TechCrunch Industry News

TechCrunch
undefined
Mar 27, 2025 • 4min

Earth AI’s algorithms found critical minerals in places everyone else ignored

Discover how AI is reshaping the search for critical minerals, enabling faster and wider exploration than ever before. The founder reveals groundbreaking findings in Australia, where traditional methods missed key deposits. Dive into the transformative impact of technology on the mining industry and explore the future of mineral discovery.
undefined
6 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 12min

a16z and Benchmark-backed 11x has been claiming customers it doesn’t have

Hassan Sakaar, founder and CEO of 11x, shares insights into the tumultuous journey of his AI-powered sales automation startup. He discusses the company's explosive initial growth contrasted with alarming financial struggles and misleading customer claims. Sakaar addresses the toxic work environment and high employee turnover following the company's move from London to San Francisco. He candidly reflects on the impact of these challenges on the company’s legitimacy and the discontent among staff, painting a cautionary tale about startup culture.
undefined
5 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 5min

Bill Gates-backed Commonwealth Fusion Systems hits key reactor construction milestone

A groundbreaking milestone in fusion energy has been reached with the installation of the Cryostat Base in a demonstration reactor. This major step aims to advance toward a functional tokamak. The conversation delves into the innovative technologies driving this project and the ambitious goal of a commercial-scale reactor by 2027. Exciting insights into the future of clean energy emerge as experts discuss the implications of this progress.
undefined
Mar 26, 2025 • 6min

How BYD plans to make EV charging as fast as filling a gas tank

What we found mostly supports the auto makers claims, with a few caveats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
undefined
4 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 7min

23andMe faces an uncertain future — so does your genetic data 

23andMe is facing a rocky road ahead, with bankruptcy fears and a significant data breach shaking customer confidence. Privacy experts urge individuals to reconsider their genetic data's safety. The conversation sheds light on the broader implications of data security and the need for better federal regulations. As the future of personal genetic information hangs in the balance, the stakes are higher than ever for consumers.
undefined
Mar 25, 2025 • 6min

Russian zero-day seller is offering up to $4 million for Telegram exploits

Explore the rarefied world of zero-day exploits, where a Russian entity is offering up to $4 million for vulnerabilities in Telegram. The discussion highlights how the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict shapes the demand for such exploits. It also reveals the skyrocketing prices for vulnerabilities, with WhatsApp zero-days fetchingly priced at $8 million. The podcast dives into the business dynamics of exploiting popular applications, shining a light on the cyber underbelly.
undefined
6 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 5min

Microsoft is exploring a way to credit contributors to AI training data

Microsoft is diving into research that estimates how specific training examples shape generative AI outputs. The initiative raises questions about ethical data use, including transparency and the possibility of compensating contributors. As copyright issues loom large, this project could redefine how we think about data dignity in AI training practices.
undefined
Mar 24, 2025 • 3min

How a $6M bet on Wiz turned into a massive 200x return for one early backer

Dive into the extraordinary world of cybersecurity investments as Wiz's acquisition by Alphabet leads to staggering financial wins. Discover how early backers, particularly CyberStarts, turned a modest $6.4 million stake into a jaw-dropping $1.42 billion gain. Sequoia capital also revels in massive returns, pocketing $3 billion from its investment. The discussion highlights the booming potential of cybersecurity startups and the lucrative rewards awaiting savvy investors in today's tech landscape.
undefined
11 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 6min

X users treating Grok like a fact-checker spark concerns over misinformation

Users are increasingly relying on AI like Grok for fact-checking on social media. This shift raises important questions about misinformation and the reliability of AI sources. Concerns are growing over the ability of users to distinguish between verified information and what is generated by AI. The discussion navigates the challenges that come with this trend and the implications for fact-checkers.
undefined
Mar 21, 2025 • 4min

Academics accuse AI startups of co-opting peer review for publicity

There’s a controversy brewing over “AI-generated” studies submitted to this year’s ICLR, a long-running academic conference focused on AI. At least three AI labs — Sakana, Intology, and Autoscience — claim to have used AI to generate studies that were accepted to ICLR workshops. At conferences like ICLR, workshop organizers typically review studies for publication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app