TechCrunch Startup News

A German startup makes waves by securing €130 million in Series A funding for its ambitious clean nuclear fusion technology. Hear about their groundbreaking stellarator-designed power plant and how it aims to revolutionize the energy landscape in Europe. The discussion highlights the significance of venture capital in kickstarting potentially limitless energy solutions, bringing us one step closer to a clean energy future.

A former Adyen CTO reveals the journey behind Tebi, a fintech platform revolutionizing restaurant operations with seamless payment, reservation, and inventory management. The startup recently secured $30 million from Alphabet's CapitalG, accelerating its growth. With plans to expand into the UK market, Tebi is doubling its workforce and integrating advanced AI to enhance business functionalities. Discover how this innovative solution is set to transform the hospitality industry!

Mitra Chem is making waves with its innovative approach to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. They’ve recently secured $15.6 million in funding to enhance battery efficiency, tackling the challenges of the volatile electric vehicle market. The discussion also highlights potential legislative changes affecting EV incentives and how these could shape the future of battery startups. Expect insights into the fast-evolving landscape of battery materials and the push for cheaper, domestically sourced options.

Discover how XRobotics is shaking up the pizza industry with their countertop pizza robots, capable of producing 25,000 pizzas a month. The conversation dives into the impressive X-Pizza Cube and its potential to revolutionize pizza-making efficiency in pizzerias. Learn about the recent $2.5 million seed round funding that will help propel their innovative technology, highlighting the growing role of robotics in the restaurant sector.

Impact investor Christian Tooley challenges societal norms by advocating for funding in taboo sectors like sex and psychedelics. He questions the restrictions placed on venture investments and highlights the potential for innovation in these overlooked markets. The discussion emphasizes the need for progressive investors to rethink traditional prudence and consider the profitable opportunities in vice investing.

A San Carlos startup is tackling pedestrian safety by installing cameras at stop signs, aiming to deter dangerous driving. The founders emphasize a blend of education, engineering, and community privacy concerns to avoid creating a surveillance state. They discuss the importance of integrating automated enforcement with community advocacy, striving to build trust while ensuring safer streets for everyone.

Tensions are rising in the HR tech world as Rippling accuses Deel of corporate espionage. The allegations suggest that Deel targeted and infiltrated multiple competitors, sparking a heated legal battle. With accusations this serious, even federal authorities are getting involved. The drama unfolds as both companies brace for an intense showdown.

Despite a challenging political environment, North America is thriving in AI venture capital. Recent data shows an incredible $69.7 billion invested in AI and machine learning startups between February and May. This region accounted for a staggering 86.2% of global AI funding in 2025, proving that innovation continues to flourish even in adversity. The influx of cash demonstrates a strong belief in the future of AI, pushing boundaries in technology and research.

Monik Pamecha and Anthony Krivonos never expected their AI voice startup to thrive in car dealerships. Initially focused on banking and healthcare, they pivoted after dealerships showed interest. This shift to automotive highlighted the power of customer insights in building innovative tech. As they sweat it out in the Bible Belt, their engagement with dealers has catalyzed their product's development and attracted funding from a16z, setting them on a path towards impressive growth.

Windsurf is facing hurdles after Anthropic reduced its first-party access to their popular AI models. The CEO expresses concerns about the unexpected limitations and the impact on their coding tools. As competition heats up in the AI-assisted coding space, Windsurf is now on the lookout for new compute providers to adapt and thrive. It's a gripping tale of innovation, adaptation, and the challenges of navigating partnerships in the fast-paced tech landscape.