AI chip startup Etched defies skeptics, hits $10.3B valuation from big-name investors

Startups • Julie Bort

AI chip startup Etched has raised $300 million in a Series C round led by Sequoia, reaching a $10.3 billion valuation. Founded by Harvard dropouts, the company specializes in high-speed inference systems using low-voltage prefill chips and cluster scale memory. With $1 billion in orders already booked, Etched's hardware supports various AI architectures, including transformer and state-space models, aiming to reduce costs while increasing performance.

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Startups • Sean O'Kane

Tesla's Robotaxi network experienced a 36% decline in paid miles during the second quarter, dropping to 700,000 from 1.1 million. This downturn, alongside weakening core profits, contributed to a 13% stock plunge. CEO Elon Musk attributed the slow scaling to the need for specific data for the new Cybercab. While shifting focus toward safety and data accumulation, Tesla continues to promote its camera-only autonomy system.

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Startups • Amanda Silberling

Meta's new AI advertisement promotes a positive future but inadvertently uses David Bowie's "Five Years," a song about human extinction. This contradiction highlights a perceived disconnect between tech leaders and the cautionary themes of the humanities. Similar promotional missteps by Anthropic further illustrate the struggle of AI companies to shape public perception, as Pew research indicates that most Americans remain skeptical about AI's long-term societal impact.

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Startups • Aisha Malik

"Google is introducing a selfie video login option to help users recover accounts and enhance identity verification. By requiring guided head movements, the company aims to prevent deepfakes and bot impersonations through "liveness" checks. While this biometric approach streamlines access and improves security, it raises privacy concerns regarding data collection. Google asserts that these videos are encrypted and can be deleted by users at any time.".

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Business • Anne Florentyna

The National Company Law Tribunal has stayed the insolvency bidding process for BYJU'S parent, Think & Learn Pvt Ltd, until August 31. This follows a challenge by cofounders Byju and Riju Raveendran regarding a ₹11,433 crore claim from US term loan lenders. While the overall insolvency proceedings continue, the tribunal halted the invitation for prospective bidders. Meanwhile, lenders are discussing a potential settlement involving a stake in Aakash Educational Services.

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Startups • Your story

Meesho reported a strong Q1 FY27, with revenue growing 48.3% to Rs 3,713 crore and net losses nearly halving to Rs 132.8 crore. Net merchandise value rose 34% to Rs 11,614 crore, while annual transacting users increased 29% to 274 million. The company attributed this growth to improved delivery conversions and AI integration. CFO Dhiresh Bansal noted the strongest contribution margin and adjusted EBITDA since listing.

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Startups • Dominic-Madori Davis

Imagi, a K-12 education company specializing in coding and AI literacy, has raised $4.5 million in seed funding from investors including Brighteye Ventures and Wil.i.am. Partnering with Lovable and OpenAI, the company provides safe, compliant tools for students to build with AI. Having reached 700,000 students globally, Imagi will use the new capital to scale its operations, hire staff, and launch a new platform.

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Startups • Tim Fernholz

If there's a place in the universe without GPUs, Nvidia is sending them there.

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Business • Anne Florentyna

"BharatPe cofounder Ashneer Grover has launched Fund My Staff, a fintech platform under Third Unicorn. The service allows employers to act as guarantors for employees seeking small-ticket personal loans, specifically targeting workers with limited credit histories. Loans are provided by RBI-registered NBFC Ash Grove Capital Pvt Ltd with tenures from three to twelve months. This venture follows Grover's previous projects, including the healthcare platform ZeroPe and the defunct CrickPe.".

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Startups • Ivan Mehta

Google's AI assistant Gemini has reached over 950 million monthly users, tripling its user base since last year. This growth positions Gemini to compete closely with OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has 1 billion monthly active users. While ChatGPT's market share fell below 50%, Gemini's rose to 27.7%. Additionally, Google's AI-powered search mode has surpassed 1 billion users, driving an increase in queries while reducing operational costs.

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Startups • Aisha Malik

"Amazon is integrating its Luna cloud gaming service into Prime Video, launching on Fire TVs in the U.S. and U.K. This move aims to create a one-stop entertainment hub by offering titles like 'Hogwarts Legacy' alongside movies and shows. By removing the need for expensive hardware, Amazon hopes to make gaming more accessible. Prime members can access games via a new tab using controllers or phones.".

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Startups • Lauren Forristal

MeBeMe is a new iOS app designed to combat doomscrolling by nudging users toward real-world habits. Instead of blocking apps, it delivers small "missions" based on chosen identities, such as "lifelong learner" or "athlete," from over 75 options. Created by Eric Wolfram, the free tool emphasizes privacy by storing data locally without requiring accounts. An Android version is expected soon, offering an ad-free experience.

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Startups • Your story

Infosys reported a 12.2% year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 7,769 crore, with revenue rising 14% to Rs 48,211 crore. Despite this growth, the company slightly lowered its FY27 revenue guidance to 1.5-3% citing macroeconomic uncertainty. Additionally, Ashiss Kumar Dash will succeed CEO Salil Parekh in April. The firm highlighted strong AI momentum and large deal wins totaling $3.6 billion.

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Startups • Your story

"Bengaluru-based Hachidori Robotics develops affordable autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for Indian factories. Using patented indoor positioning technology, these robots navigate without requiring costly infrastructure changes, making them ideal for older plants. Offering various models for loads up to 4,000 kg, the company targets sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals. With funding around $3 million and a growing workforce, Hachidori aims to increase material movement efficiency by three times.".

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Startups • TechCrunch Events

"TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is seeking volunteers for its upcoming startup conference at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13–15. Volunteers receive free three-day admission and networking opportunities in exchange for at least 12 hours of service and attendance at a mandatory orientation on October 12. Applicants must be 18 or older. Interested individuals should apply by September 25th to gain experience in the tech ecosystem.".

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Startups • Sarah Perez, Kirsten Korosec

"Apple has introduced MapKit for Automotive, allowing automakers to embed Apple Maps directly into vehicle infotainment systems. Ford is the first partner, debuting the technology in a 2027 midsize electric truck. Unlike CarPlay, this native integration enables smarter EV routing, battery preconditioning, and enhanced support for Ford's BlueCruise driver assistance system. The tools also offer fleet management benefits for Ford Pro and potential smart home integrations.".

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Startups • Your story

Dr. Surbhi Kumari, co-founder of SumArth, is transforming rural Bihar by promoting menstrual health and economic independence. Through initiatives like Periodshala and Pad Yatra, she breaks social taboos by engaging families and men in menstrual hygiene dialogues. Additionally, SumArth empowers women through low-cost mushroom farming, providing them with sustainable livelihoods. This integrated approach combines health awareness with financial self-reliance to enhance women's dignity and social standing.

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Startups • Your story

Humans often struggle to feel satisfied because their brains are wired to pursue future rewards rather than appreciate current achievements. Through five diverse books, the text explores how dopamine, scarcity, social status, time limitations, and the pursuit of happiness contribute to this cycle. By understanding these psychological drivers, individuals can better navigate the tension between ambition and contentment in a culture that celebrates endless growth.

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Business • Shrishti Bisht

Insuretech platform Go Digit reported a 37.5% year-on-year profit slump to ₹86.4 crore for the quarter ended June 2026, down from ₹138.3 crore. Sequentially, profits fell 42.2% from ₹149 crore. The company's gross premium written decreased 8.4% year-.

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Business • Anjali Jain

In continuation to its attempt at becoming an Indian owned and controlled company (IOCC) Swiggy’s board has approved a proposal.

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Categories

AI chip startup Etched defies skeptics, hits $10.3B valuation from big-name investors

Tesla’s robotaxis are moving in reverse

Meta launched a new AI optimism ad set to a song about human extinction

Google will now let you sign in to your account with a selfie video

NCLT Stays BYJU’S Insolvency Bidding Process Till August 31

Meesho cuts down losses by half as revenue rises 48%

Edtech platform raises $4.5M to help teach students how to vibe code

Nvidia is sending GPUs to the Moon

After ZeroPe, Ashneer Grover Launches Employee-Focused Lending Platform Fund My Staff

Google closes in on another billion user product with Gemini

Amazon is bringing games to Prime Video

MeBeMe’s new ‘interrupter’ app helps you become your best self instead of doomscrolling

Infosys net profit rises 12%; Ashiss Kumar Dash named next CEO

Hachidori Robotics builds warehouse robots that need no tracks, magnets or shutdowns

Your backstage pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is waiting

Ford bets on Apple for its next-generation of EVs

From Period Taboos to Mushroom Farms: How Dr Surbhi Empowers Bihar’s Women

5 Books that explore why humans struggle with enough

Go Digit Q1: Profit Declines 37% YoY To ₹86.4 Cr

Swiggy Caps Foreign Ownership At 49.5% To Become Indian-Owned, Controlled Company