Exploring the future of voice AI with Mati Staniszewski at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
From audiobooks and dubbing to gaming and avatars, AI-generated voice is breaking into the mainstream — and Mati Staniszewski, CEO and co-founder of ElevenLabs, is helping lead the charge. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, he’ll take the stage to talk about what it takes to make voice AI truly human.
Read moreDutch battery startup LeydenJar’s silicon anode tech could pose a challenge to China
LeydenJar raised €13 million along with €10 million from a U.S. consumer electronics company to scale production of its silicon anode material.
Read moreThis app just raised $14M to take on the loneliness epidemic
Clyx is social platform that helps users find IRL community events to join.
Read moreAI gaming startup Born raises $15M to build ‘social’ AI companions that combat loneliness
Born, maker of cute virtual pet Pengu, believes the current chatbot landscape isn't the final form factor for AI friends. The Berlin-based startup raised $15M on the idea that AI companions should have a social component.
Read moreZoox opens its Las Vegas robotaxi service to the public
But it's not quite a commercial service just yet. These rides are free — for now.
Read moreLyft and May Mobility launch robotaxis in Atlanta
Lyft is trying to carve out a presence in the autonomous vehicle market. But the ride-hailing company still lags far behind Uber.
Read moreRendezvous Robotics exits stealth with $3M to build reconfigurable space infrastructure
Rendezvous Robotics wants to scale the space industry by changing the way structures are built on orbit.
Read moreFlutterwave Partners Clear Junction to Enhance Cross-Border Payments
Flutterwave is announcing its partnership with Clear Junction, a trusted partner and pioneer in payment solutions for regulated institutions, in facilitating cross-border trade payment and treasury services to enhance its support for African remittance customers making cross-border payments to the UK and EU. Flutterwave now has access to Clear Junction’s
Read moreThe MechaHitler defense contract is raising red flags
Ask someone their worst fears about AI, and you'll find a few recurring topics - from near-term fears like AI tools replacing human workers and the loss of critical thinking to apocalyptic scenarios like AI-designed weapons of mass destruction and automated war. Most have one thing in common: a loss
Read moreTrends Shaping Mobile Payments in Africa
In just a few years, mobile digital payments have shifted from a convenience to a core feature of Africa’s financial landscape. The surge in contactless payments and the popularity of mobile wallets are reshaping how consumers and businesses transact and laying the foundation for a cash-light and invisible-payment economy. “Payments
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