In a week of significant developments, several companies announced major initiatives, including advancements in fusion energy, agricultural technology, and online retail. Additionally, social media giant TikTok rolled out a new feature for U.S. users, and TechCrunch announced details for its upcoming Disrupt conference.
Inertia Enterprises, a fusion power startup co-founded by Twilio co-founder Jeff Lawson, secured $450 million in Series A funding, according to TechCrunch. The company plans to use the investment to build one of the world's most powerful lasers, which will serve as the foundation for a grid-scale power plant. Construction of the plant is slated to begin in 2030. The technology builds upon research from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF), where controlled fusion reactions have achieved scientific breakeven. The Series A round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from GV, Modern Capital, and Threshold Ventures.
Meanwhile, Upside Robotics, a startup focused on climate and agriculture, is developing autonomous robots to optimize fertilizer use in corn crops. The company, founded in 2023, aims to reduce fertilizer waste and improve efficiency. The robots, powered by solar energy, deliver precise amounts of fertilizer and nutrients based on data from weather and soil conditions. According to TechCrunch, Upside Robotics chose to focus on corn crops, one of the most fertilizer-intensive crops, for its initial application.
Amazon Pharmacy is expanding its same-day prescription delivery service to nearly 4,500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of the year, as reported by TechCrunch. This expansion will add almost 2,000 new communities to its network, including states like Idaho and Massachusetts. Amazon launched Amazon Pharmacy in 2020, following its acquisition of PillPack. In 2023, the company introduced RxPass, a service offering Prime members access to generic medications for a monthly fee. "Patients shouldn't have to choose between speed, cost, and convenience when it comes to their medication, regardless of where they live," said John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, according to TechCrunch.
TikTok launched Local Feeds in the U.S., an opt-in feature that uses GPS location data to create a feed of localized content, according to The Verge. This feature mirrors the Nearby Feed launched in the UK and Europe in December.
TechCrunch also announced details for its Disrupt 2026 conference, scheduled for October 13-15 in San Francisco. The event will bring together 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and decision-makers. The conference aims to facilitate deal flow and provide opportunities for startups to connect with potential customers, investors, and strategic partners.
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