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Perplexity Eyes $1B Funding Round at $18B Valuation Amid AI Competition

Perplexity Eyes $1B Funding Round at $18B Valuation Amid AI Competition

AI startup Perplexity is reportedly negotiating to secure up to $1 billion in funding, which could elevate its valuation to $18 billion. According to Bloomberg, Perplexity's annual recurring revenue has now reached $100 million, reflecting significant growth. This potential funding round would effectively double its valuation from $9 billion just a few months ago. In response to mounting competition, including recent advancements from Google and Anthropic, Perplexity is expanding its offerings, including the upcoming launch of its 'agentic' browser, Comet.

Created at: March 20, 2025 7:30pm

Automakers Embrace Tesla Superchargers: A New Era for EV Charging

Automakers Embrace Tesla Superchargers: A New Era for EV Charging

A growing number of automakers are transitioning to Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS), following Ford's landmark deal in May 2023 that granted its EVs access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Brands including GM, Rivian, Honda, and Hyundai have since committed to adopting this standard, promising adapters for their customers. By early 2025, many EV owners will gain access to over 36,000 NACS ports across the U.S. and Canada. Despite some delays in adapter production, optimism rises as Tesla ramps up efforts to accommodate non-Tesla EVs.

Created at: March 20, 2025 7:00pm

Munich Re Acquires Next Insurance for $2.6B, Boosting Fintech Portfolio

Munich Re Acquires Next Insurance for $2.6B, Boosting Fintech Portfolio

Munich Re has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Next Insurance for $2.6 billion. Founded in 2016, the Palo Alto-based company specializes in insurance for small to medium-sized businesses and boasts over 600,000 customers. Despite facing valuation challenges in recent years, Next Insurance reported a revenue of $548 million in 2024. The acquisition will see Munich Re purchase the remaining 71% of shares it does not already own, with the deal expected to close in Q3 2025, pending regulatory approval.

Created at: March 20, 2025 7:00pm

OpenAI Enhances its AI Models for Transcription and Voice Generation

OpenAI Enhances its AI Models for Transcription and Voice Generation

OpenAI has launched upgraded transcription and voice-generating AI models, aiming to improve user interaction through more nuanced speech and accurate transcriptions. These models, part of OpenAI's broader vision for automated systems, allow developers to customize voice outputs for various contexts. The new text-to-speech model is designed to deliver realistic and steerable speech, while the transcription models promise enhanced accuracy, particularly in diverse speech settings. However, OpenAI will not release these models for open use, citing their complexity and the need for careful deployment.

Created at: March 20, 2025 5:30pm

Anthropic's Claude Chatbot Now Integrates Web Search for Enhanced Responses

Anthropic's Claude Chatbot Now Integrates Web Search for Enhanced Responses

Anthropic has announced that its AI chatbot, Claude, now supports web search functionality, a feature previously unavailable. This new capability is currently in preview for paid users in the U.S., with plans for wider accessibility. Users can enable web search in the Claude web app, allowing the chatbot to retrieve and cite information from various sources, improving its response accuracy. Despite some inconsistencies in triggering for current events, Claude aims to provide more relevant and real-time insights comparable to competitors like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. The enhancement raises concerns about potential misinformation from web sources.

Created at: March 20, 2025 5:30pm

CoreWeave Aims High with IPO Pricing Between $47 and $55

CoreWeave Aims High with IPO Pricing Between $47 and $55

CoreWeave has announced its initial public offering (IPO) pricing, aiming to sell shares between $47 and $55, potentially raising $2.2 billion to $2.6 billion. The company had initially targeted a raise of at least $3 billion. This price range is often seen as a strategic move to generate excitement for the IPO. CoreWeave's recent signing of a $12 billion agreement with OpenAI and the addition of Meg Whitman to its board may bolster investor confidence. The market will soon see if the company can surpass its fundraising goals.

Created at: March 20, 2025 5:30pm

Rerun Secures $17M Seed Funding for Open-Source AI in Robotics

Rerun Secures $17M Seed Funding for Open-Source AI in Robotics

Rerun, a Stockholm-based startup, has raised $17 million in seed funding to enhance its open-source AI platform designed for robots, drones, and vehicles. The investment, led by Point Nine capital, brings Rerun's total funding to $20.2 million. The company aims to bridge the gap between cloud-based AI and physical environments by developing a data stack tailored for 'Physical AI.' Rerun's platform supports multimodal data management and visual debugging, addressing challenges faced by AI developers in deploying models in the real world. Notable companies like Meta and Google have already utilized Rerun's visualizations in their projects.

Created at: March 20, 2025 5:00pm

Airbyte Unveils New Connectors for Enhanced Data Management in AI Era

Airbyte Unveils New Connectors for Enhanced Data Management in AI Era

Airbyte has launched new connectors aimed at helping enterprises optimize their data usage while maintaining data sovereignty. The San Francisco startup announced capabilities for transferring unstructured data from platforms like Google Drive and compatibility with Apache Iceberg. This launch includes a connector bundle for major applications such as NetSuite and SAP. CEO Michel Tricot highlighted the importance of giving enterprises control over their data movement, emphasizing protection against third-party exposure. With over 7,000 enterprise customers, Airbyte continues to innovate in the data integration space.

Created at: March 20, 2025 4:00pm

Vote for Your Favorite Speaker at TechCrunch Sessions: AI!

Vote for Your Favorite Speaker at TechCrunch Sessions: AI!

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is set to take place on June 5 at UC Berkeley, and attendees can vote for their preferred speaker among six finalists. The voting window is open until March 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Each finalist will present valuable insights on monetizing generative AI, promoting inclusion in tech, and ensuring secure AI deployment in regulated industries. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early to save on admission and secure a spot in the most popular session. The event promises to connect AI leaders and explore innovative developments in the field.

Created at: March 20, 2025 3:30pm

European Startups Attract Over $52B VC Investment in 2024 Signaling Resilient Growth Amid Challenges

European Startups Attract Over $52B VC Investment in 2024
Signaling Resilient Growth Amid Challenges

Venture capital investment in European startups surpassed $52 billion in 2024, indicating a resurgence following the pandemic peaks and the downturn of 2023. Despite political and regulatory challenges, the report from Orrick highlights a stabilizing market with increased adoption of standardized investment documents. Equity deals have gained traction, with a focus on scaling businesses rather than early exits. Notably, 21% of financings involved SaaS models, while AI and DeepTech sectors saw significant investment. However, growth-stage funding remains limited, signaling a need for further support in this area.

Created at: March 20, 2025 3:30pm

Adapty Launches FunnelFox: A Game Changer for App Revenue Management

Adapty Launches FunnelFox: A Game Changer for App Revenue Management

Adapty has unveiled FunnelFox, a web-based tool designed to help app developers earn revenue outside traditional app stores. This innovative platform allows users to create customer acquisition quizzes on websites, bypassing the 30% fees charged by Apple and Google. After testing with over 100 clients, Adapty reported a $20 million revenue boost, with many users doubling their earnings compared to in-app purchases. FunnelFox features AI-driven suggestions to enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. The startup, which serves over 10,000 apps, aims to integrate more AI capabilities in the future.

Created at: March 20, 2025 2:00pm

Exhibit at TechCrunch Events in 2025 to Elevate Your Brand

TechCrunch is inviting startups to showcase their innovations at various upcoming events in 2025, including TC Sessions: AI, TC All Stage, and TechCrunch Disrupt. Participants can enjoy full exhibit space, online promotion, and access to valuable networking opportunities. Limited spaces are available, and interested parties are encouraged to reserve their tables early. The events will gather industry leaders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, providing a platform for startups to amplify their presence and connect with potential investors. Don't miss the chance to make a significant impact in the tech landscape.

Created at: March 20, 2025 2:00pm

EU Green Lights Apple's Portless iPhone 17 Air, Focusing on Wireless Charging

EU Green Lights Apple's Portless iPhone 17 Air, Focusing on Wireless Charging

Apple's vision for a portless iPhone 17 Air, reliant on MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, has received approval from the European Union. Despite initial concerns about regulatory restrictions, the EU has confirmed that selling a portless model is permissible, provided Apple avoids proprietary charging methods. The shift to a portless design aligns with the EU's goal of reducing electronic waste and promoting uniform charging standards. As wireless charging technology improves, consumers may increasingly embrace this innovation, especially with the growing availability of compatible chargers in various locations.

Created at: March 20, 2025 11:30am

Pruna AI Launches Open Source Optimization Framework for AI Models

Pruna AI Launches Open Source Optimization Framework for AI Models

Pruna AI, a startup from Europe, has announced the open-sourcing of its AI model optimization framework. This framework incorporates various efficiency techniques such as caching, pruning, and quantization to enhance AI model performance. The tool also evaluates the quality of compressed models to minimize loss. Unlike existing solutions, Pruna AI provides a comprehensive approach to combining multiple compression methods. Their focus is currently on image and video generation models, with existing users including Scenario and PhotoRoom. Pruna AI recently secured $6.5 million in seed funding to further its efforts.

Created at: March 20, 2025 8:00am

Evroc Secures $55M to Launch Sovereign Cloud in Europe

Evroc Secures $55M to Launch Sovereign Cloud in Europe

Swedish startup Evroc has raised €50.6 million ($55 million) in Series A funding to establish a hyperscale cloud infrastructure in Europe. The initiative seeks to create a secure and sustainable digital ecosystem independent of U.S. tech giants. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Evroc plans to construct data centers across Europe, with two already operational in Stockholm and Paris. The company aims to focus on AI workloads and is set to launch later this year, catering to sectors requiring high sovereignty, including defense and healthcare. CEO Mattias Åström emphasizes the importance of Europe controlling its own digital destiny.

Created at: March 20, 2025 7:00am

Michael Seibel Transitions to Emeritus Role at Y Combinator

Michael Seibel Transitions to Emeritus Role at Y Combinator

Michael Seibel announced his transition to a partner emeritus role at Y Combinator after over 12 years with the accelerator. Previously a founder and CEO, Seibel managed various roles within YC, including group partner and managing director. His reduced operational role aligns with a desire to help government serve citizens better, a passion he aims to reignite. The announcement, made via X, took some employees by surprise, especially following Garry Tan's appointment as CEO in 2022. Seibel will take a summer break before his new endeavors begin.

Created at: March 20, 2025 6:01am

ClearGrid Raises $10M to Revolutionize Debt Collection with AI in MENA

ClearGrid Raises $10M to Revolutionize Debt Collection with AI in MENA

ClearGrid, a Dubai-based startup, has emerged from stealth with $10 million in funding to modernize debt collection in the MENA region using AI. Founded in May 2023, the company aims to enhance recovery for banks and fintechs while avoiding customer harassment. Co-founder Mohammed Al Zaben emphasized the need for innovation in an outdated industry. ClearGrid's platform automates collections and personalizes outreach, boasting a 50% reduction in collection costs. The startup is already profitable in the UAE and plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, targeting significant revenue growth in the coming year.

Created at: March 20, 2025 4:30am

Verizon Launches Satellite Texting for Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 Users Stay Connected Even Without Signal

Verizon Launches Satellite Texting for Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 Users
Stay Connected Even Without Signal

Verizon has introduced satellite texting, enabling users of the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 to send messages without a cellular signal. This innovative feature allows texts to be sent to any smartphone, even those not equipped for satellite communication. While Verizon claims to be the first U.S. carrier to offer this service, details on additional compatible devices are forthcoming. The rollout is underway, enhancing connectivity options for those in remote areas. This move follows similar advancements by other tech companies in satellite communication technologies.

Created at: March 20, 2025 4:00am

SoftBank to Acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5B in Cash

SoftBank to Acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5B in Cash

SoftBank Group has announced plans to acquire Ampere Computing, a semiconductor designer, for $6.5 billion in an all-cash deal. The acquisition aims to enhance SoftBank's investments in AI infrastructure and will position Ampere as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Carlyle and Oracle, Ampere's major investors, will exit the company as part of the deal. SoftBank, already a significant player with Arm Holdings, is looking to bolster its capabilities in AI and computing. The deal is expected to close in the latter half of 2025, furthering SoftBank's commitment to AI innovation.

Created at: March 20, 2025 3:30am

Google Postpones Pixel 9a Launch Until April Due to Component Issues

Google Postpones Pixel 9a Launch Until April Due to Component Issues

Google has confirmed a delay in the release of its budget smartphone, the Pixel 9a, which was initially scheduled for this month. The company cited unexpected component quality issues as the reason for the setback, pushing the launch to April. Preorders through the Google Store and major retailers like Best Buy have been canceled. Despite the delay, the Pixel 9a promises a feature-rich experience with a Tensor G4 chipset and a redesigned minimalist body. Google aims to maintain its budget-friendly Pixel lineup despite this hiccup.

Created at: March 20, 2025 3:00am

Apple's AirPods to Feature Live Language Translation, Competing with Google's Pixel Buds

Apple's AirPods to Feature Live Language Translation, Competing with Google's Pixel Buds

Apple is reportedly developing a live language translation feature for its popular AirPods, a significant upgrade since the device's release in 2016. This anticipated feature aims to enhance user experience by providing real-time translations, similar to Google’s Pixel Buds, which have offered this capability since 2017. The upgrade comes as Apple seeks to innovate beyond its current audio functionalities, previously introducing hearing aid capabilities. The effectiveness of Apple's translation feature compared to Google's remains to be seen, but it could greatly benefit multilingual users in everyday conversations.

Created at: March 20, 2025 2:00am

Cyberstarts Turns $6M Investment in Wiz into $1.42B Windfall

Cyberstarts Turns $6M Investment in Wiz into $1.42B Windfall

Cybersecurity startup Wiz's acquisition by Alphabet is set to yield enormous returns for its early backers, particularly Cyberstarts. The Israeli VC invested $6.4 million in Wiz's seed round, now valued at a staggering $1.3 billion, marking a 222x return. Additionally, Cyberstarts previously sold shares worth $120 million, bringing total returns to $1.42 billion. Sequoia Capital, another prominent investor, is expected to gain $3 billion from its stake. This acquisition underscores the impressive performance of early-stage investments in the tech sector.

Created at: March 20, 2025 12:30am

OpenAI Launches o1-pro: Its Most Expensive AI Model Yet

OpenAI Launches o1-pro: Its Most Expensive AI Model Yet

OpenAI has introduced o1-pro, its most advanced AI model, now available through its developer API. This model promises superior performance, utilizing greater computing power than its predecessor, o1. Priced at $150 per million tokens for input and $600 for output, it’s significantly more costly than previous models. Currently accessible to select developers, o1-pro aims to deliver more reliable responses. However, early user feedback indicates mixed results, with issues noted in solving puzzles and answering basic queries. OpenAI hopes its enhanced capabilities will justify the high costs for developers.

Created at: March 19, 2025 11:00pm

OpenAI's Noam Brown: AI Reasoning Models Could Have Emerged Two Decades Earlier

OpenAI's Noam Brown: AI Reasoning Models Could Have Emerged Two Decades Earlier

Noam Brown, the research lead for AI reasoning at OpenAI, stated at Nvidia’s GTC conference that advanced AI reasoning models could have been developed much earlier if the right approaches were known. He emphasized the importance of 'thinking' before acting in AI, a technique employed by OpenAI's o1 model. Brown noted that while pre-training remains important, there's a shift towards combining it with test-time inference for enhanced accuracy. He also highlighted the potential for academic contributions in AI benchmarking, despite limited computational resources in academia amid recent funding cuts.

Created at: March 19, 2025 9:30pm

Sequoia Capital Closes D.C. Office, Disbands Policy Team

Sequoia Capital Closes D.C. Office, Disbands Policy Team

Sequoia Capital will shut down its Washington D.C. office and disband its policy team by the end of March. This decision contrasts with other Silicon Valley firms, like Andreessen Horowitz, which are strengthening ties with the new Trump administration. Sequoia, which opened the office five years ago to assist companies with regulatory matters, has stated they are now well-equipped to maintain relationships without a dedicated team. The closure affects three full-time employees and policy fellows. The firm remains politically neutral despite some partners' past political expressions.

Created at: March 19, 2025 9:30pm

Nvidia Acquires Synthetic Data Startup Gretel for Nine-Figure Sum

Nvidia Acquires Synthetic Data Startup Gretel for Nine-Figure Sum

Nvidia has reportedly acquired Gretel, a San Diego-based startup specializing in synthetic AI training data. The acquisition price, exceeding Gretel’s last valuation of $320 million, remains undisclosed. Founded in 2019, Gretel employs around 80 people and enhances AI models with proprietary technology. This strategic move enables Nvidia to bolster its generative AI services, keeping pace with competitors like Microsoft and Meta, who are increasingly utilizing synthetic data. Prior to the acquisition, Gretel secured over $67 million from notable investors, including Anthos Capital and Greylock.

Created at: March 19, 2025 8:00pm

AWS Generative AI Executive Raj Aggarwal Launches New Startup

AWS Generative AI Executive Raj Aggarwal Launches New Startup

Raj Aggarwal, formerly the GM of generative AI at AWS, has announced his departure to launch a new startup. During his tenure, he contributed to significant advancements in AWS's generative AI products, which reportedly increased pipeline generation by 4.9%. Aggarwal has an entrepreneurial background, having previously founded Localytics and Demand Sage, both of which secured substantial venture funding. Although he did not disclose specifics about his new venture, he expressed excitement about returning to his entrepreneurial roots. TechCrunch has reached out for further details.

Created at: March 19, 2025 7:30pm

Bluesky’s T-Shirt Sales Outshine Custom Domains with Zuck Jab

Bluesky’s T-Shirt Sales Outshine Custom Domains with Zuck Jab

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber recently showcased a T-shirt at SXSW that humorously critiqued Mark Zuckerberg, leading to a spontaneous surge in sales. The shirt, which features a Latin phrase meaning 'a world without Caesars,' quickly sold out, generating more revenue in a single day than two years of custom domain sales. COO Rose Wang jokingly suggested a pivot to T-shirt sales due to the overwhelming demand. As Bluesky continues to explore monetization strategies, its unexpected fashion venture highlights the intersection of tech and culture.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:30pm

DeepMind Robotics Researcher Launches Stealth Startup with Nvidia's Backing

DeepMind Robotics Researcher Launches Stealth Startup with Nvidia's Backing

Pete Florence, a former senior research scientist at DeepMind, has exited Google to establish his robotics startup, Generalist AI, already securing investment from Nvidia. Announced at Nvidia’s GTC conference, Florence aims to realize the potential of general-purpose robots. Joining as a technical founding member is Kamyar Ghasemipour, another DeepMind alumnus. Florence envisions a future where the cost of physical labor approaches zero. His departure aligns with a trend of DeepMind alumni founding innovative companies in the AI and robotics fields. Both Nvidia and Google have not commented on the developments.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:30pm

Ghost Integrates with Fediverse, Expanding Social Reach

Ghost Integrates with Fediverse, Expanding Social Reach

Ghost, an open-source newsletter platform, has launched a beta feature connecting its service to the fediverse, enhancing user engagement. This integration, powered by ActivityPub, allows Ghost Pro subscribers to share blog posts across various federated networks like Mastodon and Threads. Users can now follow Ghost publishers and interact with their content through likes and replies. Additionally, Ghost introduced a social web reader to streamline content consumption. While still in development, this feature is expected to evolve in the upcoming Ghost 6.0 release, promising deeper integration with social profiles.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:30pm

Elon Musk's X Sees Valuation Surge Back to $44 Billion

Elon Musk's X Sees Valuation Surge Back to $44 Billion

Elon Musk's social media platform X has reportedly regained a valuation of $44 billion, as reported by the Financial Times. This comes after a previous estimation by Fidelity Investments, which pegged its worth below $10 billion last September. A separate Bloomberg report revealed that X raised nearly $1 billion from investors, valuing the company at approximately $32 billion. Despite revenue drops since Musk's acquisition, X reported adjusted earnings of $1.2 billion for 2024, matching pre-takeover figures. The contrasting valuations highlight significant financial recovery for the platform.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:00pm

Telegram Surpasses 1 Billion Users, Durov Critiques WhatsApp

Telegram Surpasses 1 Billion Users, Durov Critiques WhatsApp

Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, announced that the messaging app has surpassed 1 billion active users, up from 950 million last year. The company also reported $547 million in profits for the previous year. Durov criticized WhatsApp as a 'cheap, watered-down imitation' of Telegram, claiming the rival has unsuccessfully tried to replicate its innovations. Meanwhile, Telegram has attracted crypto enthusiasts by integrating the TON blockchain and decentralized features. Durov recently returned to Dubai after resolving legal issues in France related to the platform's operations.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:00pm

xAI Unveils New Image Generation API to Compete in the AI Space

xAI Unveils New Image Generation API to Compete in the AI Space

Elon Musk's xAI has launched an API that enables users to generate images from text prompts. Currently, the platform offers one model, 'grok-2-image-1212,' which can create up to 10 images per request at a cost of $0.07 each. This move positions xAI against competitors like Black Forest Labs and Ideogram, which have slightly different pricing models. The API currently lacks features for adjusting image quality or style, as prompts are modified by a chat model. xAI is also pursuing significant funding to enhance its offerings and expand its data center capabilities.

Created at: March 19, 2025 6:00pm

GM, Gatik, and Torc Collaborate with Nvidia to Boost Self-Driving Tech

GM, Gatik, and Torc Collaborate with Nvidia to Boost Self-Driving Tech

Nvidia's GTC conference has showcased a collaboration between General Motors, Gatik, and Torc, aiming to enhance the development of autonomous driving technologies. GM plans to utilize Nvidia's Omniverse and Cosmos for creating digital twins of factories, improving manufacturing processes. Gatik will implement Nvidia's Drive AGX and Drive Thor for its self-driving logistics, targeting Level 4 autonomy. Torc is working on scalable AI compute systems for autonomous trucks, aiming for commercial launch in 2027. This partnership signifies a major step toward advanced autonomous vehicle deployment.

Created at: March 19, 2025 5:30pm

Ribbit Capital Raises $500M Fund, Signaling Fintech Resurgence

Ribbit Capital Raises $500M Fund, Signaling Fintech Resurgence

Ribbit Capital is raising $500 million for its new flagship fund, Ribbit Capital Y, as reported by the SEC. This follows their previous $800 million fund raised in 2023. The Palo Alto-based venture firm is renowned for its fintech investments, having backed successful startups like Nubank and Robinhood. Recent activities include investments in emerging markets, particularly in India. Notably, the new fund size is smaller than the $1.15 billion raised in 2022, indicating a shift in market dynamics. The fundraising reflects a positive trend in the fintech sector.

Created at: March 19, 2025 5:30pm

Tera AI Secures $7.8M to Revolutionize Robot Navigation with Innovative Software

Tera AI Secures $7.8M to Revolutionize Robot Navigation with Innovative Software

Tera AI has emerged from stealth mode with $7.8 million in seed funding to develop a unique spatial reasoning AI system aimed at enhancing navigation for autonomous robots. Founded by Tony Zhang, the company focuses on zero-shot navigation software that operates independently of hardware limitations. This innovative approach allows robots to navigate using existing cameras and GPUs, drastically reducing costs and expanding capabilities. Tera AI's technology could transform the robotics landscape by enabling affordable and efficient solutions for various applications, promising to make robots significantly more valuable in the market.

Created at: March 19, 2025 4:30pm

Multiply Mortgage Secures $23.5M Series A to Revolutionize Home Financing

Multiply Mortgage Secures $23.5M Series A to Revolutionize Home Financing

Multiply Mortgage, a Denver-based startup, has raised $23.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Kleiner Perkins. Founded in 2022, the company aims to provide mortgage benefits as part of employee financial wellness programs. With mortgage rates exceeding 6.5%, Multiply offers valuable services, including personalized mortgage advice and discounts on interest rates. The startup has already assisted nearly 100 individuals in financing their homes and plans to expand its team and platform. CEO Michael White emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in an increasingly challenging homeownership market.

Created at: March 19, 2025 3:30pm

Hunted Labs Secures $3M Seed Investment for Open Source Cybersecurity

Hunted Labs Secures $3M Seed Investment for Open Source Cybersecurity

Hunted Labs, an open source cybersecurity startup, has secured a $3 million seed investment from Red Cell Partners, led by former NSA deputy director George Barnes. This investment marks Barnes's first venture capital effort after his tenure at the NSA. Hunted Labs aims to address concerns over the origins of open source software contributions, an issue highlighted by past security breaches. The startup has already landed contracts, including a $1.79 million deal with the Space Development Agency. Founded by Hayden Smith and his team, Hunted Labs focuses on software threat management amidst a competitive landscape.

Created at: March 19, 2025 3:30pm

AI Leaders Debate the Future of AGI: Optimism vs. Reality

AI Leaders Debate the Future of AGI: Optimism vs. Reality

During a recent dinner in San Francisco, tech CEOs discussed the potential for AI to achieve human-like intelligence, with some claiming it could happen as soon as 2026. Dario Amodei from Anthropic and Sam Altman of OpenAI are among those optimistic about AI's capabilities. In contrast, figures like Thomas Wolf and Demis Hassabis express skepticism, arguing that significant breakthroughs require more than current large language models can offer. Kenneth Stanley emphasizes the importance of creativity in AI development, highlighting the need for new approaches to achieve true AGI.

Created at: March 19, 2025 3:30pm

Google Unveils Redesigned $499 Pixel 9a Smartphone

Google Unveils Redesigned $499 Pixel 9a Smartphone

Google has launched the Pixel 9a, its latest midrange smartphone retailing at $499. This model introduces a new design, eliminating the camera bar and featuring a brighter 6.3-inch Actua display, 35% brighter than its predecessor. Powered by the Tensor G4 processor, it boasts over 30 hours of battery life and upgraded RAM options. The dual rear camera includes a 48MP main camera and introduces Macro Focus. With AI photography enhancements and improved durability, the Pixel 9a aims to set a new standard for A-series smartphones, available in April in four color options.

Created at: March 19, 2025 3:00pm