TechCrunch Startup News

Realta Fusion is buying magnets from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, providing a revenue stopgap. Also, the merger is a sign that the fitness industry is continuing to move toward consolidation to compete at a larger scale. Recent moves include MyFitnessPal acquiring Cal AI, an AI calorie counting app, and Strava buying two apps: cycling app The Breakaway and running app Runna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Runway is launching a $10 million fund and startup program to back companies building with its AI video models, as it pushes toward interactive, real-time “video intelligence” applications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ScaleOps just raised $130M to tackle GPU shortages and soaring AI cloud costs by automating infrastructure in real time. Plus, as AI floods software development with code, Qodo is betting the real challenge is making sure it actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In one year, Shield AI's value has leaped 140%. This after it won a contract to be the software provider to Anduril's Fury fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force. Also, Index Ventures is said to be leading a $250 million to $350 million round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look at an AI tool that lets security teams search camera footage with natural language and automated threat detection. Discussion of ethical boundaries and how the company vets customers. Coverage of window-cleaning and power-washing robots that scaled quickly and raised substantial funding to meet rising demand.

A new 911-response drone with hour-long flight, thermal and 4K cameras, spotlight, loudspeaker and Starlink connectivity aims to transform public safety. A startup raised $4M to commercialize ultrathin, flexible space solar cells using novel materials for faster, lighter spacecraft power. Discussions cover market opportunities, manufacturing timelines and geopolitical shifts in drone demand.

A startup has built software that runs AI workloads across many chip types at once, promising big speedups and major chip partnerships. Another product delivers real-time airport disruption alerts and translates technical advisories into clear updates. The conversation covers orchestration approaches, target customers, fundraising milestones, and new features like AI summaries and live airport boards.

Talks about a potential deal for fusion startup Helion to sell part of its power output to a leading AI company. Breaks down Helion's reactor design, prototype milestones, and what scaling would require. Covers the SEC closing a long-running probe into an electric vehicle startup after subpoenas and whistleblower claims.

Venture funding surged toward AI, with nearly half of Carta’s deal value going to AI startups. A few mega-rounds funneled vast capital into select companies. Discussion covers how AI spending and quick up-rounds are shaping fund returns and early IRR figures. A compliance startup faces anonymous accusations about misleading customers on privacy and security.

Fervo landed a large new loan with terms that strongly suggest the company's most turbulent days are behind it. Also, K2's Gravitas is an ambitious project that aims to demonstrate the tech needed to build data centers in space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices