$5B livestream shopping apps, Nvidia reveals, and the weirdest tech at CES
Jan 10, 2025
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Explore how Meta’s decision to halt third-party fact-checking impacts misinformation and user trust. Whatnot's impressive $265M funding is set against the backdrop of its growing competition in livestream shopping. Delve into the intriguing profile of defense tech innovator Peterson Conway and its implications. The hosts share highlights from CES 2025, featuring quirky innovations like AIs for spice dispensing and robots that clean floors. Discover NVIDIA's Project Digit and its potential to revolutionize AI research and startup opportunities.
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Quick takeaways
Meta's decision to end third-party fact-checking raises concerns about misinformation management and content reliability across social media platforms.
Whatnot's impressive $265M funding showcases investor confidence in niche livestream shopping, particularly for collectible items amid broader market struggles.
Deep dives
Meta's Shift Away from Third-Party Fact-Checking
Meta has announced that it will not support third-party fact-checking from news organizations anymore, specifically regarding user-generated content validation. While the speaker notes that community insight on social media platforms like X has its merits, the reduction of dedicated teams at such companies is a concern for managing misinformation. The lack of adequate moderation teams raises questions about the reliability of fact-checking, particularly in non-English-speaking countries where such systems may be less developed. This move has been interpreted as a response to pressure from conservative factions unhappy with existing fact-checking practices.
Whatnot's Impressive Fundraising and Market Potential
The live-stream shopping app Whatnot recently secured $265 million in a Series E funding round, achieving a valuation of approximately $4.97 billion. This funding round shows a growing investor confidence in the platform, which has garnered over $746 million total since its launch. Unlike traditional live-stream shopping models that have faced struggles in the U.S. market, Whatnot focuses on niche collectible items, appealing to a specific demographic interested in items like trading cards and sneakers. The app reportedly facilitates around $3 billion in annual sales, demonstrating significant market traction despite the broader challenges faced by similar platforms.
The Unique Profile of Peterson Conway
Peterson Conway, a notable figure in defense tech recruiting, represents a compelling blend of charisma and a rich history within the industry. His unique persona and storytelling ability draw attention from young founders seeking guidance in navigating government contracts and military sales, demonstrating the shifting dynamics in defense tech. His unconventional recruiting tactics often involve personal connections and immersive experiences, such as flying candidates in his small plane to spark interest in defense careers. Recognized for his memorable character and cowboy hat, Conway symbolizes a broader cultural movement within the defense sector, appealing to a younger and more adventurous generation of founders.
Innovations and Critiques from CES
CES showcased a myriad of products, with a notable focus on AI technology, though many innovations sparked skepticism regarding their practicality. Among the more bizarre entries was a $100 AI spice dispenser that raised questions about its necessity in kitchen use. On a more credible note, NVIDIA highlighted its advances in consumer AI solutions, launching a personal supercomputer designed to make advanced tech more accessible to researchers and developers. Overall, CES presented a mix of visionary advancements and questionable gimmicks, illustrating the ongoing dilemma of innovation in the tech landscape.
As CES 2025 comes to a close, TechCrunch’s Equity podcast hosts Kirsten Korosec, Margaux MacColl, Anthony Ha, and Max Zeff are back on the mic to discuss the week's top news, the tech that caught their eye, and the companies still figuring out AI.
Equity will be back with a new expert interview on Wednesday, so stay tuned!
Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday.
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Credits:Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. We’d also like to thank our illustrator, Bryce Durbin, and TechCrunch’s audience development team. Thanks so much for listening, and we'll talk to you next time.