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Showing posts from August, 2023

Lawsuit alleges no due diligence in Amazon’s Project Kuiper launch contracts to Blue Origin, ULA

An institutional investor is suing Amazon and its board, including founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos, over hefty launch contracts they awarded to Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin. The suit, filed by Amazon shareholders the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, alleges that the board spent less than 40 minutes approving the launch agreements for […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/KzCjymH via IFTTT

Lawsuit alleges no due diligence in Amazon’s Project Kuiper launch contracts to Blue Origin, ULA

An institutional investor is suing Amazon and its board, including founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos, over hefty launch contracts they awarded to Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin. The suit, filed by Amazon shareholders the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund, alleges that the board spent less than 40 minutes approving the launch agreements for […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/31/lawsuit-alleges-no-due-diligence-in-amazons-project-kuiper-launch-contracts-to-blue-origin-ula/

Fisker confirms Foxconn will build its $29,900 Pear EV, but questions remain

EV startup Fisker revealed more details about its $29,900 Pear electric urban lifestyle crossover vehicle Thursday at the company’s Product Vision Day. Included in that reveal was confirmation that Foxconn, the consumer electronics manufacturer most well-known for making Apple iPhones, would be producing the vehicle at its Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturing facility. In early August, Henrik […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/lpDUKXP via IFTTT

Fisker confirms Foxconn will build its $29,900 Pear EV, but questions remain

EV startup Fisker revealed more details about its $29,900 Pear electric urban lifestyle crossover vehicle Thursday at the company’s Product Vision Day. Included in that reveal was confirmation that Foxconn, the consumer electronics manufacturer most well-known for making Apple iPhones, would be producing the vehicle at its Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturing facility. In early August, Henrik […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/31/fisker-confirms-foxconn-will-build-its-29900-pear-ev-but-questions-remain/

Robotics sales decline for second straight quarter amid economic woes

Sooner or later, the numbers were going to contract. Broadly speaking, the pandemic has been a gamechanger for automation broadly and robotics specifically. But not even those categories are immune from macro trends. Per new numbers from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) — whose job it is to track such things — North American […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/WmVrGwE via IFTTT

Robotics sales decline for second straight quarter amid economic woes

Sooner or later, the numbers were going to contract. Broadly speaking, the pandemic has been a gamechanger for automation broadly and robotics specifically. But not even those categories are immune from macro trends. Per new numbers from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) — whose job it is to track such things — North American […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/31/robotics-sales-decline-for-second-straight-quarter-amid-economic-woes/

Teale, your mental health companion at work, raises $11 million

French startup Teale has secured a funding round of $11 million earlier this summer (€10 million). The company provides a mental health platform for employees and helps HR managers when it comes to preventing burnout or quiet quitting. Alter Equity and Bpifrance’s Digital Venture fund are leading the Series A funding round. Existing investors Isai […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/30/teale-your-mental-health-companion-at-work-raises-11-million/

Feds investigate Tesla’s use of funds for secret ‘glass house’ project

Manhattan federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission are separately investigating the use of Tesla funds to bankroll a secret project that is described internally as a glass house for CEO Elon Musk, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal that cites people familiar with the matter. WSJ reported in July that […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/J87xpON via IFTTT

Google’s AI-powered search expands outside U.S. to India and Japan

Google is bringing its generative AI search experience to the first countries outside the U.S., the company announced today, starting with expansions in India and Japan. The new AI-powered search feature, also known as SGE (Search Generative Experience), will become available through Google’s Search Labs in those markets, and will introduce a new feature aimed […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/30/googles-ai-powered-search-expands-outside-u-s-to-india-and-japan/

Google’s AI-powered search expands outside U.S. to India and Japan

Google is bringing its generative AI search experience to the first countries outside the U.S., the company announced today, starting with expansions in India and Japan. The new AI-powered search feature, also known as SGE (Search Generative Experience), will become available through Google’s Search Labs in those markets, and will introduce a new feature aimed […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/ofT4W2z via IFTTT

PhonePe dives into stock and mutual fund arena

India’s PhonePe is getting into stock and mutual fund investment, the latest in a series of expansion by Walmart-backed payments app as it looks to leverage its 450 million-plus user base to win in new categories. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup, which has raised $850 million in recent quarters, launched an app called Share.Market on Wednesday that […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/29/phonepe-dives-into-stock-and-mutual-fund-arena/

PhonePe dives into stock and mutual fund arena

India’s PhonePe is getting into stock and mutual fund investment, the latest in a series of expansion by Walmart-backed payments app as it looks to leverage its 450 million-plus user base to win new categories. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup launched Share.Market, an app that allows users to open their trading accounts and invest in stocks, mutual […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/zBMFgbD via IFTTT

DeepMind partners with Google Cloud to watermark AI-generated images

In partnership with Google Cloud, Google Deepmind, Google’s AI research division, is launching a tool for watermarking and identifying AI-generated images. But only images created by Google’s own image-generating model. The tool, called SnythID and available in beta for select users of Vertex AI, Google’s platform for building AI apps and models, embeds a digital […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/cdp6w50 via IFTTT

MFast get backing from Wavemaker Partners to increase financial services access in Vietnam

The majority of Vietnam’s population live in rural areas and often lack access to financial services because banks and other institutions open most of their physical locations in cities. MFast wants to change that with what it says is the leading financial services distribution network in Vietnam. The company announced today it has raised $6 […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/28/mfast/

Last call: Volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 and earn a free pass

In just about three weeks, more than 10,000 startup leaders from across the globe will gather at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023, which takes place September 19–21 in San Francisco. It’s the mecca of the startup world, and we could use a few more volunteers to help us make it an event to remember. What’s in it […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/numUr1x via IFTTT

Mercedes to open first charging hubs in Atlanta, China, Germany

Mercedes-Benz has shared plans to open its first electric vehicle DC fast-charging hubs in Atlanta, Georgia; Chengdu, China; and Mannheim, Germany, starting in the fourth quarter of 2023. The automaker plans to install 2,000 charging hubs worldwide by the end of 2024, with 10,000 chargers in North America, Europe, China and “other core markets” by […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/28/mercedes-to-open-first-charging-hubs-in-atlanta-china-germany/

Cruise is bringing its robotaxis to Seattle and Washington, DC

Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of General Motors, said Monday it has begun manual data collection in Seattle and Washington, DC, the first step toward launching commercial services in the cities. Data collection involves manually driving a robotaxi around to grab information on the local driving environment and climate. The next step will be mapping the […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/M5wCqbt via IFTTT

Cruise is bringing its robotaxis to Seattle and Washington, DC

Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of General Motors, said Monday it has begun manual data collection in Seattle and Washington, DC, the first step toward launching commercial services in the cities. Data collection involves manually driving a robotaxi around to grab information on the local driving environment and climate. The next step will be mapping the […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/28/cruise-is-bringing-its-robotaxis-to-seattle-and-washington-dc/

A new creator’s guild aims to protect online content creators

Content creation is work, but in such a rapidly shifting social media landscape, creators face an uphill battle fighting for fair pay and ownership of their content — typically without any institutional support. The Creators Guild of America (CGA) wants to change that.  The CGA, which launched last week, describes itself as a “professional service […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/Jmzy3dw via IFTTT

A new creator’s guild aims to protect online content creators

Content creation is work, but in such a rapidly shifting social media landscape, creators face an uphill battle fighting for fair pay and ownership of their content — typically without any institutional support. The Creators Guild of America (CGA) wants to change that.  The CGA, which launched last week, describes itself as a “professional service […] source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/28/creators-guild-america-influencer-labor-rights-nonprofit/

Reliance’s 5G hotspot Jio AirFiber to hit stores next month in broadband push

Jio Platforms on Monday launched the AirFiber, a wireless plug-and-play 5G hotspot, as the top Indian top telecom operator races to make a dent to the broadband market. With the Jio AirFiber, first showcased last year, Reliance plans to expand its 5G user base and replace wired broadband connections. The device will be available from September 19. Details on the pricing are yet to be announced. “We can currently connect around 15,000 premises daily, but with Jio AirFiber, we can supercharge this expansion with up to 150,000 connections per day. This is a 10-fold increase, expanding our addressable market over the next three years to over 200 million high-paying homes and premises,” said Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani at the company’s annual general meeting Monday. Earlier this month, Jio arch-rival Bharti Airtel launched the Xstream AirFiber to answer the Jio offering. The Xstream AirFiber comes with a 100 Mbps monthly plan that costs around $10 per month with a si...

Reliance appoints Ambani’s children to board

Reliance Industries said Monday it has appointed the three children of billionaire Mukesh Ambani — Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani — to its board, the latest in the succession plan at the country’s largest company, which operates the nation’s largest telecom operator and retail chain. Nita, Ambani’s wife, has resigned from the board, said the $202 billion oil-to-retail giant in a statement, published on the local stock exchange. The early signs of the succession planning has been apparent in recent years with 66-year-old Ambani promoting his children to lead many of the empire’s businesses. Akash leads the digital business, Jio Platforms, whereas his twin sister Isha helms Reliance Retail. Anant leads the new energy business. “Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani have been closely involved with and are leading and managing key businesses of RIL over the last few years including retail, digital services and energy and materials businesses,” the company said in a ...

After Threads, Bluesky also adds a way to see your own likes

Bluesky introduced a bunch of updates on Friday to its mobile apps and website including a new tab to see your own likes, notification support for apps, and an emoji picker for the web composer. Earlier this month, Bluesky’s rival Threads added a new tab in settings , called “Your Likes,” to let users look at their own liked posts. In contrast, Bluesky has added a “Likes” tab to users’ profiles. The placement of the tab is similar to X (formerly Twitter), but unlike the Elon Musk-owned social network, Bluesky doesn’t let you see liked posts of other people. Bluesky has added a new likes tab The platform specified in a post that the likes of a user can be accessed through the API as they are public. While the native client doesn’t show them, other apps can choose to include functionality to display the likes of other users. Additionally, the social network has also added the ability to suggest people to mention when someone types an “@” in the composer. This update is available a...

Tesla’s China rival Xpeng buys ride hailing giant Didi’s smart EV assets for $744M

Chinese electric vehicle upstart Xpeng is acquiring the smart EV assets of ride hailing giant Didi for $744 million, marking another significant alliance that the Tesla challenger has struck in recent months. In an announcement on Monday, Didi said the duo is forming a strategic partnership to “promote the global application of smart electric vehicles and technologies.” Notably, the Didi assets will become a new sub-brand called “Mona” under Xpeng, which is scheduled to launch in 2024. The partnership also extends to areas including marketing, financial insurance services, charging and international expansion. The news followed on the heels of Volkswagen’s $700 million investment in Xpeng which would see the production of two new models under the Volkswagen brand utilizing XPeng’s key ADAS technologies. More to come — this is a developing story… source https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/27/teslas-china-rival-xpeng-buys-ride-hailing-giant-didis-smart-ev-assets-for-744m/

Never express your ‘use of funds’ slide as percentages

When investors look at a startup slide deck, they are looking for something very specific. Yes, they want to know if the team is great and the market is huge and the problem is worth solving and the solution makes sense. Of course. But another thing they are looking for is whether the founders understand the journey they are on. If you step on the VC treadmill, you’re signing up for rapid, explosive growth. You have to: If you don’t, you don’t fit into the models of how VC works . And that’s OK — not every company is suitable for VC funding. The other truth is that your funding amount includes a very literal deadline: If you run out of money, that’s the end of your company. So, before you run out of money, one of three things needs to happen: You have an exit event, which usually means getting acquired or going public through an IPO. The latter is more predictable than the former, and early-stage companies usually don’t have that as an option. You reach break-even and are able to ...

Never express your ‘use of funds’ slide as percentages

When investors look at a startup slide deck, they are looking for something very specific. Yes, they want to know if the team is great and the market is huge and the problem is worth solving and the solution makes sense. Of course. But another thing they are looking for is whether the founders understand the journey they are on. If you step on the VC treadmill, you’re signing up for rapid, explosive growth. You have to: If you don’t, you don’t fit into the models of how VC works . And that’s OK — not every company is suitable for VC funding. The other truth is that your funding amount includes a very literal deadline: If you run out of money, that’s the end of your company. So, before you run out of money, one of three things needs to happen: You have an exit event, which usually means getting acquired or going public through an IPO. The latter is more predictable than the former, and early-stage companies usually don’t have that as an option. You reach break-even and are able to ...

Looking for your next book? These 9 authors have reading recommendations for you

What’s the hardest part of reading? More often than not, it’s picking a good book. “L’embarras du choix,” as we say in French: Presented with infinite options, it becomes very hard to make a decision. That’s why recommendations are so helpful. And who’s best placed to recommend books than people who, you know, write books? With this in mind, TechCrunch+ contacted a handful of authors whose work is closely tied to tech and startups. We asked them a simple question: “What book have you read this summer that you think others might enjoy?” We heard back from: Adam DuVander, author of “ Technical Content Strategy Decoded ” Phil Rosen, author of “ Life Between Moments: New York Stories ” Adi Polak, author of “ Scaling Machine Learning with Spark: Distributed ML with MLlib, TensorFlow, and PyTorch ” Andrew Lee Miller, author of “ The Startup Growth Book: 50+ Proven Ways to Scale Your Business Without a Marketing Budget ” David Kadavy, author of “ Mind Management, Not Time Management: ...

Looking for your next book? These 9 authors have reading recommendations for you

What’s the hardest part of reading? More often than not, it’s picking a good book. “L’embarras du choix,” as we say in French: Presented with infinite options, it becomes very hard to make a decision. That’s why recommendations are so helpful. And who’s best placed to recommend books than people who, you know, write books? With this in mind, TechCrunch+ contacted a handful of authors whose work is closely tied to tech and startups. We asked them a simple question: “What book have you read this summer that you think others might enjoy?” We heard back from: Adam DuVander, author of “ Technical Content Strategy Decoded ” Phil Rosen, author of “ Life Between Moments: New York Stories ” Adi Polak, author of “ Scaling Machine Learning with Spark: Distributed ML with MLlib, TensorFlow, and PyTorch ” Andrew Lee Miller, author of “ The Startup Growth Book: 50+ Proven Ways to Scale Your Business Without a Marketing Budget ” David Kadavy, author of “ Mind Management, Not Time Management: ...

Better.com’s public market debut was Miserable.com

Welcome back to The Interchange, where we take a look at the hottest fintech news of the previous week.  Better.com finally went public last week, and the stock’s performance was worse than expected. Affirm, on the other hand, saw its shares get a boost on the back of a better-than-expected earnings report. There was also a mega-raise, and an acquisition too. On another note, if you want to receive The Interchange directly in your inbox every Sunday, head  here  to sign up! Better.com finally went public The biggest fintech news of the week centered around Better.com’s no good, very bad public market debut. Or as my friend and colleague Alex Wilhelm described it, Better.com had a Miserable.com week . To sum it up, digital mortgage lender Better.com made its public debut on August 24. To no one’s surprise, the stock wasn’t exactly a hit with public investors. In fact, it was a resounding bomb. As of Friday, August 25, the stock had closed a mere $1.19. Shares of SPAC...

Better.com’s public market debut was Miserable.com

Welcome back to The Interchange, where we take a look at the hottest fintech news of the previous week.  Better.com finally went public last week, and the stock’s performance was worse than expected. Affirm, on the other hand, saw its shares get a boost on the back of a better-than-expected earnings report. There was also a mega-raise, and an acquisition too. On another note, if you want to receive The Interchange directly in your inbox every Sunday, head  here  to sign up! Better.com finally went public The biggest fintech news of the week centered around Better.com’s no good, very bad public market debut. Or as my friend and colleague Alex Wilhelm described it, Better.com had a Miserable.com week . To sum it up, digital mortgage lender Better.com made its public debut on August 24. To no one’s surprise, the stock wasn’t exactly a hit with public investors. In fact, it was a resounding bomb. As of Friday, August 25, the stock had closed a mere $1.19. Shares of SPAC...

Microsoft brings Python to Excel, Cruise reduces fleet following crash, and MrBeast creates controversy

Hello, folks, and welcome to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s regular newsletter that covers the biggest happenings in tech over the past few days. Haven’t been able to follow the news closely? Don’t sweat it. WiR will get you up to speed. In this edition of WiR, we cover Microsoft bringing Python to Excel, Cruise being forced to reduce its robotaxi fleet following a crash, and Amazon launching its new Fire TV Channels app. We also recap Twitter competitor Bluesky buckling under load, influencer MrBeast’s poorly timed Olympics video, IBM building a code translator for COBOL, and Snapchat expanding further into generative AI. If you haven’t already, sign up here to get WiR in your inbox every Saturday. Now, without further ado, here’s the week’s news! Most read Microsoft brings Python to Excel: Microsoft this week announced the public preview of Python in Excel, which will allow advanced spreadsheet users to combine scripts in the popular Python language and their usual Excel ...

A Brazilian phone spyware was hacked and victims’ devices ‘deleted’ from server

A Portuguese-language spyware called WebDetetive has been used to compromise more than 76,000 Android phones in recent years across South America, largely in Brazil. WebDetetive is also the latest phone spyware company in recent months to have been hacked. In an undated note seen by TechCrunch, the unnamed hackers described how they found and exploited several security vulnerabilities that allowed them to compromise WebDetetive’s servers and access to its user databases. By exploiting other flaws in the spyware maker’s web dashboard — used by abusers to access the stolen phone data of their victims — the hackers said they enumerated and downloaded every dashboard record, including every customer’s email address. The hackers said that dashboard access also allowed them to delete victim devices from the spyware network altogether, effectively severing the connection at the server level to prevent the device from uploading new data. “Which we definitely did. Because we could. Because #f...

A Brazilian phone spyware was hacked and victims’ devices ‘deleted’ from server

A Portuguese-language spyware called WebDetetive has been used to compromise more than 76,000 Android phones in recent years across South America, largely in Brazil. WebDetetive is also the latest phone spyware company in recent months to have been hacked. In an undated note seen by TechCrunch, the unnamed hackers described how they found and exploited several security vulnerabilities that allowed them to compromise WebDetetive’s servers and access to its user databases. By exploiting other flaws in the spyware maker’s web dashboard — used by abusers to access the stolen phone data of their victims — the hackers said they enumerated and downloaded every dashboard record, including every customer’s email address. The hackers said that dashboard access also allowed them to delete victim devices from the spyware network altogether, effectively severing the connection at the server level to prevent the device from uploading new data. “Which we definitely did. Because we could. Because #f...