The startup fundraising squeeze could persist as VCs struggle to refill their own coffers

Many startups are hoping that the gradual opening of an IPO window and the prospect of interest rate cuts later this year will finally encourage VCs to be less stingy with their capital. But it’s unlikely that startups’ fundraising slog will become much easier soon, mostly because of venture capitalists’ own capital-gathering challenges. In Q1, … Read more

Brave is launching its AI assistant on iPhone and iPad

Brave announced on Wednesday that it’s bringing its AI assistant, called Leo, to iPhone and iPad users. The AI assistant allows people to ask questions, summarize pages, create content and more. The iOS rollout follows the launch of the AI assistant on Android and desktop. The iOS launch of Leo brings voice-to-text capability, which isn’t … Read more

HAX at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024: Empowering hard tech founders

Discover the forefront of hard tech innovation in an exclusive session sponsored by HAX at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024. Led by SOSV general partner Duncan Turner and HAX chief science officer Dr. Susan Schofer, and moderated by SOSV’s Sabriya Stukes, this session offers a deep dive into the world of hard tech entrepreneurship. With a … Read more

Fisker’s Ocean SUV investigated for doors that won’t open

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a third investigation into EV startup Fisker’s Ocean SUV, this time centered on problems getting the doors to open. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) says in a new notice that it has received 14 complaints from owners who have not been able to open the doors … Read more

Alsym wants to ‘light up homes for a billion people’ with its new battery

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed the global economy, making possible everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, e-bikes, and more. But while costs have dropped precipitously in the last decade or so, they’re still too expensive to electrify all the ways humans need to store energy. With the advent of cheap solar, making electricity has … Read more