Top OpenAI, Google Brain researchers set off a $300M VC frenzy for their startup Periodic Labs 

When Liam Fedus announced he was quitting OpenAI, VCs swarmed. One even wrote a love letter. Here’s how Felicis’ Peter Deng won the deal.

US and Australia sign $3B critical minerals deal

Leaders of the country’s governments announced they would work together to secure critical minerals supplies outside of Chinese control. The deal includes a new gallium refinery in Western Australia.

Apple will let users roll back the Liquid Glass look with new ‘tinted’ option

Apple is responding to user feedback on its new Liquid Glass design with a setting that lets users choose between Clear and Tinted appearances. Introduced in iOS 26.1 beta 4, the option gives users more control over interface opacity after complaints that Liquid Glass made some elements harder to read.

YC alum Cercli, an AI-powered Rippling for MENA, raises oversubscribed $12M Series A

In a region long defined by fragmented enterprise systems, outdated compliance tools, and HR software that rarely talks to finance, Cercli is building a unified alternative for MENA businesses with AI at its core. The Dubai-based startup, founded by ex-Careem operators Akeed Azmi and David Reche, has announced an oversubscribed $12 million Series A round led by… Continua a leggere YC alum Cercli, an AI-powered Rippling for MENA, raises oversubscribed $12M Series A

Spiro raises $100M, the largest-ever investment in Africa’s e-mobility

Dubai-headquartered Spiro is growing quickly with e-motorbikes and a battery swapping network designed for Africa’s needs.

European AI rising star Nexos.ai raises €30M to unlock enterprise AI adoption

Nord Security co-founders have closed a €30 million Series A for their new startup, Nexos.ai, an orchestration platform aimed at helping companies adopt AI securely.

Airbnb is becoming more social by allowing users to connect with fellow travelers

Airbnb is adding social features like connections and messaging to create a social network of fellow travellers.

Yelp’s AI assistant can now scan restaurant menus to show you what dishes look like

Yelp will now let you scan a physical menu show redirect bubbles to Yelp app where you can see how those dishes look.

X is testing a pay-per-use pricing model for its API

Two years after revamping its developer programs and pricing, X is expanding the closed beta of a pay-per-use plan for its API to more developers.

Shin Starr’s robotic food truck kitchen will serve up Korean BBQ at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Shin Starr’s OLHSO food truck is an autonomous kitchen on wheels, serving Korean BBQ cooked by a robot.