Paid, the AI agent ‘results-based billing’ startup from Manny Medina, raises huge $21M seed
Paid offers an interesting contribution to the AI agentic world: a platform for so-called “results-based” billing.
How Branch Basics Built a $50 Million Cleaning Empire On Trust, Not Hype
One in every three Branch Basics purchases in 2025 came from a friend or family recommendation. That single data point tells you everything about how this women-founded cleaning brand scaled to over $50 million, and why it’s still growing.
Others
The AI services transformation may be harder than VCs think
Early warning signs suggest this whole services-industry metamorphosis may be more complicated than VCs anticipate.
Oura CEO talks potential IPO and ‘nonnegotiable’ data privacy
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Oura Health CEO Tom Hale didn’t discuss reports that the company is raising new funding that would value the health-tracking ring maker at nearly $11 billion, but he did talk about whether he has ambitions to take Oura public.
DJI loses lawsuit over classification as Chinese military company
A federal judge has rejected drone maker DJI’s efforts to get off a Department of Defense list of Chinese military companies.
Master In-Demand Skills Without Outsourcing or Extra Costs With This $20 Learning Platform
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TechCrunch Mobility: Self-driving trucks startup Kodiak goes public and a shake-up at Hyundai’s Supernal
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation.
Do EA buyout talks hint at bigger industry troubles?
Why is Electronic Arts, one of the biggest names in the video game business, reportedly in talks to go private?
Lootlock protects kids from overspending on gaming and will be presenting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The gaming industry notoriously targets kids for in-app purchases. Lootlock gives parents granular control over kids game spending.
Wiz chief technologist Ami Luttwak on how AI is transforming cyberattacks
Ami Luttwak, CTO of Wiz, breaks down how AI is changing cybersecurity, why startups shouldn’t write a single line of code before thinking about security, and opportunities for upstarts in the industry.
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