Instacart is shutting down AI pricing tests that resulted in price discrimination. The move comes after a critical report and an FTC probe, just weeks after a separate $60 million settlement with the agency.
A bootstrapped company that grew 800% since 2018 credits its success to a counterintuitive principle: scaling often means doing less. The CEO found a key framework in a Paul Graham essay about “founder mode” versus “manager mode,” a lesson originally from Airbnb’s Brian Chesky.
A Swedish AI startup called Lovable just raised $330 million, rocketing its valuation to $6.6 billion. The round was led by Google’s CapitalG and Menlo Ventures, with Nvidia also joining in, betting big on a future where anyone can build software with simple text prompts.
Finny, an AI-powered prospecting tool for financial advisors, just raised a $17 million Series A. The startup, founded by three 27-year-olds, is valued at $150 million and aims to automate the hunt for new clients. But can it really replace word-of-mouth?
Rivian is making a huge pivot. At a flashy event, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed the company’s in-house “RAP” chip and a plan to build a massive data-gathering fleet. This isn’t just about self-driving; it’s about becoming a mobility data powerhouse.
Palona AI, founded by ex-Google and Meta vets, is pivoting from broad sales agents to a vertical AI operating system for restaurants. The launch of Palona Vision and Workflow highlights a crucial shift from thin AI wrappers to deep, multi-sensory systems that understand physical operations.
Elon Musk is setting a near-term survival goal for his AI venture, xAI. He told employees that if the company makes it through the next 2-3 years, its rapid data center growth and massive funding access will let it triumph.
In a major move for European autonomy, drone leader Quantum Systems is acquiring ground vehicle software firm FERNRIDE. The deal follows Quantum’s recent €3 billion valuation and aims to create a unified, cross-domain unmanned ecosystem. It highlights Germany’s growing dominance in defense and indus
The Colossal Foundation, the nonprofit arm of de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences, has doubled its funding with a new $50 million infusion. The money is fueling less flashy but critical conservation work, including cloning “ghost wolves” to save the American Red Wolf and developing an mRNA va
The youth mental health platform Joon Care has been acquired by Handspring Health. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the move combines two virtual care providers focused on younger patients.
