Author: TechBrunch
X's payment services plans could expand beyond the digital realm, new data suggests. According to research from mobile app intelligence company App Sensa, the X app has been updated over the past few weeks with several references related to physical debit cards that can be customized with the X username. Dozens of strings of X app code can be found on a new debit card, such as checking delivery status, activating cards after arrival, reporting lost or stolen, locking cards, and setting pins. Multiple strings contain the term “Physical_card_option” and not just the “physical” that the data describes, but merely…
Earlier this week, almost everyone in Iran lost access to the internet, known as the “almost nationwide internet blackout.” At the time it was unclear what happened and who was responsible for the closure. The Iranians' means of obtaining information about the ongoing war with Israel and their ability to communicate with their loved ones both domestically and internationally were severely limited. Now, the Iranian government has confirmed that it has ordered a shutdown to protect it from Israeli cyberattacks. “We have previously stated that we will certainly switch to the national internet when necessary to restrict global internet access.…
Deather announced Friday that it will begin labeling albums that include AI-generated tracks as part of its efforts to combat streaming scams. The company reports about 18% of the music uploaded daily (more than 20,000 tracks are now fully generated). While most of these tracks don't go viral, Deather says that around 70% of the streams are fake and are designed to fraudulently earn royalties. To combat this, Deezer's AI-generated tracks were clearly tagged. These tracks do not appear in edit playlists or algorithm-based recommendations, and fraudulent streams are excluded from royalty payments. The company says the new label will…
Get ready to amplify all stage 2025 experiences with the electric lineup of side events that swept Boston the week of July 13th-19th, and amplify all stage experiences from TechCrunch. Once the countdown to all stages of TC begins, we are excited to share our lineup of side events. There, meaningful connections can be promoted within the vibrant Boston tech community. Whether you're a veteran industry professional or an up-and-coming entrepreneur, our side events promise an unforgettable week filled with networking opportunities, showcases of innovation and engaging conversations. Mark your calendar, secure a spot, jump into the excitement of TC,…
Startups live and die from early adoption. And in a world where top talent has options and stock options, you need to offer more than a Ping-Pong table and a pitch deck to bring in the right people. On the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, held in Moscon West, San Francisco, October 27-29, we are delving into the real stories of compensation and equity with a panel of great powers who saw everything about scaling. Don't miss out on insights from this panel and completely disrupt the 2025 lineup of technologies and scaling leaders that shape the scaling debate. Sign up…
The countdown continues. There are only three days left to save on passes to all stages of TechCrunch, which will take place on July 15th at the Sova Power Station in Boston. On Sunday, June 22nd, at 11:59pm, prices go up and this opportunity to lock in savings disappears. If you're a founder looking for scaling, a VC hunting or a VC ready to level up, or an operator looking for breakout talent, this one-day founder summit is built to drive you forward with tactical insights, candid conversations and shocking networking from start to finish. To save $210 on your…
Startups don't build themselves. TechCrunch's builder stage will disrupt 2025, which will take place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29. Investors, operators and founders will start talking about tactics. This year we will bring some of the keenest minds of the game onto the stage. These include legendary investor Elad Gil, former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, and Flexport founder Ryan Petersen. If you're looking for real-world insights from people who have actually built and supported the companies that define categories, this is where it happens. If you're struggling with your first term seat, whether you're wondering whether…
The growth stage fundraising is again speeding up, but it's not the same game as before. At TechCrunch All Stage 2025, held on July 15th in Boston, we invite people who know how the rules will change and how to win in today's market. Gao supports breakout startups such as Culture Amp, Gem, Sword Health, and Eliseai. She sat on either side of the table as an investor and operator. At Gusto, she helped scale Post Series B. Now, she helps founders get through noise and land deals in an increasingly competitive environment. Don't miss out on Cathy's insights. Sign…
During the pre-seeding stage, VCs do not often analyze. No revenue curve, retention metrics, no CAC. That doesn't mean they're guessing. That means they're looking at everything else. At TechCrunch All Stage 2025 held in Boston on July 15th, Charles Hudson, Managing Partner and Founder of Precursor Ventures, will showcase the subtle, high-stakes signals that are important when data is scarce and pitch is everything. In his session, “All Ways to Know that VCS is valuing your company with a pre-seed,” Hudson pulls back the curtains on how investors evaluate early stage opportunities and why founders often underestimate the weight…
If you are serious about traction, scale and fundraising, you will have four days left to secure a pass on every stage. Prices will rise at 11:59pm on June 22nd. This is more than just a startup event. It's your tactical launchpad and the fuel is fuel for expanding to the next level. On July 15th, in Boston, we'll be joining 1,000 founders and investors at every stage, and for a day, we'll be packed with real scaling strategies, live investor feedback and needle-moving conversations. Don't miss out on the ultimate summit for startup growth. Sign up now and save…