Startups/VC

Google hires Hume AI CEO and engineers in licensing deal to boost Gemini voice and emotion features

Google DeepMind is hiring Hume AI’s CEO and several engineers under a new licensing agreement, aiming to integrate emotionally intelligent voice capabilities into its AI models while Hume continues selling its tech to other labs.

Quantum Thinking Can Help You Solve Complex Strategy Challenges

Quantum thinking offers a new approach to tackle complex strategy problems that traditional methods can't solve. This is significant for businesses facing wicked problems.

Assam to be part of global semiconductor ecosystem in 2026: Nirmala Sitharaman reviews plant's progress

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Assam's inclusion in the global semiconductor ecosystem by 2026, which is crucial for boosting industrial growth and job creation in the region.

OpenAI ramps up developer push with more powerful models in its API 

OpenAI introduced new API updates, including GPT-5 Pro and Sora 2, to attract developers. These advancements are significant for industries requiring high accuracy and creative video generation.

Tristan Thompson on AI, Sports & Startups at Disrupt 2025

Tristan Thompson will discuss AI's impact on sports and startups at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, showcasing his venture TracyAI.

Charles Schwab backs Singapore's Qapita, a Carta challenger

Qapita, an equity management platform, raised $26.5 million in Series B funding led by Charles Schwab, enhancing its services for U.S. startups.

Exclusive: Trump's DOE proposes cutting billions in grants for GM, Ford, and lots of startups

The Trump administration plans to cut over $500 million in federal grants affecting major automakers and startups, jeopardizing their operations and projects.

Alternative app store AltStore raises $6M, connects with the fediverse

AltStore, an alternative app store, has raised $6 million in funding and plans to connect with the fediverse, enhancing user engagement across social platforms.

How Otter.ai's CEO is pushing the company to be more than just a meeting scribe

Otter.ai's CEO Sam Liang is transforming the company from a meeting notetaker to a comprehensive corporate knowledge base with new enterprise tools.

X splits Verified Organizations into 'Premium Business' and 'Premium Organizations'

X has rebranded its Verified Organizations into two tiers: Premium Business and Premium Organizations, aimed at enhancing growth for businesses and governments.

Startups are staying private longer thanks to alternative capital

Startups are remaining private longer, with the median age of companies going public rising to 13 years, driven by alternative capital sources.

xAI hires former Morgan Stanley banker Anthony Armstrong as CFO

Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, has appointed Anthony Armstrong as CFO, following a series of executive departures.

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