February 19, 2026

The Download: autonomous narco submarines, and virtue signaling chatbots

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. How uncrewed narco subs could transform the Colombian drug trade For decades, handmade narco subs have been some of the cocaine trade’s most elusive and productive workhorses, ferrying multi-ton loads of illicit drugs…

From VanMoof to VanPoof! How did the e-bike pioneer go bankrupt, even as the market boomed?

July 18, 2023
Troubled e-bike maker VanMoof — which had raised a total of $189.1 million from the likes of Balderton Capital and Felix Capital, among other investors — has now officially gone bankrupt in the Netherlands after barely a week in an administrative process. As TechCrunch previously reported, the company was in a “suspension of payment” process, […]

Glassdoor is introducing Blind-like anonymous community features to fuel user growth

July 18, 2023
Glassdoor, the platform known for anonymous salary and workplace reviews, is now introducing Blind-like community features for anonymous posting to fuel user growth. The company is leveraging its Fishbowl acquisition made in 2021 to port over features like interest bowls (interest-based communities) and company bowls. Glassdoor is also refreshing its branding with this launch. The […]

Tractable snaps up $65M led by SoftBank for car and property damage appraisals using AI

July 18, 2023
When it comes to transforming business operations, artificial intelligence holds a lot of promise across many industries. Today, a startup that has been an early mover in the area of applying AI, and specifically computer vision, to the world of insurance is announcing a round of growth funding to continue expanding its business. Tractable — […]

VanMoof, the e-bike startup, officially declared bankrupt in The Netherlands

July 18, 2023
Another grim stage for VanMoof, the e-bike startup backed by venture capitalists to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. After making a last-hour effort to stave off bankruptcy last week, the court of Amsterdam has taken the step of officially declaring bankruptcy for the company’s Dutch legal entities, VanMoof Global Holding B.V., VanMoof […]

US government launches the Cyber Trust Mark, its long-awaited IoT security labeling program

July 18, 2023
The Biden administration has launched its long-awaited Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity labeling program that aims to protect Americans against the myriad of security risks associated with internet-connected devices. The program, officially named the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark,” aims to help Americans ensure they are buying internet-connected devices that include strong cybersecurity protections against cyberattacks.  […]

Singapore-based ID verification platform Bureau bumps its Series C to $12M

July 18, 2023
Identity verification platform for businesses, Bureau, has added $4.5 million in its Series C, bringing its total to $12 million. The funding was raised from GMO Venture Partners and GMO Payment Gateway. Other investors in the round include Quona Capital, Commerce Ventures and Okta Ventures. Bureau has now raised $20.5 million to date. In addition […]

Sylvera banks $57M to put carbon offsetting on a path to Net Zero

July 18, 2023
London-based climate intelligence startup Sylvera has closed another chunky funding round — bagging $57 million in Series B funding led by Balderton Capital, with participation from existing investors Index Ventures, Insight Partners, Salesforce Ventures, Speedinvest, Seedcamp and LocalGlobe. New investors Fidelity Strategic Ventures, Bain & Company and 9Yards Capital are also joining the round. The […]