TechCrunch Startup News

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!

OpenMind is aiming to transform humanoid robotics with its innovative operating system, OM1, likened to Android for robots. The discussion dives into the significance of enhancing human-robot interaction and the introduction of the Fabric protocol for identity verification. Plans for deploying robotic dogs also pique interest, showcasing the potential for collaboration between robots and humans. Tune in for insights into the future of robotics and the technology shaping it!

A new app called Germ has launched, enabling users to send end-to-end encrypted messages on Bluesky. The founders share their motivation behind prioritizing user privacy and control in digital communication. Listeners get insights into how innovative security technologies are reshaping social interactions, aiming for enhanced privacy and safety online. This is a significant development in the world of social networks!

An Indian startup has landed $11 million in funding to tackle global supply chain issues in the aerospace sector. Jeh Aerospace aims to boost manufacturing capabilities and position India as a key player in the global market. By harnessing advanced technologies, they are set to transform how aerospace components are produced, addressing bottlenecks in a critical industry.

Anthropic has cut off OpenAI's access to its Claude models, sparking debate about competition in AI. The ongoing challenges of AI-generated code are front and center, with PlayerZero securing $15 million to address these issues. Figma's IPO took the spotlight as its stock surged dramatically, halting trading briefly due to volatility. The discussion highlights the pressing need for solutions to detect AI-generated bugs before they hit production.

A Latvian startup is shaking up the retail landscape with a groundbreaking biometric payment system that utilizes palm recognition. Discover how this innovative technology aims to rival Amazon's dominance in the market. The founders share insights into their funding journey and the partnerships that are aiding their growth. Plus, learn about their strategic approach to navigating the European regulatory environment, positioning themselves as a formidable alternative.