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Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: 7 Days to Go!

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: 7 Days to Go!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to commence on October 28 in San Francisco, bringing together over 10,000 tech leaders and 350 startups. Attendees can expect insightful sessions featuring 250 industry experts and opportunities for networking across multiple venues. The event will highlight the Startup Battlefield 200, where selected startups will compete for a $100,000 prize. With more than 200 hands-on sessions, participants will engage in meaningful discussions on key industry challenges. Don't miss the chance to register at a discounted rate before ticket prices rise.

Created at: October 21, 2024 3:00pm

Uprise Launches to Empower Small Businesses with Financial Guidance

Uprise Launches to Empower Small Businesses with Financial Guidance

Uprise, a San Francisco-based startup, aims to assist small businesses in making informed financial decisions by embedding its advisory services into existing financial products like Rippling and Carry. Using an AI-driven algorithm, Uprise provides tailored recommendations vetted by human advisors. The company recently secured $3.3 million in seed funding to enhance its offerings and expand partnerships. Initially focused on direct-to-consumer advice, Uprise pivoted to small businesses after recognizing their unique financial needs. This innovative approach seeks to integrate seamlessly into various financial applications used by entrepreneurs.

Created at: October 21, 2024 2:30pm

Apple Confirms No iPhone SE 4 Plus Version for Next Year

Apple Confirms No iPhone SE 4 Plus Version for Next Year

Apple has decided against launching a 'Plus' version of the iPhone SE 4 next year, despite earlier leaks suggesting otherwise. The focus remains on a single 6.1-inch variant, aligning with Apple's traditional budget smartphone strategy. Recent reports contradict claims of a larger model, as insiders have not supported the idea of a 6.7-inch display. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a modern design, moving away from the iPhone 8 body, and will integrate advanced chipset capabilities. This device is set to debut in 2025, solidifying Apple's commitment to its budget line.

Created at: October 21, 2024 2:00pm

Google TV Introduces 'Channels' Tab for Enhanced Live Streaming in the UK

Google TV Introduces 'Channels' Tab for Enhanced Live Streaming in the UK

Google has launched a dedicated 'Channels' tab for Google TV users in the UK, improving the browsing experience for live TV streaming. This feature allows users to easily navigate available channels on their Google TV Streamer and Chromecast devices. Previously, users faced challenges accessing dedicated live TV options. The update includes a carousel of recommendations alongside the new tab, enhancing content discovery. While currently exclusive to the UK, the feature's rollout to other regions remains uncertain. Google aims to transition away from the Chromecast branding, signaling a broader evolution in its streaming services.

Created at: October 21, 2024 1:30pm

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: Thinner, Better, But Korea Exclusive?

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: Thinner, Better, But Korea Exclusive?

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, a slimmer variant of its foldable lineup. This device, based on the recently unveiled Galaxy Z Fold6, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a 200MP rear camera, significantly enhancing its predecessor. Measuring 10.6mm thick and weighing 236g, it offers an 8-inch internal display and a 6.5-inch cover screen. Preorders begin on October 25 in Korea, priced at approximately $2,035, but it's currently unclear if it will be available internationally. The device is released in a sleek Black Shadow color.

Created at: October 21, 2024 1:00pm

India Eyes Laptop Import Ban to Boost Local Manufacturing

India Eyes Laptop Import Ban to Boost Local Manufacturing

The Indian government is reportedly planning to restrict laptop imports to encourage local manufacturing, aiming to pressure major tech companies like Apple to produce devices domestically. This initiative seeks to enhance economic activity and create jobs, reinforcing India's ambition as a global manufacturing hub. Previous attempts to limit imports faced backlash from tech giants, but new policies may soon emerge. Critics worry this could lead to higher prices and inferior products for consumers. The situation has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many expressing concerns about quality and availability.

Created at: October 21, 2024 12:30pm

Groww Returns to India, Pays $160M Tax Amid Startup Relocation Trend

Groww Returns to India, Pays $160M Tax Amid Startup Relocation Trend

Indian startup Groww has shifted its domicile back to India from the U.S., paying $159.4 million in taxes in the process. This move is part of a broader trend, as nearly a dozen Indian startups relocate their headquarters to better align with local laws and facilitate IPOs. The Indian IPO market is thriving, with almost 70 offerings recorded in 2024 alone, the second-highest ever. Increased analyst coverage, crucial for attracting institutional investors, is a key factor driving these relocations. Many startups had previously established U.S. bases over the last decade.

Created at: October 21, 2024 9:30am

DataCrunch Aims to Be Europe's Leading AI Cloud Hyperscaler with Renewable Energy

DataCrunch Aims to Be Europe's Leading AI Cloud Hyperscaler with Renewable Energy

Finnish startup DataCrunch is positioning itself as one of Europe's first AI cloud hyperscalers, focusing on renewable energy. The company has raised $13 million in seed funding, including $7.6 million in equity financing and $5.4 million in debt, to offer GPUs as a service. With data centers in Helsinki and Iceland, DataCrunch emphasizes its green energy credentials. CEO Ruben Bryon highlighted their aim to serve both corporate clients and individual AI researchers. The company plans to build its own data centers by 2025 as it seeks to expand its infrastructure and customer base.

Created at: October 21, 2024 9:00am

Perplexity Eyes $500 Million Fundraise at $8 Billion Valuation

Perplexity Eyes $500 Million Fundraise at $8 Billion Valuation

AI search engine Perplexity is reportedly in talks to raise $500 million at an $8 billion valuation, according to the Wall Street Journal. This funding round would more than double its previous valuation of $3 billion from a SoftBank investment. The company currently handles about 15 million queries daily, generating around $50 million in annual revenue. Despite facing accusations of unauthorized web scraping, CEO Aravind Srinivas aims to collaborate with publishers. This fundraising comes in the wake of OpenAI's notable $6.6 billion round, signaling strong investor interest in AI-driven search technology.

Created at: October 20, 2024 9:30pm

Gusto's Tech Chief Advocates for Upskilling Over Hiring AI Specialists

Gusto's Tech Chief Advocates for Upskilling Over Hiring AI Specialists

In a recent interview, Gusto co-founder Edward Kim emphasized that instead of hiring a large number of AI specialists, companies should focus on upskilling existing non-technical employees. He argued that these team members possess invaluable customer insights, enabling them to better inform AI tool development. Kim showcased Gusto's AI assistant, Gus, which leverages feedback from its customer experience team to enhance functionality. By allowing non-engineers to create 'recipes' for Gus, Gusto fosters innovation and efficiency, challenging the notion that only specialists can drive AI advancements.

Created at: October 20, 2024 4:00pm

Investments in Generative AI Startups Surge to $3.9B in Q3 2024

Investments in Generative AI Startups Surge to $3.9B in Q3 2024

In Q3 2024, venture capitalists invested a remarkable $3.9 billion in generative AI startups, according to PitchBook. This funding was distributed across 206 deals, predominantly benefiting U.S.-based companies. Major investments included $320 million for Magic and $260 million for Glean. Despite skepticism surrounding generative AI’s reliability and legality, investor confidence remains strong. Analysts predict that generative AI will drive significant advancements in various industries, although its high power demands pose environmental challenges. The trend suggests ongoing investment in this tech frontier, with many startups seeking substantial funding.

Created at: October 20, 2024 3:00pm

Joseph Jacks Champions Open Source Startups Amid Capitalism's Paradox

Joseph Jacks Champions Open Source Startups Amid Capitalism's Paradox

Joseph Jacks, founder of OSS Capital, is investing in early-stage open source startups, highlighting a blend of philanthropy and capitalism. His firm has funded diverse projects, including alternatives to popular software like Qualtrics and Jira. Jacks believes these companies can achieve sustainable revenue while promoting open source innovation. He emphasizes that capitalism can drive positive behavior more effectively than philanthropy. OSS Capital has raised multiple funds, backing around 80 startups, and is transitioning to a registered investment adviser to meet regulatory requirements. Jacks envisions 'open core' models will dominate future venture funding.

Created at: October 20, 2024 2:30pm

Throne Launches Smart Toilet Camera to Monitor Gut Health

Throne Launches Smart Toilet Camera to Monitor Gut Health

Austin-based startup Throne has introduced a unique health device—a toilet camera that captures images of waste to analyze gut health. Utilizing AI, the device helps users understand hydration and health indicators from their stool. The camera is designed to respect privacy by capturing only relevant images, automatically deleting non-essential data. Initially a healthcare staffing marketplace, Throne pivoted to focus on consumer health tech after realizing their original market was saturated. The smart toilet camera is available for preorder at a promotional price of $299, aiming to assist individuals with digestive issues.

Created at: October 20, 2024 1:00pm

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Launches New AI Startup with Major Fundraising Plans

Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati Launches New AI Startup with Major Fundraising Plans

Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, is reportedly raising over $100 million in venture capital for her new AI startup, according to Reuters. This venture aims to create AI products utilizing proprietary models. Murati, who left OpenAI last month, expressed her desire to explore new opportunities in AI development. Previously, she served as VP of applied AI at OpenAI and held positions at Tesla and Leap Motion. Her departure coincided with a wave of executive exits from OpenAI, which recently secured $6.6 billion in funding.

Created at: October 19, 2024 10:00pm

Meta Faces Layoffs as Resource Allocation Shifts

Meta Faces Layoffs as Resource Allocation Shifts

This week, Meta confirmed layoffs impacting multiple teams including those in Reality Labs, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company stated these changes are part of a strategy to reallocate resources but did not disclose the number of affected employees. In related industry news, AWS CEO has mandated a full return to office for employees by 2025, while Tesla's Cybertruck faces scrutiny over safety regulations in Europe. Meanwhile, Byju's founder admits the once-valuable startup is now worth nothing, highlighting the challenges in the edtech sector.

Created at: October 19, 2024 8:30pm

Pony AI Slashes IPO Valuation as It Prepares for U.S. Market Debut

Pony AI Slashes IPO Valuation as It Prepares for U.S. Market Debut

Pony AI, the autonomous vehicle startup backed by Toyota, has filed for an IPO in the U.S., lowering its minimum valuation from $8.5 billion to $4 billion. The company operates a modest fleet of 190 robotrucks and over 250 robotaxis across several Chinese cities. Despite increasing revenue, Pony reported significant losses due to high R&D expenses, with over $270 million lost in the past two years. The firm has garnered substantial investments but faces challenges, including regulatory compliance and staffing shortages. The IPO filing revealed extensive risk factors, including potential operational limitations in the U.S.

Created at: October 19, 2024 7:00pm

Midjourney to Launch AI-Powered Image Editing Tool Next Week

Midjourney to Launch AI-Powered Image Editing Tool Next Week

Midjourney is set to unveil an upgraded web tool allowing users to edit images using generative AI. Scheduled for release early next week, the tool will enable users to retexture and modify colors based on captions. The initial rollout will limit access to a select group within the community, incorporating advanced human and AI moderation to mitigate potential misuse. Concerns over copyright infringement and deepfakes are rising, with reports indicating a significant increase in deepfake content this year. Midjourney aims to address these issues while navigating the complexities of responsible AI deployment.

Created at: October 19, 2024 5:30pm

Azar Aims to Capture U.S. Market with Unique Video Chat Experience

Azar Aims to Capture U.S. Market with Unique Video Chat Experience

Azar, a random video chat app by Hyperconnect, has connected over 100 billion users globally and is now targeting the U.S. market. Unlike its predecessors, Azar focuses on safety with AI and human moderation to prevent inappropriate interactions. CEO Linda Kim emphasizes the app's appeal to Gen Z, offering spontaneous conversations and real-time connections. While not explicitly a dating app, it allows users to connect based on interests, even across language barriers. With heightened safety measures, Azar hopes to overcome the negative stigma of random chat apps in the U.S.

Created at: October 19, 2024 2:00pm

Anthropic Unveils Claude: A Comprehensive Guide to Its AI Models

Anthropic Unveils Claude: A Comprehensive Guide to Its AI Models

Anthropic has introduced an updated guide for its Claude generative AI models, which are designed for various tasks including text analysis and coding assistance. The Claude family includes the lightweight Claude 3.5 Haiku, the capable Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and the flagship Claude 3 Opus. Notably, Sonnet currently outperforms Opus in complex instruction handling. Pricing for these models varies, with Haiku being the most economical option. Anthropic also offers subscription plans for enhanced user interaction, while cautioning users about potential inaccuracies and copyright issues associated with generative AI.

Created at: October 19, 2024 1:30pm

SpaceX Secures $733 Million Launch Contract from U.S. Space Force

SpaceX Secures $733 Million Launch Contract from U.S. Space Force

SpaceX has been awarded a significant $733 million contract by the U.S. Space Force for eight upcoming launches, including seven for the Space Development Agency and one for the National Reconnaissance Office. All launches are expected to utilize Falcon 9 rockets and are scheduled to commence no earlier than 2026. This contract is part of the Space Force's initiative to enhance competition among launch providers. The award period spans fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with expectations of at least 30 missions. The Space Force aims to increase diversity in launch providers through annual bidding opportunities.

Created at: October 18, 2024 11:00pm

SandboxAQ Targets $5B Valuation in AI and Quantum Computing Venture

SandboxAQ Targets $5B Valuation in AI and Quantum Computing Venture

SandboxAQ, the AI and quantum computing spinout from Alphabet, is reportedly seeking to raise funds to achieve a valuation of $5 billion, following its previous $500 million funding round in early 2023. Led by CEO Jack Hidary and backed by notable investors, the startup aims to develop software that utilizes quantum physics for advanced data modeling. With contracts in sectors like battery technology and medical imaging, SandboxAQ focuses on innovative applications beyond typical AI uses. The company continues to attract investor interest through special purpose vehicles (SPVs) targeting its shares.

Created at: October 18, 2024 9:30pm

Fluid Truck Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Leadership Shakeup

Fluid Truck Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Leadership Shakeup

Fluid Truck has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after laying off 30% of its staff and experiencing significant financial losses. The company, known as the Zipcar of commercial vehicles, has also received a $7 million interim loan to facilitate its restructuring and potential sale. This decision follows the removal of its co-founders due to mismanagement and mounting debts, including $12 million owed to its Fluid Vehicle Investor Program members. A potential buyer, Kingbee Rentals, has emerged but lacks the funds to acquire all assets. The situation remains dire for unsecured creditors.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:30pm

Investors Rally Around Innovative Startups: From Light to Diamonds

Investors Rally Around Innovative Startups: From Light to Diamonds

This week in the startup ecosystem saw significant fundraising activities and mergers. Indian startup Table Space plans an IPO at a $2.5 billion valuation, while cybersecurity unicorn Cyera acquired Trail Security for $162 million. Amplitude has purchased Command AI for over $45 million to boost user engagement. Notably, X-Energy raised $500 million to enhance data center efficiency. Lightmatter secured $400 million for photonic chips, and Japanese Ookuma Diamond Device raised $27 million for semiconductor manufacturing. Fable and OroraTech also raised funds to promote accessibility and wildfire detection, respectively.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital has successfully raised $700 million to further its investment strategies in data security, healthcare, and fintech. This fundraising boosts the firm’s total assets under management to $1.7 billion. The allocation between early-stage and later-stage investments remains undisclosed. Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Acrew's strong portfolio, including the successful exits of Divvy and Superpeer, has contributed to its ability to attract funds. Founded in 2019, Acrew continues to operate under its original leadership with a focus on innovative startups.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

Microsoft's Potential Equity Stake in OpenAI's For-Profit Transition

Microsoft's Potential Equity Stake in OpenAI's For-Profit Transition

Microsoft is poised to secure a significant equity stake in OpenAI as the startup transitions to a for-profit model, with negotiations underway to determine the exact amount. Having invested nearly $14 billion, Microsoft is under pressure to finalize terms with OpenAI ahead of a two-year deadline. Key discussions include equity distribution among CEO Sam Altman and employees, as well as Microsoft's governance rights. OpenAI, currently the second-most valuable U.S. startup, will be structured as a public-benefit corporation with a nonprofit element. OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, is expected to return from leave in November.

Created at: October 18, 2024 4:30pm

WP Engine Seeks Court Intervention to Restore WordPress.org Access

WP Engine Seeks Court Intervention to Restore WordPress.org Access

WP Engine has filed an injunction in a North California court to regain access to the WordPress.org repository after being blocked by Matt Mullenweg, co-creator of WordPress. This comes following a lawsuit WP Engine filed against Mullenweg and Automattic. The block prevents WP Engine from updating its Advanced Custom Fields plug-in, which is crucial for customizing edit screens. WP Engine aims to restore its access to the repository as it existed before September 20, 2024, claiming no harm will come to the defendants. The situation has sparked controversy within the WordPress community.

Created at: October 18, 2024 3:30pm

Bluesky Soars to Top 5 as Users Flee X After Controversial Changes

Bluesky Soars to Top 5 as Users Flee X After Controversial Changes

Bluesky, the emerging social networking app, has surged into the top 5 on the U.S. App Store, gaining half a million users in just one day. This organic growth has been catalyzed by dissatisfaction among X users due to recent policy changes regarding blocking and data sharing. Bluesky is also experiencing significant international growth, ranking high in various countries, including Japan and Taiwan. Meanwhile, X's recent updates have resulted in a drop to No. 29 in the App Store. The changing landscape highlights the ongoing competition in social media.

Created at: October 18, 2024 3:00pm

Nebius Set to Resume Nasdaq Trading After Ending Russian Ties

Nebius Set to Resume Nasdaq Trading After Ending Russian Ties

Nebius, previously part of Yandex, is set to resume trading on the Nasdaq after more than two years of suspension due to sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The company, focused on AI cloud infrastructure, aims to establish itself in the European GPU-as-a-service market. After severing its ties with Russia, Nebius has $2 billion from the sale of its Russian assets. CEO Arkady Volozh expressed ambitions to build a major AI infrastructure business, with shares resuming trading on October 21, 2024.

Created at: October 18, 2024 10:00am

Byju’s Founder Admits Edtech Startup Now Worth Zero After $22B Valuation

Byju’s Founder Admits Edtech Startup Now Worth Zero After $22B Valuation

Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, revealed that his once-prominent edtech startup, valued at $22 billion, is now effectively worthless. He attributed this decline to misjudged market timing and aggressive expansions that faltered when funding dried up post-2022. The departure of key investors and board members exacerbated the situation, leading to insolvency proceedings. Raveendran expressed a glimmer of hope for a future comeback, stating he has nothing to lose after investing everything into the firm. Byju’s, once a leader in the edtech space, has raised over $5 billion from various backers.

Created at: October 18, 2024 7:00am

Ex-Watch Trader Launches Terralayr: The AWS of Grid Storage

Ex-Watch Trader Launches Terralayr: The AWS of Grid Storage

Phillip Man, a former watch trader, has founded Terralayr, a startup aimed at revolutionizing grid-scale energy storage. Drawing inspiration from AWS, Terralayr aggregates and manages battery storage capacity for energy traders, allowing them to optimize their output. The company currently operates seven megawatt-hours of capacity and has development agreements for over 200 sites in Germany. With €62 million in equity and €15 million in debt raised, Man sees potential expansion into U.S. markets, particularly California and Texas. Terralayr aims to bridge gaps in energy supply, enhancing grid reliability and sustainability.

Created at: October 18, 2024 4:00am

Amazon CEO Tells Employees: Return to Office or Find Another Job

Amazon CEO Tells Employees: Return to Office or Find Another Job

Amazon's AWS CEO Matt Garman has issued a stern warning to employees unhappy with the company's new five-day in-office work policy, suggesting they seek employment elsewhere. This decision follows CEO Andy Jassy's announcement of a full return-to-office policy set for 2025, increasing from the three-day requirement previously in place. Garman’s comments echo a growing trend among tech leaders who are tightening remote work policies. Despite these mandates, studies indicate that many remote workers would likely resign if forced back into the office.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:30am

Automattic Offers Employees Nine Months' Severance to Quit Amid Controversy

Automattic Offers Employees Nine Months' Severance to Quit Amid Controversy

Automattic has presented its employees with a new severance offer, allowing them to leave with nine months' pay, just days after a previous six-month offer was accepted by 159 employees. CEO Matt Mullenweg's latest proposal came with only four hours' notice, prompting immediate decisions. Those who opt for the severance will lose access to Automattic and WordPress.org, effectively banning them from contributing to the open-source platform. The offers come amid an ongoing dispute with WP Engine, which has escalated into legal actions and public accusations. Automattic has not disclosed the number of employees who accepted the new offer.

Created at: October 18, 2024 12:00am

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst is set to make its first investment in a Saudi Arabian startup by backing Lean Technology, a fintech firm. This move comes amid growing interest from US investors in Saudi startups, despite the country’s human rights record. Previously, Coatue Management supported Tamara, a lending platform. Additionally, Flow, a co-living startup associated with a16z, has established an apartment complex in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also been backing US venture capital firms to promote investments in the region's startups. General Catalyst is not currently listed among these firms.

Created at: October 17, 2024 11:00pm

Stripe Negotiates $1 Billion Acquisition of Bridge

Stripe Negotiates $1 Billion Acquisition of Bridge

Stripe is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Bridge, a stablecoin platform, for $1 billion, as confirmed by Forbes. Founded by Coinbase alumni, Bridge has developed an API that facilitates stablecoin acceptance for businesses. The startup previously raised $58 million from prominent investors including Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital. This potential acquisition would mark a significant increase from Bridge's current $200 million valuation and would be Stripe's largest acquisition to date. Stripe's commitment to crypto is evident, having recently introduced features enabling stablecoin transactions.

Created at: October 17, 2024 10:00pm

Marc Benioff Critiques AI Hype, Blames Microsoft for Misleading Promises

Marc Benioff Critiques AI Hype, Blames Microsoft for Misleading Promises

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has voiced concerns over the overhyping of AI technologies, particularly criticizing Microsoft’s claims about its Copilot tool. During a podcast appearance, he emphasized that AI's current capabilities do not meet the grand expectations set by industry leaders. Benioff noted that many assertions about AI solving major issues like cancer and climate change are exaggerated. He pointed to research indicating that only a quarter of organizations are ready to adopt Copilot widely. Despite the hype, Benioff remains excited about AI’s potential, especially for customer service applications.

Created at: October 17, 2024 6:30pm

Waymo Launches $3 Credit Program for Bay Area Robotaxi Riders

Waymo Launches $3 Credit Program for Bay Area Robotaxi Riders

Waymo has introduced a special promotion offering Bay Area riders a $3 credit for traveling to and from select public transit stations using its robotaxi service. The program runs until November 15, allowing riders to apply the credits towards future rides until December 31. This pilot initiative, unique among U.S. autonomous vehicle operators, responds to a survey revealing that over a third of riders use Waymo’s service to connect with other transit options. The promotion is limited to one credit per day and covers specific stations mainly in southern San Francisco.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

ChatGPT Launches Dedicated Windows App for Enhanced AI Experience

ChatGPT Launches Dedicated Windows App for Enhanced AI Experience

OpenAI has unveiled a preview of the ChatGPT app for Windows, currently accessible to Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users. The app allows users to engage with files and photos while incorporating the latest model advancements, including access to OpenAI's o1-preview. Although the app is compatible with most Windows 10 machines, it lacks voice support and certain GPT Store integrations. OpenAI plans to roll out a more comprehensive experience later this year, promising improvements and expanded functionality.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

2024 Sees Surge in Tech Take-Private Acquisitions

2024 Sees Surge in Tech Take-Private Acquisitions

Private equity activity in the technology sector has surged in 2024, with 97 take-private deals reported by mid-year, indicating a potential match with last year's total. Notable acquisitions include Adevinta's $13 billion deal led by Permira and Blackstone, and Smartsheet's $8.4 billion offer from Vista Equity Partners. Other significant transactions involve Squarespace, Nuvei, and PowerSchool, with valuations ranging from $5.6 billion to $7.2 billion. The trend reflects private equity's growing influence as a liquidity source for tech companies seeking exits.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

Google Enhances NotebookLM with Guided AI Conversations and Business Pilot Launch

Google Enhances NotebookLM with Guided AI Conversations and Business Pilot Launch

Google has updated its AI note-taking tool NotebookLM, allowing users to guide AI-generated audio conversations and create customized audio summaries. This feature enhances users' ability to focus on specific topics within lengthy documents. Since its launch, NotebookLM has seen a remarkable 371% traffic increase, reaching over 3 million visits last month. The company has introduced a Business pilot program to support organizations interested in utilizing NotebookLM, offering early access to features and training. Google plans to announce general availability and pricing details later this year.

Created at: October 17, 2024 4:30pm

Wyvern Secures $6M Funding to Expand U.S. Hyperspectral Imaging Operations

Wyvern Secures $6M Funding to Expand U.S. Hyperspectral Imaging Operations

Wyvern, a Canadian hyperspectral imagery startup, has raised $6 million to enhance its presence in the U.S. commercial and defense markets. Led by Squadra Ventures, the funding will assist the Alberta-based company in accessing key defense programs. Wyvern has established an American subsidiary and aims to launch two additional satellites next year, increasing its data collection capacity. The company focuses on agriculture and forestry monitoring and plans to develop a next-gen system for capturing more wavelengths. Previous investors include Uncork Capital and Y Combinator.

Created at: October 17, 2024 4:00pm