Startups

Discover the mysterious OpenAI Converge 2 startup accelerator program that has left the tech community puzzled. With no public announcements or information about participants, speculation abounds about the reasons behind OpenAI's silence. Is it due to strict non-disclosure agreements or a preference for low-key operations? Explore the implications of this secrecy and the growing influence of OpenAI in the tech industry.

Discover the far-reaching implications of the wave of tech industry layoffs in 2024, with major companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, and more making significant job cuts. Gain valuable insights into the impact on innovation, the potential of AI and automation, and the human cost of job loss. Explore how these layoffs create opportunities for increased innovation and strategic realignment. Stay competitive in the rapidly changing tech landscape by understanding these dynamics.

Looking for a comprehensive platform for B2B customer communication? Read how San Francisco startup, Pylon, expanded its mission and added features like ticketing, chatbots, and email communication to meet customer demands. Their approach has paid off with a successful million funding round. Discover why businesses are seeking a single vendor for all their needs and how Pylon is positioned to meet this demand.

Unlock the potential of WhatsApp for e-commerce in Latin America with Mercately's innovative B2B software. Seamlessly integrate with Stripe and HubSpot, utilize AI agents, and manage inventory, payments, and customer communication all within the app. Overcome the challenges of a fragmented market and tap into the region's booming WhatsApp usage. Join over 1,000 companies across 20 countries already benefiting from Mercately's solutions. Discover how this Latin American startup is revolutionizing e-commerce on WhatsApp.

VerSe Innovation, a content tech unicorn in India, strengthens its presence in the Indian digital ad space with the strategic acquisition of digital marketing firm Valueleaf Group. With India's digital ad spending on the rise and the country's growing demand for advertising platforms, VerSe's expansion allows it to compete with giants like Google and InMobi. Valueleaf's strong presence in key markets and its expertise in performance marketing make it an attractive asset for VerSe. With this acquisition, VerSe can expand its ad tech platform to external brands and capture a significant share of India's growing digital advertising market.

Looking for job opportunities in the fintech industry? Discover a list of fintech companies currently hiring, including Adyen, Alaan, and AngelList. Explore various roles from finance to technology, and stay updated with TechCrunch Fintech. Despite challenges in 2024, the fintech industry continues to grow. Find out more and get in touch with Maryann at TechCrunch for further details.

Discover Viggle AI's groundbreaking AI video model that creates viral meme videos by remixing Lil Yachty footage with various characters. Unlike other AI models, Viggle's JST-1 has a "genuine understanding of physics," allowing users to specify realistic character motions. CEO Hang Chu describes it as a neural network-based graphics engine. Whether replacing subjects or creating characters from scratch, Viggle's model serves as a visualization tool for filmmakers, animators, and video game designers. Try the free version on Discord and the web app or upgrade for .99. Viggle has raised million in funding and is in talks with studios for licensing. Although training data details were initially unclear, Viggle confirmed it uses YouTube videos while complying

Discover why San Francisco is the top destination for AI startups, attracting founders from around the world. With the largest hub of tech employees in the US, a strong investor network, and vibrant startup scene, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for growth. Hear from founders who relocated to San Francisco and learn how the city's ecosystem of events, networking, and serendipitous connections contribute to their success. Data from VC firm SignalFire confirms San Francisco's dominance in the industry, debunking any notion of decline.