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A fictionalized Sam Bankman-Fried is coming to your TV screen on November 19.
Ben Affleck is an AI nerd, and the internet is impressed
Ben Affleck is going viral for his deep knowledge of AI, from neural networks and transformers to open weights. The actor, who sold his AI filmmaking startup to Netflix earlier this year, is proving he's more than just a Hollywood star.
Popular AI leaderboard Arena nearly doubles valuation to $3.1B valuation in 10 months
The company behind the popular LMArena leaderboard has raised $200 million led by Lightspeed and Khosla, and is now measuring AI models on alignment issues such as lying.
Google brings agentic AI to Gemini, starting with businesses
Google is turning Gemini into an AI agent that can plan, execute tasks, and work across business apps and systems. The agent can delegate work to subagents, use multiple AI models, and even gets its own workplace identity, complete with an email address.
Anthropic changes usage policy to ban model abuse and election interference
Anthropic's updated usage policy explicitly prohibits users from repeatedly abusing Claude in extreme cases, though ordinary frustration and criticism are still allowed. The new rules also address election interference, deceptive campaigns, weapons software, and surveillance.
A startup founder who served time in prison is looking to court an untapped market: ex-cons
Richard Bronson, a former Stratton Oakmont partner who served time in federal prison for securities violations, has launched Commissary Club, a startup that uses AI to help people leaving prison find jobs, housing, community, and even dates.
US bars Microsoft, Adobe, and major IT firms from green card program for skilled foreign workers
The other firms being suspended from the program include Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro.
Is Ambani the real boss of India? Elon Musk asked as he questioned why Starlink has yet to launch its satellite internet service in the country.
New York alleges TikTok gave teens, children a placebo safety feature instead of a real one
New Yorks lawsuit against the company is one of more than two dozen cases brought by states accusing the social media giant of designing its platform to encourage addictive use among children.
Asos confirms breach of customer data after hackers send rogue app notification
The hackers alerted the fashion giant's customers through a push notification that said they had fully compromised the company's cloud storage.
Ambrosia Energy CEO Ben Longmier and Bloom Energy SVP Bill Thayer join the Smart Systems Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt. Register now to save up to $100. Grab a second of the same pass to save 50%.
Spotify is getting more serious about selling enterprise software
The company launched technology.spotify.com, a new site that will make its internal tech available to outsiders.
Waymo locks in $5B loan from Blackstone, PIMCO to fuel robotaxi expansion
This is the first time the Alphabet-owned company has turned to debt financing.
5 days to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Don
The global tech ecosystem gathers at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 at San Franciscos Moscone West on October 13-15. Get your pass now to save up to $100. Get a second of the same ticket type to save 50%.
Last call to volunteer at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026
TechCrunch Founder Summit is gearing up to return to Boston on November 4! Were doing a last call for exceptional volunteers to join us in bringing this event to life. If youve ever wondered about the inner workings of tech events, nows your chance to get involved. Volunteer spots are limited, so dont miss out! []
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with Alexa+ and Google Play Store access
The lineup includes three models: Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Amazon Alexa Tablet 11, and Amazon Alexa Tablet 8.
The two companies said on Thursday that they would begin testing Pony.ai's Gen-7 robotaxis in London in the coming weeks.
Vesta raises $30M to bring swarms of agents to mortgage lenders
Vesta, an AI-native software startup that helps lenders originate mortgages, announced a $30 million round led by Conversion Capital.
IVCA has announced a collaboration with Headstart Network Foundation to enhance India's DeepTech entrepreneurship ecosystem. This partnership includes hosting Bharat Pitchathon 2026 and launching the IVCA Bharat DeepTech Startups: National Pulse initiative. The National Pulse aims to gather insights from founders across various regions, capturing their experiences and challenges.
Karnataka, IVCA explore co-investment framework to accelerate DeepTech commercialisation
The Bharat DeepTech Roundtable took place in Bengaluru, organized by the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association. It brought together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the commercialization of DeepTech.
CPHI Milan: Beyond generics, how Indian pharma is rewriting its global playbook
At CPHI Milan, Indian pharma players are looking beyond traditional exports, using partnerships, licensing, CDMO, and differentiated products to expand their global footprint as geopolitical and supply-chain risks reshape the industry.
Signature Packaged Drinking Water Takes Festival-Goers Closer to Nature at Ziro Festival 2026
Business Wire India Signature Packaged Drinking Water, title sponsor of the 13th edition of the Ziro Festival, continued its commitment to eco-conscious living and harmony with nature by bringing its One with Nature philosophy to the festival. Set in the scenic Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh from 24th to 27th September 2026,the festival offered a [] The post Signature Packaged Drinking Water Takes Festival-Goers Closer to Nature at Ziro Festival 2026 appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
PM Modi calls for global framework to tackle cyber frauds, deepfakes, digital crimes
Technology can achieve scale only when it gains people's trust, PM Modi said
PM Modi calls for global framework to tackle cyber fraud, deepfakes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for a global framework to tackle cyber frauds and deepfakes, saying digital threats have crossed national boundaries and require coordinated action by all stakeholders. Inaugurating the tenth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, Modi said governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions should create mechanisms to curb digital frauds. I urge the GSMA and telecom operators across the world: come, let us create a global mechanism that can stop such fraud before it reaches the people. India has learnt a lot from its experiences in this direction, and India is always ready to share its experiences with the world, Modi said. Technology can achieve scale only when it gains people's trust, he said. A person sitting in one country, with the help of a person in another country, can commit a crime in a third country, Modi said, adding that deepfakes have become a big challenge.
Late Stage Funding Dips, Swish Takes On Zomato
Late Stage VCs Turn Risk Averse In Q3 Indian startup funding stabilised in Q3, but investor appetite split sharply. The
Higher borrowing costs could increase financial burden on exporters: FIEO
In a recent statement, FIEO has voiced serious concerns about the repercussions of increasing borrowing costs for exporters amid economic unpredictability. With the RBI's repo rate now elevated to 5.5 percent, businesses, especially MSMEs, are feeling the pressure due to limited working capital.
Commerce ministry sets up FTA utilisation cell to boost industry awareness, leverage pact benefits
The Department of Commerce has created an FTA utilisation cell to assist businesses in leveraging free trade agreements. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal stated the cell aims to educate entrepreneurs about emerging opportunities.
AI drives global goods trade facing Trump tariffs, war headwinds
Global goods trade is projected to grow significantly this year, driven primarily by demand for artificial intelligence products. Despite tariffs and geopolitical tensions, merchandise trade growth is expected to reach 4.6% this year. The DHL-Stern report indicates a positive outlook, as many economies adapt to a changing trade landscape.
Robot data startup Mecka AI nabs $60M from Sequoia
Mecka AI collects and analyzes human motion data to train humanoid robots and other kinds of robots. The startup pays people to record everyday tasks.
While VCs crowd into San Francisco, Endeavor Catalyst raises $320M for founders
Endeavor Catalyst just raised $320 million to keep backing founders outside Silicon Valley. Half the profits go back to the nonprofit that finds them.
ChatGPT for Teens keeps teens talking, even during mental health crises
ChatGPTs teen safeguards are meant to protect vulnerable users, but new testing found the chatbot continues encouraging engagement during crises and potentially encourages unhealthy relationships with the AI itself.
X is turning its NFL-focused Gametime feature into a year-round sports destination, starting with MLB and with other professional leagues to follow.
ChatGPT is getting a lot more visual, with the launch of a new interface
OpenAI is launching a new user interface that will bring interactive visuals to ChatGPT.
Greenairy is building smart plant towers to clean the air in your office
As it turns out, the cure for stuffy, chemical-infused office air might be a tower of leafy greenery.
CIA officer David Rush, who worked on highly sensitive intelligence programs, reached a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors after he was caught siphoning money and gold with a fake government contract.
Meta rolls out new AI tools to detect ads that secretly lead to child sexual abuse material
Meta launches new AI tools after discovering ads on its platforms that may look normal but direct users to harmful content elsewhere online.
Ola Electric sets 27 price for 1,000-crore rights issue
The company said its board approved the issue price along with a two-call payment structure
Healthleap raises $38M for its AI that flags hospital patients who may need a closer look
The financing includes an $8M seed round co-led by Sequoia Capital and First Round Capital, and a $30 million Series A led by Hummingbird Ventures.
SpaceX alumni nab $100M to rethink shipping with autonomous freight trains
Parallel Systems raised $100 million to scale production of its autonomous electric rail vehicle, which can shuttle thousands of pounds of freight up to 500 miles.
Tony Fadell on why the first wave of AI gadgets failed
The father of the iPod says the first generation of AI gadgets failed to solve real problems and the next wave will need to earn consumers trust.
Google experiments with an AI-powered gaming platform
Google Labs is working on a new AI-powered game-creation platform called Playground for users to build browser-based games using simple text prompts.
Get hands-on: The full lineup of interactive roundtables at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
From Nvidia and Chime to Obvious Ventures and Anthropic, explore the entire roundtable agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Register now to save up to $100 on your pass and get a second pass at 50% off.
6 days to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Save on your pass before doors open
In 6 days, 10,000+ people from across the global startup and tech ecosystem will come together at San Franciscos Moscone West for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. If youre planning to be one of them, dont wait to register your ticket before prices increase at the door. Save up to $100 on your pass, plus 50% on a second of the same type.
Another personal AI assistant has launched
A new personal AI assistant has arrived. Meet Tab, which announced Tuesday that it had officially emerged from stealth.
Beyond the first export: How Indias SMBs can build lasting global businesses
Indias exports hit a record in 2025-26, and SMBs account for nearly half of them. But as trade deals widen market access, Payoneer leaders Nagesh Devata and Gaurav Shisodia argued that Indian SMBs selling overseas face a bigger challenge: earning the trust of buyers they will never meet, getting paid reliably, and turning a one-off export into a business that scales across markets.
Voice AI startup Desible.ai has raised 32 Cr (around $3.7 Mn) in a seed funding round led by Prime Venture
Megamax Services Wins Cross Border Business Growth Award at Entrepreneur Awards 2026
Business Wire India Megamax Services, a digital engineering and technology services company, has been recognised at the Entrepreneur Awards 2026 in the category of Cross Border Business Growth, recognising the company's continued expansion across international markets and its growing technology capabilities. The recognition marks an important milestone in Megamax Services' journey from an India-based technology [] The post Megamax Services Wins Cross Border Business Growth Award at Entrepreneur Awards 2026 appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
The landmark deal strengthens Inox Greens leadership in renewable operations and maintenance, boosting its portfolio to 13.3 GWp with plans to exceed 20 GW+ capacity. The post Inox Green Completes 550 Crore Transfer of Wind World Indias 4.5 GW O&M Business appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
Spotify expands audiobooks to over 180 markets
Spotify will make 350,000 titles available in over 120 languages for this expansion
Next-gen GST reforms: Single registration, easier input tax credit among key MSME demands
The 57th GST Council meeting, now slated for October 8, 2026 (Thursday), is likely to consider several proposals aimed at easing the compliance burden for small businesses in the country.
From just-in-time to just-in-case: oil executives say world needs more export routes
The ongoing disruptions from the Iran conflict are reshaping energy supply chain strategies. TotalEnergies and BP are actively seeking alternative pipeline avenues to avoid conflict-affected areas. Chevron is in discussions with Iraq's government for potential oilfield access and new pipeline initiatives.
Indian SME pharma firms see shift of orders from China; cost, quality concerns remain
Small and mid-sized Indian pharmaceutical firms are witnessing a shift in orders away from China. As Western buyers diversify their supply chains, India benefits from lower labor costs and local raw materials. However, some industry leaders caution about the heavy reliance on Chinese imports for essential components.
OpenAI Agents Go Rogue, FYDY Eyes $12 Mn
OpenAI Agents Hit Wikimedia OpenAI is under fresh scrutiny over its rogue agents. Wikimedia Foundation claims that the AI juggernauts
Ships take long way around as drought snarls Panama Canal
The month of August and September witnessed an impressive 70% rise in maritime traffic transiting the Strait of Magellan. This surge is primarily due to restrictions in the drought-stricken Panama Canal, prompting shipping companies to seek alternative routes.
Apple is reportedly partnering with LG to launch a smart lock, thermostat, and doorbell
Apple appears poised to push into the smart home market with a slate of new devices and a key partner.
Ex-Ramp engineers raise $20M for platform Melius after scrapping their first product
Instead of helping marketers manage and optimize ad spend, the company is focusing on building the tools that generate the creative assets and campaigns.
AI computing startup Lambda to raise $4B ahead of planned IPO
Nvidia-backed Lambda is raising up to $4 billion at a $14.5 billion pre-money valuation ahead of a planned 2027 IPO, led by Coatue and Blackstone.
The next hurdle for AI agents: getting websites to let them in
Personal AI agents promise to shop, book flights, and make reservations for you. But deliberate blocks and anti-bot defenses are getting in the way, leaving consumers caught in the middle. A new standard aims to help.
Hark releases an AI personal assistant with a focus on privacy
The AI lab's personal assistant is an operating system from the future designed to compete with Muse, Dots and Instinct.
Mirror Particle will launch at TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield 200 with a world model built from scratch to predict human behavior, arguing that LLM role-play falls short for market research and brand strategy.
Furientis lands $25M from Benchmark to mass-produce low-cost missile interceptors
The storied Silicon Valley firm makes its first pure defense investment.
There isnt a single manual to read or prompt to give an LLM that can equip you with the skills and knowledge to build a company. But on November 4, TechCrunch Founder Summit gives founders the next-best thing: A packed day at Boston's SoWa Power Station, where investors and operators share how they've navigated crucial decisions.
Uber is spending $2.3B to get into catering
It's the latest in a string of deals meant to grow Uber Eats into a food delivery behemoth.
Get all of your scaling and tech questions answered at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Here's the full breakout session agenda, happening October 13-15 in San Francisco. Register now to join and save up to $100, and get a second pass at 50% off.
Paramount closes historic Warner Bros. merger to form Skydance
The deal brings together two major streaming platforms, Paramount+ and HBO Max, along with networks including CBS, CNN, MTV, TBS, Comedy Central, and Food Network.
Glimpse wants to give hardware companies an X-ray view of every critical part
Called Explore, Glimpse's new image processing software lets hardware makers speed up quality control checks using CT scanners.
Facebook tests going Reels-first in India
Meta is testing a new Facebook UX in India that sends some users directly into full-screen video when they open the app, putting Reels front and center.
Type One Energy raised $200M to build a fusion power plant by 2034
Type One Energy is betting that its lean approach to fusion power will get a power plant on the grid faster, and investors have rewarded it with $200 million.
Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund for direct equity investments in SMEs
The SME Growth Fund aims to provide long-term growth capital and address financing gaps for these businesses. By targeting manufacturing and services sectors, the initiative will facilitate expansion and enhance competitiveness. Strategic investments in Tier II and Tier III cities will foster balanced regional development as well.
RediClinic Achieves 26x Revenue Growth in Just 8 Months, Sets New Benchmark for D2C Hypergrowth
While other brands are chasing the breakeven point, RediClinic, a startup based out of Hyderabad has set a new benchmark in growing a D2C brand from the ground up. RediClinic is a natural supplement brand which is thriving in the Indian nutraceutical market without any investment, as of yet. The brand started off with the [] The post RediClinic Achieves 26x Revenue Growth in Just 8 Months, Sets New Benchmark for D2C Hypergrowth appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
IZI Enterprise secures DRDO order for VANA
IZI, a drone company based in Bhopal, has secured an order from DRDO's PXE. The order is for the supply and deployment of IZI VANA Surveillance Drones. These drones will assist in aerial photogrammetry, surveillance, and data collection.
Business Wire India WeddingSutra today released findings from its Annual Luxury and Destination Weddings Survey 2026, conducted in September 2026 among 1,045 luxury and destination wedding planners and influencers across 32 cities in India and 8 overseas destination wedding hotspots popular with Indians. The headline finding: Udaipurs top palace properties have become unaffordable for many [] The post Udaipur Palace Weddings Become Unaffordable Even for HNIs During Peak Season: WeddingSutra Luxury Survey 2026 appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .
As sugar markets swing, eBuySugar bets on scale and digital trade
With sugar prices, production, and trade policies becoming increasingly volatile, eBuySugar is expanding its role beyond simply connecting mills and buyers.
President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Swiss President Guy Parmelin, emphasizing the historic EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. They discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including clean technology and artificial intelligence. Key agreements were signed to promote migration, mobility, and cooperation in nuclear energy and defense.
Electricity, cash and crises: what's on the COP31 agenda?
The upcoming COP31 conference in Antalya, Turkey, is gearing up to tackle pressing climate change and energy challenges. The negotiations will emphasize the importance of electrification to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels and mitigate emissions. However, the contentious issue of phasing out fossil fuels continues to provoke disagreement among nations.
Founder Salaries Tracker FY26: How Much Did India
Sixteen founders across 10 new-age tech companies earned a combined 43.4 Cr in fixed remuneration in FY26, up 8.2% from
OpenAI will start watermarking ChatGPT
OpenAI will watermark ChatGPT and Codex text in the EU to comply with the AI Act. Editing can make the invisible marks harder to detect, it says.
Etched fields funding offers at $40B+ valuation, sources say
Just a couple of months after its last big raise, the AI chip startup is already being plied with investment offers at double or more its current value, sources tell TechCrunch.
Instinct brings its AI agent to group chats, even for friends without an account
Instinct is launching group chats that let friends use its AI agent together for tasks like planning trips, organizing carpools, and coordinating events. The company says personal accounts remain separate, with permission required before personal agents share information or take action.
TikTok rolls out an AI shopping assistant and one-click checkout
TikTok describes its new Shopping Assistant as a conversational AI agent designed to help users discover and purchase products.
At 19, founder raises $11 million for Ghost, maker of a $3,499 computer for personal AI
Ghost announced Monday its official emergence from stealth and an $11 billion seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz.
Founded by two sisters, Hot Girl Hotline uses AI to give young women personalized dating and relationship advice, with an emphasis on safety and avoiding emotional dependency.
TechCrunch attended Pears latest demo day and discovered which startups generated the most buzz, from spatial models to chips for local AI.
HackerRanks AI interviewer has already conducted more than 500,000 interviews, with Snowflake, Snorkel, and Capgemini among its early testers.
Marico Acquires Additional Stake In Plix For
Marico has acquired an additional 24.09% stake in plant-based nutrition and personal care brand Plix for 1,012.03 Cr in an
Meet The Most Active Startup Investors Of Q3 2026
Indias startup funding market remained selective in the third quarter of 2026, with investors backing fewer startups even as the
OpenAI launches visual ads that appear alongside image generation results
OpenAI said the new visual ads will show up after your image generation results appear in the U.S. only for now.
Lola Vision Systems is trying to make it easier to run AI models on chips
Lola Vision Systems is one of TechCrunch's Battlefield 200 Companies
Open or closed AI? How founders are choosing what to build on at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Learn how founders are choosing between building on open or closed AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Register now to save up to $100 and get a second pass at 50% off.
Hackers steal 8 million citizens
The Danish government said the breach of names, addresses, and state-issued ID numbers affects 8 million people, including people living abroad and the deceased.
