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Tag: TechCrunch

  • Chinese Startup Gestala Raises $21M for Non-Invasive Ultrasound Brain Technology

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Chinese startup Gestala, focused on non-invasive ultrasound-based brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, has successfully raised $21.6 million in funding just two months after its launch. This funding round, co-led by Guosheng Capital and Dalton Venture, marks a significant milestone for the Chinese BCI industry.

    Founder and CEO Phoenix Peng stated that the investment will support Gestala’s research and development efforts, team expansion, and the establishment of a manufacturing facility in China. The startup aims to grow its team from 15 to 35 employees by the end of the year and plans to unveil its first-generation prototype by year-end.

    Gestala’s focus on non-invasive ultrasound technology sets it apart in the BCI sector, offering potential advantages in terms of safety and accessibility compared to implanted electrode systems. By leveraging phased-array ultrasound, the technology can provide broader brain access and enable new ways to interact with neural activity.

    This influx of funding highlights the growing interest and investment in ultrasound BCI technology globally. While companies like Neuralink and Merge Labs are leading efforts in the U.S., Gestala’s emergence in China marks a significant step in advancing BCI capabilities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • AI Fuels Surge in Billion-Dollar Startups in 2026

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In 2026, the tech landscape has been transformed by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), leading to the emergence of nearly 40 new startups valued at over $1 billion, as reported by TechCrunch. These companies, backed by venture capital, have reached unicorn status, leveraging AI technologies to drive innovation across various sectors.

    Among the notable additions to the unicorn club in February are:

    • Positron – A semiconductor startup specializing in AI, securing over $300 million in funding.
    • Skyryse – Developer of a semi-automated flight operating system, raising more than $540 million.
    • TRM Labs – A platform aiding crypto businesses in fraud prevention, with around $219 million in funding.
    • Midi Health – Offering a telemedicine platform focused on menopausal health, raising over $250 million.
    • Lunar Energy – Manufacturer of home energy storage batteries, with funding exceeding $230 million.

    These unicorns exemplify the diverse applications of AI, extending beyond traditional tech domains into healthcare, energy, and finance. The continuous influx of billion-dollar startups underscores the growing influence of AI in reshaping industries and driving economic growth.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck’s AI Startup, Signaling AI’s Growing Role in Content Production

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an AI company co-founded by Ben Affleck, in a deal potentially valued at $600 million, according to Bloomberg. The acquisition aligns with Netflix’s strategy of incorporating AI into content creation, as seen in its use of generative AI in productions like the Argentinian series ‘The Eternaut.’

    InterPositive’s tools focus on enhancing filmmakers’ efficiency in post-production tasks such as addressing continuity issues and scene improvements. This acquisition reflects a broader industry trend towards AI integration, with competitors like Amazon and Disney also exploring AI applications in film and television projects.

    However, concerns have been raised within the film industry regarding potential job displacement and fair compensation for creators contributing to AI training data.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • India’s Fi Neobank Discontinues Banking Services: Navigating the Fintech Landscape

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    India’s neobank Fi, founded by former Google Pay executives, is discontinuing its banking services after over four years of operation. The fintech, in partnership with Federal Bank, will now direct customers to access their savings accounts through the bank’s mobile app as it phases out the Fi interface.

    Launched in 2019, Fi offered digital savings accounts and money management tools through its app, catering to a younger user base. With more than 3.5 million customers and over a billion transactions completed, the Bengaluru-based startup had attracted investments from Ribbit Capital, B Capital, Alpha Wave Global, and Sequoia Capital India, now known as Peak XV Partners.

    This move comes as a surprise to customers who received emails notifying them of the impending discontinuation of banking services on the Fi app. However, the company reassured users that their savings accounts with Federal Bank remain active and accessible through the bank’s mobile banking app, FedMobile.

    Federal Bank also informed customers about the partnership termination with Fi, attributing it to a ‘business re-alignment’ and instructing users to transition to the bank’s digital channels for account access.

    The neobanking space in India has seen competition from players like Jupiter, Open, and Slice. Having raised approximately $169 million through multiple funding rounds, Fi’s decision to wind down its banking services marks a significant transition in the Indian fintech landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Zendesk Acquires Forethought, Advancing AI-Powered Customer Service

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Zendesk, a prominent customer service software provider, has acquired Forethought, a startup specializing in automating customer service interactions. The deal, set to be finalized by the end of March, highlights the evolving landscape of AI-powered customer service solutions.

    Forethought’s approach to AI agents, recognized by winning the 2018 TechCrunch Battlefield competition, positioned the company as an early player in the industry. Despite the current popularity of AI agents in customer service, Forethought’s success underscores its role in the field.

    With notable clients like Upwork, Grammarly, Airtable, and Datadog, Forethought had established itself as a key player in enhancing customer interactions, handling over a billion monthly interactions by 2025. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Forethought, which had raised $115 million in funding from various investors.

    The acquisition reflects the broader trend of AI integration into various industries beyond customer service, showcasing the expanding applications of AI technology.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • inDrive Expands Grocery Delivery Services with Krave Mart Acquisition

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ride-hailing company inDrive has finalized its acquisition of Krave Mart, a quick-commerce startup based in Pakistan, to enhance its grocery delivery services in South Asia. This move marks inDrive’s strategic entry into the grocery delivery market, challenging established players like Foodpanda.

    inDrive, known for its bid-based pricing model, has successfully completed an all-stock deal with Krave Mart, a grocery delivery service operating in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Krave Mart differentiates itself by promising fast grocery deliveries within 30 minutes through a network of dark stores.

    The acquisition aligns with inDrive’s broader strategy to diversify its services beyond ride-hailing, particularly focusing on expanding its presence in the grocery delivery sector. By integrating Krave Mart’s operations, inDrive aims to strengthen its position in the market and provide fast and reliable grocery delivery services across Pakistan.

    Andries Smit, Chief Growth Businesses Officer at inDrive, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing grocery delivery accessibility, following the approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan. The combined efforts of Krave Mart and inDrive are set to bring convenience to customers, with plans to launch inDrive.Groceries in Lahore while maintaining operations under both brand names in Karachi.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Play Expands Gaming Offerings with New Features and PC Integration

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google Play has announced a series of updates aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for users. Unveiled at GDC 2026, Google’s latest additions to Google Play include the introduction of paid and PC indie games, game trials, ‘buy once, play anywhere’ pricing, wishlists, and community posts.

    These updates signify Google’s efforts to expand Google Play into a comprehensive gaming platform. Players can now sample games before purchasing, seamlessly transition between mobile and PC gameplay, synchronize progress, and engage with the gaming community, all within Google Play.

    Upcoming additions to the gaming library include titles like Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, 9 Kings, Potion Craft, and Low-Budget Repairs. These games will be accessible on both mobile and PC through Google Play Games, with progress synced across devices.

    To assist users in their purchasing decisions, Google is introducing game trials. Players can test games and seamlessly continue their progress upon purchase. Game trials will initially be available for select paid mobile games, with plans to expand to Google Play Games on PC in the future.

    Additionally, Google Play will offer ‘Buy once, play anywhere’ pricing for certain titles like the Reigns series, OTTTD, and Dungeon Crawler, granting users access to both mobile and PC versions of a game with a single purchase.

    For PC enthusiasts, Google is launching a dedicated PC section on the Play Store’s Games tab, catering to games optimized for Windows PCs. Users can also create wishlists for their favorite games and receive notifications for discounts.

    Furthermore, Google is introducing community posts within Google Play, enabling users to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights about games directly on the platform.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nuro Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Tokyo, Aiming for Global Deployment

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nuro, a Silicon Valley startup known for its autonomous vehicle technology, has commenced testing its self-driving software on the streets of Tokyo, marking its first international expansion in the field of autonomous vehicles.

    The testing involves Toyota Prius vehicles equipped with Nuro’s self-driving software, accompanied by human safety operators as backups, navigating the unique challenges posed by Tokyo’s roads. These challenges include driving on the left side of the road, dense traffic, and differing road signs and lane markings compared to the US.

    As Nuro explores the complexities of Tokyo’s streets, the company has hinted at potential future expansions, emphasizing the broader benefits of global deployment. Founded in 2016, Nuro initially focused on low-speed, on-road delivery bots before transitioning to licensing its technology to industry players like automakers and mobility providers.

    Nuro’s approach to autonomy centers on an AI foundation model termed ‘zero-shot autonomous driving,’ enabling its software to continuously learn and adapt as it navigates real-world scenarios. This strategic shift reflects Nuro’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving capabilities in collaboration with global partners.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • AltStore PAL Integrates with Fediverse, Enabling Federated App Marketplace

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    AltStore PAL, an alternative app store for iOS, has integrated with the fediverse, an open social web platform enabled by ActivityPub, as reported by TechCrunch. This integration allows iOS developers to share app updates and alerts across platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and other apps that support the fediverse.

    The fediverse is a network where users on independent servers can communicate across various social platforms. AltStore PAL has become the first federated app marketplace by launching its own Mastodon server. This provides developers with a unique channel to share news, updates, and alerts about their apps. These posts are federated, enabling interactions from users on platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky.

    AltStore PAL’s co-founder, Riley Testut, explained that users with Mastodon or Bluesky accounts can now follow app updates directly from the Mastodon server, enhancing the discoverability of new releases. The platform aims to create a seamless experience where interactions on these posts reflect on the AltStore PAL app, allowing users to engage with app updates within the marketplace.

    Initial participants include apps like Loops, PeerTube, and iPhanpy, showcasing the diverse range of federated apps already involved in this approach.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • E-commerce Startup Quince Secures $500M Funding, Reaches $10B Valuation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    E-commerce company Quince has announced a significant milestone, securing a $500 million Series E round at a $10.1 billion valuation. This funding round was led by Iconiq, a previous investor that also led Quince’s Series D round last year, doubling the company’s valuation in less than twelve months.

    Quince has expanded its product line to include apparel, home goods, accessories, beauty, and wellness products. The company’s unique ‘manufacturer-to-consumer’ business model allows it to forecast sales more accurately, enabling smaller batch production with reduced waste.

    Despite facing legal challenges over alleged design infringements, Quince has continued to grow, surpassing $1 billion in revenue. The company is committed to offering high-quality products at affordable prices, resonating with customers. With recent expansion into the Canadian market, Quince is poised for further growth.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Lovable’s Rapid Revenue Growth Highlights Its Vibe Coding Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Swedish startup Lovable has surpassed $400 million in annual recurring revenue, a significant milestone for the Stockholm-based company. Lovable, known for its vibe-coding platform, has been gaining traction in the tech industry by simplifying website and app development through natural language programming. The company’s recent success can be attributed to its strategic focus on attracting enterprise clients, including big names like Klarna and HubSpot.

    One of Lovable’s key features is its innovative approach to marketing, as seen in its latest brand campaign ‘Earworm.’ This campaign showcases the platform’s capabilities and serves as an inspiration for non-technical individuals to bring their ideas to life using Lovable. By demonstrating the ease of app creation through a catchy narrative, Lovable is positioning itself as a user-friendly solution for aspiring developers.

    With an impressive user base of 8 million and a valuation of $6.6 billion, Lovable is proving to be a significant player in the tech market. The company’s focus on enhancing creativity and offering tailored features for businesses has resonated well with Fortune 500 companies, further solidifying its position as a leading vibe-coding platform.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Breakout Ventures Raises $114M Fund to Support AI-Powered Science Startups

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Breakout Ventures, a venture capital firm, has successfully closed a $114 million Fund III aimed at supporting early-stage startups in scientific fields like biology and chemistry, with a specific focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).

    The firm has already invested in three companies and intends to support a minimum of 20 startups through this fund. The investment amounts per company are expected to range between $500,000 to $5 million. Lindy Fishburne, managing director of Breakout Ventures, highlighted the firm’s interest in companies that utilize AI to address the complexity of scientific challenges.

    Originally stemming from a grant program initiated by the Thiel Foundation, Breakout Ventures was established in 2016. Prior to this latest fund, the firm had raised two other funds: a $60 million Fund 1 in 2017 and a $112.5 million Fund II in 2021, both directed towards supporting startups in scientific domains.

    Fishburne emphasized the firm’s dedication to harnessing technology to unlock the potential of biology and chemistry for addressing significant unmet needs and fostering new markets.

    Securing investments for Fund III, which included contributions from key partners like The Kraft Group, Pinegrove Venture Partners, and Cubed Capital, took approximately eighteen months. Fishburne noted that Breakout Ventures looks for founders with a deep understanding of the science they are commercializing, whether through academic research or industry experience.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Iran-Linked Hacktivists Claim Responsibility for Cyber Attack on Medical Tech Giant Stryker

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    A hacktivist group with ties to Iran, known as Handala, has claimed responsibility for a recent cyber attack on the U.S. medical technology company Stryker. The hackers reportedly breached Stryker’s servers, leading to widespread disruptions across the company’s global systems. Some Stryker systems now display the hackers’ logo, indicating the extent of the breach.

    The group stated that the attack was in retaliation for a U.S. military strike on a school in Tehran, which resulted in the deaths of over 175 individuals, primarily children. Handala also cited ongoing cyber assaults against Iran and its allies as further motivation for targeting Stryker.

    While Stryker is not directly linked to the recent attacks on Iran, the hackers claimed to have wiped over 200,000 systems, servers, and mobile devices, extracting 50 terabytes of critical data in the process. This disruption forced Stryker’s offices in 79 countries to shut down temporarily.

    The authenticity of the hackers’ claims is still being verified, but reports indicate that Stryker’s systems worldwide have been impacted. The company is actively working to restore operations and has reassured customers of its commitment to continued service.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Replit’s Valuation Soars to $9 Billion After Latest Funding Round

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Replit, the coding platform, has secured a significant milestone in its funding journey. The company announced that it raised $400 million in a Series D funding round, boosting its valuation to $9 billion. This investment round was led by Georgian Partners and included participation from notable investors such as G Squared, Prysm Capital, Coatue, and Andreessen Horowitz.

    Replit’s founder and CEO, Amjad Masad, shared the news, highlighting the support from both institutional investors and high-profile individuals like Shaquille O’Neal and Jared Leto. This funding achievement comes just six months after the company reached a $3 billion valuation, signaling its rapid growth and investor confidence.

    While the specifics of Replit’s current annual recurring revenue (ARR) were not disclosed, the company expressed ambitious targets, aiming to reach $1 billion in ARR by the end of the year. This financial success underscores Replit’s evolution, with Masad emphasizing the company’s strategic shifts and persistence in finding the right market fit.

    This funding milestone not only propels Replit further into the spotlight within the tech startup landscape but also underscores the continued investor interest and confidence in the platform’s potential for growth and innovation.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • NTSB Finds Driver Distraction Contributed to Fatal Ford BlueCruise Crashes

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently disclosed findings suggesting that drivers involved in fatal crashes while using Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system in 2024 were likely distracted just before the accidents occurred. The NTSB shared details ahead of an upcoming public hearing on March 31, shedding light on the circumstances that led to three fatalities.

    According to the NTSB, the incidents prompted investigations not only from its side but also from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA raised concerns about BlueCruise’s ability to detect stationary vehicles under specific conditions, leading to an ongoing inquiry with Ford. The safety regulator has emphasized the importance of driver readiness and caution, highlighting that BlueCruise is intended as a ‘convenience feature’ rather than a crash avoidance system.

    As the NTSB prepares for its forthcoming hearing, the focus is likely to shift towards clarifying the intended functions of driver assistance technologies like BlueCruise and ensuring their proper usage and understanding among consumers.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Mind Robotics Secures $500M to Enhance Industrial Robots with AI

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Mind Robotics, a startup spun out of Rivian, has successfully raised $500 million in a Series A funding round with Accel and Andreessen Horowitz as co-leads, as reported by TechCrunch. Founded by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, Mind Robotics aims to enhance the capabilities of industrial robots using data from Rivian’s electric vehicle factory.

    The startup, established in November 2025, focuses on training industrial robots for increased dexterity and adaptability to handle complex tasks that traditional robotics struggle with. Mind Robotics addresses the limitations of current industrial automation solutions by building an AI foundation to bridge the gap, enabling robots to perform tasks requiring human-like skills.

    Scaringe stated that Mind Robotics will prioritize traditional factory robot designs over humanoid robots, aiming for practicality and efficiency in manufacturing operations. With plans to deploy a significant number of robots by the end of the year, the company is set to advance industrial automation with its innovative approach.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • WordPress Introduces Private Browser-Based Workspace with my.WordPress.net

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    WordPress has unveiled a new service, my.WordPress.net, enabling users to run its software directly in web browsers without the need for hosting or domain registration. This innovation transforms WordPress into a personal workspace for writing, research, and utilizing AI tools.

    Users can now create private sites effortlessly, leveraging the same technology used for WordPress demos. These sites are private by default and stored locally in the browser, emphasizing privacy and personal content development over public visibility. The platform serves as an ideal environment for private writing, journaling, research, or even crafting personal AI tools.

    my.WordPress.net also offers an App Catalog featuring various WordPress plugin-based tools like Personal CRM, Personal RSS Reader, bookmarking tools, and an AI Workspace. Users can interact with an AI assistant to customize the platform further, enhancing its functionality.

    This new service, powered by WordPress Playground, demonstrates the platform’s adaptability and integration capabilities with OpenAI and CLI apps, enabling seamless customization and tool creation. While sites built on my.WordPress.net are browser-bound, users have the option to migrate them to a dedicated WordPress host for public sharing if desired.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Foreign Hacker Breaches FBI Server, Compromising Epstein Investigation Files

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    An unidentified foreign hacker successfully breached the FBI’s field office in New York, gaining access to files related to the investigation of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by Reuters. The hacker inadvertently accessed a server at the Child Exploitation Forensic Lab in the FBI’s New York field office, which was left vulnerable due to a security lapse by an FBI special agent working on the case.

    According to court documents cited by Reuters, the breach involved the hacker accessing specific files linked to the Epstein investigation. The FBI spokesperson confirmed that the investigation into the cyber incident is ongoing. After the breach in 2023, the FBI contained the affected network, isolated the incident, restricted access for the malicious actor, and rectified the network.

    Remarkably, the hacker was unaware they had infiltrated the FBI until agents invited them to a video call where their credentials were revealed, as stated by a source to Reuters.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Lucid Motors Brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Gravity SUV

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Lucid Motors has announced the rollout of a software update for its Gravity SUV, bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to North American owners starting Thursday. Customers in Europe and the Middle East can expect the update by late March. This update marks a significant milestone for the company, following initial software challenges faced by the electric SUV.

    While features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were already available on Lucid Motors’ Lucid Air sedan, the company encountered software issues with the Gravity SUV early on. In response, the company made organizational changes, including the departure of key software executives and a recent layoff affecting 12% of its workforce.

    Notably, this software update coincides with Lucid Motors’ investor day in New York City, where the company is expected to discuss its upcoming mid-size EV platform, profitability strategies, and the anticipated launch of a luxury robotaxi service in partnership with Uber and Nuro.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Amazon Expands ‘Shop Direct’ Program to Boost Customer Experience

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amazon has announced the expansion of its ‘Shop Direct’ program, allowing more merchants to participate and offer products not available on Amazon’s online store. Through third-party product feeds from companies like Feedonomics and Salsify, Amazon can now direct customers to other retailers’ websites for purchases, utilizing search results, AI shopping assistant Rufus, and AI-enabled purchasing options.

    The move, initiated in February 2025 with beta testing, aims to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience by connecting them to retailers’ sites when desired products are not found on Amazon. By offering this feature to various brands, Amazon can not only increase brand exposure and potential sales but also gain valuable insights into customer preferences, competitive products, and market trends.

    This expansion could position Amazon as a central hub for product discovery and consumer behavior analysis, potentially influencing its business strategies and partnerships in the future.

    Source: TechCrunch