Fusion power darling Commonwealth Fusion Systems raises another $1B

Source: Tech Crunch

Fusion power darling Commonwealth Fusion Systems raises another $1B

Startups

"Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has raised $1 billion, bringing its total funding to $4 billion to advance fusion power commercialization. The company is currently developing its Sparc demonstration reactor, aiming for scientific breakeven by 2027, and designing its first commercial plant, Arc. With commitments from Google and Eni to purchase electricity, CFS continues to lead the sector using magnetic confinement technology to generate clean energy.".

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LinkedIn adds a button to report AI-generated ‘slop’

Startups

LinkedIn is introducing new ways to reduce low-quality AI-generated posts, including a “seems like AI slop” reporting option. It's also replacing its own AI writing feature with a proofreading tool.

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Synthetic-user startup Simile raises $200M at $2B valuation 5 months after $100M Series A

Startups

"AI startup Simile has reached a $2 billion valuation after closing a $200 million Series B funding round led by Greenoaks. Founded by Stanford PhD Joon Sung Park, the company provides simulated users for product and marketing research. While its ambitious goal of simulating all eight billion people is viewed skeptically, the venture joins other high-valuation AI firms like Aaru in transforming how companies conduct user research.".

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Spotify launches ‘User notes’ to let users add memories to songs

Startups

Spotify says the new feature is designed to let users add personal captions to their favorite songs, such as noting why a track was added to a playlist or when they first discovered it.

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Okta buys AI security startup Permiso; source says for about $200M

Startups

Okta has agreed to acquire AI identity security startup Permiso Security in a deal valued at just under $200 million. The almost all-cash transaction, expected to close in fiscal 2027's third quarter, aims to strengthen Okta's ability to secure AI agents and machine identities. Permiso specializes in detecting suspicious cloud activity and monitoring non-human identities, helping Okta move toward continuous monitoring of authorized network access.

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IPO-Bound PhonePe Bets On Transaction Data Monetisation With PulsePro

Business

PhonePe has launched PulsePro, a paid enterprise intelligence platform that monetizes aggregated and anonymized transaction data. Targeting FMCG, retail, and D2C sectors, the platform provides hyperlocal insights for market expansion, site selection, and distribution planning. This move aims to diversify revenue streams beyond UPI as the company strengthens its business fundamentals ahead of a potential IPO, leveraging actual transaction behavior over traditional survey-based market research.

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Tesla made its 10 millionth EV

Startups

"Tesla has produced its 10 millionth electric vehicle, reaching the halfway point toward a 20 million target required for CEO Elon Musk’s massive pay package by 2035. While this milestone is a key achievement, Tesla faces challenges including declining U.S. sales and shrinking profits. To unlock his full compensation, Musk must also meet ambitious goals for FSD subscriptions, robotics, robotaxis, and a significant increase in adjusted EBITDA.".

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When will fusion power startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems go public?

Startups

There are fresh signs that fusion power startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems will list in the next two to three years.

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Meta says AI is making it easier to build new apps — and more are coming

Startups

Meta is leveraging large language models to accelerate the development and launch of new consumer applications. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted recent releases, including standalone apps for Marketplace and Groups, noting that AI enables faster testing and scaling. While previous attempts at standalone apps failed, Meta credits AI-powered recommendations for the growth of Threads. The company plans to release more novel products soon, utilizing AI to improve user relevance.

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Netflix lands global streaming deal for ‘The Walking Dead’

Startups

"Netflix has signed a $500 million multi-year licensing agreement with AMC Global Media to bring The Walking Dead Universe to a global audience. The deal provides co-exclusive rights to the original series and six spin-offs, totaling 371 episodes. While Netflix previously held exclusive U.S. rights, it will now share access with AMC+. This strategic investment aims to drive viewer engagement through an established, binge-worthy franchise.".

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PhonePe launches PulsePro: Actionable data intelligence for Indian businesses

Startups

"PhonePe has launched PhonePe PulsePro, an enterprise intelligence platform that converts aggregated, anonymized transaction data into hyperlocal, real-time market insights. Leveraging a network of 700 million users and 50 million merchants across India, the tool helps organizations optimize distribution, site selection, and expansion strategies. Building on the free PhonePe Pulse platform, PulsePro provides data-driven intelligence to replace traditional survey-based research for smarter business decision-making.".

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Nscale buys Anyscale as it seeks to own more of the AI compute stack

Startups

"British AI neocloud Nscale is acquiring software startup Anyscale for $1.65 billion to enhance its AI workload scaling capabilities. Anyscale, built on the Project Ray framework, specializes in training and serving large language models. This acquisition allows Nscale to vertically integrate its infrastructure and software layers. Anyscale will maintain its branding and 200 employees will join Nscale, which is backed by investors including Nvidia and Dell.".

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Now, Zee Moves Delhi HC Against Blinkit Over Alleged Copyright Violation

Business

Zee Entertainment has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against quick commerce platform Blinkit in the Delhi High Court over content posted on Instagram. The court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction and ordered Blinkit to file a response within 30 days. This marks Zee's third copyright legal action this year, following similar suits against Nykaa and the Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar regarding unauthorized content use.

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Forward-deployed engineers are the AI industry’s latest talent obsession

Startups

"A study by Christian & Timbers reveals a critical shortage of elite forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) capable of delivering AI return on investment for enterprises. While demand is projected to surge by 2,100% by year-end, only about 2,000 such specialists exist in the U.S. As companies shift focus toward value-maxxing and workflow implementation, FDEs have become essential for integrating AI technology while protecting proprietary business processes.".

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In the Hugging Face breach, OpenAI’s hacker was noisy and fast — but not unstoppable

Startups

Cybersecurity experts told TechCrunch that one of the biggest lessons to be taken from the OpenAI hack against HuggingFace has nothing to do with AI, but traditional cybersecurity defense.

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Zepto Pauses IPO Amid Valuation Concerns, To Raise ₹1,000 Cr Pre-IPO Round

Business

Zepto has paused its IPO plans and is instead seeking a ₹1,000 crore pre-IPO placement from primarily domestic investors. This decision follows a significant valuation gap, with institutional investors valuing the quick commerce startup between $2.5 billion and $3 billion, well below previous expectations. The move comes as Zepto faces widening losses and intense competition from rivals like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in the expensive quick commerce sector.

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7 Books that will make you more comfortable with ambiguity

Startups

Life is inherently uncertain, and while ambiguity can feel uncomfortable, embracing it fosters resilience, creativity, and growth. Several influential books offer strategies for navigating the unknown, from Annie Duke's focus on probabilities to Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of antifragility. By shifting perspectives from fear to curiosity, individuals can make better decisions and find meaning in life's unpredictable nature, viewing uncertainty as a catalyst for transformation.

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TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s biggest stage features leaders from Amazon, Replit, Tether, with much more to come

Startups

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13–15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The event focuses on building, funding, and scaling in the age of AI, featuring leaders from Amazon, Replit, Tether, and Rivian. Attendees will explore topics like AI infrastructure, the future of software, and financial technology across multiple stages, including the Startup Battlefield and networking opportunities for over 10,000 industry leaders.

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FTC sues Hims & Hers for allegedly sharing patients’ medical data with advertisers Meta and Snap

Startups

<summary>The FTC is suing healthcare giant Hims & Hers for allegedly sharing customers’ sensitive medical and healthcare information with advertisers like Meta and Snap, and for misleading consumers about its privacy practices. The lawsuit also cites deceptive billing and difficult cancellation policies. This action is part of the FTC's ongoing crackdown.

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7 Books that will make you reconsider your life priorities

Startups

In a fast-paced world, people often lose sight of their true values. This article recommends seven books to help readers rethink their priorities and live more intentionally. Titles like The Alchemist and Man’s Search For Meaning explore purpose, while Essentialism and The Power Of Now emphasize focus and presence. Together, these works encourage a shift from mere achievement toward a more meaningful, balanced, and authentic existence.

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