Figure rides the humanoid robot hype wave to $2.6B valuation
Today Figure confirmed long-standing rumors that it’s raising more money than God. The Bay Area–based robotics firm has announced a $675 million Series B on a $2.6 billion valuation. The lineup of investors is equally impressive, including Microsoft, OpenAI Startup Fund, Nvidia, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, Jeff Bezos (through Bezos
Read MoreHost a tailored Side Event at Early Stage 2024 in Boston
Looking to make a splash at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024? Our Side Events initiative is a fantastic opportunity to engage with Boston’s tech community in a dynamic and memorable manner. Plus, we’ll assist in promoting your event at no cost to you! Submit your event here by March 20. Throw
Read MoreThis ‘Amazon’s Choice’ video doorbell could let just about anyone spy on you
An “Aiwit” doorbell camera. There are many like it. | Image via Amazon Does your video doorbell look anything like the one in the picture? Perhaps you bought it for cheap at Amazon, Temu, Shein, Sears, or Walmart? Does it use the Aiwit app? Consumer Reports is reporting the security
Read MoreHashtag Trending Feb.29- Google’s troubles with AI; New U.S. executive order to regulate data broker industry; Lockbit announces return
Sponsor: Hashtag Trending is sponsored by Dalikoo.com (Spell). The founder is a big supporter of our podcast and is not only a sponsor but he has offered to provide $20,000 in Azure credits for two to three of our listeners who have a unique idea for an Azure based project.
Read MoreMastercard & MTN Group Fintech Expand Mobile Money in Africa
Mastercard and MTN Group Fintech have entered a multi-market agreement aimed at fostering a new era of collaboration to provide millions of individuals and small businesses across Africa with digital tools for secure mobile payments. This initiative seeks to expand access to the benefits of a cashless digital economy. Under
Read MoreMeta’s Zuckerberg woos big tech in Asia to double down on AI chips
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is touring Asia countries this week, said in a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday that Meta wants to beef up its cooperation with Samsung Electronics for AI chips to offset geopolitical risk issue in Taiwan, where TSMC, the world’s biggest
Read MoreEx-Meta employees’ Aptos tests Hong Kong’s crypto appetite
Ever since Hong Kong legalized cryptocurrency trading last June, blockchain projects from the West have been paying more attention to the Asian financial hub. Aptos, the a16z-backed blockchain networka16z- and Tiger Global-backed blockchain network developed by a group of former Meta employees, is one of them. Started by some of
Read MoreWhat measures can you take to strengthen your data security and defend against cyberthreats?
As cyberthreats surge and data gains greater value, South Africa’s regulatory landscape is evolving, compelling businesses to prioritize data security and privacy. Compliance is crucial, but so are business continuity, cost management, and competitiveness. A comprehensive approach to data protection is vital, necessitating a proactive stance and leveraging advanced technologies
Read MoreSilence Laboratories, a cryptographic security startup, secures funding
Silence Laboratories, a startup that builds infrastructure using multiparty computation (MPC) to help enterprises keep data private and safe, said it has raised a $4.1 million funding round. Pi Ventures and Kira Studio co-led the recent funding, which brings its total raised to $6 million, along with angel investors. The startup will
Read MoreBfree, a Nigerian startup enabling lenders recover debt ethically, gets $3M backing
Bfree, a tech-enabled debt collection startup based in Nigeria, was founded to automate and introduce ethical debt recovery processes after its founders witnessed the use and adverse effects of aggressive retrieval techniques, such as incessant calling and debt-shaming, by predatory digital lenders. After its launch in 2020, the startup introduced
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