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

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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Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights 20-year vision for India’s semicon industry

Startups

India is building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem to reduce strategic dependencies and compete globally. Following the success of Semicon 1.0, which approved twelve projects, the government launched Semicon 2.0 with a Rs 1.27 lakh crore outlay. This initiative targets the entire value chain, from chip design and fabrication to packaging and talent development. While commercial production has begun, the first silicon fab is expected by 2028.

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Yuma Energy Bags $35 Mn To Expand Its Battery Swapping Network

Business

"Yuma Energy, a joint venture between Magna and Yulu Energy, has raised $35 million in Series A funding from Magna International. The startup aims to expand its battery swapping network across India, enhance its tech platform, and broaden its customer base to include fleet operators and OEMs. With over 2,500 stations already operational, Yuma targets EBITDA-profitability by FY27 as the Indian EV market grows rapidly.".

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Magna increases bet on battery swapping in India with $35M for Yuma

Startups

Magna International is investing an additional $35 million in Yuma Energy, a Bengaluru-based battery-swapping firm for electric two- and three-wheelers. Targeting India's growing gig economy, Yuma aims to reduce vehicle downtime for delivery riders. The capital will be used to double Yuma's battery fleet and expand its infrastructure across Indian cities. While not yet profitable, the company plans to reach EBITDA break-even within two quarters.

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EquityList launches AI-native cap table and compliance OS

Startups

EquityList has launched an AI-native cap table and compliance operating system designed to streamline equity management. The platform integrates agentic AI to analyze documents, identify compliance gaps, and draft grants, transforming a traditional system of record into a system of intelligence. Serving over 650 companies globally, EquityList ensures security through human-in-the-loop approvals and strict certifications, enabling finance and HR teams to manage complex equity operations efficiently.

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Zepto’s New Game Plan, Layoffs At Zomato & More

Business

Zepto is prioritizing profitability by reducing discounts and launching a paid loyalty program following its IPO postponement. Meanwhile, Zomato has laid off 240 employees in Hyderabad to consolidate operations. In other news, Satvacart has shut down, and Bira91 faces insolvency threats. Electric two-wheeler sales declined in August, while Vimag Labs is developing rare earth magnet alternatives to reduce India's dependence on Chinese imports for EV motors.

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Zenergize Bags $4 Mn To Scale Production Of Its EV Chargers

Business

"Clean tech startup Zenergize has raised $4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Giraffe Studios to expand its EV charger and solar inverter production. Founded by IIT Bombay alumni, the company plans to scale its R&D, grow its sales team, and establish a new facility in Delhi NCR. Zenergize currently reports an annual run rate of ₹35-40 crore, targeting significant growth by 2026.".

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How Tim Cook turned India into Apple’s growth engine; NIIF raises Rs 19,000 Cr infra fund

Startups

Zomato implemented a zero-tolerance policy for analogue dairy products following food safety crackdowns. India notified its Rs 1,27,500-crore Semicon 2.0 scheme to boost semiconductor design and manufacturing. Apple's Indian sales exceeded $10 billion, with 55 million iPhones assembled locally. Additionally, NIIF raised Rs 19,000 crore for infrastructure, Chile is building the Extremely Large Telescope, and the Bank of England warned about AI's financial risks.

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Zepto’s Retention Play: Fewer Discounts, Premium Carts & A Paid Club

Business

Before we turn the talk to Zepto’s IPO delay and how the company is looking to address the one problem.

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Exclusive: MS Dhoni Joins Edtech Startup SpeakX’s Cap Table

Business

AI-based edtech startup SpeakX has appointed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. Formerly known as Yellow Class, the English tutoring platform utilizes a freemium model and currently serves around 2 lakh paid subscribers. SpeakX is expanding its regional-language offerings across India and plans to launch a B2B product. The company reported EBITDA profitability in FY26 and projects revenue growth for FY27.

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Lachy Groom backs Indian startup aiming to keep aircraft aloft for a year

Startups

"Bengaluru startup Alteon has raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Lachy Groom to develop autonomous aircraft capable of staying airborne for over a year. By utilizing dynamic soaring, a technique inspired by albatrosses, the aircraft will harvest energy from ocean winds for maritime surveillance. While early tests over the Bay of Bengal are promising, the team must still prove the aircraft can sustain energy-neutral flight.".

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Apple shares ‘shocking evidence’ against former employee accused of stealing company data for OpenAI

Startups

Apple has filed new evidence in its lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that former employee Chang Liu used confidential circuit schematics and internal tools at the AI company. Apple claims Liu and a colleague attempted to destroy evidence during an investigation. While OpenAI attributes the data access to Apple's poor system management, Apple asserts Liu exploited a bug. Apple seeks an injunction to block OpenAI's hardware development.

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Polymarket reportedly raises $300 million from Donald Trump Jr.’s investment fund

Startups

"Polymarket has raised $300 million from 1789 Capital, a fund partnered with Donald Trump Jr., as part of a larger $1 billion funding round. This investment comes amid significant regulatory tension between state governments and federal authorities over the oversight of prediction markets. While many states are litigating against these sites, the federal government and Trump Jr. argue that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission should be the sole regulator.".

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BNP Paribas, Societe Generale & Millennium Sell Lenskart Shares Via ₹2,670 Cr Block Deals

Business

BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and Millennium Management offloaded Lenskart shares totaling ₹2,670.2 crore to book profits following a surge in stock prices. Conversely, BlackRock emerged as a major institutional investor, acquiring shares worth over ₹1,896 crore. This activity follows Lenskart's inclusion in the MSCI global standard index and a strong Q1 FY27 performance, where net profit surged 273% to ₹228.4 crore amid rising operating revenues.

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a16z brings growth fund to $8.5B days after launching new $1.1B fund

Startups

"Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz has expanded its fifth growth fund to $8.5 billion and launched a new $1.1 billion "Machine Age Fund" targeting AI hardware. The growth fund supports scaling startups across enterprise AI, defense, robotics, and health tech. These moves reflect the rapid acceleration of AI companies. The firm, which manages $90 billion in assets, is also increasing its investments in politics and lobbying.".

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A group funded by Andreessen, Horowitz, and Brockman plan data center ads to sway midterms

Startups

Build American AI, a group affiliated with the super PAC Leading the Future, plans to spend millions on ads promoting data centers in Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Funded by figures like Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, LTF supports pro-AI candidates. Despite this, OpenAI has distanced itself from LTF, citing concerns over transparency and astroturfing. Andreessen Horowitz remains a top political donor, investing heavily in AI and crypto.

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FTC accuses Amazon of running a ‘secret ad surcharge scheme’ in new lawsuit

Startups

"The FTC and 22 states have sued Amazon, alleging the company secretly inflated advertising costs for over one million businesses. The lawsuit claims Amazon manipulated its auction system by introducing hidden surcharges and fake bidders, effectively charging advertisers their full winning bids instead of the promised second-price rate. Amazon has denied these allegations, calling the lawsuit misguided and arguing that the FTC misunderstands how its advertising auctions operate.".

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The Pentagon now has its own version of ChatGPT and Grok

Startups

The Pentagon has integrated custom versions of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and xAI’s Grok into its secure GenAI.mil portal, providing 3 million personnel with generative AI tools tailored for military needs. These secure versions prevent sensitive data leaks common in consumer products. While ChatGPT Mil focuses on administrative tasks, Grok aims to enhance mission precision. This expansion follows a dispute with Anthropic and reflects broader efforts to maintain a technological edge.

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BlackRock Buys Ather Shares Worth ₹445 Cr

Business

BlackRock Global Funds acquired nearly 26 lakh shares of Ather Energy for ₹445.3 crore, signaling strong institutional confidence. This investment coincides with Ather's addition to the MSCI India small cap index and the launch of its mass-market Konarc e-scooter. Supported by Hero MotoCorp's recent stake increase and significantly improved Q1 FY27 financials, Ather's stock has surged 127.6% year-to-date, reflecting positive market sentiment and growth.

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BNP Paribas & Millennium Sell 10 Cr Eternal Shares In ₹3,265 Cr Block Deals

Business

BNP Paribas and Millennium Management sold over 9.9 crore shares of foodtech giant Eternal in block deals totaling ₹3,264.8 crore. The sales occurred ahead of an MSCI index rejig expected to increase the stock's weightage. Eternal has seen a 30.9% share price surge over three months, driven by strong Q1 FY27 financial results, including a consolidated net profit of ₹92 crore and significant revenue growth.

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Instagram puts new limits on undisclosed AI profiles

Startups

Instagram is renaming its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile" to clearly identify accounts featuring AI-created people. To prevent user deception, the platform will limit the reach of accounts that fail to disclose AI-generated subjects. However, those using AI for minor edits or graphics remain exempt. This move follows growing concerns over deceptive AI influencers and health personalities, alongside Meta's broader regulatory challenges and settlements.

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