TechCrunch Startup News

OpenAI is on a mission to raise a staggering $100 billion by 2026, seeking investments from sovereign wealth funds to support its hefty spending on AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, Krafton is expanding its footprint in India with a new $669 million Unicorn Growth Fund in partnership with Naver. This fund will focus on tech startups, moving beyond gaming, and aims to leverage past successes in the region. Overall, the podcast dives into significant funding trends and strategic shifts in the tech industry.

Lovable's valuation skyrockets to $6.6B after raising $330M in Series B funding, just five months after a $200M valuation from Series A. The startup's innovative vibe coding tool allows users to generate code and entire apps from simple text prompts. Notably, Lovable is experiencing rapid ARR growth and expanding its customer base. Plans for future funding include enhancing integrations and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the CEO confidently champions Stockholm as a viable tech hub amid VAT controversies.

MoEngage just scored a whopping $180 million in follow-on funding after an earlier $100 million raise, valuing the company at over $900 million. A big chunk of the raise was secondary, allowing 259 employees to cash out. The focus is on expanding their AI capabilities to enhance marketing efficiency and increase contract values through product bundling. With plans for strategic acquisitions in the US and Europe, MoEngage is also expecting to turn EBITDA positive soon, all while maintaining impressive investor returns.

Radiant Nuclear has raised an impressive $300 million to develop a small modular reactor aimed at replacing diesel generators. The startup's valuation has soared above $1.8 billion, attracting significant investor interest. Their innovative 1 MW reactor features helium cooling and a five-month fuel life. Targeting commercial and military sites, Radiant plans to phase out diesel with flexible purchasing options. A demonstration reactor is set for testing by summer 2026, with ambitious goals for regulatory approval.

Last Energy secures $100 million to launch its innovative steel-encased micro reactor, aiming for a 5 megawatt pilot in Texas next year. The team delves into their unique reactor design inspired by the NS Savannah. They discuss the benefits of steel-encased cores, including efficient operation and a six-year fuel load. There’s also excitement around their strategy to reduce nuclear energy costs by leveraging economies of scale.

Investors delve into why consumer AI startups often prefer B2B models, raising questions about their longevity. There's a lively debate on whether new personal devices are needed to truly unleash AI's potential beyond smartphones. Rumors swirl about innovative devices and exciting app concepts like AI tutors. Additionally, Whole Foods is set to trial smart food-waste bins from Mill, which convert waste into chicken feed—an eco-friendly initiative supported by Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund.

Mirelo is revolutionizing video editing by using AI to add synced sound effects, recently securing $41 million in funding from prominent investors. They focus on a freemium model to attract both amateurs and pros, emphasizing the importance of sound in enhancing video ambiance. Meanwhile, First Voyage launched its Momo app, an AI companion that helps users build habits through personalized task reminders and rewards. With $2.5 million in new funding, plans for expanding to Android are in the works, focusing on user safety and interaction.

Thea Energy reveals an innovative fusion power plant that promises cheaper construction through AI-driven controls. Their unique Stellarator-inspired design utilizes a network of small magnets to enhance efficiency. By publishing a detailed design paper, they aim to share their groundbreaking approach with the world. Testing has shown that AI can fine-tune imperfections, leading to higher reliability. With ambitious plans for a prototype by 2030, Thea is gearing up to revolutionize energy production with the Helios project.

A biotech startup is revolutionizing the energy sector by converting abandoned oil wells into hydrogen factories using specially selected microbes. These microbes break down oil underground, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, a trending funding round positions Spinny to acquire GoMechanic for $50 million, aiming to enhance its service offerings in the rapidly growing Indian used-car market. This strategic move could streamline operations and expand Spinny's market reach significantly.

Harness has raised $240M, achieving a remarkable $5.5B valuation, primarily led by Goldman Sachs. The discussion highlights the urgent need to address post-code challenges that consume 70% of engineers' time. Their innovative AI agents utilize a Knowledge Graph for better context-aware automation. With 1,200+ employees and expansion in Bengaluru, the company is poised for global growth. Plans for an IPO are also on the table, reflecting strong growth metrics and a unified approach to security and DevOps.