TechCrunch

LGND has raised $9 million to convert geographic data into vector embeddings to power AI models that understand the Earth.

While highly sought after, federal software contracts frequently come with a hidden cost: Achieving government SaaS security compliance, known as FedRAMP, can take years and require substantial resources. Achieving this certification typically takes up to three years and costs more than $3 million, covering everything from security operations engineer salaries to security audits, according to … Read more

Diligent Robotics hired Cruise’s former chief operating officer and former head of AI and robotics into c-suite positions.

Google on Thursday announced the second cohort to take part in its AI Academy American Infrastructure Academy, which seeks to support companies using AI to address issues such as cybersecurity, education, and transportation.  The four-month program is designed for companies at a seed to Series A stage and provides equity-free support and resources like leadership … Read more

President Donald Trump appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to lead NASA.

With new birthday app Candl, Cameo is exploring a new, albeit dull, avenue for growth.

After releasing two new foldables, Samsung is aiming to release a trifold device this year.

Google has launched a suite of its AI-powered advertising tools in India, which debuted in the U.S. in May, as the repeal of the so-called “Google tax” has made the South Asian market more attractive to global tech firms selling online ads. In March, the Indian government scrapped its 6% levy on digital advertisements, effective … Read more

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, late on Wednesday released its latest flagship AI model, Grok 4, and unveiled a new $300-per-month AI subscription plan, SuperGrok Heavy. Grok is xAI’s answer to models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, and can analyze images and respond to questions. In recent months, Grok has become more deeply integrated into Musk’s social … Read more

Cluely, the startup that until recently marketed itself as a “cheat on everything” tool, is moving away from cheating.

Microsoft’s chief commercial officer Judson Althoff noted AI has been so useful that Microsoft was able to save more than $500 million last year in its call center alone. 

California State Senator Scott Wiener on Wednesday introduced new amendments to his latest bill, SB 53, that would require the world’s largest AI companies to publish safety and security protocols and issue reports when safety incidents occur. If signed into law, California would be the first state to impose meaningful transparency requirements onto leading AI … Read more

Though he officially left the U.S. government in May, Steve Davis — Elon Musk’s low-flying former top lieutenant at the Department of Government Efficiency — continues wielding influence at DOGE, according to the WSJ. The outlet says Davis regularly gives directions to current DOGE officials and has privately dismissed his departure as “fake news.”

Europe’s fintech darling Revolut is looking to raise a new funding round that would give it a $65 billion valuation, the Financial Times reports.  The UK-based company is reportedly in talks to raise around $1 billion by issuing new shares and selling existing ones. The US-based firm Greenoaks is said to be leading the round, … Read more

In the U.S., ad spending was up 62% year-over-year in the first half of 2025.

OpenAI’s browser is said to use AI to rethink how users browse the web, keeping some user interactions inside ChatGPT instead of linking out to websites.

Dorsey admitted that his new messaging app had not been reviewed or tested for security issues prior to its launch.

YouTube’s creator liaison said the change is a “minor” update to YouTube’s longstanding policies.

Adrian Holovaty, founder of music-teaching platform Soundslice, finally solved a months-long mystery: weird images of ChatGPT sessions kept being uploaded to the site.

Formula 1 could have a new U.S. streaming service home soon. Apple is in talks to purchase the rights as it looks to further invest in live sports, the Financial Times reports. Apple already has deals for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. ESPN’s F1 contract ends next year. But Apple will be up … Read more

AI-powered coding tools like Cursor, Replit, Claude Code, and Lovable are helping developers write many lines of code every day to ship products faster. However, app makers still have to rely on either shipping full beta versions of their apps or using simulation software to gauge how upcoming features will work. Blok, a company that … Read more

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the AI conversation goes deeper than just the latest models. On one of the AI Stages, Edo Liberty, founder and CEO of Pinecone, will deliver a session that challenges one of the most persistent assumptions in the field — that raw intelligence alone is enough. With 10,000+ startup and VC leaders … Read more

iMerit is making its Scholars program widely available. It’s a team of experts to fine-tune generative AI models for enterprise applications and, increasingly, foundational models.

Elon Musk’s X has taken the automated account for Grok, its AI chatbot, offline after it spent Tuesday afternoon pushing antisemitic narratives.

Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, stepped down from her role on Wednesday morning after two years.

Time is running out to secure your exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, October 27-29, at Moscone West in San Francisco. This is your chance to get your startup in front of 10,000+ startup pioneers, VC leaders, and tech enthusiasts. Learn more and grab your table here before your competitor does. Maximum exposure for your … Read more

Yplasma recently raised $2.5 million to refine its plasma actuators, which can modify the flow of air.

There’s no shortage of capital out there, but there’s even less room for error. Join a powerhouse panel at TechCrunch All Stage on July 15 in Boston for “Fundraising Mistakes That Will Kill Your Round, and How to Avoid Them.” This Scale Stage breakout session is built specifically for early-stage founders who want to sidestep … Read more

PR and marketing are more than just press releases — they’re powerful tools for attracting investors, customers, and top talent.  At TechCrunch All Stage on July 15, Nikki Parker, EVP of Marketing and Communications at global software investor Insight Partners, will break down the essential PR and marketing strategies every startup needs. From crafting compelling … Read more

Google is rolling out Gemini to Wear OS watches, the company announced on Wednesday.