(Weekly funding roundup Aug 8-14) Tepid VC inflow but Yulu provides relief

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(Weekly funding roundup Aug 8-14) Tepid VC inflow but Yulu provides relief

Startups

"Indian venture capital funding dropped in the second week of August, totaling $146 million across 15 deals. The period was highlighted by Yulu raising $93 million, while Centricity and FA Gifts secured $29.3 million and $10.4 million, respectively. Weekly funding typically fluctuates between $100 million and $200 million, suggesting a struggle to maintain high capital inflows. Total annual funding may align with last year's $12.1 billion.".

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Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Brandon Sorbom and Helion’s David Kirtley on bringing fusion to the grid at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Startups

CFS' Brandon Sorbom and Helion's David Kirtley join the Smart Systems Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss the breakthroughs moving fusion forward, the challenges that remain, and what it will take to deliver fusion power to the grid at scale. Get your pass at regular price and get a second one at 50% off.

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After a deepfake voice fooled her grandfather, this founder sprang into action

Startups

After her grandfather was scammed by a deepfake of his brother's voice, Tarini Padmanabhuni founded DetectifAI, a San Francisco startup building AI models small enough to run directly on smartphones and flag fake voices in real time, and it's now one of the companies competing in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt.

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Your final chance to grab your exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is Oct. 2

Startups

The last day to book your Disrupt 2026 exhibit table is this Friday, October 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Secure your exhibit table and get your startup in front of 10,000+ founders, investors and tech leaders at San Francisco's Moscone West on Oct 13-15.

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Epiklogue unveils India’s new commerce model: Try and Buy

Startups

Backed by India’s finest brands, Epik pioneers ‘experience commerce’, blending AI with human expertise to create a shopping model the world has never seen before. For years, the big ideas in commerce have come from the US or China. Epik, the Try and Buy Everything Store, hosted Epiklogue,an ev.

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PB Fintech Sheds Over ₹34K Cr In M-Cap In 3 Sessions, Turtlemint Loses ₹1,549 Cr

Business

PB Fintech and Turtlemint lost over ₹35,705 Cr in market cap after IRDAI proposed new product-level commission caps for insurance distributors. The regulatory changes could significantly pressure commissions, customer acquisition costs, and earnings for digital insurance firms. Jefferies estimates a 10% cut in new-business commissions might reduce earnings by 10-12%. Stakeholder comments.

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OpenAI teams up with Sachin Tendulkar to demystify AI in India

Startups

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has partnered with OpenAI in a multi-year collaboration to demystify AI and ChatGPT for everyday users across India. The initiative aims to make advanced technology approachable by highlighting practical, relatable use cases through interactive content and videos. Tendulkar will demonstrate how ChatGPT aids learning and problem-solving. This partnership seeks to build trust and bridge the tech gap, capitalizing on India's surging AI adoption and ChatGPT's doubled user base for education and daily tasks.

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What to keep in mind before applying for a personal loan

Startups

Applying for a personal loan requires careful consideration beyond just receiving funds. Key factors include borrowing only the exact amount needed, assessing your repayment capacity for EMIs, understanding interest rates and their impact on total cost, and choosing an appropriate tenure. Also, check eligibility, required documentation, and all associated charges. Comparing offers thoroughly ensures a.

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Truecaller takes its scam intelligence to the open web as it looks beyond caller ID

Startups

Truecaller launched Scam Checker, a new web and Android service enabling users to check suspicious phone numbers, links, or messages for fraud. Leveraging community reports and a proprietary database, the free tool requires no app or sign-in for basic checks. Initially available in India, it will expand globally. This marks Truecaller's strategic evolution.

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PNOE’s new face mask wants to make lab-grade breath testing a self-serve affair

Startups

PNOĒ, the Malden, Mass.-based startup whose breath-analyzing mask used to bear an unfortunate resemblance to Bane's, is launching a sleeker self-serve version on October 1 that lets gym-goers measure their VO₂ max and other metabolic markers in eight minutes without a trained operator.

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TikTok agrees to pay at least $100M in Alabama settlement

Startups

TikTok will pay Alabama at least $100 million, potentially up to $300 million, to settle allegations it misled users about safety and designed its platform to addict children. The agreement also mandates a two-hour daily time limit for underage users, enhanced parental controls, and restrictions on overnight usage and cosmetic filters. This settlement, ahead of a scheduled trial, follows a previous $400 million deal with the Department of Justice.

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Meta says it will run ads for ‘Musk’ documentary after all

Startups

Social media platforms initially rejected ads for Alex Gibney’s acclaimed Elon Musk documentary, “Musk,” often citing "political content." Meta later reversed its decision, calling it an error. X's refusal was expected given Musk's ownership and comments. Despite critical acclaim and a theatrical release set, Universal Pictures reportedly wavered on international.

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True North Acquires Minority Stake in IPO-Bound InMobi

Business

True North has acquired a 2-3% minority stake in adtech unicorn InMobi for $50-60 million, primarily through secondary share purchases. This transaction allowed some early investors a partial exit as InMobi gears up for its anticipated $1 billion IPO. The SoftBank-backed company, which provides marketing and monetization solutions, is redomiciling to India and preparing for its public debut, with a valuation reportedly sought around $6-10 billion.

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5 Kahlil Gibran quotes that find beauty in imperfection

Startups

Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet, taught that perfection isn't life's goal, advocating for embracing one's whole self, including flaws. His writings emphasize that imperfections are not obstacles but integral to the human experience. Gibran's philosophy encourages finding beauty in struggle, valuing aspirations over outcomes, and recognizing that growth often emerges from discomfort. His timeless message inspires readers to live a beautiful life by accepting the full spectrum of human experience, rather than pursuing flawlessness.

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IIT Madras targets 1,000 startups by 2032, eyes one IPO every month

Startups

IIT Madras aims to have around 1,000 startups under its fold by 2032, with at least one expected to go public every month, Director Prof V Kamakoti said. The institute has already incubated 583 startups with a combined valuation of Rs 83,000 crore.

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At Meta Connect, the company’s smart glasses were everywhere

Startups

Meta Connect emphasized the company's significant investment in smart glasses, unveiling new audio-only models. These camera-less glasses aim to ease privacy concerns and integrate with Meta's Muse AI for verbal commands and tasks. Another notable reveal was an affordable $150 audio-only pair designed for the hearing impaired. Meta is strategically broadening its smart glasses appeal, focusing on making them stylish, functional, and useful to achieve wider adoption.

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Automattic has a new board after failed attempt to put CEO on leave

Startups

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has appointed a new board of directors following a failed attempt by previous members to remove him from power. After regaining control within 33 hours using his 84% voting share, Mullenweg replaced several directors and executives. The new board includes author Hugh Howey and founders of the defunct app IRL. This restructuring occurs amid an ongoing legal dispute with hosting provider WP Engine.

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Meta opens early access program for new Muse features

Startups

Meta is opening early access for its Muse AI app following new feature announcements at Connect 2026. Users can request access via a prompt to Muse. Targeting AI enthusiasts, new capabilities include a video-chatting digital avatar, expanded shopping partnerships, a Mac app for task completion, and integration with Meta's AI glasses for voice commands. This move aims to engage knowledgeable users and maintain a competitive edge in the AI market.

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The hottest new hangout for middle schoolers is NPR’s comment section?

Startups

NPR's "Wild Card" podcast producers were baffled by strange Spotify comments, initially suspecting bots. A Gen Z colleague, however, identified them as middle schoolers using the comment section as a private group chat, avoiding traditional social media. These kids chose NPR podcasts specifically because they had fewer comments, providing an unexpected digital hangout. This phenomenon had also occurred on "TED Radio Hour," highlighting a new trend among younger audiences seeking alternative online spaces.

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Anthropic to pay Akamai $11.6 billion over seven years in cloud deal

Startups

nthropic has committed $11.6 billion over seven years to Akamai's cloud infrastructure, a bet on CPUs that could grow to about $20 billion, and in an unusual arrangement, Akamai is giving Anthropic a potential stake of up to 5% of its stock that grows as Anthropic spends more.

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Ahead of U.S. IPO, British AI neocloud Nscale secures $3.36B in convertible finacing

Startups

Nscale, a British neocloud firm, secured $3.36 billion in financing, including $1 billion from Nvidia, ahead of its anticipated IPO later this year. This significant convertible note funding, led by Third Point, underscores the vast capital required for building AI data centers. Nscale, spun out two years ago, is developing large.

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