TechCrunch Startup News

A Bengaluru-based startup is shaking up the electric motorcycle scene in India with its high-performance designs. They've just secured $21 million in funding to fuel global expansion into 40 countries, including 10 in Europe. The flagship F77 model is at the forefront of their plans, showcasing innovation and ambition. Amid market challenges, they are pushing boundaries and aiming to revolutionize electric mobility worldwide.

A Lagos-based food delivery startup has successfully raised $9 million in Series A funding. This investment aims to boost their quick commerce strategy while expanding into more cities in Nigeria and Ghana. Despite operating in a challenging and low-margin market, the company has remained profitable since its launch in 2021. Exciting plans are in place to evolve into a super app that will cater to food, grocery, and essential deliveries, positioning itself as a leader in Africa's food delivery scene.

A Mumbai startup is shaking up the e-pharmacy market with a fresh approach to affordable healthcare. Their unique strategy centers on consumer education, helping to double their revenue and gain investor confidence. With an impressive $85M funding boost, this company is poised for significant expansion in the generic medicine sector. Discover how they are transforming access to healthcare in India and setting new standards for online pharmacies.

The CEO of Airbnb explores the evolving role of AI in the travel industry, revealing how the company is navigating this new terrain. He compares AI chatbots to traditional search engines, emphasizing distinct differences in user experience. The conversation addresses both the enhancements AI can bring and its current limitations, providing insights into the future of customer service in the sharing economy. Chesky's candid remarks reflect the ongoing adaptation and innovation within tech-driven travel.

AI coding startups are struggling with profitability amidst high costs and fierce competition. The financial health of these ventures, exemplified by Windsurf, raises questions about their future sustainability. The discussion delves into the impact of large language models and strategic choices that could define the industry's trajectory. Listeners gain insight into the pressing challenges these innovative companies face in a rapidly evolving landscape.

AI-generated 'brain rot' videos are taking the internet by storm, featuring bizarre characters like a sneaker-wearing shark. OpenArt, the startup behind this trend, allows users to create these quirky clips with just a click. Meanwhile, OpenAI launched its much-anticipated GPT-5, touted as the world's best model, sparking debates over performance and pricing. This move might ignite a price war among AI competitors, reshaping the landscape of AI services. Tune in for insights into these exciting developments!

Discover how Lava is transforming transactions with its innovative digital wallet, tailored for the agent-native economy. The founder shares insights into the journey of the startup and its vision for a future where a single set of credits simplifies payments. Explore the revolution of payment systems in the AI-driven world, revealing the intriguing potential of a more efficient, seamless financial experience.

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.

A groundbreaking partnership between OpenAI and Amazon Web Services brings AI models to AWS for the first time, igniting a heated competition in the tech industry. Meanwhile, ElevenLabs unveils an innovative AI music generator that enables users to create commercially viable music. The discussion dives into the complexities of AI-generated music, including copyright issues and artist rights, as the landscape of music continues to evolve with technology.

A sales automation startup just bagged $100 million, boosting its valuation to $3.1 billion! The investment, led by CapitalG, underscores the rising demand for AI-driven sales tools. Meanwhile, Ghost 6 is making waves by connecting publishers to the open social web with its ActivityPub integration. This latest release is packed with new features, including enhanced analytics tools, set to elevate user engagement and audience reach!