and has led to potential criminal charges against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Fambot launches AI-powered "chief of staff" to manage family logistics
Fambot, a new startup, has introduced an AI agent designed to help families manage daily logistics such as children's activities, school events, and communications. This tool aims to reduce the "mental load" on parents by proactively organizing information from various sources like email, calendars, and messaging apps. The company states that its AI models do not train on user data.
Newlight Develops Hydrogen Injection System for Cargo Ships, Completes First Commercial Voyage
Newlight, a San Francisco Bay Area startup, has developed a hydrogen injection system for cargo ships that reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The system, which can be retrofitted to existing diesel engines, completed its first long-range commercial voyage from Singapore to Ghana, demonstrating a 24% reduction in fuel use and a 28% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Alteon raises $2.5M pre-seed to develop aircraft capable of year-long flight
Bengaluru startup Alteon secured $2.5 million in pre-seed funding, led by Lachy Groom, to develop autonomous aircraft that can stay airborne for over a year by harvesting energy from ocean winds. This technology aims to provide continuous maritime surveillance and overcome conventional aircraft limitations.
Polymarket Reportedly Raises $300M from Donald Trump Jr.'s Investment Fund
Prediction market Polymarket reportedly raised $300 million from 1789 Capital, an investment fund where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, as part of a larger $1 billion funding round. This funding occurs amid increased regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets from state governments, while the federal government has often defended the industry.
Blue Voice Raises $6M to Provide AI-Powered Policy Guidance for Police Officers
Blue Voice, an AI startup, has secured $6 million in funding to expand its platform that offers real-time policy guidance to police officers. The tool helps officers access department-specific rules and protocols instantly, aiming to reduce errors and improve adherence to regulations.
Bolt seeks up to $27M in bridge funding with 'pay-to-play' provision
Checkout processing startup Bolt is raising a bridge round of up to $27 million from existing investors, structured as a convertible note with a 'pay-to-play' provision. This financing aims to address operational milestones and legacy obligations as the company works towards a larger Series E2 round, following a significant valuation drop from $11 billion to $300 million.
VLC Media Player Exceeds 7 Billion Downloads Globally
VLC media player, developed by the non-profit VideoLAN, has surpassed 7 billion downloads across all platforms. This milestone follows 18 months after reaching 6 billion downloads and indicates continued widespread adoption of the free media player.
Circleback meeting notetaker introduces free tier amidst market competition
Circleback, a Y Combinator-backed meeting notetaker, has launched a free subscription tier that allows unlimited meeting transcription with a 30-day history limit. This move responds to increasing competition in the meeting notetaker market and aims to attract more users to the platform.
Spanish startup Liux to launch "Big" microcar with focus on sustainability and recyclable materials
Spanish startup Liux is developing the "Big" microcar, aiming to compete in the European market by prioritizing sustainability through features like home-rechargeable batteries and a linen-based biocomposite body designed for recycling. The company emphasizes "real circularity" in its manufacturing approach, seeking to differentiate itself from other micro-EVs, many of which are Chinese-made.
Caterpillar applies mining automation experience to broader AI deployment
Caterpillar is expanding its use of AI, drawing on its decades of experience automating mining operations. This initiative includes deploying AI tools for field technicians and integrating AI into enterprise operations and software development.
Vijay Pande departs a16z to launch VZVC, focusing on concentrated biotech investments
Vijay Pande, former head of a16z's $4 billion life sciences practice, co-founded a new firm, VZVC, with Zach Werner. VZVC will make a small number of concentrated investments annually and utilize AI for operations, departing from Pande's previous high-volume investment strategy.
Hollywood Actors Enter Microdrama Market as Format Gains Traction
Hollywood actors are beginning to participate in microdramas, short scripted series designed for mobile viewing, a format projected to generate $1.5 billion in U.S. revenue this year. This shift provides new opportunities for talent and crew while studios seek cheaper content production methods.
Belgian Startup Any Launches LUV1 Modular Electric Motorcycle with Cargo Capacity
Belgian startup Any has launched the LUV1, a modular electric motorcycle designed to combine the cargo capacity of a bike with the speed of a motorcycle. The LUV1 aims to address urban mobility needs by offering significant storage and versatility, positioning itself as a "life utility vehicle."
Fashion startup Atorie raises $9.5M seed round for luxury goods without markup
Fashion startup Atorie secured $9.5 million in seed funding from investors including a16z speedrun, Night Capital, and Lightspeed Ventures. Atorie offers luxury goods made from the same materials and factories as high-end brands but at lower prices, addressing consumer demand for affordable luxury and changes in manufacturing capabilities.
Hoomanely launches AI platform and smart feeding bowl to monitor dog health
Hoomanely, a Palo Alto startup, introduced an AI platform and a smart feeding bowl called EverBowl designed to detect early signs of illness in dogs by monitoring their eating and drinking habits. The system analyzes data from sensors in the bowl to establish a health baseline and alerts owners to significant deviations, providing data that can be shared with veterinarians.
Capital F, an all-female-led VC firm, closes $17M debut fund for the 'female economy'
Capital F, a venture capital firm led by women, announced the close of its first fund at $17 million. The firm will invest in companies focused on the "female economy," specifically in women's health, digital commerce, and AI tools.
QueryStory Emerges from Stealth with $6M Seed Round for AI-Powered Data Analysis Platform
QueryStory, a startup co-founded by former Google engineer Shapor Naghibzadeh, emerged from stealth today after raising a $6 million seed round. The company develops an AI-powered platform designed to help large enterprises analyze proprietary databases and generate actionable narratives from data, bridging a trust gap for AI in business analytics.
Legato emerges from stealth with $12M funding and AI hearing glasses
Legato, a new hearing tech company, has emerged from stealth with $12 million in funding and unveiled its AI hearing glasses, Legato Frames. The company aims to make hearing assistance more accessible by integrating patented technology into eyewear, targeting individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Runable Raises $21M Series A to Expand AI Agent for Business Growth
Indian startup Runable secured $21 million in Series A funding to expand its AI agent capabilities beyond software creation to focus on customer acquisition and business growth for small businesses. The funding round, co-led by Susquehanna Venture Capital and Nexus Venture Partners, values Runable at $65 million post-investment. This development signifies a shift in focus for AI agents from building digital assets to actively managing and promoting businesses.
Ringg Secures $10 Million from Peak XV to Expand Voice AI Services in India
Indian voice AI startup Ringg raised an additional $10 million from Peak XV Partners, extending its Series A round to a total of $15.5 million. The funding will support Ringg's expansion of voice AI agents for enterprises, focusing on complex workflows beyond basic call automation.
Life360 introduces $8 scannable pet tags and new pet care features
Life360 has launched new $7.99 scannable pet tags that alert owners via the app when scanned, and added new pet care features like care logs and "Zoomies Alerts." These additions expand Life360's pet tracking capabilities, offering alternatives to GPS trackers and enhancing pet management for families.
Pie App Launches Community Homes Feature, Shifting Focus from Events to Social Networking
Pie, a social app founded by Bonobos' Andy Dunn, launched a new "Community Homes" feature that allows users to create permanent groups within the app. This update shifts Pie's focus from being primarily an events app to a social network emphasizing ongoing community connections.
Fiat Ventures rebrands as FGV Capital, combines divisions, and launches $35M Fund II
Fiat Ventures has rebranded as FGV Capital, integrating its growth consultancy and venture divisions, and simultaneously launched its second fund, a $35 million vehicle. This consolidation aims to provide founders with enhanced go-to-market strategies and advisory support, potentially influencing investment decisions and attracting LPs in a competitive venture environment.
Fitbit Co-founders Launch Luffu Link LTE Health and Safety Band
Luffu, a startup founded by Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman, launched Luffu Link, an LTE-enabled health and safety band. This wearable monitors physical and mental health, offering all-day health sensing, voice logging, and location awareness, and integrates with the Luffu health-monitoring app to provide insights for family caregivers.
US nutrition startup Berry Street merges with India’s Healthify amid GLP-1 trend
US nutrition startup Berry Street merged with Indian startup Healthify to capitalize on the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. This merger combines Healthify's AI-powered and human coaching with Berry Street's clinical network, aiming to expand their metabolic care offerings, particularly in the US market.
Linkdaze launches smart digital calendar for household organization
Linkdaze has launched a smart digital calendar tablet designed for household organization, offering calendar synchronization from multiple services, chore tracking, and an AI meal planner. This device aims to consolidate family schedules and tasks without requiring a monthly subscription for core features, differentiating it from some competitors.
Harvard Business School uses AI avatars for feedback in entrepreneurship bootcamp
Harvard Business School (HBS) is incorporating AI avatars, created by HeyGen, into its eight-week HBS Foundry bootcamp to provide feedback during practice pitches and board meetings. This initiative allows HBS to scale its educational reach by supplementing live instructor sessions with AI-driven individual feedback.
Michael Polansky's Outer Biosciences trains AI on living human tissue kept alive for over a month
Michael Polansky, founder of Outer Biosciences, is developing an AI model using living human tissue that the company has kept alive outside the body for over a month. This work focuses on combining AI and biology to advance research in maintaining biological systems ex vivo.
Letara secures $16M to expand hybrid propulsion from satellite thrusters to large rocket systems
Japanese startup Letara raised ¥2.6 billion (~$16 million) in funding to expand its hybrid propulsion technology beyond small satellite thrusters to include large rocket systems for space, defense, and security markets. This expansion aims to capitalize on Japan's investment in its aerospace industry and address limitations in hybrid propulsion technology.
Enhanced Group reports $62 million net loss after hosting Enhanced Games event
Enhanced Group, the company behind the Enhanced Games, reported a net loss of nearly $62 million in its second-quarter earnings, largely due to costs associated with hosting the sports competition. This financial outcome casts doubt on the future of the event and highlights the commercial challenges faced by the company despite its recent IPO.
xAI's Grok chatbot generates gibberish responses for some users
xAI's Grok chatbot has been producing nonsensical responses for a subset of users, particularly those on Grok Lite, with the issue appearing as early as Wednesday morning. This glitch, which xAI described as a "rare temporary generation glitch," has led to user complaints on platforms like Reddit, though refreshing sessions often resolves the problem.
Adit Singh, early Cerebras investor, joins Mayfield as infrastructure partner
Adit Singh, who co-led the initial funding round for Cerebras, has joined Mayfield as an infrastructure partner. He will focus on investments in hardware, infrastructure software, cybersecurity, and physical AI, bringing his expertise in semiconductors to the firm.