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Tag: TechCrunch

  • AI Chip Startup MatX Secures $500M Series B Funding

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    MatX, a chip startup founded by former Google TPU engineers, has secured a $500 million Series B funding round. The investment was led by Jane Street and Situational Awareness, an investment fund associated with former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner.

    The company aims to enhance its processors to be 10 times more effective at training large language models (LLMs) and producing outcomes compared to Nvidia’s GPUs.

    Additional backers in this funding round include Marvell Technology, NFDG, Spark Capital, and Stripe co-founders Patrick Collison and John Collison. MatX’s CEO Reiner Pope announced the news on LinkedIn.

    MatX, founded in 2023, is preparing to manufacture its chips with TSMC and intends to commence shipments in 2027. Prior to MatX, Pope was involved in AI software development for Google’s TPUs, while co-founder Mike Gunter was a key TPU hardware designer before joining forces to establish the startup.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Uber Leverages AI to Enhance Employee Preparedness for Executive Meetings

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Uber’s technological capabilities extend beyond ride-hailing and food delivery, as CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that engineers have developed an AI chatbot version of himself. This innovation allows employees to practice their presentations by presenting to the AI before crucial meetings with top management.

    In a recent interview on Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, Khosrowshahi shared, “One of my team members told me that some teams have built a Dara AI, you know, so that they basically make the presentation to the Dara AI as a prep for making a presentation to me.” This approach ensures that presentations are meticulously refined before reaching Khosrowshahi.

    Approximately 90% of Uber’s software engineers are actively leveraging AI in their daily tasks, with around 30% considered “power users” of AI tools. This integration of AI is prompting a fundamental reevaluation of the company’s architectural framework, with engineers playing a pivotal role in shaping the system’s design and functionality.

    Khosrowshahi emphasized the significant impact of AI on employee productivity, stating, “It really is changing their productivity in a way that I’ve never, ever seen before.” This strategic adoption of AI reflects Uber’s commitment to technological innovation and optimization in its operations.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Apple Enhances Age-Verification Tools Globally to Comply with Child Safety Regulations

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple is addressing the increasing complexity of age verification laws by launching new tools globally. To adhere to regulations in the U.S. and various countries, Apple will prevent downloads of 18+ rated apps in Brazil, Australia, and Singapore. The company is also enhancing its ‘age assurance’ tools, such as the updated Declared Age Range API, enabling developers to confirm users’ age categories without accessing personal data like birth dates. This move is in response to the surge in government regulations worldwide restricting adult-only apps, like social media platforms, from underage users.

    In Brazil, developers can utilize the Declared Age Range API to identify users’ age categories if individuals or their guardians opt to disclose this information. Furthermore, Apple will restrict users in Australia, Brazil, and Singapore from downloading 18+ rated apps until age verification is completed. For games with loot boxes, considered inappropriate for minors by lawmakers, age ratings will be adjusted to 18+ for Brazilian users.

    In the U.S., new users in Utah and Louisiana will soon have their age categories shared with app developers through the Declared Age Range API. Apple has expanded its suite of tools concerning age ratings and permissions to meet compliance standards.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Multiverse Computing Unveils Compressed AI Model to Enhance Accessibility

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Spanish startup Multiverse Computing has introduced a new version of its HyperNova 60B AI model, leveraging CompactifAI, a compression technology inspired by quantum computing. By releasing a compressed AI model for free on Hugging Face, Multiverse Computing aims to make cutting-edge AI models more accessible for practical deployment by companies.

    The updated HyperNova 60B 2602 model, at 32GB, is significantly smaller than its predecessor, OpenAI’s GPT-OSS-120B, while maintaining high accuracy and performance. The model now offers enhanced support for tool calling and agentic coding, addressing challenges in inference costs.

    Multiverse Computing’s HyperNova 60B model has outperformed competitors like Mistral AI’s Mistral Large 3, showcasing the company’s technical expertise. Both Multiverse Computing and Mistral AI are European companies with global expansion and enterprise clientele, with Multiverse serving customers like Iberdrola, Bosch, and the Bank of Canada.

    As Multiverse Computing continues to innovate, the company is reportedly on track to raise a substantial funding round, potentially exceeding €1.5 billion in valuation. The startup’s commitment to advancing AI through compression technology underscores its position as a key player in the industry.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Discord Postpones Global Age Verification Rollout After User Backlash

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Discord has decided to postpone the global implementation of age verification, shifting the launch to the latter part of 2026. This decision comes after facing significant criticism from users over plans to enforce a ‘teen-appropriate experience’ for all users until age verification as adults was completed.

    The company clarified that approximately 90% of users will not require age verification and can continue using Discord normally. Discord’s existing safety mechanisms can already estimate the age of many adult users by analyzing account longevity, payment information presence, and server engagement.

    Discord’s Chief Technology Officer, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, acknowledged the contentious nature of the rollout in a blog post, stating, ‘Any time you introduce something that touches identity and verification, people are going to have strong feelings. Rightfully so. In hindsight, we should have provided more detail about our intentions and how the process works.’

    The platform plans to offer alternative age verification methods, such as using a credit card, to the 10% of users requiring verification. Previously proposed methods, including facial age estimation and ID submission, will be supplemented with additional options before expanding globally.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Pentagon Escalates Dispute with Anthropic Over AI Access

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The Pentagon has issued an ultimatum to Anthropic, a tech company, demanding unrestricted access to its AI model by Friday under threat of severe penalties, according to a report by Axios. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth conveyed the message to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, warning of potential consequences should the company fail to comply.

    The dispute centers on the Pentagon’s insistence on loosening the AI guardrails of Anthropic’s technology, highlighting broader issues of government leverage, vendor relationships, and investor trust in defense tech. Anthropic has consistently opposed the use of its AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, a stance it refuses to compromise on.

    The Pentagon’s potential invocation of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to tailor Anthropic’s AI model for military use signifies a significant escalation. The DPA, historically used to ramp up production during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, could now be employed to shape the trajectory of AI technology.

    According to Dean Ball, a senior fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation, this move is part of a broader pattern of executive branch actions that could have far-reaching implications. Ball suggests that using the DPA in this context could set a troubling precedent of governmental overreach into the tech sector.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Cybersecurity Breach at CarGurus Exposes Risks in Online Auto Marketplaces

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In a recent cybersecurity incident, the popular online automotive marketplace CarGurus fell victim to a data breach, impacting approximately 12.5 million user accounts. The breach, which compromised sensitive user information including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses, was attributed to the actions of the ShinyHunters hacking group.

    CarGurus, established in 2006, offers a platform for individuals to engage in buying, selling, and financing vehicles online. The breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding user data on digital marketplaces.

    According to Have I Been Pwned, a renowned data notification service operated by security researcher Troy Hunt, the extent of the breach highlights the potential risks associated with cyber threats in the automotive e-commerce sector.

    The ShinyHunters group, notorious for their social engineering tactics, has a history of targeting organizations through deceptive means, as seen in their previous data breaches affecting prominent entities such as Salesforce, Google, and Workday. The breach serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by online platforms in protecting user privacy.

    CarGurus, along with other affected parties, is expected to address the breach and enhance security protocols to mitigate future risks. The incident sheds light on the critical need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to combat evolving cyber threats in the digital automotive marketplace.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google’s Massive 100-Hour Battery Powering Minnesota Data Center: A Breakthrough in Renewable Energy Storage

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced plans to construct a data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, powered by 1.9 gigawatts of clean energy. The centerpiece of this project is a massive 300-megawatt battery developed by startup Form Energy, capable of storing up to 30 gigawatt-hours of energy for up to 100 hours.

    The data center will be supported by 1.4 gigawatts of wind power and 200 megawatts of solar power, all channeled into Form Energy’s innovative iron-air battery technology. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, these iron-air cells utilize a unique chemistry involving iron oxidation, which is less efficient but significantly more cost-effective, with projected storage costs of just $20 per kilowatt-hour, three times cheaper than lithium-ion alternatives.

    This breakthrough in long-duration energy storage not only enhances the viability of renewable sources but also underscores Google’s commitment to sustainable practices in powering its operations.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Former L3Harris Trenchant Executive Sentenced for Selling Hacking Tools to Russian Firm

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Peter Williams, the former general manager of U.S. hacking tools maker L3Harris Trenchant, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for selling the company’s hacking and surveillance tools to a Russian firm. This incident raises concerns about the security implications of advanced hacking tools falling into the wrong hands.

    Williams admitted to selling seven trade secrets to a Russian broker. The U.S. Department of Justice highlighted the potential global impact of these tools, capable of compromising millions of computers and devices worldwide.

    This case underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and stricter controls over the distribution of sensitive hacking technologies. The incident also highlights the challenges in preventing insider threats within tech companies dealing with cutting-edge security tools.

    As technology continues to advance, ensuring the responsible use and safeguarding of such powerful hacking capabilities is paramount to maintaining digital security on a global scale.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Unveils Automated Workflows in Opal for Seamless Task Management

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced a new feature for Opal, its vibe-coding app, that enables users to create automated workflows with ease. This innovation involves the integration of a new agent within Opal, empowering users to develop mini apps for planning and executing tasks through text prompts.

    The feature leverages the Gemini 3 Flash model to autonomously select tools for task execution. For example, it can utilize Google Sheets to maintain data continuity, like managing a shopping list for an e-commerce application. The new agent autonomously generates and schedules subsequent task steps.

    These agents are designed to be inherently interactive, requesting additional information from users or providing choices for determining next steps when necessary. With this enhancement, individuals lacking technical expertise can construct intricate workflows within their applications.

    Opal, the vibe-coding tool, initially launched for U.S. users in July 2025, allowing users to create or modify mini web apps. Google subsequently expanded Opal’s availability to 15 more countries, including Canada, India, Japan, and Brazil. In December, Opal integration with the Gemini web app facilitated custom app creation through a visual editor devoid of coding requirements.

    While Google leads the way with Opal’s new feature, various startups are also developing tools enabling app creation via natural language prompts. Notable examples include Lovable, Replit, Wabi by the former Replika founder, Emergent backed by Softbank and Lightspeed, and Rocket.new supported by Accel.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • U.S. Sanctions Russian Firm for Acquiring Stolen Cyber Exploits

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The U.S. Treasury has taken action against a Russian firm known for acquiring undisclosed software vulnerabilities and reselling them for potentially malicious purposes. The sanctions target Operation Zero, a company accused of obtaining cyber exploits stolen from a U.S. defense contractor.

    Operation Zero’s activities, including offering substantial sums for exploits targeting popular platforms like Android, iPhones, and Telegram, underscore the growing sophistication of cyber threats faced by governments and organizations worldwide. These zero-day exploits, while lucrative commodities in the cyber underworld, present significant risks to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.

    By disrupting these activities, authorities aim to mitigate the potential impact of cyberattacks fueled by stolen exploits and unauthorized access to sensitive software vulnerabilities. The Treasury’s move sheds light on the intricate web of cyber espionage, where actors like Operation Zero operate at the intersection of technology, security, and geopolitics.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Instagram Expands Reels to Google TV, Challenging YouTube’s TV Dominance

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Instagram has announced the expansion of its Instagram for TV app to Google TV devices in the U.S., following its initial launch on Amazon Fire TV in December. The app’s primary aim is to bring Reels, Instagram’s short-form video feature, to TV screens, enabling users to not only watch Reels but also browse through their Instagram feeds directly on their televisions.

    This move positions Instagram to compete more effectively with YouTube, a platform that currently dominates the TV space. By offering Reels on TVs, Instagram hopes to capture viewers’ attention in a manner similar to traditional TV channel surfing. Notably, TikTok, a key rival, also offers a TV app.

    The personalized nature of the new app ensures that users see Reels tailored to their preferences based on the content and creators they engage with on the Instagram app. Reels are categorized into channels and topics like comedy, music, and lifestyle, providing a curated viewing experience.

    With videos playing automatically, users can seamlessly enjoy the content without constant scrolling. The Instagram for TV app retains key interactive features such as liking, viewing comments, and sharing Reels. Additionally, users have the option to link the app with their Instagram account, supporting up to five accounts per household, or create a dedicated account solely for TV viewing.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Startups Rapidly Accelerating Revenue Growth with AI

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In the startup ecosystem, a new trend is emerging – the rapid acceleration of revenue growth, enabled by AI technology. According to TechCrunch, startups are achieving multimillion-dollar annual recurring revenue (ARR) figures within just a few months, showcasing the power of technology in driving quick success.

    While hitting $10 million in ARR swiftly may seem remarkable, industry experts emphasize the importance of sustainable growth over immediate spikes. The key lies in retaining customers and ensuring revenue stability, rather than just rapid expansion.

    Stripe, a prominent payments company, reported a significant uptick in new businesses adopting its services in 2025, with a considerable portion originating from outside the U.S. This surge in startup activity led to a 50% faster growth rate compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of startups reaching $10 million in ARR within three months doubled in 2025 compared to 2024.

    Moreover, Stripe Atlas, the company’s business incorporation tool, observed a 41% rise in new company formations, indicating a thriving entrepreneurial landscape. The data also revealed that a growing number of startups are monetizing quickly, with 20% generating revenue from their first customer within just 30 days.

    This trend underscores the evolving dynamics of the startup ecosystem, where technology, particularly AI, is reshaping traditional growth trajectories. As the startup landscape continues to evolve, the role of technology in driving rapid revenue growth remains a focal point for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Stripe’s Valuation Skyrockets to $159 Billion in Latest Funding Round

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Stripe, the leading digital payments platform, has announced a significant increase in its valuation, reaching an impressive $159 billion. This represents a 74% surge from the previous year, driven by a recent round of employee share sales involving investors such as Thrive Capital, Coatue, Andreessen Horowitz, and Stripe itself.

    According to Stripe’s founders, Patrick and John Collison, the company’s growth is evident across various metrics, including a doubling of its stablecoin payments volume to approximately $400 billion globally in 2025, with a substantial portion stemming from B2B transactions. To support this expansion, Stripe has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency space, acquiring Privy, a crypto wallet service, and introducing its own blockchain-based payment platform, Tempo. Additionally, the company’s acquisition of Bridge, a stablecoin platform, has experienced a significant volume increase, further highlighting Stripe’s commitment to innovation and diversification.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • OpenAI Tackles Challenges in Enterprise AI Adoption

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI recently unveiled OpenAI Frontier, a new platform aimed at assisting enterprises in constructing and overseeing AI agents. However, OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap highlighted the current lack of widespread AI integration within business processes.

    During the India AI summit in New Delhi, Lightcap emphasized the complexities enterprises face in adopting AI technologies. He noted the discrepancy between the accessibility of powerful AI systems for individuals versus the intricate needs of organizations with multifaceted goals and operations.

    Speculation about AI agents supplanting traditional business software like SaaS has circulated, but Lightcap revealed that OpenAI heavily relied on Slack last year, underscoring the continued relevance of conventional enterprise tools.

    OpenAI’s financial performance has been robust, with CFO Sarah Friar reporting significant revenue growth, surpassing $20 billion in annualized revenue by the end of 2025. Despite the escalating demand for their services, OpenAI faces the challenge of scaling efficiently to meet global market needs.

    Looking ahead, OpenAI aims to evaluate the success of OpenAI Frontier based on tangible business outcomes rather than conventional metrics like seat licenses. This shift underscores OpenAI’s commitment to aligning AI solutions with practical business impact.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Oura Unveils AI Model Tailored for Women’s Health Insights

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Oura, a leading tech company, has announced the launch of a proprietary AI model designed to enhance women’s health insights. The new AI model powers the Oura Advisor chatbot, offering personalized information across various stages of women’s reproductive health, from early menstrual cycles to menopause.

    Developed to cater specifically to women’s health needs, the model leverages established medical standards, research insights, and inputs from board-certified clinicians and women’s health experts at Oura. By integrating biometric data and long-term trends, the AI model delivers tailored guidance to users within the Oura Labs feature hub of the Oura app.

    “Women’s health is too complex to rely on one-size-fits-all solutions,” said Ricky Bloomfield, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Oura. “By developing a model dedicated to women’s health and aligning it with clinical best practices and real-world data, Oura sets a new benchmark in deploying AI responsibly for health-related purposes.”

    This strategic move by Oura comes amid a shift in its user demographics, with women in their early twenties emerging as the fastest-growing segment, as reported by Dorothy Kilroy, Chief Commercial Officer at Oura. The introduction of the women’s health AI model underscores Oura’s commitment to addressing the evolving health information needs of its diverse user base.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Meta Partners with AMD to Boost AI Capabilities

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta has announced a significant partnership with AMD, revealing plans to acquire up to $100 billion worth of AMD chips over a multi-year deal. This agreement aims to drive data center power demand and diversify Meta’s chip suppliers beyond Nvidia, marking a strategic shift in the tech giant’s infrastructure.

    The deal includes the issuance of a performance-based warrant for Meta to acquire up to 160 million shares of AMD common stock, approximately 10% of the company, at a nominal price per share. The stock award is tied to specific milestones, with the final tranche dependent on AMD’s share price reaching $600.

    Meta’s investment will focus on AMD’s MI540 GPUs and latest CPUs, emphasizing the growing importance of CPUs in AI inference compute stacks due to their efficiency and scalability benefits compared to Nvidia alternatives. AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, highlighted the strong demand in the CPU market, driven by the expanding AI infrastructure deployments.

    By partnering with AMD, Meta aims to reduce its reliance on Nvidia, a significant player in the AI chip market. This move follows a similar deal between AMD and OpenAI, indicating a broader trend among AI firms to diversify chip suppliers and avoid premium pricing.

    Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, described the collaboration with AMD as crucial for the company’s compute diversification and pursuit of AI-powered capabilities that can empower individuals in various aspects of their lives.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ukrainian Startups Resilient Amid Conflict

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian startups continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation. One notable example is Preply, an edtech company based in Kyiv, which recently secured funding to expand its engineering team. This reflects a broader trend in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem, where tech talents are driving advancements across various sectors, including defense technology.

    Amidst the adversity, startups like Aspichi have found ways to contribute positively to their country. Originally a U.S.-based company, Aspichi shifted its focus to developing Luminify, a mixed-reality platform for mental health support tailored to help Ukrainians cope with the psychological impact of war. By collaborating with military units and healthcare providers, Aspichi exemplifies how tech innovation can address critical societal needs during turbulent times.

    The resilience and adaptability displayed by Ukrainian startups underscore their commitment to making a positive impact, even in the face of significant challenges. As the conflict continues, these startups are playing a vital role in supporting not just the economy but also the well-being of individuals affected by the war.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nimble Secures $47M to Enhance AI Agents’ Access to Real-Time Web Data

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nimble, a web search startup, has recently closed a $47 million Series B funding round, with Norwest leading the investment, as reported by TechCrunch. The New York-based company specializes in utilizing AI agents to scour the internet in real-time, verify and validate search results, and organize the data into structured tables for easy querying, akin to a database.

    One of Nimble’s key capabilities is its ability to transform raw search results into neat, structured formats that align with modern data tools. While AI agents excel at collecting and analyzing data from various sources, the challenge often arises in presenting this information in a user-friendly manner at an enterprise scale.

    By converting search outcomes into tabular form, Nimble empowers organizations to seamlessly integrate web data with their existing databases, enhancing operational efficiency and data utilization. Moreover, Nimble’s integration capabilities with prominent data platforms like Databricks and Snowflake enable businesses to leverage their vast data repositories effectively.

    “Nimble’s integration capabilities enable enterprises to incorporate live, structured web data into their current data ecosystems,” said Uri Knorovich, CEO and co-founder of Nimble. “This strategic approach not only streamlines data access but also enhances the quality and reliability of search outcomes, particularly beneficial for competitive analysis, pricing research, and KYC processes.”

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Canva Expands Marketing Capabilities with Acquisitions of Animation and Ad Performance Startups

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Canva, known for its creative suite, has announced the acquisition of two startups – Cavalry, specializing in 2D motion animation, and Mango AI, focused on enhancing ad performance. The move aims to strengthen Canva’s marketing offerings by potentially incorporating video creation tools and more detailed measurement capabilities.

    UK-based Cavalry’s expertise lies in 2D motion animation across various sectors like advertising, marketing, gaming, and generative art. Canva plans to integrate Cavalry’s tooling with Affinity, its professional creative editing suite for photos, vectors, and layouts acquired in 2024. With Affinity already offering photo, vector, and layout editing functionalities, the addition of motion editing through Cavalry fills a crucial gap in Canva’s suite.

    Additionally, Canva acquired Mango AI, a stealth startup founded by former Netflix executives, Nirmal Govind and Vinith Misra. Mango AI specialized in developing reinforcement learning systems to enhance video ad performance. Govind will assume the role of Canva’s first Chief Algorithms Officer, while Misra will focus on enhancing Canva’s marketing products.

    These acquisitions follow Canva’s previous purchase of Magicbrief, a marketing intelligence startup, and the subsequent launch of Canva Grow, a growth tool facilitating asset creation and performance measurement. By incorporating animation capabilities and advanced ad performance tools, Canva aims to provide a comprehensive Creative OS for professionals, catering to their creative needs while expanding its market reach.

    Source: TechCrunch