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Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt: Connect with Industry Giants!

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt: Connect with Industry Giants!

TechCrunch is set to host Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco in just over two weeks, featuring major players like Meta, Dropbox, J.P. Morgan, and HP. This event offers startups invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Notably, Meta will sponsor an invitation-only reception for women in tech, while Dropbox will lead a breakout session. J.P. Morgan will host a breakfast for women entrepreneurs. The AI Stage sessions are sponsored by HP and Thomson Reuters. Additionally, Braindate will facilitate networking through knowledge-sharing conversations during the event.

Created at: October 14, 2024 3:30pm

Gemini AI Takes Over Google Assistant Actions on Android

Gemini AI Takes Over Google Assistant Actions on Android

Gemini AI is set to enhance its functionalities by taking over Google Assistant's actions on Android devices, as revealed in the latest beta update. This transition allows Gemini to manage tasks such as sending messages, making calls, and controlling music playback directly through the Google app. The upgrade highlights Google's shift towards a multimodal AI experience, moving away from the traditional voice assistant model. While Gemini shows promise, it still faces challenges with large data sets. The integration of Gemini across various Google applications signals a significant advancement in AI capabilities for users.

Created at: October 14, 2024 2:31pm

Beyond Presence Secures $3.1M Funding to Create Hyper-Realistic AI Avatars

Beyond Presence Secures $3.1M Funding to Create Hyper-Realistic AI Avatars

Beyond Presence, a Munich-based startup founded by Awais Shafique, has raised $3.1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by HV Capital. The startup aims to develop hyper-realistic avatars capable of real-time, unscripted conversations, leveraging advancements in computer vision and AI. With over 300 companies on the waitlist, the public beta is expected by the end of October. Shafique, previously co-founder of Presize, has opted to bypass Y Combinator to maintain equity and focus on core technology. The funding will support ongoing model development and product launch efforts.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:01pm

Adobe Launches Firefly AI Video Generator Ahead of MAX Event

Adobe Launches Firefly AI Video Generator Ahead of MAX Event

Adobe has unveiled video generation capabilities for its Firefly AI platform, allowing users to create AI-generated videos through text-to-video and image-to-video models. The web beta is free and offers videos of up to five seconds. Additionally, the Premiere Pro beta app features 'Generative Extend,' which can extend video clips by two seconds while maintaining background audio. Adobe emphasizes that its AI tools are designed to enhance, not replace, creative workflows, addressing concerns from artists. The platform ensures 'commercially safe' media by avoiding sensitive content.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:00pm

Peanut Launches AI-Powered Pregnancy Tracking Tool for Women

Peanut Launches AI-Powered Pregnancy Tracking Tool for Women

Peanut, a social networking app for women, has introduced Peanut Track, an AI-driven pregnancy tracking feature. This tool aggregates seven years of user data to provide personalized guidance during pregnancy stages. Peanut focuses on community but now expands into utility, offering content from gynecologists and traditional pregnancy metrics. Users can track their baby's growth and symptoms while connecting with others at the same pregnancy stage. Following this launch, Peanut plans to unveil Peanut Grow next year, aimed at supporting new mothers. The app has secured $32 million in funding to enhance its offerings.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:00pm

The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine Returns Online After DDoS Attacks

The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine Returns Online After DDoS Attacks

Following a series of DDoS attacks last week, The Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine are back online but in a read-only state. Founder Brewster Kahle announced the platform's return, cautioning users that many features remain unavailable as maintenance continues. The attack, attributed to the group 'Blackmeta,' was described as a test of security systems. Users are advised to be patient while the platform stabilizes. The Internet Archive has been a vital resource for preserving web history for nearly 30 years, aiding users in accessing lost content from the internet's past.

Created at: October 14, 2024 12:30pm

Constellation Technologies Aims to Bring 5G Internet from Space

Constellation Technologies Aims to Bring 5G Internet from Space

French startup Constellation Technologies & Operations plans to revolutionize telecommunications by launching a network of satellites to provide 5G internet access from low Earth orbit. By repurposing existing 5G spectrum, the company aims to partner with telecom operators to offer high-speed internet via stationary user terminals. Founder Charles Delfieux emphasizes the need for universal connectivity, noting that convergence between space and terrestrial networks is now achievable. Constellation has secured €9.3 million in seed funding and plans to launch its first prototype satellites by 2026, targeting a constellation of 1,500 for global coverage.

Created at: October 14, 2024 7:00am

Director Morgan Neville Avoids Generative AI After 'Roadrunner' Criticism

Director Morgan Neville Avoids Generative AI After 'Roadrunner' Criticism

Following backlash over his use of generative AI in the documentary 'Roadrunner,' Morgan Neville has decided to steer clear of AI in future projects. Viewers criticized his decision to replicate Anthony Bourdain's voice, leading many to believe he fabricated dialogue. In his latest work, 'Piece by Piece,' Neville emphasized authenticity by constructing words from syllables without AI. He secured permission from Bourdain's widow to ensure accuracy in the portrayal. This shift reflects a growing concern in the media about the ethical implications of using AI in storytelling.

Created at: October 13, 2024 9:30pm

AI's New Frontier: The Promise and Perils of Synthetic Data

AI's New Frontier: The Promise and Perils of Synthetic Data

The use of synthetic data in AI training is gaining traction as real data becomes scarce and expensive. Companies like Anthropic and Meta are already leveraging synthetic data for their models, while projections suggest the market could reach $10.34 billion in a decade. Despite its advantages, synthetic data is not without risks, including inherent biases and the potential for reduced model quality over time. Experts warn that careful oversight is essential to avoid pitfalls like model collapse. The future of AI training may still require human intervention to ensure data integrity.

Created at: October 13, 2024 5:00pm

Data Center Tech Growth Surges Amid AI Boom, But Startups Face Adoption Hurdles

Data Center Tech Growth Surges Amid AI Boom, But Startups Face Adoption Hurdles

The data center industry is rapidly expanding, driven by the growing demand for AI infrastructure, with the market projected to exceed $622 billion by 2030. However, startups aiming to innovate in this space face significant challenges, including high operational costs and the need for efficient energy consumption. Major companies like Microsoft are seeking solutions, yet skepticism remains about the scalability of new technologies. Despite the hurdles, startups like Incooling are gaining traction as interest in sustainable data center solutions increases, fueled by impending regulations.

Created at: October 13, 2024 3:00pm

China's 'Typhoon' Hackers: An Emerging Cyber Threat for the U.S.

China's 'Typhoon' Hackers: An Emerging Cyber Threat for the U.S.

U.S. intelligence officials warn that Chinese state-backed hackers, identified as the 'Typhoon' groups, pose a serious threat to American critical infrastructure. These hackers have infiltrated sectors like water, energy, and transportation, preparing for potential future cyberattacks amid rising tensions. Groups like Volt Typhoon and Flax Typhoon have been actively targeting sensitive networks, while the newly discovered Salt Typhoon may have compromised U.S. telecom wiretap systems. The FBI emphasizes the urgency of countering these threats to protect national security and civilian safety.

Created at: October 13, 2024 2:30pm

Kind Humanoid: A Robotics Startup Collaborates with Yves Béhar to Create Home Care Robots

Kind Humanoid: A Robotics Startup Collaborates with Yves Béhar to Create Home Care Robots

Kind Humanoid, a three-person startup based in Palo Alto, is developing innovative humanoid robots aimed at home care, collaborating with renowned designer Yves Béhar. The team is creating a robot named Mona, designed for environments like care facilities, rather than the crowded industrial market. Béhar's whimsical design incorporates artistic elements to convey the robot's intent, avoiding the uncanny valley effect. Initial prototypes showcase a unique aesthetic, blending functionality with creativity. Field tests for the first dozen robots are set to begin early next year, marking a significant step towards practical home robotics.

Created at: October 13, 2024 1:00pm

Meta's Yann LeCun Dismisses A.I. Existential Threat Concerns as 'Complete B.S.'

Meta's Yann LeCun Dismisses A.I. Existential Threat Concerns as 'Complete B.S.'

Yann LeCun, a prominent AI researcher at Meta and NYU professor, has expressed skepticism about the fears surrounding artificial intelligence posing an existential threat. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he asserted that today’s large language models lack critical capabilities such as reasoning and persistent memory, suggesting they are not close to achieving true intelligence. LeCun emphasized the need for new approaches in AI development, highlighting efforts by his team to explore real-world video processing as a potential pathway. His comments challenge the prevailing narrative about super-intelligent A.I.

Created at: October 12, 2024 10:00pm

Tesla Unveils Affordable Cybercab Robotaxi Under $30K

Tesla Unveils Affordable Cybercab Robotaxi Under $30K

Tesla has officially introduced its Cybercab robotaxi during the We, Robot event, boasting a sleek design and a projected price of less than $30,000. Alongside the Cybercab, CEO Elon Musk also showcased a prototype of the Robovan, an electric autonomous vehicle aimed at high-density areas. Meanwhile, Fidelity Investments reported that over 77,000 customer records were compromised in a data breach. In corporate news, Babbel's CEO is stepping down, with co-founder Markus Witte returning to lead the company into a new phase focused on AI.

Created at: October 12, 2024 8:30pm

SpaceX Set to Attempt Historic Booster Catch with Starship on Sunday

SpaceX Set to Attempt Historic Booster Catch with Starship on Sunday

SpaceX is preparing for a significant milestone as it plans to launch its Starship on Sunday, targeting the first-ever recovery of the Super Heavy booster using oversized 'chopsticks.' The launch, scheduled for 5 AM PST, follows the FAA's unexpected approval, allowing the flight to occur earlier than anticipated. This mission aims to verify rapid reuse capabilities crucial for future space missions. The nearly 400-foot Starship will perform a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean post-launch. Engineers have conducted several critical tests to ensure system readiness for this groundbreaking attempt.

Created at: October 12, 2024 5:30pm

Instadeep: Pioneering AI Innovations in Biotech post BioNTech Acquisition

Instadeep: Pioneering AI Innovations in Biotech post BioNTech Acquisition

Instadeep, Africa's largest AI startup, has made remarkable strides since its acquisition by BioNTech for over $550 million. The company focuses on advanced machine learning to enhance biotech applications, including developing AI-driven solutions for cancer therapeutics. Co-founder Karim Beguir emphasized the startup's commitment to deploying AI across BioNTech’s processes, achieving significant improvements in histology and immunotherapy. While Instadeep operates independently, it continues to innovate in both biotech and industrial optimization projects, including railway scheduling and geospatial intelligence. The company aims to leverage AI for societal challenges, such as food security in Africa.

Created at: October 12, 2024 4:00pm

Amazon Unveils Next-Gen Robotics Strategies at Nashville Event

Amazon Unveils Next-Gen Robotics Strategies at Nashville Event

At the recent Delivering the Future event in Nashville, Amazon showcased advancements in AI and computer vision aimed at enhancing delivery efficiency. Although no new robotics systems were introduced, Amazon Robotics chief technologist Tye Brady highlighted the deployment of over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots. The company is retrofitting existing warehouses, including a massive expansion in Shreveport, Louisiana, which will utilize significantly more robots and create additional jobs. Amazon's integration of machine learning and collaboration with UC Berkeley spinoff Covariant aims to tackle complex industrial challenges, ensuring a seamless workflow.

Created at: October 12, 2024 2:00pm

Anthropic CEO's Vision for AI: A Techno-Utopian Future Awaiting Us

Anthropic CEO's Vision for AI: A Techno-Utopian Future Awaiting Us

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has published an extensive essay advocating for the transformative potential of AI, predicting it could resolve global issues such as infectious diseases and climate change within the next decade. He asserts that powerful AI, capable of outperforming humans in various fields, will emerge as soon as 2026. Amodei envisions a future where AI significantly enhances human capabilities and increases lifespan. However, critics question the feasibility of his optimistic projections, citing the current limitations and risks associated with AI technology. The essay raises important discussions about the impact of AI on society and economy.

Created at: October 12, 2024 12:30am

39 US AI Startups Raise Over $100M in 2024 as Funding Surges

39 US AI Startups Raise Over $100M in 2024 as Funding Surges

Venture capital investments in AI continue to thrive, with U.S. AI startups raising over $18.9 billion in Q3 2024 alone, accounting for 28% of total venture funding. The quarter marked a historic milestone as OpenAI secured a record $6.6 billion round. Notable raises include EvenUp's $135 million, KoBold Metals' $491.5 million, and Poolside's $500 million. These developments highlight the ongoing investor enthusiasm for AI, despite concerns over fatigue in the sector. The momentum suggests a robust future for AI-driven innovations.

Created at: October 11, 2024 10:00pm

AI Models Struggle with Simple Math Problems Due to Trivial Changes

AI Models Struggle with Simple Math Problems Due to Trivial Changes

Researchers at Apple have released a paper highlighting the limitations of AI models in mathematical reasoning. Their study reveals that even minor alterations in math problems can lead to incorrect conclusions from large language models (LLMs). For instance, adding irrelevant information about the size of kiwis confused state-of-the-art models, demonstrating their lack of genuine understanding. The researchers argue that LLMs replicate observed patterns rather than engage in true reasoning. This raises important questions about the capabilities and reliability of AI as it becomes more integrated into daily tasks.

Created at: October 11, 2024 10:00pm

Khosla Ventures Invests $405M in OpenAI via SPV, Not Direct Capital

Khosla Ventures Invests $405M in OpenAI via SPV, Not Direct Capital

Khosla Ventures has reportedly raised $405 million to support OpenAI, as revealed in a recent regulatory filing. This new funding is part of a larger $6.6 billion round, where Khosla's stake is estimated at 6%. However, Khosla may not have directly contributed any substantial capital, as the funds were primarily sourced from other investors through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The terms of Khosla's participation remain undisclosed, but it is known that their previous investment in OpenAI in 2019 has paid off significantly as OpenAI's valuation soared to $157 billion.

Created at: October 11, 2024 8:30pm

Startups Battle Well-Funded Rivals Amid New Funding Surge

Startups Battle Well-Funded Rivals Amid New Funding Surge

This week's startup landscape saw significant funding activity, emphasizing the importance of regulatory interactions. Companies like KoBold Metals raised $491 million for mineral discovery using AI, while Auger secured a $100 million seed round for supply chain innovations. French unicorn Alan expanded into Canada, aiming to hire 50 staff. Meanwhile, LoanSnap lost its operating license in Connecticut, and Fisker faced bankruptcy challenges. Amidst these developments, venture studio Diagram launched a $58 million climate tech fund, reflecting ongoing investment in sustainable solutions.

Created at: October 11, 2024 7:30pm

Fearless Fund Invests in E-Commerce Platform Zimi After Lawsuit Settlement

Fearless Fund Invests in E-Commerce Platform Zimi After Lawsuit Settlement

Fearless Fund has announced a seven-figure investment in the e-commerce startup Zimi, co-founded by Audrey Djiya and Peter Nsaka, following a settlement of a lawsuit with the American Alliance for Equal Rights. Zimi specializes in inventory management and logistics for businesses in emerging markets. The investment comes as Fearless Fund resumes normal operations and focuses on supporting women of color entrepreneurs. Zimi's CEO emphasized the importance of Fearless Fund's understanding of the challenges they aim to solve. The fresh capital will enhance Zimi's operations and engineering workforce while integrating AI technologies.

Created at: October 11, 2024 7:30pm

Silicon Valley's Controversy Over AI Weapons Autonomy Debate Intensifies as Defense Leaders Weigh In

Silicon Valley's Controversy Over AI Weapons Autonomy
Debate Intensifies as Defense Leaders Weigh In

The debate over the use of AI in military weapons is heating up in Silicon Valley. Shield AI cofounder Brandon Tseng asserted that fully autonomous weapons would never be approved, but Anduril cofounder Palmer Luckey challenged this notion, highlighting the complexities of moral arguments against autonomous warfare. U.S. military guidelines on such weapons remain voluntary, and defense tech leaders like Joe Lonsdale advocate for a nuanced approach to AI's role in warfare. Meanwhile, Ukraine's push for more automated systems intensifies the urgency of the discussion, as concerns grow over adversaries like China advancing in this domain.

Created at: October 11, 2024 4:30pm

Instagram Attributes Moderation Issues to Human Reviewers, Not AI

Instagram Attributes Moderation Issues to Human Reviewers, Not AI

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that recent moderation problems affecting user accounts were due to human errors by content reviewers rather than AI systems. These issues led to account suspensions and posts being incorrectly flagged or downranked, causing frustration among users. Despite Mosseri's explanation, some users experienced account suspensions even after age verification. He acknowledged the need for improvements in the moderation process to reduce mistakes. The situation has prompted a competitor, Bluesky, to attract disillusioned users from Threads by highlighting its own features.

Created at: October 11, 2024 4:30pm

Anthony Levandowski Endorses Elon Musk's Vision for Self-Driving Cars While Expressing Reservations

Anthony Levandowski Endorses Elon Musk's Vision for Self-Driving Cars
While Expressing Reservations

Anthony Levandowski, co-founder of Google’s self-driving car program, shared his insights on Tesla's recent robotaxi reveal, expressing optimism about Elon Musk’s vision for the future of transportation. He believes the challenge lies in effective software development rather than hardware design. Levandowski sees potential in Tesla’s Cybercab model for small business owners but is cautious about the ambitious timelines Musk sets. He acknowledges advancements in full self-driving technology but thinks significant breakthroughs are necessary for mass adoption, indicating a longer wait for widespread implementation.

Created at: October 11, 2024 3:30pm

Aktiia's AI-Powered App Transforms Blood Pressure Monitoring with CE Certification

Aktiia's AI-Powered App Transforms Blood Pressure Monitoring with CE Certification

Swiss startup Aktiia has developed a groundbreaking app that enables users to measure blood pressure and heart rate using just their smartphone camera. The app, which received CE certification, utilizes generative AI trained on 11 billion data points to provide accurate readings in just 90 seconds. This innovative solution eliminates the need for bulky cuffs, making hypertension monitoring more accessible. Aktiia's technology aims to revolutionize blood pressure management, potentially saving lives and healthcare costs. The app is expected to launch in 2025, following successful funding rounds totaling $59.7 million.

Created at: October 11, 2024 3:00pm

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Navigating Open Source Security with Industry Leaders

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Navigating Open Source Security with Industry Leaders

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 will feature an insightful panel discussion on open source security, led by prominent figures from Sequoia Capital, CISA, and Tidelift. Bogomil Balkansky, Aeva Black, and Luis Villa will explore the balance between innovation and security in open source software. With increasing threats from state actors, the panel aims to address how companies can leverage open source while mitigating risks. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of communal code and its impact on global innovation. The event takes place from October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Created at: October 11, 2024 3:00pm

Startup Battlefield 200 Judges Announced for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Startup Battlefield 200 Judges Announced for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch has revealed more judges for the Startup Battlefield 200, a key event at Disrupt 2024, set to take place from October 28-30 in San Francisco. The event will showcase innovative startups pitching to top investors, providing invaluable insights into successful evaluation criteria. Among the newly announced judges are Galym Imanbayev from Lightspeed Venture Partners and Rohan Ganesh from Obvious Ventures, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in healthcare and technology investments. Attendees can expect an engaging Q&A session following each pitch, culminating in a $100,000 equity-free prize for the winner.

Created at: October 11, 2024 2:30pm

ByteDance Lays Off Hundreds of TikTok Employees Amid AI Shift

ByteDance Lays Off Hundreds of TikTok Employees Amid AI Shift

ByteDance has announced layoffs affecting less than 500 TikTok employees, primarily in Malaysia, as the company transitions to AI-driven content moderation. This move aims to enhance TikTok's global content moderation framework, which currently balances automated systems and human reviewers. The layoffs follow previous job cuts earlier this year, including over 250 positions in Ireland and around 1,000 in operations and marketing. TikTok has not responded to requests for further details on the layoffs.

Created at: October 11, 2024 2:00pm

Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Optimus: A Humanoid Robot That Can Do 'Anything You Want'

Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Optimus: A Humanoid Robot That Can Do 'Anything You Want'

At the recent 'We, Robot' event, Elon Musk showcased Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, claiming it can perform virtually any task requested by users. The event featured Optimus walking among the audience and demonstrating its abilities through household activities like watering plants and bartending. Priced between $20,000 to $30,000, Optimus is marketed as an 'Autonomous Assistant, Humanoid Friend,' aimed to aid in daily chores rather than replace humans. This development marks a significant step toward Tesla's vision of integrating robots into everyday life, despite previous delays in availability.

Created at: October 11, 2024 1:00pm

Apple's AI Features Unexpectedly Summarize Breakup Texts

Apple's AI Features Unexpectedly Summarize Breakup Texts

In a surprising turn of events, a beta tester of iOS 18.1 received an AI-generated summary of a breakup text, highlighting the potential for Apple Intelligence features. The summary succinctly conveyed the message from his ex-girlfriend, prompting discussions about the emotional sensitivity of such technology. While Apple aims to enhance productivity with features like text summaries, the incident raises concerns about the appropriateness of AI interpretations in personal matters. Users hope for improvements in the emotional intelligence of these AI tools to avoid similar awkward situations in the future.

Created at: October 11, 2024 11:30am

Wikipedia Editors Face Rising Challenge from AI-Generated Content

Wikipedia Editors Face Rising Challenge from AI-Generated Content

As the prevalence of AI-generated content increases, Wikipedia editors are struggling to manage the influx of low-quality contributions. Large language models, like OpenAI's GPT, are creating text that is often improperly sourced, leading to a rise in fake entries. Ilyas Lebleu, a Wikipedia editor, is spearheading the 'WikiProject AI Cleanup' to establish best practices for identifying machine-generated content. This project aims to help editors distinguish between genuine and AI-created edits, which are becoming a significant burden on their time and resources.

Created at: October 11, 2024 11:30am

Elon Musk Unveils Tesla's Robovan Prototype at We, Robot Event

Elon Musk Unveils Tesla's Robovan Prototype at We, Robot Event

During Tesla's We, Robot event in Los Angeles, Elon Musk introduced a prototype of the Robovan, an electric autonomous vehicle designed to transport up to 20 people and goods in high-density areas. The Robovan, which features a retro-futuristic design without a steering wheel, showcases Tesla's vision for the future of transportation. Musk did not disclose production details, costs, or timelines for its release. This prototype reflects Tesla's ambition to innovate urban mobility, paralleling other robotaxi designs but on a larger scale. The Robovan aims to redefine the aesthetics of road vehicles.

Created at: October 11, 2024 4:30am

Tesla Unveils 20 Cybercabs at We, Robot Event with Price Below $30,000

Tesla Unveils 20 Cybercabs at We, Robot Event with Price Below $30,000

At the recent 'We, Robot' event in Hollywood, Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced 20 prototypes of the Cybercab, a compact version of the Cybertruck. Musk announced that consumers could purchase the Cybercab for under $30,000, with an estimated operating cost of just $0.20 per mile. Tesla aims to start unsupervised Full Self-Driving operations in Texas and California next year, while production for the Cybercab is expected by 2026. The vehicle features inductive charging and lacks steering wheels and pedals, raising regulatory questions about compliance.

Created at: October 11, 2024 3:30am

Babbel Co-Founder Markus Witte Returns as Executive Chairman Following CEO Arne Schepker's Departure

Babbel Co-Founder Markus Witte Returns as Executive Chairman Following CEO Arne Schepker's Departure

Arne Schepker has stepped down as CEO of Babbel, with co-founder Markus Witte returning to lead the company as Executive Chairman and Managing Director. Schepker, who served nearly five years as CEO, cited a lack of sufficient commitment for his departure. Babbel's revenue grew sixfold during his tenure, reaching approximately $300 million. Witte aims to leverage AI to enhance language learning, focusing on creating personalized experiences for users. He believes the integration of advanced technology and Babbel's expertise can revolutionize language education. Witte also plans to foster positive experiences for employees and users alike.

Created at: October 11, 2024 2:30am

Amazon's Just Walk Out Team Faces Major Executive Changes

Amazon's Just Walk Out Team Faces Major Executive Changes

Three key executives responsible for Amazon's Just Walk Out technology have departed, signaling a shift in the company's checkout technology strategy. Jon Jenkins, Sanjay Dash, and Dilip Kumar have left their roles, with Kumar moving to oversee Amazon's AI chatbot initiative. Colleen Aubrey has been appointed as the new head of Just Walk Out under her expanded role in AWS solutions. Despite the leadership changes, Amazon maintains confidence in its checkout innovations, aiming to expand Just Walk Out to third-party stores next year after scaling back its physical store presence.

Created at: October 10, 2024 10:30pm

SpaceX Alums Launch $550M Deep Tech Fund to Back Innovative Startups

SpaceX Alums Launch $550M Deep Tech Fund to Back Innovative Startups

Interlagos, a venture capital firm founded by former SpaceX leaders, aims to raise $550 million for its inaugural fund focused on deep tech startups. The firm plans to invest in 26-32 companies, providing capital from inception to Series B stages. Founders Achal Upadhyaya and Tom Ochinero, both with extensive SpaceX experience, emphasize their commitment with a personal investment pledge. The fund targets sectors like AI, robotics, and biotech, amid a challenging VC landscape. If successful, Interlagos will compete with major players like Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz.

Created at: October 10, 2024 7:30pm

Bluesky Leverages Meta’s Moderation Woes to Attract Threads Users

Bluesky Leverages Meta’s Moderation Woes to Attract Threads Users

Social networking startup Bluesky has launched an account on Threads to attract users frustrated by Meta's ongoing moderation issues. Amid complaints of content downranking and false account flagging, Bluesky aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing its community-guided moderation policies. Unlike Meta, Bluesky will not de-rank political content, tapping into user dissatisfaction with Threads. The platform promotes transparency and user choice, inviting users to explore its features. Despite its smaller user base, Bluesky is actively engaging with Threads users to gather feedback and improve its offerings.

Created at: October 10, 2024 5:30pm

Numeric Secures $28M Series A to Revolutionize Accounting with AI

Numeric Secures $28M Series A to Revolutionize Accounting with AI

Numeric, an innovative accounting software startup, has raised $28 million in a Series A funding round led by Menlo Ventures, following a $10 million seed round just five months prior. Founded by Parker Gilbert, Numeric automates the book-closing process, significantly reducing the time accountants spend on month-end tasks. The software integrates AI to analyze financial data, providing explanations for variances and improving accuracy. With a four-fold revenue increase over the last year, Numeric is set to disrupt the accounting software market dominated by established players. Investors see a strong potential for future product expansions.

Created at: October 10, 2024 4:30pm