A former physician has launched Robyn, an empathetic AI companion
Robyn wants to position it self as an empathetic chatbot and not as a companion or a therapy app
Moltbook was peak AI theater
For a few days this week the hottest new hangout on the internet was a vibe-coded Reddit clone called Moltbook, which billed itself as a social network for bots. As the website’s tagline puts it: “Where AI agents share, discuss, and upvote. Humans welcome to observe.” We observed! Launched on January 28 by Matt Schlicht,…
The Download: surviving extreme temperatures, and the big whale-wind turbine conspiracy
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. The quest to find out how our bodies react to extreme temperatures Climate change is subjecting vulnerable people to temperatures that push their limits. In 2023, about 47,000 heat-related deaths are believed to…
Lovable says it’s nearing 8 million users as the year-old AI coding startup eyes more corporate employees
The platform has attracted an eclectic user base. More than half of Fortune 500 companies are using Lovable to “supercharge creativity,” according to Osika, who insisted retention remains strong.
The circular money problem at the heart of AI’s biggest deals
SoftBank and OpenAI announced a new 50-50 joint venture this week to sell enterprise AI tools in Japan under the brand “Crystal Intelligence.” On paper, it’s a straightforward international expansion deal. But SoftBank’s role as a major investor in OpenAI is raising questions about whether AI’s biggest deals are creating real economic value or just moving money in circles. […]
VC Jennifer Neundorfer explains how founders can stand out in a crowded AI market
January Ventures co-founder Jennifer Neundorfer discussed this AI-driving funding market on the Equity podcast during TechCrunch Disrupt.
Here’s Everything Warren Buffett Announced in His Thanksgiving Letter
Buffett’s Thanksgiving letter will become an annual tradition as he steps away from writing Berkshire’s annual report.
A better way of thinking about the AI bubble
AI isn’t all or nothing, and even good bets can turn sour if you aren’t careful about how you make them.
Rad Power Bikes faces shutdown in January without new funding
The company is “still fighting to find ways to continue” according to an email viewed by TechCrunch.
Kaltura acquires eSelf, founded by creator of Snap’s AI, in $27M deal
Kaltura acquires AI avatar startup eSelf to integrate generative AI into enterprise video and learning tools.
How You Can Save Big During Amazon Business’ Biggest Sale of the Year
Sign up now for a free Amazon Business account and get ready for incredible discounts for your business this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.