TechCrunch Startup News

Jonathan Cohen, Co-founder and CEO of Joco, shares harrowing tales of their near-failure and dramatic rebirth as an e-bike startup focused on delivery workers. He discusses the innovative facilities built for gig workers and their successful shift from consumer bike-sharing to catering specifically to NYC delivery riders. Cohen also unveils the strategic partnerships that propelled Joco into profitability and hints at ambitious plans for future expansion, all while navigating the fast-paced world of urban logistics.

Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist track cyclist and investor in Skarper, discusses the exciting potential of transforming traditional bikes into e-bikes. He challenges the stigma around e-bikes not being 'real bikes' and shares insights into Skarper's innovative conversion system. Hoy elaborates on the benefits and challenges of e-bike adoption, emphasizing how this technology could revolutionize cycling for everyday riders. His passion for cycling and groundbreaking ideas make this conversation both inspiring and enlightening.

India is emerging as a bright spot in the global IPO landscape, defying trends that challenge other markets. The podcast delves into the flourishing tech sector, with a notable focus on upcoming public offerings like Swiggy. A significant wave of IPOs is anticipated in 2025, showcasing India's resilience and potential. This rapid growth positions the nation as a key player in the startup world, ready to capitalize on shifting economic tides.

Manuel Rios, Co-founder of Deep Blue Biotech and former VP of sustainable design at Unilever, dives into the future of eco-friendly skincare. He reveals how his startup harnesses genetically engineered cyanobacteria to revolutionize chemical production. The discussion highlights the environmental benefits of sustainable biomanufacturing, particularly in creating hyaluronic acid for beauty products. Rios also shares insights on their innovative strategies, including modular photobioreactors, and the significant commercial potential for these green alternatives.

A startup named Volta is revolutionizing B2B sales with a new platform similar to Shopify, focusing on European markets. Recently securing a €6 million pre-seed round, the team is eager to innovate catalog management and streamline transactions. The conversation highlights the founders' motivations and the significance of their ambitious funding. Listeners will be intrigued by the potential impact of Volta on the B2B landscape!

The European Union is on a mission to help startups thrive. Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the need to scale these businesses effectively. She discusses plans to reduce regulatory challenges and boost private investment. The goal is to close the innovation gap within Europe and support a vibrant startup ecosystem. This strategic focus aims to empower entrepreneurs and drive economic growth across the continent.

Discover how a Paris-based company secured €6M to revolutionize medical writing. The labor-intensive process of documenting drug development is addressed, unveiling a platform that leverages natural language processing. This innovative solution aims to ease the backlog and enhance the efficiency of skilled medical writers, tackling industry challenges head-on. Tune in to learn how technology is streamlining pharmaceutical documentation!

Ismail Sami, CEO and co-founder of Molyon, is at the forefront of battery innovation, leading a Cambridge University spin-out focused on next-gen lithium-sulfur batteries. He discusses the pivotal role of battery tech in electrification and decarbonization efforts. Sami unveils how their advanced batteries, utilizing molybdenum disulfide, promise superior energy density and resilience, which could transform applications for drones and electric vehicles. The ambitious plan to build a pilot facility highlights their commitment to overcoming commercialization hurdles.

Meet the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W, a tiny board designed around a microcontroller that lets you build hardware projects at scale. Raspberry Pi is once again using the RP2350, its own, well-documented microcontroller. But what is a microcontroller again? As the name suggests, microcontrollers let you control other electronic components or devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthropic, OpenAI’s close rival, has raised an additional $4 billion from Amazon, and has agreed to make Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s cloud computing division, the primary place it’ll train its flagship generative AI models. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices