Zoox clears final federal hurdle to launch paid robotaxi service

Source: Tech Crunch

Zoox clears final federal hurdle to launch paid robotaxi service

Startups

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, a temporary exemption allowing it to charge customers for rides in its custom robotaxis. These vehicles lack traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals. The exemption covers eight safety standards and limits the commercial fleet to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years. This move is part of a broader NHTSA effort to standardize autonomous vehicle safety.

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Wiz’s CTO on PHP2Shell and the coming ‘vulnpocalypse’

Startups

Two critical PHP bugs, affecting 70% of websites, caused widespread scrambling and site outages for patching. Researchers warn this is just the beginning, as AI rapidly uncovers and exploits new vulnerabilities. A podcast discussed the urgent fix efforts, how startups can build secure systems, and the unsustainability of manual patching in an evolving threat landscape.

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AI execs may be too out of touch to build for the general public

Startups

Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is facing backlash for using her AI app, Dazzle, to describe her daughter and manage family tasks. This trend extends to other tech leaders like Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg, who envision AI fulfilling emotional and social needs. While these executives prioritize efficiency, a Pew Research study indicates that half of U.S. adults fear AI will hinder the formation of meaningful human relationships.

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South Korea’s financial industry hit by fresh wave of cyberattacks

Startups

South Korean financial institutions, including Daishin Securities, Mirae Asset, and crypto exchange Bithumb, suffered new cyberattacks. Daishin exposed personal data of nearly 38,500 customers. These incidents, potentially linked to AI-driven hacking, follow previous breaches, prompting South Korea's regulator to demand stronger cybersecurity and plan private sector checks. The attacks highlight growing regional vulnerabilities, with Japan also reporting recent incidents.

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Voice AI in vogue: Nvidia releases new open transcription model

Startups

Nvidia just released a free speech-to-text model that can transcribe up to 40 languages, but it only works on recordings, not live audio, so it’s a big step for meeting and medical transcription tools while still leaving real-time use to rivals like ElevenLabs.

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Info Edge reports steady business growth ahead of leadership transition

Startups

Info Edge reported steady growth for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, with consolidated revenue rising 12.2% to Rs 903.9 crore and profit after tax jumping 87% to Rs 649.8 crore. Growth was driven by recruitment, property, and matchmaking segments, though education faced headwinds. Additionally, the company announced a leadership transition, with founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani assuming an expanded executive role following Hitesh Oberoi's departure on December 2.

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7 days until TechCrunch Founder Summit: Save up to $100 on your pass before doors open

Startups

In just 7 days, TechCrunch Founder Summit takes over Boston’s SoWa Power Station on November 4. Your chance to save up to $100 on tickets is running out, and the opportunity to learn and connect directly with experienced founders, investors, and startup leaders is almost here.

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How to get corporate gifting right across multiple cities

Startups

Managing large-scale, multi-city Diwali gifting demands meticulous planning for a consistent recipient experience. Businesses must create detailed recipient lists, verify addresses, finalize budgets, and use bulk ordering for efficiency. Consistent packaging ensures brand unity, while strategic personalization adds a thoughtful touch. Crucially, tracking every shipment and planning for diverse delivery locations and timelines are essential to ensure timely arrival and a positive festive experience for all recipients, regardless of their location.

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PhysicsWallah partners with DPIIT to support early-stage ventures

Startups

PhysicsWallah’s School of Startups (PW SoS) signed a two-year MoU with DPIIT to bolster early-stage ventures, particularly in Tier-II, Tier-III cities, and rural areas. This partnership offers training, mentorship, prototype development, incubation, investor access, and seed capital. The initiative aims to empower grassroots innovators, expanding India's startup ecosystem beyond major metros, building on DPIIT's existing support for non-metro startups.

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Astrotalk’s FY26 Profit Jumps 10X To ₹222 Cr, Revenue Zooms 55% YoY

Business

AstroTalk reported an 895% surge in FY26 net profit to ₹222 Cr, with operating revenue climbing 55% to ₹1,823 Cr. Growth was primarily fueled by robust expansion in international markets, which now contribute 34% of revenue, and a quadrupling of its ecommerce business. The online astrology platform diversified beyond consultations, strengthening its global presence and financial position through strategic investments.

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‘Cope harder’: Vaishnaw defends India's iPhone PLI scheme

Startups

"India's iPhone assembly grew to 55 million units in 2025, accounting for a quarter of Apple's global output. While the government highlights the PLI scheme's success through significant tax collections and 12 lakh new mobile manufacturing jobs, critics point to a continued reliance on imported components. The next challenge for India is transitioning from final assembly to building a comprehensive domestic electronics supply chain and research ecosystem.".

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Discord is making its public communities more searchable, and people have concerns

Startups

Discord announced public server conversations will become internet searchable, starting November 16 with server web pages and mid-December for search engine results. Targeting "Discoverable Servers," the move aims to broaden community reach. Administrators control channels, and members can opt out, with no usernames displayed. Private chats are excluded. The initiative faces privacy backlash over exposing discussions and potential AI training, though the feature is off by default in several regions and for teens.

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Re:Build, which spun out Slate Auto, raises $2.1B

Startups

Massachusetts-based manufacturing accelerator Re:Build has raised $2.1 billion, led by General Catalyst and JPMorganChase. The funding will expand Re:Build’s capacity to manufacture hard tech products and launch new industrial startups. This initiative aims to restore American industrial leadership, ensure innovative products are made domestically, and strengthen U.S. supply chains, addressing deindustrialization and national security concerns amid increasing focus on domestic manufacturing.

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Disruptive raises $10B fund to make big bets on at least 10 companies

Startups

<summary>Dallas-based investment firm Disruptive announced a $10 billion fund, one of the year's largest, to back at least 10 late-stage AI and defense companies with checks up to $1 billion. This marks the firm's first blind-pool fund and is the largest venture fund raised in Texas history. Disruptive, known for past successful investments, aims to deploy significant capital into these.

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Meta AI director Rohit Patel leaves to take on Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Startups

Rohit Patel, a former Meta director, has launched Ndoc, an AI-native startup designed to replace traditional productivity suites like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Ndoc integrates presentations, analysis, and datasets into one unified workspace, emphasizing transparency by allowing users to verify underlying Python scripts. Patel aims to reinvent the digital file with an open-source format, currently offering an alpha version ahead of a full launch next year.

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Nova Spectral AI Raises ₹21.2 Cr To Build Indigenous Infrared Sensor Chips

Business

"Bengaluru-based Nova Spectral AI has raised ₹21.2 crore ($2.3 million) in a seed funding round led by Shastra VC. The startup aims to develop indigenous short-wave infrared image sensor chips using colloidal quantum dots and silicon CMOS processes. These sensors will enhance low-light imaging for drones, robots, and surveillance systems. The capital will support team expansion and the creation of a field-ready prototype within 18 months.".

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AI startup Simplismart raises $14M from Dallas Venture Capital, Nvidia, and others

Startups

AI inference infrastructure startup Simplismart raised $14 million in Series B funding, led by Dallas Venture Capital with NVIDIA participating. The capital will further develop its AI inference platform, expand cloud provider partnerships, and strengthen its global market presence. Simplismart builds software that optimizes AI model deployment and scaling on GPU infrastructure, enabling efficient production workloads for enterprises and cloud providers. The.

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Exclusive: Ex-Pixxel Engineer Effy John’s Parsec Aerospace In Talks To Raise $10 Mn

Business

Parsec Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based startup founded by former Pixxel engineer Effy John, is in talks to raise $10 million. Nexus Venture Partners is leading the funding round, with Lightspeed Venture Partners also participating. The company, currently in stealth mode, is developing next-generation aerospace engines. This investment highlights growing investor interest in early-stage deeptech ventures, even with unproven technologies and commercial prospects.

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Simplismart Bags $14 Mn To Expand AI Inference Platform

Business

Simplismart has raised $14 million in Series B funding, led by Dallas Venture Capital with participation from NVIDIA and Accel. This capital will drive global expansion, enabling enterprises and cloud providers to lower the cost of running AI applications at scale. The company plans to enhance its AI inference platform, deepen partnerships with cloud and sovereign AI players, and expand across North America and other markets.

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Workshaala targets Rs 1,000 Cr revenue as it scales enterprise workspace business

Startups

Workshaala targets Rs 1,000 crore revenue, expanding its 75,000-seat enterprise workspace footprint across 10 Indian cities. Following the world's largest service-platform workplace transaction, the company leverages technology and strategic partnerships to meet India's surging demand for flexible, efficient office solutions. Its proven model caters particularly.

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Capital no longer creates jobs, and AI is compounding the issue: Yatish Rajawat of Hundred Million Jobs

Startups

K Yatish Rajawat, co-founder of Hundred Million Jobs, warns that India's growth model is decoupling investment from employment. He attributes this shift to automation in manufacturing and AI in white-collar sectors, alongside platform consolidation that stifles entrepreneurship. To combat these trends, his non-profit focuses on transforming skilling into job creation, reducing energy costs for MSMEs, and advocating for legal reforms to protect solo entrepreneurs.

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