Known uses voice AI to help you go on more in-person dates
Known has raised $9.7 million from investors, including Forerunner and NFX, along with PearVC and Coelius Capital.
The Download: an AI agent’s hit piece, and preventing lightning
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Online harassment is entering its AI era Scott Shambaugh didn’t think twice when he denied an AI agent’s request to contribute to matplotlib, a software library he helps manage. Then things…
The Plastic Crisis Is Accelerating, and This Company Is Turning It Into a $125B Opportunity
This company is turning plastic into a renewable energy source.
Secure Your Data Forever With Future-Proof Cloud Storage for $280
Protect client files, financial records, and proprietary information with end-to-end encrypted storage that keeps your data private.
Netflix acquires gaming avatar maker Ready Player Me
The gaming startup will allow Netflix subscribers to create avatars that can extend across gaming titles.
Restaurant Franchisees Predict 2026 Will Be the ‘Year of Stability’ After a Turbulent 2025
After missing growth targets in 2025 due to economic uncertainty, restaurant franchise operators says they’re optimistic about the future.
Meta is developing a new image and video model for a 2026 release, report says
The company is working on an image and video model and new text-based model, which aids with coding.
Why Using Your Home Address for Your Business Can Be a Costly Mistake
One early decision many founders overlook can quietly affect their privacy, credibility and ability to scale.
The NCAA Kicked Him Out for Monetizing His Platform. So He Turned It Into a Career
Years before NIL, the NCAA punished this college athlete for building a personal brand on YouTube. That decision helped launch his career.
Krafton hikes India bet with new $670M fund
Called the Unicorn Growth Fund, the investment vehicle is a collaboration between Krafton and South Korean internet conglomerate Naver, and investor Mirae Asset. It aims to deploy around $669.3 million over four years.
Hacks, thefts and disruption: The worst data breaches of 2025
TechCrunch looks back at the biggest data breaches, disruptive cyberattacks, and damaging hacks of 2025, from the raiding of U.S. government databases to a hack every month in South Korea.