VC Jennifer Neundorfer explains how founders can stand out in a crowded AI market

Founders and investors alike are obsessed with AI, and even Neundorfer said her firm, January Ventures, is looking at ways to use AI to make their work more efficient, such as helping to do due diligence on the market and competition.

Bluesky announces moderation changes focused on better tracking, improved transparency

Bluesky is making moderation changes, including the addition of new reporting categories, strikes, and more clarity when communicating with users about violations.

Onepot AI raises $13M to help make chemical drug creation easier

Onepot AI is a company that is home to the small-molecule synthesis lab POT-1.

Astro Teller isn’t afraid of killing ideas; here’s why

TechCrunch’s editor-in-chief, Connie Loizos, sits down with Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at Alphabet’s X, to explore what it takes to build a factory for truly game-changing innovation. Astro reveals the three components that define a true moonshot — a huge problem, a science fiction-sounding solution, and a glimmer of breakthrough technology — and why… Continua a leggere Astro Teller isn’t afraid of killing ideas; here’s why

a16z leads $21M Series A into AI-native tax compliance software Sphere

Sphere helps automate registration, calculation, filing, and remittance obligations for companies. “We help companies collect tax on customer transactions,” Nicholas Rudder said, explaining that companies have to collect tax on purchases and remit it to authorities each month or quarter. 

Physics Wallah enjoys a rosy IPO day, bucking the broader slowdown in Indian edtech

The Indian edtech startup ended its first day as a public company on a high, with its shares closing 44% higher than they were listed for, indicating that the country’s edtech sector may still recover after years of gloom.

Boop’s new app turns social recommendations into bookable itineraries

Instead of getting an AI-generated travel plan, Boop aims to give users access to itineraries from real people who went on real trips. 

Agentio secures $40M from Forerunner as it scales its creator marketplace beyond YouTube

Agentio, which matches creators with brands, is expanding beyond YouTube and testing Meta platforms to facilitate sponsored content.

Creator Tayla Cannon receives $1.1 million investment from Slow Ventures’ Creator Fund to build PT software

Tayla Cannon’s Rebuildr receives $1.1 million investment from Slow Ventures.

Jeff Bezos reportedly returns to the trenches as co-CEO of new AI startup, Project Prometheus

Jeff Bezos is partly backing a new AI startup called Project Prometheus that has raised $6.2 billion in funding, and will take on duties as co-chief executive.