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December 16, 2025

 

TechCrunch Top 3

Hacking group says it's extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data

Hacking group says it's extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data: The Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters hacking collective stole Pornhub premium users’ data, including email addresses and viewing history. Read More

Databricks raises $4B at $134B valuation as its AI business heats up: The data intelligence company has just raised more than $4 billion in a Series L funding round at a $134 billion valuation — up 34% from the $100 billion valuation that it achieved just three months ago. Read More

Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere: Everbloom has also developed a chemical process to transform waste fibers and feathers into upcycled materials that resemble everything from polyester to cashmere. Read More

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A message from Chevron New Energies 

Chevron uses AI to bring reliable energy to data centers. 

Data centers need power now. That’s why we’re working to build multi-gigawatt power stations that generate reliable electricity, with fewer delays and no additional strain on the existing grid.

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Morning Must-Reads

Nuclear startup Last Energy raises $100M for its steel-encased micro reactor

Nuclear startup Last Energy raises $100M for its steel-encased micro reactor: Last Energy will use the funds to build its 5 megawatt pilot reactor in Texas, which it hopes to turn on next year. Read More

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A message from Persona

Bad user onboarding is costing you customers.

Clunky verification flows kill conversion rates. Persona creates smooth onboarding that verifies real users in seconds while blocking fraud, so your business can maximize signups without sacrificing security. Our Startup Program offers 12 months free with 500 monthly verifications, helping thousands of startups optimize their onboarding from day one.

Learn more

You missed these chats from Disrupt:

Kindred talks home-swapping platform for travelers, Chef Robotics introduces AI into commercial kitchens, and Character.AI addresses chatbot safety with teens.

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Last but Not Least

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