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Source: Tech Crunch

DeepMind CEO calls for an independent standards body to regulate frontier AI

Startups

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has proposed creating an independent standards body, modeled after FINRA, to oversee the release of frontier AI models. This industry-funded regulator would test models and develop best practices to ensure safety before deployment in the US market. By utilizing technical experts and open-source representatives, Hassabis aims to replace opaque government reviews with a technically focused system that supports innovation while mitigating risks.

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Source: Tech Crunch

DeepSeek reportedly in talks to raise $1.5B, then IPO

Startups

Chinese AI developer DeepSeek is planning an IPO by 2027, though it may occur as early as this year. The startup seeks $1.5 billion in new funding at a $71 billion valuation, following a recent $7 billion round. Known for cost-effective models and high usage on Vercel, DeepSeek utilizes Huawei chips to bypass U.S. export controls, with backing from Tencent and Beijing’s National AI Fund.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Meta’s Adam Mosseri says AI token budgets could soon be capped per engineer

Startups

Instagram head Adam Mosseri suggests Meta may implement AI token spend limits for employees within two years as costs soar. With projected expenses reaching billions by 2026, Mosseri views token usage as a resource similar to payroll. Other tech giants, including Uber and Microsoft, are also managing rising AI costs. While Meta currently lacks caps, Mosseri expects future pricing wars to eventually lower these expenses.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Google Images gets a Pinterest-like redesign focused on discovery

Startups

Google Images is redesigning its platform into a dynamic, browsable gallery similar to Pinterest to encourage discovery and increase user engagement. The update introduces a personalized "For You" feed and "collections" for saving visual inspiration. Additionally, Google is integrating AI image generation within AI Overviews, allowing users to create custom visuals from text prompts. These features are rolling out over the coming weeks for eligible users.

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Source: Startup

BiofuelCircle Raises ₹35 Cr To Expand Its Biomass Supply Chain Ecosystem

Business • via Startup • Anjali Jain

BiofuelCircle, a Pune-based biomass supply chain startup, has raised ₹35 Cr in a bridge funding round led by Spectrum Impact to strengthen its working capital. With a valuation of approximately ₹615 Cr, the company operates 80 biomass banks across 10 states, connecting farmers to biofuel manufacturers. Targeting revenue growth to ₹500 Cr in FY27, the startup plans a Series B round in early 2027 to expand.

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Source: Tech Crunch

New York State halts construction of all new data centers

Startups

New York has become the first state to implement a moratorium on data center construction. Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order halting permits for projects 50 megawatts or larger to address concerns regarding electricity costs, water usage, and noise pollution. The pause will remain in effect for approximately one year pending an environmental review, as the state considers new grid funding requirements and tax benefit restrictions.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Iran abused mobile networks’ vulnerabilities to locate U.S. military in the Middle East, report says

Startups

"The Iranian government exploited vulnerabilities in the global telecoms infrastructure, specifically Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocols and advertising technology, to track U.S. military personnel. According to The Financial Times, this surveillance allowed Iran to locate forces in Iraq, Bahrain, and other Middle Eastern nations. These tracking efforts facilitated targeted strikes that resulted in several injuries during the build-up to and early stages of the Iran War.".

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5 Lesser-known novels that deserve a wider audience

Startups

Many remarkable novels remain overlooked despite offering depth and emotional impact comparable to bestsellers. Five such "hidden gems" include Rene Denfeld's poetic *The Enchanted*, Tove Jansson's reflective *The Summer Book*, and John Williams' precise *Stoner*. Additionally, Kent Haruf's *Our Souls at Night* explores companionship, while G. B. Edwards' *The Book of Ebenezer Le Page* reflects on memory. These works provide rewarding reading experiences beyond mainstream lists.

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Source: Tech Crunch

I’m de-influencing you from buying the RingConn 3 (even though it’s pretty)

Startups

An author tested the RingConn 3 health tracker, choosing it over the Oura Ring for its lower price and lack of subscription fees. While the device was aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, its health tracking proved disappointing. It struggled with workout detection and failed to predict a severe migraine despite its specialized headache detection feature. Consequently, the user returned the ring within the two-week window for a full refund.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Reflection inks $1B compute deal with Nebius

Startups

"U.S. startup Reflection AI has signed a $1 billion compute deal with European infrastructure firm Nebius to access Nvidia chips. Founded by former Google DeepMind researchers and valued at $8 billion, Reflection focuses on open-weight models amid growing concerns over closed-source AI and government restrictions. This partnership follows a similar agreement with SpaceX, highlighting the intense race among AI developers to secure critical hardware for model training.".

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Source: Tech Crunch

The real AI race may no longer be at the frontier

Startups

Open-weight AI models, particularly from Chinese firms, are gaining significant market share over closed frontier models. Data from Hugging Face and OpenRouter show a shift toward cheaper, customizable alternatives that avoid provider lock-in. While some executives warn that open weights pose security risks, others argue that transparency and distributed power are essential for safety and preventing a few companies from controlling the AI ecosystem.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Telegram’s shortlink domain is back online after day-long suspension

Startups

Telegram's t.me domain recently went offline after the registrar, DomainME, placed it on "serverhold" to comply with U.S. Treasury OFAC sanctions. The suspension likely occurred because a sanctioned VPN provider's Telegram group link was included in the Treasury's listing. While the outage prevented users from accessing shortlinks for public groups, the domain has since been restored. Telegram's alternative domain, telegram.me, remained operational throughout the incident.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Spotify expands its AI push with a ChatGPT-like music assistant

Startups

Spotify has introduced a new AI-powered interactive conversation feature for Premium users in the U.S., Ireland, and Sweden. This beta tool allows users to use voice or text to discover music, explore their listening history, and manage their queues. Utilizing a blend of proprietary and third-party AI models, the feature expands Spotify's AI capabilities beyond the AI DJ to enhance how users navigate its extensive audio catalog.

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Source: Startup

Udaan Lines Up $160 Mn Financing Round To Strengthen Balance Sheet

Business • via Startup • Lokesh Choudhary

B2B ecommerce unicorn Udaan has announced a $160 million financing transaction involving fresh equity, new debt, and debt-to-equity conversion. This move follows insolvency proceedings against its Singapore-based parent over defaulted convertible notes. The funding, which includes a $45 million private credit commitment, aims to restructure debt, strengthen the balance sheet, and prepare the company for a future public listing while improving overall profitability and operational efficiency.

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Source: Tech Crunch

Superhuman’s new auto-draft feature almost makes me like AI replies

Startups

Email client Superhuman has launched an updated auto-draft feature that uses frontier models from Anthropic and OpenAI to create personalized email replies. By analyzing a user's previous conversations and tone, the tool generates multiple draft variations to reduce manual editing. Co-founder Rahul Vohra reports significant adoption during testing. Additionally, the company is developing Superhuman Go, a cross-platform assistant designed to maintain context across various applications.

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Byju Raveendran says Singapore appeal remains pending as legal team disputes reports on contempt case

Startups

Byju Raveendran’s legal team clarified that a Singapore High Court's recent decision only denied a temporary stay of a civil contempt order, rather than rejecting his substantive appeal. The team emphasized that the appeal remains pending and the proceedings concern document-disclosure obligations, not criminal fraud. This legal battle is part of broader financial distress and insolvency proceedings facing the once-valued edtech giant across multiple jurisdictions.

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5 Must-read books to add to your reading list in June 2026

Startups

June is an ideal month for reflection and resetting goals through reading. Five recommended books offer diverse perspectives: Mel Robbins' *The Let Them Theory* focuses on letting go of control, while Jonathan Haidt's *The Anxious Generation* examines digital stress. Cal Newport's *Slow Productivity* addresses burnout, complemented by emotionally rich fiction from Sally Rooney's *Intermezzo* and Kaveh Akbar's *Martyr!*, providing a balanced mix of growth and storytelling.

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What diaper brands Babyhug, Little’s, and Himalaya have in common

Startups

"Swara Baby Products, India's largest baby diaper contract manufacturer, has filed for a Rs 1000 crore IPO. Promoted by FirstCry's parent company, Brainbees Solution Ltd, Swara produces diapers for brands like Babyhug, Little’s, and Himalaya. While global leaders dominate the market through in-house production, contract manufacturing is growing as private labels and D2C brands seek flexible, capital-efficient models to increase their market presence.".

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ideaForge raises Rs 500 Cr via QIP

Startups

"Drone technology firm ideaForge Technology has raised Rs 500 crore through a qualified institutional placement to fund growth and strengthen working capital. The company issued over 6.2 million shares to various domestic and international institutional investors. These funds will accelerate innovation in combat drones, logistics platforms, and autonomous mission systems, enhancing the company's ability to provide sovereign unmanned systems for national security and critical infrastructure globally.".

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Source: Startup

InsuranceDekho To File DRHP By September-End: Report

Business • via Startup • Anjali Jain

"Insurtech startup InsuranceDekho plans to file its DRHP with SEBI by September, targeting a valuation of approximately ₹9,500 crore. The proposed IPO will likely include a fresh issue and an offer for sale. Simultaneously, the company is progressing with its merger with RenewBuy, aiming for a public listing by March 2027. This move follows a broader trend of Indian tech startups preparing for public market debuts.".

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