February 22, 2025

US AI Safety Institute could face big cuts

The National Institute of Standards and Technology could fire as many as 500 staffers, according to multiple reports — cuts that further threaten a fledgling AI safety organization. Axios reported this week that the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) and Chips for America, both part of NIST, would be “gutted” by layoffs targeting probationary employees […]

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January 2023

German teens went crazy for this ‘compliments’ app, and now VCs are backing its next phase

January 19, 2023

The teenage market for apps is a tough nut to crack and stay relevant in. Just ask Snapchat. Equally, teens are going through a stage in life where almost every social interaction seems to carry portent of some kind of other. This would explain in part why apps like SendIt, NGL, and Nocapp (some are […]

German teens went crazy for this ‘compliments’ app, and now VCs are backing its next phase by Mike Butcher originally published on TechCrunch

Oro, an open-source B2B ecommerce platform from Magento’s cofounder, raises $13M

January 19, 2023

Oro, an open source ecommerce platform co-created by Magento’s cofounder and former CTO, today announced it has raised $13 million in a strategic growth round of funding. Founded in 2012, Los Angeles-based Oro’s platform constitutes a range of applications, including OroCommerce, its flagship B2B ecommerce platform for building storefronts and marketplaces; OroMarketplace, an end-to-end management […]

Oro, an open-source B2B ecommerce platform from Magento’s cofounder, raises $13M by Paul Sawers originally published on TechCrunch

A lot of fintechs “have to fix their business models,” say VCs who invest in fintechs

January 19, 2023

In recent years, working for, or banking with, a traditional financial institution was decidedly uncool. Far cooler was working for or banking with one of the many fintech startups that seemed to thumb their nose at stodgy bank brands. Then the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates, stocks tanked, and a lot of fintech outfits that […]

A lot of fintechs “have to fix their business models,” say VCs who invest in fintechs by Connie Loizos originally published on TechCrunch

Twitter Blue is now available on Android at the same price as iOS

January 19, 2023

A day after launching an annual Twitter Blue subscription, the social media company made the paid plan available for purchase for Android users today. Users will have to pay $11 per month if they buy the Twitter Blue plan through Android. The pricing is the same as what users on iOS have to pay, but […]

Twitter Blue is now available on Android at the same price as iOS by Ivan Mehta originally published on TechCrunch

India’s PhonePe tops $12 billion valuation in new funding

January 19, 2023

PhonePe’s valuation has surged to $12 billion in a new funding round as the Indian fintech giant readies for life without parent firm Flipkart. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup said it has raised $350 million and anticipates raising up to another $650 million as part of the round. General Atlantic led the first tranche of the investment. […]

India’s PhonePe tops $12 billion valuation in new funding by Manish Singh originally published on TechCrunch

Shein valuation reportedly plummets by a third as it seeks $3B

January 19, 2023

Shein, the fast fashion behemoth that has swept across the world, is raising a significant down round as the startup world braces for a funding crunch. The e-commerce platform known for jaw-dropping outfit prices and savvy TikTok marketing is seeking $3 billion at a valuation of $64 billion, down from the $100 billion price tag […]

Shein valuation reportedly plummets by a third as it seeks $3B by Rita Liao originally published on TechCrunch

Curated Loop is ranging indie designer picks for an edgier take on fashion rentals

January 19, 2023

Here’s a fashion rental startup with a twist: London, UK-based Curated Loop — which soft-launched a high end fashion rental marketplace last week after bootstrapping to launch an MVP — is sourcing statement pieces from independent designers’ sample stock to style itself as an edgier alternative to more conventional rivals. Its approach means items available […]

Curated Loop is ranging indie designer picks for an edgier take on fashion rentals by Natasha Lomas originally published on TechCrunch

Musk stands to lose billions in trial over ‘funding secured’ tweet

January 19, 2023

The question of whether Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a fraud or is just too careless with his words took center stage in a San Francisco court room Wednesday. Under the microscope was Musk’s notorious 2018 tweet that stated funding was “secured” to take Tesla private at a potential value of $420 per share. In a […]

Musk stands to lose billions in trial over ‘funding secured’ tweet by Rebecca Bellan originally published on TechCrunch