3D tools behemoth Autodesk has acquired Wonder Dynamics, a startup that let creators quickly and easily make complex characters and visual effects using AI-powered image analysis. The two companies have worked closely together for years, but are making it official today. Wonder Dynamics, founded by VFX artist Nikola Todorovic and …...Read More
Autodesk acquires AI-powered VFX startup Wonder Dynamics
Farcaster, a crypto-based social network, raised $150M with just 80K daily users
Farcaster, a blockchain-based social protocol founded by two Coinbase alumni, announced on Tuesday that it closed a $150 million fundraise. Led by Paradigm, the platform also raised money from a16z crypto, Haun Ventures, USV, Variant, Standard Crypto and others, according to a blog post by founder Dan Romero. Farcaster, the …...Read More
Microsoft’s new 'Volumetric Apps' for Quest headsets extend Windows apps into the 3D space
Microsoft announced on Tuesday during its annual Build conference that it’s bringing “Windows Volumetric Apps” to Meta Quest headsets. The partnership will allow Microsoft to bring Windows 365 and local PC connectivity to Quest headsets, enabling developers to extend their apps into the 3D space. “We’re deepening our partnership with …...Read More
The 'vote Trump' spam that hit Bluesky in May came from decentralized rival Nostr
Decentralized social networks aren’t immune to botnet-driven spam, as a recent spam attack on Bluesky demonstrates. Earlier this month, a flood of posts reading “remember to always vote Trump” showed up on Bluesky’s network posted by accounts with random names and default avatars. The spam didn’t originate on Bluesky, though. …...Read More
There’s a real appetite for a fintech alternative to QuickBooks
Welcome to TechCrunch Fintech! This week, we’re looking at the continued fallout from Synapse’s bankruptcy, how Layer wants to disrupt SMB accounting, and much more! To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important fintech stories delivered to your inbox every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. PT, subscribe here. The …...Read More
Bill Gates-backed wind startup AirLoom is raising $12M, filings reveal
It started with a drawing on a napkin. Now, AirLoom Energy is raising $12.7 million in fresh funding, TechCrunch has learned. The funding came from 21 investors, according to a regulatory filing that does not list the names of the backers. The company did not immediately respond to a request …...Read More
WitnessAI is building guardrails for generative AI models
Generative AI makes stuff up. It can be biased. Sometimes, it spits out toxic text. So can it be “safe”? Rick Caccia, the CEO of WitnessAI, believes it can. “Securing AI models is a real problem, and it’s one that’s especially shiny for AI researchers, but it’s different from securing …...Read More
French AI startup H raises $220 million seed round
It’s not often that you hear about a seed round above $10 million. H, a startup based in Paris and previously known as Holistic AI, has announced a $220 million seed round just a few months after the company’s inception. The reason why this company managed to raise so much …...Read More
Boost your startup's growth with a ScaleUp package at TC Disrupt 2024
Hey there, Series A to B startups with $35 million or less in funding — we’ve got an exciting opportunity that’s tailor-made for your growth journey! If you’re looking to elevate your presence at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 without breaking the bank, look no further than our ScaleUp Startups Exhibitor Program. …...Read More
As a U.S. ban looms, TikTok announces a $1M program for socially driven creators
TikTok is pulling out all the stops to prevent its impending ban in the United States. Aside from initiating legal challenges against the government, that means shaping up its public image. On Tuesday, the platform announced its TikTok Change Makers Program, which includes fifty global creators who “create a positive …...Read More
