TechCrunch Startups Weekly Newsletter
October 24, 2023
Startups to Watch:
- Lightrock: Secures $834 million in its first climate fund led by Royalty Capital.
- Fintech Fundraising: Indian startups saw a decline of over half last year.
- NextView Ventures: Aims to raise $200 million with a portion going to its first fund.
Upcoming Events:
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Focuses on sustainability, innovation, and future readiness. Early tickets are available for those impacted by layoffs using code ‘STARTUPS.’
Disrupt Weekends:
- TechCrunch will host a pep talk, realization session, and networking events. Check the agenda and use the same discount code for Expo tickets.
AI & Ethics:
- Sarah Guo explores novel AI applications beyond traditional categories.
- Focus on customer-centric innovation and ethical advancements in AI.
Layoffs Impact:
- TechCrunch’s GM is moving into energy after selling his startup to Google, focusing on automation with Relay.
- X app’s valuation at $12.3B led to layoffs as part of restructuring efforts for the USBrex project.
Fintech and Legal News:
- Federal gig worker proposal aims to lower Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash stock prices.
- Updated data breach notices from UnitedHealth and privacy concerns around their system.
SpaceX & Others:
- Starship booster caught in an anomaly after a second flight.
- TechCrunch Space will cover updates on this and other developments.
AI Copyright Hot Topics:
- Zuckerberg considers YouTube as defense against AI-related copyright cases, aligning with Sarah Perez’s work.
AI & Tech Trends:
-Kyle Wiggers discusses Maxwell Zeff’s efforts to revolutionize language learning platforms like Duolingo.
- Blazing a trail in China via TikTok bans and BlueNote launch.
** VC News:**
- Mark Cuban is developing a TikTok alternative using Bluesky’s AT Protocol, with support from Sarah Perez.
AI Reasoning Model Insights:
-Kyle Wiggers shares how OpenAI’s model sometimes thinks in Chinese, exploring the reasons behind this phenomenon without understanding.
Data Breach Responses:
-Zack Whittaker highlights UnitedHealth’s delayed notice of a Change Healthcare data breach, emphasizing cybersecurity importance.