🚀 Startups & Business

Funding, market trends, entrepreneurship, tech business strategy

ORiS raises €5M to build laser-powered energy infrastructure for space

ORiS, a Turin-based deeptech startupdeveloping laser-based wireless power transmission (WPT) systems for space anddual-use applications, has secured €5 million in funding to accelerate thedevelopment ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: ORiS, a Turin-based deeptech startupdeveloping laser-based wireless power transmission (WPT) systems for space anddual-use applications, has secured €5 million in funding to accelerate thedevelopment ...
Read original at Tech
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Voodin consortium secures €48M EU grant to build Spain’s first automated wooden blade factory

Wind energy is an important part of Europe’s shift to clean power, with €45 billion raised for new wind projects across the region in 2025. But that investment comes with a sustainability challenge: t...

More: Voodin consortium secures €48M EU grant to build Spain’s first automated wooden blade factory. Wind energy is an important part of Europe’s shift to clean power, with €45 billion raised for new wind projects across the region in 2025. But that investment comes with a sustainability challenge: t...
TL;DR: Wind energy is an important part of Europe’s shift to clean power, with €45 billion raised for new wind projects across the region in 2025.
Read original at Tech
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Five US tech giants' hidden debts soar to $1.65T on opaque AI funding

Data center leases, GPU supply contracts raise liabilities at Meta, Oracle, Nikkei study shows A Meta data center in the state of Georgia.

More: Five US tech giants' hidden debts soar to $1.65T on opaque AI funding. The company's off-balance-sheet debt is about $420 billion, nearly triple its transparent debt. tech giants swelled eightfold in roughly four years to an estimated $1.
TL;DR: Data center leases, GPU supply contracts raise liabilities at Meta, Oracle, Nikkei study shows A Meta data center in the state of Georgia.
Read original at Asia
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Colossal Biosciences reportedly in talks to raise new capital at $20B–$30B valuation

The de-extinction startup is looking to double or triple its previous valuation, according to the report.

More: Colossal Biosciences reportedly in talks to raise new capital at $20B–$30B valuation. The de-extinction startup is looking to double or triple its previous valuation, according to the report.
TL;DR: The de-extinction startup is looking to double or triple its previous valuation, according to the report.
Read original at Techcrunch
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'I made £100,000 of TikTok sales in one day': The business of live shopping

Buying on social media live streams is fast becoming regular consumer behaviour for many.

More: 'I made £100,000 of TikTok sales in one day': The business of live shopping. Buying on social media live streams is fast becoming regular consumer behaviour for many.
TL;DR: Buying on social media live streams is fast becoming regular consumer behaviour for many.
Read original at Bbc
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Google is working on a new AI chip designed to make Gemini more efficient

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is reportedly working on a new chip designed to make its Gemini models run much more efficiently.

More: According to the report, the chip could be between six and 10 times more efficient than Google’s existing AI chips, measured by the number of tokens generated per unit of power. Such efficiency has become a key selling point for tech companies as concerns about AI spend have dampened the market euphoria that previously characterized the industry.
TL;DR: Alphabet, Google's parent company, is reportedly working on a new chip designed to make its Gemini models run much more efficiently.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Natural raises $30M to reinvent payments for AI agents — and take on Stripe

The one-year-old startup aims to reinvent financial architecture for autonomous AI transactions.

More: Natural raises $30M to reinvent payments for AI agents — and take on Stripe. The one-year-old startup aims to reinvent financial architecture for autonomous AI transactions.
TL;DR: The one-year-old startup aims to reinvent financial architecture for autonomous AI transactions.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

5.4M Impressions Driving 11,749 to Their Signup Form: What Advertising on SaaStr.AI Media Actually Delivers

Most B2B media buys are … a black box. You sign up, wire the money, the ad “runs,” and 60 days later you get a PDF with an impressions number and no way to check any of it. You have no idea if a single real buyer even saw it. We do it differently at... Continue Reading

More: 5.4M Impressions Driving 11,749 to Their Signup Form: What Advertising on SaaStr.AI Media Actually Delivers. You sign up, wire the money, the ad “runs,” and 60 days later you get a PDF with an impressions number and no way to check any of it. You have no idea if a single real buyer even saw it.
TL;DR: Most B2B media buys are … a black box.
Read original at Saastr
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Hackers are exploiting recently patched WordPress bugs, putting millions of websites at risk

Two critical security flaws in WordPress’ software have given hackers the chance to remotely take over tens of millions of websites, according to an estimate by a cybersecurity researcher.

More: Hackers are exploiting recently patched WordPress bugs, putting millions of websites at risk Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai 8:35 AM PDT · July 20, 2026 Hackers are breaking into websites that run vulnerable versions of the popular blogging software WordPress, according to several cybersecurity firms. The vulnerable versions of WordPress are 6.9.0 through 6.9.4, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.
TL;DR: Two critical security flaws in WordPress’ software have given hackers the chance to remotely take over tens of millions of websites, according to an estimate by a cybersecurity researcher.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Inference startup Infinity raises $15M from Touring Capital, OpenAI and Athropic researchers

AI infrastructure company Infinity announced Monday a $15 million raise at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.  

More: Inference startup Infinity raises $15M from Touring Capital, OpenAI and Athropic researchers Dominic-Madori Davis 8:15 AM PDT · July 20, 2026 AI  infrastructure company Infinity  announced a $15 million raise at a $100 million valuation on Monday from investors including Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.
TL;DR: AI infrastructure company Infinity announced Monday a $15 million raise at a $100 million valuation from investors including Touring Capital, Principal VC, and researchers from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.  
Read original at Techcrunch
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Hackers stole ‘significant’ amount of data from tech firm relied on by thousands of US hospitals and pharmacies

Edinburgh-based tech firm Craneware said customer data was stolen during a cyberattack. The company makes software that thousands of U.S. hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics rely on for billing patients, potentially exposing health data.

More: Hackers stole ‘significant’ amount of data from tech firm relied on by thousands of US hospitals and pharmacies. The company makes software that thousands of U.S. hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics rely on for billing patients, potentially exposing health data.
TL;DR: Edinburgh-based tech firm Craneware said customer data was stolen during a cyberattack.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Watch Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley discuss the future of surveillance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Flock Safety sits right at the center of the debate over where the line should be drawn between privacy and public safety. That’s why we’re bringing Flock’s founder and CEO Garrett Langley to the stage to speak about those very issues.

More: Watch Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley discuss the future of surveillance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Flock Safety sits right at the center of the debate over where the line should be drawn between privacy and public safety. That’s why we’re bringing Flock’s founder and CEO Garrett Langley to the stage to speak about those very issues.
TL;DR: Flock Safety sits right at the center of the debate over where the line should be drawn between privacy and public safety.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Inside the AI boom: A talent chief's playbook for winning in the job market

An AI talent chief says employers increasingly value curiosity, adaptability and AI skills over years of experience as the technology reshapes the job market

More: AI rally faces earnings test as markets rebound from last week's losses Tech stocks, Mag 7 are 'long duration assets': Jason Katz Lockheed Martin unveils new, cheaper Patriot missile and Morfius anti-drone system Maria Bartiromo details big week for Q2 earnings Saronic CEO sounds the alarm on America’s ‘shipbuilding crisis’: ‘Our Naval fleet is shrinking’ Saronic autonomous dr…
TL;DR: An AI talent chief says employers increasingly value curiosity, adaptability and AI skills over years of experience as the technology reshapes the job market
Read original at Foxbusiness
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StrictlyVC returns to New York City September 10 to celebrate a huge year for the city’s startup community 

For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is coming back to New York City — and we're bringing the kind of access you’d expect from an under-wraps event to the whole startup, VC, and dealmaking community.

More: StrictlyVC returns to New York City September 10 to celebrate a huge year for the city’s startup community  Morgan Little 5:30 AM PDT · July 20, 2026 For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is coming back to New York City — and we’re bringing the kind of access you’d expect from an under-wraps event to the whole startup, VC, and dealmaking community.
TL;DR: For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is coming back to New York City — and we're bringing the kind of access you’d expect from an under-wraps event to the whole startup, VC, and dealmaking community.
Read original at Techcrunch
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What does a Burnham-led government mean for your money?

Cost of living correspondent Published 5 minutes ago Policies to give people more "breathing space" on the cost of living will be announced on Tuesday by Andy Burnham, in one of his first acts as pri…

More: Cost of living correspondent Published 5 minutes ago Policies to give people more "breathing space" on the cost of living will be announced on Tuesday by Andy Burnham, in one of his first acts as prime minister. Many people, he has said, can't go out for a pint on a Friday, can't take the kids out, and can't go on holiday owing to the pressure on their finances.
TL;DR: New Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he wants life to be more affordable, but how could he do it?
Read original at Bbc
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Mexico Extends Its Venture Lead Over Brazil As More Global VCs Enter Latin America

Mexico’s startups led the LatAm pack in Q2 — by a wide margin. The country’s startups raised $944 million in the second quarter, up 131% compared to $409 million in last year’s Q2, and up 136% from the $401 million raised in this year’s first quarter, per Crunchbase data. For comparison’s sake, that’s almost as much as Latin American startups as a whole raised in the second quarter of 2025.

More: Mexico Extends Its Venture Lead Over Brazil As More Global VCs Enter Latin America. Mexico’s startups led the LatAm pack in Q2 — by a wide margin. For comparison’s sake, that’s almost as much as Latin American startups as a whole raised in the second quarter of 2025.
TL;DR: The country’s startups raised $944 million in the second quarter, up 131% compared to $409 million in last year’s Q2, and up 136% from the $401 million raised in this year’s first quarter, per Crunchbase data.
Read original at News
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Dodgers star Mookie Betts' glove company becomes official glove of Perfect Game in landmark partnership

Betts’ glove company, LGND, announced Monday a landmark partnership with Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service.

More: US completes 9th night of strikes against Iran after soldier casualties Dream Security hits $3B valuation as Sebastian Kurz warns of AI getting in the ‘wrong hands’ Saronic CEO sounds the alarm on America’s ‘shipbuilding crisis’: ‘Our Naval fleet is shrinking’ Saronic autonomous drone helps rescue downed US pilots Andrew Cuomo explains crypto's financial infrastructure and tok…
TL;DR: Betts’ glove company, LGND, announced Monday a landmark partnership with Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Zalando joins Sereact's $116M Series B to accelerate AI-powered warehouse automation

Sereact, a provider of physical AI for warehouse robotics, today announced that Zalando, Europe’s leading technology platform for fashion and lifestyle, has joined its ongoing Series B round as a stra...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The total Series B funding grows to $116 million.
TL;DR: Sereact, a provider of physical AI for warehouse robotics, today announced that Zalando, Europe’s leading technology platform for fashion and lifestyle, has joined its ongoing Series B round as a stra...
Read original at Tech
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goNEON Agentic Systems secures €160K to accelerate AI-powered infrastructure planning

ETH spin-off goNEON Agentic Systems has secured €160,000 (CHF150,000) in funding from Venture Kick to accelerate the development of its agentic AI platform for infrastructure planning. The funding com...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: ETH spin-off goNEON Agentic Systems has secured €160,000 (CHF150,000) in funding from Venture Kick to accelerate the development of its agentic AI platform for infrastructure planning.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Trump's first-term policies helped lower some insulin costs: HHS report

A new HHS study says policies during President Donald Trump's first term helped push some insulin prices below $35 for a 30-day supply.

More: Cuomo backs Wall Street-crypto alliance, urges Congress to pass CLARITY Act Fauci's Senate appearance could change everything, GOP senator warns Mamdani's Netanyahu arrest threat illegal and political theater: Cheryl Casone You see fraud endemic in a lot of government programs: Rep. Ben Cline Democrats’ goal is ‘maximum chaos,’ Rep.
TL;DR: A new HHS study says policies during President Donald Trump's first term helped push some insulin prices below $35 for a 30-day supply.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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European tech weekly recap: More than 60 tech funding deals worth over €2.7B

Last week, we tracked more than 60 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that ...

More: Last week, we tracked more than 60 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that ...
TL;DR: Last week, we tracked more than 60 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Jeff Bezos and Sovereign AI back CuspAI in $450M raise

Jeff Bezos and the UK government-backed VC fund backing domestic AI startups have invested in a UK startup developing AI systems to discover and design new materials for clean energy and chipmaking in...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. In total, the two-year-old startup has now raised more than $670m.
TL;DR: Jeff Bezos and the UK government-backed VC fund backing domestic AI startups have invested in a UK startup developing AI systems to discover and design new materials for clean energy and chipmaking in...
Read original at Tech
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California wealth charts a quieter path to Florida as Gulf Coast enters multibillion-dollar boom

Tech IPO millionaires and longtime California families are trading homelessness and high taxes for Gulf Coast Florida's quieter luxury communities.

More: SpaceX loses altitude — for now Software is not going away, though there will be specific 'winners and losers,' Josh Schafer says Banning data centers will only hurt New York's economy, says Rep Mike Lawler Wall Street eyes the midterm election map Market plays ‘tug of war’ as tech investors face bad week Rep Beth Van Duyne: This is anti-American BMW invests $1.
TL;DR: Tech IPO millionaires and longtime California families are trading homelessness and high taxes for Gulf Coast Florida's quieter luxury communities.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Trump touts Giant Eagle price cuts on more than 300 products through Labor Day

Giant Eagle will slash prices on more than 300 products through Labor Day, following Walmart and Sam's Club summer price cuts on thousands of items.

More: SpaceX loses altitude — for now Software is not going away, though there will be specific 'winners and losers,' Josh Schafer says Banning data centers will only hurt New York's economy, says Rep Mike Lawler Wall Street eyes the midterm election map Market plays ‘tug of war’ as tech investors face bad week Rep Beth Van Duyne: This is anti-American BMW invests $1.
TL;DR: Giant Eagle will slash prices on more than 300 products through Labor Day, following Walmart and Sam's Club summer price cuts on thousands of items.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Netflix paid $587M for Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking startup

In a new regulatory filing , Netflix revealed that it paid $587 million in cash for InterPositive, a startup co-founded by actor and director Ben Affleck.

More: A subsequent report in Bloomberg suggested that the deal could be worth up to $600 million . In its most recent earnings report, Netflix said that around 300 of its titles have already used generative AI . Join 1,000+ founders and VCs at all stages for real-world scaling insights and connections that move the needle.
TL;DR: Netflix revealed that it paid $587 million in cash for InterPositive, a startup co-founded by Ben Affleck.
Read original at Techcrunch
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What to watch for after Jensen Huang’s Japan visit

What to watch for after Jensen Huang’s Japan visit Kate Park 2:16 PM PDT · July 19, 2026 Nvidia’s chief Jensen Huang spent two days — July 15 and 16 — in Tokyo, courting Japan’s industrial and chip-s…

More: He left with deals spanning Japan’s entire tech ecosystem: a national AI factory, partnerships with the country’s leading robotics companies, and agreements with the chip-material suppliers powering Nvidia’s next generation of AI chips. AI’s next chapter, Huang said, belongs to factory floors, robots, and machines, and he wants Japan to build it.
TL;DR: Jensen Huang left Tokyo with deals spanning Japan's entire tech ecosystem.
Read original at Techcrunch
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China cracks down on chatbot romances as birthrate crisis worsens: report

The new rules reportedly aim to curb emotional dependence on AI chatbots as China grapples with a shrinking population and record-low birthrate.

More: SpaceX loses altitude — for now Banning data centers will only hurt New York's economy, says Rep Mike Lawler Market plays ‘tug of war’ as tech investors face bad week BMW invests $1.7B to build first US-assembled all-electric SUV Investment expert explains why he thinks AI spending isn’t inflationary GOP Senate candidate warns far-left policies are ‘dangerous’ for your pocketb…
TL;DR: The new rules reportedly aim to curb emotional dependence on AI chatbots as China grapples with a shrinking population and record-low birthrate.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Jason’s Takes on This Week’s 20VC: The Token Governor, the Net-New-Logo Test, and Why Renewal Stopped Being Safe

Going a level deeper on the points Harry, Rory and I hit this week, and what they actually mean if you’re building a B2B company right now. Here were the top SaaStr learnings I wanted to share from this weeks’ deep dive with the 3 of us. 1. If You Can Hire the Expertise Legally,... Continue Reading

More: Jason’s Takes on This Week’s 20VC: The Token Governor, the Net-New-Logo Test, and Why Renewal Stopped Being Safe. Here were the top SaaStr learnings I wanted to share from this weeks’ deep dive with the 3 of us. If You Can Hire the Expertise Legally,...
TL;DR: Going a level deeper on the points Harry, Rory and I hit this week, and what they actually mean if you’re building a B2B company right now.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

New EU border system tripling time at passport control, airport boss says

Ryanair has also warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.

More: New EU border system tripling time at passport control, airport boss says. Ryanair has also warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.
TL;DR: Ryanair has also warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to prepare for extended waits.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sales Rep Annual Quotas in 2026: What High Performers Are Actually Carrying: $750k for SMB, $1.35m for Mid-Market, $2.25m for Enterprise

ICONIQ recently released their 2026 GTM benchmark report, and it shows that overall sales quotas and processes are similar to the pre-AI era.  Just … ramped up. Top-quartile enterprise AEs are now carrying $2.25M annual quotas Mid-Market is $1.35M SMB is $750K The data comes from ICONIQ’s 2026 survey of GTM executives at 150+ B2B... Continue Reading

More: Sales Rep Annual Quotas in 2026: What High Performers Are Actually Carrying: $750k for SMB, $1.35m for Mid-Market, $2.25m for Enterprise. ICONIQ recently released their 2026 GTM benchmark report, and it shows that overall sales quotas and processes are similar to the pre-AI era.  Just … ramped up. Top-quartile enterprise AEs are now carrying $2.
TL;DR: ICONIQ recently released their 2026 GTM benchmark report, and it shows that overall sales quotas and processes are similar to the pre-AI era.  Just … ramped up.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

SaaStr AI App of the Week: Nue. The Revenue Platform Built for How B2B + AI Actually Prices Now

The hardest problem in B2B + AI right now is not building the product. It’s pricing it. Every AI company is walking away from pure per-seat and toward usage, consumption, credits, and outcome-based models. The tooling most of them run to quote, bill, and recognize revenue was built for a world where you set your... Continue Reading

More: SaaStr AI App of the Week: Nue. The Revenue Platform Built for How B2B + AI Actually Prices Now. Every AI company is walking away from pure per-seat and toward usage, consumption, credits, and outcome-based models.
TL;DR: The hardest problem in B2B + AI right now is not building the product.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Gen Z is fueling the explosive return of this 200-year-old strategy craze

Gen Z players are flocking to mahjong tournaments seeking strategy, luck, and in-person connections that don't involve drinking or screen time.

More: Social Security insolvency headlines are ‘classic fear-mongering, not based in reality’: George Kamel Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: Gen Z players are flocking to mahjong tournaments seeking strategy, luck, and in-person connections that don't involve drinking or screen time.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Thames Water lenders plot legal fight with Burnham over nationalisation

The group of investors engaged in a rescue bid for Thames Water are plotting a multibillion pound legal battle with Andy Burnham's new government if it forcibly nationalises Britain's biggest water company.

TL;DR: The group of investors engaged in a rescue bid for Thames Water are plotting a multibillion pound legal battle with Andy Burnham's new government if it forcibly nationalises Britain's biggest water company.
Read original at News
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World Cup helped drive strongest consumer spending growth in four years during June, Bank of America says

Bank of America data shows credit and debit card spending rose 6.3% in June, with restaurants and bars in host cities seeing the biggest gains.

More: SpaceX loses altitude — for now Software is not going away, though there will be specific 'winners and losers,' Josh Schafer says Banning data centers will only hurt New York's economy, says Rep Mike Lawler Wall Street eyes the midterm election map Market plays ‘tug of war’ as tech investors face bad week Rep Beth Van Duyne: This is anti-American BMW invests $1.
TL;DR: Bank of America data shows credit and debit card spending rose 6.3% in June, with restaurants and bars in host cities seeing the biggest gains.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Neil Rimer thinks the AI money is coming back out

Neil Rimer, the venture capitalist who co-founded Index Ventures, predicts the historic wealth AI is generating in Silicon Valley will have to be redistributed, voluntarily or involuntarily.

More: Neil Rimer thinks the AI money is coming back out Connie Loizos 9:47 PM PDT · July 17, 2026 In late May, Neil Rimer said something during a sit-down I had with him in Athens that I haven’t been able to shake. At a vibrant new tech festival in the city, talking about the wealth piling up around AI, he said he has “a strong sense that there will be some sort of a redistribution.
TL;DR: Neil Rimer, the venture capitalist who co-founded Index Ventures, predicts the historic wealth AI is generating in Silicon Valley will have to be redistributed, voluntarily or involuntarily.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Popular garlic powder recalled nationwide over bacterial contamination concerns

Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores across Canada is recalled over Bacillus cereus contamination, prompting a Class 2 warning.

More: School of Hard Knocks' James Dumoulin gives business advice to the younger generation Brilyn Hollyhand details how the GOP can secure the Gen Z vote ahead of midterms Taco Bell removes lettuce nationwide after FDA, CDC probe possible outbreak source Wealthiest Americans embrace 'Landmaxxing' trend Tom Brady: This is how we can democratize health and wellness like never before…
TL;DR: Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores across Canada is recalled over Bacillus cereus contamination, prompting a Class 2 warning.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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DrDroid (YC W23) Is Hiring

Assignment link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zrl7VgU11WYikLYWBcrH1Ufo7A4-sXO2lO2Qn3d-h1g/edit?usp=sharing Expect all of this in less than 7 days from the date of assignment submission.

More: DrDroid (YC W23) Is Hiring. We’re also the team behind several open-source projects: 🔹 Playbooks – A runbook automation platform 🔹 Kenobi – An event analytics platform for debugging data pipelines Join us in redefining how teams run operations in the post-GPT world.
TL;DR: DrDroid is building AI Agents for Platform & Infrastructure teams.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Applications close in 48 hours — here’s everything Australian founders need to know about Stripe x Startup Battlefield

The window is almost shut. On August 19, eight startups will take the stage at Stripe Tour Sydney in front of investors, global press, and the Australian tech community. One startup walks away with automatic entry into TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco — no application, no further competition, a guaranteed spot on the world’s most […]

More: Applications close in 48 hours — here’s everything Australian founders need to know about Stripe x Startup Battlefield. The window is almost shut. On August 19, eight startups will take the stage at Stripe Tour Sydney in front of investors, global press, and the Australian tech community.
TL;DR: One startup walks away with automatic entry into TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco — no application, no further competition, a guaranteed spot on the world’s most […]
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

AI-driven memory crunch jolts India’s smartphone market

India's smartphone slowdown highlights how the AI boom is reshaping consumer electronics, from pricing and demand to corporate strategy.

More: AI-driven memory crunch jolts India’s smartphone market Jagmeet Singh 1:09 PM PDT · July 17, 2026 Months after analysts warned that AI-driven demand for memory chips would ripple through consumer electronics, India is providing the strongest evidence yet that the disruption has arrived, with rising handset prices reshaping the smartphone market.
TL;DR: India's smartphone slowdown highlights how the AI boom is reshaping consumer electronics, from pricing and demand to corporate strategy.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: No Summer Doldrums As Dollars Still Flow To AI

It was not a holiday week on the funding front, as a raft of largely AI-focused companies closed big rounds. The largest of these was a $1.5 billion financing to enterprise AI startup Fireworks AI, and a Series D for meal and delivery provider Wonder.

More: The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: No Summer Doldrums As Dollars Still Flow To AI. It was not a holiday week on the funding front, as a raft of largely AI-focused companies closed big rounds. The largest of these was a $1.5 billion financing to enterprise AI startup Fireworks AI, and a Series D for meal and delivery provider Wonder.
TL;DR: The largest of these was a $1.5 billion financing to enterprise AI startup Fireworks AI, and a Series D for meal and delivery provider Wonder.
Read original at News
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Nuclear startup Valar Atomics in talks to raise new funding at $6B valuation

The potential deal highlights a growing trend of complex, multi-stage funding rounds that mask true entry prices.

More: Nuclear startup Valar Atomics in talks to raise new funding at $6B valuation. The potential deal highlights a growing trend of complex, multi-stage funding rounds that mask true entry prices.
TL;DR: The potential deal highlights a growing trend of complex, multi-stage funding rounds that mask true entry prices.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Taylor Farms preparing recall, denies branded salads tied to outbreak

Taylor Farms says its branded salad products are not linked to a cyclospora outbreak after a report said the company is preparing a recall tied to ingredients under investigation

More: School of Hard Knocks' James Dumoulin gives business advice to the younger generation Brilyn Hollyhand details how the GOP can secure the Gen Z vote ahead of midterms Taco Bell removes lettuce nationwide after FDA, CDC probe possible outbreak source Wealthiest Americans embrace 'Landmaxxing' trend Tom Brady: This is how we can democratize health and wellness like never before…
TL;DR: Taylor Farms says its branded salad products are not linked to a cyclospora outbreak after a report said the company is preparing a recall tied to ingredients under investigation
Read original at Foxbusiness
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How Apple’s big lawsuit could disrupt OpenAI’s IPO plans

Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI last Friday, and it’s not messing around. The complaint alleges a pattern of misconduct reaching all the way up to OpenAI’s chief hardware officer and claims more than 400 former Apple employees now work at the company. OpenAI’s response so far has been carefully hedged, and the timing couldn’t be worse with the company reportedly eyeing an IPO […]

More: How Apple’s big lawsuit could disrupt OpenAI’s IPO plans. Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI last Friday, and it’s not messing around. The complaint alleges a pattern of misconduct reaching all the way up to OpenAI’s chief hardware officer and claims more than 400 former Apple employees now work at the company.
TL;DR: Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI last Friday, and it’s not messing around.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Apple briefly overtakes Nvidia as world's most valuable company amid AI investment doubts

Apple briefly overtook Nvidia as the world's most valuable company Friday before the AI chip giant reclaimed its $4.92 trillion market cap by closing bell.

More: CEO reveals the 'good story' in the market Charles Payne: Momentum has made a 'monunmental move' I don't see the Fed 'doing much here': CIO says on rate decision Markets tumble as Trump turns up pressure on Iran Netflix stock plummets as streamer forecasts slower growth Morgan Stanley’s Jim Lacamp breaks down the stock market’s 'violent' sell-off Healthcare could become an ear…
TL;DR: Apple briefly overtook Nvidia as the world's most valuable company Friday before the AI chip giant reclaimed its $4.92 trillion market cap by closing bell.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Parents want safer phones for kids. These companies are answering the call.

As parents look for alternatives to unrestricted smartphones, a growing number of companies are building phones designed specifically for kids, from feature-limited mobile devices to minimalist home phones.

More: These companies are answering the call. Lauren Forristal 9:12 AM PDT · July 17, 2026 As parents become increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of unrestricted smartphone access for children, a growing number of companies are developing devices specifically designed for kids.
TL;DR: As parents look for alternatives to unrestricted smartphones, a growing number of companies are building phones designed specifically for kids, from feature-limited mobile devices to minimalist home phones.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Claude Became Our AI VP of Product. We Moved 10 Years Off Marketo for $14. Our Agent Killed a $10K App in an Hour: The Agents #010

Amelia and I just published Episode #010 of The Agents. Same setup as always: three humans, 21+ agents in production, an 8-figure B2B + AI business and $200m of investments at SaaStr AI Fund, revenue running 140% of last year and growing again. Every week we get into what’s actually working, what broke, and what... Continue Reading

More: Claude Became Our AI VP of Product. Our Agent Killed a $10K App in an Hour: The Agents #010. Amelia and I just published Episode #010 of The Agents.
TL;DR: Same setup as always: three humans, 21+ agents in production, an 8-figure B2B + AI business and $200m of investments at SaaStr AI Fund, revenue running 140% of last year and growing again.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Amazon fixing bug that billed some AWS customers billions of dollars

Some Amazon customers logged on Friday to a surprise bill estimate claiming that they owed the tech and cloud giant billions in fees.

More: But by Friday morning, the company conceded that the “rollback of a recent change did not resolve the issue.” Amazon said the change relates to its billing computation subsystem. According to several screenshots posted by Amazon customers on Reddit , one customer was quoted a billing estimate of close to $2.
TL;DR: Some Amazon customers logged on Friday to a surprise bill estimate claiming that they owed the tech and cloud giant billions in fees.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Airlines warn changing daylight saving time would disrupt scheduling

Airlines for America warns that permanent daylight saving time would disrupt crew scheduling, aircraft positioning, and global connectivity networks.

More: Democratic Party is in a 'complete free-fall': Lara Trump JD Vance warns America could elect ‘a socialist president’ Stuart Varney: Mamdani is enflaming landlord-tenant relations Federal safety chief sounds alarm as robo taxi concerns grow after deadly Texas crash We can’t continue to set NY back: Lee Zeldin We need to continue to put maximum pressure on Iran, GOP senator says…
TL;DR: Airlines for America warns that permanent daylight saving time would disrupt crew scheduling, aircraft positioning, and global connectivity networks.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Young millionaire reveals the wealth-building lessons he learned from billionaires

The young entrepreneur behind 'School of Hard Knocks' shares his strategy for turning a content creator business into multiple revenue streams.

More: Social Security insolvency headlines are ‘classic fear-mongering, not based in reality’: George Kamel Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: The young entrepreneur behind 'School of Hard Knocks' shares his strategy for turning a content creator business into multiple revenue streams.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

No product? No problem. This Disrupt 2026 session shows how to get pre-seed funding with conviction, storytelling 

It’s not just you: AI startups are taking in a huge amount of seed funding, and in the process making things harder for anyone looking for funding even at a pre-seed stage. We’ve covered the trend in detail, and at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt event, we want to help pre-seed founders now being held to seed-stage […]

More: That’s what our “Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product” panel will seek to answer. And it’s just one of the many sessions you can look forward to at our popular Builders Stage at Disrupt 2026 .
TL;DR: It’s not just you: AI startups are taking in a huge amount of seed funding, and in the process making things harder for anyone looking for funding even at a pre-seed stage. We’ve covered the trend in detail, and at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt event, we want to help pre-seed founders now being held to seed-stage […]
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Helsing secures $1.8B Series E, Uber acquiring Delivery Hero in €13B deal, and Revolut to launch US bank in 2027

This week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.Alongside the week’s top funding ...

More: Helsing secures $1.8B Series E, Uber acquiring Delivery Hero in €13B deal, and Revolut to launch US bank in 2027. This week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.Alongside the week’s top funding ...
TL;DR: This week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €2.7 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.Alongside the week’s top funding ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Manufact (YC S25) Is Hiring a Senior infra engineer to build the MCP cloud

Cloud infrastructure for MCP servers and Claude / ChatGPT apps. Manufact is Vercel for MCP. We are building the MCP cloud platform to get any product ready for Claude Connectors marketplace, ChatGPT…

More: Manufact (YC S25) Is Hiring a Senior infra engineer to build the MCP cloud. Manufact is Vercel for MCP. Create MCP servers/apps in minutes, connect your GitHub repo, and make them immediately available to AI agents and ChatGPT.
TL;DR: Cloud infrastructure for MCP servers and Claude / ChatGPT apps.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Five startups spearhead coalition to put small air quality sensors at the heart of EU clean air policy

Today sees the launch of Clean Tech for Clean Air (CT4CA), a coalition launched in Brussels to support the role of small sensors in Europe's clean air framework under the revised EU Air Quality Direct...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Today sees the launch of Clean Tech for Clean Air (CT4CA), a coalition launched in Brussels to support the role of small sensors in Europe's clean air framework under the revised EU Air Quality Direct...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

5 Interesting Learnings from Zoom at ~$5 Billion in ARR: Modestly Re-Accelerating Growth, Real AI Monetization, a $27B Market Cap, and a 25x Anthropic Windfall

Almost everyone wrote Zoom off a few years back. The story was tidy: the app everyone loved before 2022, but then almost a COVID one-hit-wonder that peaked in 2021 after going from $1B to $4B in ARR in one year.  That would slowly bleed out as people went back to the office and Teams ate... Continue Reading

More: 5 Interesting Learnings from Zoom at ~$5 Billion in ARR: Modestly Re-Accelerating Growth, Real AI Monetization, a $27B Market Cap, and a 25x Anthropic Windfall. Almost everyone wrote Zoom off a few years back. The story was tidy: the app everyone loved before 2022, but then almost a COVID one-hit-wonder that peaked in 2021 after going from $1B to $4B in ARR in one year.
TL;DR: Almost everyone wrote Zoom off a few years back.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Why the first GPU financiers are turning to inference chips in a $400 million deal

A $400 million chip-backed loan points to the next wave of AI infrastructure deals.

More: Why the first GPU financiers are turning to inference chips in a $400 million deal. A $400 million chip-backed loan points to the next wave of AI infrastructure deals.
TL;DR: A $400 million chip-backed loan points to the next wave of AI infrastructure deals.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Meet the startup tackling AI's forgotten challenge: your camera roll

The AI industry has become obsessed with generating images, videos and text. But one London startup is tackling a different challenge: making sense of the enormous personal archives we've already crea...

More: Meet the startup tackling AI's forgotten challenge: your camera roll. The AI industry has become obsessed with generating images, videos and text. But one London startup is tackling a different challenge: making sense of the enormous personal archives we've already crea...
TL;DR: The AI industry has become obsessed with generating images, videos and text.
Read original at Tech
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Where Argentina And Spain Are Scoring Startup Goals

We put together a snapshot of recent startup funding tallies and trends for World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina. While neither accounts for a particularly large share of global or even regional investment, both have an intriguing pipeline of recently funded companies. Here's what we found.

More: Where Argentina And Spain Are Scoring Startup Goals. We put together a snapshot of recent startup funding tallies and trends for World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina. While neither accounts for a particularly large share of global or even regional investment, both have an intriguing pipeline of recently funded companies.
TL;DR: We put together a snapshot of recent startup funding tallies and trends for World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina.
Read original at News
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Dear SaaStr: Do Any Top B2B Events Give You “The List”?

Dear SaaStr: Do Any Top B2B Events Give You “The List”? No, no good ones do, and for good reason. Top tier B2B events, especially ones focused on quality over volume, deliberately don’t hand over attendee lists to sponsors as a blanket data asset. If events sold attendee data freely, they’d destroy what makes them valuable... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: Do Any Top B2B Events Give You “The List”?. Dear SaaStr: Do Any Top B2B Events Give You “The List”? If events sold attendee data freely, they’d destroy what makes them valuable...
TL;DR: No, no good ones do, and for good reason.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

SAP acquires Prior Labs just 18 months after launch in €1B+ deal

SAP has acquired the German-founded frontier AI company Prior Labs for over €1 billion. The transaction, which comes just 18 months after Prior Labs was founded, establishes it as one of Europe’s pre-...

More: SAP acquires Prior Labs just 18 months after launch in €1B+ deal. SAP has acquired the German-founded frontier AI company Prior Labs for over €1 billion. The transaction, which comes just 18 months after Prior Labs was founded, establishes it as one of Europe’s pre-...
TL;DR: SAP has acquired the German-founded frontier AI company Prior Labs for over €1 billion.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

British Business Bank backs EQT Life Sciences with €25M commitment

EQT Life Sciences’ EQT Health Economics 3 Fund (EQT HE3), a multi-stage life sciences and medtech-dedicated fund has received €25 million from the British Business Bank. EQT Life Sciences backs compa...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: EQT Life Sciences’ EQT Health Economics 3 Fund (EQT HE3), a multi-stage life sciences and medtech-dedicated fund has received €25 million from the British Business Bank.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sightera Biosciences closes €3M pre-seed to expand its patient-derived AI drug discovery platform

Sightera Biosciences, a Belgiantechbio company using generative AI to develop novel small-molecule therapies,has raised €3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Entourage, Anacura andQBIC.A spin-...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Sightera Biosciences, a Belgiantechbio company using generative AI to develop novel small-molecule therapies,has raised €3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Entourage, Anacura andQBIC.A spin-...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

ENGO raises €5.1M to advance lightweight smart sports eyewear

ENGO, a French company developingsmart eyewear for athletes, has raised €5.1 million in a funding round toexpand its international presence and accelerate the development ofnext-generation heads-up di...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: ENGO, a French company developingsmart eyewear for athletes, has raised €5.1 million in a funding round toexpand its international presence and accelerate the development ofnext-generation heads-up di...
Read original at Tech
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SpaceX suddenly aborts second Starship V3 launch after ignition

The company didn't immediately say what went wrong. SpaceX's stock plunged more than 4% in after-hours trading before paring losses.

More: SpaceX suddenly aborts second Starship V3 launch after ignition. The company didn't immediately say what went wrong. SpaceX's stock plunged more than 4% in after-hours trading before paring losses.
TL;DR: The company didn't immediately say what went wrong.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Coca-Cola suspended production at its Fairlife dairy after a ransomware attack

U.S. beverage maker Coca-Cola said one of its dairy subsidiaries was hacked and that it’s shutting down its operations for the foreseeable future.

More: beverage maker Coca-Cola said one of its dairy subsidiaries was hacked and that it’s shutting down its operations for the foreseeable future. Securities and Exchange Commission that its Fairlife dairy company was hit by ransomware and that its production systems are affected.
TL;DR: Coca Cola said dairy production at its Fairlife unit will "remain suspended" in the United States following a hack.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Business Daily

Close menu Episode details World Service , · 17 Jul 2026 , · 23 mins Connecting the timezones this week are Will Bain in London, David Kuo in Singapore and Emily Peck in New York to unpack the week's…

More: Close menu Episode details World Service , · 17 Jul 2026 , · 23 mins Connecting the timezones this week are Will Bain in London, David Kuo in Singapore and Emily Peck in New York to unpack the week's biggest business stories.
TL;DR: China's economy slows, New York targets AI centres, and the ‘king of fruits’ giveaway
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Roblox launches an AI-powered game creation feature in its mobile app

Roblox's new "Build" feature lets users generate basic games using a single text prompt.

More: Roblox launches an AI-powered game creation feature in its mobile app. Roblox's new "Build" feature lets users generate basic games using a single text prompt.
TL;DR: Roblox's new "Build" feature lets users generate basic games using a single text prompt.
Read original at Techcrunch
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LARRY KUDLOW: A new Goldilocks -- Strong growth and falling prices

Rapid economic growth is being combined with stable or even disinflating prices

More: LARRY KUDLOW: A new Goldilocks -- Strong growth and falling prices. Rapid economic growth is being combined with stable or even disinflating prices
TL;DR: Rapid economic growth is being combined with stable or even disinflating prices
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Oil giant BP shutters its corporate venture arm after 20 years

BP has had an on-again, off-again relationship with climate tech. Now, it’s definitely “off.” On top of pivoting away from clean energy earlier this year, the oil giant announced today that it was se…

More: BP has had an on-again, off-again relationship with climate tech. Now, it’s definitely “off.” On top of pivoting away from clean energy earlier this year, the oil giant announced today that it was selling the majority of its venture portfolio — more than 10 companies, according to BP — to Verdane , a Nordic private equity firm.
TL;DR: BP Ventures is shutting down, ending a nearly 20 year run that was marked by reportedly lackluster returns.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Uber’s $14.8B Delivery Hero deal would nearly double its global footprint

Uber has agreed to acquire Delivery Hero in a $14.8 billion all-stock deal that would nearly double the company’s global footprint and create one of the world’s largest food delivery platforms outside China.

More: After weeks of speculation, Uber officially agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, a purchase that will take the ride-hailing and delivery giant’s status to new heights, and nearly 100 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.
TL;DR: Uber has agreed to acquire Delivery Hero in a $14.8 billion all-stock deal that would nearly double the company’s global footprint and create one of the world’s largest food delivery platforms outside China.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Newsletter platform Beehiiv’s now lets subscribers chat with each other, adds AI

Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics

More: Newsletter platform Beehiiv’s now lets subscribers chat with each other, adds AI. Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics
TL;DR: Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Newsletter platform Beehiiv now lets subscribers chat with each other, adds AI

Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics

More: Newsletter platform Beehiiv now lets subscribers chat with each other, adds AI. Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics
TL;DR: Beehiiv is launching an AI Copilot to help publishers with user growth and analytics
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

X cracks down on creators who steal content

X will use Grok AI to better detect stolen content, redirect payouts to original creators, and crack down on engagement bait.

More: X cracks down on creators who steal content Sarah Perez 9:40 AM PDT · July 16, 2026 X is taking a tougher stance against people who try to abuse its creator revenue-sharing program by soliciting engagement and stealing content from others.
TL;DR: X will use Grok AI to better detect stolen content, redirect payouts to original creators, and crack down on engagement bait.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

IRS raises business mileage deduction rate amid fuel price surge

The IRS raised its standard business mileage deduction to 76 cents per mile amid surging gas prices linked to the Iran war's disruption of oil flows.

More: There is a campaign underway to derail US efforts on AI: Charles Payne Charles Payne: The rotation trade 'continues to expand' AI infrastructure boom: Key companies capitalizing on the AI buildout Canadian wildfire smoke spreads across Midwest, Northeast as officials warn of air quality Brian Brenberg: This tells me that Trump 'really trusts' Kevin Warsh New York's taxpayer ex…
TL;DR: The IRS raised its standard business mileage deduction to 76 cents per mile amid surging gas prices linked to the Iran war's disruption of oil flows.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

AI-powered travel agency Fora hits unicorn status, raises $60M

Travel agency Fora announced a $60 million Series D round led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, valuing the company at $1 billion. 

More: Other investors in this latest round include Insight Partners and Thrive Capital. The company has raised $138.5 million in funding to date, it said.  Part of the fresh capital will go toward expanding Fora’s AI assistant, Via, which helps travel agents on its platform with tedious administrative tasks such as research and itinerary building.
TL;DR: Travel agency Fora announced a $60 million Series D round led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, valuing the company at $1 billion. 
Read original at Techcrunch
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Google’s AI Mode now lets you link and interact with select apps

With this new update, Google is expanding AI Mode beyond answering questions and into completing tasks across the apps they use regularly.

More: Google’s AI Mode now lets you link and interact with select apps Aisha Malik 9:00 AM PDT · July 16, 2026 Google announced on Thursday that it now allows users to link and interact with some of their go-to apps right in AI Mode, the tech giant’s conversational search experience.
TL;DR: With this new update, Google is expanding AI Mode beyond answering questions and into completing tasks across the apps they use regularly.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

20VC x SaaStr This Week : Apple Sues OpenAI, the Token-Maxing Era Begins, and the TAM Question Hanging Over AI Coding

With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll Apple sued OpenAI for trade secret theft this week, and the details are ugly: a six-year Apple employee allegedly walked physical prototypes out the door for show-and-tell, encouraged by a 24-year Apple veteran now running OpenAI’s hardware group. The individuals involved are, in Jason’s words, toast. But... Continue Reading

More: ClickHouse’s AI spend is up 60x since February. If most of Anthropic and OpenAI’s enterprise revenue is coding, they may already be at 20% of the entire software labor market. Nobody on the pod had a conclusion, but the possibility is real: the fastest-growing companies in history could hit the ceiling of the till faster than any company ever has.
TL;DR: With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll Apple sued OpenAI for trade secret theft this week, and the details are ugly: a six-year Apple employee allegedly walked physical prototypes out the door for show-and-tell, encouraged by a 24-year Apple veteran now running OpenAI’s hardware group.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

UK cops say arrest of two young hackers disrupted the operations of an infamous hacking group

Owen Flowers and Thalha Jubair, two members of the prolific Scattered Spider hacking group, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to five years and six months in jail for hacking London’s metropolitan transit system.

More: UK cops say arrest of two young hackers disrupted the operations of an infamous hacking group Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai 8:37 AM PDT · July 16, 2026 U.K police said on Thursday that the jailing of two teenage hackers has “severely” hampered the activities of the infamous cybercrime group known as Scattered Spider .
TL;DR: Owen Flowers and Thalha Jubair, two members of the prolific Scattered Spider hacking group, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to five years and six months in jail for hacking London’s metropolitan transit system.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

How a former DeepMind researcher raised at a $300M pre-seed valuation before launching a product

Drawing on more than a decade spent helping build some of the world's most influential AI systems, including research that later informed the development of ChatGPT, Andrew Dai explains why he believes visual AI is one of the next major frontiers in artificial intelligence.

More: How a former DeepMind researcher raised at a $300M pre-seed valuation before launching a product Maggie Nye 8:02 AM PDT · July 16, 2026 Andrew Dai left Google DeepMind knowing visual AI was the frontier he wanted to stake his claim in.
TL;DR: Drawing on more than a decade spent helping build some of the world's most influential AI systems, including research that later informed the development of ChatGPT, Andrew Dai explains why he believes visual AI is one of the next major frontiers in artificial intelligence.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Sheryl Sandberg leads $10 million investment in AI-powered vehicle inspection service

The startup, founded in 2021, lets enterprise customers use smartphones to scan and spot vehicle damage.

More: Sheryl Sandberg leads $10 million investment in AI-powered vehicle inspection service. The startup, founded in 2021, lets enterprise customers use smartphones to scan and spot vehicle damage.
TL;DR: The startup, founded in 2021, lets enterprise customers use smartphones to scan and spot vehicle damage.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Three $3B B2B Acquisitions in 30 Days: Intercom/Fin, Cognite, and MaintainX. They All Bought the Same Thing: Data for AI

Three $3B B2B Acquisitions in 30 Days: Intercom/Fin, Cognite, and MaintainX In about a month, three B2B companies recently were acquired for right around $3 billion each. On the surface they have nothing to do with each other: Salesforce bought Fin (the company formerly known as Intercom) for $3.6B on June 15. Autodesk bought MaintainX... Continue Reading

More: They All Bought the Same Thing: Data for AI. On the surface they have nothing to do with each other: Salesforce bought Fin (the company formerly known as Intercom) for $3.6B on June 15. Autodesk bought MaintainX...
TL;DR: Three $3B B2B Acquisitions in 30 Days: Intercom/Fin, Cognite, and MaintainX In about a month, three B2B companies recently were acquired for right around $3 billion each.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba and Baidu

The deal, which was rumored to be in the works last year, marks an important step for Apple's AI ambitions in a key market.

More: Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s generative AI offering, is coming to China. On Wednesday evening, a Baidu spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that it is also working with Apple on developing Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users.
TL;DR: The deal, which was rumored to be in the works last year, marks an important step for Apple's AI ambitions in a key market.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Juno Bio secures $3.8M and opens first sequencing lab dedicated to women's health

Juno Bio, a UK-founded women’s health company dedicated to closing the gender health gap through precision vaginal microbiome testing and multi-omics, today announced the opening of its first sequenci...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Juno Bio, a UK-founded women’s health company dedicated to closing the gender health gap through precision vaginal microbiome testing and multi-omics, today announced the opening of its first sequenci...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

The Bay Area Now Takes 51% of Every AI Venture Dollar. And 53% of Every B2B Dollar.

We all know SF is back, and the center of AI and AI+B2B.  Carta’s latest data reinforces it. Carta just released its Startup Ecosystem Leaderboard covering the $124 billion invested into startups on its platform from July 2025 through June 2026. The Bay Area took 41.3% of all of it. That’s $51.3 billion into companies... Continue Reading

More: The Bay Area Now Takes 51% of Every AI Venture Dollar. Carta just released its Startup Ecosystem Leaderboard covering the $124 billion invested into startups on its platform from July 2025 through June 2026. That’s $51.3 billion into companies...
TL;DR: We all know SF is back, and the center of AI and AI+B2B.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Ultrahuman’s former hardware VP raises $5.5M for devices that control AI agents, not just record you

Aina is going to pilot a new device in coming weeks

More: Ultrahuman’s former hardware VP raises $5.5M for devices that control AI agents, not just record you. Aina is going to pilot a new device in coming weeks
TL;DR: Aina is going to pilot a new device in coming weeks
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Why the best time to invest in Ukraine is now

Roman Sulzhyk, Founding Partner of Ukrainian investment fund Resist.UA, has a message for the world when it comes to investing in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem: "If you wait until after the war, yo...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Its first fund was backed by Ukrainian capital and focused on early-stage miltech/defencetech companies at the pre-seed and seed stages.
TL;DR: Roman Sulzhyk, Founding Partner of Ukrainian investment fund Resist.UA, has a message for the world when it comes to investing in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem: "If you wait until after the war, yo...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Billion-Dollar Seed Isn’t The Deal You Think It Is

Despite attention-grabbing AI mega-seed rounds, historical data shows that very large first financings rarely produce venture-scale returns because high entry valuations limit investor upside. Instead, argues guest author Ellie McDonald, the strongest venture outcomes have typically come from capital-efficient startups that raised modest early rounds.

More: Despite attention-grabbing AI mega-seed rounds, historical data shows that very large first financings rarely produce venture-scale returns because high entry valuations limit investor upside. Instead, argues guest author Ellie McDonald, the strongest venture outcomes have typically come from capital-efficient startups that raised modest early rounds.
TL;DR: Despite attention-grabbing AI mega-seed rounds, historical data shows that very large first financings rarely produce venture-scale returns because high entry valuations limit investor upside.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Meta now alerts parents if their teen discussed suicide or self-harm with its AI chatbot

The updates come as Meta and other tech companies are facing scrutiny from regulators and parents around how AI chatbots respond to users in crisis, particularly teenagers.

More: Meta now alerts parents if their teen discussed suicide or self-harm with its AI chatbot Aisha Malik 4:00 AM PDT · July 16, 2026 Meta announced on Thursday that it will now notify parents if their teen discusses suicide or self-harm with the company’s Meta AI chatbot.
TL;DR: The updates come as Meta and other tech companies are facing scrutiny from regulators and parents around how AI chatbots respond to users in crisis, particularly teenagers.
Read original at Techcrunch
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China And AI Lead Asia’s Startup Funding To Multiyear Peak In Q2

Overall, investors poured $42.8 billion into startup funding rounds across all of Asia in Q2 2026, per Crunchbase data. Led by China's $7.4 billion DeepSeek raise, that’s by far the highest quarterly total in more than three years.

More: China And AI Lead Asia’s Startup Funding To Multiyear Peak In Q2. Overall, investors poured $42.8 billion into startup funding rounds across all of Asia in Q2 2026, per Crunchbase data. Led by China's $7.4 billion DeepSeek raise, that’s by far the highest quarterly total in more than three years.
TL;DR: Overall, investors poured $42.8 billion into startup funding rounds across all of Asia in Q2 2026, per Crunchbase data.
Read original at News
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Investigation into parking charges for drivers queuing at petrol stations

It's part of a wider crackdown from the consumer regulator into potentially unfair practices by private parking operators.

More: One of the UK's largest private parking providers is being investigated by the competition regulator over whether parking charges for drivers queuing at petrol forecourts are fair. The regulator said it wanted to make sure drivers are being treated fairly following complaints from motorists who feel they've been unjustly issued with parking tickets.
TL;DR: It's part of a wider crackdown from the consumer regulator into potentially unfair practices by private parking operators.
Read original at Bbc
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Chip giant TSMC pledges another $100bn to expand US production

Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC will invest another $100bn (£74bn) in Arizona as it expands its production in the US, a move the Commerce Department said will create tens of thousands of American jobs.

More: Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC will invest another $100bn (£74bn) in Arizona as it expands its production in the US, a move the Commerce Department said will create tens of thousands of American jobs. Its share price has jumped by more than 55% this year to give it a stock market valuation of around $2 trillion.
TL;DR: The company says it will create "high-tech, high-paying jobs", and raises its total commitment to the US to $265bn.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Phone maker OnePlus says it won’t release new phones in the U.S. and Europe

OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027.

More: Phone maker OnePlus says it won’t release new phones in the U.S. and Europe. OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027.
TL;DR: OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Omio Group to acquire Rail Europe in bid to create global rail travel powerhouse

Multimodal traveltech company Omio Group has signed a deal to acquire Rail Europe. Upon completion, Rail Europe will become part of Omio Group, joining Omio's B2C booking platform, its B2B distributi...

More: Omio Group to acquire Rail Europe in bid to create global rail travel powerhouse. Multimodal traveltech company Omio Group has signed a deal to acquire Rail Europe. Upon completion, Rail Europe will become part of Omio Group, joining Omio's B2C booking platform, its B2B distributi...
TL;DR: Multimodal traveltech company Omio Group has signed a deal to acquire Rail Europe.
Read original at Tech
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Where are YC founders now? OpenAI and Anthropic, mostly

Sign in Deep Research Presented by Startups.RIP Life after the startup See where YC founders go after their startup is acquired or shut down OpenAI former Steered OpenAI for one extraordinary weekend…

More: Where are YC founders now? OpenAI and Anthropic, mostly. Anthropic Product engineer building Claude APIs/SDKs & platform Anthropic Working on Anthropic's compute team with Tom Brown.
TL;DR: Sign in Deep Research Presented by Startups.RIP Life after the startup See where YC founders go after their startup is acquired or shut down OpenAI former Steered OpenAI for one extraordinary weekend in 2023.
Read original at Joinedanthropic
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Hyperion Robotics secures $7.4M to expand robotic construction

Hyperion Robotics, a Finnish physical AI company developing robotic manufacturingtechnology for infrastructure construction, has raised $7.4 million in a growthfunding round to scale its robotic micro...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Hyperion Robotics, a Finnish physical AI company developing robotic manufacturingtechnology for infrastructure construction, has raised $7.4 million in a growthfunding round to scale its robotic micro...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Arq secures $1.4M pre-seed for quantum internet technology

Arq, a UK quantum technology startup developing networkinghardware for the quantum internet, has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seedfunding round to accelerate the development of its quantum communicati...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The round was led by Ground State Ventures , with participation from Big Sur Ventures .
TL;DR: Arq, a UK quantum technology startup developing networkinghardware for the quantum internet, has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seedfunding round to accelerate the development of its quantum communicati...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

SWISSto12 raises $70M Series C to scale multi-orbit business

SWISSto12, aSwiss aerospace company developing satellite payloads and platforms for thespace and telecommunications industries, has raised $70 million in a Series Cfunding round to expand its manufact...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: SWISSto12, aSwiss aerospace company developing satellite payloads and platforms for thespace and telecommunications industries, has raised $70 million in a Series Cfunding round to expand its manufact...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Applied Computing lands $20M to expand foundation AI for energy

Applied Computing, a British artificial intelligencecompany developing foundation models for energy operations, has raised $20million in a funding round led by KBR, with participation from Databricks ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Applied Computing, a British artificial intelligencecompany developing foundation models for energy operations, has raised $20million in a funding round led by KBR, with participation from Databricks ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Syntetica raises $30M Series A for circular nylon recycling

Syntetica, a deeptech company developing recyclingtechnology for complex textile waste, has raised $30 million in a Series Afunding round to scale its nylon recycling platform and bring its technology...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Syntetica, a deeptech company developing recyclingtechnology for complex textile waste, has raised $30 million in a Series Afunding round to scale its nylon recycling platform and bring its technology...
Read original at Tech
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UK economy returns to growth in May

The UK's economy grew by 0.1% in May, the latest official data has shown. The modest increase was driven by growth in the UK's service sector, but offset by falls in the production and construction s…

More: The UK's economy grew by 0.1% in May, the latest official data has shown. It comes after the economy had contracted slightly in April as the US-Israel war with Iran began to have an impact on businesses. In the three months to May, the ONS said the economy grew by 0.7% compared with the previous three month period.
TL;DR: The modest growth reverses a slight contraction that had been seen the previous month.
Read original at Bbc
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Major US bank bets big on America's shipbuilding comeback with $24M investment

JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia to build a submarine assembly plant and train thousands of workers for defense roles.

More: Major US bank bets big on America's shipbuilding comeback with $24M investment. JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia to build a submarine assembly plant and train thousands of workers for defense roles.
TL;DR: JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia to build a submarine assembly plant and train thousands of workers for defense roles.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Lululemon backs nylon recycling startup Syntetica in $30M Series A

Syntetica, a French startup that has developed a novel approach to recycling nylon, has already obtained big-name partners and investors.

More: Lululemon backs nylon recycling startup Syntetica in $30M Series A Anna Heim 9:00 PM PDT · July 15, 2026 Activewear company Lululemon has invested in the $30 million Series A round raised by Syntetica, a French startup that developed a novel approach to recycling nylon, whose properties make it both too good to give up but hard to reuse.
TL;DR: Syntetica, a French startup that has developed a novel approach to recycling nylon, has already obtained big-name partners and investors.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Applied Computing wants to give oil and gas operators an AI model for the entire plant

Applied Computing has raised a $20M Series A to build a foundation AI model for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.

More: Applied Computing wants to give oil and gas operators an AI model for the entire plant Ram Iyer 9:00 PM PDT · July 15, 2026 Applied Computing , a London-based startup that’s building a foundation AI model for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, has raised a $20 million Series A led by engineering giant KBR, with Databricks Ventures participating.
TL;DR: Applied Computing has raised a $20M Series A to build a foundation AI model for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Why Greylock capped its new fund at $1.5B when it says it could have raised more

By keeping the number of investments to about 25 per fund, Greylock aims to remain what it calls "the most important partner" to its founders.

More: Why Greylock capped its new fund at $1.5B when it says it could have raised more. By keeping the number of investments to about 25 per fund, Greylock aims to remain what it calls "the most important partner" to its founders.
TL;DR: By keeping the number of investments to about 25 per fund, Greylock aims to remain what it calls "the most important partner" to its founders.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Microsoft is reportedly training salespeople to talk down OpenAI and Anthropic

Microsoft is reportedly training salespeople to talk down OpenAI and Anthropic Lucas Ropek 4:59 PM PDT · July 15, 2026 Microsoft appears to be prepping its sales team to get more competitive with the…

More: Microsoft is reportedly training salespeople to talk down OpenAI and Anthropic Lucas Ropek 4:59 PM PDT · July 15, 2026 Microsoft appears to be prepping its sales team to get more competitive with the other major players in the AI industry.
TL;DR: Microsoft is looking to sell its in-house AI models as more efficient and cost-effective than its competitors' models.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Buffett calls Bill Gates relationship with Epstein 'distasteful'

The billionaire investor's firm has stopped giving donations to the Microsoft co-founder's charity.

More: Buffett calls Bill Gates relationship with Epstein 'distasteful'. The billionaire investor's firm has stopped giving donations to the Microsoft co-founder's charity.
TL;DR: The billionaire investor's firm has stopped giving donations to the Microsoft co-founder's charity.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Daniel Ek’s body-scanning startup Neko Health raises another $700M

Neko Health has developed proprietary body-scanning technology, which it couples with bloodwork, to assess a person's health.

More: Neko Health , the body-scanning and health assessment startup founded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek (pictured above, right) and his co-founder Hjalmar Nilsonne (above, left), has raised a $700 million Series C. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and O.G. This follows the company’s $260 million Series B raised in January 2025.
TL;DR: Neko Health has developed proprietary body-scanning technology, which it couples with bloodwork, to assess a person's health.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Dave & Buster’s moves further into nightlife with nationwide rave series

Dave & Buster’s is teaming with Brownies & Lemonade on a nationwide rave series, bringing surprise DJs and multi-genre dance music lineups to seven U.S. cities through December.

More: Wealthiest Americans embrace 'Landmaxxing' trend Tom Brady: This is how we can democratize health and wellness like never before California real estate expert discusses falling rents, AI wealth impact on housing Mahjong explodes in popularity among Gen Z Mahjong mania: Gen Z drives resurgence of traditional tile-based game FOX Business anchors reveal wildly overpriced popular…
TL;DR: Dave & Buster’s is teaming with Brownies & Lemonade on a nationwide rave series, bringing surprise DJs and multi-genre dance music lineups to seven U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Stripe’s Acquisition Pace Has Accelerated In The Past Five Years, But Nothing Comes Close To Its Reported $53B PayPal Bet

Payments giant Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have teamed up to make an offer to buy troubled PayPal in a deal valued at more than $53 billion, Reuters reported Wednesday.

More: The fintech startup was, until just a few short years ago, the highest valued startup based in the U.S., before being eclipsed on that metric by AI labs Anthropic and OpenAI . With substantial private capital — it has raised some $10.4 billion since inception, per Crunchbase — Stripe has long been one of the most acquisitive venture-backed startups.
TL;DR: Payments giant Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have teamed up to make an offer to buy troubled PayPal in a deal valued at more than $53 billion, Reuters reported Wednesday.
Read original at News
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Is Software Dead? No. It Just Got a Lot Harder to Win. The SaaStr AI Deep Dive with Rory O’Driscoll

You already know Rory O’Driscoll from our weekly 20VC x SaaStr podcast, where he, Harry, and I go back and forth on exactly this stuff. He’s also been investing in software for 30+ years. Long enough, as he put it on stage at SaaStr AI, to have stayed employed but not so successful he could... Continue Reading

More: The SaaStr AI Deep Dive with Rory O’Driscoll. He’s also been investing in software for 30+ years. Long enough, as he put it on stage at SaaStr AI, to have stayed employed but not so successful he could...
TL;DR: You already know Rory O’Driscoll from our weekly 20VC x SaaStr podcast, where he, Harry, and I go back and forth on exactly this stuff.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple quietly reveals how its Maps ads will differ from Google’s

Apple has published the policies governing its upcoming Maps advertising business, revealing a strategy that differs from Google’s. The new rules prohibit home services businesses like plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and roofers from advertising on Apple Maps, along with several other sensitive categories, suggesting Apple is taking a more curated approach to these ads.

More: Apple has published the policies governing its upcoming Maps advertising business, revealing a strategy that differs from Google’s. The new rules prohibit home services businesses like plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and roofers from advertising on Apple Maps, along with several other sensitive categories, suggesting Apple is taking a more curated approach to these ads.
TL;DR: Apple has published the policies governing its upcoming Maps advertising business, revealing a strategy that differs from Google’s.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

SpaceX slips below its $135 IPO price ahead of Starship launch

The stock has steadily fallen from the euphoric post-IPO high, showing that markets may be sobering up to the promises CEO Elon Musk made before and after SpaceX went public.

More: SpaceX slips below its $135 IPO price ahead of Starship launch Sean O'Kane 11:06 AM PDT · July 15, 2026 SpaceX’s shares fell below $135, the price that CEO Elon Musk and his company chose ahead of its blockbuster June 12 IPO that raked in nearly $86 billion. Some of the volatility is attributable to the fact that just 4% of the company’s total shares are trading on the Nasdaq.
TL;DR: The stock has steadily fallen from the euphoric post-IPO high, showing that markets may be sobering up to the promises CEO Elon Musk made before and after SpaceX went public.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

SpaceX falls to $135 IPO price ahead of Starship launch

The stock has steadily fallen from the euphoric post-IPO high, showing that markets may be sobering up to the promises CEO Elon Musk made before and after SpaceX went public.

More: SpaceX falls to $135 IPO price ahead of Starship launch Sean O'Kane 11:06 AM PDT · July 15, 2026 SpaceX’s shares fell to just above $135 on Wednesday, the price that CEO Elon Musk and his company chose ahead of its blockbuster June 12 IPO that raked in nearly $86 billion.
TL;DR: The stock has steadily fallen from the euphoric post-IPO high, showing that markets may be sobering up to the promises CEO Elon Musk made before and after SpaceX went public.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Phone maker OnePlus reportedly plans to wind down US and Europe operations

OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027

More: Phone maker OnePlus reportedly plans to wind down US and Europe operations. OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027
TL;DR: OnePlus could also wind down its operations in India by 2027
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Crunchbase Tech Layoffs Tracker

Over 127,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies were laid off in mass job cuts in 2025, per a Crunchbase News tally, and the layoffs have continued into 2026. See the latest companies to cut roles.

More: The first couple weeks of July brought news of a plethora of tech layoffs, with most of them coming from companies that are not based in the U.S. A report from Reuters News , the company’s news and media division, says it will eliminate about 500 engineering jobs in the near term.
TL;DR: Over 127,000 workers at U.S.-based tech companies were laid off in mass job cuts in 2025, per a Crunchbase News tally, and the layoffs have continued into 2026.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

California lawmakers warn Newsom budget tax credit cap threatens Hollywood jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s final budget is drawing pushback from California lawmakers who say a business tax credit cap could threaten entertainment jobs and send production elsewhere.

More: Xi Jinping has made my job ‘infinitely easier,’ Peter Navarro says Laura Ingraham: This is what the American people want Larry Kudlow: Has 'Goldilocks' returned? Trump reveals how he feels about personal threats from Iran as US launches second wave of strikes in one day DSA are giving GOP a 'great gift' for midterms: Larry Kudlow National wealth tax goes against everything the…
TL;DR: Gavin Newsom’s final budget is drawing pushback from California lawmakers who say a business tax credit cap could threaten entertainment jobs and send production elsewhere.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Whatnot acquires Shaped to power real-time live shopping recommendations

Livestream shopping platform Whatnot has acquired AI startup Shaped, a machine learning company focused on real-time recommendations and search. The deal will bolster Whatnot’s personalization and discovery features as it expands into new product categories.

More: Whatnot acquires Shaped to power real-time live shopping recommendations. Livestream shopping platform Whatnot has acquired AI startup Shaped, a machine learning company focused on real-time recommendations and search. The deal will bolster Whatnot’s personalization and discovery features as it expands into new product categories.
TL;DR: Livestream shopping platform Whatnot has acquired AI startup Shaped, a machine learning company focused on real-time recommendations and search.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Warren Buffett excludes Gates Foundation from his annual donations of Berkshire stock

The 95-year-old investor redirected nearly $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to his children's foundations after cutting Gates Foundation ties.

More: Charles Payne: We all know the stock market script has been written Johnson & Johnson commits to $55B, 4-year US investment plan Brooke Rollins on combating high fertilizer costs and rebuilding US manufacturing Agriculture chief highlights efforts to drop fertilizer prices: 'Pretty good place' Trump pushes Senate to pass crypto bill as CLARITY Act gains momentum The Federal Re…
TL;DR: The 95-year-old investor redirected nearly $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to his children's foundations after cutting Gates Foundation ties.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Microsoft patches record number of security vulnerabilities, citing its use of AI

Microsoft's monthly release of security fixes, dubbed Patch Tuesday, resolved a record 570 security vulnerabilities across the company's product line, thanks to discoveries with AI.

More: Microsoft released a record number of security patches for Windows, Office, and other tech product lines this week, citing the use of AI to aid the discovery of code vulnerabilities. The company cited its use of AI to help its employees uncover previously undiscovered security bugs in its software.
TL;DR: Microsoft's monthly release of security fixes, dubbed Patch Tuesday, resolved a record 570 security vulnerabilities across the company's product line, thanks to discoveries with AI.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Launch HN: Coasty (YC S26) – An API for computer-use agents

Hey HN, we’re Nitish and Prateek, the founders of Coasty ( https://coasty.ai/computer-use ). We’re building computer-use agents that can complete workflows inside legacy desktop software and web applications without usable APIs. Developers send Coasty a natural-language task either through our consumer app or through our API, select a machine or browser environment, and any relevant credentials or files. The agent then operates the interface through screenshots, mouse, and keyboard input, verifies the result, and returns a structured run record with screenshots, actions, outputs, and errors. Here is a raw demo of an agent completing a workflow in a legacy application(It’s a mockup): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZghU_3vsAYhHVz1bsvE0pkvZYk7... A lot of important software is still difficult to automate. Healthcare teams submit prior authorizations through payer portals, accounting teams enter data into desktop applications, and operations teams move information between internal systems, spreadsheets, and remote desktops. Many of these applications have no API, incomplete APIs, or integrations that take months to build. The usual alternative is RPA, record a sequence of clicks and replay it. That works when the interface and workflow are predictable, but it often breaks when a button moves, a pop-up appears, a page loads slowly, or the application enters an unexpected state. Coasty takes a different approach. The agent observes the current screen, decides what action to take, executes it, and then observes the resulting state before continuing. It does not require DOM access, an accessibility tree, selectors, or an application-specific integration, so the same API can operate browsers, remote desktops, and older Windows applications. A simplified request looks roughly like this: run = coasty.runs.create( environment="vm_123", task=""" Open the patient record in the billing portal. Enter the attached authorization data. Do not submit if the member ID or procedure code does not match. Return the confirmation number. """, files=["authorization.pdf"], approval_required=["final_submission"] ) The response includes the final status, extracted outputs, a replay URL, and a timestamped event log: { "status": "completed", "output": { "confirmation_number": "PA-184392" }, "replay_url": "...", "events": [ { "type": "verification", "field": "member_id", "result": "matched" } ] } The API can also pause a run for human approval, retry from a checkpoint, or return control to the developer when it encounters a condition the workflow did not anticipate. We started working on this last summer, because we saw that models were getting better at vision but kept seeing a gap between computer-use demos and the reliability needed for production workflows. Getting an agent to complete a task once is fairly straightforward. Getting it to repeat that task, recover from unexpected states, avoid silently entering incorrect data, and produce evidence of what it did is much harder. We built several layers around the underlying computer-use model. The system tracks the expected state of the workflow, detects when the application has diverged from that state, and can re-plan instead of continuing blindly. Developers can define invariants such as “the patient name must match the source document” or “never submit without approval,” and the agent checks those conditions during the run. Each run happens in an isolated virtual machine. We expose APIs for provisioning environments, uploading files, starting tasks, streaming events, inserting human approvals, and retrieving the full replay and audit trail. Environments can be kept alive across runs when the application has a long login flow or persistent local state. One problem we are still working through is the tradeoff between speed and reliability. The agent can move faster by taking fewer observations and verification steps, but that becomes risky in workflows involving patient records, payments, or regulatory filings. We currently bias toward slower execution with more checks and let developers configure approval points and verification policies. We are initially working with healthcare operations teams because their workflows combine many of the hardest conditions: payer portals, EHRs, PDFs, spreadsheets, remote desktops, and actions where quiet mistakes are expensive. We also expose the same infrastructure through the developer API for teams building their own agents and vertical automation products. We currently charge based on agent runtime and workflow volume, with separate pricing for dedicated environments and enterprise deployments. We’d especially appreciate feedback from people who have built and/or used browser agents, RPA systems, desktop automation, or agent infrastructure. We’re curious which parts of the API you would want direct control over, where you would prefer higher-level abstractions, and which failure modes have been hardest in your own automation systems. If you'...

More: Launch HN: Coasty (YC S26) – An API for computer-use agents. We’re building computer-use agents that can complete workflows inside legacy desktop software and web applications without usable APIs. We also expose the same infrastructure through the developer API for teams building their own agents and vertical automation products.
TL;DR: Hey HN, we’re Nitish and Prateek, the founders of Coasty ( https://coasty.ai/computer-use ).
Read original at Coasty
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Stripe and Advent reportedly offered to buy PayPal for around $53.4B

Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have reportedly submitted a joint bid to acquire PayPal in a deal valued at approximately $53.4 billion.  Reuters reports that the offer was submitted earlier this month and is backed by roughly $50 billion in committed bank financing. Under the proposal, Stripe and Advent would jointly own PayPal, […]

More: Under the proposal, Stripe and Advent would jointly own PayPal, […]
TL;DR: Stripe and private equity firm Advent International have reportedly submitted a joint bid to acquire PayPal in a deal valued at approximately $53.4 billion.  Reuters reports that the offer was submitted earlier this month and is backed by roughly $50 billion in committed bank financing.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple Intelligence approved for launch in China with Alibaba’s Qwen AI

Apple Intelligence is headed to China after regulators approved Apple’s AI services through a partnership with Alibaba. The long-rumored deal will bring Alibaba’s Qwen AI models to Apple’s operating systems, marking a major expansion of the company’s generative AI platform into one of its most important markets.

More: Apple Intelligence is headed to China after regulators approved Apple’s AI services through a partnership with Alibaba. The long-rumored deal will bring Alibaba’s Qwen AI models to Apple’s operating systems, marking a major expansion of the company’s generative AI platform into one of its most important markets.
TL;DR: Apple Intelligence is headed to China after regulators approved Apple’s AI services through a partnership with Alibaba.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Brewdog co-founder James Watt launches bid to buy back beer firm

Brewdog co-founder James Watt says he has made an offer to buy back the craft beer business months after it was sold to a US company.

More: Published 18 February Investors doubt Brewdog founder's shares pledge for new beer brand Published 23 May About 20,000 people invested in the scheme, typically spending about £500 on shares costing £20-30 each. Both had sold shares in the firm to a US private equity fund TSG in 2017, making £50m each.
TL;DR: Watt says he has made an offer to buy back the craft beer business months after it was sold to a US company.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Social Security recipients could see bigger cost-of-living adjustment in 2027, new forecast says

A 3.8% Social Security COLA for 2027 could raise average benefits by $73.62, but the larger adjustment may accelerate trust fund insolvency.

More: Charles Payne: We all know the stock market script has been written Larry Kudlow: Has 'Goldilocks' returned? Lessons for the AI era: ‘Never get comfortable’ Trump reveals how he feels about personal threats from Iran as US launches second wave of strikes in one day Johnson & Johnson commits to $55B, 4-year US investment plan DSA are giving GOP a 'great gift' for midterms: Larr…
TL;DR: A 3.8% Social Security COLA for 2027 could raise average benefits by $73.62, but the larger adjustment may accelerate trust fund insolvency.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Inside Ode with Anthropic, the startup betting AI services are the future of enterprise

Can a handful of engineers really do the work of an army of consultants? That’s the bet behind Ode with Anthropic — the joint venture dedicated to embedding forward-deployed engineers in enterprise firms, backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs and others.   On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Rebecca Bellan sits down with Ode’s leaders Chris Taylor and Eddie Siegel, who founded Fractional AI, […]

More: Can a handful of engineers really do the work of an army of consultants? That’s the bet behind Ode with Anthropic — the joint venture dedicated to embedding forward-deployed engineers in enterprise firms, backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs and others.
TL;DR: Can a handful of engineers really do the work of an army of consultants? That’s the bet behind Ode with Anthropic — the joint venture dedicated to embedding forward-deployed engineers in enterprise firms, backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs and others.   On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Rebecca Bellan sits down with Ode’s leaders Chris Taylor and Eddie Siegel, who founded Fractional AI, […]
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Scaling startups create Europe's most successful founders, Antler finds

Research published today by global early-stage VC firm Antler reveals that the single most important decision a founder can make is which company they work at before building their own, and specifical...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Research published today by global early-stage VC firm Antler reveals that the single most important decision a founder can make is which company they work at before building their own, and specifical...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

India bets billions on breaking China’s grip on smartphone manufacturing

New Delhi announced a $6.5 billion smartphone manufacturing program and a $13.3 billion semiconductor push to deepen India's electronics supply chain.

More: India bets billions on breaking China’s grip on smartphone manufacturing Jagmeet Singh 7:39 AM PDT · July 15, 2026 India unveiled billions of dollars in new incentives for smartphone manufacturing and an expanded semiconductor push on Wednesday, seeking to build on its success assembling Apple’s iPhones and draw more of the global electronics supply chain away from China.
TL;DR: New Delhi announced a $6.5 billion smartphone manufacturing program and a $13.3 billion semiconductor push to deepen India's electronics supply chain.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Norrsken Evolve plants roots in Amsterdam after €62M fund close

Norrsken Evolve, the European pre-seed fund investing in founders tackling climate, health and resilience challenges, is formalising its Amsterdam presence by taking up base at Norrsken House Amsterda...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Norrsken Evolve, the European pre-seed fund investing in founders tackling climate, health and resilience challenges, is formalising its Amsterdam presence by taking up base at Norrsken House Amsterda...
Read original at Tech
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Saible raises £2.9M to tackle construction's chronic late-payment crisis

Saible, a UK construction fintech building software to stop project money from being delayed, withheld or trapped before it reaches suppliers, has raised £2.9 million from angel investors. The funding...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The funding comprises £2.1 million already raised and a further £800,000 angel round, taking Saible’s total funding to £2.9 .  Saible tackles one of construction’s most persistent problems: systemic cash extraction by late and non-payment.
TL;DR: Saible, a UK construction fintech building software to stop project money from being delayed, withheld or trapped before it reaches suppliers, has raised £2.9 million from angel investors.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Anthropic, Blackstone bet the next trillion-dollar AI business is implementation, not models

Anthropic-backed Ode launches as AI labs bet that embedding forward-deployed engineers inside enterprises is the key to accelerating enterprise AI adoption.

More: Anthropic, Blackstone bet the next trillion-dollar AI business is implementation, not models Rebecca Bellan 6:10 AM PDT · July 15, 2026 AI models are becoming ever more capable, but exactly what enterprise adoption will look like remains a big question.
TL;DR: Anthropic-backed Ode launches as AI labs bet that embedding forward-deployed engineers inside enterprises is the key to accelerating enterprise AI adoption.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Rime picks up $24M Series A to help enterprises field customer calls

Rime is handling over 100 million calls each month across multiple companies

More: Rime picks up $24M Series A to help enterprises field customer calls. Rime is handling over 100 million calls each month across multiple companies
TL;DR: Rime is handling over 100 million calls each month across multiple companies
Read original at Techcrunch
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Reelful’s AI turns your camera roll into short-form videos for social media

The app is designed for people who want to create social content, but find traditional video editing tools too complex or time-consuming.

More: Reelful’s AI turns your camera roll into short-form videos for social media Aisha Malik 6:00 AM PDT · July 15, 2026 A new iOS app called Reelful uses AI to automatically turn photos and video clips from your camera roll into polished TikTok- and Instagram Reels-style videos for social media.
TL;DR: The app is designed for people who want to create social content, but find traditional video editing tools too complex or time-consuming.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Monumental secures $32M Series B to accelerate construction automation

Monumental,the Amsterdam-based construction technology company developing autonomousrobotics and software for the building industry, has raised $32 million in aSeries B funding round led by Khosla Ven...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Monumental,the Amsterdam-based construction technology company developing autonomousrobotics and software for the building industry, has raised $32 million in aSeries B funding round led by Khosla Ven...
Read original at Tech
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Indian AI coding startup Emergent becomes a unicorn with $130M Series C

The startup has reached a $120 million annualized revenue run rate and more than 200,000 paying customers.

More: Indian AI coding startup Emergent becomes a unicorn with $130M Series C. The startup has reached a $120 million annualized revenue run rate and more than 200,000 paying customers.
TL;DR: The startup has reached a $120 million annualized revenue run rate and more than 200,000 paying customers.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Fintech Funding Surges 23% In H1 2026 As Investors Concentrate Their Bets On AI And Financial Infrastructure

Venture funding into fintech startups climbed nearly 23% year over year in H1 2026, even as deal count fell more than 25%, Crunchbase data shows, a sign that investors are writing fewer, but much larger checks into the sector as they focus on areas such as wealth management, financial infrastructure and enterprise automation. We take a look at the numbers.

More: All told, fintech startups raised $28.6 billion globally in the first half of 2026, a 22.7% increase from the first half of 2025, but down 17.3% compared to the $34.6 billion raised in the second half of last year. Historically, the United States has led the globe when it comes to fintech funding, and the first half of this year was no exception.
TL;DR: Venture funding into fintech startups climbed nearly 23% year over year in H1 2026, even as deal count fell more than 25%, Crunchbase data shows, a sign that investors are writing fewer, but much larger checks into the sector as they focus on areas such as wealth management, financial infrastructure and enterprise automation.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Corporate Venture Capital Is Splitting In Two

The wind-downs at PayPal and Fidelity International may look like a retreat, but the data points to a concentration of power at the top of the market that smaller funds will feel first, writes guest author Steve Brotman of Alpha Partners.

More: Last month, PayPal confirmed its wind down of PayPal Ventures , the corporate venture arm it launched in 2016 and grew to more than $850 million across three funds. According to Bain Capital , corporate investors participated in 68% of global AI deal value in 2025 — venture’s strongest funding year since 2021.
TL;DR: The wind-downs at PayPal and Fidelity International may look like a retreat, but the data points to a concentration of power at the top of the market that smaller funds will feel first, writes guest author Steve Brotman of Alpha Partners.
Read original at News
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Backed by $60M in funding, Oak steps out of stealth to fix the identity mess that AI agents are making worse

Cofounded by senior entrepreneur Shai Morag, Israeli identity management startup Oak is emerging out of stealth with $60 million in seed funding. 

More: Backed by $60M in funding, Oak steps out of stealth to fix the identity mess that AI agents are making worse. Cofounded by senior entrepreneur Shai Morag, Israeli identity management startup Oak is emerging out of stealth with $60 million in seed funding. 
TL;DR: Cofounded by senior entrepreneur Shai Morag, Israeli identity management startup Oak is emerging out of stealth with $60 million in seed funding. 
Read original at Techcrunch
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Nous secures €2.3M+ seed funding to scale Koncentra

Nous, an Italianingredient company developing functional ingredients for the food, beverage andnutraceutical industries, has raised €2.315 million in a seed funding round toaccelerate the commercialis...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Nous, an Italianingredient company developing functional ingredients for the food, beverage andnutraceutical industries, has raised €2.315 million in a seed funding round toaccelerate the commercialis...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

A SpaceX vet raised $65M to pull wire harnesses out of the Cold War era

Someone has to bundle all the wires that go into rockets, missiles, and satellites.

More: A SpaceX vet raised $65M to pull wire harnesses out of the Cold War era. Someone has to bundle all the wires that go into rockets, missiles, and satellites.
TL;DR: Someone has to bundle all the wires that go into rockets, missiles, and satellites.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

SuperCharger Ventures launches Fund I to back global edtech and future-of-work startups

Maltese investor SuperCharger Ventures today announced the launch of Fund I with a plan to invest in edtech and Future-of-Work companies worldwide, with a focus on pre-seed and seed-stage startups. In...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Maltese investor SuperCharger Ventures today announced the launch of Fund I with a plan to invest in edtech and Future-of-Work companies worldwide, with a focus on pre-seed and seed-stage startups.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Dear SaaStr.ai: At What Point Should We Hire an Internal Recruiter?

Dear SaaStr.ai: At what point has a start up do you hire a recruiter internally versus paying recruiters 20% fees? Hire a full-time internal recruiter once you’re hiring 5+ people per quarter consistently. Here’s the math: If you’re paying 20% placement fees on $150K hires, that’s $30K per placement. An internal recruiter costs $60–80K fully... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr.ai: At What Point Should We Hire an Internal Recruiter?. Hire a full-time internal recruiter once you’re hiring 5+ people per quarter consistently. An internal recruiter costs $60–80K fully...
TL;DR: Dear SaaStr.ai: At what point has a start up do you hire a recruiter internally versus paying recruiters 20% fees?
Read original at Saastr
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Thames Water returns to profit after raising bills

The UK's largest water company reported a post-tax profit for the 12 months to the end of March, but its net debt also swelled.

More: Thames Water has returned to a full-year profit after hiking its customers bills by 40% last year. However, the firm's net debt also swelled to £18.5bn from £16.8bn as it said it "continued to fund the business through... Chief executive Chris Weston said: "The progress we have made in turning the company around has meant we are now performing better."
TL;DR: The UK's largest water company reported a post-tax profit for the 12 months to the end of March, but its net debt also swelled.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Float raises €4.5M Series A to bridge Europe's funding gap

Float, the Stockholm-founded revenue-basedfinancing platform for tech SMEs, has secured a €4.5 million Series A fundinground led by Hamburg-based CHAPTERS Group AG. As part of the investment,CHAPTERS ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. To date, the company has provided more than €100 million in funding to over 130 European tech businesses, including RoomPriceGenie and RedTrack.
TL;DR: Float, the Stockholm-founded revenue-basedfinancing platform for tech SMEs, has secured a €4.5 million Series A fundinground led by Hamburg-based CHAPTERS Group AG.
Read original at Tech
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Neko Health raises $700M as demand grows for preventive health scans

Neko Health today announced the completion of its $700 million Series C funding round. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and co-led by O.G. Venture Partners, with participation from e...

More: Neko Health raises $700M as demand grows for preventive health scans. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and co-led by O.G. Venture Partners, with participation from e...
TL;DR: Neko Health today announced the completion of its $700 million Series C funding round.
Read original at Tech
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China economic growth falls sharply, missing target

China's economic growth slowed sharply between the start of April and end of June as weak demand domestically and the impact of the Iran war on oil prices overshadowed the country's strong exports.

More: Official gross domestic product (GDP) figures showed that the world's second largest economy grew in the second quarter of the year by 4.3%, below Beijing's annual target. The announcement comes a day after government data showed that China's exports jumped by 27% in June compared to a year earlier.
TL;DR: Weak demand domestically and the impact of the Iran war on oil prices overshadowed the country's strong exports.
Read original at Bbc
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Texas investigates LinkedIn over alleged 'ghost jobs' targeting job seekers

Texas Attorney General Paxton says LinkedIn may have misled consumers paying for Premium subscriptions by promoting ghost jobs that aren't real openings.

More: Gov Kathy Hochul signs executive order banning construction of large new data centers for up to 1 year National Highway Traffic Safety Administration orders robotaxi fixes after vehicles interfere with first-responders Stephen 'Sarge' Guilfoyle: When the rest of Wall Street ran away, I decided to dig in New York halts large data center construction for 1 year Semiconductor tra…
TL;DR: Texas Attorney General Paxton says LinkedIn may have misled consumers paying for Premium subscriptions by promoting ghost jobs that aren't real openings.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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OpenAI researcher Miles Wang in talks to launch AI drug discovery startup valued at $2B

Lightspeed is in discussions to lead the funding round, sources say.

More: OpenAI researcher Miles Wang in talks to launch AI drug discovery startup valued at $2B. Lightspeed is in discussions to lead the funding round, sources say.
TL;DR: Lightspeed is in discussions to lead the funding round, sources say.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

OpenAI’s first hardware device is reportedly a screenless speaker that can move

OpenAI's first hardware device is reported to be a screenless, AI-guided smart speaker that can move. Weird enough for you?

More: OpenAI's first hardware device is reported to be a screenless, AI-guided smart speaker that can move. Weird enough for you?
TL;DR: OpenAI's first hardware device is reported to be a screenless, AI-guided smart speaker that can move.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Meta employees sue on allegations company used AI to target workers on medical, parental leave for layoffs

A group of 26 Meta employees allege in a lawsuit that the company used AI systems and keystroke monitoring to target workers on medical or parental leave for mass layoffs.

More: Gov Kathy Hochul signs executive order banning construction of large new data centers for up to 1 year National Highway Traffic Safety Administration orders robotaxi fixes after vehicles interfere with first-responders Stephen 'Sarge' Guilfoyle: When the rest of Wall Street ran away, I decided to dig in New York halts large data center construction for 1 year Semiconductor tra…
TL;DR: A group of 26 Meta employees allege in a lawsuit that the company used AI systems and keystroke monitoring to target workers on medical or parental leave for mass layoffs.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Apple opens its new Siri AI to everyone with the iOS 27 public beta

If you’ve been waiting to try Apple’s revamped Siri without installing a developer beta, you now can. The company on Tuesday released the iOS 27 public beta, giving iPhone owners early access to its AI-powered assistant and other new features before the software’s official launch this fall.

More: Apple opens its new Siri AI to everyone with the iOS 27 public beta. If you’ve been waiting to try Apple’s revamped Siri without installing a developer beta, you now can. The company on Tuesday released the iOS 27 public beta, giving iPhone owners early access to its AI-powered assistant and other new features before the software’s official launch this fall.
TL;DR: If you’ve been waiting to try Apple’s revamped Siri without installing a developer beta, you now can.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Anthropic’s newest ad is creeping people out

Anthropic has consistently attempted to depict itself as the ethical foil to other AI companies. This latest marketing stunt — which leans into criticism of AI as a way to make Anthropic seem aware of the responsibility it carries — would appear to be more of the same.

More: Anthropic’s newest ad is creeping people out. Anthropic has consistently attempted to depict itself as the ethical foil to other AI companies. This latest marketing stunt — which leans into criticism of AI as a way to make Anthropic seem aware of the responsibility it carries — would appear to be more of the same.
TL;DR: Anthropic has consistently attempted to depict itself as the ethical foil to other AI companies.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

The founder of Hinge raised $18M to build a new AI dating service, Overtone

Overtone describes itself as "a voice- and audio-forward service, enabled by AI, that provides highly curated introductions."

More: The founder of Hinge raised $18M to build a new AI dating service, Overtone. Overtone describes itself as "a voice- and audio-forward service, enabled by AI, that provides highly curated introductions."
TL;DR: Overtone describes itself as "a voice- and audio-forward service, enabled by AI, that provides highly curated introductions."
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Lucid Motors denies report it’s considering bankruptcy

The company said the "rumors are completely false" after its stock sank more than 50% on a report that it was weighing the option.

More: Lucid Motors denies report it’s considering bankruptcy Sean O'Kane 11:47 AM PDT · July 14, 2026 Lucid Motors is denying a report that it’s weighing filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. “Our focus is on improving execution, strengthening operations, and positioning Lucid to realize the full potential of its technology, products, and innovation.
TL;DR: The company said the "rumors are completely false" after its stock sank more than 50% on a report that it was weighing the option.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Kontigo (YC S24) Is Hiring (Head of Security)

Principal Security Engineer/ Security Engineering Lead/ CISO "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful.

More: Kontigo (YC S24) Is Hiring (Head of Security). Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Honour and recognition in event of success"
TL;DR: Principal Security Engineer/ Security Engineering Lead/ CISO "Men wanted for hazardous journey.
Read original at Ycombinator
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DeepSeek reportedly in talks to raise $1.5B, then IPO

DeepSeek, the Chinese large language model developer, is said to be preparing for a 2027 IPO debut as it also looks to raise around $1.5 billion in new funds at a $71 billion valuation.

More: The news comes after the company raised $7 billion in funds just a month ago at around a $50 billion valuation in its first-ever outside funding round.  The China-based startup, founded in 2023, made headlines early last year after releasing AI technology that was both more efficient and more cost-effective than U.S.
TL;DR: DeepSeek, the Chinese large language model developer, is said to be preparing for a 2027 IPO debut as it also looks to raise around $1.5 billion in new funds at a $71 billion valuation.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Launch HN: Agnost AI (YC S26) – Extract user feedback from agent conversations

Agnost AI continuously analyzes production conversations, finds where users get stuck, frustrated, or fail to convert, and turns the highest-impact patterns into reviewed fixes for your agent.

More: Launch HN: Agnost AI (YC S26) – Extract user feedback from agent conversations. ” “ Agnost AI showed me users were asking for features we don't even have. ” “ Agnost AI spotted bugs buried in our agent's conversations and opened PRs to fix them overnight.
TL;DR: ” “ Agnost AI is how we make our agents better.
Read original at Agnost
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Iran abused mobile networks’ vulnerabilities to locate U.S. military in the Middle East, report says

The Iranian government exploited well-known flaws in cellphone networks to locate and then strike U.S. military personnel in the build-up and beginning of the war.

More: Iran abused mobile networks’ vulnerabilities to locate U.S. military in the Middle East, report says. military personnel in the build-up and beginning of the war.
TL;DR: The Iranian government exploited well-known flaws in cellphone networks to locate and then strike U.S.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Reflection inks $1B compute deal with Nebius

Reflection AI has signed a $1 billion deal to access Nebius's compute. Reflection was founded in 2024 and is developing open source AI technology.

More: Reflection inks $1B compute deal with Nebius. Reflection AI has signed a $1 billion deal to access Nebius's compute. Reflection was founded in 2024 and is developing open source AI technology.
TL;DR: Reflection AI has signed a $1 billion deal to access Nebius's compute.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

$500M ARR, 60 Engineers, Cash-Flow Positive: How Higgsfield Actually Runs, With CEO Alex Mashrabov

We use Higgsfield almost every day at SaaStr AI. If you’ve watched any of our short videos, the intro to The Agents with me and Amelia, the event promos, the sponsorship teasers, all of it is built on Higgsfield. We’re also a proud early investor through SaaStr Fund. So when Alex Mashrabov, the co-founder and... Continue Reading

More: $500M ARR, 60 Engineers, Cash-Flow Positive: How Higgsfield Actually Runs, With CEO Alex Mashrabov. We’re also a proud early investor through SaaStr Fund. So when Alex Mashrabov, the co-founder and...
TL;DR: We use Higgsfield almost every day at SaaStr AI.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

StratX raises $1.19M to tackle landfill methane with living biocovers

StratX, a climatetech company specialising in greenhouse gas reductions from landfills, has raised $1.19 million in a funding round led by Neglected Climate Opportunities (NCO) with participation from...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: StratX, a climatetech company specialising in greenhouse gas reductions from landfills, has raised $1.19 million in a funding round led by Neglected Climate Opportunities (NCO) with participation from...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump scraps proposed Strait of Hormuz shipping fee for Gulf states' investment deals

Following military clashes, Trump reinstates a full maritime blockade targeting Iranian cargo while swapping Gulf shipping fees for U.S. investment deals.

More: New York faces $10.7 billion tax revenue loss as millionaires exit the state New York's millionaire exodus: High taxes cost state billions in revenue Trump says Gulf states will invest in US in lieu of 20% fee for guarding Strait of Hormuz Melania Trump's advisor explains why every child should be auto enrolled in 'Trump Accounts' Lindsey Graham's sister chosen to fulfill his…
TL;DR: Following military clashes, Trump reinstates a full maritime blockade targeting Iranian cargo while swapping Gulf shipping fees for U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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HTG Medical raises €450k and secures MDR certification to automate ICU urine monitoring

Czech medtech startup HTG Medical has raised €450,000 from angel and VC backers, and its proprietary device, the HTG Urogram, has successfully cleared the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certific...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Czech medtech startup HTG Medical has raised €450,000 from angel and VC backers, and its proprietary device, the HTG Urogram, has successfully cleared the EU's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certific...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

David Beckham’s health drink startup IM8 takes $1B from General Catalyst’s unusual CVF fund

General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund doesn't make equity investments. It's providing $1 billion for IM8, known for its longevity vitamin drink.

More: David Beckham’s health drink startup IM8 takes $1B from General Catalyst’s unusual CVF fund. General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund doesn't make equity investments. It's providing $1 billion for IM8, known for its longevity vitamin drink.
TL;DR: General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund doesn't make equity investments.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Taco Bell investigated as lettuce emerges as possible source of cyclosporiasis outbreak

Federal and state health agencies are reportedly reviewing whether Taco Bell locations contributed to the cyclosporiasis outbreak sweeping Michigan and America.

More: Mahjong explodes in popularity among Gen Z Mahjong mania: Gen Z drives resurgence of traditional tile-based game FOX Business anchors reveal wildly overpriced popular products Airbnb buys $81.
TL;DR: Federal and state health agencies are reportedly reviewing whether Taco Bell locations contributed to the cyclosporiasis outbreak sweeping Michigan and America.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Why TensorX believes Europe's AI race will be decided by who owns the GPUs

For the past two years, Europe's AI debate has centred on foundation models, more recently expanding to questions of data ownership and intelligenceBut for Dublin-based TensorX, the next competitive b...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: For the past two years, Europe's AI debate has centred on foundation models, more recently expanding to questions of data ownership and intelligenceBut for Dublin-based TensorX, the next competitive b...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

So Far, 2026 Is A Solid Year For Cybersecurity Startup Funding

The first quarter of 2026 was a more robust period for funding than the second, with privacy and cybersecurity startups pulling in $4.4 billion in seed- through growth-stage financing in Q2. That marked a decline of around 30% from the prior quarter and year-ago levels.

More: The first quarter of 2026 was a more robust period for funding than the second, with privacy and cybersecurity startups pulling in $4.4 billion in seed- through growth-stage financing in Q2. That marked a decline of around 30% from the prior quarter and year-ago levels.
TL;DR: The first quarter of 2026 was a more robust period for funding than the second, with privacy and cybersecurity startups pulling in $4.4 billion in seed- through growth-stage financing in Q2.
Read original at News
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RAROG secures €162K to turn everyday devices into life-saving rescue beacons

Swiss engineering startup RAROG has obtained €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop a portable search-and-rescue system that detects the radio signals emitted by everyday electronic devic...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Swiss engineering startup RAROG has obtained €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop a portable search-and-rescue system that detects the radio signals emitted by everyday electronic devic...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

IBM sends 'shockwave' through tech industry with AI warning

IBM's profit and revenue fell short of analysts' expectations after the tech firm released its second quarter earnings report on Tuesday.

More: We will be able to hold digital assets in custody: Circle president Inside the future of the Federal Reserve under Kevin Warsh Charles Payne: There is a fair amount of pressure on this market Focus on the forward market, not the spot market: Federated Hermes CIO Tusk Ventures CEO warns against jumping into SpaceX right now: The definition of a bubble RBC Capital's Calvasina de…
TL;DR: IBM's profit and revenue fell short of analysts' expectations after the tech firm released its second quarter earnings report on Tuesday.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Pinwheel launches a retro-inspired landline phone for kids

Kid-friendly tech company Pinwheel announced the launch of a new landline phone designed to let children stay connected without the distractions of a smartphone.

More: Pinwheel launches a retro-inspired landline phone for kids Lauren Forristal 2:00 AM PDT · July 14, 2026 If you remember racing home after school to grab the family landline and call your best friend before dinner, a new device from Pinwheel is aiming to reboot that experience for a new generation.
TL;DR: Kid-friendly tech company Pinwheel announced the launch of a new landline phone designed to let children stay connected without the distractions of a smartphone.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Consumer inflation cooled more than expected in June as gas prices fell

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the consumer price index (CPI) eased in June as consumer price growth slowed after a recent surge caused by the Iran war.

More: Goldman Sachs beats Q2 earnings estimates, stock up 2% Iran conflict exposes urgent need for military innovation, GOP sen says Oil stocks surge on Iran tensions, Valero and ExxonMobil lead gains General Jack Keane warns Iran has not changed its nuclear and ballistic missile program Newsom botches claim California regs created Tesla, not Musk President Trump imposes 20% Strait…
TL;DR: The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the consumer price index (CPI) eased in June as consumer price growth slowed after a recent surge caused by the Iran war.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Former Netflix payments team raises €7.2M for payment performance platform Nopan

Nopan, the performance platform for account and wallet payments, today announced that it has raised €7.2 million to date, including a new funding round led by Newion, with follow-on investment from Cr...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Nopan, the performance platform for account and wallet payments, today announced that it has raised €7.2 million to date, including a new funding round led by Newion, with follow-on investment from Cr...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

US returns $81bn after Trump tariffs ruled illegal

The US has returned tens of billions of dollars raised through tariffs after they were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.

TL;DR: The US has returned tens of billions of dollars raised through tariffs after they were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Prolo raises £4.2M to modernise construction procurement

Prolo, an AI-powered procurement platform helpingsmall and medium-sized construction firms source materials, equipment andlabour at competitive market rates, has secured £4.2 million in seed funding. ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The oversubscribed round was led by Triple Point Ventures , with participation from a16z Scout Fund, Anamcara Capital, Concrete VC, Foundation Ventures, Haatch, Koro Capital, Love Ventures, and Portfolio Ventures.
TL;DR: Prolo, an AI-powered procurement platform helpingsmall and medium-sized construction firms source materials, equipment andlabour at competitive market rates, has secured £4.2 million in seed funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Promptwatch raises €6M to expand its end-to-end AI search optimisation platform

Amsterdam-basedPromptwatch, an AI Search Optimisation (GEO) platform, has raised €6 million inseed funding. The round was led by seed + speed Ventures, with participationfrom Blum Ventures, while Arch...

More: Promptwatch raises €6M to expand its end-to-end AI search optimisation platform. Amsterdam-basedPromptwatch, an AI Search Optimisation (GEO) platform, has raised €6 million inseed funding. The round was led by seed + speed Ventures, with participationfrom Blum Ventures, while Arch...
TL;DR: Amsterdam-basedPromptwatch, an AI Search Optimisation (GEO) platform, has raised €6 million inseed funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Why Ramsey financial expert says there's 'no magic age' to claim Social Security

Ramsey personality and financial expert George Kamel warns that claiming Social Security early is driven by fear, not strategy, as the 2032 trust fund depletion deadline looms.

More: Social Security insolvency headlines are ‘classic fear-mongering, not based in reality’: George Kamel Trump ‘looking very strongly’ at Australia-style retirement system Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to wealth Financial expert Rachel Cruze reveals how young adults can prepare financially to move out Mary Julia Koch: What is the 'crush re…
TL;DR: Ramsey personality and financial expert George Kamel warns that claiming Social Security early is driven by fear, not strategy, as the 2032 trust fund depletion deadline looms.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Call for right to grow food on unused public land

Campaigners have called on City Hall to introduce a London-wide "Right to Grow" framework to help communities turn unused public land into food gardens.

More: Campaigners have called on City Hall to introduce a London-wide "Right to Grow" framework to help communities turn unused public land into food gardens. A new report from the London People's Assembly on Food, Nature and the Right to Grow outlines 12 demands to make the capital "greener and more edible" by 2035.
TL;DR: Some London council already allow unused land to be turned into gardens, allotments and flowerbeds.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Already rich, already successful, why the last wave of tech winners is grinding again

They're rolling up their sleeves again, seemingly out of fear of missing AI's defining moment and, presumably, the irresistible allure of making even more money -- potentially a lot more.

More: Already rich, already successful, why the last wave of tech winners is grinding again Connie Loizos 7:46 PM PDT · July 13, 2026 A pattern is emerging among people who’ve already made it big. Tom Blomfield, who co-founded GoCardless and Monzo before spending 4.
TL;DR: They're rolling up their sleeves again, seemingly out of fear of missing AI's defining moment and, presumably, the irresistible allure of making even more money -- potentially a lot more.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Uber’s product chief on hotels, robotaxis, and why the company doesn’t want to be “everything for everyone”

Uber Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal walks TechCrunch through the company's financial-services ambitions, its increasingly complicated relationship with Waymo, its new AV Labs data operation, and how AI is starting to show up in ways riders and drivers will actually notice.

More: Uber’s product chief on hotels, robotaxis, and why the company doesn’t want to be “everything for everyone” Connie Loizos 5:45 PM PDT · July 13, 2026 Uber has spent the last year quietly pushing beyond the two businesses most people associate it with.
TL;DR: Uber Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal walks TechCrunch through the company's financial-services ambitions, its increasingly complicated relationship with Waymo, its new AV Labs data operation, and how AI is starting to show up in ways riders and drivers will actually notice.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Video generation startup PixVerse raises $439M, valuation soars past $2B

Singapore-based video generation startup PixVerse closed a Series C extension on the strength of 15 million monthly active users, it said.

More: Video generation startup PixVerse raises $439M, valuation soars past $2B Ivan Mehta 5:00 PM PDT · July 13, 2026 Singapore-based video generation startup PixVerse said today that it has closed its Series C extension, with a total of $439 million raised in the round. The company told TechCrunch that, with the new tranche of funding, its valuation has crossed over $2 billion.
TL;DR: Singapore-based video generation startup PixVerse closed a Series C extension on the strength of 15 million monthly active users, it said.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Hermes agent maker Nous Research in talks for new funding at $1.5B valuation

The company is raising at least $75 million, led by Robot, with significant participation from USV and other prominent investors.

More: Hermes agent maker Nous Research in talks for new funding at $1.5B valuation. The company is raising at least $75 million, led by Robot, with significant participation from USV and other prominent investors.
TL;DR: The company is raising at least $75 million, led by Robot, with significant participation from USV and other prominent investors.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Next PM urged to pave way for bigger council tax rises

A cross-party group of MPs has told prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham he should allow councils to increase council tax by as much as they want.

TL;DR: A cross-party group of MPs has told prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham he should allow councils to increase council tax by as much as they want.
Read original at News
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI

In a surprising blog post on Monday, Microsoft CEO is warning enterprises of the dangers of using proprietary models like Anthropic's and OpenAI's.

More: Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI Julie Bort 1:59 PM PDT · July 13, 2026 Of all the debates raging about the potential downsides of AI, there is one worry causing the most hand-wringing among AI enthusiasts in Silicon Valley.
TL;DR: In a surprising blog post on Monday, Microsoft CEO is warning enterprises of the dangers of using proprietary models like Anthropic's and OpenAI's.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Sam Altman’s space data center trash talk is what most experts already believe

"homeboy you're the one sellling [sic] public market investors on short-term space datacenters."

More: Sam Altman’s space data center trash talk is what most experts already believe. "homeboy you're the one sellling [sic] public market investors on short-term space datacenters."
TL;DR: "homeboy you're the one sellling [sic] public market investors on short-term space datacenters."
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Investors send General Fusion soaring in debut as first publicly traded fusion company

General Fusion started trading on the Nasdaq following a reverse merger that saw high redemptions.

More: Investors send General Fusion soaring in debut as first publicly traded fusion company. General Fusion started trading on the Nasdaq following a reverse merger that saw high redemptions.
TL;DR: General Fusion started trading on the Nasdaq following a reverse merger that saw high redemptions.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

PgDog (YC P25) Is Hiring a Founding Software Engineer

The jack of all trades. Rust, Postgres, a bit of infrastructure, networking, distributed systems, and so much more.

More: PgDog (YC P25) Is Hiring a Founding Software Engineer. You’re not afraid to run code in production, on real data; after all, that’s the only way to know something really works. Also, pretty important these days: you don’t let AI do the thinking for you; you’re comfortable with and without it.
TL;DR: You’ll build features that will go directly into our customers hands, the day you ship them.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

As TV-tracking app TV Time shuts down, its founder builds Bingers, a new home for fans

The creator of TV Time is building a successor app that will let users import their watch histories and preserve the community that formed around discussing their favorite shows.

More: As TV-tracking app TV Time shuts down, its founder builds Bingers, a new home for fans Sarah Perez 8:49 AM PDT · July 13, 2026 TV Time, the popular TV and movie-tracking app whose pending shutdown has prompted  more than 25,000 users to petition against its closure, is getting a reboot of sorts.
TL;DR: The creator of TV Time is building a successor app that will let users import their watch histories and preserve the community that formed around discussing their favorite shows.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US

Claude users in India are starting to see Indian rupee-denominated subscription plans.

More: Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US. Claude users in India are starting to see Indian rupee-denominated subscription plans.
TL;DR: Claude users in India are starting to see Indian rupee-denominated subscription plans.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

SpaceX cleared to fly Starship again after booster failure in May

This will be the first Starship test flight for SpaceX as a public company, testing the market's appetite for the company's "fly, fail, fix" approach to rocket development, which often ends in fireballs.

More: SpaceX cleared to fly Starship again after booster failure in May Sean O'Kane 7:19 AM PDT · July 13, 2026 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared SpaceX to fly Starship prototypes again, after the company identified the probable cause of the failure of the rocket system’s booster stage during a flight in May.
TL;DR: This will be the first Starship test flight for SpaceX as a public company, testing the market's appetite for the company's "fly, fail, fix" approach to rocket development, which often ends in fireballs.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates

Some of the new features are powered by Google's Gemini AI assistant, which reflects the the tech giant's broader push to integrate Gemini across its products while also better positioning Waze to compete with rival services such as Apple Maps.

More: Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates Aisha Malik 7:18 AM PDT · July 13, 2026 Waze, the Google-owned navigation app, is getting new AI-powered features and customization updates , including the ability to report road updates conversationally and get personalized navigation.
TL;DR: Some of the new features are powered by Google's Gemini AI assistant, which reflects the the tech giant's broader push to integrate Gemini across its products while also better positioning Waze to compete with rival services such as Apple Maps.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Don’t Put AI on Your Hot Leads. Put It on the Ones Your Reps Will Never Call. There’s Millions in Revenue There.

From The Agents, our weekly podcast on how we deploy and run AI agents at SaaStr, and how to do it yourself. The other night I was talking with an AI CEO and their head of marketing, and they told me the same thing I hear constantly: “We tried AI agents on outbound. It doesn’t... Continue Reading

More: Don’t Put AI on Your Hot Leads. Put It on the Ones Your Reps Will Never Call. The other night I was talking with an AI CEO and their head of marketing, and they told me the same thing I hear constantly: “We tried AI agents on outbound.
TL;DR: From The Agents, our weekly podcast on how we deploy and run AI agents at SaaStr, and how to do it yourself.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sodex Innovations secures €4M to bring real-time intelligence to construction sites

Constructiontech startup Sodex Innovations has raised €4 million in a funding round led by Capmont Technology. The round also welcomed new investors Bloomhaus, Look AI Ventures and the German business...

More: Sodex Innovations secures €4M to bring real-time intelligence to construction sites. Constructiontech startup Sodex Innovations has raised €4 million in a funding round led by Capmont Technology. The round also welcomed new investors Bloomhaus, Look AI Ventures and the German business...
TL;DR: Constructiontech startup Sodex Innovations has raised €4 million in a funding round led by Capmont Technology.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Acurio Ventures launches €115M fund to unlock liquidity in Europe's VC secondary market

Venture capital firm Acurio Ventures today announced the closing of Acurio Secondaries I FCR, an innovative European fund with a size of approximately €115 million that invests exclusively in fund-lev...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Venture capital firm Acurio Ventures today announced the closing of Acurio Secondaries I FCR, an innovative European fund with a size of approximately €115 million that invests exclusively in fund-lev...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Paramount advisers push for California exit as state sues to block Warner Bros Discovery merger: report

Advisers are reportedly pushing David Ellison to move Paramount out of California as AG Rob Bonta sues to block the Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

More: Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: Advisers are reportedly pushing David Ellison to move Paramount out of California as AG Rob Bonta sues to block the Warner Bros.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Welcome To The ‘Show Me’ Era: Sapphire Ventures’ Anders Ranum On What Separates Winning AI Startups From The Rest

To understand how institutional capital is navigating the gap between AI's public market software multiples and private market valuations, Crunchbase News recently interviewed Anders Ranum, a partner at Sapphire Ventures, who shared how he strikes an investment balance.

More: Public market software multiples are hovering at decade lows as investors price in the long-term risk of AI disruption. Meanwhile, private market valuations for AI startups continue to hit record highs. Right now, public market software multiples are at decade lows as Wall Street worries about AI disruption, while private AI valuations are hitting record highs.
TL;DR: To understand how institutional capital is navigating the gap between AI's public market software multiples and private market valuations, Crunchbase News recently interviewed Anders Ranum, a partner at Sapphire Ventures, who shared how he strikes an investment balance.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Dear SaaStr: Should Both Founders Come to VC Pitches?

Dear SaaStr:  Should both founders be at investor pitches, or just one is one? Both own 50% BTW. The CEO should always be at every VC pitch. The other founder? It is nice to have them there, especially if she or he can answer certain questions (e.g., product, technology) with special authority. 1+1 definitely is more than... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: Should Both Founders Come to VC Pitches?. The CEO should always be at every VC pitch. It is nice to have them there, especially if she or he can answer certain questions (e.g., product, technology) with special authority.
TL;DR: Dear SaaStr:  Should both founders be at investor pitches, or just one is one?
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

European defencetech leader Helsing secures $1.8B Series E at $18B valuation

Helsing, Europe's leading defence AI company, today announces it has raised $1.8 billion in a Series E, valuing the company at US$18 billion.New and existing investors participated in the round, inclu...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Helsing, Europe's leading defence AI company, today announces it has raised $1.8 billion in a Series E, valuing the company at US$18 billion.New and existing investors participated in the round, inclu...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Doctorsa raises €1M to expand global telemedicine platform for travellers

Doctorsa, a platform connecting travellers with doctors across 40 countries worldwide, has raised €1 million in funding. PranaVentures led the investment, which also saw participation from Vento and 4...

More: Doctorsa raises €1M to expand global telemedicine platform for travellers. Doctorsa, a platform connecting travellers with doctors across 40 countries worldwide, has raised €1 million in funding. PranaVentures led the investment, which also saw participation from Vento and 4...
TL;DR: Doctorsa, a platform connecting travellers with doctors across 40 countries worldwide, has raised €1 million in funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

European tech weekly recap: More than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8B

Last week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that r...

More: Last week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that r...
TL;DR: Last week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Revolut to launch US bank in 2027, says US boss

Revolut plans to begin operating its US bank next year, says its new US boss, and is gearing up to offer customers FDIC-insured deposits, credit products, and access to cryptocurrencies. Revolut, Euro...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Revolut plans to begin operating its US bank next year, says its new US boss, and is gearing up to offer customers FDIC-insured deposits, credit products, and access to cryptocurrencies.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

MagSafe battery chargers recalled after reports of fires, burn injuries

Five reports of Flaunt power banks catching fire prompted a recall of 1,400 MagSafe battery chargers, with burn injuries to hands and arms.

More: Airbnb buys $81.5M NYC office building as office-to-housing conversions grow Grover Norquist: This will stunt the growth of  smaller companies AI stocks face bubble fears as investors look elsewhere A tale of 2 beverages: Coke takes lead over Pepsi Where the smart money is moving in today's market Investment expert draws attention to ‘insane’ percentage tech stocks occupy in t…
TL;DR: Five reports of Flaunt power banks catching fire prompted a recall of 1,400 MagSafe battery chargers, with burn injuries to hands and arms.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

SaaStr Takes on This Week’s 20VC: Why OpenAI Giving the Govt 5% Might Make Sense, the Death of Block Risk, and Why Frontier Models Are the Cheapest

A few days after every 20VC x SaaStr pod, I’m gong to write up the stuff going foward I went deep on, and wanted to go … even deeper on. We covered a lot this week with Harry Stebbings and Rory O’Driscoll, from Washington lifting the Fable 5 ban to Sam Altman floating a 5%... Continue Reading

More: SaaStr Takes on This Week’s 20VC: Why OpenAI Giving the Govt 5% Might Make Sense, the Death of Block Risk, and Why Frontier Models Are the Cheapest. A few days after every 20VC x SaaStr pod, I’m gong to write up the stuff going foward I went deep on, and wanted to go … even deeper on.
TL;DR: A few days after every 20VC x SaaStr pod, I’m gong to write up the stuff going foward I went deep on, and wanted to go … even deeper on.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Disney spotlights American businesses powering its magic in nation’s 250th year

From Alaska cruise tours to parade floats, Disney is spotlighting the American companies helping power its guest experiences nationwide.

More: Airbnb buys $81.5M NYC office building as office-to-housing conversions grow This will have a noticeable effect on the market: Real estate CEO Carnival begins construction on next-generation Destiny ahead of 2029 debut Gen Z's 'loud budgeting' trend sparks debate as young Americans openly discuss money, salaries Fraudsters are 'seemingly trying to pick the pocket' of American…
TL;DR: From Alaska cruise tours to parade floats, Disney is spotlighting the American companies helping power its guest experiences nationwide.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

The PE Software Backlog: Will 1,000+ Unicorns Ever Get Sold or Go Public?

Per the Wall Street this week, private equity will need about nine years to clear its backlog of unsold portfolio companies. And that’s the conservative version. Bain’s 2026 Global Private Equity Report puts the whole industry at roughly 32,000 unsold companies worth $3.8 trillion, up from about 29,000 companies and $3.6 trillion a year earlier. Bain’s... Continue Reading

More: The PE Software Backlog: Will 1,000+ Unicorns Ever Get Sold or Go Public?. Per the Wall Street this week, private equity will need about nine years to clear its backlog of unsold portfolio companies. Bain’s 2026 Global Private Equity Report puts the whole industry at roughly 32,000 unsold companies worth $3.8 trillion, up from about 29,000 companies and $3.
TL;DR: Per the Wall Street this week, private equity will need about nine years to clear its backlog of unsold portfolio companies.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Reed Jobs would rather talk about curing cancer than his last name

When we last sat down with Jobs at TechCrunch Disrupt nearly three years ago, his firm Yosemite was brand new and biotech was still reeling from its post-pandemic crash. Now, the venture outfit has a team of 17; a cluster of blockbuster drugs are all losing patent protection in roughly the same window, creating all kinds of new opportunities; and AI has gone from a curiosity to, in Jobs's words, a huge part of what Yosemite does. "I didn't expect Yosemite to be moving this fast," he said.

More: Reed Jobs would rather talk about curing cancer than his last name. Now, the venture outfit has a team of 17; a cluster of blockbuster drugs are all losing patent protection in roughly the same window, creating all kinds of new opportunities; and AI has gone from a curiosity to, in Jobs's words, a huge part of what Yosemite does.
TL;DR: When we last sat down with Jobs at TechCrunch Disrupt nearly three years ago, his firm Yosemite was brand new and biotech was still reeling from its post-pandemic crash.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Smart glasses without a camera? Even Realities bets productivity beats recording everyone

The glasses are targeted at people who might be constantly in meetings, giving presentations, and traveling to countries where different languages are spoken. 

More: Smart glasses without a camera? Even Realities’ G2 smart glasses are in the same boat. The G2 is the second pair of smart glasses from Even Realities and an improvement over the G1 released a few years ago.
TL;DR: The glasses are targeted at people who might be constantly in meetings, giving presentations, and traveling to countries where different languages are spoken. 
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sixtyfour (YC P25) Is Hiring

Sixtyfour is a data enrichment platform that lets companies generate powerful, custom datasets at scale.

More: Our customers—recruitment firms, data labeling companies, and growth teams—use our platform to source, qualify, and enrich prospect and candidate data that powers their pipelines. To close deals, we show prospects the quality of datasets they can build with us by creating tailored samples—and that’s where this role comes in.
TL;DR: Sixtyfour is a data enrichment platform that lets companies generate powerful, custom datasets at scale.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Federal prosecutors to drop charges against alleged mastermind of $722 million crypto Ponzi scheme

The Department of Justice is moving to drop the charges against Matthew Goettsche, who ran a bitcoin mining operation that prosecutors said functioned like a Ponzi scheme.

More: Grover Norquist: This will stunt the growth of  smaller companies AI stocks face bubble fears as investors look elsewhere A tale of 2 beverages: Coke takes lead over Pepsi Where the smart money is moving in today's market Investment expert draws attention to ‘insane’ percentage tech stocks occupy in the market GOP lawmaker demands deeper investigation after $225M in alleged ed…
TL;DR: The Department of Justice is moving to drop the charges against Matthew Goettsche, who ran a bitcoin mining operation that prosecutors said functioned like a Ponzi scheme.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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US, Canada strike deal to open bridge linking Detroit and Windsor after dispute delayed launch

The U.S. and Canada settled on favorable terms on how to administer tolls on the newly-constructed Gordie-Howe International Bridge. It will open on July 27.

More: US, Canada strike deal to open bridge linking Detroit and Windsor after dispute delayed launch. and Canada settled on favorable terms on how to administer tolls on the newly-constructed Gordie-Howe International Bridge. It will open on July 27.
TL;DR: and Canada settled on favorable terms on how to administer tolls on the newly-constructed Gordie-Howe International Bridge.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

SaaStr AI App of the Week: Willingness to Pay. The Pricing Firm B2B + AI Companies Call When Per-Seat Stops Working

Our AI App of the Week this week … isn’t quite an AI app. But it’s a service that solves one of the toughest problems in B2B + AI today: how to price. The Bottom Line: Willingness to Pay is Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt’s pricing consultancy, and it’s the shop companies bring in when they realize they’re... Continue Reading

More: SaaStr AI App of the Week: Willingness to Pay. The Pricing Firm B2B + AI Companies Call When Per-Seat Stops Working. But it’s a service that solves one of the toughest problems in B2B + AI today: how to price.
TL;DR: Our AI App of the Week this week … isn’t quite an AI app.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Phia accused of ‘cookie stuffing,’ taking affiliate credit on purchases it didn’t earn

Phia, the shopping startup founded by Bill Gates’ daughter, Phoebe, and her friend, Sophia Kianni, is under fire for a practice known as “cookie stuffing,” which helped the product receive commissions and credit for sales it did not actually generate, per a Bloomberg investigation. 

More: Founded in 2025, Phia has raised more than $40 millio n in funding and has a star-studded list of investors, including Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber. The startup developed an app as a browser extension that works somewhat like Google Flights, but for shopping. It’s unclear if the fix is enough to satisfy the retailers and affiliate partners that work with Phia.
TL;DR: Phia, the shopping startup founded by Bill Gates’ daughter, Phoebe, and her friend, Sophia Kianni, is under fire for a practice known as “cookie stuffing,” which helped the product receive commissions and credit for sales it did not actually generate, per a Bloomberg investigation. 
Read original at Techcrunch
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Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash

"Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said in a blog post. "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."

More: Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash. "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said in a blog post. "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."
TL;DR: "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said in a blog post.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Trump celebrates $250B Micron investment, says America is 'GETTING SHOVELS IN THE GROUND'

Micron Technology's $250 billion investment will create 100,000 American jobs across semiconductor facilities in New York, Idaho and Virginia.

More: Grover Norquist: This will stunt the growth of  smaller companies GOP lawmaker demands deeper investigation after $225M in alleged education fraud is uncovered 'Deliberately done': Mamdani walks back immigrant map’s omission of Little Italy Inside the impact of the housing bill This is about American vs Chinese values: US Oil & Gas Association president Democrats race to fill…
TL;DR: Micron Technology's $250 billion investment will create 100,000 American jobs across semiconductor facilities in New York, Idaho and Virginia.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Moss (YC F25) Is Hiring

We built Moss because Voice AI breaks when retrieval is slow. Most retrieval infrastructure was not built for real-time reasoning.

More: Moss (YC F25) Is Hiring. Moss is the real-time semantic search layer for conversational AI. We are backed by YC and run in production for teams building serious AI products.
TL;DR: We built Moss because Voice AI breaks when retrieval is slow.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: A Pair Of Billion-Dollar Deals For Cyber And AI Infrastructure Lead

AI once again dominated venture funding this week, claiming five of the 10 largest announced rounds, including a pair of billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity that led the pack.

More: Want to keep track of the largest startup funding deals in 2026 with our curated list of $100 million-plus venture deals to U.S.-based companies? It has now raised $1.21 billion to date, per Crunchbase . The company has raised nearly $2.5 billion to date, per Crunchbase .
TL;DR: AI once again dominated venture funding this week, claiming five of the 10 largest announced rounds, including a pair of billion-dollar financings for AI infrastructure and cybersecurity that led the pack.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites – for 100x the bandwidth

X Home & Office Home Home & Office Networking SpaceX wants to launch 100,000 more Starlink satellites - for 100x the bandwidth It could mean faster internet for rural customers, but not everyone is h…

More: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites – for 100x the bandwidth. Written by Steven Vaughan-Nichols, Senior Contributing Editor Senior Contributing Editor July 10, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. Also:  I built my own Wi-Fi router with a Raspberry Pi for Starlink and solar control - here's how
TL;DR: X Home & Office Home Home & Office Networking SpaceX wants to launch 100,000 more Starlink satellites - for 100x the bandwidth It could mean faster internet for rural customers, but not everyone is happy.
Read original at Zdnet
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Filing: College app Fizz accuses VC of sharing confidential startup information with rival Sidechat

Fizz has expanded its lawsuit against rival Sidechat, alleging that a Maveron VC shared its confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting with the competing startup.

More: Filing: College app Fizz accuses VC of sharing confidential startup information with rival Sidechat Sarah Perez 10:42 AM PDT · July 10, 2026 A years-long lawsuit between the college-focused social app Fizz and rival Sidechat over unfair competition practices has taken an interesting turn.
TL;DR: Fizz has expanded its lawsuit against rival Sidechat, alleging that a Maveron VC shared its confidential information obtained during a fundraising meeting with the competing startup.
Read original at Techcrunch
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SK Hynix raises $26.5B in the biggest foreign IPO in US history, is urged to build new US fabs

The AI chip boom just produced its biggest Wall Street moment yet. Now SK Hynix and Samsung are being asked to build US factories.

More: SK Hynix raises $26.5B in the biggest foreign IPO in US history, is urged to build new US fabs. The AI chip boom just produced its biggest Wall Street moment yet. Now SK Hynix and Samsung are being asked to build US factories.
TL;DR: The AI chip boom just produced its biggest Wall Street moment yet.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

China is catching up to Elon Musk’s reusable rockets

China's state-owned space company recovered its first orbital rocket booster after launch.

More: China is catching up to Elon Musk’s reusable rockets. China's state-owned space company recovered its first orbital rocket booster after launch.
TL;DR: China's state-owned space company recovered its first orbital rocket booster after launch.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Disney+ is considering a free streaming tier, report says

The launch of free content would allow Disney+ to better compete with free services like YouTube and Tubi, which are capturing a growing share of consumers’ viewing time.

More: Disney+ is considering making some of its streaming library available to watch for free, according to a report from Business Insider . It’s unknown which shows or movies would be included or when the streaming platform would consider launching the offering. television watch time in April 2026, rising from 16.8% in April 2025 and 12.7% in April 2024.
TL;DR: The launch of free content would allow Disney+ to better compete with free services like YouTube and Tubi, which are capturing a growing share of consumers’ viewing time.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Oratomic raises $300M to build a viable quantum computer that needs only 20K qubits

The new startup raised $300 million co-led by ARCH Venture Partners, Spark Capital, and Khosla Ventures.

More: Oratomic raises $300M to build a viable quantum computer that needs only 20K qubits. The new startup raised $300 million co-led by ARCH Venture Partners, Spark Capital, and Khosla Ventures.
TL;DR: The new startup raised $300 million co-led by ARCH Venture Partners, Spark Capital, and Khosla Ventures.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Netflix could be planning ‘always-on’ live TV channels

Amid signs of slowing engagement, Netflix is reportedly considering launching "always-on" live channels, giving subscribers something to tune into 24/7.

More: As Netflix searches for new ways to keep viewers engaged amid signs of slowing engagement, the streaming giant appears to be exploring yet another avenue: always-on live TV channels. The WSJ also reports that Netflix is exploring bundles, similar to offerings from Apple and Amazon.
TL;DR: Amid signs of slowing engagement, Netflix is reportedly considering launching "always-on" live channels, giving subscribers something to tune into 24/7.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

EU threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram

The tech giant is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the highly personalized recommendation algorithms, the European Commission said.

More: EU threatens Meta with fines over addictive features on Facebook and Instagram Aisha Malik 7:19 AM PDT · July 10, 2026 The EU announced on Friday that Meta must overhaul Facebook’s and Instagram’s addictive design features or face a fine.
TL;DR: The tech giant is in breach of the Digital Services Act by focusing on features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and the highly personalized recommendation algorithms, the European Commission said.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Florida ransomware negotiator convicted for helping ransomware gang extort US companies

A third ransomware negotiator has been jailed for helping a notorious ransomware group to extort American victim companies into paying the hackers.

More: Florida ransomware negotiator convicted for helping ransomware gang extort US companies Zack Whittaker 7:11 AM PDT · July 10, 2026 Florida man Angelo Martino has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for conspiring with hackers to deploy ransomware during his job as a ransomware negotiator for a U.S.
TL;DR: A third ransomware negotiator has been jailed for helping a notorious ransomware group to extort American victim companies into paying the hackers.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

5 Interesting Learnings from Vertical B2B Leader ServiceTitan at $1B+ in ARR. Not Slowing Down, Growing 25%, Fintech Growing Fastest, 110% NRR

ServiceTitan has somewhat quietly become one of the most important vertical software stories of the past decade. It sells an end-to-end operating system to the trades: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, garage doors. And it just crossed a $1B revenue run rate the hard way: by growing 25% at that scale, not by acquiring its way... Continue Reading

More: 5 Interesting Learnings from Vertical B2B Leader ServiceTitan at $1B+ in ARR. Not Slowing Down, Growing 25%, Fintech Growing Fastest, 110% NRR. And it just crossed a $1B revenue run rate the hard way: by growing 25% at that scale, not by acquiring its way...
TL;DR: ServiceTitan has somewhat quietly become one of the most important vertical software stories of the past decade.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Nscale secures $1.4B, Proxima Fusion lands €411M, and Invest Europe sees VC rebound

This week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. Alongside the week’s top funding ...

More: Nscale secures $1.4B, Proxima Fusion lands €411M, and Invest Europe sees VC rebound. This week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. Alongside the week’s top funding ...
TL;DR: This week, we tracked more than 70 tech funding deals worth over €2.8 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Hugging Face’s CEO on why companies are done renting their AI

Open source AI is booming, according to Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue. The company has grown into something like a GitHub for AI in recent years, where AI builders can share and download open models and datasets, now used by roughly half the Fortune 500. Delangue has seen the same story play out again and again: companies start […]

More: Hugging Face’s CEO on why companies are done renting their AI. The company has grown into something like a GitHub for AI in recent years, where AI builders can share and download open models and datasets, now used by roughly half the Fortune 500. Delangue has seen the same story play out again and again: companies start […]
TL;DR: Open source AI is booming, according to Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue.
Read original at Techcrunch
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The Builder’s Economy: 10 Metrics from ICONIQ’s Newest 2026 State of AI Report

ICONIQ just released the third edition of its State of AI report, subtitled “The Builder’s Economy,” built on a Q2 2026 survey of roughly 305 executives at software companies building AI products. The thesis moved in six months. The January edition was about proving AI works. This one is about proving AI pays. AI products... Continue Reading

More: The Builder’s Economy: 10 Metrics from ICONIQ’s Newest 2026 State of AI Report. The January edition was about proving AI works. This one is about proving AI pays.
TL;DR: ICONIQ just released the third edition of its State of AI report, subtitled “The Builder’s Economy,” built on a Q2 2026 survey of roughly 305 executives at software companies building AI products.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Laylo (YC S20) Is Hiring a Head of Finance

Our founders, Alec and Sajan, started Laylo after watching the music industry get strip-mined by platforms that owned the fan relationship and rented it back to artists.

More: Laylo (YC S20) Is Hiring a Head of Finance. We're building the infrastructure for the next generation of entertainment: a direct messaging and CRM layer that lets creators own their audience, drop products to them, and drive real revenue without paying a middleman tax.
TL;DR: Our founders, Alec and Sajan, started Laylo after watching the music industry get strip-mined by platforms that owned the fan relationship and rented it back to artists.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

5 Interesting Startup Deals You May Have Missed: AI That Dispatches The Plumber, Underground Warfare And Cutting Down Private-Market Paperwork

The five most intriguing startup deals from the past month include one that’s simultaneously developing AI models for biology, a company that wants to prevent modern day private markets from the kind of paperwork crisis that shut down Wall Street in the ‘60s, and AI agents that can dispatch plumbers and electricians to your door.

More: This is a monthly column that runs down five interesting startup funding deals that may have flown under the radar. AI has conquered text, images and code. The startup’s mission is even more ambitious: building what it calls “general biological intelligence,” or multimodal AI models that can reason across DNA, RNA, proteins and other biological data to accelerate drug discover…
TL;DR: The five most intriguing startup deals from the past month include one that’s simultaneously developing AI models for biology, a company that wants to prevent modern day private markets from the kind of paperwork crisis that shut down Wall Street in the ‘60s, and AI agents that can dispatch plumbers and electricians to your door.
Read original at News
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GOP billionaire reveals whether he would back Vance or Rubio in 2028

Ken Griffin fielded a question regarding whether he would support Marco Rubio or JD Vance in a 2028 Republican presidential primary involving the two men, Axios reported.

More: Coinbase: CLARITY Act is ‘on the one-yard line,’ optimistic it will become law US needs to have a relationship with China, GOP rep argues Micron's $250 billion megafab to bring hope, jobs to Upstate New York Commerce Sec. Lutnick on US government's 10% stake in Intel through CHIPS Act IEA forecasts global oil demand decline as U.S.
TL;DR: Ken Griffin fielded a question regarding whether he would support Marco Rubio or JD Vance in a 2028 Republican presidential primary involving the two men, Axios reported.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Invest Europe: Venture capital reaches second-highest level on record

Invest Europe has published its latest report, Transaction Value: Private Capital Analysis, examining private capital investment across Europe in 2025. Thereport shows that venture capital recorded it...

More: Invest Europe: Venture capital reaches second-highest level on record. Invest Europe has published its latest report, Transaction Value: Private Capital Analysis, examining private capital investment across Europe in 2025. Thereport shows that venture capital recorded it...
TL;DR: Invest Europe has published its latest report, Transaction Value: Private Capital Analysis, examining private capital investment across Europe in 2025.
Read original at Tech
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Dear SaaStr: How Do We Reduce Churn?

Dear SaaStr: How Do We Reduce Churn? Churn is one of the most critical metrics in software.  Maybe really the most critical in the end.  With too much churn … in the end, it just doesn’t compound. It’s the silent killer of growth.  You can’t scale effectively if you’re constantly losing customers faster than you’re... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: How Do We Reduce Churn?. Dear SaaStr: How Do We Reduce Churn? It’s the silent killer of growth.  You can’t scale effectively if you’re constantly losing customers faster than you’re...
TL;DR: Churn is one of the most critical metrics in software.  Maybe really the most critical in the end.  With too much churn … in the end, it just doesn’t compound.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

FDA moves to expose hidden foreign drug factories, strengthen domestic production in sweeping rule proposal

The FDA's new website and regulatory overhaul aim to close a loophole that lets foreign factories hide raw drug materials from U.S. supply chain oversight.

More: FDA moves to expose hidden foreign drug factories, strengthen domestic production in sweeping rule proposal. The FDA's new website and regulatory overhaul aim to close a loophole that lets foreign factories hide raw drug materials from U.S. supply chain oversight.
TL;DR: The FDA's new website and regulatory overhaul aim to close a loophole that lets foreign factories hide raw drug materials from U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Don’t want to invest in Elon Musk? Two new ETFs explicitly exclude him

The new exchanged-traded funds exclude companies that are founded, controlled, or led by Elon Musk. That means no SpaceX or Tesla.

More: The new exchanged-traded funds exclude companies that are founded, controlled, or led by Elon Musk. That means no SpaceX or Tesla.
TL;DR: The new exchanged-traded funds exclude companies that are founded, controlled, or led by Elon Musk.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Fidji Simo steps down from OpenAI’s no. 2 role

OpenAI's No. 2 executive, Fidji Simo, is stepping down from her full-time role after her medical leave proved longer than expected — a leadership vacuum that comes at a tricky time as the company eyes a possible IPO and races to catch Anthropic in the enterprise market.

More: Fidji Simo steps down from OpenAI’s no. 2 role Connie Loizos 4:38 PM PDT · July 9, 2026 Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s No. Simo came to OpenAI from Instacart, where she’d been CEO since 2021 and led the company through its 2023 IPO, and before that spent over a decade at Meta, including running the Facebook app.
TL;DR: 2 executive, Fidji Simo, is stepping down from her full-time role after her medical leave proved longer than expected — a leadership vacuum that comes at a tricky time as the company eyes a possible IPO and races to catch Anthropic in the enterprise market.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

OpenAI launches its new family of models with GPT-5.6

OpenAI launches its new family of models with GPT-5.6 Lucas Ropek 3:24 PM PDT · July 9, 2026 OpenAI unveiled its newest family of models on Thursday, introducing a new set of heavyweight programs int…

More: OpenAI launches its new family of models with GPT-5.6 Lucas Ropek 3:24 PM PDT · July 9, 2026 OpenAI unveiled its newest family of models on Thursday, introducing a new set of heavyweight programs into an increasingly crowded field of AI offerings.
TL;DR: OpenAI's latest family of models promise improvements across a range of areas, including cybersecurity.
Read original at Techcrunch
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An AI agent startup just let its agent run its $100 million fundraise

Lyzr, a startup that builds AI agents for enterprises, used its own AI agent to raise a $100 million round — proof, evidently, that the product actually works.

More: There’s something almost too meta about this one, via Bloomberg . Lyzr, a three-year-old, Jersey City, New Jersey, startup that helps enterprises build AI agents, used its own AI agent to raise its own round.
TL;DR: Lyzr, a startup that builds AI agents for enterprises, used its own AI agent to raise a $100 million round — proof, evidently, that the product actually works.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

OpenAI is shutting down Atlas, but its AI browser ambitions are still growing

OpenAI is sunsetting its AI-powered browser after less than a year. But it's moving some agentic browsing features to its desktop app and a Chrome extension. 

More: OpenAI is shutting down Atlas, but its AI browser ambitions are still growing. OpenAI is sunsetting its AI-powered browser after less than a year. But it's moving some agentic browsing features to its desktop app and a Chrome extension. 
TL;DR: OpenAI is sunsetting its AI-powered browser after less than a year.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic

Should Anthropic trust Elon Musk to host its models? With about $40 billion in revenue at stake, Musk insists that the company can.

More: Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic. Should Anthropic trust Elon Musk to host its models? With about $40 billion in revenue at stake, Musk insists that the company can.
TL;DR: Should Anthropic trust Elon Musk to host its models?
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

20VC x SaaStr: Washington Lifts the Fable 5 Ban, Sam Floats Handing the Government 5%, and Why Every Tech Giant Is Racing to Become the Next IBM

With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll We’re back in the studio. Or at least the Riverside. On the docket this week: Washington lifting the 19-day Fable 5 ban and what a structured pre-approval process means for shipping models going forward. OpenAI floating the idea that every frontier lab hand the U.S. government a... Continue Reading

More: 20VC x SaaStr: Washington Lifts the Fable 5 Ban, Sam Floats Handing the Government 5%, and Why Every Tech Giant Is Racing to Become the Next IBM. On the docket this week: Washington lifting the 19-day Fable 5 ban and what a structured pre-approval process means for shipping models going forward. OpenAI floating the idea that every frontier lab hand the U.S.
TL;DR: With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll We’re back in the studio.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Micron CEO says AI boom drives 'unprecedented' memory demand as company invests $250B

Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra details the company's $250 billion U.S. investment in semiconductor manufacturing amid a deep memory chip shortage driven by AI demand.

More: Micron CEO says AI boom drives 'unprecedented' memory demand as company invests $250B. Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra details the company's $250 billion U.S. investment in semiconductor manufacturing amid a deep memory chip shortage driven by AI demand.
TL;DR: Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra details the company's $250 billion U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Google will now disclose which ads are made with AI

While Google prohibits misleading and deceptive ads, an ad can still leverage AI to create some type of synthetic or digitally altered content. Until now, that's something Google only required election ads to disclose.

More: Google will now disclose which ads are made with AI. While Google prohibits misleading and deceptive ads, an ad can still leverage AI to create some type of synthetic or digitally altered content. Until now, that's something Google only required election ads to disclose.
TL;DR: While Google prohibits misleading and deceptive ads, an ad can still leverage AI to create some type of synthetic or digitally altered content.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Paris-based AI voice startup Gradium raises $100M seed, backed by Nvidia

The Paris-based ElevenLabs competitor, just announced a hefty seed extension round.

More: Paris-based AI voice startup Gradium raises $100M seed, backed by Nvidia. The Paris-based ElevenLabs competitor, just announced a hefty seed extension round.
TL;DR: The Paris-based ElevenLabs competitor, just announced a hefty seed extension round.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Meta’s new AI chips will begin production in September

In its bid to spend less on GPUs from providers like Nvidia, Meta is on track to start making its the latest versions of its AI-specific chips in September.

More: The company is taking a modular approach to designing these chips, anticipating that their needs will change as AI evolves rapidly by the time the chips are in production. Meta intends to use the MTIA chips for training models for its ranking and recommendation algorithms, broader AI workloads, and inference aimed at its applications.
TL;DR: In its bid to spend less on GPUs from providers like Nvidia, Meta is on track to start making its the latest versions of its AI-specific chips in September.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Millions of prescription eye drops recalled nationwide over contamination concerns

Patients are urged to check affected lot numbers after the FDA classified Lupin's voluntary recall of prescription steroid eye drops as a Class II action

More: Gen Z's 'loud budgeting' trend sparks debate as young Americans openly discuss money, salaries Fraudsters are 'seemingly trying to pick the pocket' of American taxpayers: Sec. McMahon 11-year-old entrepreneur builds thriving garbage bin cleaning business by going door to door Bookstores making a comeback in US New Jersey 'wrote the check' that New York City cashed: Jeff Sica o…
TL;DR: Patients are urged to check affected lot numbers after the FDA classified Lupin's voluntary recall of prescription steroid eye drops as a Class II action
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Nvidia is a victim of the compute marketplace it created

Nvidia is a victim of the compute marketplace it created Russell Brandom 10:06 AM PDT · July 9, 2026 Long the leading light of the industry, Nvidia has had a bad couple of months.

More: Nvidia is a victim of the compute marketplace it created Russell Brandom 10:06 AM PDT · July 9, 2026 Long the leading light of the industry, Nvidia has had a bad couple of months. Compared with expected earnings, the company is now cheaper than the S&P average; investors are paying less per dollar of Nvidia’s projected profit than they do for the typical large American company.
TL;DR: Nvidia's stock price has fallen 15% since their peak in May, even as projected revenues continue to grow.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Wildcard (YC W25) Is Hiring a Founding Engineer

Wildcard is the agentic commerce optimization platform for ecommerce and retail brands. We help brands understand, improve, and monetize how their products show up across AI shopping agents.

More: Wildcard (YC W25) Is Hiring a Founding Engineer. We help brands understand, improve, and monetize how their products show up across AI shopping agents. This is engineer number one.
TL;DR: Wildcard is the agentic commerce optimization platform for ecommerce and retail brands.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Launch HN: Context.dev (YC S26) – API to get structured data from any website

Extract Markdown Brand Images Sitemap Styleguide Screenshot + 5 https:// Powering products and agents at From maintaining data infrastructure to shipping product features Before Feeding agents knowle…

More: Launch HN: Context.dev (YC S26) – API to get structured data from any website. Do it yourself in the dashboard, or let your AI agent handle the whole thing. Extract styleguide Get the complete visual identity: colors, elements, and fonts from any website.
TL;DR: Extract Crawl any site and extract structured data into a JSON Schema you define.
Read original at Context
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX are bigger than the last 25 years of tech exits

Three big AI IPOs are set to generate more value than all the U.S. VC backed exits since 2000.

More: Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX are bigger than the last 25 years of tech exits. Three big AI IPOs are set to generate more value than all the U.S. VC backed exits since 2000.
TL;DR: Three big AI IPOs are set to generate more value than all the U.S.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Trump turns NATO spending fight into win for US defense companies

Trump secured $3 billion in defense deals at the NATO summit, with Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing and Anduril expanding missile production across Europe.

More: US deficit spending cannot sustain conflict with Iran, Dagen McDowell warns Former JPMorgan Chase economist says younger generations need 'opportunities' Trump warns Iran: More strikes coming if Strait of Hormuz closes Trump scores major NATO victory as allies boost defense spending, NATO ambassador says Market expert predicts future ROBOT TAX to combat replaced human workers…
TL;DR: Trump secured $3 billion in defense deals at the NATO summit, with Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing and Anduril expanding missile production across Europe.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

How Gamma Hit $100M ARR With a Team of 50: CEO Grant Lee’s Top 4 Lessons. And Top 5 Mistakes

Gamma is the anti-PowerPoint. Grant Lee and two former Optimizely colleagues set out to kill the blank page problem, and five years later they’re at $100M ARR, 50 million users, and 600,000 paying subscribers. Profitably. With a team of 50. They did the bulk of that with zero sales and zero marketing spend. Growth came... Continue Reading

More: How Gamma Hit $100M ARR With a Team of 50: CEO Grant Lee’s Top 4 Lessons. Grant Lee and two former Optimizely colleagues set out to kill the blank page problem, and five years later they’re at $100M ARR, 50 million users, and 600,000 paying subscribers. They did the bulk of that with zero sales and zero marketing spend.
TL;DR: Grant Lee and two former Optimizely colleagues set out to kill the blank page problem, and five years later they’re at $100M ARR, 50 million users, and 600,000 paying subscribers.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Popular open source AI developer tool Ollama raises $65M, grows to nearly 9M users

Benchmark-backed Ollama has amassed 176,000 stars, and nearly 17,000 forks on Github by helping developers easily run AI on their PCs.

More: Popular open source AI developer tool Ollama raises $65M, grows to nearly 9M users Julie Bort 6:00 AM PDT · July 9, 2026 The popular open source AI tool Ollama has raised a $65 million Series B, led by Theory Venture, founder and CEO Jeff Morgan tells TechCrunch.   This round follows a previous $15 million Series A led by Benchmark’s Peter Fenton.
TL;DR: Benchmark-backed Ollama has amassed 176,000 stars, and nearly 17,000 forks on Github by helping developers easily run AI on their PCs.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Character.ai enters the microdrama arena with its own productions, but there’s a twist

In an interesting twist that takes advantage of the company's core product, users can chat with these shows' characters, ask them questions, and even roleplay different storylines.

More: Character.ai enters the microdrama arena with its own productions, but there’s a twist Ivan Mehta 6:00 AM PDT · July 9, 2026 Microdramas are such a rage these days that nearly every kind of company in the attention economy space — be they dedicated microdrama apps , social media giants (TikTok and Instagram) or streaming services ( Peacock , Amazon Prime and India’s JioHotstar…
TL;DR: In an interesting twist that takes advantage of the company's core product, users can chat with these shows' characters, ask them questions, and even roleplay different storylines.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

AI writing startup co-founded by DeepMind creative lead raises $13M seed investment

A London-based startup behind an AI writing product aspiring to be an antidote to AI slop, co-founded by an ex-DeepMind creative lead, has emerged from stealth with a $13m seed funding round. Called M...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Called Marker , the funding round was led by Index Ventures with participation from LocalGlobe.
TL;DR: A London-based startup behind an AI writing product aspiring to be an antidote to AI slop, co-founded by an ex-DeepMind creative lead, has emerged from stealth with a $13m seed funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Catalyxx wins €20M+ EU backing for first commer-cial chemicals plant

Spain-based Catalyxx, a developer of bio-based chemicals, has secured a€20 million grant from the European Union through RenewChem, a flagship projectselected by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Un...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The funding will support the construction of Catalyxx's first commercial bio-based chemicals plant in Europe, marking the company's transition from technology demonstration to commercial-scale production.
TL;DR: Spain-based Catalyxx, a developer of bio-based chemicals, has secured a€20 million grant from the European Union through RenewChem, a flagship projectselected by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Un...
Read original at Tech
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Nandan Nilekani leaves GP role at Fundamentum as it launches $200M third fund

Nilekani remains Fundamentum's anchor investor as the firm expands its leadership team and targets AI and fintech startups in India.

More: Nandan Nilekani leaves GP role at Fundamentum as it launches $200M third fund Jagmeet Singh 5:00 AM PDT · July 9, 2026 Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Indian IT services giant Infosys, will no longer serve as a general partner at Fundamentum Partnership , the venture capital firm he co-founded nearly a decade ago.
TL;DR: Nilekani remains Fundamentum's anchor investor as the firm expands its leadership team and targets AI and fintech startups in India.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Europe Posted Its Strongest Venture Funding Quarter In 4 Years As UK Gains, M&A Holds Up

In Q2, Europe posted its strongest quarter in four years for venture funding, Crunchbase data shows. All told, Europe-based startups raised $24 billion in the just-ended quarter, up around a third quarter over quarter and two-thirds higher than the $14.4 billion raised in Q2 2025.

More: Europe Posted Its Strongest Venture Funding Quarter In 4 Years As UK Gains, M&A Holds Up. In Q2, Europe posted its strongest quarter in four years for venture funding, Crunchbase data shows. All told, Europe-based startups raised $24 billion in the just-ended quarter, up around a third quarter over quarter and two-thirds higher than the $14.4 billion raised in Q2 2025.
TL;DR: In Q2, Europe posted its strongest quarter in four years for venture funding, Crunchbase data shows.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Maritime defence startup Kraken Technology hits unicorn status

British-founded maritime defence startup Kraken Technology today said it had achieved unicorn status. The startup, founded in 2020 by former speedboat racer Mal Crease, said it had raised $175m in a S...

More: Maritime defence startup Kraken Technology hits unicorn status. British-founded maritime defence startup Kraken Technology today said it had achieved unicorn status. The startup, founded in 2020 by former speedboat racer Mal Crease, said it had raised $175m in a S...
TL;DR: British-founded maritime defence startup Kraken Technology today said it had achieved unicorn status.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Dear SaaStr: Our VC Is Encouraging Us to Hire Aggressively and Increase the Burn Rate. Should We Listen to Them?

Dear SaaStr: Our VC Is Encouraging Us to Hire Aggressively and Increase the Burn Rate. Should We Listen to Them? In my experience, about 66-70% of the time this is bad advice, especially if it is coming from a Very Large VC.  Not always. But more often than not. Why? Because you pretty much know... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: Our VC Is Encouraging Us to Hire Aggressively and Increase the Burn Rate. In my experience, about 66-70% of the time this is bad advice, especially if it is coming from a Very Large VC.  Not always. Because you pretty much know...
TL;DR: In my experience, about 66-70% of the time this is bad advice, especially if it is coming from a Very Large VC.  Not always.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

German AI workforce management startup Sherpa raises $2.2M pre-seed

Germany-based Sherpa, a startupdeveloping an AI operating system for external workforce management, has raised$2.2 million in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Seedcamp, DN Capital,Activant Capital a...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Germany-based Sherpa, a startupdeveloping an AI operating system for external workforce management, has raised$2.2 million in a pre-seed funding round co-led by Seedcamp, DN Capital,Activant Capital a...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

CollectWise (YC F24) Is Hiring

CollectWise is a fast growing and well funded Y Combinator-backed startup. We’re using generative AI to automate debt collection, a $35B market in the US alone.

More: CollectWise (YC F24) Is Hiring. With a team of five, we scaled to a $2 million annualized run rate in just a few months, and we are now hiring a Founding Account Executive to help us reach $10 million within the next year. CollectWise is revolutionizing debt recovery with autonomous AI agents and an integrated legal network.
TL;DR: We’re using generative AI to automate debt collection, a $35B market in the US alone.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Chip testing startup QuantumDiamonds raises €15M in equity funding

A German startup spun out of a famed Munich research university whose tech helps semiconductor firms test out products and find defects has raised €15m in equity funding. The new equity funding in Q...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content.   The new equity funding in QuantumDiamonds complements a previously announced €76m in EU-backed state funding in the startup, making €91m in total.
TL;DR: A German startup spun out of a famed Munich research university whose tech helps semiconductor firms test out products and find defects has raised €15m in equity funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Pixel-Flo lands £5.25M seed round for MicroLED manufacturing

Pixel-Flo, a University of Sheffield spin-out developingmanufacturing technology for MicroLED displays, has raised £5.25 million inseed funding. The round was led by Northern Gritstone, with participa...

More: Pixel-Flo lands £5.25M seed round for MicroLED manufacturing. Pixel-Flo, a University of Sheffield spin-out developingmanufacturing technology for MicroLED displays, has raised £5.25 million inseed funding. The round was led by Northern Gritstone, with participa...
TL;DR: Pixel-Flo, a University of Sheffield spin-out developingmanufacturing technology for MicroLED displays, has raised £5.25 million inseed funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Lissi raises €3.5M to power Europe's sovereign digital identity future

Lissi GmbH, a European provider of EUDI Walletconnectivity and verifiable credential technology, has closed a €3.5 millionfunding round to accelerate the development and deployment of digital identity...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Lissi GmbH, a European provider of EUDI Walletconnectivity and verifiable credential technology, has closed a €3.5 millionfunding round to accelerate the development and deployment of digital identity...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Truecaller clashes with India’s telecom regulator over anti-spam rules

The caller ID company says users are increasingly ignoring and blocking calls from India's dedicated business number series.

More: Truecaller clashes with India’s telecom regulator over anti-spam rules Jagmeet Singh 7:30 PM PDT · July 8, 2026 Truecaller has opened a public fight with India’s telecom regulator over rules governing caller ID apps, saying the country’s anti-spam framework is making it harder to protect consumers from unwanted calls in its biggest market.
TL;DR: The caller ID company says users are increasingly ignoring and blocking calls from India's dedicated business number series.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Despite ‘misgivings,’ judge approves Elon Musk’s $1.5 million SEC settlement

The saga of Musk's tussle with the SEC over how he disclosed his growing stake in Twitter (now called X) has come to an end.

More: A judge has approved a $1.5 million penalty levied against Elon Musk that will settle a U.S. In May, Musk reached a settlement with the SEC that stipulated a trust in Musk’s name would be responsible for paying a $1.5 million penalty without admitting wrongdoing. Musk previously helped to bankroll Trump’s campaign during the 2024 presidential race.
TL;DR: The saga of Musk's tussle with the SEC over how he disclosed his growing stake in Twitter (now called X) has come to an end.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Lovable reportedly in talks to double its valuation to $13.2B

The $300 million round is expected to be led by Menlo Ventures, Sifted reported.

More: Lovable reportedly in talks to double its valuation to $13.2B. The $300 million round is expected to be led by Menlo Ventures, Sifted reported.
TL;DR: The $300 million round is expected to be led by Menlo Ventures, Sifted reported.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Feds demand autonomous vehicle companies stop interfering with first responders

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said emergency scenes are not "edge cases."

More: Feds demand autonomous vehicle companies stop interfering with first responders. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said emergency scenes are not "edge cases."
TL;DR: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said emergency scenes are not "edge cases."
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

With EU backing, QuantumDiamonds aims to speed up chip manufacturing

The race to produce more chips is on, and Europe is in. ASML, the Dutch company that has a near-monopoly on manufacturing the machines used for chipmaking, may soon no longer be an isolated success story. Like its U.S. counterpart, the European Chips Act aims to foster the semiconductor industry — in part thanks to […]

More: With EU backing, QuantumDiamonds aims to speed up chip manufacturing. ASML, the Dutch company that has a near-monopoly on manufacturing the machines used for chipmaking, may soon no longer be an isolated success story. counterpart, the European Chips Act aims to foster the semiconductor industry — in part thanks to […]
TL;DR: The race to produce more chips is on, and Europe is in.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Autonomous drone delivery startup Manna plots major U.S. expansion

Manna is launching a U.S. operations and manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma that will eventually employ 1,000 people.

More: Autonomous drone delivery startup Manna plots major U.S. Manna is launching a U.S. operations and manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma that will eventually employ 1,000 people.
TL;DR: operations and manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma that will eventually employ 1,000 people.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Delta rolls out cheaper first-class, business fares with fewer perks: 'More ways to choose'

Delta Air Lines is expanding its stripped-down fare model to premium cabins, offering lower-cost access to Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One seats.

More: Delta rolls out cheaper first-class, business fares with fewer perks: 'More ways to choose'. Delta Air Lines is expanding its stripped-down fare model to premium cabins, offering lower-cost access to Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One seats.
TL;DR: Delta Air Lines is expanding its stripped-down fare model to premium cabins, offering lower-cost access to Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One seats.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

SpaceXAI releases Grok 4.5, which Elon describes as an ‘Opus-class model’

Elon Musk's tech company released the newest version of Grok on Wednesday, promising a cheaper, more efficient alternative to other powerful AI models.

More: SpaceXAI releases Grok 4.5, which Elon describes as an ‘Opus-class model’ Lucas Ropek 12:30 PM PDT · July 8, 2026 SpaceXAI has released its latest model, Grok 4.5 — the first since the company went public several weeks ago.
TL;DR: Elon Musk's tech company released the newest version of Grok on Wednesday, promising a cheaper, more efficient alternative to other powerful AI models.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

This startup thinks robotics is about to have its ChatGPT moment

General Intuition is betting millions of hours of video game data can train the foundation models for physical AI, making it easier to build smarter robots with minimal real-world data.

More: This startup thinks robotics is about to have its ChatGPT moment Rebecca Bellan 12:19 PM PDT · July 8, 2026 Loading the player… Before OpenAI’s GPT-3 ushered in the era of foundation models, companies built specialized natural language processing models from scratch, training each on large amounts of task-specific data.
TL;DR: General Intuition is betting millions of hours of video game data can train the foundation models for physical AI, making it easier to build smarter robots with minimal real-world data.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Your Agents Should Beat Your Best Reps, Not Match Them. And 14 Other Hard Truths About B2B + AI Today, From Our SaaStr AI Annual AMA

We closed out SaaStr AI 2026 with our deep dive AMA, and the theme this year: software is the least static it has ever been. The products we run change more in a month now than they used to in years.  The old playbooks work but they are just … too slow. Planning once a... Continue Reading

More: Your Agents Should Beat Your Best Reps, Not Match Them. And 14 Other Hard Truths About B2B + AI Today, From Our SaaStr AI Annual AMA. The products we run change more in a month now than they used to in years.  The old playbooks work but they are just … too slow.
TL;DR: We closed out SaaStr AI 2026 with our deep dive AMA, and the theme this year: software is the least static it has ever been.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Disability benefits 'not fit for purpose' and assessments 'dehumanising'

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are "not fit for purpose" and can create barriers to work, while the assessment process can be "dehumanising", a new report found.

TL;DR: Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are "not fit for purpose" and can create barriers to work, while the assessment process can be "dehumanising", a new report found.
Read original at News
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

More than 1.7M grill brushes recalled over bristle hazard, risk of ‘serious internal injuries’

Conair is recalling more than 1.7 million Cuisinart grill brushes after reports that metal bristles can detach, including three cases requiring medical treatment.

More: 11-year-old entrepreneur builds thriving garbage bin cleaning business by going door to door Bookstores making a comeback in US New Jersey 'wrote the check' that New York City cashed: Jeff Sica on World Cup economic impact Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' Record July 4th travel expected despite higher gas prices Ford showcases c…
TL;DR: Conair is recalling more than 1.7 million Cuisinart grill brushes after reports that metal bristles can detach, including three cases requiring medical treatment.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Meta wants its AI glasses to seem less creepy. Its AI strategy says otherwise.

Meta is adding a new safeguard to stop people from secretly recording others with its AI glasses. But the update comes as the company continues to expand how much personal data its AI products collect and use.

More: Meta wants its AI glasses to seem less creepy. Its AI strategy says otherwise.. But the update comes as the company continues to expand how much personal data its AI products collect and use.
TL;DR: Meta is adding a new safeguard to stop people from secretly recording others with its AI glasses.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Costco quietly discontinues award-winning Kirkland item fans call 'one of the best' in the market

Costco shoppers will soon have to say goodbye to two popular Kirkland Signature beers as the retailer's partnership with Deschutes Brewery comes to an end.

More: 11-year-old entrepreneur builds thriving garbage bin cleaning business by going door to door Bookstores making a comeback in US New Jersey 'wrote the check' that New York City cashed: Jeff Sica on World Cup economic impact Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' Record July 4th travel expected despite higher gas prices Ford showcases c…
TL;DR: Costco shoppers will soon have to say goodbye to two popular Kirkland Signature beers as the retailer's partnership with Deschutes Brewery comes to an end.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Some Bay Area homes are selling $1M above asking amid AI boom

New data shows 44 San Francisco homes sold over $1 million above asking price in June as the AI boom fuels fierce luxury market bidding wars.

More: Charles Payne: It's been 'rough sledding' for active fund managers Asset management president: AI revolution isn't done yet despite market uncertainty Larry Kudlow: It's time for the Marines to do this Market strategist highlights 'positive' from market rotation Avenue Capital CEO touts market optimism amid Iran tensions, highlights sports investments Kudlow criticizes Newsom'…
TL;DR: New data shows 44 San Francisco homes sold over $1 million above asking price in June as the AI boom fuels fierce luxury market bidding wars.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Crypto VC firm Paradigm raises $1.2B to invest in ‘technical frontier’ startups

Crypto VC firm Paradigm has raised $1.2 billion — its third venture fund and fourth overall — with the aim of investing in the “technical frontier,” the firm’s founder Matt Huang announced Wednesday.

More: Crypto VC firm Paradigm has raised $1.2 billion — its third venture fund and fourth overall — with the aim of investing in the “technical frontier,” the firm’s founder Matt Huang announced Wednesday. This fund is expected to expand its investment focus to include robotics and AI. But AI and robotics are also priorities.
TL;DR: Paradigm, the VC firm founded in 2018 to back crypto startups, raised a $1.2 billion Fund III.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Prime Intellect raises $130M Series A to help enterprises build their own AI agents

The round, led by Radical Ventures, values the two-year old startup at $1 billion.

More: Prime Intellect raises $130M Series A to help enterprises build their own AI agents. The round, led by Radical Ventures, values the two-year old startup at $1 billion.
TL;DR: The round, led by Radical Ventures, values the two-year old startup at $1 billion.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Another massive data breach exposed millions of driver’s license numbers

The cyberattack targeting a U.S. insurance giant is the largest known breach of driver's license numbers so far in 2026.

More: Another massive data breach exposed millions of driver’s license numbers. The cyberattack targeting a U.S. insurance giant is the largest known breach of driver's license numbers so far in 2026.
TL;DR: insurance giant is the largest known breach of driver's license numbers so far in 2026.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Exclusive: EdVisorly Raises $13.3M Series A To Fix The Messy College Transfer Process With AI

Los Angeles-based startup EdVisorly tells Crunchbase News exclusively that it has secured a $13.3 million Series A funding round to scale its AI-native platform, which automates the manual back-office workflows that can slow down university admissions.

More: When Manny Smith was a high school senior, attending college didn’t look like an option. Air Force Academy — an acceptance that transformed him from a teenager with no money for college into a military officer.
TL;DR: Los Angeles-based startup EdVisorly tells Crunchbase News exclusively that it has secured a $13.3 million Series A funding round to scale its AI-native platform, which automates the manual back-office workflows that can slow down university admissions.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

These AI startups are growing revenue at faster and faster rates

These AI startups are growing revenue at faster and faster rates Marina Temkin 8:41 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 As companies old and new rush to capitalize on AI, many AI startups say that their revenue is…

More: These AI startups are growing revenue at faster and faster rates Marina Temkin 8:41 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 As companies old and new rush to capitalize on AI, many AI startups say that their revenue is not just growing, but rapidly accelerating, hitting their next milestones in shorter timeframes.
TL;DR: There are a lot of fast-growing AI startups, but some are growing even faster, they say.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Solo GP Ashley Smith announces second $25M fund to back startups in AI, security and more

Vermilion Cliffs Ventures announced Wednesday the close of a $25 million Fund II.

More: Solo GP Ashley Smith announces second $25M fund to back startups in AI, security and more. Vermilion Cliffs Ventures announced Wednesday the close of a $25 million Fund II.
TL;DR: Vermilion Cliffs Ventures announced Wednesday the close of a $25 million Fund II.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Apple to produce Made in America wireless chips with Broadcom

Apple has signed a $30 billion+ multiyear deal with Broadcom to design and produce more than 15 billion U.S.-made custom wireless connectivity chips for Apple products. 

More: As part of the deal, Apple will put $1.5 billion in capital expenditure investment to help expand Broadcom’s manufacturing facility in Fort Collins, Colorado. The deal is part of Apple’s commitment to invest $600 billion in the U.S. Last year, Trump threatened to institute new tariffs on Apple products unless the company moved core iPhone manufacturing to the U.S.
TL;DR: Apple has signed a $30 billion+ multiyear deal with Broadcom to design and produce more than 15 billion U.S.-made custom wireless connectivity chips for Apple products. 
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Fiat launches tiny EV in US with shockingly low price tag – and one major catch

The pint-sized Fiat Topolino EV has arrived in the U.S. with an under-$15,000 price tag, a two-seat layout and a design aimed at short neighborhood trips.

More: Fiat launches tiny EV in US with shockingly low price tag – and one major catch. The pint-sized Fiat Topolino EV has arrived in the U.S. with an under-$15,000 price tag, a two-seat layout and a design aimed at short neighborhood trips.
TL;DR: with an under-$15,000 price tag, a two-seat layout and a design aimed at short neighborhood trips.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Venus Aerospace raises $90M Series B to build a new kind of rocket engine

Venus Aerospace raises $90M Series B to build a new kind of rocket engine Tim Fernholz 7:07 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 Build a new kind of rocket engine, and the world will beat a path to your door.

More: Venus Aerospace raises $90M Series B to build a new kind of rocket engine Tim Fernholz 7:07 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 Build a new kind of rocket engine, and the world will beat a path to your door. The company was founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo, CEO Sassie Duggleby and CTO Andrew Duggleby, with the idea of developing clean-flying hypersonic jets for passenger travel.
TL;DR: Build a new kind of rocket engine, and the world will beat a path to your door.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Blue Origin reportedly raising $10B at $130B valuation

Blue Origin is raising $10 billion at a $130 billion pre-money valuation from Coatue Asset Management, Bezos himself and other big-name investors, the New York Times reported.

More: Coatue is expected to invest about $4 billion in the round, which would be Blue Origin’s first external fundraise. The funding would follow a major setback for Blue Origin, whose flagship rocket New Glenn exploded during testing in late May as it was preparing for its fourth launch.
TL;DR: Blue Origin is raising $10 billion at a $130 billion pre-money valuation from Coatue Asset Management, Bezos himself and other big-name investors, the New York Times reported.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Corporate America backs Trump Accounts as investor Brad Gerstner predicts $100B in new commitments

Investor Brad Gerstner says he expects over $100 billion in private commitments within 12 months as Corporate America backs Trump Accounts for children.

More: Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: Investor Brad Gerstner says he expects over $100 billion in private commitments within 12 months as Corporate America backs Trump Accounts for children.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Y Combinator-backed German startup Finto raises $3.4M, says chose Munich over the Valley

A German startup building AI agents for accounting today said it had deliberately chosen to be based in Munich over the Valley after going through Y Combinator in San Francisco and raising a £3.4m see...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: A German startup building AI agents for accounting today said it had deliberately chosen to be based in Munich over the Valley after going through Y Combinator in San Francisco and raising a £3.4m see...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps

With funding from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams, the French app WeWard says that it increases walking time by almost 25%.

More: Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps Amanda Silberling 6:00 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 WeWard , an app that offers users rewards for logging their steps, is launching a feature called “Walking Mode” that allows users to restrict their use of chosen apps until they hit a certain step count.
TL;DR: With funding from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams, the French app WeWard says that it increases walking time by almost 25%.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Famed permabear warns SpaceX IPO could be laughed at in 50 years, 'craziest' market bet for Main Street

British billionaire Jeremy Grantham calls SpaceX the "craziest IPO in the history of man," predicting the stock's valuation will become a landmark collapse.

More: Famed permabear warns SpaceX IPO could be laughed at in 50 years, 'craziest' market bet for Main Street. British billionaire Jeremy Grantham calls SpaceX the "craziest IPO in the history of man," predicting the stock's valuation will become a landmark collapse.
TL;DR: British billionaire Jeremy Grantham calls SpaceX the "craziest IPO in the history of man," predicting the stock's valuation will become a landmark collapse.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Kord secures £6.4M to unify onboarding, compliance and payments

UK fintech Kord, theend-to-end platform making onboarding clients, identity verification and paymentprocessing simplerand more secure, has raised £6.4 million in a Series A funding round. The investme...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The latest round brings the company's total funding to £9 million.
TL;DR: UK fintech Kord, theend-to-end platform making onboarding clients, identity verification and paymentprocessing simplerand more secure, has raised £6.4 million in a Series A funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Familiar Names Top Active US Investor Ranks In Q2

To get an expanded sense of how busy startup backers spent Q2, we put together several rankings for active investors. These include active venture backers, lead investors, highest spenders and prolific seed dealmakers.

More: Familiar Names Top Active US Investor Ranks In Q2. To get an expanded sense of how busy startup backers spent Q2, we put together several rankings for active investors. These include active venture backers, lead investors, highest spenders and prolific seed dealmakers.
TL;DR: To get an expanded sense of how busy startup backers spent Q2, we put together several rankings for active investors.
Read original at News
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Your SaaS Metrics Are A Result, Not A Strategy

SaaS metrics like LTV/CAC, NRR, GRR, ARR growth, and the Rule of 40 are valuable indicators of business performance, writes guest author Itay Sagie, but leaders and boards should look beyond the numbers to understand the underlying drivers to assess the company's long-term health and competitive strength.

More: The company has just presented what looks like a strong quarter. A strong ratio usually suggests the company can acquire customers efficiently and retain them profitably. But two companies can both report a 4x LTV/CAC ratio and still be very different businesses.
TL;DR: SaaS metrics like LTV/CAC, NRR, GRR, ARR growth, and the Rule of 40 are valuable indicators of business performance, writes guest author Itay Sagie, but leaders and boards should look beyond the numbers to understand the underlying drivers to assess the company's long-term health and competitive strength.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Polysense raises $10.7M to scale AI quality control for food manufacturers

Belgian startup Polysense has raised $10.7million in an oversubscribed seed funding round to accelerate the globalrollout of its AI-powered quality control platform for food manufacturers. Theround wa...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The round was led by Felix Capital , with participation from Fortino Ventures , Syndicate One , 100IN and other angel investors.
TL;DR: Belgian startup Polysense has raised $10.7million in an oversubscribed seed funding round to accelerate the globalrollout of its AI-powered quality control platform for food manufacturers.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Dear SaaStr: What Happens if One Founder Wants to Quit When the Startup Has Just Raised VC Funding?

Dear SaaStr: What Happens if One Founder Wants to Quit When the Startup Has Just Raised VC Funding? This, unfortunately, is more common that you might think. First, be completely upfront with your investors immediately. As tough as this may be, it’s not the first time. Let them know, and let them know you are working... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: What Happens if One Founder Wants to Quit When the Startup Has Just Raised VC Funding?. Dear SaaStr: What Happens if One Founder Wants to Quit When the Startup Has Just Raised VC Funding? First, be completely upfront with your investors immediately.
TL;DR: Let them know, and let them know you are working...
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Hamburg on a tear, as Germany witnesses record 3,000 new startups in six months

When contemplating Germany's startup scene, one tends to think of Berlin and Munich. But Hamburg is on a tear, with new data showing that more startups were founded in Hamburg than in Munich in the fi...

More: Hamburg on a tear, as Germany witnesses record 3,000 new startups in six months. When contemplating Germany's startup scene, one tends to think of Berlin and Munich. But Hamburg is on a tear, with new data showing that more startups were founded in Hamburg than in Munich in the fi...
TL;DR: When contemplating Germany's startup scene, one tends to think of Berlin and Munich.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Fleek secures $25M to digitise secondhand fashion

Fleek,a UK-based startup developing AI infrastructure for the secondhand clothingindustry, has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round. The investmentwas led by Burda Principal Investments, wit...

More: Fleek secures $25M to digitise secondhand fashion. Fleek,a UK-based startup developing AI infrastructure for the secondhand clothingindustry, has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round. The investmentwas led by Burda Principal Investments, wit...
TL;DR: Fleek,a UK-based startup developing AI infrastructure for the secondhand clothingindustry, has raised $25 million in a Series B funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Hot French startup ZML releases free product to speed inference across lots of AI chips

ZML, a hot French AI startup endorsed by Turing Award winner Yann LeCun, has now released ZML/LLMD, software that could make running AI less costly.

More: Hot French startup ZML releases free product to speed inference across lots of AI chips Anna Heim 1:00 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 The days of Nvidia’s unparalleled market dominance aren’t over, but challengers and choices are arising from all directions.
TL;DR: ZML, a hot French AI startup endorsed by Turing Award winner Yann LeCun, has now released ZML/LLMD, software that could make running AI less costly.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Trump admin launches its first major H-1B visa fraud investigation

Iran doesn’t have the leverage it thinks it does, former energy secretary says 'Creating more division': NYC grocers demand transparency on city-run stores Rep Darrell Issa says the history of far-le…

More: Trump admin launches its first major H-1B visa fraud investigation. Iran doesn’t have the leverage it thinks it does, former energy secretary says 'Creating more division': NYC grocers demand transparency on city-run stores Rep Darrell Issa says the history of far-left takeovers is a stark warning 'It’s the height of hypocrisy' that Dems kept Platner around for as long as they…
TL;DR: Iran doesn’t have the leverage it thinks it does, former energy secretary says 'Creating more division': NYC grocers demand transparency on city-run stores Rep Darrell Issa says the history of far-left takeovers is a stark warning 'It’s the height of hypocrisy' that Dems kept Platner around for as long as they did: expert US launches new strikes on Iran, Trump renews push to purchase Greenland US trade rep on not renewing USMCA: Trump was never going to rubber stamp this Brian Brenberg: I'm glad we're playing offense The left cares only about winning, not ethics: Rep.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

AI chip maker SambaNova raises $1B at $11B valuation, 5 months after last mega round

AI chip maker SambaNova has raised at an $11B valuation months after Intel was rumored to be trying to buy it for about $1.6 billion.

More: AI chip maker SambaNova raises $1B at $11B valuation, 5 months after last mega round Kate Park 12:16 AM PDT · July 8, 2026 AI chip company SambaNova Systems has raised $1 billion at an $11 billion valuation led by General Atlantic, in a first close of its Series F round, with more investors expected to join soon.
TL;DR: AI chip maker SambaNova has raised at an $11B valuation months after Intel was rumored to be trying to buy it for about $1.6 billion.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Trains and emergency calls affected after major outage at Australia's largest telecoms company

Servers at data centres in Sydney and Melbourne were to blame but the exact cause remains unknown.

More: Trains and emergency calls affected after major outage at Australia's largest telecoms company. Servers at data centres in Sydney and Melbourne were to blame but the exact cause remains unknown.
TL;DR: Servers at data centres in Sydney and Melbourne were to blame but the exact cause remains unknown.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Berlin's reverse.fashion bags seven-figure funding to scale textile sorting

Berlin-based reverse.fashion, a startup developingAI-powered textile sorting technology, has secured a seven-figure extension toits pre-seed funding round from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).Founded in...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Berlin-based reverse.fashion, a startup developingAI-powered textile sorting technology, has secured a seven-figure extension toits pre-seed funding round from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).Founded in...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Housing affordability to improve as home price growth cools, Realtor.com forecasts

Monthly mortgage payments are projected to decline 1.9% as home price growth slows below inflation, giving buyers more negotiating power in 2026.

More: Iran doesn’t have the leverage it thinks it does, former energy secretary says 'Creating more division': NYC grocers demand transparency on city-run stores Rep Darrell Issa says the history of far-left takeovers is a stark warning 'It’s the height of hypocrisy' that Dems kept Platner around for as long as they did: expert US launches new strikes on Iran, Trump renews push to p…
TL;DR: Monthly mortgage payments are projected to decline 1.9% as home price growth slows below inflation, giving buyers more negotiating power in 2026.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple to invest $30 billion in US chip manufacturing

Apple announced it is investing more than $30 billion in chip manufacturing in the U.S. that will produce a whopping 15 billion chips as part of its $600 billion long-term investment within America.

More: Apple to invest $30 billion in US chip manufacturing. Apple announced it is investing more than $30 billion in chip manufacturing in the U.S. that will produce a whopping 15 billion chips as part of its $600 billion long-term investment within America.
TL;DR: Apple announced it is investing more than $30 billion in chip manufacturing in the U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Respiro Diagnostics secures £1M to advance lung diagnostics

Respiro Diagnostics, a UK-based startup developing breath-based diagnostics for lungdiseases, has raised £1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Zinc Venture Capital and SFC Capital. The round a...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Respiro Diagnostics, a UK-based startup developing breath-based diagnostics for lungdiseases, has raised £1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Zinc Venture Capital and SFC Capital.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Aardaia bags €5M to build the next generation of crops

Aardaia, a Wageningen-based agritechstartup developing new crop varieties from wild plants, has raised €5 millionin a seed funding round led by Point Nine. Existing investor FoodLabsparticipated in th...

More: Aardaia bags €5M to build the next generation of crops. Aardaia, a Wageningen-based agritechstartup developing new crop varieties from wild plants, has raised €5 millionin a seed funding round led by Point Nine. Existing investor FoodLabsparticipated in th...
TL;DR: Aardaia, a Wageningen-based agritechstartup developing new crop varieties from wild plants, has raised €5 millionin a seed funding round led by Point Nine.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Meet the startup digitising battlefield medicine

Meet the startup digitising battlefield medicine The AO is combining wearable sensors, digital patient records and frontline data to improve casualty evacuation in Ukraine and beyond. Drone warfare ha...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Meet the startup digitising battlefield medicine The AO is combining wearable sensors, digital patient records and frontline data to improve casualty evacuation in Ukraine and beyond.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Package holidays to Dubai and Egypt cheaper as European prices creep up

Family deals to many non-European destinations are cheaper this summer than last, as travel nerves have slowed bookings.

More: Family package holidays to destinations like Dubai and Egypt are cheaper this summer than last as tour operators cut prices to tempt people back. Prices for an average all-inclusive seven-night family stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have dropped by 25% this August compared with last.
TL;DR: Family deals to many non-European destinations are cheaper this summer than last, as travel nerves have slowed bookings.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20

Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 Isabelle Johannessen 3:30 PM PDT · July 7, 2026 One last chance to apply Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended app…

More: Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20 Isabelle Johannessen 3:30 PM PDT · July 7, 2026 One last chance to apply Due to overwhelming interest, we’ve extended applications for Startup Battlefield Australia to July 20 .
TL;DR: If you're building something ambitious, this is a fast track to the people who can move your startup forward.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Meta just launched a new AI generator, Muse Image, and users are already pushing back over use of their photos

The new image-generating model has numerous use cases, including advertising, decorating and creator-based opportunities.

More: Meta just launched a new AI generator, Muse Image, and users are already pushing back over use of their photos. The new image-generating model has numerous use cases, including advertising, decorating and creator-based opportunities.
TL;DR: The new image-generating model has numerous use cases, including advertising, decorating and creator-based opportunities.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Popular pet food recalled over possible sharp metal and plastic contamination

Mars Petcare says two lots of Pedigree dog food were fraudulently diverted and sold after being sent for destruction over metal and plastic contamination.

More: Iran doesn’t have the leverage it thinks it does, former energy secretary says 'Creating more division': NYC grocers demand transparency on city-run stores Rep Darrell Issa says the history of far-left takeovers is a stark warning 'It’s the height of hypocrisy' that Dems kept Platner around for as long as they did: expert US launches new strikes on Iran, Trump renews push to p…
TL;DR: Mars Petcare says two lots of Pedigree dog food were fraudulently diverted and sold after being sent for destruction over metal and plastic contamination.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Discord admits AI moderation bug wrongfully banned users over harmless images

Discord has acknowledged that a bug in its AI moderation system mistakenly banned more than 8,000 users over the past two months, after harmless images—including spreadsheets, chessboards, game textures, as well as white and gray transparent backgrounds—were incorrectly flagged as harmful content. The company confirmed that the issue had been affecting accounts since May, with […]

More: The company confirmed that the issue had been affecting accounts since May, with […]
TL;DR: Discord has acknowledged that a bug in its AI moderation system mistakenly banned more than 8,000 users over the past two months, after harmless images—including spreadsheets, chessboards, game textures, as well as white and gray transparent backgrounds—were incorrectly flagged as harmful content.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Figma acquires team behind a vibe coding app

Figma is trying to become more than a design platform by adding more AI and bringing the coding and prototyping layer closer to its canvas.

More: Figma is trying to become more than a design platform by adding more AI and bringing the coding and prototyping layer closer to its canvas. Toward that end, it has acquired the team behind the vibe coding and AI agent platform Bud (formerly Orchids). Last year, it released Figma Make for creating web apps .
TL;DR: The Y Combinator-backed company started a vibe coding platform and later built an agent creation product.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

LARRY KUDLOW: It’s time to cut the capital gains tax

It will add growth to the GOP message ahead of the midterms

More: LARRY KUDLOW: It’s time to cut the capital gains tax. It will add growth to the GOP message ahead of the midterms
TL;DR: It will add growth to the GOP message ahead of the midterms
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Netflix dabbles in shorter video content with its new set of publisher deals with Variety, others

Netflix is bringing 2- to 20-minute videos to its platform through new partnerships with digital publishers, including Rolling Stone and Variety.

More: Netflix dabbles in shorter video content with its new set of publisher deals with Variety, others Sarah Perez 10:24 AM PDT · July 7, 2026 Netflix is again experimenting with new types of content on its streaming service, as the binge model has grown dated. Starting August 3, Netflix will offer video content from these publishers to subscribers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K.
TL;DR: Netflix is bringing 2- to 20-minute videos to its platform through new partnerships with digital publishers, including Rolling Stone and Variety.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

X adds a video editor to encourage creators to post original content, not stolen reposts

X is rolling out a new video editor and recorder for iOS with multilingual captions, green screen effects, and other editing tools.

More: X adds a video editor to encourage creators to post original content, not stolen reposts Sarah Perez 8:19 AM PDT · July 7, 2026 X, the social network that can’t seem to win its perennial battle with bots, is introducing new video editing and recording features in hopes of encouraging creators to publish original content on its platform instead of recycling others’ material.
TL;DR: X is rolling out a new video editor and recorder for iOS with multilingual captions, green screen effects, and other editing tools.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

AI law startup Norm raises $120M, hits unicorn valuation

AI law startup Norm has raised a $120 million Series C round led by Kholsa Ventures, valuing the startup at $1.2 billion. 

More: AI law startup Norm on Tuesday said it has raised $120 million in a Series C funding round led by Khosla Ventures, valuing the almost three-year-old startup at $1.2 billion.  Norm has built an AI-native law firm, called Norm Law, that uses the company’s own AI agents, employs human attorneys to supervise them, and offers legal services to enterprise clients.
TL;DR: AI law startup Norm has raised a $120 million Series C round led by Kholsa Ventures, valuing the startup at $1.2 billion. 
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Why Americans are flocking to this Florida retirement hot spot

Midwesterners are driving 12.4% population growth in Sarasota County as remote work and retirement fuel the Florida Gulf Coast housing market.

More: Cuba's power grid collapses as Castro's grandson offers talks with Trump Trump arrives at NATO summit as Iran rift looms Walmart isn’t going to make a bad business decision to appease President Trump: Jackie DeAngelis Katie Zacharia warns of 'Trojan horse' for communism in Democratic Party The media is 'propelling' the left: Charlie Gasparino Walmart announces major price cuts…
TL;DR: Midwesterners are driving 12.4% population growth in Sarasota County as remote work and retirement fuel the Florida Gulf Coast housing market.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

This startup pits dealerships against each other to bid on your used car

Bidbus, which lets dealerships bid on used cars, has raised $15 million in a Series A round that was led by early-stage mobility fund Ibex Investors.

More: This startup pits dealerships against each other to bid on your used car Sean O'Kane 7:00 AM PDT · July 7, 2026 Selling a car is a pain. Now, looking to scale beyond its initial markets of California and Texas, the startup has raised a $15 million Series A funding round led by early-stage mobility fund Ibex Investors.
TL;DR: Bidbus, which lets dealerships bid on used cars, has raised $15 million in a Series A round that was led by early-stage mobility fund Ibex Investors.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Toyota to invest $3.6B in plant expansion, will shift Tacoma production from Mexico to Texas

Toyota plans a $3.6 billion expansion of its Texas manufacturing campus that will add thousands of jobs and transition some Tacoma production from Mexico.

More: Mike Murphy warns investors of chip stocks: 'Be very careful' SpaceX's entry into Nasdaq-100 will boost diversification, expert says The Fed is making the right move for markets, expert says Markets show global strength as tech rebounds and AI boosts economy Fed study links illegal immigration to surge in housing costs Fed will 'operate better' because of Warsh: Kevin Mahn War…
TL;DR: Toyota plans a $3.6 billion expansion of its Texas manufacturing campus that will add thousands of jobs and transition some Tacoma production from Mexico.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

9 Mothers (YC P26) Is Hiring in Austin, TX

We ship hardware on software tempo — AI perception, kinetic engagement, and the kill chain that closes them.

More: We ship hardware on software tempo — AI perception, kinetic engagement, and the kill chain that closes them. Range time, range data, range fixes. We're hiring across audio ML, DSP, systems, and software.
TL;DR: Electrical Engineer, Senior Apply R&D Test Engineer Apply Electrical Engineer, Staff Apply Robotics 2 roles Robotics Engineer, Senior Apply Robotics Engineer, Staff Apply Perception 2 roles Perception Engineer, Staff Apply Perception Engineer, Senior Apply Platform 1 role Embedded Engineer (BSP), Staff Apply View on Ashby [ DON'T SEE YOUR ROLE?
Read original at 9mothers
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Savi’s app aims to protect consumers from realistic AI scams like kidnappers demanding ransom

The company just raised $7 million in seed funding, and is launching its app for iPhone and Android on Tuesday.

More: Savi’s app aims to protect consumers from realistic AI scams like kidnappers demanding ransom. The company just raised $7 million in seed funding, and is launching its app for iPhone and Android on Tuesday.
TL;DR: The company just raised $7 million in seed funding, and is launching its app for iPhone and Android on Tuesday.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

North American Startup Funding Shattered Records In First Half Of 2026, Driven By AI

Overall, investment in U.S. and Canadian startups totaled a staggering $392 billion for the first half of 2026, per Crunchbase data, dwarfing anything we’ve seen before.

More: North American Startup Funding Shattered Records In First Half Of 2026, Driven By AI. Overall, investment in U.S. and Canadian startups totaled a staggering $392 billion for the first half of 2026, per Crunchbase data, dwarfing anything we’ve seen before.
TL;DR: and Canadian startups totaled a staggering $392 billion for the first half of 2026, per Crunchbase data, dwarfing anything we’ve seen before.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Luffy secures £8.1M to scale real-time adaptive control technology

Luffy AI, a UK-based startup developing AI for real-timeadaptive control in industrial systems, has raised £8.1 million in a Series Afunding round. The investment was led by BGF, with participation fr...

More: Luffy secures £8.1M to scale real-time adaptive control technology. Luffy AI, a UK-based startup developing AI for real-timeadaptive control in industrial systems, has raised £8.1 million in a Series Afunding round. The investment was led by BGF, with participation fr...
TL;DR: Luffy AI, a UK-based startup developing AI for real-timeadaptive control in industrial systems, has raised £8.1 million in a Series Afunding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Whering lands $7M as digital wardrobe platform reaches 10M users

Whering, a UK-based digital wardrobeplatform, has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by eBay Venturesand Google AI Futures Fund. The investment comes as the company reaches amilestone of 10...

More: Whering lands $7M as digital wardrobe platform reaches 10M users. Whering, a UK-based digital wardrobeplatform, has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by eBay Venturesand Google AI Futures Fund. The investment comes as the company reaches amilestone of 10...
TL;DR: Whering, a UK-based digital wardrobeplatform, has raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by eBay Venturesand Google AI Futures Fund.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The capital gains tax changes Burnham could make - and the consequences experts are warning about

With Andy Burnham seemingly heading unchallenged to Number 10, the spotlight is on him and his closest allies for clues about their policy agenda.

TL;DR: With Andy Burnham seemingly heading unchallenged to Number 10, the spotlight is on him and his closest allies for clues about their policy agenda.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Why cash on delivery still works in Europe [Sponsored]

In a market that has spent a decade moving to cards, digital wallets and one-click checkout, cash on delivery can look like a relic. The customer pays the courier at the door, only once the parcel is ...

More: Why cash on delivery still works in Europe [Sponsored]. In a market that has spent a decade moving to cards, digital wallets and one-click checkout, cash on delivery can look like a relic. The customer pays the courier at the door, only once the parcel is ...
TL;DR: In a market that has spent a decade moving to cards, digital wallets and one-click checkout, cash on delivery can look like a relic.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

BIZAY secures $55M to fuel US growth and industry consolidation

BIZAY, a Portugal-based technology platform for customisedproducts, has raised $55 million in a Series D funding round. The investmentwas led by existing investor Indico Capital Partners, with partici...

More: BIZAY secures $55M to fuel US growth and industry consolidation. BIZAY, a Portugal-based technology platform for customisedproducts, has raised $55 million in a Series D funding round. The investmentwas led by existing investor Indico Capital Partners, with partici...
TL;DR: BIZAY, a Portugal-based technology platform for customisedproducts, has raised $55 million in a Series D funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

People Fixing The World

Close menu Episode details World Service , · 07 Jul 2026 , · 23 mins At least once in a lifetime, everyone has a great business idea.

More: Close menu Episode details World Service , · 07 Jul 2026 , · 23 mins At least once in a lifetime, everyone has a great business idea. They often come when life events force us to experience things from a different angle. This year, the city of Liverpool in north England set about finding these “hidden entrepreneurs” with the help of an organisation called Public Life.
TL;DR: The people turning life experience into business ideas with funding and other support
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

ARC Intelligence raises €4M to scale its AI-native finance platform

Berlin-based ARC Intelligence, a software company developing an AI-native finance platform forenterprises, has raised €4 million in a seed funding round led by 42CAP.Existing investors 468 Capital and...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Berlin-based ARC Intelligence, a software company developing an AI-native finance platform forenterprises, has raised €4 million in a seed funding round led by 42CAP.Existing investors 468 Capital and...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Porelio secures €2.4M to scale industrial water treatment materials

Porelio, a Germany-based deeptech startupdeveloping advanced materials for industrial separation and water treatment,has raised €2.4 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round. Theinvestment ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The investment was led by Faber , with participation from Polytechnique Ventures , Grupo Tecnológica and better ventures .
TL;DR: Porelio, a Germany-based deeptech startupdeveloping advanced materials for industrial separation and water treatment,has raised €2.4 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Auxilius raises €1.3M pre-seed to automate enterprise compliance

Auxilius, a Germany-based startup developing AI-poweredgovernance, risk and compliance (GRC) automation software, has raised around€1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by H...

More: Auxilius, a Germany-based startup developing AI-poweredgovernance, risk and compliance (GRC) automation software, has raised around€1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by H...
TL;DR: Auxilius, a Germany-based startup developing AI-poweredgovernance, risk and compliance (GRC) automation software, has raised around€1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Panora bags $5M to modernise insurance brokerage across Europe

Panora, a French startup developing AI software for insurance brokers,has raised $5 million in a seed funding round led by Isai. The round alsoincluded participation from Kima Ventures, 100in, 199 Ven...

More: Panora bags $5M to modernise insurance brokerage across Europe. Panora, a French startup developing AI software for insurance brokers,has raised $5 million in a seed funding round led by Isai. The round alsoincluded participation from Kima Ventures, 100in, 199 Ven...
TL;DR: Panora, a French startup developing AI software for insurance brokers,has raised $5 million in a seed funding round led by Isai.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Display.dev raises €470K to power document collaboration for AI agents

Display.dev, a Tallinn-based startupbuilding a document platform for AI agents, has raised €470,000 in pre-seedfunding. The round was backed by Outlast Fund, FIRSTPICK, Curiosity VC, andangel investor...

More: Display.dev raises €470K to power document collaboration for AI agents. Display.dev, a Tallinn-based startupbuilding a document platform for AI agents, has raised €470,000 in pre-seedfunding. The round was backed by Outlast Fund, FIRSTPICK, Curiosity VC, andangel investor...
TL;DR: Display.dev, a Tallinn-based startupbuilding a document platform for AI agents, has raised €470,000 in pre-seedfunding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Gyre Energy raises $1.3M to cut industrial cooling costs with AI and thermal storage

Gyre Energy an Oxford-founded energy tech company using AI and thermal energy storage to cut the cost and energy demand of industrial cooling, has secured over $1.3 million in investment and grant fun...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Gyre Energy an Oxford-founded energy tech company using AI and thermal energy storage to cut the cost and energy demand of industrial cooling, has secured over $1.3 million in investment and grant fun...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Amazon bars breastfeeding boss from business course

Rachel Bews says she told on the way her child would not be allowed on site. Amazon has apologised for not communicating its policy clearly.

More: Amazon bars breastfeeding boss from business course. Rachel Bews says she told on the way her child would not be allowed on site. Amazon has apologised for not communicating its policy clearly.
TL;DR: Rachel Bews says she told on the way her child would not be allowed on site.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

US investors will soon get access to SK Hynix, another memory maker riding the AI boom

SK Hynix is experiencing a boom credited to AI. It will ride that to a multi-billion dollar US IPO, expected to take place on Friday.

More: US investors will soon get access to SK Hynix, another memory maker riding the AI boom. SK Hynix is experiencing a boom credited to AI. It will ride that to a multi-billion dollar US IPO, expected to take place on Friday.
TL;DR: SK Hynix is experiencing a boom credited to AI.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Walmart, Sam's Club slash prices on thousands of products as Trump says move came at his request

President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Walmart summer price cuts were initiated at his administration's request to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.

More: This kind of leverage is how you squeeze Putin, former counterterror official says Fed will 'operate better' because of Warsh: Kevin Mahn Vance faces backlash over Milton Friedman comments Oklo CEO: Here's why fast fission and recycling matters The left has always championed the lazy and punished the industrious, Rep.
TL;DR: President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that Walmart summer price cuts were initiated at his administration's request to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Every major tech layoff in 2026 that has name-checked AI

A running look — in reverse chronological order — at the bigger tech companies that have announced significant layoffs this year with AI as a stated factor.

More: Every major tech layoff in 2026 that has name-checked AI Rebecca Bellan Connie Loizos 11:35 AM PDT · July 6, 2026 Microsoft said Monday that it has eliminated about 4,800 roles, or 2.1% of its global workforce, adding to the string of AI-related layoffs hitting the tech world.
TL;DR: A running look — in reverse chronological order — at the bigger tech companies that have announced significant layoffs this year with AI as a stated factor.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

A billionaire's backing – and lifelong love of soccer – helped bring Mauricio Pochettino to Team USA

Ken Griffin provided the largest donation to help hire Mauricio Pochettino, whose leadership now has Team USA on the brink of World Cup history.

More: Vance faces backlash over Milton Friedman comments Oklo CEO: Here's why fast fission and recycling matters The left has always championed the lazy and punished the industrious, Rep. Keane: Iranians are the 'negotiators' not the 'decision-makers' Trump, Mamdani present contrasting visions for America over July 4 weekend Doge disbands as official federal agency, claims $215 bill…
TL;DR: Ken Griffin provided the largest donation to help hire Mauricio Pochettino, whose leadership now has Team USA on the brink of World Cup history.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Schizo founder story (terrorist to tech exit)

This is the story of the rise, fall, and eventual triumph of The Militant Unemployment Experiment. A world of punks, activists, radicals, and assorted riff raff.

More: Schizo founder story (terrorist to tech exit). A world where people will run their whole life into the ground just to “keep it real,” ending up 50 and living in a shack managing the community garden. I’ve had a “real job” fewer than 18 months of my life.
TL;DR: This is for the riff raff who have realized playing small never ends well.
Read original at Peteryoung
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

The $5 plastic clip behind millions of Ford Explorer recalls: report

Discover why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued millions of Ford Explorer recall notices over a simple $5 plastic part rather than mechanical issues.

More: Bookstores making a comeback in US New Jersey 'wrote the check' that New York City cashed: Jeff Sica on World Cup economic impact Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' Record July 4th travel expected despite higher gas prices Ford showcases classic cars inside DC’s Union Station An inside look at Mississippi’s exhibit at the Great Am…
TL;DR: Discover why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued millions of Ford Explorer recall notices over a simple $5 plastic part rather than mechanical issues.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Reddit is using LLMs to solve a problem LLMs largely created

In the AI era, platforms have no choice but to fight fire with fire to cull spam.

More: Reddit is using LLMs to solve a problem LLMs largely created. In the AI era, platforms have no choice but to fight fire with fire to cull spam.
TL;DR: In the AI era, platforms have no choice but to fight fire with fire to cull spam.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Klarna applies for US banking licence

Klarna, the Swedish financial company best known for its BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) products today said it had applied for a US banking licence. Klarna, which is listed in the US, has been making a big...

More: Klarna, the Swedish financial company best known for its BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) products today said it had applied for a US banking licence. Klarna, which is listed in the US, has been making a big...
TL;DR: Klarna, the Swedish financial company best known for its BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) products today said it had applied for a US banking licence.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

By Year-End, Anthropic Will Out-Earn Every Public Software Company Except Microsoft

Our jaws drop at Anthropic’s growth rate, and its valuation.  But sometimes we can lose sight of just how big it already is … versus everyone else in software. Anthropic exited 2025 at roughly $9 billion in run-rate revenue. By February 2026 it was $14 billion. Then $19 billion in March, $30 billion in April,... Continue Reading

More: By Year-End, Anthropic Will Out-Earn Every Public Software Company Except Microsoft. Anthropic exited 2025 at roughly $9 billion in run-rate revenue. Then $19 billion in March, $30 billion in April,...
TL;DR: By February 2026 it was $14 billion.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Station F ramps up as a launchpad for Europe’s hottest AI startups

Station F, the Paris-based startup hub founded by French billionaire Xavier Niel in 2017, is gearing up for a new edition of its selective acceleration F/ai program that will cement its role as a stepping stone for AI startups.

More: In 2024, TechCrunch observed that nearly all of that annual cohort incorporated AI into its core business. Station F today has a front row seat to the rise of AI startups, leveraging its position as a cornerstone of “la French Tech.” The startup hub has also successfully leveraged its position to capture equity stakes in its Future 40 companies.
TL;DR: Station F, the Paris-based startup hub founded by French billionaire Xavier Niel in 2017, is gearing up for a new edition of its selective acceleration F/ai program that will cement its role as a stepping stone for AI startups.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

What Happens When You Hire the Wrong VP

A lot of classic SaaStr content has been how to spot the best potential VPs.  When to hire them.  How to interview them and qualify them.  What they really do.  Etc. etc.  Some classics here: How My VP, Sales Doubled Our Sales in 90 Days. And No, It Wasn’t Magic. If Your VP Sales Isn’t... Continue Reading

More: A lot of classic SaaStr content has been how to spot the best potential VPs.  When to hire them.  How to interview them and qualify them.  What they really do.  Etc. etc.  Some classics here: How My VP, Sales Doubled Our Sales in 90 Days.
TL;DR: A lot of classic SaaStr content has been how to spot the best potential VPs.  When to hire them.  How to interview them and qualify them.  What they really do.  Etc.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

UK battery materials startup TaiSan founded by chess champion raises £4.65M

A UK battery materials startup founded by a former chess champion has raised £4.65m in a seed round, it said today. TaiSan, which operates out of the Cambridge battery lab, builds next-generation sodi...

More: UK battery materials startup TaiSan founded by chess champion raises £4.65M. A UK battery materials startup founded by a former chess champion has raised £4.65m in a seed round, it said today. TaiSan, which operates out of the Cambridge battery lab, builds next-generation sodi...
TL;DR: A UK battery materials startup founded by a former chess champion has raised £4.65m in a seed round, it said today.
Read original at Tech
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Hyundai Motor brings Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot to FIFA World Cup in groundbreaking activation

Hyundai Motor Company integrated Atlas, Boston Dynamics' advanced humanoid robot, at halftime during the Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.

More: Biden's open-border policy 'never put American citizens first': Jonathan Fahey PA trooper's death was a 'preventable tragedy,' former Acting ICE director says Iran is able to trade oil in dollars for the first time in decades: Christian Whiton New report reveals GOP lawmakers' concerns about member motivation Market strategist on oil prices: 'Path of least resistance is down a…
TL;DR: Hyundai Motor Company integrated Atlas, Boston Dynamics' advanced humanoid robot, at halftime during the Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sector Snapshot: Cleantech Startup Funding Stabilizes As Energy Demand Grows

In the first half of this year, investors poured $15 billion into seed- through growth-stage rounds for companies in Crunchbase cleantech, EV and sustainability-focused categories. That puts funding on track to slightly exceed the 2025 tally, which was the lowest in several years.

More: Sector Snapshot: Cleantech Startup Funding Stabilizes As Energy Demand Grows. In the first half of this year, investors poured $15 billion into seed- through growth-stage rounds for companies in Crunchbase cleantech, EV and sustainability-focused categories. That puts funding on track to slightly exceed the 2025 tally, which was the lowest in several years.
TL;DR: In the first half of this year, investors poured $15 billion into seed- through growth-stage rounds for companies in Crunchbase cleantech, EV and sustainability-focused categories.
Read original at News
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A Year Of Misplaced Fear (And Why It’s Time For Investors To Leave The Crowd)

Many venture capital LPs have reacted to recent economic uncertainty by concentrating investments in megafunds, mistaking perceived safety for better returns while potentially sacrificing the higher upside that venture investing is meant to deliver. In this guest commentary, Sara Zulkosky, co-founder and managing partner of Recast Capital, contends that smaller emerging VC managers are a more attractive source of long-term returns for investors willing to look beyond the crowd.

More: Many venture capital LPs have reacted to recent economic uncertainty by concentrating investments in megafunds, mistaking perceived safety for better returns while potentially sacrificing the higher upside that venture investing is meant to deliver.
TL;DR: Many venture capital LPs have reacted to recent economic uncertainty by concentrating investments in megafunds, mistaking perceived safety for better returns while potentially sacrificing the higher upside that venture investing is meant to deliver.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

June 2026's top 10 European tech deals you need to know about

European tech activity in June 2026 was characterised by arecovery in deal volume but a decline in total capital raised compared to May.The ecosystem recorded 293 funding deals and €8.3 billionraised,...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. At the country level, Germany emerged as Europe's leading funding hub, attracting €2.4 billion in investment and replacing the UK, which led in May with €7.9 billion, reflecting a more geographically balanced month for European funding.
TL;DR: European tech activity in June 2026 was characterised by arecovery in deal volume but a decline in total capital raised compared to May.The ecosystem recorded 293 funding deals and €8.3 billionraised,...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump rings NYSE, Nasdaq opening bells from White House to celebrate launch of Trump Accounts

President Donald Trump marked the launch of Trump Accounts by ringing the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the White House.

More: Trump Accounts for kids launch, aims to jumpstart American Dream Congressman Michael Flood discusses GOP concerns about member motivation, legislative agenda Lawmaker urges GOP colleagues to grind out work: 'Sitting on our hands is unacceptable' GOP rep urges Senate to 'nuke the filibuster' to secure SAVE America Act Lee Carter blasts Mamdani's "grim" anti-American capitalism…
TL;DR: President Donald Trump marked the launch of Trump Accounts by ringing the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the White House.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Smart glasses maker Even Realities hits $1B valuation with $150M funding led by Meituan, Tencent

Even Realities, an ex-Apple team building camera-free smart glasses, raised $150M from Meituan and Tencent at a $1B valuation.

More: Smart glasses maker Even Realities hits $1B valuation with $150M funding led by Meituan, Tencent Kate Park 2:00 AM PDT · July 6, 2026 Meta and Snap rolled out new smart glasses last month, the latest sign that the industry is racing to put a camera and an AI assistant onto users’ faces.
TL;DR: Even Realities, an ex-Apple team building camera-free smart glasses, raised $150M from Meituan and Tencent at a $1B valuation.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Stoa secures $2.4M for cash rewards platform

UK fintech startup Stoa has raised$2.4 million in a pre-seed funding round to accelerate the growth of its cashmanagement platform, which enables consumers and businesses to access upfrontrewards on c...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: UK fintech startup Stoa has raised$2.4 million in a pre-seed funding round to accelerate the growth of its cashmanagement platform, which enables consumers and businesses to access upfrontrewards on c...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Worldmodeldata lands £7M to turn gaming data into AI training

Cambridge-basedstartup Worldmodeldata has raised £7 million in seed funding as it emerged fromstealth. The round was led by Iona Star Capital, a London-based venture capitalfirm focused on early-stage...

More: Worldmodeldata lands £7M to turn gaming data into AI training. Cambridge-basedstartup Worldmodeldata has raised £7 million in seed funding as it emerged fromstealth. The round was led by Iona Star Capital, a London-based venture capitalfirm focused on early-stage...
TL;DR: Cambridge-basedstartup Worldmodeldata has raised £7 million in seed funding as it emerged fromstealth.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

European tech weekly recap: More than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6B

Last week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that ...

More: Last week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that ...
TL;DR: Last week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

From Grid Constraints to Energy Abundance: How Envision's Gobi X Could Power Europe's AI Future [Sponsored]

At VivaTech's tenth edition, the question was no longer whether AI reshapes the physical world, but how nations can secure the infrastructure that powers it. Envision's Mission Gobi offers Europe one ...

More: From Grid Constraints to Energy Abundance: How Envision's Gobi X Could Power Europe's AI Future [Sponsored]. At VivaTech's tenth edition, the question was no longer whether AI reshapes the physical world, but how nations can secure the infrastructure that powers it. Envision's Mission Gobi offers Europe one ...
TL;DR: At VivaTech's tenth edition, the question was no longer whether AI reshapes the physical world, but how nations can secure the infrastructure that powers it.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

CurifyLabs bags €12M to automate personalised medicine

Finnishhealth technology company CurifyLabs has raised €12 million in a Series Afunding round to expand its operations in the United States and accelerate thedevelopment of its platform for personalis...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Finnishhealth technology company CurifyLabs has raised €12 million in a Series Afunding round to expand its operations in the United States and accelerate thedevelopment of its platform for personalis...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Thought Machine lands $40M funding from bank, surpasses $100M in annual revenue

Thought Machine, one of the UK’s most valuable fintechs, is set to unveil that it has received £30m ($41m) funding from a "tier 1" bank later this year, as its annual revenues surpass $100m for the fi...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Thought Machine, one of the UK’s most valuable fintechs, is set to unveil that it has received £30m ($41m) funding from a "tier 1" bank later this year, as its annual revenues surpass $100m for the fi...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

This humanoid robotics company is going public, but its CEO isn’t promising a robot in your home anytime soon

While other humanoid startups chase sky-high valuations, Agility Robotics is betting its future on execution — and a SPAC.

More: This humanoid robotics company is going public, but its CEO isn’t promising a robot in your home anytime soon. While other humanoid startups chase sky-high valuations, Agility Robotics is betting its future on execution — and a SPAC.
TL;DR: While other humanoid startups chase sky-high valuations, Agility Robotics is betting its future on execution — and a SPAC.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Sherpa.ai raises $18M to support data-sovereign AI development

Sherpa.ai, a company specialisingin artificial intelligence for data privacy and security, has raised $18million in a funding round to accelerate the development of its AI platform forenterprises and ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Sherpa.ai, a company specialisingin artificial intelligence for data privacy and security, has raised $18million in a funding round to accelerate the development of its AI platform forenterprises and ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Aylight closes €4.5M pre-seed round to advance optical interconnect technology

Swiss photonics startup Aylight has raised€4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round to support the development of itschip-scale multiwavelength laser technology. The round was co-led by Elaia andSwissc...

More: Swiss photonics startup Aylight has raised€4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round to support the development of itschip-scale multiwavelength laser technology. The round was co-led by Elaia andSwissc...
TL;DR: Swiss photonics startup Aylight has raised€4.5 million in a pre-seed funding round to support the development of itschip-scale multiwavelength laser technology.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Three things you can do to stop EU border checks at the airport costing you

Queues are expected at airports this summer owing to EU's new digital border control system.

More: Three things you can do to stop EU border checks at the airport costing you. Queues are expected at airports this summer owing to EU's new digital border control system.
TL;DR: Queues are expected at airports this summer owing to EU's new digital border control system.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Uber’s European expansion plans may have hit a speed bump

Back in February, Uber announced ambitious plans to launch in seven new European markets in 2026 — but now five of those launches are reportedly on hold.

More: Another likely factor in the decision: Uber’s continuing efforts to acquire Delivery Hero, a European company that rejected Uber’s 10 billion euro takeover bid in May. Last chance to save up to $190 on TechCrunch Founder Summit. TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.
TL;DR: Back in February, Uber announced ambitious plans to launch in seven new European markets in 2026 — but now five of those launches are reportedly on hold.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump memecoin investors lost $3.8 billion, analysis finds

Nearly 1 million people have lost a total of $3.8 billion after buying President Donald Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin, while Trump made $636 million.

More: Nearly 1 million people have lost a total of $3.8 billion after buying President Donald Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin, according to cryptocurrency analytics firm Nansen. He’d previously co-founded a crypto startup, World Liberty Financial, with his sons. A White House spokesperson told the NYT, “President Trump proudly made the United States the crypto capital of the world.”
TL;DR: Nearly 1 million people have lost a total of $3.8 billion after buying President Donald Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin, while Trump made $636 million.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Tired vs. Wired: Our Deep Dive on Why Software Spend Is Up Record Amounts … Yet Half of SaaS Is Still Dying

Two things are true in B2B right now, and they look like they can’t both be true. Total software spend is growing 15% this year, the fastest in a decade, up from 12.8% last year. Gartner has it going from $1.2T to $1.4T. At the same time, public software is trading at a discount to... Continue Reading

More: Wired: Our Deep Dive on Why Software Spend Is Up Record Amounts … Yet Half of SaaS Is Still Dying. Total software spend is growing 15% this year, the fastest in a decade, up from 12.8% last year. At the same time, public software is trading at a discount to...
TL;DR: Two things are true in B2B right now, and they look like they can’t both be true.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

What is Bending Spoons? The little-known AOL and Vimeo owner that’s now public

Bending Spoons remains largely unknown, even as its portfolio of products has served more than a billion people.

More: What is Bending Spoons? The little-known AOL and Vimeo owner that’s now public. Bending Spoons remains largely unknown, even as its portfolio of products has served more than a billion people.
TL;DR: Bending Spoons remains largely unknown, even as its portfolio of products has served more than a billion people.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Almost 90 new unicorns have been minted so far this year — here they are

With AI igniting an investor frenzy, more startups are achieving unicorn status every month. 

More: Almost 90 new unicorns have been minted so far this year — here they are. With AI igniting an investor frenzy, more startups are achieving unicorn status every month. 
TL;DR: With AI igniting an investor frenzy, more startups are achieving unicorn status every month. 
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Google Cloud’s VP of Growth on Building an AI-Native Marketing Team: 8 Takeaways from SaaStr AI 2026

Google Cloud’s VP of Global Demand & Growth, Sarah Kennedy Ellis, joined us for a day-three session at SaaStr AI 2026. She ran marketing at Marketo (sold to Adobe for $4.75B) and led marketing for Adobe’s enterprise software division before Google, so she has lived through more than one platform shift. Her core argument: Google... Continue Reading

More: Google Cloud’s VP of Growth on Building an AI-Native Marketing Team: 8 Takeaways from SaaStr AI 2026. She ran marketing at Marketo (sold to Adobe for $4.75B) and led marketing for Adobe’s enterprise software division before Google, so she has lived through more than one platform shift. Her core argument: Google...
TL;DR: Google Cloud’s VP of Global Demand & Growth, Sarah Kennedy Ellis, joined us for a day-three session at SaaStr AI 2026.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Michael Dell celebrates America’s 250th birthday with gift to seed the American Dream for millions of kids

Michael Dell pledged $250 for the first 25 million qualifying children who sign up for Trump Accounts as the federal investment program officially launched on Independence Day.

More: Michael Dell celebrates America’s 250th birthday with gift to seed the American Dream for millions of kids. Michael Dell pledged $250 for the first 25 million qualifying children who sign up for Trump Accounts as the federal investment program officially launched on Independence Day.
TL;DR: Michael Dell pledged $250 for the first 25 million qualifying children who sign up for Trump Accounts as the federal investment program officially launched on Independence Day.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Alibaba reportedly bans employees from using Claude Code

China’s Alibaba will ban employees from using Anthropic’s programming tool Claude Code, starting on July 10, according to multiple reports .

More: China’s Alibaba will ban employees from using Anthropic’s programming tool Claude Code, starting on July 10, according to multiple reports . Anthropic already prohibits Chinese companies, as well as foreign entities owned by those companies, from using its models. The company has reportedly been working to close loopholes that allow Chinese users to access Claude.
TL;DR: Alibaba has reportedly classified Claude Code as high-risk software.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

What is Mistral AI? Everything to know about the OpenAI competitor

Mistral AI, which offers some open source AI models, has raised significant funding since its creation in 2023, with the ambition to “put frontier AI in the hands of everyone.”

More: , Mistral AI has been caught in a whirlwind of attention. While the company is rumored to be raising some $3.5 billion at a $23.15 billion valuation , nearly doubling its current valuation, that’s still far less than U.S.
TL;DR: Mistral AI, which offers some open source AI models, has raised significant funding since its creation in 2023, with the ambition to “put frontier AI in the hands of everyone.”
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Outbound Isn’t Dead. AI Just Radically Changed How It Works.

On the latest episode of The Agents, we brought on Sam Blond, founder and CEO of Monaco, the AI-native revenue platform, and one of the agents we actually run in production. Sam has run outbound at Brex, Zenefits, and EchoSign, spent time as a partner at Founders Fund, and is now building one of the... Continue Reading

More: AI Just Radically Changed How It Works.. On the latest episode of The Agents, we brought on Sam Blond, founder and CEO of Monaco, the AI-native revenue platform, and one of the agents we actually run in production. Sam has run outbound at Brex, Zenefits, and EchoSign, spent time as a partner at Founders Fund, and is now building one of the...
TL;DR: On the latest episode of The Agents, we brought on Sam Blond, founder and CEO of Monaco, the AI-native revenue platform, and one of the agents we actually run in production.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

If Nothing Else – Segment Churn. You’ll See Patterns and Learnings You Wouldn’t Otherwise

Churn is not a GAAP metric.  It doesn’t have a universal definition. Public companies and startups all seem to define churn differently.  And even hide it in part, by doing so. I learned this myself starting out as a B2B CEO.  I compared us to the only public company in our space, back in the... Continue Reading

More: If Nothing Else – Segment Churn. Churn is not a GAAP metric.  It doesn’t have a universal definition. Public companies and startups all seem to define churn differently.  And even hide it in part, by doing so.
TL;DR: I learned this myself starting out as a B2B CEO.  I compared us to the only public company in our space, back in the...
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

10 reasons to be bullish on America's economy as the nation turns 250 years old

Merrill strategist Joseph P. Quinlan outlines 10 reasons the U.S. remains the world's top destination for foreign investment on its 250th birthday.

More: 10 reasons to be bullish on America's economy as the nation turns 250 years old. Merrill strategist Joseph P. Quinlan outlines 10 reasons the U.S.
TL;DR: remains the world's top destination for foreign investment on its 250th birthday.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Surviving since Lincoln: How six generations beat the small business curse

Sixth-generation owner Alex Bassett Strange leads a Philadelphia ice cream business that has survived 165 years with new flavors and global exports.

More: Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: Sixth-generation owner Alex Bassett Strange leads a Philadelphia ice cream business that has survived 165 years with new flavors and global exports.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

8-year-old gets surprise of a lifetime as Disneyland's honorary 1 billionth guest

Andres Robles, an 8-year-old Arizona boy celebrating his birthday, was named Disneyland's honorary one billionth guest in a ceremony with Mickey Mouse.

More: Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' Record July 4th travel expected despite higher gas prices Ford showcases classic cars inside DC’s Union Station An inside look at Mississippi’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair Only people in communist countries listen to the government on how to set their thermostats: Katie Zacharia Stew…
TL;DR: Andres Robles, an 8-year-old Arizona boy celebrating his birthday, was named Disneyland's honorary one billionth guest in a ceremony with Mickey Mouse.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Infracost (YC W21) Is Hiring a Marketing Lead to Shift FinOps Left

As Marketing Lead at Infracost, you will develop and execute marketing strategies to drive customer acquisition and brand awareness, create and maintain the marketing calendar, own messaging, build a…

More: Infracost (YC W21) Is Hiring a Marketing Lead to Shift FinOps Left. As Marketing Lead at Infracost, you will develop and execute marketing strategies to drive customer acquisition and brand awareness, create and maintain the marketing calendar, own messaging, build and manage marketing content including website copy, blog posts, case studies etc.
TL;DR: We love data driven decisions, and sometimes to get real data we have to make bets.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

5 Interesting Learnings from Toast at $6.5 Billion Run-Rate: 22%+ Growth, Profitable, No Deceleration. But AI Is Just Getting Started

AI Vertical SaaS is hot now.  Toast is … a dominant vertical SaaS leader becoming AI-first. Toast is running at a ~$6.5 billion revenue run-rate.   At its core Toast is a payments business, with a high-margin software business as a subset inside it, a fintech lender attached, and increasingly an AI agent platform, all wrapped... Continue Reading

More: 5 Interesting Learnings from Toast at $6.5 Billion Run-Rate: 22%+ Growth, Profitable, No Deceleration. But AI Is Just Getting Started. Toast is running at a ~$6.5 billion revenue run-rate.   At its core Toast is a payments business, with a high-margin software business as a subset inside it, a fintech lender attached, and increasingly an AI agent platform, all wrapped...
TL;DR: AI Vertical SaaS is hot now.  Toast is … a dominant vertical SaaS leader becoming AI-first.
Read original at Saastr
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The browser wars aren’t about search anymore — here are the best alternatives to Chrome and Safari

We’ve compiled an overview of some of the top alternative browsers available today aiming to challenge Chrome and Safari.

More: The browser wars aren’t about search anymore — here are the best alternatives to Chrome and Safari. We’ve compiled an overview of some of the top alternative browsers available today aiming to challenge Chrome and Safari.
TL;DR: We’ve compiled an overview of some of the top alternative browsers available today aiming to challenge Chrome and Safari.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Quantum Systems raises $1.2B, IQM becomes first European quantum company on major US exchange, and European startup funding in June

This week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing, you ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. We also released our monthly report for June — now available FREE to all Tech.eu readers  —  covering the biggest fundraises, standout deals, and evolving tech trends.
TL;DR: This week, we tracked more than 55 tech funding deals worth over €1.6 billion and over 10 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing, you ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Netherlands adopts software-first strategy for military drones in multimillion-euro Intelic partnership

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a strategic partnership worth tens of millions of euros with Dutch defence technology company Intelic to build the software foundation for its future unmanned ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a strategic partnership worth tens of millions of euros with Dutch defence technology company Intelic to build the software foundation for its future unmanned ...
Read original at Tech
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Danish VC Climentum Capital secures €60M first close for climate hardware investments

Danish investment firm Climentum Capital has raised €60 million in a first close for its second climate tech fund, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF), Denmark's export and investment fund EI...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Danish investment firm Climentum Capital has raised €60 million in a first close for its second climate tech fund, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF), Denmark's export and investment fund EI...
Read original at Tech
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Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden growth, former John Lewis boss says

More than 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his 'Get Britain Working' taskforce.

More: Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden growth, former John Lewis boss says. More than 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his 'Get Britain Working' taskforce.
TL;DR: More than 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his 'Get Britain Working' taskforce.
Read original at Bbc
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Virginia county urges power saving measures amid 25% electricity rate hike, data center growth

Virginia's Henrico County is implementing energy austerity measures to combat a $5 million spike in utility costs as the state's data center industry explodes.

More: Everything you need to know about ‘perps’ and their impact on traditional future exchanges 'Investing in America' and the power of long-term market returns OpenAI reportedly in talks to give US government 5% stake Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' The history of the stock market with former TD Ameritrade CEO Low-cost drones resha…
TL;DR: Virginia's Henrico County is implementing energy austerity measures to combat a $5 million spike in utility costs as the state's data center industry explodes.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Pytorch: the software layer underpinning Europe's AI ambitions

Europe has emerged as one of the world's leading centres for open-weight AI, with companies including Mistral, Black Forest Labs and Helsing contributing to a growing ecosystem focused on open models ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Europe has emerged as one of the world's leading centres for open-weight AI, with companies including Mistral, Black Forest Labs and Helsing contributing to a growing ecosystem focused on open models ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern expands open source strategy with statewide Nextcloud rollout

Today the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is embracing open source and rolling out a statewide collaboration platform based on Nextcloud – with the goal of reaching more than 50,000 employees a...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Today the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is embracing open source and rolling out a statewide collaboration platform based on Nextcloud – with the goal of reaching more than 50,000 employees a...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

More deals, smaller rounds: European startup funding in June 2026

A total of 293 funding deals were announced in June, up from 258 in May, representing a 14 per cent increase in deal activity. Despite the higher number of transactions, European startups raised €8.3 ...

More: More deals, smaller rounds: European startup funding in June 2026. A total of 293 funding deals were announced in June, up from 258 in May, representing a 14 per cent increase in deal activity. Despite the higher number of transactions, European startups raised €8.3 ...
TL;DR: A total of 293 funding deals were announced in June, up from 258 in May, representing a 14 per cent increase in deal activity.
Read original at Tech
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ALP Bio raises €161K from Venture Kick to improve the safety of biologic medicines

Swiss biotechstartup ALP Bio has secured €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to supportthe commercial development of its platform, which helps drug developersidentify immune-related risks earlier...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Swiss biotechstartup ALP Bio has secured €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to supportthe commercial development of its platform, which helps drug developersidentify immune-related risks earlier...
Read original at Tech
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Dave Portnoy reveals he is losing millions in brutal Bitcoin crash

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy admits he doesn't have plans to sell Bitcoin despite its volatile nature and his struggle to predict the cryptocurrency's next move.

More: Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say China is closing the AI gap with new model: Report Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.
TL;DR: Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy admits he doesn't have plans to sell Bitcoin despite its volatile nature and his struggle to predict the cryptocurrency's next move.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Ford rolls into nation’s capital with historic car showcase celebrating America’s 250th

Ford’s “Driving America Forward" exhibit brings more than a century of American horsepower to Union Station as Fourth of July crowds pour into the nation’s capital.

More: Delmonico's owner reflects on 200-year legacy: America 'gave us this opportunity' Record July 4th travel expected despite higher gas prices Ford showcases classic cars inside DC’s Union Station An inside look at Mississippi’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair Only people in communist countries listen to the government on how to set their thermostats: Katie Zacharia Stew…
TL;DR: Ford’s “Driving America Forward" exhibit brings more than a century of American horsepower to Union Station as Fourth of July crowds pour into the nation’s capital.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasus spyware

A government customer of NSO Group used the company's Pegasus spyware to hack into the phone of a European politician, who at the time was serving on an EU committee tasked with investigating the spyware industry.

More: Politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasus spyware Zack Whittaker 10:05 PM PDT · July 2, 2026 Security researchers have confirmed that a European politician had his phone hacked with the Pegasus spyware while serving on an investigatory committee probing abuses of the notorious surveillance tool.
TL;DR: A government customer of NSO Group used the company's Pegasus spyware to hack into the phone of a European politician, who at the time was serving on an EU committee tasked with investigating the spyware industry.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Last chance to apply — Startup Battlefield Australia applications close July 6

If you're going to apply for Startup Battlefield Australia, now is the time. Applications close July 6, and once the deadline passes, the opportunity is gone.

More: Last chance to apply — Startup Battlefield Australia applications close July 6. If you're going to apply for Startup Battlefield Australia, now is the time. Applications close July 6, and once the deadline passes, the opportunity is gone.
TL;DR: If you're going to apply for Startup Battlefield Australia, now is the time.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Mark Zuckerberg tells staff that AI agents haven’t progressed as quickly as he’d hoped

At an internal meeting, the Meta CEO reportedly said that AI development efforts were not moving as quickly as anticipated.

More: Mark Zuckerberg tells staff that AI agents haven’t progressed as quickly as he’d hoped. At an internal meeting, the Meta CEO reportedly said that AI development efforts were not moving as quickly as anticipated.
TL;DR: At an internal meeting, the Meta CEO reportedly said that AI development efforts were not moving as quickly as anticipated.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Thiel Capital’s Jack Selby nabs stakes in hot startups like Etched through Arizona connections

Selby's VC firm Copper Sky Capital is currently raising a $300 million second fund, according to a regulatory filing.

More: Thiel Capital’s Jack Selby nabs stakes in hot startups like Etched through Arizona connections. Selby's VC firm Copper Sky Capital is currently raising a $300 million second fund, according to a regulatory filing.
TL;DR: Selby's VC firm Copper Sky Capital is currently raising a $300 million second fund, according to a regulatory filing.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

IQM, Europe’s first public quantum company, admits the future of the tech is uncertain

IQM, Europe’s first public quantum company, admits the future of the tech is uncertain Anna Heim 1:42 PM PDT · July 2, 2026 IQM , a full-stack quantum company out of Finland, went public on the Nasda…

More: IQM, Europe’s first public quantum company, admits the future of the tech is uncertain Anna Heim 1:42 PM PDT · July 2, 2026 IQM , a full-stack quantum company out of Finland, went public on the Nasdaq Thursday via a SPAC merger at a valuation of about $1.9 billion.
TL;DR: IQM, a full-stack quantum company out of Finland, went public on the Nasdaq today at a valuation of about $1.9 billion.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Jersey Mike’s IPO illustrates how bad the AI hype has become

Just for kicks, I took a look at Jersey Mike's IPO documents. Surely a sandwich shop would have no need to mention AI. But low-and-behold.

More: Jersey Mike’s IPO illustrates how bad the AI hype has become. Just for kicks, I took a look at Jersey Mike's IPO documents. Surely a sandwich shop would have no need to mention AI.
TL;DR: Just for kicks, I took a look at Jersey Mike's IPO documents.
Read original at Techcrunch
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A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon

A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon Tim De Chant 12:14 PM PDT · July 2, 2026 It’s no secret that AI is a hog, consuming energy and water like no digital technology befo…

More: A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon Tim De Chant 12:14 PM PDT · July 2, 2026 It’s no secret that AI is a hog, consuming energy and water like no digital technology before it. Now we know just how much Big Tech’s pursuit of AI is costing the environment.
TL;DR: AI has made it a lot harder for tech companies like Amazon and Google to deliver on their net-zero pledges.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Meta quietly launches vibe-coded gaming app Pocket

Meta has quietly launched Pocket, an experimental AI app that lets users generate and share interactive mini games using text prompts.

More: Meta quietly launches vibe-coded gaming app Pocket Sarah Perez 11:44 AM PDT · July 2, 2026 Meta is getting into gaming with the launch of a new app called Pocket , which allows people to generate small, interactive apps and games using AI prompts. Based on the app’s screenshots in Google Play, there are many similarities to Gizmo’s original app, which is still listed .
TL;DR: Meta has quietly launched Pocket, an experimental AI app that lets users generate and share interactive mini games using text prompts.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Microsoft eyes another wave of layoffs that could hit 5,000 workers next week

Microsoft is reportedly preparing another round of layoffs that could affect thousands of employees across sales, consulting and Xbox as it continues investing heavily in AI.

More: Texas congresswoman says America is at the top of its game in energy, AI Mamdani is 'driving' the Democratic agenda: GOP lawmaker We are in a 'strong' environment for jobs, Lou Basenese says Longtime trader Peter Tuchman on the American Dream at NYSE Ben Ferguson: AOC was a joke, this is serious SoftBank is 'uniquely positioned' to win the game: CEO An inside look at Mississip…
TL;DR: Microsoft is reportedly preparing another round of layoffs that could affect thousands of employees across sales, consulting and Xbox as it continues investing heavily in AI.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Boeing-owned Wisk Aero accused of firing manager who raised safety concerns

A former software manager claims Wisk rushed software testing ahead of a crucial 2025 flight test.

More: Boeing-owned Wisk Aero accused of firing manager who raised safety concerns. A former software manager claims Wisk rushed software testing ahead of a crucial 2025 flight test.
TL;DR: A former software manager claims Wisk rushed software testing ahead of a crucial 2025 flight test.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Tesla deliveries beat forecasts as Europe rebound brightens outlook

The EV maker delivered a record 480,126 vehicles in the second quarter, topping Wall Street forecasts as a rebound in Europe fueled hopes Tesla can return to annual growth.

More: IMF projects Iran's economy will contract 6% in 2026 Gary Kaltbaum critiques jobs report, calls it 'mediocre' amid workforce decline Steve Moore critiques government buying private sector assets, warns of corporate welfare This is a symbol of the 'great ties' between the UK, US and the banking system: Barclays CEO Charles Payne on recent market sessions: There's a 'great distu…
TL;DR: The EV maker delivered a record 480,126 vehicles in the second quarter, topping Wall Street forecasts as a rebound in Europe fueled hopes Tesla can return to annual growth.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: AI, Energy And Biotech Lead The Way

U.S. startups announced sizable funding rounds at a steady clip during a truncated holiday week, with energy and AI leading the way. Houston-based energy startup Joulent secured the biggest round, a $1.75 billion strategic financing.

More: The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: AI, Energy And Biotech Lead The Way. startups announced sizable funding rounds at a steady clip during a truncated holiday week, with energy and AI leading the way. Houston-based energy startup Joulent secured the biggest round, a $1.75 billion strategic financing.
TL;DR: startups announced sizable funding rounds at a steady clip during a truncated holiday week, with energy and AI leading the way.
Read original at News
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

FDA upgrades popular potato chip recall to highest risk over salmonella

The FDA has elevated its recall of select Zapp's and Dirty potato chips made by Utz to a Class I designation, warning consumers nationwide of a potential salmonella risk

More: Only people in communist countries listen to the government on how to set their thermostats: Katie Zacharia Stew Leonard highlights customer switch on meat to address costs Maria Bartiromo's personal and professional path to the American Dream Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to…
TL;DR: The FDA has elevated its recall of select Zapp's and Dirty potato chips made by Utz to a Class I designation, warning consumers nationwide of a potential salmonella risk
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

20VC x SaaStr: The Token ROI Crisis Comes for Everyone, Anthropic Wants Chinese Open Source Banned, and Microsoft Has Its Worst Month Since 2000

With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll We recorded this on the last day of June, and one theme ran through almost every story: Companies quintupled their token spend in the first half of the year. Almost nobody can point to the revenue lift that justified it. That’s the real state of the AI... Continue Reading

More: 20VC x SaaStr: The Token ROI Crisis Comes for Everyone, Anthropic Wants Chinese Open Source Banned, and Microsoft Has Its Worst Month Since 2000. With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll We recorded this on the last day of June, and one theme ran through almost every story: Companies quintupled their token spend in the first half of the year.
TL;DR: That’s the real state of the AI...
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

What are the investment options for Trump Accounts?

The Treasury Department revealed five low-cost ETFs for Trump Accounts, with the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF as the default at launch.

More: Taylor Riggs reveals takeaway from jobs report: 'Steady as she goes' America 250 is a 'providential opportunity' to bring country together, US chief of protocol says Brian Belski doubles down on bullish market outlook: 'We really believe it' Stew Leonard highlights customer switch on meat to address costs June jobs report misses expectations as markets rally Innovation is 'sti…
TL;DR: The Treasury Department revealed five low-cost ETFs for Trump Accounts, with the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF as the default at launch.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Melinda Gates’ venture firm backs Magnify Ventures’ $46.6M Fund II

Early-stage firm Magnify Ventures has raised a $46.6 million Fund II from LPs including Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures

More: The venture firm last raised a $52 million Fund I in 2022 (Pivotal Ventures anchored that fund) , and has backed child care startup Kinside and children’s expense management startup Till Financial (in which Pivotal Ventures was also an investor). Pivotal Ventures generally acts as a GP and LP, backing companies building in the care economy.
TL;DR: Early-stage firm Magnify Ventures has raised a $46.6 million Fund II from LPs including Melinda French Gates’ Pivotal Ventures
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

OpenAI proposed donating 5% of its equity to a US sovereign wealth fund

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed giving 5% of the company’s equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, reviving discussions about letting the public share in the financial gains from the AI boom.

More: OpenAI proposed donating 5% of its equity to a US sovereign wealth fund. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed giving 5% of the company’s equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, reviving discussions about letting the public share in the financial gains from the AI boom.
TL;DR: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed giving 5% of the company’s equity to a U.S.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Popular TV-tracking app TV Time is shutting down as company focuses on AI

TV Time, the popular TV tracking app, is shutting down on July 15 as parent company Whip Media pivots toward enterprise AI products.

More: Popular TV-tracking app TV Time is shutting down as company focuses on AI Sarah Perez 8:14 AM PDT · July 2, 2026 TV Time , a popular app for tracking the shows you’re watching and engaging in community discussions, is shutting down. The company announced via in-app messages that TV Time’s app will be discontinued, no longer offering service after July 15, 2026.
TL;DR: TV Time, the popular TV tracking app, is shutting down on July 15 as parent company Whip Media pivots toward enterprise AI products.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Launch HN: Manufact (YC S25) – MCP Cloud

Hi HN, we are Pietro and Luigi, cofounders of Manufact ( https://manufact.com ), a cloud for MCP apps and servers. We used to be called mcp-use, and still build open source SDKs for MCP under that name: https://github.com/mcp-use/mcp-use . We did a Show HN about that last year: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44747229 . Today we want to tell you about our cloud product, Manufact, which is to mcp-use as Vercel is to Next.js. Manufact is an MCP vertical cloud designed for dev teams putting MCP Apps and servers in production.You can ship, iterate on, test and monitor your MCPs, and get them ready for the store submissions. All with the best developer and agent experience in mind. Here is a demo video of the product: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2rbr5OT9LI . We have been working on MCP since April 2025. Our first focus was making it easy to build agents that could use any MCP server, and a lot of people started using our SDKs. Then the harness revolution kicked off: Claude Code, Claude Cowork, ChatGPT, Codex, OpenCode started shipping agent harnesses that made most standalone agent frameworks redundant. That pushed us to the other side of the connection, the servers. If agents were going to consolidate into a few harnesses, then first-class integration with the rest of a company's systems (i.e. MCP) would become the thing that mattered, so we started building up our server SDKs. Then in succession: 1. Oct 2025. ChatGPT Apps SDK. OpenAI brings app UIs to ChatGPT, built on top of MCP and the work of mcp-ui. 2. Late 2025. The stores open. ChatGPT starts accepting app submissions, Claude grows its connector directory with selected partners. 3. Jan 2026. MCP Apps becomes official. SEP-1865 merges as the first MCP extension (io.modelcontextprotocol/ui): one UI standard any host can render. Today, all the major clients fully support MCP and are opening marketplaces of reviewed MCPs that can be one click installed. All major tech companies have an MCP server, and many of those are reporting that already 15+% of their usage comes from their MCP, and we start to have a good way to distribute them just now. MCP can return fully interactive UIs. So companies can (1) display data in more meaningful ways to their users (e.g. analytics, ecommerce) and (2) display their branding in some of the most used products on the planet (ChatGPT, Claude etc). Numbers: an engineer at Amplitude reported that their MCP saw a 2x increase in retention after adding UI to their MCP. Clients (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) are starting to dynamically present MCP servers/apps to users, based on their intent. Products will be organically discovered on the chats! We feel that MCP is reaching its maturity moment. Now that MCPs are starting to be easy to install and discover, there is going to be a huge incentive for users to use them and for companies to create them: 1 - Most work is already done from AI chats, this is not going to stop, MCP gives you a way to interact with products without manually using their dashboards. 2 - MCP allows you to bring the context together in one place: you can read an email, create a ticket while plugged into the source code of your product, or your knowledge base. Aggregation of products that was not possible before, will happen in the chat, orchestrated by increasingly intelligent models. If AI apps (Codex, Claude Desktop) are the new browsers, as PG said in a recent tweet https://x.com/paulg/status/2069080429236191504 , then MCPs are the new websites. But there is a catch: - Submission process on the stores is still quite tricky, manual and takes up valuable time. - Hardly anybody knows how to design a good MCP: most of them are 1:1 proxies of the API and are abandoned, since being one shotted a few months ago. - The MCP Spec advances quickly and it is not easy to keep track of the changes, and what they mean for your server. - Auth is still a mystery for most teams (API key in the URL ???). - Most companies are not even aware that MCPs can return interactive UIs. - Clients still have to consolidate behavior, some do dynamic tool discovery, some don't, some persist authentication properly some don't. We built Manufact and mcp-use to solve these problems. Our SDKs help them build good MCPs, our inspector helps them test locally, and our cloud helps them ship/publish and monitor them in production. To deploy on Manufact you just need to connect a Github app, pick the repo, we'll detect the framework you are working with and get you a live MCP url as soon as possible. In our platform, that live URL will be used to give you a chat where you can try/debug your MCP immediately and share it with your team. If you push an update on a new experimental branch, you'll be able to test that as well thanks to preview deployments. Once your server is ready to go live, we help you make sure that it does not break. You can configure automated tests that will take your MCP server, install it in ChatGPT and Claude and test it....

More: Launch HN: Manufact (YC S25) – MCP Cloud. All major tech companies have an MCP server, and many of those are reporting that already 15+% of their usage comes from their MCP, and we start to have a good way to distribute them just now. You can configure automated tests that will take your MCP server, install it in ChatGPT and Claude and test it....
TL;DR: We have been working on MCP since April 2025.
Read original at Manufact
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

IQM becomes first European quantum computing company to list on a major US exchange

IQM Quantum Computers today became the first European quantum computing company listed on a major US stock exchange. Based on the transaction proceeds, IQM (Nasdaq: IQMX) maintains a strong pro forma ...

More: IQM becomes first European quantum computing company to list on a major US exchange. IQM Quantum Computers today became the first European quantum computing company listed on a major US stock exchange. Based on the transaction proceeds, IQM (Nasdaq: IQMX) maintains a strong pro forma ...
TL;DR: IQM Quantum Computers today became the first European quantum computing company listed on a major US stock exchange.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Vercel Took a 10-Person SDR Team Down to 1. The Whole Thing Costs $5,000 a Year. With Vercel’s COO Jeanne DeWitt Grosser.

Vercel’s COO Jeanne DeWitt Grosser ran go-to-market at Google and Stripe for roughly a decade each before joining Vercel. Six weeks into the job, in June 2025, she stood up a go-to-market engineering team with one mandate: bring agents to everything in GTM. That was before “GTM engineering” was a phrase anyone used. Ten months... Continue Reading

More: Vercel Took a 10-Person SDR Team Down to 1. The Whole Thing Costs $5,000 a Year. Six weeks into the job, in June 2025, she stood up a go-to-market engineering team with one mandate: bring agents to everything in GTM.
TL;DR: Vercel’s COO Jeanne DeWitt Grosser ran go-to-market at Google and Stripe for roughly a decade each before joining Vercel.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Orbit Capital closes €107M venture debt fund for CEE scaleups

CEE investors Orbit Capital have announced the second closing of Growth Debt Fund II at €107 million, surpassing its initial target. To date, Orbit Capital has supported over 20 high-growth companies...

More: Orbit Capital closes €107M venture debt fund for CEE scaleups. CEE investors Orbit Capital have announced the second closing of Growth Debt Fund II at €107 million, surpassing its initial target. To date, Orbit Capital has supported over 20 high-growth companies...
TL;DR: CEE investors Orbit Capital have announced the second closing of Growth Debt Fund II at €107 million, surpassing its initial target.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Microsoft launches its own AI deployment company with $2.5 billion commitment

Microsoft follows Amazon, OpenAI and Anthropic with its new AI deployment group.

More: Microsoft launches its own AI deployment company with $2.5 billion commitment. Microsoft follows Amazon, OpenAI and Anthropic with its new AI deployment group.
TL;DR: Microsoft follows Amazon, OpenAI and Anthropic with its new AI deployment group.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

StirlingX secures $20M Series A to expand sovereign intelligence platform

British data intelligence company StirlingX has raised a $20 million Series A round from Ventura Capital and RCM Private Markets Master Fund managed by Rokos Capital Management US (LP). The funding co...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: British data intelligence company StirlingX has raised a $20 million Series A round from Ventura Capital and RCM Private Markets Master Fund managed by Rokos Capital Management US (LP).
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Hazel (YC W24) Is Hiring for Our Largest Government Contract

Note: This role is exclusively available to U.S. citizens who can obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Top Secret security clearance with full-scope polygraph. There are no exceptions.

More: Hazel (YC W24) Is Hiring for Our Largest Government Contract. Hazel builds AI for the public interest. Hazel is transforming government procurement: how government agencies purchase goods and services from commercial vendors.
TL;DR: We use AI to help U.S.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

World Cup boom falters as US hospitality jobs fall in June

A World Cup jobs boom has failed to materialise, with employment in restaurants, bars and hotels across the US falling in June.

More: A World Cup jobs boom has failed to materialise, with employment in restaurants, bars and hotels across the US falling in June. Overall employment in the US rose by 57,000 in June, while the unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.2%. But, despite reports of travelling football fans drinking bars across the US dry , the growth went into reverse in June.
TL;DR: There had been early signs of a jobs boom from the tournament, but hospitality jobs declined in June.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

How the first solo-founder unicorn gets built

An old fish swims past two younger ones and nods. “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” The two swim on, and after a while one of them looks at the other and asks, “What the hell is water?

More: How the first solo-founder unicorn gets built. Almost everyone reading this has spent their whole working life inside a company, or building one, or selling to one, and almost no one stops to ask the strange question underneath all of it: why do companies exist at all? To make the version that holds up, you have to go back to the one economist who saw it.
TL;DR: The firm is one of those realities.
Read original at Thisandthat
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Rivian raises EV sales forecast as Q2 production ramps up

The company now expects to ship a few thousand more vehicles by the end of 2026 than it previously expected, after launching its R2 SUV last month.

More: Rivian raises EV sales forecast as Q2 production ramps up Sean O'Kane 5:30 AM PDT · July 2, 2026 Rivian is telling investors that it might see better sales year than it expected, despite the many headwinds working against electric vehicles in the U.S.
TL;DR: The company now expects to ship a few thousand more vehicles by the end of 2026 than it previously expected, after launching its R2 SUV last month.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups

Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships. Aviation presents an even tougher test, where safety, regul...

More: Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups. Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships. Aviation presents an even tougher test, where safety, regul...
TL;DR: Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Crunchbase Data: Global Startup Investment Hit Record $510B In H1 2026 As AI Boom Accelerates Funding And Exits

Investors poured more than $200 billion into startups globally in the just-ended quarter, making Q2 2026 the second-largest quarter on record, our data shows. And, with IPOs and acquisitions returning in force, the second quarter notched one of the strongest periods for venture-backed exits in years.

More: Crunchbase Data: Global Startup Investment Hit Record $510B In H1 2026 As AI Boom Accelerates Funding And Exits. Investors poured more than $200 billion into startups globally in the just-ended quarter, making Q2 2026 the second-largest quarter on record, our data shows.
TL;DR: Investors poured more than $200 billion into startups globally in the just-ended quarter, making Q2 2026 the second-largest quarter on record, our data shows.
Read original at News
Further reading: CrunchbaseY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

EU border delays 'not bearable' over summer, warns airport boss

Transport correspondent Published 7 minutes ago The boss of Berlin Airport has said non-EU nationals arriving in the German capital are having to queue for up to two hours under a new digital border…

More: Transport correspondent Published 7 minutes ago The boss of Berlin Airport has said non-EU nationals arriving in the German capital are having to queue for up to two hours under a new digital border system, and warned the situation is "not bearable over the summer". Von Massenbach said one issue was that EU countries used different systems.
TL;DR: Holidaymakers face long waits under the EU's new Entry-Exit System, the head of Berlin's airport says.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Quantum Systems raises $1.2BN at $8BN valuation

German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has raised $1.2bn in fresh funding, in a round which more than doubles its valuation to $8bn, it said today. The Series D was co-led by US investor Blacksto...

More: German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has raised $1.2bn in fresh funding, in a round which more than doubles its valuation to $8bn, it said today. The Series D was co-led by US investor Blacksto...
TL;DR: German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems has raised $1.2bn in fresh funding, in a round which more than doubles its valuation to $8bn, it said today.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

US economy added jobs at a slower pace than expected in June

The Labor Department released the June 2026 jobs report, which showed the U.S. economy added jobs at a steady pace last month despite uncertainty over inflation.

More: US economy added jobs at a slower pace than expected in June. The Labor Department released the June 2026 jobs report, which showed the U.S. economy added jobs at a steady pace last month despite uncertainty over inflation.
TL;DR: The Labor Department released the June 2026 jobs report, which showed the U.S.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Belgian startup Visiblie raises €500K for AI search visibility

Visiblie, the Belgian startup helpingbusinesses improve their visibility in AI-powered search, has raised €500,000through a convertible loan funding round to support growth in the SME marketand accele...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Visiblie, the Belgian startup helpingbusinesses improve their visibility in AI-powered search, has raised €500,000through a convertible loan funding round to support growth in the SME marketand accele...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

UPS says Boeing guidance led carrier not to adopt enhanced MD-11 inspections before fatal crash

Newly released NTSB filings detail how UPS and Boeing differ over maintenance guidance and inspection procedures before the fatal 2025 Louisville MD-11 cargo plane crash.

More: Maria Bartiromo's personal and professional path to the American Dream Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to wealth New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bo…
TL;DR: Newly released NTSB filings detail how UPS and Boeing differ over maintenance guidance and inspection procedures before the fatal 2025 Louisville MD-11 cargo plane crash.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

BRYM secures €650K to develop wearable neurofeedback platform

BRYM, the Swedish neurotechcompany developing wearable EEG technology to improve cognitive performance,has raised €650,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Singapore-based familyoffice Lotus One Inv...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: BRYM, the Swedish neurotechcompany developing wearable EEG technology to improve cognitive performance,has raised €650,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Singapore-based familyoffice Lotus One Inv...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

HousApp secures €4.3 million to expand its AI platform for real estate agents

HousApp, the AI-powered platform designedto help real estate agents work more efficiently, has raised €4.3 million in aseed funding round led by venture capital firms Arches Capital and Antler, withpa...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: HousApp, the AI-powered platform designedto help real estate agents work more efficiently, has raised €4.3 million in aseed funding round led by venture capital firms Arches Capital and Antler, withpa...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Alva Industries lands €16M to scale next-generation electric motors

Alva Industries, the Norwegian deeptech company developingultra-compact electric motors, has raised €16 million in an equity financinground to support manufacturing expansion and international growth....

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The round was led by Nysnø Climate Investments, Sandwater and Emerald Technology Ventures, on behalf of Nabtesco Technology Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Statkraft Ventures and EnvisionTech.
TL;DR: Alva Industries, the Norwegian deeptech company developingultra-compact electric motors, has raised €16 million in an equity financinground to support manufacturing expansion and international growth....
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

University-founded AI tender startup BidScript exceeds $1M in total pre-seed funding

BidScript, anAI-native tender management platform that helps businesses find, manage andsubmit bids for public and private sector contracts, has raised $800,000 in itslatest funding round, taking its ...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: BidScript, anAI-native tender management platform that helps businesses find, manage andsubmit bids for public and private sector contracts, has raised $800,000 in itslatest funding round, taking its ...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Indian tech tycoon bets $30M of his own money to build AI alternative to Microsoft Office

Neo is Bhavin Turakhia’s fifth venture and his latest involving enterprise software. This time he's taking on Microsoft Office, Google Apps with AI.

More: Indian tech tycoon bets $30M of his own money to build AI alternative to Microsoft Office. Neo is Bhavin Turakhia’s fifth venture and his latest involving enterprise software. This time he's taking on Microsoft Office, Google Apps with AI.
TL;DR: Neo is Bhavin Turakhia’s fifth venture and his latest involving enterprise software.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Apple is reportedly planning new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro releases early next year

Apple reportedly has plans to release several new iPad Pros and a new MacBook Pro in the first half of next year.

More: Apple reportedly has plans to release several new iPad Pros and a new MacBook Pro in the first half of next year. The company is currently working on four models of the new tablet with faster chips, Bloomberg reported . So if the company is working on more budget friendly laptops and tablets, this would be a good time to introduce them.
TL;DR: Apple is readying several new iPad Pro tablets, and a budget-friendly MacBook Pro, reports suggest.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Bending Spoons defies SaaS slump, surges 40% on first day of trading

The company has grown rapidly by acquiring and revamping last-generation tech brands like AOL, Eventbrite, Evernote, Meetup, and Vimeo.

More: Bending Spoons defies SaaS slump, surges 40% on first day of trading. The company has grown rapidly by acquiring and revamping last-generation tech brands like AOL, Eventbrite, Evernote, Meetup, and Vimeo.
TL;DR: The company has grown rapidly by acquiring and revamping last-generation tech brands like AOL, Eventbrite, Evernote, Meetup, and Vimeo.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

After $18B IPO, Bending Spoons founder says success comes from minimizing luck

The co-founders of Bending Spoons, the Italian company quietly buying beloved, ailing Internet brands, learned big lessons from their own startup's failure.

More: After $18B IPO, Bending Spoons founder says success comes from minimizing luck Anna Heim 3:28 PM PDT · July 1, 2026 AOL is public again — sort of. But the company also drove revenue growth, even more so with AI.
TL;DR: The co-founders of Bending Spoons, the Italian company quietly buying beloved, ailing Internet brands, learned big lessons from their own startup's failure.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Proliferate (YC S25) Is Hiring

Proliferate is the open, harness-agnostic platform for running coding agents- Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, whatever comes next- in parallel, locally and in the cloud.

More: Proliferate (YC S25) Is Hiring. We're backed by True Ventures, Pear VC, and 50+ YC founders, with plenty of money to keep building through rough patches. I finished my master's in AI at 19, joined Onyx (YC W24) as engineer #1, spent a year building enterprise AI search, then started Proliferate.
TL;DR: Proliferate is the open, harness-agnostic platform for running coding agents- Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, whatever comes next- in parallel, locally and in the cloud.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

SpaceX has an AI device prototype, and it sure sounds phone-ish

SpaceX reportedly showed investors a "handset-like" AI device before going public. It could be another signal SpaceX wants to expand into wireless.

More: SpaceX has an AI device prototype, and it sure sounds phone-ish. SpaceX reportedly showed investors a "handset-like" AI device before going public. It could be another signal SpaceX wants to expand into wireless.
TL;DR: SpaceX reportedly showed investors a "handset-like" AI device before going public.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Ashton Kutcher leaving Sound Ventures to launch new VC firm with Morgan Beller

The actor and investor is joining forces with Morgan Beller, who was previously a GP at NFX, to invest in early-stage startups.

More: Ashton Kutcher leaving Sound Ventures to launch new VC firm with Morgan Beller Marina Temkin 11:47 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Ashton Kutcher is stepping away from Sound Ventures — the firm he co-founded with Guy Oseary 11 years ago — to start a separate VC fund, the Wall Street Journal reported .
TL;DR: The actor and investor is joining forces with Morgan Beller, who was previously a GP at NFX, to invest in early-stage startups.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Neocloud Together AI raises $800M, leaps to $8.3B valuation

The AI neocloud provider, which specializes in hosting open source models, last raised at a $3.3 billion valuation in early 2025.

More: Neocloud Together AI raises $800M, leaps to $8.3B valuation Julie Bort 11:29 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Together AI, an AI neocloud founded in 2022, has raised an $800 million Series C at an $8.3B valuation, the company announced on Wednesday . Together AI last raised a $305M Series B at a $3.3 billion valuation about 16 months ago.
TL;DR: The AI neocloud provider, which specializes in hosting open source models, last raised at a $3.3 billion valuation in early 2025.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Lime begins life as a public company after years of uncertainty

The nine-year-old scooter and bike-share company has said it needs the funds to help pay down around $1 billion in liabilities.

More: Lime begins life as a public company after years of uncertainty Sean O'Kane 11:24 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Micromobility company Lime has raised $167 million in its IPO, ending an almost decade-long run as a private company that saw wild valuation swings as it navigated multiple major hype cycles and a global pandemic. The long-awaited IPO pegs Lime’s valuation at around $1.
TL;DR: The nine-year-old scooter and bike-share company has said it needs the funds to help pay down around $1 billion in liabilities.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Cloudflare’s new policy pushes AI companies to pay for publishers’ content

Cloudflare is giving AI companies until September 15 to separate web crawlers used for search from those used for AI training and agents, or risk being blocked by default on many publisher sites.

More: Cloudflare’s new policy pushes AI companies to pay for publishers’ content Sarah Perez 10:48 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Cloudflare has just issued the AI industry a new deadline to separate the web crawlers used for traditional search purposes, like Google Search, from those used for AI agents and training.
TL;DR: Cloudflare is giving AI companies until September 15 to separate web crawlers used for search from those used for AI training and agents, or risk being blocked by default on many publisher sites.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Even Honda is pivoting to data centers

Honda wants in on the lucrative energy storage market. This week it began producing batteries destined for data centers, not driveways.

More: Even Honda is pivoting to data centers. Honda wants in on the lucrative energy storage market. This week it began producing batteries destined for data centers, not driveways.
TL;DR: Honda wants in on the lucrative energy storage market.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Autonomous vehicle hype is back, and Humble Robotics is bringing it to freights

The autonomous vehicle space is starting to feel like a repeat of the 2016 hype cycle. Travis Kalanick is back building a robotics company, and the talent wars and capital are heating up the same way they did the first time around. The money’s flowing back, and it’s the people who lived through that first wave who are building the next one.  […]

More: Autonomous vehicle hype is back, and Humble Robotics is bringing it to freights. The autonomous vehicle space is starting to feel like a repeat of the 2016 hype cycle. Travis Kalanick is back building a robotics company, and the talent wars and capital are heating up the same way they did the first time around.
TL;DR: The money’s flowing back, and it’s the people who lived through that first wave who are building the next one.  […]
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Lime raises $167M in IPO after years of teasing a public debut

The nine-year-old scooter and bike-share company has said it needs the funds to help pay down around $1 billion in liabilities.

More: Lime raises $167M in IPO after years of teasing a public debut Sean O'Kane 9:05 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Micromobility company Lime has raised $167 million in its IPO. Lime has been considering an IPO for years. In 2021, following a $523 million funding round, CEO Wayne Ting told TechCrunch the company was eyeing an IPO in 2022 .
TL;DR: The nine-year-old scooter and bike-share company has said it needs the funds to help pay down around $1 billion in liabilities.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Agents Is Back. Outbound Isn’t Dead. Our Agents Are Collapsing Into Each Other. And Collections Just Went on Autopilot.

Everyone keeps telling you the future is 100 specialized agents. In our stack, the opposite is happening. On the latest episode of The Agents, Amelia and I walked through the newest addition to our stack: an AI VP of Finance that went into production this week. The part that surprised even us is where it... Continue Reading

More: And Collections Just Went on Autopilot.. In our stack, the opposite is happening. On the latest episode of The Agents, Amelia and I walked through the newest addition to our stack: an AI VP of Finance that went into production this week.
TL;DR: Everyone keeps telling you the future is 100 specialized agents.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Google co-founder Sergey Brin offloads massive stake in NYC real estate for pennies on the dollar

Prior to the rent freeze for rent stabilized units being enacted in New York City, Sergey Brin sold his stake in apartment buildings for pennies on the dollar.

More: BlackRock's Wei Li on AI's impact, investment opportunities New York doesn't have a 'revenue problem, they have a 'spending problem': Bruce Blakeman US military recruitment reaches new highs ahead of America 250 Record beef prices impact America 250 weekend cookouts Democratic Socialist stuns longtime Colorado Democrat in latest far-left primary upset President Trump officiall…
TL;DR: Prior to the rent freeze for rent stabilized units being enacted in New York City, Sergey Brin sold his stake in apartment buildings for pennies on the dollar.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Venice AI becomes a unicorn with $65M Series A as its privacy-first AI platform takes off

Venice AI is already profitable, with annualized run-rate revenues of over $70 million, CEO Erik Voorhees said.

More: Venice AI becomes a unicorn with $65M Series A as its privacy-first AI platform takes off. Venice AI is already profitable, with annualized run-rate revenues of over $70 million, CEO Erik Voorhees said.
TL;DR: Venice AI is already profitable, with annualized run-rate revenues of over $70 million, CEO Erik Voorhees said.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Sony to end physical PlayStation game discs in 2028

Sony will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games beginning in 2028, as the company embraces an all-digital future.

More: Sony to end physical PlayStation game disc sales in 2028 Lauren Forristal 7:16 AM PDT · July 1, 2026 Sony announced Wednesday that it will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting in January 2028, marking a move into an all-digital future. However, Sony said the decision reflects how most players already buy and play games today.
TL;DR: Sony will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games beginning in 2028, as the company embraces an all-digital future.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Figma Grows 46% and Trades at 6x. Everyone Else Growing 30%+ Trades at 15-36x.

Figma went public on July 31, 2025 at $33 a share, popped 250% on day one to close at $115.50, and got valued near $68 billion. It peaked at $142.92. This week it trades around $19, with a market cap near $10 billion. That is down roughly 87% from the high. Down about 50% just... Continue Reading

More: Figma Grows 46% and Trades at 6x. Everyone Else Growing 30%+ Trades at 15-36x.. This week it trades around $19, with a market cap near $10 billion.
TL;DR: Figma went public on July 31, 2025 at $33 a share, popped 250% on day one to close at $115.50, and got valued near $68 billion.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Builders Stage agenda revealed: Practical strategies for scaling startups at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The Builders Stage is returning to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, bringing together 10,000+ founders, startup operators, and investors for practical conversations. and Q&A on what it takes to build and scale successful companies. Register now to save up to $330.

More: Builders Stage agenda revealed: Practical strategies for scaling startups at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. and Q&A on what it takes to build and scale successful companies. Register now to save up to $330.
TL;DR: The Builders Stage is returning to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, bringing together 10,000+ founders, startup operators, and investors for practical conversations.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Meta, like SpaceX, looks to turn excess AI compute into cash

Meta is developing plans for a cloud infrastructure business, selling access to AI compute power and models. The move would pit it against the big cloud providers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. 

More: Meta, like SpaceX, looks to turn excess AI compute into cash. Meta is developing plans for a cloud infrastructure business, selling access to AI compute power and models. The move would pit it against the big cloud providers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. 
TL;DR: Meta is developing plans for a cloud infrastructure business, selling access to AI compute power and models.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Kroger to buy popular grocery and pharmacy retailer in $1.65B

Kroger's $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle expands its presence across key Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets as competition intensifies among grocery retailers

More: Democratic Socialist stuns longtime Colorado Democrat in latest far-left primary upset President Trump officially decides not to renew USMCA deal Colorado Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros beats 30-year incumbent in House primary Patriotism and purpose are 'back in uniform,' Retired Navy SEAL says Trump is unleashing a ‘new golden age’ of innovation in space: FCC Chairman Brend…
TL;DR: Kroger's $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle expands its presence across key Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets as competition intensifies among grocery retailers
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Manufact (YC S25) Is Hiring a Developer Advocate in SF

Cloud infrastructure for MCP servers and Claude / ChatGPT apps. Manufact is Vercel for MCP. We are building the MCP cloud platform to get any product ready for Claude Connectors marketplace, ChatGPT…

More: Manufact (YC S25) Is Hiring a Developer Advocate in SF. Manufact is Vercel for MCP. Our focus: capture a significant share of global AI tool calls that flow through Manufact.
TL;DR: Cloud infrastructure for MCP servers and Claude / ChatGPT apps.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

'Down valuation' phenomenon happening at 'scale not seen before' - and it's threatening house sales

Brokers are seeing more down valuations in the property market, putting sales at risk and causing deals to collapse.

More: 'Down valuation' phenomenon happening at 'scale not seen before' - and it's threatening house sales. Brokers are seeing more down valuations in the property market, putting sales at risk and causing deals to collapse.
TL;DR: Brokers are seeing more down valuations in the property market, putting sales at risk and causing deals to collapse.
Read original at News
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Qonto and Pennylane: French fintech friends and foes

Qonto and Pennylane are two of France's most well-known fintech disruptors. The Paris-based fintechs set out to disrupt particular areas of finance: Qonto- SME banking; and Pennylane- accounting softw...

More: Qonto and Pennylane: French fintech friends and foes. Qonto and Pennylane are two of France's most well-known fintech disruptors. The Paris-based fintechs set out to disrupt particular areas of finance: Qonto- SME banking; and Pennylane- accounting softw...
TL;DR: Qonto and Pennylane are two of France's most well-known fintech disruptors.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

DOJ reaches settlement with major egg producers over alleged price manipulation

Federal officials allege three of the nation's largest egg producers coordinated pricing activity that inflated wholesale egg prices

More: Maria Bartiromo's personal and professional path to the American Dream Florida is ‘on fire’ with corporate relocations, experts say Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to wealth New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bo…
TL;DR: Federal officials allege three of the nation's largest egg producers coordinated pricing activity that inflated wholesale egg prices
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Nintendo has raised its employees base salary by 10%

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has stated to shareholders that the Kyoto-based company has now raised its base salary for employees by 10% in a move to retain talent. Here’s what Mr.

More: Nintendo has raised its employees base salary by 10%. For example, we have increased pay, including raising base salaries by 10%. Nintendo is only raising prices slowly because Switch 2 is already a bit overpriced to begin with, fooling yourself If you actually think Nintendo would take a loss on hardware or software for that matter.
TL;DR: Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has stated to shareholders that the Kyoto-based company has now raised its base salary for employees by 10% in a move to retain talent.
Read original at Mynintendonews
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Ex-DeepMind researchers land record Creandum funding to scale AI agents for Nasdaq

A startup founded by three ex-Google DeepMind researchers which builds AI agents to trade across the Nasdaq says it has hit a valuation of more than $500m, following fresh funding. Prague-based EquiLi...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The funding round was led by European early-stage investor Creandum, which, the VC said, marked its single biggest investment in a startup.
TL;DR: A startup founded by three ex-Google DeepMind researchers which builds AI agents to trade across the Nasdaq says it has hit a valuation of more than $500m, following fresh funding.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Pine64 launch $50 smart speaker for Home Assistant tinkerers

Open-hardware manufacturer Pine64 has launched a $50 smart speaker that runs open-source software on a RISC-V chip.

More: Pine64 launch $50 smart speaker for Home Assistant tinkerers. The factory-shipped firmware is built on Alibaba’s open-source YoC platform and runs the Wyoming Satellite protocol, which turns the device into a local microphone and speaker for a self-hosted, Linux-based Home Assistant setups.
TL;DR: Open-hardware manufacturer Pine64 has launched a $50 smart speaker that runs open-source software on a RISC-V chip.
Read original at Omgubuntu
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Common Path launches to connect low-income graduates with UK startups

Today marks the public launch of Common Path, a programme created to get graduate talent from low-income backgrounds into startups, and to challenge an industry that prides itself on meritocracy to pr...

TL;DR: Today marks the public launch of Common Path, a programme created to get graduate talent from low-income backgrounds into startups, and to challenge an industry that prides itself on meritocracy to pr...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Silicon Valley elite shift record wealth to build Florida's new 'tech capital'

Billionaire Peter Thiel's historic Miami office lease highlights how tax savings and quality of life drive corporate relocations to Florida.

More: How a Pennsylvania family’s baking mistake created America’s iconic hard pretzel Bank of America CEO predicts stronger US economy despite expectations for three Fed rate hikes House chaos erupts as SAVE Act standoff forces Mike Johnson to send lawmakers home early Congresswoman Luna demands Senate action on SAVE America Act Bob Nardelli discusses current oil prices, positive e…
TL;DR: Billionaire Peter Thiel's historic Miami office lease highlights how tax savings and quality of life drive corporate relocations to Florida.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Private sector added 98,000 jobs in June, below expectations, ADP says

The figure reported on Wednesday is below economists’ estimates of an increase of 118,000 jobs. The prior month's reading was unrevised at 122,000.

More: Private sector added 98,000 jobs in June, below expectations, ADP says. The figure reported on Wednesday is below economists’ estimates of an increase of 118,000 jobs. The prior month's reading was unrevised at 122,000.
TL;DR: The figure reported on Wednesday is below economists’ estimates of an increase of 118,000 jobs.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

London-Based Tapestry VC Closes On $80M Third Fund To Invest In Repeat European Founders

Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund to double down on Europe’s repeat founders and expects the coming wave of AI exits to produce yet another generation of experienced founders.

More: London-based Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund to double down on what it believes is one of Europe’s biggest long-term advantages: repeat founders. From its new fund, Tapestry plans to invest in a similar number of companies as it did with prior funds: Around 30 companies at pre-seed or seed.
TL;DR: Tapestry VC has closed an $80 million third fund to double down on Europe’s repeat founders and expects the coming wave of AI exits to produce yet another generation of experienced founders.
Read original at News
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Nothing-backer Tapestry VC raises $80M fund, opens London office

The backer of smartphone disruptor Nothing has raised an $80m fund, nearly three times bigger than its predecessor, as it looks to invest in repeat founders across both sides of the Atlantic, which it...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: The backer of smartphone disruptor Nothing has raised an $80m fund, nearly three times bigger than its predecessor, as it looks to invest in repeat founders across both sides of the Atlantic, which it...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump drops restrictions on Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable models

The Trump administration's erratic approach to AI policymaking has left companies across the industry with little clarity about what will govern future model releases.

More: Trump drops restrictions on Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable models Tim Fernholz 7:16 PM PDT · June 30, 2026 The U.S. has lifted a requirement that Anthropic obtain a license before exporting its Mythos and Fable models abroad, a requirement that effectively cut off public access to what are widely considered the most advanced AI models released to date.
TL;DR: The Trump administration's erratic approach to AI policymaking has left companies across the industry with little clarity about what will govern future model releases.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Wayve launches $85M employee tender offer at $8.5B valuation

Wayve’s offering is part of a growing trend of AI startups using employee tenders as a strategic tool to attract and retain talent.

More: Wayve launches $85M employee tender offer at $8.5B valuation Marina Temkin 7:04 PM PDT · June 30, 2026 Wayve, a UK-based self-driving tech startup, is allowing its employees to sell a portion of their vested equity.
TL;DR: Wayve’s offering is part of a growing trend of AI startups using employee tenders as a strategic tool to attract and retain talent.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Startup Battlefield Australia application closes in days: Apply before July 6

What if one pitch changed everything? The next company nobody has heard of yet is building something that will matter. It could be yours.

More: Startup Battlefield Australia application closes in days: Apply before July 6. What if one pitch changed everything? The next company nobody has heard of yet is building something that will matter.
TL;DR: What if one pitch changed everything?
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Trump financial disclosure reveals more than $1B in crypto income during first year back in office

President Trump reported more than $1B in crypto-related income, including over $500 million tied to World Liberty Financial sales and $635M in meme coin royalties.

More: Supreme Court sparks firestorm with birthright citizenship decision President Trump suspends some fertilizer tariffs for farmers This cheapens what American citizenship means: Expert Lara Trump: This is a win for girls across America Newt Gingrich: Jeffries is ‘closer’ to Mamdani than the average American UN official says Israel takes Iran’s ‘games’ seriously: ‘You have to ver…
TL;DR: President Trump reported more than $1B in crypto-related income, including over $500 million tied to World Liberty Financial sales and $635M in meme coin royalties.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The DeepMind trio who built a poker AI, are now making money for quant hedge funds

EquiLibre Technologies, a Prague-based AI lab founded by three ex-DeepMind researchers is now valued at more than $500 million.

More: The DeepMind trio who built a poker AI, are now making money for quant hedge funds. EquiLibre Technologies, a Prague-based AI lab founded by three ex-DeepMind researchers is now valued at more than $500 million.
TL;DR: EquiLibre Technologies, a Prague-based AI lab founded by three ex-DeepMind researchers is now valued at more than $500 million.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Realta Fusion generates electricity directly from a fusion reaction, an apparent first

“We can take power from a plasma,” Kieran Furlong, co-founder and CEO of Realta Fusion, told TechCrunch. The milestone shows “what’s possible,” he added.

More: Realta Fusion generates electricity directly from a fusion reaction, an apparent first. “We can take power from a plasma,” Kieran Furlong, co-founder and CEO of Realta Fusion, told TechCrunch. The milestone shows “what’s possible,” he added.
TL;DR: “We can take power from a plasma,” Kieran Furlong, co-founder and CEO of Realta Fusion, told TechCrunch.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Google introduces a faster, cheaper image generator with Nano Banana 2 Lite

Google is updating its image generator to make it faster and cheaper, making it a more useful tool for creators looking to make AI content.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. The release follows last summer’s launch of the original Nano Banana, powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash, and the February release Nano Banana 2 . The company also offers Nano Banana Pro, which is described as a more powerful (and more expensive) model for advanced use cases.
TL;DR: Google is updating its image generator to make it faster and cheaper, making it a more useful tool for creators looking to make AI content.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Nvidia competitor Etched hits $5B valuation, $1B in sales for AI chip

Nvidia AI chip competitor Etched says it has already booked $1 billion under contract for the inference systems powered by its chip.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. The most recent tranche was an unannounced $500 million round closed in December at a $5 billion post-money valuation, the company said.
TL;DR: Nvidia AI chip competitor Etched says it has already booked $1 billion under contract for the inference systems powered by its chip.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Anthropic launches Claude Sonnet 5 as a cheaper way to run agents

Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 5 brings stronger agentic capabilities, lower pricing, and improved safety, positioning the model as a cheaper alternative to Opus, GPT-5.5, and Gemini Pro.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Now the differentiator isn’t going to be who can do agentic work best, but how cheaply they can do it and how reliably without human oversight.
TL;DR: Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 5 brings stronger agentic capabilities, lower pricing, and improved safety, positioning the model as a cheaper alternative to Opus, GPT-5.5, and Gemini Pro.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Acti puts AI agents directly into your smartphone keyboard

Startup Acti is betting the smartphone keyboard is the next home for AI assistants. Its new keyboard for iOS and Android works across apps and lets users create custom AI-powered shortcuts using natural language.

More: Acti puts AI agents directly into your smartphone keyboard. Startup Acti is betting the smartphone keyboard is the next home for AI assistants. Its new keyboard for iOS and Android works across apps and lets users create custom AI-powered shortcuts using natural language.
TL;DR: Startup Acti is betting the smartphone keyboard is the next home for AI assistants.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

BLS took steps to fix data release failures but watchdog says more safeguards are needed

A watchdog report found BLS released CPI and jobs data at improper times in 2024, saying the agency still needs additional safeguards for economic data.

More: Trump Accounts top 6M enrollments: Report Portfolio manager says Amex is en route to a huge chunk of business from travelers Bob Doll reveals why this bull market is 'high risk' Stephen Miran speaks on Alan Greenspan's influence on Fed chair Warsh Larry Kudlow: Let's have 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' Stephen Miran speaks on the future of monetary policy under W…
TL;DR: A watchdog report found BLS released CPI and jobs data at improper times in 2024, saying the agency still needs additional safeguards for economic data.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Ford recalls 741,195 SUVs and pickups after transmission defect raises rollaway risk: NHTSA

Ford recalls over 741,000 vehicles including Expedition SUVs and F-150 pickups over a transmission defect that can damage the parking mechanism.

More: Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to wealth New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bomb squad officer trades explosives for espresso, builds thriving bakery business Journalist warns middle child archetype risks extin…
TL;DR: Ford recalls over 741,000 vehicles including Expedition SUVs and F-150 pickups over a transmission defect that can damage the parking mechanism.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Tesla starts testing Cybercab without pedals or a steering wheel in Austin

The company may finally be ready to try to deliver on Elon Musk's years-long promise of launching a robotaxi network of its own.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Roughly a year ago, Tesla began testing a Tesla Robotaxi service in Austin with Model Y SUVs that have, at times, used safety monitors.
TL;DR: The company may finally be ready to try to deliver on Elon Musk's years-long promise of launching a robotaxi network of its own.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

X now offers an MCP server to make its platform easier for AI tools to use

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. MCP, for context, is an open standard that defines a common way for AI models to connect to external tools and services.
TL;DR: X has launched a hosted MCP server, making it easier for developers to connect AI applications with the company’s API.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Podcasting platform Riverside enters the newsletter publishing game

Users will be able use AI to create newsletters based on their recordings.

More: Podcasting platform Riverside enters the newsletter publishing game. Users will be able use AI to create newsletters based on their recordings.
TL;DR: Users will be able use AI to create newsletters based on their recordings.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Amazon launches new $1 billion FDE org, following OpenAI and Anthropic

Engineers on the new team will embed within companies to deploy purpose-built agents, focusing on fast deployments and customer self-sufficiency.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. In a post announcing the new org, AWS VP of Frontier AI Francessca Vasquez emphasized that the org would do more than build and maintain requested systems. “Along with agentic systems running in their own AWS environment, they gain lasting AI skills, workflows, and patterns they can use to innovate independently.”
TL;DR: Engineers on the new team will embed within companies to deploy purpose-built agents, focusing on fast deployments and customer self-sufficiency.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Your brand deserves its own stage — Side Events at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Social Your brand deserves its own stage — Side Events at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 TechCrunch Events 7:00 AM PDT · June 30, 2026 The countdown is on. In just a few months, over 10,000 innovators, founders, investors, and industry leaders will descend on San Francisco for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 .
TL;DR: From October 10-16, host a Side Event and command the room during the week of TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Lumo, Proton’s privacy-focused AI chatbot, gets an upgrade

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. AI Lumo, Proton’s privacy-focused AI chatbot, gets an upgrade Lucas Ropek 7:00 AM PDT · June 30, 2026 Proton, the privacy-focused productivity app company, released a public AI chatbot, Lumo, last year. Users can now upload pictures into Lumo, then use the chatbot to analyze or edit them.
TL;DR: Proton's Lumo 2.0 is dropping this week, giving users a broader variety of capabilities.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Exclusive: No More Side Hustles: Why AI Startup Omnea Will Give Employees $250K To Openly Plan Their Next Startup

Omnea, a London-based artificial intelligence software company that helps businesses manage their supplier spending, is challenging traditional venture models with the launch of the Omnea Future Founders Fund to give its employees who have completed five years of service a chance to pitch for $250,000 in seed funding to launch their own companies.

More: “Starting a business, you don’t want to speak to investors who you don’t know. You want to speak to people you know and trust, who want you to succeed and know what they’re talking about,” said Ben Freeman , founder and CEO of Omnea, in an exclusive interview with Crunchbase News explaining why the company decided to start the initiative.
TL;DR: Omnea, a London-based artificial intelligence software company that helps businesses manage their supplier spending, is challenging traditional venture models with the launch of the Omnea Future Founders Fund to give its employees who have completed five years of service a chance to pitch for $250,000 in seed funding to launch their own companies.
Read original at News
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Omnea launches fund with Firedrop to back employees as future founders

London-based procurement software company Omnea haslaunched the Omnea Future Founders Fund, a new initiative designed to supportemployees who want to start their own businesses. The programme, launche...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. The programme, launched in partnership with European angel fund Firedrop , will allow employees who have spent at least five years at the company to pitch for $250,000 in seed funding to launch their own ventures.
TL;DR: London-based procurement software company Omnea haslaunched the Omnea Future Founders Fund, a new initiative designed to supportemployees who want to start their own businesses.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

BMW completes $1.7 billion South Carolina expansion, unveils all-electric X5

BMW wraps up a massive South Carolina expansion to build the all-electric X5 and five more electric vehicles in the United States by 2030.

More: Trump sounds alarm as Democratic Socialists expand beyond New York Goldin Auctions features rare Declaration of Independence copy for USA 250th anniversary Goldin celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a historical auction featuring the Declaration of Independence 9/11 Steel Across America tour arrives in Los Angeles, giving Americans a chance to touch history Trump's got…
TL;DR: BMW wraps up a massive South Carolina expansion to build the all-electric X5 and five more electric vehicles in the United States by 2030.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Agent Playbooks from Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Harvey, and Lovable: Inside SaaStr AI 2026

The main stage at SaaStr AI 2026 in San Mateo ran end to end on agents. Agents in production, carrying quota, writing to systems of record, and reshaping how companies are built. Below is a session-by-session recap of the day, with every speaker and their title, followed by the themes that showed up again and... Continue Reading

More: The Agent Playbooks from Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Harvey, and Lovable: Inside SaaStr AI 2026. Agents in production, carrying quota, writing to systems of record, and reshaping how companies are built. Below is a session-by-session recap of the day, with every speaker and their title, followed by the themes that showed up again and...
TL;DR: The main stage at SaaStr AI 2026 in San Mateo ran end to end on agents.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

How YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers can get a payout from Disney's $50M antitrust settlement

Disney's $50 million class action settlement pays YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers who had plans between April 2019 and March 2026.

More: CEO reveals 'big misunderstanding' about investing NASDAQ rallies, tech and chipmakers lead bull charge with Applied Materials at all-time high Apple's price hikes linked to chip costs, Tim Cook eyes Chinese suppliers Mohamed El-Erian on market strength and technicals for the second half of 2024 Mohamed El-Erian reveals why markets are shrugging off global risks NYC union lead…
TL;DR: Disney's $50 million class action settlement pays YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers who had plans between April 2019 and March 2026.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Monthly Brand Engine: How Monaco Manufactured a New Viral Moment Every 30 Days

Great Marketing is a Sequence. AI Means You Should Do Even More Of It. AI in GTM gives you back time.  But what do you do what that time? Sam Blond CEO Monaco and ex-CRO of Brex came to SaaStr AI 2026. with a tutorial on how to build a repeatable engine for a major... Continue Reading

More: The Monthly Brand Engine: How Monaco Manufactured a New Viral Moment Every 30 Days. AI in GTM gives you back time.  But what do you do what that time? Sam Blond CEO Monaco and ex-CRO of Brex came to SaaStr AI 2026.
TL;DR: AI Means You Should Do Even More Of It.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Hypefy AI raises $7.2M Series A to automate global influencer campaigns

Founded in Croatia, Hypefy AI, a platformthat uses AI to automate influencer marketing campaign execution, has raised$7.2 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by AYMO Ventures,with p...

More: Hypefy AI raises $7.2M Series A to automate global influencer campaigns. Founded in Croatia, Hypefy AI, a platformthat uses AI to automate influencer marketing campaign execution, has raised$7.2 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by AYMO Ventures,with p...
TL;DR: Founded in Croatia, Hypefy AI, a platformthat uses AI to automate influencer marketing campaign execution, has raised$7.2 million in a Series A funding round.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Digiclean raises €2.5M to optimise industrial cleaning with AI

Swedish deeptech company Digiclean has raised €2.5 millionin a seed funding round to advance its platform for industrial cleaning andmaintenance optimisation. The round was co-led by Unconventional Ve...

More: Digiclean raises €2.5M to optimise industrial cleaning with AI. Swedish deeptech company Digiclean has raised €2.5 millionin a seed funding round to advance its platform for industrial cleaning andmaintenance optimisation. The round was co-led by Unconventional Ve...
TL;DR: Swedish deeptech company Digiclean has raised €2.5 millionin a seed funding round to advance its platform for industrial cleaning andmaintenance optimisation.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Crypto exchange OKX wants AI agents to hire and pay each other

OKX is bringing together payments, identity and reputation into a marketplace for AI agents.

More: Crypto exchange OKX wants AI agents to hire and pay each other. OKX is bringing together payments, identity and reputation into a marketplace for AI agents.
TL;DR: OKX is bringing together payments, identity and reputation into a marketplace for AI agents.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Saltroad raises £1.5M and acquires AI platform Ogma to scale speech therapy for children

Saltroad, the clinician-led speech and language therapy (SLT) provider, has raised £1.5 million and acquired Ogma, an AI documentation platform designed for SLT. The round was led by Techstart Ventur...

More: Saltroad, the clinician-led speech and language therapy (SLT) provider, has raised £1.5 million and acquired Ogma, an AI documentation platform designed for SLT. The round was led by Techstart Ventur...
TL;DR: Saltroad, the clinician-led speech and language therapy (SLT) provider, has raised £1.5 million and acquired Ogma, an AI documentation platform designed for SLT.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Lucida AI closes $7M seed round for speech-to-speech AI

Lucida AI, aspeech-to-speech AI platform for global communication, has secured anadditional $1.6 million in funding, bringing its seed round to $7 million. The seedround was led by UK-based Velocity C...

More: Lucida AI, aspeech-to-speech AI platform for global communication, has secured anadditional $1.6 million in funding, bringing its seed round to $7 million. The seedround was led by UK-based Velocity C...
TL;DR: Lucida AI, aspeech-to-speech AI platform for global communication, has secured anadditional $1.6 million in funding, bringing its seed round to $7 million.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Nomerra raises $2 million to automate private market operations

Nomerra, an AI platformfor private market operations, has raised $2 million in its first fundinground. The round was led by 14Peaks Capital, with participation from RedstoneFintech and senior individu...

More: Nomerra raises $2 million to automate private market operations. Nomerra, an AI platformfor private market operations, has raised $2 million in its first fundinground. The round was led by 14Peaks Capital, with participation from RedstoneFintech and senior individu...
TL;DR: Nomerra, an AI platformfor private market operations, has raised $2 million in its first fundinground.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The AI jobs debate just got messier

A new report finds "high-intensity AI adopters” saw headcount increase 10.2%. Among those companies, entry-level headcount rose by 12%, countering the rhetoric that AI kills junior jobs. 

More: The AI jobs debate just got messier. A new report finds "high-intensity AI adopters” saw headcount increase 10.2%. Among those companies, entry-level headcount rose by 12%, countering the rhetoric that AI kills junior jobs. 
TL;DR: A new report finds "high-intensity AI adopters” saw headcount increase 10.2%.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

India's biggest share sales tell the story of a country glued to its phones

NSE and Jio Platforms embody the sweeping changes in how India has consumed, invested and transacted over the past decade.

More: India's biggest share sales tell the story of a country glued to its phones. NSE and Jio Platforms embody the sweeping changes in how India has consumed, invested and transacted over the past decade.
TL;DR: NSE and Jio Platforms embody the sweeping changes in how India has consumed, invested and transacted over the past decade.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Vibe coding platform Base44 launches own model as AI startups seek defensibility

Wix-owned vibe coding platform Base44 has started rolling out its own AI model — with hopes that it will eventually outperform frontier models.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. However, Shlomo expects that others will train their own models — “at least the players that have gotten enough scale and velocity to have enough data.” 
TL;DR: Wix-owned vibe coding platform Base44 has started rolling out its own AI model — with hopes that it will eventually outperform frontier models.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Chamath Palihapitiya raises $135M Series A for his AI coding startup, takes CEO role

VCs remain thirsty to fund AI coding startups. This one, founded by investor, Chamath Palihapitiya, is no exception.

More: Chamath Palihapitiya raises $135M Series A for his AI coding startup, takes CEO role. VCs remain thirsty to fund AI coding startups. This one, founded by investor, Chamath Palihapitiya, is no exception.
TL;DR: VCs remain thirsty to fund AI coding startups.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Gemini’s personalized AI image generation is now free for U.S. users

Google is expanding Gemini’s personalized AI image generation to eligible free users in the U.S., allowing the chatbot to create images based on your interests and data from connected Google apps.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. users Lauren Forristal 1:12 PM PDT · June 29, 2026 Google announced on Monday that the Gemini app is now offering its personalized Nano Banana-powered image generation feature to a broader audience.
TL;DR: Google is expanding Gemini’s personalized AI image generation to eligible free users in the U.S., allowing the chatbot to create images based on your interests and data from connected Google apps.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Will Andy Burnham's devolution plan raise economic growth?

Andy Burnham promised the "biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen" as part of his plans for the UK if he becomes the next prime minister.

More: Andy Burnham promised the "biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen" as part of his plans for the UK if he becomes the next prime minister. In his first major policy speech, Burnham said on Monday he would seek to take power away from Whitehall and devolve it to all parts of the UK.
TL;DR: BBC Verify has looked at what impact further devolution could be expected to have on the UK.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Bed Bath & Beyond launches hunt for America’s oldest coupon with $100K prize up for grabs

Bed Bath & Beyond launched a “Legendary Coupon Hunt," offering customers a shot at a $100,000 home makeover for bringing in one of the brand’s iconic blue coupons.

More: Lawmaker says he has 'complete confidence' in Trump amid Iran talks Presidents of the U.S. now directly control the administrative state: John Yoo GOP lawmaker on Iran: The target package is not complete This is a massive distraction from what Democrats want to do, GOP lawmaker says People don't realize price for natural gas is driven by 'seasonality': Brian Kessens Jim Jordan…
TL;DR: Bed Bath & Beyond launched a “Legendary Coupon Hunt," offering customers a shot at a $100,000 home makeover for bringing in one of the brand’s iconic blue coupons.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

South Korean tech giants commit over $550B to ease ‘ RAMageddon’

The world's two largest memory chip companies vow to build more memory lab fabs as South Korea positions itself as an AI tech powerhouse country.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Then there’s another $356 billion (550 trillion won) for AI data centers to be built by Korean tech and energy behemoths such as SK, GS and Naver through 2035. All told, South Korean tech companies have committed to spend over $900 billion on AI and the demands for chips it is creating.
TL;DR: The world's two largest memory chip companies vow to build more memory lab fabs as South Korea positions itself as an AI tech powerhouse country.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Nearly 100K Hyundai vehicles recalled after software glitch raises crash risk

Hyundai will provide free software updates after a dashboard display glitch prompted a recall of nearly 100,000 Tucson SUVs over potential safety concerns.

More: Financial expert Rachel Cruze warns young adults to avoid ‘quick wins’ to wealth New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bomb squad officer trades explosives for espresso, builds thriving bakery business Journalist warns middle child archetype risks extin…
TL;DR: Hyundai will provide free software updates after a dashboard display glitch prompted a recall of nearly 100,000 Tucson SUVs over potential safety concerns.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Arena, the AI leaderboard everyone uses, is now a $100M business

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Arena is best known for its popular crowdsourced AI model performance leaderboard, generated from over 10 million user evaluations. Arena’s rapid revenue growth shows that its commercial offerings are as popular with customers as they are with its community of evaluators, who are frequently drawn to the platform for early acces…
TL;DR: The startup, which runs a popular free AI leaderboard, launched its commercial service just last September.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

TIDAL cracks down on AI music by cutting off monetization

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. In addition, TIDAL will use automated tools to remove AI-generated music that attempts to impersonate an artist or a group, the company said. With the changes, fully AI-generated music on TIDAL will be identified and tagged as such, allowing listeners to see an “AI” badge next to any tracks deemed to be 100% AI.
TL;DR: TIDAL's new policy will prevent AI-generated music from making money on its service.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Beloved gas station pizza chain CEO reveals 400-store expansion plan as food business booms

Casey's General Stores plans to add at least 400 new locations over three years while expanding its prepared food menu with wings and fries.

More: Socialist surge a 'cheap counterfeit' for MAGA movement, columnist says Caroline Downey warns Iran has broken every promise in original MOU Trump's latest Iran ceasefire sends stocks higher as oil prices plunge AI race is 'unfolding right before our eyes' unlike we've ever seen: Lou Basenese World Cup fan spends $40k to follow England national team around the United States The…
TL;DR: Casey's General Stores plans to add at least 400 new locations over three years while expanding its prepared food menu with wings and fries.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Rocket Lab continues buying spree by acquiring satellite company Iridium

The all-stock deal values Iridium at $8 billion, and gives Rocket Lab even more firepower to compete against Amazon and SpaceX.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Launch company Rocket Lab is buying satellite operator Iridium , putting it in a position to become a more full-fledged space services company, and continuing a wave of consolidation in the industry.
TL;DR: The all-stock deal values Iridium at $8 billion, and gives Rocket Lab even more firepower to compete against Amazon and SpaceX.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

How a stolen surfboard launched a global surf empire

Harbour Surf Shop in Seal Beach, California, the world's oldest surf shop, still crafts boards in its original shaping room nearly 70 years later.

More: Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.0 looms as tech IPOs will fuel ‘biggest cash day’ employees ‘have ever seen’ Karol Markowicz: This idea is 'absurd' 'Like heaven with a lot of money': Top agent goes inside Miami's oldest neighborhood $8 a gallon and nowhere to go: Inside the lives of 'miserable' Californian drivers Maher call…
TL;DR: Harbour Surf Shop in Seal Beach, California, the world's oldest surf shop, still crafts boards in its original shaping room nearly 70 years later.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Vegvisir raises funding to connect allied unmanned systems through a unified command platform

Vegvisir, an Estonian defence technology company building the command-and-control software layer for the multi-domain battlefield, today announced a venture investment from Iron Wolf Capital (IWC). V...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Vegvisir, an Estonian defence technology company building the command-and-control software layer for the multi-domain battlefield, today announced a venture investment from Iron Wolf Capital (IWC).
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Databricks’ Co-Founder Arsalan Tavakoli: Every Software Monopoly Falls in the Next 24 Months

Databricks is now running at a stunning $5.4B revenue run-rate, growing 65%+ year over year, with AI products alone past a $1.4B run-rate and net retention above 140%. That gives co-founder Arsalan Tavakoli-Shiraji better visibility into what enterprises are actually doing with AI budget than almost anyone. On stage at SaaStr AI, he laid out... Continue Reading

More: Databricks’ Co-Founder Arsalan Tavakoli: Every Software Monopoly Falls in the Next 24 Months. Databricks is now running at a stunning $5.4B revenue run-rate, growing 65%+ year over year, with AI products alone past a $1.4B run-rate and net retention above 140%.
TL;DR: On stage at SaaStr AI, he laid out...
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

P101 expands into seed investing with PranaVentures integration and €100M fund

Italian VC P101 has integrated PranaVentures, an operational venture capital company specialising in Seed investments. The combination brings together more than €600 million in assets raised, creating...

More: P101 expands into seed investing with PranaVentures integration and €100M fund. Italian VC P101 has integrated PranaVentures, an operational venture capital company specialising in Seed investments. The combination brings together more than €600 million in assets raised, creating...
TL;DR: Italian VC P101 has integrated PranaVentures, an operational venture capital company specialising in Seed investments.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Robot hand company settles Tesla trade secret suit and announces $11M raise

Jay Li doesn’t recommend getting sued by Tesla if you’re trying to get a startup off the ground. But he does think his company, Proception, might be better off for having endured the experience. “I think it’s kind of like a resilience test, or pressure test,” he told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview. “People say […]

More: Robot hand company settles Tesla trade secret suit and announces $11M raise. But he does think his company, Proception, might be better off for having endured the experience. “I think it’s kind of like a resilience test, or pressure test,” he told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview.
TL;DR: Jay Li doesn’t recommend getting sued by Tesla if you’re trying to get a startup off the ground.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Subatron secures €162K to tackle one of underwater tech's biggest communication challenges

Swiss engineering startup Subatron has obtained €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop a new generation of underwater communication technology. The solution aims to enable faster, more r...

More: Subatron secures €162K to tackle one of underwater tech's biggest communication challenges. Swiss engineering startup Subatron has obtained €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop a new generation of underwater communication technology. The solution aims to enable faster, more r...
TL;DR: Swiss engineering startup Subatron has obtained €162,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to develop a new generation of underwater communication technology.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Pocket raises $11M in bet on rising demand for AI note-taking devices

Pocket sells a $129, credit card-shaped puck, which sticks to the back of your phone, and promises unlimited recordings, transcriptions and to-do items.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. The startup says it has sold more than 130,000 units since launching last year, and that momentum has now helped it score $11 million in funding from Accel, Y Combinator, and ElevenLabs CEO and co-founder Mati Staniszewski.
TL;DR: Pocket sells a $129, credit card-shaped puck, which sticks to the back of your phone, and promises unlimited recordings, transcriptions and to-do items.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Flipper Device’s new Busy Bar is a customizable display for productivity

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Flipper Devices first announced the device last year, and now it is putting it on open sale next month.
TL;DR: Flipper Device's new Busy Bar will retail for $249.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Omen AI’s plan to optimize data centers is all wet

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. AI Omen AI’s plan to optimize data centers is all wet Tim Fernholz 6:00 AM PDT · June 29, 2026 The AI-driven demand for compute power has data centers looking to squeeze more from every rack of GPUs.
TL;DR: Omen AI raised a $31 million Series A to monitor chip coolant and stop bacterial outbreaks in data centers.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Ford rehires experienced engineers after AI misses the mark

Ford rehired about 300 veteran engineers after AI tools failed to match human expertise, helping the automaker top the JD Power 2026 Initial Quality Study.

More: Stuart Varney: The left is attacking American success Income investors are winning this year: Andrew Bary Big Tech stumbles as the ‘Lag 7’ narrative takes hold Ukrainians are putting Russia on its 'back foot,' Lt Gen Kellogg says Investment expert says mining plays are a patient and prosperous pick Micron's market dominance driven by memory's essential role in AI Lt.
TL;DR: Ford rehired about 300 veteran engineers after AI tools failed to match human expertise, helping the automaker top the JD Power 2026 Initial Quality Study.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The hackathon that became Europe's defence startup ecosystem

Here in Europe, a new generation of defence startups is emerging far outside the traditional military-industrial complex. Across weekend hackathons, engineers, software developers, drone builders, res...

More: The hackathon that became Europe's defence startup ecosystem. Here in Europe, a new generation of defence startups is emerging far outside the traditional military-industrial complex. Across weekend hackathons, engineers, software developers, drone builders, res...
TL;DR: Here in Europe, a new generation of defence startups is emerging far outside the traditional military-industrial complex.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Semiconductors: 10 companies that raised the most in 2025

European semiconductor companies attracted strong investmentin 2025 as governments and investors doubled down on technologies underpinningAI, high-performance computing, next-generation communications...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Here are the 10 largest funding rounds that shaped the industry's growth and innovation.
TL;DR: European semiconductor companies attracted strong investmentin 2025 as governments and investors doubled down on technologies underpinningAI, high-performance computing, next-generation communications...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Robotics has a data problem. Macrodata Labs wants to solve it

The AI industry has spent the past several years learning a critical lesson: better data often matters as much as better models. While advances in large language models have been powered by increasing...

More: Robotics has a data problem. Macrodata Labs wants to solve it. While advances in large language models have been powered by increasing...
TL;DR: The AI industry has spent the past several years learning a critical lesson: better data often matters as much as better models.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

'My son made a silly mistake - does he need to declare it to car insurance companies?'

Every Saturday, we help a reader with their consumer issue or personal finance dilemma in our Money Problem series. You can send yours to [email protected]. Today we're tackling this one from Daniel...

More: 'My son made a silly mistake - does he need to declare it to car insurance companies?'. You can send yours to [email protected]. Today we're tackling this one from Daniel...
TL;DR: Every Saturday, we help a reader with their consumer issue or personal finance dilemma in our Money Problem series.
Read original at News
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Dear SaaStr: What is a Good Approach For Price Increases with SMBs?

Dear SaaStr: What is a Good Approach For Price Increases with SMBs? Raising prices in SaaS serving SMBs is tricky but necessary as you scale. SMBs are price-sensitive, so you need to approach this thoughtfully to avoid churn while still driving growth. Here’s how I’d recommend tackling it: 1. Don’t Raise Prices Too Early.  Spend... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: What is a Good Approach For Price Increases with SMBs?. Dear SaaStr: What is a Good Approach For Price Increases with SMBs? SMBs are price-sensitive, so you need to approach this thoughtfully to avoid churn while still driving growth.
TL;DR: Raising prices in SaaS serving SMBs is tricky but necessary as you scale.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

British American Tobacco to cut 5,500 jobs in AI drive

British American Tobacco has revealed plans to cut 5,500 jobs across its global operations as an AI-focused transformation programme gathers pace.

TL;DR: British American Tobacco has revealed plans to cut 5,500 jobs across its global operations as an AI-focused transformation programme gathers pace.
Read original at News
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

European tech weekly recap: €2.1B in deals and Tech.eu Funding Explorer

Last week, we tracked more than 75 tech funding deals worth over €2.1 million and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that r...

More: Last week, we tracked more than 75 tech funding deals worth over €2.1 million and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe. 📊 The top three industries that r...
TL;DR: Last week, we tracked more than 75 tech funding deals worth over €2.1 million and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

The Everyday Hustle

Close menu Episode details Asian Network , · 29 Jun 2026 , · 30 mins Af Malhotra sits in and discusses how entrepreneurs can use AI daily with Polly Dhaliwal.

More: Close menu Episode details Asian Network , · 29 Jun 2026 , · 30 mins Af Malhotra sits in and discusses how entrepreneurs can use AI daily with Polly Dhaliwal. The pair also chat about her career and her work in other sectors too. Produced in Birmingham by Voxwave for BBC Asian Network.
TL;DR: Af Malhotra sits in and discusses how entrepreneurs can use AI daily with Polly Dhaliwal.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Ford rehires ‘gray beard’ engineers after AI falls short

"Mistakenly we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence ... that would produce a high-quality product.”

More: Ford rehires ‘gray beard’ engineers after AI falls short. "Mistakenly we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence ... that would produce a high-quality product.”
TL;DR: "Mistakenly we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence ...
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

AI could unleash ‘single greatest productivity revolution’ if Washington avoids overreach: report

The Unleash Prosperity report, titled "Boomsday Not Doomsday," argues AI could help ease housing costs, boost productivity and move workers into higher-value roles.

More: Income investors are winning this year: Andrew Bary Big Tech stumbles as the ‘Lag 7’ narrative takes hold Ukrainians are putting Russia on its 'back foot,' Lt Gen Kellogg says Investment expert says mining plays are a patient and prosperous pick Micron's market dominance driven by memory's essential role in AI Lt.
TL;DR: The Unleash Prosperity report, titled "Boomsday Not Doomsday," argues AI could help ease housing costs, boost productivity and move workers into higher-value roles.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Why Wall Street thinks US memory maker Micron is the next Nvidia

Eager to find more public AI-related companies that may do as well as Nvidia, Wall Street investors think they've found a winner with Micron.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Specifically Micron closed Friday’s trading with a market cap close to $1.27 trillion, while Meta was at $1.39 trillion and Tesla was at $1.42 trillion.
TL;DR: Eager to find more public AI-related companies that may do as well as Nvidia, Wall Street investors think they've found a winner with Micron.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

How To Build Your Own AI VP of Marketing: The Full Playbook From SaaStr AI 2026

At SaaStr AI Annual 2026, Amelia Lerutte, SaaStr’s Chief AI Officer, took five months of running 10K, SaaStr’s AI VP of Marketing, distilled what worked into a spec, and built a brand-new one from scratch on stage in about 15 minutes. The whole room built theirs at the same time. This is the playbook to... Continue Reading

More: At SaaStr AI Annual 2026, Amelia Lerutte, SaaStr’s Chief AI Officer, took five months of running 10K, SaaStr’s AI VP of Marketing, distilled what worked into a spec, and built a brand-new one from scratch on stage in about 15 minutes. The whole room built theirs at the same time. This is the playbook to... Continue Reading
TL;DR: At SaaStr AI Annual 2026, Amelia Lerutte, SaaStr’s Chief AI Officer, took five months of running 10K, SaaStr’s AI VP of Marketing, distilled what worked into a spec, and built a brand-new one from scratch on stage in about 15 minutes.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Rare Virginia octagon mansion with 'haunted' reputation hits the market

A rare eight-sided Virginia mansion built in 1870 is listed for $295,000, offering six bedrooms, about 5,000 square feet and a spooky reputation.

More: Tourism boom meets wage shock: LA hotels fight $30 mandate as World Cup and Olympics approach This is how supply shocks should be viewed, Invesco global market strategist reveals Winners and losers of the World Cup: Trump, Nike and the fans Income investors are winning this year: Andrew Bary People who believe 'death to America' will be serving in Congress: Rep.
TL;DR: A rare eight-sided Virginia mansion built in 1870 is listed for $295,000, offering six bedrooms, about 5,000 square feet and a spooky reputation.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Dear SaaStr: Is It Normal to Feel Like a Pest When Prospecting for Customers For a Startup?

Dear SaaStr: Is It Normal to Feel Like a Pest When Prospecting for Customers For a Startup? Yes.  Most of us will feel like a pest when we start doing outbound. So … get better at it, get over it, and hire folks who know how to do it. Sales is hard. It’s being told... Continue Reading

More: Dear SaaStr: Is It Normal to Feel Like a Pest When Prospecting for Customers For a Startup?. Dear SaaStr: Is It Normal to Feel Like a Pest When Prospecting for Customers For a Startup?  Most of us will feel like a pest when we start doing outbound.
TL;DR: So … get better at it, get over it, and hire folks who know how to do it.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The overlooked reason why new drugs take so long—and the $10 trillion fix

A new report estimates speeding up FDA drug approvals by one year could generate over $10 trillion in economic value from faster medical innovation.

More: Tourism boom meets wage shock: LA hotels fight $30 mandate as World Cup and Olympics approach People who believe 'death to America' will be serving in Congress: Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Fed expert explains how Iran war has impacted inflation numbers Democrats' civil war: Far-left attempts to hijack party with socialist agenda Many of these candidates want to throw the Constit…
TL;DR: A new report estimates speeding up FDA drug approvals by one year could generate over $10 trillion in economic value from faster medical innovation.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

One Stalled Deal, One Automation, 10 New Prospects: Lightfield CEO Keith Peiris Demos the AI-Native GTM Loop Live

Watching an AI-Native CRM Run the Full GTM Loop Live: Lightfield CEO Keith Peiris Demos a Stalled Deal, an Automation, and Ten New Prospects Most CRM demos show you a nicer place to store data you still have to enter yourself. Lightfield’s demo at SaaStr did the opposite. Keith Peiris, co-founder and CEO, worked a... Continue Reading

More: One Stalled Deal, One Automation, 10 New Prospects: Lightfield CEO Keith Peiris Demos the AI-Native GTM Loop Live. Lightfield’s demo at SaaStr did the opposite. Keith Peiris, co-founder and CEO, worked a...
TL;DR: Watching an AI-Native CRM Run the Full GTM Loop Live: Lightfield CEO Keith Peiris Demos a Stalled Deal, an Automation, and Ten New Prospects Most CRM demos show you a nicer place to store data you still have to enter yourself.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Nearly 1 million bottles of heart and kidney medication recalled over foreign substance found on tablets

Amgen recalled nearly one million bottles of Corlanor and Sensipar tablets after unexpected foreign matter was found on tablet surfaces during sampling.

More: New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bomb squad officer trades explosives for espresso, builds thriving bakery business Journalist warns middle child archetype risks extinction Dagen McDowell questions whether homeownership is suitable for everyone ami…
TL;DR: Amgen recalled nearly one million bottles of Corlanor and Sensipar tablets after unexpected foreign matter was found on tablet surfaces during sampling.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

Indian payments chief thinks AI will be heavily involved in next era of digital payment growth

Dilip Asbe said that newer UPI apps could be more competitive with a viable commercial model

More: Indian payments chief thinks AI will be heavily involved in next era of digital payment growth. Dilip Asbe said that newer UPI apps could be more competitive with a viable commercial model
TL;DR: Dilip Asbe said that newer UPI apps could be more competitive with a viable commercial model
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

SoftBank’s CEO isn’t the only one with questions about Elon Musk’s orbital data center hype

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Kirsten noted that it’s “very ironic” that Son is playing the skeptic here, given SoftBank’s “long history of wild bets.
TL;DR: Not everyone is buying Elon Musk’s vision for orbital data centers.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple Vision Pro exec is reportedly leaving for OpenAI

Paul Meade, the Apple vice president in charge of the Vision Pro headset, is reportedly leaving the company to join OpenAI’s hardware team.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Savings end June 26, 11:59 p.m.
TL;DR: Paul Meade, the Apple vice president in charge of the Vision Pro headset, is reportedly leaving the company to join OpenAI’s hardware team.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Nobel economist warns AI doomsday job fears could become self-fulfilling prophecy

Robert Shiller, a Nobel laureate in economics, says fears about AI severely impacting the job market are warranted but that they should be tempered.

More: Income investors are winning this year: Andrew Bary Big Tech stumbles as the ‘Lag 7’ narrative takes hold Ukrainians are putting Russia on its 'back foot,' Lt Gen Kellogg says Investment expert says mining plays are a patient and prosperous pick Micron's market dominance driven by memory's essential role in AI Lt.
TL;DR: Robert Shiller, a Nobel laureate in economics, says fears about AI severely impacting the job market are warranted but that they should be tempered.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

We Booked 614 Meetings With One Inbound Agent. Your “Contact Us” Form Is Costing You Deals.

From The Agents, our weekly podcast on how we deploy and run AI agents at SaaStr, and how to do it yourself. The contact-us form is the most expensive lazy decision in B2B today. Someone arrives on your site ready to talk, hits a form, and waits. A human round-robins it. A rep follows up... Continue Reading

More: We Booked 614 Meetings With One Inbound Agent. Your “Contact Us” Form Is Costing You Deals.. Someone arrives on your site ready to talk, hits a form, and waits.
TL;DR: From The Agents, our weekly podcast on how we deploy and run AI agents at SaaStr, and how to do it yourself.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The fittest founder in the room got cancer. Here’s how he used AI to fight back.

When confronted with cancer, Connor Christou fed everything tied tied to his regime — blood results, scan data, wearable output, journal entries — into Claude.

More: The fittest founder in the room got cancer. Here’s how he used AI to fight back.. When confronted with cancer, Connor Christou fed everything tied tied to his regime — blood results, scan data, wearable output, journal entries — into Claude.
TL;DR: When confronted with cancer, Connor Christou fed everything tied tied to his regime — blood results, scan data, wearable output, journal entries — into Claude.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Nox Metals (YC S25) Is Hiring SWE

American factories deserve a supply chain that moves as fast as they do. The next generation of American manufacturing is being built right now. NOX METALS (YC S25) is the supply chain powering it.

More: Nox Metals (YC S25) Is Hiring SWE. We use software and automation to supply metal to American factories faster than the industry thought possible. We closed our $13M seed round in June and are accelerating faster than ever.  We are hiring software engineers in Detroit to build the intelligent platform that runs our factories.
TL;DR: American factories deserve a supply chain that moves as fast as they do.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Asian AI startups launch Mythos-like models as Anthropic’s export ban drags on

New models are launching in Asia that promise Mythos-like capabilities without fear of an export ban. U.S. AI labs may never recover this enormous market.

More: Asian AI startups launch Mythos-like models as Anthropic’s export ban drags on. New models are launching in Asia that promise Mythos-like capabilities without fear of an export ban. AI labs may never recover this enormous market.
TL;DR: New models are launching in Asia that promise Mythos-like capabilities without fear of an export ban.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Warriors, AI Cloud provider Iren reach sponsorship deal that reportedly is largest in North American sports

The Golden State Warriors are making history with a reported record-setting jersey sponsorship from IREN worth more than $50 million per year, the largest deal of its kind in North America.

More: This is how supply shocks should be viewed, Invesco global market strategist reveals Winners and losers of the World Cup: Trump, Nike and the fans Income investors are winning this year: Andrew Bary People who believe 'death to America' will be serving in Congress: Rep.
TL;DR: The Golden State Warriors are making history with a reported record-setting jersey sponsorship from IREN worth more than $50 million per year, the largest deal of its kind in North America.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

All Agencies and Contractors Have a Half Life. Move On Once You Hit It.

The best marketer I've ever worked with said to me early that you have to fire all your agencies every 6 months Why? They give you their best upfront, and then turn the gig into an annuity staffed with the mediocre I thought it was a bit aggressive But he was right — Jason ✨👾SaaStr.Ai✨... Continue Reading

More: All Agencies and Contractors Have a Half Life. The best marketer I've ever worked with said to me early that you have to fire all your agencies every 6 months Why? They give you their best upfront, and then turn the gig into an annuity staffed with the mediocre I thought it was a bit aggressive But he was right — Jason ✨👾SaaStr.Ai✨...
TL;DR: The best marketer I've ever worked with said to me early that you have to fire all your agencies every 6 months Why?
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump Admin releases Anthropic Mythos to be used by more than 100 US companies, agencies

Over 100 companies and government agencies are reportedly authorized to use Mythos 5, including their non-American employees.

More: Trump Admin releases Anthropic Mythos to be used by more than 100 US companies, agencies. Over 100 companies and government agencies are reportedly authorized to use Mythos 5, including their non-American employees.
TL;DR: Over 100 companies and government agencies are reportedly authorized to use Mythos 5, including their non-American employees.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

FTC gives Musk the OK to acquire SpaceX alumni startup Mesh

Mesh came out of stealth in February with a $50 million Series A.

More: FTC gives Musk the OK to acquire SpaceX alumni startup Mesh. Mesh came out of stealth in February with a $50 million Series A.
TL;DR: Mesh came out of stealth in February with a $50 million Series A.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Corgi, the buzzy Y Combinator-backed insurance tech startup, says it didn’t steal an open source product

Corgi became embroiled in controversy when Papermark accused it of stealing its software. Corgi says it did not, raising new questions about vibe coding.

More: Corgi, the buzzy Y Combinator-backed insurance tech startup, says it didn’t steal an open source product. Corgi became embroiled in controversy when Papermark accused it of stealing its software. Corgi says it did not, raising new questions about vibe coding.
TL;DR: Corgi became embroiled in controversy when Papermark accused it of stealing its software.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Trump threatens 100% tariff on European nations over tech tax

The US president says "Numerous European countries" have been discussing bringing in such a levy.

More: Trump threatens 100% tariff on European nations over tech tax. The US president says "Numerous European countries" have been discussing bringing in such a levy.
TL;DR: The US president says "Numerous European countries" have been discussing bringing in such a levy.
Read original at Bbc
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Ryanair 'reluctantly' ends mandatory fees for parents to sit with children amid investigation

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary blasted regulators as the airline ended its $10.70 fee for families to sit together following a CMA investigation.

More: New York Apartment Association CEO slams the city's 'disastrous' housing policy AI boom creates blue collar job surge, tech giants invest in skilled trades Retired bomb squad officer trades explosives for espresso, builds thriving bakery business Journalist warns middle child archetype risks extinction Dagen McDowell questions whether homeownership is suitable for everyone ami…
TL;DR: Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary blasted regulators as the airline ended its $10.70 fee for families to sit together following a CMA investigation.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Hightouch (YC S19) Is Hiring

We are a small team of kind and talented people View open positions Let’s grow together At Hightouch, we’re committed to helping our customers, business, and employees grow.

More: Hightouch (YC S19) Is Hiring. As a series D startup backed by top investors, we are determined to continuously raise the bar and provide the best product in the market. Grow your career in a fast paced environment that values creative thinking and innovation.
TL;DR: We are a small team of kind and talented people View open positions Let’s grow together At Hightouch, we’re committed to helping our customers, business, and employees grow.
Read original at Hightouch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: AI Drives Another Spree Of Megadeals

This week, most of the largest U.S. startup funding rounds centered around the sector one would suspect: artificial intelligence. Beyond that, the next-biggest area for startup funding was biotech.

More: The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds: AI Drives Another Spree Of Megadeals. startup funding rounds centered around the sector one would suspect: artificial intelligence. Beyond that, the next-biggest area for startup funding was biotech.
TL;DR: Beyond that, the next-biggest area for startup funding was biotech.
Read original at News
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

OpenAI poaches Uber India chief to lead its biggest market outside the U.S.

The hire marks OpenAI's latest push into India, expanding offices, partnerships and hiring.

More: OpenAI poaches Uber India chief to lead its biggest market outside the U.S.. The hire marks OpenAI's latest push into India, expanding offices, partnerships and hiring.
TL;DR: The hire marks OpenAI's latest push into India, expanding offices, partnerships and hiring.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Why everyone from OpenAI to SpaceX is building their own chips (and turning up the heat on Nvidia)

Nvidia has dominated the AI chip market for years, but the era of total dependence might be ending.   OpenAI just shared its plans to spice things up with Jalapeño, its custom inference chip built with Broadcom, joining Google, Apple, and SpaceX in a growing list of companies building their way out of single-supplier risk. The goal is less of a […]

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. You can contact or verify outreach from Theresa by emailing [email protected] .
TL;DR: Nvidia has dominated the AI chip market for years, but the era of total dependence might be ending.   OpenAI just shared its plans to spice things up with Jalapeño, its custom inference chip built with Broadcom, joining Google, Apple, and SpaceX in a growing list of companies building their way out of single-supplier risk.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Russian hackers were behind $2.5 billion hack of Jaguar Land Rover: report

The hack on car giant Jaguar Land Rover last year was one the most disrupting, damaging, and costly hacks of the last few years.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. government decided to bail out the company with a £1.5 billion (around $2 billion) payment, and estimates say the hack cost the British economy $2.5 billion.  For months, there was only speculation about who did it.
TL;DR: The hack on car giant Jaguar Land Rover last year was one the most disrupting, damaging, and costly hacks of the last few years.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Liva AI (YC S25) Is Hiring

Liva AI is a multimodal data company. Our mission is to help build more inclusive and emotionally intelligent AI that can interact with people more naturally.

More: Liva AI (YC S25) Is Hiring. Our mission is to help build more inclusive and emotionally intelligent AI that can interact with people more naturally. We’re already a partner to frontier AI labs and voice agent companies.
TL;DR: Liva AI is a multimodal data company.
Read original at Ycombinator
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Tesla settles FSD crash lawsuit as federal investigations continue

The lawsuit was connected to a fatal 2023 crash involving a vehicle using the company's advanced driver assistance system known as Full Self-Driving.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. The lawsuit was filed against Tesla and the driver by the daughter of Johna Story, a 71-year-old woman who was struck by a Tesla Model Y.
TL;DR: The lawsuit was connected to a fatal 2023 crash involving a vehicle using the company's advanced driver assistance system known as Full Self-Driving.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Xprize founder says ‘humans behave better when they’re being watched’

Peter Diamandis is the latest tech executive to argue that global surveillance will make the world a better place, following Larry Ellison's comments in 2024.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.
TL;DR: Peter Diamandis is the latest tech executive to argue that global surveillance will make the world a better place, following Larry Ellison's comments in 2024.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Stark bags €500M, Tech.eu Funding Explorer launched, and Luxembourg's big ambitions

This week, we tracked more than 75 tech funding deals worth over €2.1 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing, you c...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: This week, we tracked more than 75 tech funding deals worth over €2.1 billion and over 5 exits, M&A transactions, rumours, and related news stories across Europe.If email is more your thing, you c...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Tech CEO predicts AI glasses will turn Americans into 'walking cameras' as next tech era arrives

AI smart glasses will see, hear, and read what users do, says Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, as 6G technology reshapes mobile devices and everyday life.

More: Rum Group CEO: We're moving into an agentic AI future California to Florida exodus 2.0 looms as tech IPOs will fuel ‘biggest cash day’ employees ‘have ever seen’ Karol Markowicz: This idea is 'absurd' 'Like heaven with a lot of money': Top agent goes inside Miami's oldest neighborhood $8 a gallon and nowhere to go: Inside the lives of 'miserable' Californian drivers Maher call…
TL;DR: AI smart glasses will see, hear, and read what users do, says Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, as 6G technology reshapes mobile devices and everyday life.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Robotaxis drives miles just to get cleaned and charged; this new startup wants to fix that

Aseon Labs, which came out of Y Combinator's 2026 spring cohort, has raised $10 million from Crane Venture Partners and others.

More: Robotaxis drives miles just to get cleaned and charged; this new startup wants to fix that. Aseon Labs, which came out of Y Combinator's 2026 spring cohort, has raised $10 million from Crane Venture Partners and others.
TL;DR: Aseon Labs, which came out of Y Combinator's 2026 spring cohort, has raised $10 million from Crane Venture Partners and others.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Early Bird pricing ends tonight for TechCrunch Founder Summit

Save up to $190 on your pass to TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026. Early Bird pricing ends today, at 11:59 p.m. PT, after which rates increase. Register now.

More: Early Bird pricing ends tonight for TechCrunch Founder Summit. Early Bird pricing ends today, at 11:59 p.m. PT, after which rates increase.
TL;DR: Save up to $190 on your pass to TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntTechCrunchStartup SchoolWikipedia

We Crossed 200,000 YouTube Subscribers: The Fastest-Growing Content Is Us Running AI Agents in Public

This week the SaaStr AI YouTube channel passed 200,000 subscribers 11.7 million views and 1,022,350 hours watched, which is roughly 116 years of continuous watch time. Average view duration sits at 5 minutes 50 seconds. People aren’t bouncing. A year ago, the most-watched content on this channel was about how B2B companies scale. Pricing, sales... Continue Reading

More: We Crossed 200,000 YouTube Subscribers: The Fastest-Growing Content Is Us Running AI Agents in Public. Average view duration sits at 5 minutes 50 seconds. A year ago, the most-watched content on this channel was about how B2B companies scale.
TL;DR: This week the SaaStr AI YouTube channel passed 200,000 subscribers 11.7 million views and 1,022,350 hours watched, which is roughly 116 years of continuous watch time.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple raises iPad and MacBook prices as memory chip costs surge

Apple raised prices on iPad, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, HomePod, and Apple TV as memory and storage chip costs surge amid AI industry growth.

More: Wall Street's tech selloff accelerates as investors ditch AI winners for industrial stocks Market expert Mark Mahaney reveals why he 'remains constructive' on Google Market strategist warns AI spending boom is nearing a tipping point as tech sell-off deepens We're entering a 'new phase' of AI, Qualcomm CEO says Expert warns that China's political theater shouldn't be 'tossed a…
TL;DR: Apple raised prices on iPad, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, HomePod, and Apple TV as memory and storage chip costs surge amid AI industry growth.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

AI minister shuns ChatGPT for ministerial business

As an enthusiastic proponent of AI, one might expect the UK’s AI minister to be a keen user of ChatGPT or other popular AI chatbots in the course of his ministerial duties- perhaps to make his days mo...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: As an enthusiastic proponent of AI, one might expect the UK’s AI minister to be a keen user of ChatGPT or other popular AI chatbots in the course of his ministerial duties- perhaps to make his days mo...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

20VC x SaaStr: Google Loses Two Generational Scientists in 48 Hours, the $725B Question Wall Street Is Finally Asking, and Why #3 in AI Is a Death Sentence

With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll Every week, Harry, Rory, and I sit down to argue about what’s actually happening in AI and B2B. This week I was back from two weeks in China, where it’s a parallel universe of DeepSeek and Gemini, and where I finally understood the sovereignty argument in a... Continue Reading

More: 20VC x SaaStr: Google Loses Two Generational Scientists in 48 Hours, the $725B Question Wall Street Is Finally Asking, and Why #3 in AI Is a Death Sentence. With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll Every week, Harry, Rory, and I sit down to argue about what’s actually happening in AI and B2B.
TL;DR: With Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, and Rory O’Driscoll Every week, Harry, Rory, and I sit down to argue about what’s actually happening in AI and B2B.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

6 Startup Investors On What It Will Take To Fund More Black Founders

In the final installment of our series on the state of venture investment to Black-founded startups, six investors offer their advice for overlooked founders and explain how the venture industry can broaden access to capital by rethinking sourcing, networks and long-held investing patterns.

More: Editor’s note: This article is the third in a three-part series on the state of venture investment to Black-founded startups in 2026. Driving these reports is data from Crunchbase’s Diversity Spotlight feature, which offers insight into diversity in startups’ and investment firms’ leadership teams.
TL;DR: In the final installment of our series on the state of venture investment to Black-founded startups, six investors offer their advice for overlooked founders and explain how the venture industry can broaden access to capital by rethinking sourcing, networks and long-held investing patterns.
Read original at News
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Seraphim Space CEO: “Europe is catching up”

The CEO of UK-based spacetech investor Seraphim Space says Europe is “catching up” to US spacetech, powered by the SpaceX IPO, increased deal sizes, and European spacetech startups pivoting to defence...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content.   Speaking on the Tech.eu podcast, Mark Boggett, co-founder and CEO of Seraphim Space , discusses the recent SpaceX IPO, its impact on the European spacetech sector, as well as the investment landscape, and European sovereignty.
TL;DR: The CEO of UK-based spacetech investor Seraphim Space says Europe is “catching up” to US spacetech, powered by the SpaceX IPO, increased deal sizes, and European spacetech startups pivoting to defence...
Read original at Tech
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

How HappyFox Closed $1M in Expansion on a $20 AI Agent Spend with CEO Shalin Jain

Most B2B companies pour money into the top of the funnel. More leads, better conversion, bigger ad spend. The cheapest growth they have is already sitting inside their own customer base, and almost nobody is mining it. At SaaStr AI 2026, Shalin Jain, founder and CEO of HappyFox, walked through exactly how his team did... Continue Reading

More: How HappyFox Closed $1M in Expansion on a $20 AI Agent Spend with CEO Shalin Jain. More leads, better conversion, bigger ad spend. At SaaStr AI 2026, Shalin Jain, founder and CEO of HappyFox, walked through exactly how his team did...
TL;DR: Most B2B companies pour money into the top of the funnel.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Companies bought the AI. Now they need people to use it

Louise Ballard, co-founder and CEO of Atheni AI, has a mission — to ensure that when it comes to AI, nobody gets left behind. “As AI becomes embedded across every profession, we don't want to create a...

More: Companies bought the AI. Now they need people to use it. “As AI becomes embedded across every profession, we don't want to create a...
TL;DR: Louise Ballard, co-founder and CEO of Atheni AI, has a mission — to ensure that when it comes to AI, nobody gets left behind.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Backed by Lakestar, Seedcamp and EWOR, SE3 unveils spatial AI platform for autonomous systems

Spatial AI company SE3 Labs today emerges from stealth. SE3 builds foundational spatial intelligence technology for the next generation of autonomous systems. As autonomous systems operate in increas...

More: Backed by Lakestar, Seedcamp and EWOR, SE3 unveils spatial AI platform for autonomous systems. SE3 builds foundational spatial intelligence technology for the next generation of autonomous systems. As autonomous systems operate in increas...
TL;DR: Spatial AI company SE3 Labs today emerges from stealth.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

California voters to consider ballot measure to increase taxes on billionaires

California voters will decide on a ballot measure imposing a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, despite opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

More: Trump orders DOJ gas price probe as ex-Energy chief says oil producers don’t set prices Mamdani's endorsements are 'dangerous': Kellyanne Conway Inside challenges American farmers are facing I haven't heard one Democrat talk about this: Rep.
TL;DR: California voters will decide on a ballot measure imposing a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, despite opposition from Gov.
Read original at Foxbusiness
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

The White House is asking OpenAI to slow roll the release of its new model over safety concerns

penAI reportedly plans to share its newest model, GPT 5.6, with a select group of partners instead of to the broader public. The reason: the Trump administration told it to.

More: The White House is asking OpenAI to slow roll the release of its new model over safety concerns. penAI reportedly plans to share its newest model, GPT 5.6, with a select group of partners instead of to the broader public. The reason: the Trump administration told it to.
TL;DR: penAI reportedly plans to share its newest model, GPT 5.6, with a select group of partners instead of to the broader public.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Patronus AI lands $50M to build ‘digital worlds’ that stress-test AI agents

Agent testing startup Patronus AI, founded by former Meta AI researchers, is experienced nearly insatiable demand, its investor says.

More: Patronus AI lands $50M to build ‘digital worlds’ that stress-test AI agents. Agent testing startup Patronus AI, founded by former Meta AI researchers, is experienced nearly insatiable demand, its investor says.
TL;DR: Agent testing startup Patronus AI, founded by former Meta AI researchers, is experienced nearly insatiable demand, its investor says.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Anthropic’s Claude is winning over paid consumers, a market owned by ChatGPT

Despite ChatGPT's commanding market lead, consumers who pay for AI have been increasingly choosing Anthropic's Claude, data shows.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. This is a sign that the AI lab has a wider and healthier set of customers than the niche it is generally considered to command — enterprise and startup developers using Claude Code. It shows Claude’s paying consumers and revenue growing, month by month, currently up about 75% since January 2026 among this segment.
TL;DR: Despite ChatGPT's commanding market lead, consumers who pay for AI have been increasingly choosing Anthropic's Claude, data shows.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

General Intuition’s $2.3B bet that video games can train AI agents for the real world

General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.

More: General Intuition’s $2.3B bet that video games can train AI agents for the real world. General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.
TL;DR: General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Hacked Klue says criminals are deleting stolen customer data, but now other hackers are making threats

Market research company Klue told customers that it believes the hacking group that stole their data is now deleting it. The company, however, warned about a second group of hackers wanting ransom.

More: Hacked Klue says criminals are deleting stolen customer data, but now other hackers are making threats. Market research company Klue told customers that it believes the hacking group that stole their data is now deleting it. The company, however, warned about a second group of hackers wanting ransom.
TL;DR: Market research company Klue told customers that it believes the hacking group that stole their data is now deleting it.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: CrunchbaseTechCrunchY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

From Fortnite to robots: General Intuition raises $2.3B on bet that video games can train AI agents for the real world

General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.

More: From Fortnite to robots: General Intuition raises $2.3B on bet that video games can train AI agents for the real world. General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.
TL;DR: General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntStartup SchoolWikipedia

Rippling now wants to be your entire data stack

"There were employees doing things like, 'Claude is so helpful for me — it analyzes my calendar and my email and puts together a plan for me,'" he says. "That person was spending at a run rate of $30,000 a year for this."

More: Rippling now wants to be your entire data stack. "There were employees doing things like, 'Claude is so helpful for me — it analyzes my calendar and my email and puts together a plan for me,'" he says. "That person was spending at a run rate of $30,000 a year for this."
TL;DR: "There were employees doing things like, 'Claude is so helpful for me — it analyzes my calendar and my email and puts together a plan for me,'" he says.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Y CombinatorProduct HuntY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Google Finance gets a dedicated app for Android

Users will be able to access their watchlists, real-time market data, live financial news, and Google's AI-powered "Key Moments" feature, which explains why stocks moved.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. The app is launching on Android first, and Google says it will launch an iOS version in the coming months. The tech giant also said its new AI-powered Google Finance web experience , unveiled last year, is coming out of beta with new features.
TL;DR: Users will be able to access their watchlists, real-time market data, live financial news, and Google's AI-powered "Key Moments" feature, which explains why stocks moved.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: TechCrunchCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

ARX Robotics and Roboneers form ARX Industries to scale unmanned ground vehicle production

German company ARX Robotics and Ukraine's Roboneers today announced the formation of ARX Industries, a joint venture to industrialise the mass production of unmanned ground vehicles. The new entity wi...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: German company ARX Robotics and Ukraine's Roboneers today announced the formation of ARX Industries, a joint venture to industrialise the mass production of unmanned ground vehicles.
Read original at Tech
Further reading: Product HuntCrunchbaseStartup SchoolWikipedia

Netris raises $15M Series A from a16z to help AI neoclouds go live faster

Netris provides software that runs on network switches, and offers a platform that helps neocloud operators reduce the time it takes to go live.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. AI Netris raises $15M Series A from a16z to help AI neoclouds go live faster Ram Iyer 7:55 AM PDT · June 25, 2026 The AI boom has encouraged everyone and their uncle to launch a data center business.
TL;DR: Netris provides software that runs on network switches, and offers a platform that helps neocloud operators reduce the time it takes to go live.
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

Apple raises Mac and iPad prices, spares iPhone for now

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. The desktop-class Mac Studio now costs $2,499, up from $1,999 iPads also received a price bump: the Air now costs $749, up from $599, and the Pro now costs $1,199, up from $999. The base iPad model with A16 chip now costs $449 instead of $349, and the iPad Mini with the A17 chip costs $599 instead of $499.
TL;DR: Apple raises prices of MacBook Air and Pro along with iPad Air and Pro
Read original at Techcrunch
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorStartup SchoolWikipedia

Serpier raises €1.4M to help online retailers improve digital visibility

Danishmartech startup Serpier has raised €1.4 million in funding from True Collectiveand the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) to expand its AI-poweredmarketing platform for e-commerce busi...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Danishmartech startup Serpier has raised €1.4 million in funding from True Collectiveand the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) to expand its AI-poweredmarketing platform for e-commerce busi...
Read original at Tech
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2 days left to save up to $190: Join 1,000+ founders and investors at TechCrunch Founder Summit

2 days left to lock in your spot at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 and save up to $190 before Early Bird rates expire on June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Register here.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founders rarely scale alone. Every session, discussion, and networking opportunity is built around the challenges of starting, scaling, and funding a company.
TL;DR: 2 days left to lock in your spot at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 and save up to $190 before Early Bird rates expire on June 26 at 11:59 p.m.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Amjad Masad and Me at SaaStr AI 2026: The Agents We Actually Built, and What Replit’s Founder Thinks Comes Next

We we fortunate enough to get Amjad Masad, co-founder and CEO of Replit, on stage live at SaaStr AI 2026 to react in real time to the agents we run SaaStrAI on. Not a demo deck. The actual AI agents doing the actual work: 10K (our AIVP of Marketing), QBee (our AI Customer Success rep),... Continue Reading

More: We we fortunate enough to get Amjad Masad, co-founder and CEO of Replit, on stage live at SaaStr AI 2026 to react in real time to the agents we run SaaStrAI on. The actual AI agents doing the actual work: 10K (our AIVP of Marketing), QBee (our AI Customer Success rep),...
TL;DR: We we fortunate enough to get Amjad Masad, co-founder and CEO of Replit, on stage live at SaaStr AI 2026 to react in real time to the agents we run SaaStrAI on.
Read original at Saastr
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Amazon ups India bet with fresh $13B AI infrastructure investment

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs for all-day bootcamp.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. In 2023, following a meeting between Jassy and Modi, the company said it would invest $15 billion by 2030, including $12.7 billion for Amazon Web Services. The company’s investment commitments in the country now total $48 billion.
TL;DR: Amazon’s latest India investment comes as global tech companies race to expand AI infrastructure in the country.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Cursor Deal Puts US On Track For Record Startup M&A Year

While SpaceX’s $60 billion acquisition of Anysphere dominates the headlines, a number of other multibillion-dollar transactions have also closed this year. We take a look at the 10 largest M&A deals so far in 2026.

More: Cursor Deal Puts US On Track For Record Startup M&A Year. While SpaceX’s $60 billion acquisition of Anysphere dominates the headlines, a number of other multibillion-dollar transactions have also closed this year. We take a look at the 10 largest M&A deals so far in 2026.
TL;DR: While SpaceX’s $60 billion acquisition of Anysphere dominates the headlines, a number of other multibillion-dollar transactions have also closed this year.
Read original at News
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Blue Lake VC closes in on first fund with British Business Bank backing for immigrant-led startups

UK-based Blue Lake VC has secured a cornerstone commitment from the British Business Bank, the UK’s largest institutional investor in venture capital. Ukrainians David Gilgur and Lyubov Guk, founding...

More: Blue Lake VC closes in on first fund with British Business Bank backing for immigrant-led startups. UK-based Blue Lake VC has secured a cornerstone commitment from the British Business Bank, the UK’s largest institutional investor in venture capital. Ukrainians David Gilgur and Lyubov Guk, founding...
TL;DR: UK-based Blue Lake VC has secured a cornerstone commitment from the British Business Bank, the UK’s largest institutional investor in venture capital.
Read original at Tech
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French health insurance outfit Alan agrees €480M funding round

French health insurance company Alan says it has reached an agreement on a €480m funding round, valuing it at €5.5bn. The new Series G funding round follows just months after Alan announced a €100m ...

More: French health insurance outfit Alan agrees €480M funding round. French health insurance company Alan says it has reached an agreement on a €480m funding round, valuing it at €5.5bn. The new Series G funding round follows just months after Alan announced a €100m ...
TL;DR: French health insurance company Alan says it has reached an agreement on a €480m funding round, valuing it at €5.5bn.
Read original at Tech
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Booking.com for Business Shipped a Free Expense Tool in 6 Weeks. Don’t Copy the Tool, Copy the Sequence.

Booking.com for Business Built a Free Expense Product in 6 Weeks. The Lesson Isn’t About Expenses. Booking.com for Business has been coming to SaaStr for 4 years. Joshua Wood, who runs the business, opened their AI Annual session with a line that runs against every booth on the floor: “In four or five years, no... Continue Reading

More: Booking.com for Business Shipped a Free Expense Tool in 6 Weeks. Booking.com for Business has been coming to SaaStr for 4 years. Joshua Wood, who runs the business, opened their AI Annual session with a line that runs against every booth on the floor: “In four or five years, no...
TL;DR: Booking.com for Business Built a Free Expense Product in 6 Weeks.
Read original at Saastr
Further reading: Product HuntY CombinatorY Combinator LibraryWikipedia

US economy grew at 2.1% in first quarter

First-quarter GDP grew at 2.1%, above the expected 1.6%, as equipment investment in AI and computers along with consumer spending led growth.

More: Jason Trennert on Fed's 'internecine battles' over rates Navarro demands Congress subpoena Fauci following Tulsi Gabbard's COVID file release Byron Donalds rips 'lazy' Senate for stalling Trump's agenda Mark Tepper on what's boosting Micron: No one is looking at this 'demand story' Democratic Party divide escalates over socialist primary wins in New York Congressman Donalds sl…
TL;DR: First-quarter GDP grew at 2.1%, above the expected 1.6%, as equipment investment in AI and computers along with consumer spending led growth.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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Wayout raises €2.42M to scale decentralised drinking water infrastructure platform

Wayout International, the Swedish developer of Distributed Drinking Water Infrastructure, today announced the successful closing of a €2.42 million (SEK 26.6 million) Series A extension. The round was...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Wayout International, the Swedish developer of Distributed Drinking Water Infrastructure, today announced the successful closing of a €2.42 million (SEK 26.6 million) Series A extension.
Read original at Tech
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Kalipso raises $3.2M to scale regulatory compliance platform

Barcelona-based Kalipso, a regulatorytechnology platform built by lawyers and engineers to help organisationsoperationalise regulatory change, has raised $3.2 million in funding. The roundwas backed b...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Barcelona-based Kalipso, a regulatorytechnology platform built by lawyers and engineers to help organisationsoperationalise regulatory change, has raised $3.2 million in funding.
Read original at Tech
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Almetra secures €16.3M Series A to drive smarter manufacturing

Berlin-basedmanufacturing intelligence company Almetra, formerly known as Deltia, hasraised €16.3 million in a Series A funding round led by blisce/, with participation from NAP, Merantix Capital, Rob...

More: Tech.eu Insights creates insight and guides strategies with its comprehensive content and reports. Browse popular Insights content. Europe’s tech funding cools in April as investors grow more selective Fewer deals, bigger bets: Europe’s venture market resets in Q1 2026 Funding dips, but fundamentals hold: European tech raises €7.5B in March February funding rebounds to €7.
TL;DR: Berlin-basedmanufacturing intelligence company Almetra, formerly known as Deltia, hasraised €16.3 million in a Series A funding round led by blisce/, with participation from NAP, Merantix Capital, Rob...
Read original at Tech
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Attraction tax cut welcomed by businesses

Plans to cut prices at family attractions over the summer holidays will be a "wonderful initiative" to help more people visit, a business has said.

More: Plans to cut prices at family attractions over the summer holidays will be a "wonderful initiative" to help more people visit, a business has said. "It's a wonderful initiative that looks to provide a bit of tax relief through the summer holidays. Discounts from the VAT cut are expected to be passed on to customers, a government spokesperson said.
TL;DR: VAT will be cut on children's meals and tickets to some attractions across Surrey and the UK.
Read original at Bbc
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Europe is pushing back on Washington’s chip war

As ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet told TechCrunch in May, what China can currently buy are older-generation deep ultraviolet tools — gear first shipped about a decade ago — the same machines the MATCH Act would now put off limits.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Founder Summit ticket savings of up to $190 end June 26. ASML, based in the Netherlands, is Europe’s most valuable company and the only maker in the world of the sophisticated lithography machines that are used to make cutting-edge AI chips.
TL;DR: As ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet told TechCrunch in May, what China can currently buy are older-generation deep ultraviolet tools — gear first shipped about a decade ago — the same machines the MATCH Act would now put off limits.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Former Infosys chief has a new startup that wants to challenge the IT services world

Backed by Mayfield and Aramco Ventures, Vishal Sikka’s new venture brings together veterans from SAP, Infosys, and VianAI.

More: Former Infosys chief has a new startup that wants to challenge the IT services world. Backed by Mayfield and Aramco Ventures, Vishal Sikka’s new venture brings together veterans from SAP, Infosys, and VianAI.
TL;DR: Backed by Mayfield and Aramco Ventures, Vishal Sikka’s new venture brings together veterans from SAP, Infosys, and VianAI.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Cerebras stock plunges after earnings as CEO says margin outlook was misunderstood

In its first earnings report since going public, the AI chipmaker forecast a narrower gross margin in its core business, scaring investors.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. The stock hit a new low on Wednesday, almost hitting the company’s IPO price. Net loss narrowed to $14 million, down from $23.9 million a year earlier.
TL;DR: In its first earnings report since going public, the AI chipmaker forecast a narrower gross margin in its core business, scaring investors.
Read original at Techcrunch
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AI was supposed to kill engineering jobs, but new data suggests they’re the most resilient

While AI dominates the layoff narrative, engineers are actually making up a larger share of new hires, according to SignalFire data.

More: The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. AI AI was supposed to kill engineering jobs, but new data suggests they’re the most resilient Marina Temkin 2:56 PM PDT · June 24, 2026 Whether AI is already replacing jobs is the subject of fierce debate.
TL;DR: While AI dominates the layoff narrative, engineers are actually making up a larger share of new hires, according to SignalFire data.
Read original at Techcrunch
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The memory chip crunch is paying off for this U.S. company

Revenue quadrupled to $41.45 billion compared with the same period a year ago. The company's profit, meanwhile, rose from $1.88 billion to an incredible $28.2 billion year-over-year.

More: The memory chip crunch is paying off for this U.S. Revenue quadrupled to $41.45 billion compared with the same period a year ago. The company's profit, meanwhile, rose from $1.88 billion to an incredible $28.2 billion year-over-year.
TL;DR: Revenue quadrupled to $41.45 billion compared with the same period a year ago.
Read original at Techcrunch
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Elon Musk loses trillionaire status after tech sell-off erases billions from fortune

Elon Musk's net worth has dropped below $1 trillion after SpaceX and Tesla shares fell during a broader tech sell-off, less than two weeks after the milestone.

More: Flex CEO: We will be one of the largest electrical businesses in the industry Emerging markets are ‘adjacent to AI’ with strong earnings power, Guidestone CIO says Larry Kudlow: This a 'good time' to try diplomacy with Iran on 'its knees' Charles Payne critiques financial media's 'doom and gloom' market predictions Investor concerns grow as AI stocks surge ahead Market diverge…
TL;DR: Elon Musk's net worth has dropped below $1 trillion after SpaceX and Tesla shares fell during a broader tech sell-off, less than two weeks after the milestone.
Read original at Foxbusiness
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