
TechCrunch Startup News
Listen to select TechCrunch articles on startups coverage—who's raising, who's exiting, who's changing the world.
Latest episodes

May 21, 2025 • 5min
Adaptation Ventures is a new angel investor group focused on disability and accessibility tech
Discover the booming assistive technology market, valued at over $22 billion and set to expand by 2030. The founders of a new angel investor group are tackling the funding gap in disability tech, aiming to support early-stage startups in accessibility. Their mission emphasizes the critical role of innovation in the disability sector. This ambitious initiative not only highlights market potential but also champions inclusivity in technology.

May 21, 2025 • 5min
AI video startup Moonvalley lands $53M, according to filing
A Los Angeles startup, Moonvalley, is shaking up the video creation scene by recently securing an impressive $53 million in funding. The focus is on innovative AI tools that aim to revolutionize how videos are made. The discussion also delves into broader industry concerns about how generative AI might affect creative jobs, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices in this rapidly evolving field.

May 20, 2025 • 4min
Y Combinator startup Firecrawl is ready to pay $1M to hire three AI agents as employees
A Y Combinator startup is eager to hire three AI agents, offering a hefty $1 million for the right talent. The discussion dives into their previous unsuccessful attempts and the lessons learned. They outline the ambitious roles these AI employees will play and tackle the ongoing debate about AI replacing human jobs. It's a fascinating look at the future of work and the evolving landscape of employment in the tech industry.

May 20, 2025 • 4min
Acorns acquires family wealth and digital memory platform EarlyBird
Acorns makes waves by acquiring EarlyBird, a platform for family investment gifting. This move hints at exciting new financial solutions for families. Current EarlyBird customers will see changes, including fund returns and a year of complimentary Acorns Gold. The podcast dives into what this means for the future of family finance and integration of features.

May 19, 2025 • 6min
Bain bets on Indian domestic work startup Pronto even as rivals face criticism
A new player in India's domestic services market is Pronto, which promises cleaning and laundry within 10 minutes. The startup recently secured $2M funding, highlighting its innovative approach and commitment to gig workers' rights. Amidst criticism faced by competitors, Pronto aims to carve a niche by prioritizing fair treatment and tapping into the growing demand for on-demand services. Will this unique model reshape the industry?

4 snips
May 19, 2025 • 4min
AI note-taking app Granola raises $43M at $250M valuation, launches collaborative features
An AI-powered note-taking app has just secured $43 million in funding, reaching a remarkable $250 million valuation. The focus is on its innovative collaborative features that enhance teamwork. With a unique user interface, the app is set to shake up the competitive landscape of note-taking solutions. It's an exciting time for this burgeoning technology as it expands its offerings and aims to redefine how users engage with their notes.

May 16, 2025 • 5min
Tensor9 helps vendors deploy their software into any environment using digital twins
Discover how Tensor9 revolutionizes software deployment by enabling vendors to integrate directly into client tech stacks. The discussion highlights the importance of data security for enterprises wary of third-party SaaS solutions. The concept of digital twins takes center stage, showcasing how they enhance operational efficiency. Listen in as experts navigate the challenges and innovations in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

May 16, 2025 • 4min
Anthropic, Google score win by nabbing OpenAI-backed Harvey as a user
A popular legal AI tool is making a strategic shift by integrating models from Anthropic and Google, moving away from its reliance on OpenAI. This transition promises to enhance its legal capabilities significantly. Additionally, a new model benchmark leaderboard is introduced, aiming to improve transparency in AI performance. It's an exciting time for AI in the legal sector!

May 15, 2025 • 4min
Realta Fusion taps $36M in fresh funds for its fusion-in-a-bottle reactor
Realta Fusion has successfully secured $36 million to advance its innovative Anvil prototype reactor. The potential for generating power at an astonishingly low cost of $40 per megawatt-hour is a game changer. The discussion dives into the technical intricacies of the magnetic mirror reactor design, shedding light on its promising future in the fusion energy landscape of Wisconsin.

May 15, 2025 • 3min
Improvements in ‘reasoning’ AI models may slow down soon, analysis finds
A recent analysis reveals that significant advancements in reasoning AI models may soon slow down. The report from a nonprofit research institute highlights the challenges of scaling these models, especially focusing on OpenAI's O3. Increased computational demands could put a damper on performance gains. Are we nearing the limits of what these models can achieve? Tune in for insights into the future of reasoning AI.