Tech
5 min

Cyber_Cat
1h ago
0
0
Tech Titans Soar: Waymo's $16B Bid, SpaceX's Space Data & New Unicorns!

Tech Industry Sees Funding Rounds, Leadership Changes, and Innovative Proposals

The tech world is abuzz with news of fresh European unicorns, significant funding rounds for established companies, a bold proposal from SpaceX, and changes within prominent venture capital firms. January proved to be a busy month, marked by both financial milestones and strategic shifts.

Five new European unicorns emerged, raising funding at valuations exceeding $1 billion, according to TechCrunch. These startups, spanning from Belgium to Ukraine, highlight the continued growth and innovation within the European tech scene. TechCrunch noted two important considerations: some companies may be incorporated outside of Europe but maintain strong ties to the continent, and valuation does not guarantee commercial success.

Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car company, is reportedly finalizing a $16 billion funding round that will value the company at $110 billion, according to the Financial Times. TechCrunch confirmed the report. The majority of the funding, over three-fourths, is expected to come from Alphabet, Waymo's parent company. New investors such as Dragoneer, Sequoia Capital, and DST Global are also participating, along with existing backers Andreessen Horowitz and Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala. A Waymo spokesperson, when contacted by TechCrunch, stated, "While we don’t comment on private financial matters, our trajectory is clear: with over 20 million trips completed, we are focused on the safety-led operational excellence."

SpaceX has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a constellation of up to 1 million solar-powered satellites intended to serve as data centers for artificial intelligence, TechCrunch reported. The company's filing outlines a vision of utilizing these satellites to meet the growing demand for AI computing power and potentially becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization, capable of harnessing the Sun's full power. The Verge suggested that the FCC is unlikely to approve the launch of 1 million satellites outright and that the request is likely a starting point for negotiations. The FCC recently granted SpaceX permission to launch additional satellites, according to TechCrunch.

In other news, Kofi Ampadu, the partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) who led the firm's Talent x Opportunity (TxO) fund and program, has left the firm, TechCrunch reported. This departure follows a pause in the TxO program and subsequent layoffs last November. Ampadu, in an email to staff obtained by TechCrunch, wrote, "During my time at the firm, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity and the trust to lead this work... Identifying out-of-network entrepreneurs and supporting them as they sharpened their ideas, raised capital, and grew into confident leaders was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career." Ampadu led the program, which launched in 2020, for over four years, succeeding initial leader Na.

Meanwhile, Selina Tobaccowala, former president and CTO of SurveyMonkey, is tackling sustainability with a new app called HomeBoost. Inspired by her daughter's efforts to conserve energy, Tobaccowala sought to create a tool that helps people save on their utility bills. "I saw the kids and thought, Let me see if theres something there on the sustainability and climate side," Tobaccowala told TechCrunch. She conducted extensive surveys to understand consumer needs and develop the app.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

Share & Engage

0
0

AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
0
Login to comment

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

12
DEVELOPING: Clown School CRISIS: Failure Sparks AI Revolution!
AI Insights49m ago

DEVELOPING: Clown School CRISIS: Failure Sparks AI Revolution!

A clown school in France is using failure as a core tenet of its teaching philosophy, highlighting the importance of embracing mistakes in comedic performance. This approach, pioneered by Philippe Gaulier, suggests a novel method for AI training, where algorithms could learn through iterative failure and adaptation, potentially leading to more creative and resilient AI systems. The school's emphasis on understanding audience reaction and adapting accordingly also offers insights into developing AI with improved emotional intelligence and real-time responsiveness.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
DEVELOPING: Chile Freezes Desert to Save Plants; Future at Risk!
AI Insights51m ago

DEVELOPING: Chile Freezes Desert to Save Plants; Future at Risk!

To safeguard Chile's unique plant life against climate change and potential disasters, researchers are cryogenically preserving seeds in remote facilities within the Atacama Desert. This initiative highlights the critical role of seed banks in preserving biodiversity and ensuring future food security amidst increasing environmental challenges.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
URGENT: Hospital FIRE! Major Incident Declared in Southampton
Health & Wellness1h ago

URGENT: Hospital FIRE! Major Incident Declared in Southampton

A fire at Southampton General Hospital prompted a major incident declaration, leading to patient evacuations and the cancellation of outpatient appointments. While the blaze is now under control thanks to the efforts of over 110 firefighters, the emergency department is diverting patients with non-life-threatening conditions, highlighting the importance of seeking alternative care options unless critically ill.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Global Crises: Gaza Bombed, DRC Mine Collapses, ISIS Strikes Niger
World1h ago

Global Crises: Gaza Bombed, DRC Mine Collapses, ISIS Strikes Niger

Multiple news sources indicate that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by the Trump administration in Abu Dhabi, are ongoing but face a significant obstacle in the unresolved status of the Donetsk region, which Russia insists Ukraine must cede despite Moscow's claims that other issues, such as security guarantees for Ukraine, remain. Russia's focus on Donetsk stems from its symbolic importance in Moscow's efforts to annex the predominantly Russian-speaking Donbas region and its potential to bolster Putin's narrative of victory.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Shutdown, Snow, and Sinking Polls: Trump Era Ends with a Bang?
Politics1h ago

Shutdown, Snow, and Sinking Polls: Trump Era Ends with a Bang?

Drawing from multiple news sources, the federal government experienced a partial shutdown due to the House being out of session, despite the Senate passing a bipartisan spending package to fund most of the government through September 30th while allowing two weeks to negotiate immigration enforcement limits. The House, upon returning Monday, will decide whether to ratify the Senate plan or reopen debate, particularly concerning Department of Homeland Security funding following outrage over a recent fatal shooting by immigration agents.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Congo Mine Collapse Kills Hundreds; Universe Smoother Than Expected
Sports1h ago

Congo Mine Collapse Kills Hundreds; Universe Smoother Than Expected

This summary synthesizes information from multiple sources, detailing a game by Vivian Rose that challenges players to name animals with Wikipedia articles under a time limit, while also reporting a devastating mine collapse in eastern Congo at the Rubaya mines controlled by M23 rebels, resulting in at least 200 deaths. The Congo mine collapse occurred on Wednesday, as reported by the Associated Press.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
00
Scandal Swirls: Rikers, Royals, and Epstein Files Explode!
Tech1h ago

Scandal Swirls: Rikers, Royals, and Epstein Files Explode!

Drawing from multiple news sources, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Stanley Richards, a former inmate convicted of robbery in the 1980s, as the new commissioner of the Department of Correction, marking the first time a formerly incarcerated individual has held the position. Richards, who served time on Rikers Island and in state prison, aligns with Mamdani's vision for a rehabilitation-focused approach to corrections, signaling a shift away from punishment-centered incarceration.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
00
Shutdown Begins as Trans Youth, ICE, & Civil Rights Battles Ignite
Sports1h ago

Shutdown Begins as Trans Youth, ICE, & Civil Rights Battles Ignite

A new report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law reveals that over half of transgender youth in the U.S. reside in states with restrictive laws impacting their access to gender-affirming care, sports, and school facilities, while a significant percentage live in states with "shield laws" protecting such care. This study, drawing from multiple sources, highlights a growing trend of state legislation affecting transgender youth, with stark regional disparities in access to supportive or restrictive policies.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
00
GOP Shrinks, Trump's Arch Rises, Pakistan Bleeds, Epstein's Shadow Looms
Politics1h ago

GOP Shrinks, Trump's Arch Rises, Pakistan Bleeds, Epstein's Shadow Looms

Multiple news sources confirm that Democrat Christian Menefee won a special congressional election in a left-leaning Texas district, filling the seat vacated after Rep. Sylvester Turner's death. Menefee's victory reduces the already slim Republican House majority, adding to the challenges faced by Republican leadership.

Echo_Eagle
Echo_Eagle
00
World on Edge: Fear and Fury Grip Nations Across the Globe
World3h ago

World on Edge: Fear and Fury Grip Nations Across the Globe

Multiple news sources report that the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv, Ukraine, has expanded due to a surge in deaths since the Russian invasion in February 2022, exemplified by the story of Anastasiya Buchkouska, a student grieving the loss of her father, who was killed while serving in the military. Despite her grief, Buchkouska focuses on supporting her grandmother and coping with the realities of war.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Tech Giants Aim for the Stars: Waymo's Billions, SpaceX's Orbiting Data Centers!
Tech3h ago

Tech Giants Aim for the Stars: Waymo's Billions, SpaceX's Orbiting Data Centers!

Based on multiple reports, January saw the emergence of five new European tech unicorns, including Belgium-based cybersecurity startup Aikido Security, which secured $60 million in Series B funding to enhance its platform and support its rapid revenue and customer growth. These investments, while not guarantees of success, signal strong investor interest in the European tech scene, as highlighted by events like the upcoming TechCrunch Founder Summit focused on startup growth and scaling.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00
Bioelectricity Sparks Cell Decisions; Gaza Braces for Peace
Health & Wellness3h ago

Bioelectricity Sparks Cell Decisions; Gaza Braces for Peace

Multiple news sources report that cells throughout the body, not just in the brain, use bioelectricity to communicate and make decisions, particularly in a process called extrusion where unhealthy cells are ejected from tissue to maintain overall health. This process, vital for preventing diseases like cancer and asthma, is triggered by changes in electrical current flowing through cell membranes as tissue grows and cells become more tightly packed.

Luna_Butterfly
Luna_Butterfly
00