TechCrunch Startup News

When it comes to creating images of the earth from above, satellites, drones and planes are the air and spacecraft that tend to come to mind. But a startup called Near Space Labs is taking a very different approach to high-resolution photos from up high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A groundbreaking startup is tackling methane emissions from cows by modifying their microbiomes with innovative enzymes. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gases but also improves nutrient availability for the animals. The co-founders discuss the significance of this solution for farmers and highlight new funding aimed at on-farm testing. It's an exciting venture that blends agriculture with environmental science!

Ali Partovi, an Iranian-born Harvard graduate and co-founder of Code.org, shares his journey as a low-profile yet influential figure in tech. He discusses his unique venture firm NIO, which goes beyond traditional metrics by mentoring exceptional college students. Partovi highlights the success stories of startups that emerged from this innovative approach, demonstrating how nurturing talent can reshape the tech landscape. Dive into the insights and strategies that are setting tomorrow's tech pioneers on the path to success!

RepAir is transforming carbon removal with groundbreaking technology inspired by batteries. They recently secured a $15 million extension to their Series A funding. By innovating direct air capture methods, they aim to make carbon capture more cost-effective for smaller businesses. The discussion highlights how these advancements enhance efficiency in reducing CO2 emissions, paving the way for a greener future.

A new American electric vehicle startup called Slate Auto has made its debut, and it’s about as anti-Tesla as it gets. It’s affordable, deeply customizable, and very analog. It has manual windows and it doesn’t come with a main infotainment screen. Heck, it isn’t even painted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cloud monitoring and security platform Datadog on Wednesday announced that it has acquired Metaplane, an AI-powered data observability startup, for an undisclosed amount. In a press release, Datadog said that the deal “accelerates” its expansion into data observability, building on the launch of related products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boris Valkov, an ex-engineer from Meta, shares his leap into entrepreneurship with Lace AI, a startup dedicated to enhancing customer service through artificial intelligence. He reflects on his experiences growing up in a family grocery business and his insights from studying over 100 companies. The discussion reveals how Lace AI's innovative software aims to boost call conversion rates in the home services sector, backed by significant funding. Exciting growth and workforce expansion are on the horizon!

Geopolitical pressures are accelerating a demand in many countries and regions to reshore — that is, to redevelop critical industry infrastructure, and to bring back businesses, which had moved or outsourced some or all of their industrial operations to cheaper countries further away. But that is easier said than done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A growing concern in the tech world is the security risks posed by AI-generated code. Surveys reveal that over half of organizations frequently face issues with this type of code. The spotlight is on a startup that recently secured $93 million to tackle these vulnerabilities. With enhanced tools for real-time scanning and risk identification, they aim to help developers navigate the challenges of AI-driven software creation.

A new venture firm aims to prove that the most successful startup ideas don’t have to be born or scaled in Silicon Valley. Fluent Ventures, a global early-stage fund, is backing founders replicating proven business models from Western markets in fintech, digital health, and commerce across emerging markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices