Category: Startup

IntrCity SmartBus, a tech-enabled intercity bus platform in India, has secured $30 million in funding to expand its network across smaller cities and towns in the country. The recent all-equity Series D round, led by A91 Partners, has placed the Noida-based startup at a valuation of $140 million post-money.

The growing demand for intercity travel in India, driven by population shifts towards major cities for employment and education, has fueled significant growth for IntrCity SmartBus. As the national highway network in India has expanded by over 60% in the past decade, reaching 145,000 kilometers, the need for efficient long-distance road travel solutions has become paramount.

Unlike traditional bus operators, IntrCity SmartBus operates on an asset-light model by collaborating with local bus owners and integrating their vehicles with in-house hardware for real-time tracking. The startup’s digital platform streamlines ticket booking, route planning, service frequency determination, pickup points, boarding stations, and seat configurations based on demand.

To enhance safety and consistency, each bus is staffed with trained personnel known as ‘captains’, and most buses are equipped with washrooms. IntrCity SmartBus also offers air-conditioned boarding lounges with dedicated crew to elevate the pre-departure experience for passengers.

Source: TechCrunch

geCKo Materials, the runner-up of the 2024 TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield, returned to this year’s event by introducing four new products that demonstrate the versatility and strength of its dry adhesive technology.

CEO Dr. Capella Kerst showcased the practical applications of geCKo’s adhesive, including a semiconductor wafer handling tool, a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces like solar panels, a curved robotic end effector for irregular shapes, and a versatile gripper for robotic arms. Inspired by the adhesive capabilities of lizards’ feet, geCKo’s technology offers a residue-free, reusable, and highly adhesive solution that can support significant weight and endure multiple attachments. The company’s dry adhesive has garnered interest from industry leaders such as Ford, NASA, and Pacific Gas & Electric.

Kerst highlighted geCKo Materials’ rapid growth, having tripled the team size and completed an $8 million fundraising round since the previous year. The company’s dry adhesive has even been utilized in space missions, proving its adaptability and reliability across diverse environments, including vacuum conditions.

During the TechCrunch Disrupt presentation, Kerst showcased how geCKo’s adhesive enhanced the efficiency of semiconductor wafer handling and robotic applications, demonstrating the technology’s capabilities.

Source: TechCrunch

India’s tech landscape is witnessing the rapid expansion of on-demand home services, with Snabbit, an on-demand home-help startup, recently securing $30 million in new funding. This has doubled the company’s valuation to $180 million in just five months, reflecting the growing demand for instant convenience in the market.

Founded in 2024, Snabbit connects urban households with a range of services like cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry through a network of 5,000 women-led experts. The startup ensures services within 10 minutes by operating in dense residential clusters. Currently serving 40 micro markets in major Indian cities, Snabbit plans to expand further into Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Calcutta soon.

The company’s success is driven by its appeal to users aged 30-40, including bachelors and working professionals, who seek flexible, ad hoc solutions without committing to full-time house help. By addressing inefficiencies in the traditional model, Snabbit has attracted a significant customer base and aims to grow its user count to 400,000 in the near future.

Source: TechCrunch

Glīd, a startup focused on revolutionizing cargo container logistics, emerged as the winner of the Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The company surpassed 199 other competitors to claim the coveted $100,000 prize.

During the three-day event, 20 startups showcased their innovative ideas, with Glīd standing out for its mission to simplify the complex process of container transportation. The company’s flagship product, GliderM, is a hybrid-electric vehicle equipped with a specialized hook that aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in container movement from ships to freight trains.

Selected as one of the five finalists, Glīd impressed the panel of judges, which included notable figures like Aileen Lee and Kevin Rose, with its approach to optimizing container logistics. The startup’s victory underscores the importance of technology-driven solutions in the evolving realm of transportation and supply chain management.

Source: TechCrunch

NBA champion Tristan Thompson has partnered with global telecom company World Mobile to unveil Uplift, a community-owned mobile network. The network, showcased at TechCrunch Disrupt, offers unlimited data plans starting at $9.99 per month.

Uplift leverages blockchain technology and a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). Each Uplift subscription contributes to expanding the network at the neighborhood level. Local hosts, known as ‘AirNode operators,’ will receive a share of network revenue for providing community coverage. The initiative aims to disrupt the centralized model of the $2 trillion telecom industry by enabling users and local operators to mutually benefit from the network’s value creation.

Thompson, recognized for his NBA achievements, also holds key roles in the Web3 and fintech sectors. Through this collaboration with World Mobile, Thompson seeks to empower communities with an affordable and community-driven mobile network.

Source: TechCrunch

Bending Spoons, a prominent European mobile app developer, has announced plans to acquire AOL from Yahoo, backed by the private equity firm Apollo. This strategic move, involving a $2.8 billion debt financing package, signifies a significant shift in the digital landscape.

The acquisition, set to finalize by the end of the year pending regulatory approvals, reflects Bending Spoons’ confidence in AOL’s potential. Bending Spoons’ CEO, Luca Ferrari, highlighted AOL’s robust user base, noting its status as one of the world’s top ten email providers with millions of active users.

While this acquisition comes as no surprise following previous reports of Yahoo negotiating the sale, it marks a new chapter for AOL, once a digital pioneer renowned for its email services and iconic ‘You’ve Got Mail’ notification. AOL’s journey has seen various ownership changes, from Time Warner to Verizon Communications.

This purchase adds to Bending Spoons’ expanding portfolio of American brands, including Vimeo, Evernote, and Meetup, underscoring the company’s commitment to nurturing acquired businesses and serving a diverse consumer base.

Source: TechCrunch

Charter Space, a fintech company in the space industry, is revolutionizing spacecraft insurance with its innovative approach. Founded by Yuk Chi Chan in 2021, Charter Space aims to streamline risk evaluation processes for spacecraft insurance, offering faster, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions.

Chan’s experience as a mission manager highlighted the inefficiencies in managing critical data across different platforms. This led him to create a unified interface that simplifies data representation for various stakeholders. Charter Space acts as a fintech platform for the space sector, capturing manufacturing and test data to enhance underwriting processes.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Charter Space is a Startup Battlefield Top 20 finalist, showcasing its groundbreaking technology that integrates directly with major insurance carriers. The company’s vision extends beyond insurance, aiming to facilitate new forms of credit and funding for space companies.

Tech enthusiasts at the event will have the opportunity to witness Charter Space’s impact on the space industry. By leveraging fintech principles, Charter Space is poised to transform how spacecraft insurance is evaluated and open up new avenues for financial support in the space sector.

Source: TechCrunch

Unthread, a startup in the tech industry, is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their Slack communications. CEO and co-founder Tom Bachant identified inefficiencies in Slack-based support interactions and founded Unthread to streamline the process using AI-powered support bots. Unthread’s approach aims to automate a significant portion of support tasks for clients like Intuit, Lemonade, and Automattic, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

By integrating AI technology into Slack, Unthread not only automates tasks but also provides valuable insights into underlying issues. This strategic use of AI allows Unthread to create tailored solutions for various departments, including HR, legal, and finance, ultimately leading to a self-updating knowledge base for companies.

Unthread’s tech stack relies heavily on contemporary AI tools, enabling the platform to handle diverse problems at scale. The company’s focus on organization within Slack transforms enterprise communications, offering a more structured and efficient workflow.

Source: TechCrunch

Actor Thomas Middleditch, known for his role in the HBO series ‘Silicon Valley,’ made a surprise appearance at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference. Middleditch took over the presentation of Australian startup Othelia, a Battlefield 200 competitor, which aims to develop a platform for storytellers similar to Cursor.

Amid the activities in the Expo hall, Middleditch engaged with attendees, discussing his perspective on the conference, AI, and his use of AI platforms for his Improv With Robots YouTube channel.

Source: TechCrunch

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 recently showcased the latest innovations in the startup world, revealing the five finalists who will compete for a grand prize of $100,000 in equity-free funding. These finalists were selected from a rigorous process that started with thousands of applicants and culminated in the intensive competition on the Disrupt Stage.

One of the finalists, Charter Space, combines aerospace engineering with fintech to revolutionize spacecraft insurance and funding. By leveraging cutting-edge software and data analytics, Charter Space aims to provide faster and more cost-effective risk evaluation, potentially opening up new avenues for funding in the space industry.

Another finalist, Glīd, focuses on optimizing container logistics by introducing innovative hardware and software solutions. Their flagship product, GliderM, a hybrid-electric vehicle, promises to streamline the movement of shipping containers, reducing both time and costs involved in the process.

MacroCycle, yet another finalist, brings a novel approach to the table with its development of a shortcut…

Source: TechCrunch

Unlisted Homes, a startup featured at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, is introducing a platform that connects homeowners with potential buyers before their properties hit the market. Founded by entrepreneur Katie Hill, Unlisted Homes operates similarly to Zillow but focuses on properties not yet officially for sale.

Hill’s inspiration for Unlisted Homes stemmed from her desire to secure her dream retirement home, which was not currently listed. By engaging in a conversation with her neighbor about purchasing his house in the future, Hill recognized the need for a platform that facilitates such pre-sale connections.

Unlisted Homes leverages public records of over 21 million properties to create detailed profiles for each home, offering prospective buyers insights typically found in traditional real estate listings. The company recently unveiled its iOS app at TechCrunch Disrupt, expanding its accessibility and reach to a broader audience.

This approach not only eases the home buying process for interested individuals but also fosters meaningful connections between potential sellers and buyers, redefining how real estate transactions initiate and progress.

Source: TechCrunch

Aurora, the autonomous-vehicle technology company, has extended its driverless truck route from Fort Worth to El Paso, spanning 600 miles. This expansion follows the success of its initial Dallas-to-Houston route and demonstrates Aurora’s advancements in self-driving technology.

In its recent announcement, Aurora revealed that it has achieved a significant milestone of completing over 100,000 driverless miles on public roads with five self-driving trucks. This progress underscores the company’s commitment to commercializing autonomous transportation services, with plans to further expand to Phoenix by the year’s end.

Aurora has collaborated with Fabrinet to develop next-generation hardware for its self-driving trucks, integrated with Volvo VNL Autonomous vehicles. The new hardware boasts enhanced durability, improved performance, and advanced lidar technology capable of detecting objects up to 1,000 meters away, doubling the range of its predecessor.

This strategic integration signifies an industry advancement, as Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, emphasized the partnership’s role in delivering scalable autonomous solutions tailored for modern supply chain needs.

With Aurora’s expansion into the Fort Worth-to-El Paso route and the introduction of cutting-edge hardware, the autonomous-vehicle sector continues to progress in redefining the future of transportation.

Source: TechCrunch

Mazama Energy, a geothermal startup backed by Khosla Ventures, has achieved a significant milestone in geothermal energy production by drilling the world’s hottest geothermal well. Located in Oregon, the well reached a scorching temperature of 629°F (331°C) at its deepest point, showcasing the potential for geothermal energy to efficiently power thousands of homes.

Mazama Energy aims to explore even hotter rock formations, targeting temperatures up to 750°F (400°C) to produce at least 25 megawatts of electricity per borehole, surpassing current industry standards. Unlike traditional geothermal power plants that tap shallow heat sources, Mazama Energy’s approach delves deeper into the Earth’s crust, accessing more consistent and intense heat reservoirs. This technology not only enhances energy productivity but also expands geothermal energy utilization to wider geographic regions.

Geothermal energy, especially in its enhanced form, offers a reliable 24/7 power supply, attracting interest from tech giants like Google for powering data centers sustainably. Moreover, the potential of tapping into deeper rock formations could significantly contribute to fulfilling the growing energy demands in the United States, with projections suggesting geothermal sources in the Great Basin region alone could meet up to 10% of the country’s current energy needs.

Source: TechCrunch

AccessGrid, a startup founded by Auston Bunsen, has raised $4.4 million in seed funding to revolutionize access control technology by enabling smartphones to act as digital key fobs. Bunsen, previously known for his blockchain developer platform QuickNode, recognized the potential for leveraging Apple and Google’s wallet platforms to streamline access management.

AccessGrid’s innovative APIs allow companies to easily integrate digital key fob functionality directly through popular smartphone wallets. Bunsen highlighted the convenience of unlocking doors with iPhones, emphasizing the seamless integration with Apple Watch and the functionality even when the phone is inactive or powered off.

The startup aims to modernize the outdated access control industry, which has been plagued by on-premises systems and vulnerable technologies from the 1990s. AccessGrid replaces traditional methods with secure, uncloneable credentials issued via encrypted channels that can be promptly revoked through cloud-based controls.

Addressing cybersecurity concerns, Bunsen assured the use of robust encryption mechanisms, including military-grade standards and multi-factor authentication protocols. By prioritizing data security and advanced encryption, AccessGrid strives to set new benchmarks for physical security solutions in line with contemporary standards.

Source: TechCrunch

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is underway, offering a glimpse into the latest tech innovations and the highly anticipated Startup Battlefield. The event, featuring industry leaders and startup pitches, is streaming live via YouTube for tech enthusiasts worldwide.

One of the key speakers is Vinod Khosla, known for his insights on AI, climate, and healthcare. Khosla will provide perspectives on building impactful startups amidst challenging times, emphasizing the need for forward-thinking solutions.

Moreover, the Startup Battlefield, with sessions led by industry experts from Google Cloud, Netflix, and Microsoft, aims to empower startups with essential knowledge and networking opportunities. Over 300 startups across various sectors are set to showcase their ideas, fostering growth and competitiveness in the tech landscape.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 serves as a hub for tech enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge technologies, engage with industry leaders, and witness the evolution of the startup ecosystem. Whether attending in person or through the live stream, participants can expect a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to drive future innovation.

Source: TechCrunch

Sequoia Capital’s managing partner Roelof Botha recently addressed concerns within the tech community over partner Shaun Maguire’s controversial comments. Botha emphasized the firm’s stance on freedom of speech and diversity of viewpoints, highlighting Sequoia’s history of accommodating a range of political perspectives among its partners.

The incident, which involved Maguire criticizing a political candidate, sparked a debate on reputational risks for the renowned venture capital firm that has invested in major tech players like Airbnb and Google. Botha, speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, refrained from discussing the resignation of Sequoia’s COO Sumaiya Balbale, but underscored the importance of embracing ‘spiky’ personalities within the organization.

Sequoia’s response underscores its commitment to fostering a culture that embraces diverse voices and opinions within its ranks, even in the face of controversies that raise questions about the balance between personal opinions and professional affiliations in the tech industry.

Source: TechCrunch