More top reads
TechCrunch Disrupt is coming quickly! Here’s your look at the agenda for the brand-new Hardware Stage. Like what you see? There’s still time to get your ticket. And a chance to meet me!
“I tried to buy a post on TechCrunch.com”: Find out what happens when Haje interacts with scammers who can promise a post on TechCrunch.
Wearing WhatsApp: Meanwhile, WhatsApp launches a stand-alone smartwatch app for Wear OS.
Taking a bite out of the competition: Move over OpenAI and Google, Apple is testing a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot.
Seeing how this new funding fits: Korean fashion platform Musinsa bags a $190 million Series C, led by KKR, at a $2.7 billion valuation.
Hey, what’s that in the background?: Google is experimenting with AI-generated backgrounds on Meet.
Speaking of AI: FedML raises $11.5 million to combine MLOps tools with a decentralized AI computer network.
More layoffs: Reliance-backed Dunzo, an Indian hyperlocal delivery startup, defers staff pay amid a search for funding.
Playing it SAFE: Eight VCs say they are still bullish on SAFE rounds, but it’s not 2021 anymore. (TC+)
It only takes a drop: Intel Capital and Khosla Ventures led a $27 million investment into SiPhox Health’s at-home blood-testing tech.
Give it space: Satellite imagery company Umbra is a Silicon Valley outsider — they prefer it that way.
If you enjoy learning new languages: Preply, the language app known for its live tutors, closes out a Series C at $120 million and doubles down on AI.
Beats users will want to hear this: After five years, Beats Studio 3’s replacement is finally here.
Get in sync with your customers: Hightouch, which helps companies sync customer data across systems, lands $38 million.
Protect what’s yours: Nigeria’s MyCover.ai takes in new funding to scale its open insurance API platform.
SAP gets into a spending mode: The consulting giant invested in generative AI startups Anthropic, Cohere and Aleph Alpha.
Is there such thing as a “crypto summer”?: If so, we might be seeing it with the way valuations are going. Case in point: The team behind crypto privacy protocol Manta Network is now valued at $500 million.
Wild blue yonder: Big Sky Capital debuts its $20 million fund to invest in enterprise SaaS startups.
Way more for your Wednesday:
TikTok is where young LGBTQ people of color feel the safest online
As Egnyte continues to grow steadily, an IPO seems like the inevitable conclusion (TC+)
Microsoft, Activision give themselves three more months to close their mega-merger
As growth becomes more elusive, a new set of software product benchmarks emerges (TC+)
Former NHTSA head blasts Cruise’s ‘Humans are terrible drivers’ ad
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