Yann LeCun confirms his new ‘world model’ startup, reportedly seeks $5B+ valuation

Renowned AI scientist Yann LeCun confirmed on Thursday the worst-kept secret in the tech world: that he had indeed launched a new startup. Although he did say he will not be running the new company as its CEO.

Netflix is betting on podcasts to become the new daytime talk show

Netflix is making exclusive deals with podcast studios to compete with YouTube, but podcasters have mixed feelings.

Hundreds of Cisco customers are vulnerable to new Chinese hacking campaign, researchers say

Cisco warned that Chinese government hackers are exploiting a zero-day in some of its products. Researchers now say there are hundreds of vulnerable Cisco customers.

Anonymous messaging app NGL was acquired by ‘EarnPhone’ startup Mode Mobile

Given NGL’s track record of dubious growth hacking, this partnership with Mode Mobile seems like a good match.

Elon Musk’s $56B Tesla pay package restored by Delaware Supreme Court

The decision brings to a close a years-long court battle that irked Musk so much he moved Tesla’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas.

Cursor continues acquisition spree with Graphite deal

Graphite is an AI code review assistant that was last valued at $290 million.

Where are investors placing their bets next year? AI, AI, AI.

Investors at TechCrunch Disrupt explained their focus on artificial intelligence and offered advice to founders on how to stand out in a crowded AI field.

Former Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario resigns from Rivian’s board

Marcario joined the board in 2021, and will maintain her position as chair overseeing the Rivian Foundation, which made its first grants last year.

Rocket Lab wins another defense-related space contract

The $816 million contract follows a separate $515 million — both awarded by the U.S. Space Development Agency.

Building venture-backable companies in heavily regulated spaces

This week on Build Mode, Startup Battlefield editor Isabelle Johannessen spoke to two founders who are working to make progress in industries ripe for disruption, despite the regulatory headaches that might have deterred many other people.