Topic
tech startups
Technology Two-Person Startup Starling Replaces Hated Microwave Beeps With Just Software
Joel Corelitz and Colin Coogan, sound designers at Starling, have developed a software-only solution to replace the grating beep of microwave ovens. By reprogramming the existing microcontroller using C++, they create pleasant alternative sounds without any hardware changes, potentially saving manufacturers costs.
Technology India Gold Metaverse Raises ₹300 Crore to Build Digital Infrastructure for Gold Economy
India Gold Metaverse (IGM) has raised ₹300 crore in equity and secondary placement to develop the first integrated digital infrastructure for India's gold economy. The platform combines blockchain, AI, and financial market technologies through four interconnected products: Elanzia, RamMudra, GoldSense, and BullionX. The investment was led by marquee investors including Ashish Kacholia and family offices, with Pantomath Group facilitating the transaction.
Technology Why Indian Agritech’s Next Opportunity Lies in the ‘Agricultural Middle Stream’
Indian agritech has raised over $2 billion in venture capital without producing a pure-play unicorn. The author argues that the most durable opportunity lies not in direct-to-farmer apps but in the 'agricultural middle stream' — procurement platforms, cold chains, grading technology, and logistics infrastructure that connect farms to markets through existing intermediaries.
Technology Samsara Rebrands with New Logo, Custom Typeface as It Crosses $2 Billion in Annual Recurring Revenue
Samsara, the connected operations platform, has unveiled its first major visual overhaul since founding, trading its original look for a new owl logo, custom typeface, and high-visibility yellow. The rebrand coincides with the company crossing $2 billion in annual recurring revenue, growing 30% year over year, and underscores its focus on serving operators in construction, logistics, and other physical industries.
Technology Ex-Tech Executives' Startups Gain Favor with Venture Capital Investors, Report Finds
A joint report by Tracxn and RTP Global reveals that startups founded by former tech employees (operator-led startups) are securing a growing share of venture capital funding, nearly doubling to 11% of total ecosystem funding in 2025 from 5.8% in 2023. Despite comprising less than 1% of all tech startups founded between 2023 and 2025, these ventures attract larger cheques and higher valuations, driven by the founders' experience scaling teams and navigating constraints.
Technology Polymarket’s Panama Entity Operated with US-Based Staff Despite Offshore Compliance Claims, WIRED Finds
Polymarket, a prediction market platform, established a Panama-based company Adventure One QSS to comply with a 2022 CFTC settlement. But WIRED found many Adventure One QSS staff worked from New York, not Panama, and the Panama office appeared empty, undermining the offshore compliance structure.
India to Take Equity Stakes in Semiconductor Startups Under Semicon 2.0
The Indian government has approved Semicon 2.0 with a Rs 1,27,500 crore outlay, moving from one-time grants to milestone-linked funding and equity investments in semiconductor startups. The India Semiconductor Mission CEO Amitesh Kumar Sinha outlined a phased funding model where the government will generally keep its equity stake below 50%, avoid board representation, and allow founders to buy back shares. The policy addresses the challenge startups face in raising capital after the design stage.
Technology Agri-tech Platform Rize Secures $31 Million Series B to Scale AI-Powered Farming Tools in Southeast Asia
Rize, a Singapore-headquartered agri-tech platform, announced a $31 million Series B round ($20M equity, $11M debt) led by BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, with participation from The Rockefeller Foundation, Temasek, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The funds will be used to scale AI-powered tools for farmers, expand into new markets, and strengthen export linkages across Southeast Asia, building on a tenfold growth in operations since its Series A two years ago.
Technology IPO-Bound Startups Face Investor Skepticism Over High Valuations and Profitability
Startups targeting public listings are encountering increasing investor resistance over valuation expectations, with examples such as Zepto and PhonePe facing delays or valuation cuts. Market uncertainty, competition from mega listings like NSE and Jio Platforms, and a focus on profitability are reshaping the IPO landscape.
Technology A Startup Is Using Special Polymers to Better Help Nerves Heal
Tissium, a French startup, has developed a biodegradable polymer liquid that attaches to nerve tissue when exposed to light, acting as a splint to hold severed nerves in place. In a US trial of 12 patients with finger nerve injuries, all regained sensation, compared to roughly 80% with standard methods. The company has raised €60 million to commercialize the product and expand to hernia and cardiovascular applications.
Technology Duolingo Billionaire Founder Luis von Ahn on Rejecting Bill Gates and Building a Global EdTech Empire
In a BBC Business Daily podcast, Duolingo founder Luis von Ahn discusses his path from Guatemala to creating CAPTCHA, selling reCAPTCHA to Google, and building Duolingo into a multi-billion-dollar education company. He shares lessons on entrepreneurship, conflict avoidance, and rejecting an offer from Bill Gates.
Technology 3 Nuclear Startups Hit a Big Milestone. Why It Matters—and Why It Doesn’t
Three nuclear startups—Valar Atomics, Antares Nuclear, and Deployable Energy—have achieved criticality as part of a Department of Energy pilot program aimed at accelerating new reactor designs. While the milestone marks progress, experts caution that these are test reactors, not commercial products, and significant hurdles remain.
Technology BBC's People Fixing The World Explores Liverpool's Hidden Entrepreneurs Programme
The BBC podcast 'People Fixing The World' highlights a Liverpool initiative that identifies and supports hidden entrepreneurs with a year's wage, expert help, and mentoring. Examples include a hairdresser building a salon-on-wheels and a travel agent creating a 'Trip Advisor for the senses'.
Technology Agri-Next: Kerala's ₹38 Crore Program to Support 150 Agritech Startups for Technology-Driven Innovations
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched Agri-Next, a ₹38-crore program to support 150 agritech startups under the World Bank-assisted KERA project. The initiative provides up to ₹25 lakh in funding, mentoring, and field pilots to validate technologies including AI, drones, and post-harvest processing, with deployment through Farmer Producer Organisations.
Technology Startup Backers Cash Out Rs 97,000 Crore as Public Markets Become Primary Exit Route
A Business Today report reveals that early investors in Indian listed startups have sold shares worth nearly Rs 97,252 crore since 2021. The exits, spanning IPOs and block deals, underscore public markets as the primary exit route for venture capital and private equity investors after years of backing high-growth companies.
British Space Startup Mass Balance Launches Autonomous Longevity Lab Into Orbit on SpaceX
British startup Mass Balance launched a self-run chemical laboratory into orbit on a SpaceX transporter to study disease-causing proteins under microgravity. The grapefruit-sized pod will autonomously measure cell behavior and beam data back to Earth, aiming to generate training data for AI models like AlphaFold to improve predictions for age-related diseases.
Technology Ninjacart Raises $6 Million in Funding, Turns EBITDA-Profitable and Eyes Public Listing
Ninjacart has closed $6 million in funding led by existing investors Accel, Nandan Nilekani, and Tiger Global. The company reported achieving EBITDA profitability and is preparing for a public listing over the next two years. Its technology and data-driven approach has reduced supply chain costs and minimized wastage, driving threefold growth in core businesses.
Technology India and Switzerland Step Up Innovation Partnership with Focus on Startups, Research
India and Switzerland are enhancing their bilateral innovation partnership, leveraging Swissnex to connect startups, researchers, and industry. Key pillars include the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme, healthcare collaborations, and growing interest in India's digital public infrastructure. New science and technology initiatives are expected later this year.
Technology PharmEasy Founders’ New Venture All Home Raises Rs 200 Crore, Valuation Doubles
All Home, a full-stack interior design and architecture startup by PharmEasy founders, has raised Rs 200 crore in a funding round that doubled its valuation. The company reported FY2026 revenue of Rs 180 crore and an annualized run rate of Rs 400 crore, with plans to strengthen its tech stack, expand experience centres, and build manufacturing facilities.
Technology Square Yards Enters Unicorn Club with Rs 900 Crore Fundraise Ahead of IPO
IPO-bound real estate and mortgage platform Square Yards has raised Rs 900 crore in a debt-equity mix, entering the unicorn club. The round was anchored by EAAA Alternatives with Muzinich & Co. participating. The company plans an additional $50-60 million raise next quarter to strengthen its balance sheet, expand markets, and invest in technology before its public listing.
Technology Square Yards turns unicorn with $95 million fundraise, eyes another $50-60 million ahead of IPO
Square Yards, a real estate and mortgage platform, has raised ₹900 crore ($95 million) in a debt-equity round led by EAAA Alternatives and Muzinich & Co., achieving unicorn status. The company plans to raise another $50-60 million in the next quarter ahead of its IPO. In FY26, revenues grew 48% to ₹2,086 crore with EBITDA surging 3.7x to ₹176 crore.
Technology Manu Chandra's Sauce VC Serves Up 8-10x Return with L'Oréal's Innovist Acquisition
Manu Chandra's Sauce VC is poised to generate an estimated 8-10x return from L'Oréal's ~Rs 4,100 crore acquisition of Innovist, validating the firm's concentrated, follow-on investment strategy. Founded in 2019 with a modest Rs 60 crore fund, Sauce VC has grown to a Rs 750 crore opportunities fund, mirroring the discipline of Union Square Ventures.
Technology Pump.Fun GO Bounties Feature Draws Criticism as a Circular Grifting Scheme
Pump.Fun's new GO bounties platform allows users to offer crypto rewards for any task, leading to exploitative and potentially illegal stunts. The platform faces criticism for lacking oversight, with AI-generated fake submissions and no clear recourse for actual participants. The feature arrives amid declining user engagement, raising concerns about the platform's governance and legal compliance.
Technology Spacex Acquires AI Coding Startup Cursor For $60bn Days After Bumper IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX agreed to buy AI coding startup Cursor for $60bn days after Cursor's IPO. The deal, announced in April as an option, will close by September. Cursor's technology automates code generation and is used by Stripe, Adobe, and Nvidia. SpaceX aims to combine Cursor's product with its Colossus supercomputer to build leading AI models.
Technology SpaceX IPO Raises $10bn More Than Initially Thought, Totaling $85.7bn
SpaceX's initial public offering raised $85.7bn, $10bn more than initially thought, after underwriters exercised a greenshoe option. The company joined Nasdaq in the largest IPO in history, with shares surging 14% on the first Monday of trading.
Technology Orbio raises $21 million to automate hiring and onboarding for frontline workers
Orbio, an enterprise startup using AI agents to automate hiring and onboarding for frontline workers, announced a $21 million Series A led by Dawn Capital. Customers include YUM! Brands and Poke, with one behavioral health provider seeing 20% more candidates hired. The company competes with Paradox and WorkJam and plans to use the funds to develop more AI agents.
Technology The 'Together Tech' Wave: Why In-Person Experiences Could Be 2026's Startup Bet
TechCrunch's Equity podcast explores the 'together tech' wave, where startups like Board (in-person games) and Cyberdeck (DIY computers) are attracting venture capital. The trend is seen as a genuine gravitation toward human connection, not just backlash against AI. Other headlines include Anthropic's IPO filing, Alphabet's $80B AI raise, and raises by Mike Schroepfer and Impulse.
Technology Helion, the Sam Altman-backed fusion startup, raises $465M to build a power plant for Microsoft
Helion raised $465M in Series G funding led by Thrive Capital, valuing the company at $15.5B, to build its first fusion power plant Orion, with a target to deliver power to Microsoft by 2028. The startup uses a unique magnet-based approach to directly harvest electricity from fusion.
Technology Focused Energy Raises $240M Series A for Laser-Powered Fusion, One of Largest Early-Stage Rounds
Focused Energy, a Germany-based fusion startup, announced an oversubscribed $240 million Series A round, one of the largest early-stage rounds for a fusion power company. The company is developing a laser-powered inertial confinement reactor inspired by the National Ignition Facility, with plans to build its first demonstration system at a decommissioned nuclear plant in Germany. RWE was the main investor.
Technology Board, the new game startup from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, raises $20M, has already sold thousands
Board, a New York-based startup building physical-digital board games, has raised $20 million in Series A funding led by Union Square Ventures. The company reports strong traction with tens of thousands of units sold across all 50 states and plans to launch an AI-powered game creation platform later this year.
Technology Quick-commerce FirstClub doubles valuation to $255M in 9 months on quality-first grocery bet
FirstClub, an Indian quick-commerce startup focused on curated quality groceries, raised $55M in Series B funding co-led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina, doubling its valuation to $255M in nine months. The company plans to expand beyond Bengaluru and into new categories.
Technology Startups Building In-Person Games and DIY Computers to Counter Phone Addiction
TechCrunch's Equity podcast explores a growing wave of startups focused on getting users off their phones, including Brynn Putnam's Board for in-person games and viral Cyberdeck DIY computers. The trend is framed as a human-centric counterbalance to the massive AI fundraising boom.
Startup Battlefield 200 applications close June 8: last chance to apply for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Applications for Startup Battlefield 200 officially close on June 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Thousands of early-stage startups have already applied. Selected founders will pitch live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, with a chance to win $100,000 in equity-free funding. Alumni have collectively raised over $32 billion and achieved 250 exits.
Technology PXGEO Partners with Equinor for Autonomous Subsea Trials
PXGEO has entered a one-year agreement with Equinor to conduct autonomous subsea inspection trials using the Saab Sabertooth. This marks PXGEO's first venture into unmanned operations, with initial tests set to take place in Norway.
Technology Saw: Genesis Offers Unique Asymmetric Gameplay Experience
Saw: Genesis, developed by Bloober Team and Anshar Studios, introduces an asymmetric gameplay experience where players can become a mastermind or one of the accused. The game features strategic trap-setting and resource management, promising a thrilling addition to the Saw franchise.
Technology Daily Puzzle Roundup: NYT Connections and Quordle Answers for June 11-12, 2026
The New York Times Connections puzzle #1096 for June 11, 2026 featured categories like 'Parts of a Workout Routine' and 'Payment Apps Minus a Letter'. Quordle #1600 for June 12 offered words such as TENTH, SHOAL, JELLY, and UNIFY. Both puzzles are part of the growing trend of digital word games.
Technology Microsoft inks 37,000-ton carbon removal deal with Indian startup Alt Carbon
Microsoft signed a three-year agreement to purchase nearly 37,000 metric tons of carbon removal credits from Alt Carbon, an Indian startup using enhanced rock weathering. The deal marks Microsoft's first enhanced-rock weathering purchase in Asia and highlights the increasing role of Global South suppliers in the carbon removal market.
Technology Quantum Space's Military SPAC: A Bet on Maneuverable Spacecraft for the US Space
Quantum Space, a startup building maneuverable spacecraft for the US military, announced a $1.2 billion SPAC merger to go public. The company, led by former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine, aims to scale production of its Ranger vehicle to meet Space Force demands, competing against True Anomaly and established defense contractors.
Technology The Social Reckoning Trailer: Jeremy Strong's Zuckerberg Faces Whistleblower Fal
The first trailer for Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning has been released, featuring Jeremy Strong as a defiant Mark Zuckerberg. The film centers on whistleblower Frances Haugen and the fallout from leaked documents. Meanwhile, another Meta whistleblower, Sarah Wynn-Williams, was silenced days before the trailer launch.
Technology Andrew Yang: Next Big Startup Opportunity Is Lowering Cost of Living
Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang believes the next wave of startup opportunity lies in lowering the cost of living. Inspired by Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, Yang launched Noble Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator that gives customers money back for unused data. He argues that as AI displaces jobs, meeting basic needs less expensively is a rich vein of opportunity, though investors remain skeptical.
Technology Crusoe Pauses Wyoming Data Center After Google Backs Out
Crusoe has paused development of a massive 1.8GW data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after key customer Google raised concerns about cost and construction time. The project may proceed without Crusoe as Black Hills Corp moves forward, and Crusoe's interest in the site is likely to be bought out by development partners.
Technology Theker Secures $85M to Build Reconfigurable Factory Robots for Generalist Tasks
Theker, an AI robotics startup in Barcelona, raised $85M in a Series A round, claimed to be Europe's largest robotics Series A. The company builds reconfigurable robots for warehouse and factory tasks, with early backing from Inditex (Zara's parent). Investors include CRV, Samsung, and Aglaé Ventures.
Technology Zelda Fans Yearn for Sequel Over Ocarina of Time Remake
Nintendo's announcement of a new Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 has fans excited, yet many long for a sequel to Majora's Mask. The remake promises enhanced graphics and gameplay, but the community hopes for a continuation of Link's story.
Technology Opendoor's India Exit Sparks AI and Outsourcing Debate
Opendoor's decision to exit India has ignited discussions on AI's impact on outsourcing. The move reflects a shift towards AI-driven operations, challenging traditional offshore models. Industry experts see this as a broader trend of AI reducing operational labor needs.
Technology Zest's App Revolutionizes Dining with AI and Real Data
Zest, a new restaurant discovery app, uses AI and transaction data to offer personalized dining recommendations. Founded in 2024, it has raised $1.8 million in pre-seed funding and has attracted over 100,000 visits post-launch.
Technology Niteshift Challenges AI Giants with Flexible Coding Platform
Niteshift, founded by former Datadog engineers, has launched with a $7 million seed round to offer a flexible AI coding platform. The startup aims to reduce dependency on major AI models by providing infrastructure that allows switching between different coding agents.
Technology Warner Music Acquires Sureel AI for Enhanced IP Control
Warner Music Group has acquired Sureel AI, a startup specializing in AI attribution technology. This acquisition aims to strengthen Warner's ability to track and monetize the use of its artists' work in AI-generated content.
Technology NYT Connections and Quordle: June 10 Puzzle Insights
The NYT Connections and Quordle puzzles for June 10 offer intriguing challenges for word game enthusiasts. Discover the hints and answers for both games, providing insights into the puzzles' structure and solutions.
Technology Nintendo Switch 2 Sports Game Adds Thumb Wrestling
Nintendo is set to release a new sports game for the Switch 2, featuring thumb wrestling among 12 activities. The game, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, will be available on October 22, with pre-orders open now.
Technology Grave Seasons Blends Farming with Murder Mystery
Grave Seasons introduces a unique blend of farming simulation and murder mystery, challenging players to manage a farm while solving a series of gruesome murders. The game features multiple storylines with different potential murderers, adding replayability.
Technology Test Your Google Knowledge with Our Tech Quiz
Google's expansive tech portfolio extends beyond search and YouTube. Test your knowledge of its products and services with our 15-question quiz. Discover how well you know Google.
Technology June Gaming Gear: Hits and Misses from TechRadar Labs
TechRadar's June gaming gear reviews highlight standout products like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II headset and the GameSir G8+ MFi controller, while also noting less impressive items such as the SteelSeries Nimbus Cloud controller. This roundup provides insights into which gadgets are worth the investment.
Technology Life Biosciences Begins Human Trials for Vision Restoration
Life Biosciences has initiated human trials for ER-100, a drug aimed at reversing age-related sight loss. The trial will assess safety and side effects in patients with glaucoma and NAION.
Technology FCC Grants Amazon Extension for Satellite Launch
The FCC has granted Amazon an extension for launching its Leo satellite constellation due to rocket capacity issues. This decision, opposed by SpaceX, allows Amazon more time to deploy its satellite internet service.
Technology MANGOS: The New Titans of Tech
The tech industry is witnessing a shift from FAANG to MANGOS, with companies like SpaceX and Anthropic poised for record-breaking IPOs. This new group reflects the growing influence of AI and autonomous technologies.
Technology Western Digital's Sustainable Savings: Promo Codes and Recycling
Western Digital offers promo codes for sustainable savings through its Easy Recycle program. Customers can save 15% by recycling old electronics and enjoy additional discounts through various promotions.
Technology Ninja Theory Shifts Focus from Project Mara to Hellblade Sequel
Ninja Theory has canceled its psychological horror game Project Mara to concentrate on the Hellblade sequel, Senua. The decision reallocates all 85 team members to enhance the upcoming title, expanding its combat and exploration features.
Technology India Partners with France at VivaTech 2026 to Lead in AI Innovation
India, as the Official AI Partner Country at VivaTech 2026, aims to showcase its leadership in AI and digital innovation. The event will highlight India's commitment to technology that empowers citizens and fosters global partnerships.
Technology Intuned: Automating Web Interactions with AI
Intuned offers AI-driven automation for web interactions, reducing manual coding efforts and increasing efficiency. By utilizing technologies like Playwright and AI libraries, Intuned provides scalable solutions for data extraction and browser automation.
Technology Paramount+ to Release Dutton Ranch Episode 6 on June 12
Paramount+ will release episode 6 of the popular series Dutton Ranch on June 12, 2026. The series continues to capture audience interest with its engaging storyline and strategic character developments.