TechCrunch Startup News Photo-sharing app Locket is banking on a new celebrity-focused feature to fuel its growth plus Tavily raises $25M to connect AI agents to the web
Aug 8, 2025
A new feature called Celebrity Lockets is allowing celebrities to directly connect with their fans, transforming personal engagement on the app. Meanwhile, Tavily has secured $25 million in funding to enhance AI agents and their connection to the web. The podcast dives into the risks of AI without proper governance, emphasizing the importance of compliance in the tech landscape. It’s an intersection of celebrity influence and cutting-edge AI innovation.
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Celebrity Features Can Backfire
- BeReal's 'Real People' feature had mixed reception among users.
- Some users resisted celebrity presence and valued the app as an escape.
Artists Control Fan Slots
- Artists choose how many fans to add, from 1,000 to 15,000 slots.
- This control helps preserve Locket's intimate vibe while scaling reach.
Suki Drove New User Growth
- Suki used Celebrity Lockets to connect with 5,000 fans and drove hundreds of sign-ups.
- Locket reports 17% of those fans were new to the app.