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Tag: TechCrunch

  • Google Collaborates with Reliance to Provide Free AI Pro Access to Jio Users in India

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In a strategic move to expand its AI presence in emerging markets, Google has partnered with Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, to offer its AI Pro subscription to eligible Jio users in India at no additional cost. This collaboration, recently announced, aims to provide free access to Google’s AI Pro subscription for 18 months to selected Jio users, marking a significant partnership in the Indian tech landscape.

    India’s vast population and growing internet market have attracted the attention of global tech giants like Google, positioning the country as a hub for data collection, model refinement, and AI testing across various sectors. This partnership between Google and Reliance showcases a strategic approach to tap into India’s potential as a key market for tech innovation and AI advancement.

    The offer will initially target users between 18 to 25 years old before expanding to all Jio subscribers nationwide. It includes access to Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro model, enhanced capabilities for generating AI images and videos, extended usage of Notebook LM for educational and research purposes, and 2 TB of cloud storage across various Google services.

    Furthermore, this collaboration is not only about consumer benefits but also about exploring new AI-driven experiences tailored for Jio users. The 18-month offer, valued at ₹35,100 (about $396), highlights the commitment of both Google and Reliance to democratize AI access in India.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Bevel Raises $10M Series A from General Catalyst for AI-Powered Health Companion

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Bevel, a New York-based startup, has successfully raised a $10 million Series A funding round led by General Catalyst to support its AI-powered health companion. The core technology behind Bevel’s product focuses on unifying data from various sources, including wearables, sleep trackers, fitness apps, and nutrition tools, to provide users with personalized health insights.

    Bevel’s AI-powered health companion aims to address the challenge many individuals face in interpreting fragmented health data from multiple devices and apps. By aggregating and analyzing data across different health aspects, Bevel’s platform provides users with a holistic view of their health and offers personalized recommendations based on their habits and routines.

    Bevel differentiates itself from competitors like Whoop, Oura, and Eight Sleep by being a software-based solution. This approach allows users to leverage their existing wearables without the need to invest in additional hardware, making it a more accessible option for individuals looking to improve their health.

    According to Bevel’s co-founder and CEO, the company’s focus is on supporting users in their health journey continuously, emphasizing gradual changes over time. With rapid user growth and high retention rates, Bevel’s AI-powered health companion has resonated with over 100,000 daily active users, indicating its impact in the health tech sector.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nvidia Invests Heavily in AI Software Platform Poolside

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Semiconductor leader Nvidia is investing a substantial amount in the AI software development platform Poolside. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Nvidia plans to invest between $500 million and $1 billion in Poolside, a company known for constructing AI models for software development. This investment is part of Poolside’s ongoing $2 billion funding round, which values the company at $12 billion.

    If the investment is successful, Nvidia’s stake in Poolside could reach $1 billion by the completion of the funding round. Nvidia’s interest in Poolside is not new, as the company had previously participated in Poolside’s $500 million Series A funding round in 2024.

    Nvidia’s investment diversification strategy extends beyond Poolside, with recent moves such as exploring a $500 million investment in the U.K.-based self-driving firm Wayve. Additionally, Nvidia secured a $5 billion stake in Intel, indicating plans for future collaboration in chip development.

    TechCrunch has reached out to Poolside for further details on this potential investment.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Navan IPO Stumbles 20% After Leveraging SEC Shutdown Workaround

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Navan, a corporate travel and expense platform, faced a challenging debut on the Nasdaq, closing 20% below its IPO price of $25 and achieving a valuation of approximately $4.7 billion, marking a significant drop from its prior $9.2 billion valuation. The company’s unique approach to going public during a government shutdown, leveraging a new SEC rule, triggered both interest and caution in the market.

    By utilizing the SEC’s shutdown workaround, Navan expedited the IPO process, bypassing the typical manual SEC approval. While this approach allowed for a speedier listing, it also introduced uncertainties as the government could review the IPO documents post-listing, potentially leading to corrections and legal challenges if discrepancies arise.

    Despite the regulatory risks associated with this methodology, Navan proceeded with its IPO due to the advanced review of its registration statements before the shutdown. The initial market reaction to Navan’s listing hints at the impact of regulatory ambiguity on investor sentiment and raises questions for other startups eyeing public offerings amidst similar uncertainties.

    For companies planning IPOs in the near future, the Navan case serves as a notable example of the trade-offs between expedited listing processes and regulatory uncertainties, urging careful consideration before navigating similar paths.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Canva Unveils Advanced Design Model and AI Features to Enhance User Experience

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Canva, the popular creative suite company, has announced the launch of its new design model aimed at enhancing user creativity and efficiency. The company’s latest features include Forms, email design capabilities, and the integration of Affinity as a free tool for all users. Canva’s design model is a significant advancement in understanding diverse layers and formats to power its innovative features. This model, trained on Canva’s elements, generates designs with editable layers and objects, revolutionizing the design process. Users can now create a variety of content, including social media posts, presentations, whiteboards, and websites, with increased sophistication and ease.

    Canva’s AI assistant, Canva AI, has received significant updates, enabling users to generate new media items through chat-like interactions. The AI tool now supports 3D object generation, art style replication, and seamless integration across different tabs within the platform. Additionally, users can leverage the AI assistant to extract text and media suggestions by simply mentioning the bot in project comments, fostering collaboration and creativity.

    Moreover, Canva has introduced a coding tool for sheets, allowing users to create widgets for obtaining repeatable insights from stored data. By connecting its spreadsheet product with the widget creation feature, Canva empowers users to transform data into interactive visual elements, enhancing the overall design experience.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Threads Empowers Users with Reply Approval and Filtering Features

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Threads, the social networking app by Meta, has introduced new features aimed at giving users greater control over their conversations. Following the recent addition of communities and disappearing posts, Threads now offers reply approvals, enabling users to curate which responses appear on their posts before they become visible to others. This feature enhances the ability to maintain meaningful discussions without the risk of conversations being derailed.

    Users can now shape the tone of their conversations by filtering replies, granting them the flexibility to engage in both public exchanges and more controlled interactions. Additionally, Threads introduces Activity feed filters, streamlining the viewing of replies from followed users or those containing mentions. These tools align with Meta’s strategy to enhance user experience and engagement on the platform.

    Meta reported a significant growth milestone for Threads, with daily active users surpassing 150 million, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. As the app continues to evolve, Meta remains focused on monetization efforts, including the global rollout of ads and upcoming video ad placements. Moreover, ongoing development includes user-centric features like algorithm tuning controls, reinforcing Threads’ commitment to user empowerment and customization.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • The Prompting Company Secures $6.5M to Optimize Product Visibility in AI Applications

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In a shifting landscape where consumers increasingly rely on AI for product discovery, The Prompting Company, a startup backed by Y Combinator, has secured $6.5 million in seed funding. The company aims to empower brands to feature prominently in AI applications such as ChatGPT and other large language models. As reported by TechCrunch, a recent shopping analysis predicts that Americans will predominantly utilize AI prompts this holiday season to uncover gifts, discounts, and promotions, surpassing the traditional search method.

    The surge in AI-driven traffic is projected to drive a substantial 520% spike in traffic from chatbots and AI recommendations by 2025 compared to the previous year. The Prompting Company’s innovative approach revolves around GEO (generative engine optimization), designed to facilitate product mentions within AI-generated suggestions, anticipating a future where AI agents navigate the web on behalf of users.

    Founded by Kevin Chandra, Michelle Marcelline, and Albert Punama, the startup has already attracted prominent clients like Rippling, Rho, and Motion. CEO Chandra highlighted the paradigm shift towards AI bots as primary growth drivers on websites, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to cater not only to human users but also AI agents.

    As AI emerges as the frontline for product exploration and potentially even transactions, The Prompting Company advocates for brands to optimize their online presence for AI agents. Chandra stressed the importance of creating AI-friendly websites devoid of conventional human-centric design elements, envisioning a digital landscape where AI agents dominate user interactions.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Figma Expands Design Capabilities with Acquisition of AI-Powered Media Generation Startup Weavy

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Design platform Figma has expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of AI-powered image and video generation startup Weavy. This acquisition will see Weavy operating under the brand Figma Weave, bringing advanced media creation tools to Figma’s design ecosystem.

    Figma announced that the Tel Aviv-based Weavy, founded in 2024, will join forces with Figma to enhance user experiences. Weavy’s innovative web tools empower users to create high-quality images and videos by blending various AI models and utilizing professional editing features for refining visual elements.

    Users can initiate the creative process by starting with prompts for image or video generation on an infinite canvas. By leveraging AI models such as Seedance, Sora, and Veo for video, and Flux, Ideogram, Nano-Banana, and Seedream for image generation, designers can explore a wide spectrum of creative possibilities.

    Figma CEO Dylan Field highlighted Weavy’s unique approach in providing users with a blend of simplicity, accessibility, and power in AI-driven content creation. The node-based methodology allows for branching, remixing, and refining outputs, enabling a seamless integration of creative exploration and iterative design processes.

    This strategic move by Figma underscores the growing importance of AI in enhancing design workflows and a trend towards integrating advanced technologies to streamline creative processes. The acquisition of Weavy positions Figma as a key player in the design tools market, fostering innovation in the design community.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Mercor Unlocks Industry Data for AI Labs, Reshaping Automation Landscape

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Mercor, led by CEO Brendan Foody, has emerged as a key player in the AI industry by providing AI labs access to valuable data from traditional sectors that companies are often reluctant to share. Rather than relying on costly data contracts, AI labs are now leveraging Mercor’s platform to tap into the expertise of former industry professionals, as highlighted by Foody at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

    By connecting former employees from sectors like investment banking, consulting, and law firms with AI labs seeking automation solutions, Mercor is reshaping how data is accessed and utilized. Major players such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are already benefiting from this innovative approach.

    Foody explained how Mercor’s marketplace addresses the reluctance of companies like Goldman Sachs to enable the automation of their operations, emphasizing the critical role Mercor plays in bridging the gap between industry knowledge and AI advancement.

    With Mercor compensating industry experts generously for tasks like form filling and report writing, the startup has amassed a vast network of contractors, disbursing over $1.5 million daily. Despite these substantial payouts, Mercor’s profitability remains intact due to the high value placed on the data it provides to AI labs.

    In a short span of three years, Mercor has scaled its annualized recurring revenue to approximately $500 million, culminating in a recent funding round that valued the company at an impressive $10 billion. While Mercor’s success is evident, traditional industry players remain wary of potential data leaks and the subsequent automation of their processes through the marketplace.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Showcasing the Next Wave of Startup Innovation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has kicked off, offering a wealth of insights and innovations for the tech community. The event caters to a diverse audience, with a focus on the cutting-edge technologies and ideas shaping the future of startups and tech ecosystems.

    One of the highlights is the Startup Battlefield 200 pitch competition, where emerging entrepreneurs showcase their ideas and compete for the spotlight. This competition serves as a platform for creativity, innovation, and technological prowess, providing a glimpse into the next wave of disruptive technologies.

    The event also features keynote sessions by industry leaders, such as San Francisco’s Mayor Daniel Lurie, who outlines his plans for rejuvenating the city’s startup landscape. These sessions shed light on the pivotal role technology plays in driving urban development and economic growth.

    Additionally, renowned investors like Elad Gil share their perspectives on the startup ecosystem, offering valuable insights on investment trends and emerging technologies. Through engaging conversations and informative sessions, attendees gain in-depth knowledge about navigating the competitive tech industry.

    TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is a testament to the relentless spirit of innovation that defines the tech community. As startups, investors, and enthusiasts converge to explore new opportunities and forge meaningful connections, the event sets the stage for a future where technology continues to revolutionize industries and drive progress.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • ElevenLabs CEO Predicts Commoditization of AI Audio Models

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    At the recent TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, ElevenLabs’ CEO, Mati Staniszewski, shared insights on the future of AI audio models, predicting their eventual commoditization. While acknowledging the current significance of AI models in the audio space, Staniszewski highlighted the ongoing efforts within his company to address model architecture challenges.

    Staniszewski emphasized that despite the forthcoming commoditization of AI models, their development remains crucial in the short term as they provide a substantial competitive advantage. He noted that resolving issues related to AI voices and interactions is a current priority that necessitates building bespoke models. However, he anticipates a shift towards multi-modal approaches in the near future, where models combine audio and other elements like video or language models seamlessly.

    Looking ahead, ElevenLabs plans to collaborate with other firms and leverage open source technologies to further enhance their audio expertise and explore innovative applications.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • IntrCity SmartBus Secures $30M Funding to Expand Tech-Driven Intercity Travel in India

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    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

  • GM Restructures EV and Battery Operations, Impacting Thousands of Jobs

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    General Motors (GM) is implementing significant workforce reductions across its electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facilities in the U.S. The company is placing around 1,200 workers at its EV factory in Detroit, Michigan, on indefinite layoff. Additionally, GM is conducting further cuts and temporary layoffs at its Ultium Cells battery factories in Ohio and Tennessee. The automaker plans to idle these battery factories starting on January 5, with production expected to resume in mid-2026.

    These layoffs follow GM’s recent announcement of job cuts in its white-collar workforce and a $1.6 billion financial impact as it revises its EV strategies. Furthermore, GM recently concluded its BrightDrop commercial electric van program. This move by GM and other automakers to deprioritize EVs in the U.S. market is influenced by the expiration of federal tax credits and the relaxation of regulatory constraints on internal combustion vehicles.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Microsoft Azure Outage Disrupts Key Services Across Microsoft 365, Xbox, and Minecraft

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing service provided by Microsoft, is currently facing a significant outage affecting several key services including Microsoft 365, Xbox, and Minecraft. The outage began around noon ET on Wednesday, attributed by Microsoft to an inadvertent configuration change. As a result, Microsoft has acknowledged the issue on the service’s status page without providing a timeline for service restoration.

    This outage has caused multiple Microsoft services to go offline, impacting users of Microsoft 365, Xbox gamers, and Minecraft enthusiasts. Additionally, websites of other businesses like Costco and Starbucks are also experiencing inaccessibility due to this incident. The timing of this outage is particularly notable as it coincides with Microsoft’s upcoming earnings announcement scheduled for later today.

    This disruption in Microsoft Azure services follows a recent outage encountered by Amazon AWS just a week ago, which similarly affected various websites, banks, and government services. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of cloud computing services to unforeseen technical issues, emphasizing the importance of robust backup and recovery strategies for businesses leveraging cloud infrastructure.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • geCKo Materials Showcases Versatile Adhesive Solutions at TechCrunch Disrupt

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    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

  • Solana Co-Founder Embraces AI-Powered Coding at TechCrunch Disrupt

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko recently discussed his use of AI-powered coding tools during a talk at TechCrunch Disrupt. Yakovenko highlighted how these tools have allowed him to delegate tasks and monitor progress more effectively, enabling him to focus on overseeing the development process.

    With over 15 years of software development experience, Yakovenko expressed his comfort in letting AI-driven tools like Claude handle coding tasks autonomously. This shift has enabled him to step back and focus on the broader management of the Solana project.

    Yakovenko credited the success of the Solana cryptocurrency protocol to the growing acceptance of crypto in traditional finance circles. The protocol reported significant revenue growth and the successful launch of a Solana coin exchange-traded fund by Bitwise, attracting substantial investments.

    Despite Solana’s achievements, the cryptocurrency has faced criticism for its association with public bribery allegations, particularly concerning Trumpcoin. Critics raised concerns over substantial financial contributions to political figures through the coin, prompting ethical debates within the crypto community.

    Yakovenko emphasized Solana’s commitment to openness as a protocol, highlighting the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and its interactions with traditional financial systems.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Snabbit’s Rapid Growth Drives $180M Valuation in India’s On-Demand Home Services Market

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    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 Emerges Victorious at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Startup Battlefield

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    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

  • YouTube Announces Voluntary Exit Program for U.S. Employees Amid Organizational Restructuring

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    YouTube has initiated a ‘voluntary exit program’ offering severance packages to its U.S.-based employees, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch. This move was first disclosed internally by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan in a memo on Wednesday.

    The restructuring includes dividing product teams into three distinct organizations, all directly reporting to Mohan. These divisions consist of the ‘Subscription Products’ team focusing on YouTube’s subscription services like YouTube Music & Premium and OTT. The ‘Viewer Products’ team will concentrate on enhancing the viewer experience across the primary YouTube app, YouTube Kids, Learning, Trust & Safety, among others. Lastly, the ‘Creator & Community Products’ organization will center on supporting creators and fostering community.

    Notably, YouTube clarified that no positions are being eliminated due to these modifications. This announcement coincides with Alphabet’s Q3 earnings release, revealing a 15% year-over-year surge in YouTube’s advertising revenue to $10.26 billion.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • NBA Champion Tristan Thompson Collaborates with World Mobile to Launch Community-Owned Mobile Network ‘Uplift’

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    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