TechCrunch Startup News

Startup inspiration can strike anywhere. But for Atlas.co*, a freemium browser-based, real-time mapping tool that’s being built by an Oslo, Norway-based team of (initially student) engineers, the realization that there might be a business opportunity in competing with expensive legacy mapping software hit the founders during class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just Eat Takeaway is offloading Grubhub to Wonder for a whopping $650 million, marking a major shift in their food delivery strategy. The move aims to boost cash flow and accelerate growth for Just Eat. The podcast dives into the hefty losses incurred from the initial Grubhub investment and discusses the ongoing challenges facing the food delivery industry. Exciting insights on the future plans for both companies make this a must-listen!

Swiggy’s IPO has sparked excitement and competition in India’s food delivery market. Shares initially soared before experiencing a dip, highlighting the volatility of the sector. Analysts are closely watching as Swiggy goes head-to-head with Zomato, a key player in the industry. The discussion dives into the challenges both companies face from established retailers and the future of quick commerce in the country. It’s a thrilling look at a dynamic market reshaping how we think about food delivery.

Cody Candy, Co-founder and CEO of Bounce, shares insights into revolutionizing luggage storage for travelers. With a recent $19M funding boost, Bounce plans to expand its services and enhance convenience in global travel. Candy discusses the impressive 20x revenue growth since their last funding round and emphasizes the startup's focus on tapping into rental and sharing economies. His vision highlights the evolving landscape of travel convenience, making it easier for wanderers to explore their destinations without the baggage.

A Tokyo-based startup has garnered $26 million to advance its personal finance management app. They aim to promote cashless payments in Japan, a country still fond of cash transactions. The rise of digital finance tools is set to transform how people manage their money. With plans to enhance technology and expand their team, this innovative company is embracing AI to streamline financial services. The future of finance in Japan is looking tech-savvy and exciting!

India is facing a surge in cyber fraud as its digital landscape evolves, posing serious economic risks. A startup in Hyderabad is stepping up to tackle this crisis by enhancing identity verification and financial data-sharing solutions. Recently, they secured $10 million in funding to boost their efforts in KYC compliance. Their innovative approach aims to create a safer online environment while addressing the challenges of growing digital threats.

Discover how a new Brazilian fintech is revolutionizing payroll management in a country riddled with complex labor laws and influential unions. The co-founder of DogHero shares insights on the challenges of running payroll in Brazil. This startup aims to automate processes and ensure compliance using cutting-edge technology. Tune in to hear about the impact of their recent seed funding round and the potential to transform employee lifecycle management in the region.

Yelp is making waves by shifting gears from restaurant recommendations to car repair estimates. They just invested $80 million to acquire RepairPal, expanding their services into the auto market. This move reflects Yelp's growing ambition and evolving business model. With this acquisition, they aim to redefine their brand and boost their financial performance in a competitive landscape.

A startup focused on supersonic travel is shutting its doors after five years. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by companies moving from research to market, especially in the complex aviation sector. Listeners will discover the harsh realities of the 'valley of death' that many startups encounter. The episode delves into the difficulties of gaining traction in a highly competitive field, revealing the tough lessons learned in the pursuit of quiet supersonic technology.

Harald Alderheim, CEO and co-founder of Glint Solar, discusses the rapid growth of solar energy and the innovative software his Norwegian startup has created. He shares insights into how their platform aids major energy firms like E.ON in streamlining the planning and pre-design phases of solar installations. With $8 million in funding, Glint Solar is set to accelerate solar adoption across Europe, making significant strides towards a greener future.