Category: Startups

Uber faces fine of nearly $1B over automated driver suspensions The Dutch Data Protection Authority is fining Uber €825 million in the second largest penalty issued under Europe’s GDPR. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/23/uber-faces-fine-of-nearly-1b-over-automated-driver-suspensions/

Who’s behind the new ‘stealth model’ Ox Alpha? A mysterious new AI model called Ox Alpha has driven certain corners of the internet into a frenzy of speculation. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/23/whos-behind-the-new-stealth-model-ox-alpha/

TechCrunch Mobility: The custom chip driving Waymo’s robotaxi ambitions Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/23/techcrunch-mobility-the-custom-chip-driving-waymos-robotaxi-ambitions/

Linkdaze’s smart calendar is built to run a household, not just track a schedule Linkdaze’s smart digital calendar stands out for not putting its features behind a paywall, including an AI meal planner tool. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/23/linkdazes-smart-calendar-is-built-to-run-a-household-not-just-track-a-schedule/

Flock CEO calls for ‘compromise’ as surveillance company faces growing backlash Flock Safety faces a growing public outcry over concerns that its surveillance technology could be misused. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/23/flock-ceo-calls-for-compromise-as-surveillance-company-faces-growing-backlash/

Inherent, founded by DeepMind alumni, says its AI ‘teammate’ just outperformed Anthropic and OpenAI at replicating research Built by DeepMind alumni, British AI lab Inherent released Faraday, an AI agent whose ability to replicate scientific papers could be a stepping stone for innovation. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/22/inherent-founded-by-deepmind-alumni-says-its-ai-teammate-just-outperformed-anthropic-and-openai-at-replicating-research/

Will the DOJ’s investigation into a16z spook other VCs? On the latest episode of Equity, we wonder why the DOJ is investigating startup board seats. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/22/will-the-dojs-investigation-into-a16z-spook-other-vcs/

Harvard’s $699 startup bootcamp offers AI avatars of its instructors In the HBS Foundry program, AI avatars provide feedback during practice pitches and board meetings. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/22/harvards-699-startup-bootcamp-offers-ai-avatars-of-its-instructors/

Two years after launch, Walmart’s Flipkart is closing in on India’s quick-commerce leaders Flipkart’s quick-commerce venture is delivering 1.1 million to 1.2 million orders a day, nearly triple its November volume. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/22/two-years-after-launch-walmarts-flipkart-is-closing-in-on-indias-quick-commerce-leaders/

OpenAI says California should strengthen its AI safety bill OpenAI is calling for California to strengthen SB 53, an AI safety bill that the company previously opposed. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/22/openai-says-california-should-strengthen-its-ai-safety-bill/