Author: TechBrunch
Since its launch almost 20 years ago, SpeedTest.net has been one of the most popular tools used to measure internet speed. However, Doug Suttles, founder and former CEO of Ookla, the network testing company behind SpeedTest, felt that measuring speed wasn't enough to tell you everything you want to know about your internet connection. So, Suttles is launching a new tool called ORB, which measures latency, packet loss, jitter and speed to measure internet connection stability. Suttles, who started Orb with Ookla executive Jamie Steven in 2023, said Speedtest.net was the right tool at the time, but as internet speeds…
Retail investors are increasingly shaping secondary markets. In the fourth quarter of 2024, platforms like Equityzen reported that 86% of total transaction volume came from retail participants. This is an eye-catching shift in tools like Forge and Equityzen as tools such as broader access to individual stocks. But does more access mean more opportunities, or more risk? Today, fair to say, Rebecca Veran is joined by Manhattan venture partner Jared Carmel, delving into what is called the second “One Generation Opportunity.” Listen to the entire episode and hear the following: How did the MVP function to “institutionalize” secondary from the…
These days there is unspoken pressure to share all the special moments online, including birthdays, graduations, engagements and more. However, not everyone has the skills to take high quality photos, and people often can't themselves get distracted and snap the perfect shot. Hiring a professional photographer is an option, but it is not always feasible in a short period of time. This is where social agents intervene. The upcoming location-based gig app opened its waitlist on Wednesday, allowing users to sign up for services designed for last-minute photo requests. The app connects users with trained photographers, videographers and content creators…
Duolingo is introducing 148 new language courses created with generator AI, the company announced Wednesday. The launch comes as Duolingo faces a backlash this week after sharing that it will replace contractors with AI and become an “AI-First” company. The company says the launch of a new course doubles the current course offering, marking the largest content expansion in Duolingo's history. “It took about 12 years to develop the first 100 courses, but now we can create and launch nearly 150 new courses in about a year,” said Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo in a press release.…
All stages of TechCrunch are located nearby. And we can help shape the agenda. From the competitive pool of applicants, two of the six visionary finalists are one step away from leading the roundtable at Boston's Sova power plant on July 15th. Your vote will determine who will make it. Audience Option Voting will close on May 2nd at 11:59pm. Choose wisely – you only get one shot. While you're in it, grab tickets now to save up to $210 and lock your place for a winning session. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn and expand smarter.…
Have you missed the chance to apply for a side event with “TechCrunch Sessions: AI Week?”? Don't worry – we have extended the deadline by another 3 days! Proposals must be submitted until May 2nd at 11:59pm. This is an opportunity to connect with the TC session participants, AI and the vibrant Berkeley community. Submit your event ideas through the (no fee) Side Events application on this page and amplify the brand's presence with this highly anticipated AI event! Why host side events? TC Session: AI is comprehensively examining cutting-edge AI trends and advancements through curated programming, live demos and…
Just 5 days to save up to $210, then another 50% off to 50% off, and enter the heart of AI's biggest voice in your TechCrunch session: AI. Imagine hearing directly from top voices from companies like Anthropic's Jared Kaplan, Openai's startup team, and Khosla Ventures. June 5th is your chance to get deeper into AI from all angles. It's packed with cutting-edge insights and connections, joining founders, VCS, researchers and visionaries of Zellerbach Hall in Barclays, California. Session AI you won't want to miss in your TC session AI Frontier – Private Generator AI Hands-On Workshop with Artificial VC…
The UK Retail Conglomerate Co-op Group said it has shut down some of its IT systems, citing attempts at cyberattacks. Cooperative spokesman Mark Carrington said the company “hackers have experienced a recent attempt” to infiltrate parts of its systems and has taken “active steps” to keep those systems safe. The spokesman said the company's back office and call centre functionality has faced some confusion as a result. It is not clear whether the attempted intrusion was successful. The cooperative, one of the UK's largest food retailers with over 5 million members, said its stores are operating normally and at this…
Eight years after joining the benchmark as the company's first female general partner, Saratabell announced at X that he is moving into a more limited role in the renowned venture company. In her new position as a venture partner, Tabel will continue to invest and work on the board of existing companies, but she will have time to explore “the AI tools of the edge” and look back in the direction of AI, she writes. Tavel joined the benchmark in 2017 after spending a year and a half as a partner at Greylock and three years as a product manager…
Last month, Brett Adcock, founder of Robotics Startup's Figure AI, claimed in an X post that his company is “currently the most popular private stock in the secondary market.” However, the company sent out a halt and assumed letter to at least two brokers operating the secondary market, those brokers told TechCrunch. These people said the AI suspension and assumption letter demanded that the company's stock be stopped marketing. Both brokers said they received the letter for the first time after Bloomberg reported in mid-February that it was seeking a $1.5 billion round at a $39.5 billion valuation. A spokesperson…