Author: TechBrunch
Aviron's home fitness equipment works on simple principles. People hate exercise. But many of those same people love to play video games. Perhaps the only thing standing between them and a more active lifestyle is healthy competition and timing distractions. It's the same gamification concept that made Nintendo's Wii and VR games look like Beat Saber Hits. However, instead of bringing your workout into a video game, Aviron brings video games into your workout. Founded in 2018, the Toronto-based startup has become known for its release of a rowing machine that was gamed in 2022. With gym closures, many people…
Tonight is night and the watch is getting caught up in registering for a TechCrunch session. Sign up before 11:59pm to save up to $325 on your pass! TC Session: AI brings invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of AI at the cutting edge and evolving world through expert-led main stage sessions with AI pioneers, hands-on demonstrations at Expo Hall, interactive breakouts, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you're an experienced AI Whiz or just want to learn about the world of AI, join the Jam Pack Day for its appearance at Zellerbach Hall in UC Berkeley on June 5th. Sign…
Chinese AI startup Deepseek recently declared its AI model to be highly profitable. In X's post, Deepseek boasts that the “cost profit margin” for its online service is 545%. However, the margin is calculated based on “theoretical income.” These numbers were discussed in more detail at the end of a longer GitHub post that outlines an approach to achieving “higher throughput and low latency.” The company writes that when considering using the V3 and R1 models during the 24-hour period, if all of that use was billed using the R1 price, DeepSeek already has $562,027 in daily revenue. Meanwhile, the…
There are three inevitable reasons for life. Death, taxes and tech platforms are making design changes that are universally disliked. The latest victim of this phenomenon was the Apple Mail app, which undergoes a major redesign on iOS 18. This update is also available on iPads and MacBooks. The new Apple Mail Design separates email into categories such as primary, transaction, updates, promotions and more. We also provide contact photos to each sender. This coincides with the company's new branding capabilities for businesses across the iOS ecosystem. While some users find it a redesign that is not visually appealing and…
In a video from Tiktok, with over 3 million viewers, a woman in a fluffy, biggest coat, sits in the back seat of a gorgeous SUV, parked in the middle of a street in New York City. Above the six-second video, a line of text reads, “Our bodyguard got us matcha.” The camera zooms in on two intimidating men in full suits with red ties, each carrying an iced matcha latte back to the car. In a similar video, a young woman films a sophisticated Chevrolet suburb being pulled up in front of her home. The man in a suit…
It takes time to gain insights from the AI industry – and save on a massive scale. Save up to $325 and only 2 days left to secure your spot in your TechCrunch session: AI. But if you act quickly, this special offer will close on March 2nd at 11:59pm. TC Session: AI is a must-have event where you can explore the AI industry focused on the startup ecosystem. Whether you're a founder or an investor, or you're interested in the wild world of AI, join Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley on June 5th to be inspired and equipped with the…
Since its establishment in 2021, the Openai Startup Fund has raised $175 million for its main fund, adding $114 million through five separate special purpose vehicles, an investment pool for specific opportunities. Unlike many large tech companies, Openai says it doesn't use the company's money to invest in startups. ChatGpt Maker says the Openai startup fund is raised from outside investors. This includes participation from important Openai supporters Microsoft and “other Openai partners,” according to the fund's website. Research from Data Providers Pitchbook, CrunchBase and TechCrunch shows that the Openai Startup Fund, managed by a dedicated team, has invested in…
Mistral AI, the French company behind AI Assistant LE Chat and some basic models, is officially considered one of France's most promising high-tech startups and is undoubtedly the only European company that can compete with Openai. However, its global market share remains relatively low compared to its $6 billion valuation. However, the recent launch of chat assistants on mobile app stores has encountered hype, especially in their home countries. French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television interview ahead of the AI Action Summit in Paris, “Download and download LeChat made by Mistral, not open or anything else.” This wave…
General Catalyst, the Powerhouse Venture Firm, is considering an IPO, Axios reported Friday morning, citing “multiple sources.” TechCrunch contacted the company's managing partner Hemant Taneja for comments. In the meantime, those following the general catalyst trajectory will not be surprised by prospects. Founded 25 years ago as General Catalyst (GC), a venture company based in small Cambridge, Massachusetts, its capital commitment began at $73 million. Ten years later, armed with balloon assets and pre-IPO interests from software companies such as Demandware and Brightcove, Taneja and then partner Neil Sequeira, they installed the shop in an attractive yellow building with white…
Symbyai, a SaaS platform that uses AI to streamline scientific research, has announced a $2.1 million seed round with participation from Drive Capital and CharacterVC. Launched last year by Ashia Livaudais and Michael House, the platform offers an organized workspace that allows researchers to access papers, code, data and experiences within one location. It has AI features that help track progress and help with peer review and replication. “It's also important to note that Symbyai is built on its own AI solutions, so users don't have to worry about accidentally sending sensitive information to Openai, humanity, or other companies,” Livaudais…