CodeCanyon

In 2020, when open source database Supabase was founded, its New Zealand-based CEO, Paul Copplestone, couldn’t have imagined it would be sitting in the sweet spot for 2025’s biggest trend: vibe coding. But on Tuesday, the fruits of that became evident when it announced a $200 million Series D at a $2 billion post-money valuation led by Accel, with Coatue, Y Combinator, Craft Ventures, and longtime investor Felicis participating in the round, Fortune reported. This fresh $200 million comes just seven months after Supabase announced it raised $80 million led by Peak XV (a Sequoia spinoff) and David Sacks’ Craft Ventures. Supabase wouldn’t comment on the valuation at that time, but PitchBook put it at about $900 million. All told, the startup has now raised about $398 million. Supabase is another example of how commercially successful open source projects can be. It offers an open source version of Firebase, Google’s database AI app development platform, and hosts the apps for up to $600 a month, or more for enterprise users. Supabase combines the open source SQL database Postgres with other enterprise-grade open source tools for features like authentication, auto-generated APIs, file storage, and a vector toolkit (necessary for many AI apps). Essentially, it’s like vibe database management, easing the pesky parts of getting a SQL database set up as part of app development. Consequently, it has become a popular back end for the vibe coding tools like fast-growing Lovable. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW As a Y Combinator alum, Supabase has become a go-to tool for YC startups, Copplestone previously told TechCrunch. But it’s really coming into its own with independent and enterprise developers. The company has had “insane growth” especially in the last two years, Felicis managing partner Aydin Senkut tells TechCrunch. “Its biggest asset is the community of developers, which rocketed past 1 million and growing by thousands every day.” Indeed, Supabase now claims over 1.7 million developers and the project has over 81 thousand stars on GitHub, too. “It’s becoming the default back end for AI apps and myriad other categories of apps,” Senkut says. Because it’s based on Postgres, Supabase has street cred with developers that need to support thousands to millions of users. Postgres has long-been an open source database for enterprise developers when they don’t need the superpowers — and high price tag — of an Oracle or Microsoft database. Supabase goes so far as to have a marketing tagline of “build in a weekend: scale to millions.” While nothing will truly threaten Oracle’s current standing — it’s as deeply embedded in the tech of existing Fortune 1000 companies as possible — the rise of Supabase is interesting to watch. The next crop of billion-user apps will be AI-developed, AI-powered, AI-managed. And Supabase is already one of the go-to databases for that.

Anysphere, maker of AI coding assistant Cursor, is growing so quickly that it’s not in the market to be sold, even to OpenAI, a source close to the company tells TechCrunch. It’s been a hot target. Cursor is one of the most popular AI-powered coding tools, and its revenue has been growing astronomically — doubling on average every two months, according to another source. Anysphere’s current average annual recurring revenue is about $300 million, according to the two sources. The company previously walked away from early acquisition discussions with OpenAI, after the ChatGPT maker approached Cursor, the two sources close to the company confirmed, and CNBC previously reported. Anysphere has also received other acquisition offers that the company didn’t consider, according to one of these sources. Cursor turned down the offers because the startup wants to stay independent, said the two people close to the company. Instead, Anysphere has been in talks to raise capital at about a $10 billion valuation, Bloomberg reported last month. Although it didn’t nab Anysphere, OpenAI didn’t give up on buying an established AI coding tool startup. OpenAI talked with more than 20 others, CNBC reported. And then it got serious over the next-fastest-growing AI coding startup, Windsurf, with a $3 billion acquisition offer, Bloomberg reported last week. While Windsurf is a comparatively smaller company, its ARR is about $100 million, up from $40 million in ARR in February, according to a source. Windsurf has been gaining popularity with the developer community, too, and its coding product is designed to work with legacy enterprise systems. Windsurf did not respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment. OpenAI declined to comment on its acquisition talks. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW OpenAI is likely shopping because it’s looking for its next growth areas as competitors such as Google’s Gemini and China’s DeepSeek put pricing pressure on access to foundational models. Moreover, Anthropic and Google have recently released AI models that outperform OpenAI’s models on coding benchmarks, increasingly making them a preferred choice for developers. While OpenAI could build its own AI coding assistant, buying a product that is already popular with developers means the ChatGPT-maker wouldn’t have to start from scratch to build this business. VCs who invest in developer tool startups are certainly watching. Speculating about OpenAI’s strategy, Chris Farmer, partner and CEO at SignalFire, told TechCrunch of the company, “They’ll be acquisitive at the app layer. It’s existential for them.”

StrictlyVC is heading to London on May 13, uniting top investors and entrepreneurs to spark meaningful connections and drive forward innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome industry leaders like Nazo Moosa, general partner at Paladin Capital Group; Sonali De Rycker, partner at Accel; and TS Anil, CEO of Monzo Bank, to the stage. Paladin is proud to partner with TechCrunch to bring this exclusive StrictlyVC event to London. This is the room to ask your burning questions, share your perspective, and engage directly with some of the most influential voices shaping the future of tech and venture capital. Secure your spot for insider conversations with top names in tech and venture capital. Inside the StrictlyVC London agenda: Sessions + speakers Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Investing in Cybersecurity, AI, and Deep Tech Join Paladin’s Nazo Moosa as she shares how strategic investments in cybersecurity, AI, and resilience are powering the next generation of secure, sustainable innovation. Image Credits:Daniel Jones PhotographyNazo Moosa General Partner, Paladin Capital Group Backing the Breakouts: Finding Europe’s Next Global Tech Leaders Sonali De Rycker breaks down how she spots and scales standout startups — from early stage to global growth — and where she’s placing her next bets in a fast-moving tech landscape. Image Credits:AccelSonali De Rycker Partner, Accel Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Reimagining Banking: TS Anil on Monzo’s Journey from Startup to Powerhouse Hear how TS Anil turned Monzo into a fintech success story. From navigating tough beginnings to hitting profitability, he shares lessons in scaling, strategy, and staying customer-obsessed. Image Credits:Monzo BankTS Anil CEO, Monzo Bank Save your seat for exclusive VC insights from the top investors in Europe We rarely bring StrictlyVC to London. This one — presented with Paladin Capital Group — is your chance to join the inner circle of VCs and founders. Space is limited. The room will be full. Don’t miss it. Register your seat here.

StrictlyVC is turning up the heat in 2025 — and we’re going international! First stop: Athens, May 8. Get ready for sharp, unfiltered conversations onstage — and your chance to jump into the dialogue. This isn’t just an event; it’s a forum where every attendee has a voice with some of Europe’s most influential tech and VC leaders at the helm. Join the conversation — register now to be part of this can’t-miss event. Inside the agenda: StrictlyVC Greece lineup + big names in tech We’re excited to kick off this year’s global edition of the boutique VC event series with a deep dive into Europe’s hottest tech topics — featuring startup and venture leaders like the following: Why Europe, Why Now: Betting Big on the Continent’s Next Wave of Startups With Europe’s startup ecosystem evolving fast, where’s it headed? This session pairs founder insight from John Tsioris with investor perspective from Panos Papadopoulos to explore both opportunity and friction — especially in emerging hubs like Greece. Image Credits:Marathon Venture CapitalPanos Papadopoulos Partner Marathon Venture Capital Image Credits:RevotechJohn Tsioris Founder and CEO Revotech Building Europe’s Innovation Future: From Grassroots to Governance Europe’s rewriting the startup playbook. From AI to data privacy, policies are shifting fast. Factory founder Simon Schaefer breaks down what founders need to know — and how they can shape, not just follow, the future of EU regulation. Image Credits:FactorySimon Schaefer Founder / Co-Initiator Factory / The EU-Inc Petition Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Built in Europe: Scaling Ambition from the Ground Up They didn’t just launch — they broke through. Haris Pylarinos and Dimitrios Kottas reveal what it takes to scale globally from Europe, from hiring and funding to mindset and market fit. Image Credits:Delian Alliance IndustriesDimitrios Kottas Co-Founder and CEO Delian Alliance Industries Image Credits:Hack the BoxHaris Pylarinos Co-Founder and CEO Hack the Box Discover what it takes to scale from Europe to the world at StrictlyVC Greece The first international stop kicks off in Greece at the stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center — and you won’t want to miss it. Gain sharp insights from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the movers and shakers driving the industry forward. Book your seat now. Next StrictlyVC stop: London Can’t make it to Greece? We’ll be in London on May 13. Join us for deeper tech and VC discussions and networking with more of Europe’s top VC leaders. See the VC giants leading the conversations and book your ticket here.

A new venture firm aims to prove that the most successful startup ideas don’t have to be born or scaled in Silicon Valley. Fluent Ventures, a global early-stage fund, is backing founders replicating proven business models from Western markets in fintech, digital health, and commerce across emerging markets. The more cynical might describe this as a clone factory, but founder and managing partner Alexandre Lazarow calls the firm’s strategy “geographic alpha.” Fluent’s premise is that many of the world’s most valuable startups are not entirely new concepts that haven’t been tried before, but more simply, local adaptations of models that have already succeeded elsewhere. The San Francisco-based firm, founded in 2023, is deploying $40 million across a fund, an incubator, and a structured co-investment vehicle with limited partners. It is writing initial checks of $250,000 to $2 million, from pre-seed to Series A, and plans to make 22-25 investments, with follow-ons. “We are contrarians at heart,” said Lazarow, who previously invested at Omidyar Network and Cathay Innovation. “We believe the world’s best innovations are not the exclusive purview of Silicon Valley.” Fluent is not exactly working in a bubble: The last decade has seen a massive decentralization in the technology industry. In 2013, just four cities had produced a unicorn. Today, that number exceeds 150. And that has been on the back of rinse and repeat, with many of the top tech players in emerging markets mirroring successful startups that have been built elsewhere, such as Amazon clones in e-commerce, Stripe clones in payments, and neo-banking apps in fintech. The first breakout neo-bank was Tinkoff from Russia. “That movement scaled globally, and [it] was one of the insights that motivated my investments in Chime in the U.S. and Banco Neon in Brazil,” said Lazarow. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Lazarow insists Fluent doesn’t just copy-paste. “That rarely works, in our opinion. Local adaptation is critical,” he said. The firm points to ride-hailing as an example. Uber may have pioneered the category, but in Indonesia, Go-Jek localized it by incorporating motorcycle taxis and super app functionality similar to China’s WeChat. Now Uber Eats is essentially chasing that evolution, Lazarow argues. To that point, Fluent Ventures, in addition to finding adapted models, screens for local product-market fit and founder-market alignment. Saudi’s BRKZ closes $17M Series A for its construction tech platform While the firm passed on several construction marketplaces globally, it backed BRKZ in Saudi Arabia, a localized take on India’s Infra.Market. The founder, a former Careem executive, was a strong operator in a region with surging infrastructure demand, Lazarow noted. Despite calling itself a global fund, Lazarow says Fluent doesn’t aim for equal allocation across every geography. Instead, it goes deeper in the regions where it sees the most potential. Right now, that means a focus on Latin America, MENA, Africa, Southeast Asia, and selective U.S. markets. Its current portfolio includes Minu, a Mexican employee wellness platform; Sabi, a Nigerian B2B commerce startup; Prima, a Brazil-based industrial marketplace; and Baton, a U.S. M&A platform for SMBs. The firm says these companies have raised multiple follow-on rounds since Fluent’s early checks. Collectively, startups from Lazarow’s prior and current portfolios have generated over $30 billion in enterprise value, with seven reaching unicorn status. Skeptics still question the exit landscape in emerging markets, perhaps especially since valuations have gone up in these markets, with more unicorns than a decade ago. Yet Fluent sees momentum building. IPOs of startups like Nubank, UiPath, Swiggy, and Talabat prove that global outcomes can emerge outside the U.S. and Europe — and then, as in the case of Nubank and UiPath, those companies can still go public in the U.S. if they choose. “Exit markets are also maturing in these regions,” Lazarow remarks. “New secondary firms are rising. Stock markets are looking to build local listing capabilities. Yes, the U.S. has much more developed IPO and M&A markets. But under the hood, some of the largest and most profitable exits are already happening outside.” India’s Swiggy defies weak market in largest 2024 tech IPO globally Fluent has also built out a different kind of network around the kinds of founders it invests in. More than 75 unicorn founders and VCs back the fund, including David Vélez (Nubank), Nick Nash (Sea Group), Akshay Garg (Kredivo), and Sean Harper (Kin), alongside institutional LPs and family offices from around the world. According to Lazarow, many are active contributors, helping portfolio companies with talent, fundraising, and expansion. The firm also relies on a small group of venture partners from ZenBusiness, Terminal, Kin, and Dell, bringing both sector depth and geographic reach. In a world where venture capital might be rethinking overexposure to the U.S. and China, Fluent believes its approach offers LPs something few firms can: diversification. “We believe the best ideas come from anywhere and scale everywhere,” says the partner whose firm claims a spot on Kauffman Fellows’ top‑returner index, thanks to his earlier personal stakes in Chime, ZenBusiness, and Sidecar Health. Other global VCs with an emerging markets focus include Accion Venture Lab, Alter Global, Endeavor Catalyst, Flourish Ventures, Global Ventures, Quona Capital, and Speedinvest.

Founders, the battlefield is open. And the bold are stepping forward. Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is now accepting startups to compete in the ultimate pitch showdown in front of more than 10,000 tech leaders from around the globe to witness. This is no ordinary pitch. This is the fight for visibility, capital, and legacy. If your startup has the fire, now is the time to step into the spotlight. Take your place in the battlefield — apply now. Salva Health Co-Founder & CEO Valentina Agudelo Vargas, winner of the Startup Battlefield 2024, poses onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 Day 3 at Moscone Center on October 30, 2024 in San Francisco, California.Image Credits:Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunchEnter the arena: Submit your application Thousands will apply. 200 will be chosen. 20 will pitch onstage. Only one will claim the crown and win a $100,000 equity-free prize. You want to rise above the noise? Move fast. Apply early. Startup Battlefield benefits include: Free 3-day exhibit space at Disrupt 4 complimentary tickets Placement in the Disrupt app Press list access Quality leads Access to investor-led masterclasses A shot to pitch on the biggest global stage in tech And more — get the details here. This is the launchpad for legends: Trello, Mint, Getaround, Dropbox, Discord, and thousands more — They began their battles here. What it takes to join the battle We’re scouting pre-Series A startups with MVPs and massive potential. Bootstrapped or backed, if your startup is bold, you’re in the fight. Some capital-intensive Series A companies may also qualify. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Make your first move Gear up for the startup battle of the year. Applications close June 9. Step up. Stand out. Apply today.

TechCrunch Disrupt returns October 27-29 to Moscone West in San Francisco — and we’re inviting thought leaders, founders, VCs, and tech experts to apply for a chance to take the stage at one of the most anticipated tech events of the year. Applications are now open to speak at Disrupt 2025, where over 10,000+ tech leaders, investors, and startup experts come together to shape the future of innovation. The application deadline is May 16 — Apply here and don’t miss your chance to lead the conversation. Pick your session format We’re looking for high-impact speakers to lead one of two session types: Breakout Sessions — A 30-minute talk (up to four speakers, including a moderator) with a 20-minute audience Q&A. Capacity: 100 attendees. Roundtables — A 30-minute speaker-led group discussion, designed for up to 40 participants. No slides or AV — just insight and conversation. Breakout Session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 at Moscone West in San Francisco.Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photography Roundtable session led by Mike Seckler, President and CEO from Justworks. TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, October 28-30, 2024 at Moscone West in San Francisco.Image Credits:Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch How the application process works Each application will be carefully reviewed by our editorial team. Finalists will be selected for the Audience Choice vote — where TechCrunch readers choose which sessions make it to the Disrupt stage. Learn more about speaking on Disrupt’s Call for Content page. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Lead the conversation at Disrupt 2025 If you have actionable insights, real-world experience, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem — we want to hear from you. Submit your application today before the May 16 deadline. Image Credits:TechCrunch

Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs seems to be suddenly in vogue in Europe. Back in March, podcaster and venture investor Harry Stebbings launched Project Europe to great fanfare, aiming to back founders aged 25 and under with a small $10 million fund — riffing on the “Peter Thiel Fellowship” model of yore. Now, a new fund hopes to go one better, this time with $68 million. EWOR (entrepreneurship without risk) has launched its own “founder fellowship,” committing €60 million. The fund will offer selected founders €500,000 in capital for a 7% stake (in comparison, Project Europe offers €200,000 for a 6.66% stake). EWOR claims that, on average, its alumni have gone on to raise €1 million to €11 million during the fellowship. Each year, the money will go to 35 entrepreneurs who fit EWOR’s mold of “visionaries, technical prodigies, deeply driven operators, and serial entrepreneurs.” Fellows will get virtual-first support, with 1:1 mentorship (including 1 to 5 hours per week with a “unicorn founder”) and access to 2,000 mentors, VCs, and subject matter experts. The €500,000 investment would comprise €110,000 from EWOR GmbH and an additional €390,000 from the investment fund via an uncapped convertible note or similar instrument. Founded in 2021, EWOR is run by six entrepreneurs — Daniel Dippold, Alexander Grots, Florian Huber, Petter Made, Quinten Selhorst, and Paul Müller. They previously worked at companies like SumUp, Adjust, ProGlove and United-Domains. In an interview with TechCrunch, Dippold contrasted EWOR’s fellowship offering with Project Europe, saying while the latter touted backing entrepreneurs with “just an idea,” EWOR could easily match that offering. “We do two fellowships: ideation and traction. You can literally — like we had a year ago with the youngest machine learning researcher from Cambridge — have no co-founder, no idea. You can start at inception, no problem.” “We run EWOR like a software company — build, measure, learn … The only thing that matters is it needs to be the most useful thing any founder can possibly do,” he added. Ten founders have so far been accepted into this year’s cohort. One of these is U.K.-based Mark Golab, a 3D-printing specialist applying the technology to organ transplants with Cambridge Surgical Models, after surviving a life-threatening infection himself. Another is Vienna-based Viktoria Izdebska, who is working on lead generation with Salesy. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Previous EWOR fellows include Ricky Knox, who achieved two 9-figure exits with Azimo and Tandem Bank; and Tim Seithe, who bootstrapped and led Tillhub to an exit worth almost €100 million.

Last month, Brett Adcock, founder of robotics startup Figure AI, claimed in a post on X that his company “is now # 1 most sought-after private stock in the secondary market.” But the company has sent cease-and-desist letters to at least two brokers who run secondary marketplaces, those brokers told TechCrunch. These people said Figure AI’s cease-and-desist letters demanded that they stop marketing the company’s stock. Both brokers said they received the letters for the first time after Bloomberg reported in mid-February that Figure was seeking a $1.5 billion round at a $39.5 billion valuation — a fifteenfold increase from the $2.6 billion valuation it achieved in February 2024. A spokesperson for Figure AI told TechCrunch that the company sends such letters when it hasn’t authorized the broker to sell its stock, suggesting that it has a long history of sending such letters. “This year, when we discovered an unauthorized third-party broker was marketing Figure shares without approval from the Figure Board of Directors, the company sent a cease and desist asking the unauthorized broker to stop, as it has done previously when other unauthorized brokers were discovered,” the spokesperson told TechCrunch in a written statement. “We do not allow secondary market trading in our shares without board authorization and the company will continue to protect itself against unwanted third-party brokers in the market.” Because Figure is a private company, not a public one, its stock cannot be easily sold at will by its investors, particularly without a company-authorized event. This restriction is why secondary markets have emerged at all, including ones that offer investors alternative ways to get cash from shares ahead of an IPO, such as loans secured by their startup shares that become repayable when a company goes public. The secondary markets on the receiving end of Figure’s letters told TechCrunch that they have other theories about why some CEOs dislike share sales on their markets. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Existing shareholders were trying to sell their stock at a price that was below the new hoped-for $39.5 billion valuation, these brokers said. Both brokers told TechCrunch that some companies chafe at the prospect that lower-priced secondary shares could compete with the new round. Without commenting on Figure’s case specifically, Sim Desai, founder and CEO of secondary shares marketplace Hiive, told TechCrunch that companies sometimes block direct secondary sales because they believe “it’s a zero-sum game.” Desai, naturally, argues that the reverse could be true: Active secondary market trading could attract more interest for primary shares in a new raise. But if secondary market activity fails to drive interest in the primary round, the issue may lie with the valuation itself. “If someone is having a hard time selling something, it’s merely a function of price and valuation rather than availability of capital,” Desai said. Figure has also lately been the subject of several news articles, describing Figure’s progress with its marquee customer, BMW. Figure has responded, in at least one case, by saying the article had so many inaccuracies that it’s threatening to sue. As for how much Figure AI raises next — and at what valuation, that remains to be seen. Whether existing investors will be able to cash out early in secondary transactions is also to be determined.

Eight years after joining Benchmark as the firm’s first woman general partner, Sarah Tavel announced on X that she is transitioning to a more limited role at the storied venture firm. In her new position as a venture partner, Tavel will continue to make investments and serve on existing company boards, but she will have more time to explore “AI tools at the edge” and reflect on the direction of AI, she wrote. Tavel joined Benchmark in 2017 after spending one and a half years as a partner at Greylock and three years as a product manager at Pinterest. Before Pinterest, Tavel was an investor at Bessemer Venture Partners, where she helped source Pinterest and GitHub. Since its founding in 1995, Benchmark has deliberately maintained a small team of six or fewer general partners. Unlike most VC firms, where senior partners typically receive a greater share of management fees and profits, Benchmark operates as an equal partnership, with all general partners dividing fees and returns equally. During her tenure as Benchmark’s general partner, Tavel invested in the campsite marketplace Hipcamp, the cryptocurrency intelligence startup Chainalysis, and the beauty platform Supergreat, which was acquired by Whatnot in 2023. Tavel also backed the photo-sharing app Paparazzi, which shut down two years ago, and the AI sales platform 11x, about which TechCrunch wrote recently.

Not so long ago, the idea of public tech companies emerging from Latin America seemed far-fetched, and Mercado Libre once appeared as rare and mythical as a true unicorn. Today, however, the region is home to several startups that have reached billion-dollar valuations. Some of these startups, propelled into the spotlight by cross-border expansion, are now recognized beyond their home countries, with Nubank notably going public in the U.S. Yet, there is a broader cohort of Latin American scale-ups that deserve attention; many in fintech, but not exclusively. Other important sectors include e-commerce, health tech, logistics, proptech, and SaaS. Some homegrown unicorns may currently hold “paper valuations” from rounds that were raised during the 2021 peak, but the point still stands: They are worth knowing, and many could recover alongside the market, as VC investment in Latin America demonstrated resilience in 2024. As a group, these unicorns also reflect Latin America’s multiple startup hubs. While Brazil and Mexico remain leaders in numbers, unicorns have also emerged from Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay, further strengthening these ecosystems. Let’s take a closer look at the top Latin American unicorns by valuation — although the oldest price tags often need to be taken with a grain of salt. Rappi (2015): Valued at $5.25 billion in July 2021 Coming out of Colombia, Rappi is an on-demand delivery platform that became a super app and expanded into multiple countries. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Its rise solidified before the pandemic: In 2019, it raised a $1 billion investment from SoftBank. But its $5.25 billion valuation was attached to the round of more than $500 million it secured in July 2021. Since then, Rappi has operated in a more challenging environment, conducting multiple rounds of layoffs and facing changing gig economy legislation in Mexico, where it now plans to invest $110 million to boost its operations. However, the company still very much hopes to IPO and hired a CFO to prepare for that endeavor after reaching break-even for the first time in late 2023. QuintoAndar (2012): Valued at $5.1 billion in August 2021 QuintoAndar is a Brazilian proptech company focused on the rental and sale of residential real estate. With commercial activities in six Latin American countries and a tech hub in Europe, it made several acquisitions and grew into a group with a headcount of more than 3,500 people. In 2021, the startup was busy on the fundraising front: Less than three months after announcing a $300 million Series E at a $4 billion valuation, QuintoAndar raised an additional $120 million at a $5.1 billion valuation. With $755 million raised to date, its cap table includes Kaszek, General Atlantic, SoftBank, and Tencent. Creditas (2012): Valued at $4.8 billion in January 2022 Creditas is a Brazilian fintech player specializing in loans, including consumer credit. Its latest round of funding was a $260 million Series F in January 2022 valuing the Brazilian lender at $4.8 billion, up from $1.75 billion in December 2020. The Series F was led by Fidelity, with participation from new and existing backers, including Kaszek Ventures, QED Investors, and SoftBank. It was extended in July 2022 at the same valuation, allowing Creditas to buy the Brazilian license of Andorran bank Andbank for some $93 million. Nuvemshop (2011): Valued at $3.1 billion in August 2021 Branded as Tiendanube in Spanish-speaking markets, Nuvemshop is a Brazilian e-commerce platform designed for SMEs and entrepreneurs to sell products and services online — or in short, “Latin America’s answer to Shopify.” Its latest known valuation of $3.1 billion comes from the $500 million Series E mega-round co-led by Insight Partners and Tiger Global Management that it raised in August 2021, only a few months after its Accel-led $90 million Series D. Wildlife Studios (2011): Valued at ~$3 billion in August 2020 Wildlife Studios is a Brazilian mobile gaming company. It was co-founded by Victor Lazarte, now also a general partner at Benchmark, the VC firm that led Wildlife Studios’ $60 million Series A in 2019 at a $1.3 billion valuation. Less than a year later, the startup reached a nearly $3 billion valuation from its Series B round. In a candid conversation onstage at Slush 2023, Lazarte said that, in retrospect, raising too much capital at too high a valuation so fast was a “mistake.” In June 2023, the company announced that former Amazon executive Peter Hill would replace Lazarte as CEO. It also conducted several rounds of layoffs. Loft (2018): Valued at $2.9 billion in April 2021 Loft is a Brazilian proptech company supported by big Silicon Valley names since its genesis in 2018. Loft’s $175 million Series C was co-led by a16z and Vulcan Capital in 2020. A $425 million Series D led by New York-based D1 Capital Partners followed in March 2021, and its extension in April 2021 valued the company at $2.9 billion. The digital real estate platform wasn’t immune to the market turn. It conducted two rounds of layoffs in 2022 but denied having raised a down round in November 2022. In 2023, after fresh funding from a sovereign fund in the Middle East” at an undisclosed valuation and another round of layoffs, it claimed to have reached break-even. Unico (2007): Valued at $2.6 billion in April 2022 Unico is a Brazilian ID tech startup, and one of Latin America’s largest SaaS companies. Its $2.6 billion valuation is more recent than many on this list. It came from the $100 million Series D the company raised in April 2022. The round was led by Goldman Sachs, with participation from existing investors General Atlantic and SoftBank Latin America Fund. C6 Bank (2018): Valued at $2.28 billion in December 2020 C6 Bank is a Brazilian digital bank. Unlike some competitors, it hasn’t expanded beyond Brazil, where it has more than 35 million clients. C6 was valued at $2.28 billion in December 2020, six months before JPMorgan Chase acquired 40% ownership of the neobank in 2021. After increasing its stake in 2023, it now owns 46% of C6, which had its first-ever profitable year in 2024. Kavak (2016): Valued at $2.2 billion in April 2025 With backers including General Catalyst and SoftBank, Kavak is a Mexico-based e-commerce platform to buy and sell used cars online. Once valued at $8.7 billion after a Series E round that doubled its valuation in 2021, Kavak saw its valuation slashed by $6.5 billion following expansion difficulties and layoffs. After raising a $127 million equity round and securing two $200 million debt facilities in March 2025, the company aims to position itself for a potential IPO within the next three to five years. Bitso (2014): Valued at $2.2 billion in May 2021 Bitso is a Latin American cryptocurrency exchange that also facilitates cross-border payments. In May 2021, it secured a $250 million Series C round valuing the company at $2.2 billion and co-led by Tiger Global and Coatue, with participation from new and existing investors, including Kaszek and QED. CloudWalk (2013): Valued at $2.15 billion in November 2021 Known for its InfinitePay and Jim.com brands, CloudWalk is a Brazilian payment infrastructure company (not to be confused with the Chinese facial-recognition software company by the same name). CloudWalk’s $2.15 billion valuation resulted from a $150 million Series C led by Coatue in November 2021. Since then, CloudWalk achieved its first full year of profitability in 2023 and closed 2024 with $497 million in revenue. Clip (2012): Valued at $2 billion in June 2024 Briefly known as BlitzPay and founded by former PayPal employees, Clip is the Square of Latin America, with POS devices and fintech solutions for businesses. Clip became a unicorn in 2021 following a $250 million round led by SoftBank and Viking, and maintained this status since then. The $100 million round it raised in June 2024 confirmed its $2 billion valuation as the company was “on the brink of profitability,” its CEO told Bloomberg. Loggi (2013): Valued at ~$2 billion in March 2021 Loggi is a Brazil-based logistics company known for its focus on last-mile delivery. Its backers include Monashees, Qualcomm Ventures, and SoftBank. Its latest funding round was a $205 million Series F led by CapSur Capital in March 2021 at a valuation close to $2 billion. Bets are still open on who may join the list and how the rankings might be reordered, so we’ll make sure to keep it updated.

The world has a trash problem. The amount of stuff we throw away is expected to nearly double, to 3.8 billion metric tons, by 2050. Reducing what we use would go a long way to addressing the issue, but let’s face it, we’re not very good at buying less either. That leaves recycling, which has its own problems. People routinely try to recycle dirty yogurt cups or toss plastic in the aluminum bin. It all makes recycling more expensive because, ultimately, someone has to manually pick out the unwanted stuff. In response, several companies have been building automated systems to sort recyclables, including Glacier, a 6-year-old company that has developed inexpensive robotic arms controlled by computer vision to identify over 30 different types of materials. The startup has deployed its robots in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix, and now Seattle. As Glacier looks to expand its robot fleet to more municipalities, it recently raised a $16 million Series A, the company exclusively told TechCrunch. The round was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund with participation from AlleyCorp, Alumni Ventures, Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, Cox Exponential, Elysium, New Enterprise Associates, One Small Planet, Overlap Holdings, Overture, VSC Ventures, and Working Capital Fund. Materials recovery facilities — or MRFs, as sorting facilities are called — are getting squeezed on both ends, Rebecca Hu-Thrams, Glacier’s co-founder and CEO, told TechCrunch. Governments want more waste to be recycled, but MRFs are having a hard time finding enough people to staff the sorting line. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Industry-wide, turnover is extremely high. A typical MRF will have to hire five times per year for a single sorting position. The job is so undesirable that one MRF operator told Hu-Thrams that, even though his wages were higher, he was concerned about losing workers to a new warehouse set to open nearby. “Would you rather stand at a conveyor belt and sort through people’s trash, or would you rather be lifting boxes in an air-conditioned warehouse?” Hu-Thrams said. “That kind of underscores the dilemma that a lot of our customers are facing.” Glacier offers its robots to customers as outright purchases or on a lease-to-own model. It encourages MRFs to make repairs they feel comfortable with, supplying them with training and spare parts. For those that would rather not, the startup offers maintenance packages. Glacier is also offering a data product, in which MRFs and other stakeholders like consumer products companies and government agencies can pay for access to insights about the waste stream. For an MRF, that might mean identifying where on a line it’s losing valuable aluminum cans to the landfill. For a company or regulator, it might mean auditing the waste stream to determine whether packaging that’s designed to be recycled is actually getting recycled. With enough robots, recycling rates should improve, if only because robots are faster and better at distinguishing between recyclables and trash. “Every time we send people to audit our AI systems, the people just do so much worse,” said Areeb Malik, Glacier’s CTO and second co-founder. “AI is getting really powerful, being able to distinguish beyond what people can even notice.”

It’s been a busy year for TechCrunch events — and it’s about to get even bigger. StrictlyVC, our boutique, highly exclusive event series for VCs and startups, is crossing the Atlantic this May with stops in London and Athens! We’re bringing StrictlyVC’s insider conversations to Europe. On May 8, we’ll dive into Athens’ booming tech momentum with a special appearance by the prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Then, on May 13, we’ll head to London to explore the investment and financial strategies shaping Europe’s tech ecosystem. If you’re thinking about expanding globally — or wondering how to start — these StrictlyVC events in Europe are ones you won’t want to miss. StrictlyVC Greece StrictlyVC London StrictlyVC Athens on May 8 Venue: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Europe’s startup surge: Founders, funders, and the future We’re thrilled to welcome the prime minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to the stage as he shares how Greece is positioning itself as a rising hub for innovation and investment. From policy reforms to global partnerships, hear firsthand what’s fueling Greece’s tech momentum — and what’s ahead for startups scaling within and beyond its borders. Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis talks to the media at the end of the European Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 20, 2025.Image Credits:Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto / Getty ImagesWe’ll also sit down with other leading voices across the tech and startup ecosystem to dive deeper into Europe’s evolving innovation landscape. Get all the details and reserve your spot — visit the StrictlyVC Greece event page. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Why Greece, why now: Betting big on the country’s next wave of founders Image Credits:Metavallon VCMyrto Papathanou Partner, Metavallon VC Image Credits:Venture FriendsApostolos Apostolakis Founding Partner, Venture Friends Image Credits:Marathon Venture CapitalPanos Papadopoulos Partner, Marathon Venture Capital Image Credits:Delian Alliance IndustriesDimitrios Kottas Co-founder and CEO, Delian Alliance Industries Built in Europe: Scaling ambition from the ground up Image Credits:KaedimKonstantina Psoma Founder and CEO, Kaedim Image Credits:Hack the BoxHaris Pylarinos Co-founder and CEO, Hack the Box Image Credits:FactorySimon Schaefer Founder / Co-initiator, Factory / EU Inc. petition A tale of two emerging markets Image Credits:TymeCoen Jonker Co-founder of Tyme Image Credits:RevotechJohn Tsioris Founder and CEO, Revotech StrictlyVC London on May 13 Venue: MidCity Place Scaling innovation: Investing, building, and leading the future of tech From cybersecurity and AI to global banking innovation, hear how top leaders are scaling companies that define their categories. Nazo Moosa of Paladin Capital Group shares how she’s investing in a resilient digital future; Sonali De Rycker of Accel reveals how to spot tomorrow’s global winners; and TS Anil of Monzo dives into how bold strategy fueled one of fintech’s biggest success stories. Lean in for a dynamic evening on VC’s and Europe’s startup scene — find out more about these sessions and save your spot on the StrictlyVC London event page. Building resilient tech ecosystems: Investing in cybersecurity, AI, and deep tech Image Credits:Daniel Jones PhotographyNazo Moosa, Managing Director, Paladin Capital Group Backing the breakouts: Finding Europe’s next global tech leaders Image Credits:AccelSonali De Rycker, Partner, Accel Reimagining banking: TS Anil on Monzo’s journey from startup to powerhouse Image Credits:Monzo BankTS Anil, Global CEO, Monzo Join us before seats run out Join us in Europe! It’s a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to access exclusive VC and startup conversations with some of Europe’s top tech and VC voices. Dive into Athens’ tech boom at StrictlyVC — May 8 Explore Europe’s investment future at StrictlyVC London — May 13

The hub of AI innovation is here — don’t miss out on the last 7 days of Early Bird ticket savings! AI is reshaping the world, and TechCrunch Sessions: AI is where you’ll witness the future unfold. Join 1,000+ founders, investors, researchers, and innovators on June 5 at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall for a full day of cutting-edge insights, networking, and discovery. Last chance to save before May 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT Save up to $210 on your single pass. Buy one Early Bird pass, get 50% off a second — perfect for your co-founder, collaborator, or AI-obsessed friend. Pick your Early Bird deal and register now to join the AI ecosystem before time runs out. Be where the future of AI is unfolding. Be where AI’s future is unfolding Spend a day with 1,000+ fellow builders and backers exploring the latest advancements, hearing from top voices on the main stage, and getting your hands on real AI tech. Big ideas and bold leaders on the main stage The agenda is still growing. Learn more about each session and speaker on the TC Sessions: AI agenda page. The Frontier of AI: A Fireside Chat with Anthropic Co-founder Jared Kaplan Jared Kaplan, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer, Anthropic A deep dive into AI’s impact on human interaction and society, straight from the co-founder behind one of the world’s top labs. From Seed to Series C: What VCs Want to See from Founders Jill Chase, Partner, CapitalG; Kanu Gulati, Partner, Khosla Ventures; Sara Ittelson, Partner, Accel Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Top investors reveal what they’re looking for in today’s crowded AI startups — beyond the buzzwords — and how to secure funding across every stage. How to Launch a Product Against Entrenched Incumbents Oliver Cameron, CEO, Odyssey; Ann Bordetsky, Partner, NEA Hear from founders who’ve broken through against deep-pocketed incumbents — and learn how to carve your own path in AI. Image Credits:TechCrunchA Focus on AI Ethics and Safety with Ion Stoica and Artemis Seaford Ion Stoica, Professor, UC Berkeley; Artemis Seaford, Head of AI Safety, ElevenLabs A timely discussion on deepfakes, ethical deployment, and what responsible AI development looks like from two of the field’s most thoughtful leaders. How Founders Can Build on Existing Foundational Models Logan Kilpatrick, Senior Product Manager, DeepMind; Jae Lee, CEO, TwelveLabs Discover how fast-growing startups are using foundation models to build and scale in a fast-moving ecosystem. So You Think You Can Pitch? Competition Watch early-stage founders pitch live to top VCs, such as Elena Sakach, partner at GV, for feedback and insights into what makes a compelling AI startup. So You Think You Can Pitch at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 at SoWa Power Station in Boston.Image Credits:Halo CreativeDive into interactive breakout sessions Building Your AI Engine: How OpenAI Works with Startups Hao Sang, GTM, OpenAI Gain an edge in AI by partnering with model providers. Learn how OpenAI supports startups with expert guidance, advanced model access, and a feedback loop that shapes their roadmap. Behind Your Firewall: Secure Generative AI for Regulated Enterprises Yann Stoneman, Staff Solutions Architect, Cohere Want powerful AI without risking data privacy? Join this hands-on session on deploying private, secure models— no cloud needed. Expect demos, Q&A, and real-world examples you can use right away. The AI Policy Playbook: What Global Startups Need to Know Hua Wang, Executive Director, Global Innovation Forum AI is changing the startup landscape, but policy and regulation hurdles remain. Explore how AI can help with compliance, digital trade, and global expansion. Leave with actionable strategies for scaling across borders and navigating complex regulations. Exclusive Networking for the AI Community Connect with AI leaders, VCs, and visionaries one-on-one or in small groups. This is the place to be if you’re hunting for breakthrough AI investments or want to spark new ideas with experts. Extend your networking beyond the venue by attending — or even hosting — one of the TC Sessions: AI Side Events around Berkeley. Connect with the broader tech community and keep the conversations going. Image Credits:Halo CreativeGet exclusive AI insights at unbeatable prices Ready to immerse yourself in the world of AI? Register now to save up to $210 on your ticket, and get the second ticket for 50% off. Don’t wait — this deal ends on May 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Want your brand to stand out even more? Time’s running out to reserve your exhibit booth at TC Sessions: AI. Secure your spot by May 9 — or before tables sell out. Showcase your brand to 1,000+ AI leaders, VCs, and innovators. It’s your chance to highlight your tech and connect with the people shaping the future of AI. Secure your table here. Image Credits:Slava Brazer Photography

We’ve been blown away by the overwhelming response to speak at TechCrunch All Stage on July 15 at SoWa Power Station in Boston. After thorough consideration, we’ve selected six standout finalists. The power to choose who will take the stage and share their startup scaling expertise is now in your hands! This Audience Choice voting will be open until May 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. You get one vote, one speaker — make it count! Meet the finalists Get to know the six exceptional Audience Choice finalists and their proposed sessions, and vote for the speaker you think should take the lead in their own roundtable session. Building team intelligence: How product-led innovation transforms collaborative problem-solving Jeff Chow, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Miro What venture investors are looking for in AI investment targets in enterprise startups in 2025 Darrell Etherington, Head of Network and Sourcing, OMERS Ventures How I created a $40 million business from my kitchen Mike Kurtz, Founder, Mike’s Hot Honey From fundraising to IPO: How to build a PR & marketing engine that drives growth Nikki Parker, EVP, Marketing and Communications, Insight Partners Thriving with anxiety: How startup founders can turn fear, pressure, and self-doubt into their greatest advantage Dr. David H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Mistakes startups make and hacks when raising money from VCs Hyuk-Jeen Suh, General Partner, SkyRiver Ventures Vote Now

HR tech giant Deel says it has formally accepted to be served legal documents in its ongoing court battle with rival Rippling in Ireland. This ends weeks of suspense after Rippling’s bailiffs couldn’t find Deel’s execs to serve them — only for Deel’s CEO and top lawyer to turn up in Dubai. Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz, along with Deel lawyers Asif Malik and Andrea David Mieli, all agreed to accept service through Deel’s Irish law firm today, Deel confirmed to TechCrunch. Deel Inc., which is Deel’s U.S. entity, was already served on April 16, an affidavit filed by Rippling this morning in Irish court shows. “Today in court in Dublin Hayes Solicitors agreed to accept service on behalf of all four parties,” a Deel spokesperson told TechCrunch. In the affidavit filed this morning, Rippling repeated that it hadn’t been able to serve Bouaziz, Malik, and Mieli, detailing its efforts to do so in France and Italy. For example, Rippling hired French bailiffs to serve Bouaziz at a listed address in Paris on April 10, but only stumbled upon a relative who told them Bouaziz was in Dubai. On April 15, TechCrunch reported Bouaziz was in Dubai, with Deel not responding to requests for comment at the time. However, 10 days later, Deel told TechCrunch that Bouaziz “lives in Israel” and was only in Dubai for a few days to celebrate Passover. TechCrunch asked Deel if it can clarify where Bouaziz is currently located, but Deel declined, citing privacy reasons. Deel slammed the idea that its executives have been avoiding getting served, despite Rippling’s failed attempts to do so through various process servers. “It’s a misrepresentation that anyone was avoiding service and that narrative was clearly being used as a public smear tactic,” Deel’s spokesperson said. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Deel told TechCrunch that Malik’s move to Dubai had been planned for over a year, well before Rippling’s lawsuit. Regarding Andrea David Mieli, whom Rippling said in their affidavit they had been unable to serve in Italy, Deel said he lives and works from home in Italy and was available. The lawsuit centers on Rippling’s claims that Deel bribed one of its employees in Ireland, Keith O’Brien, to spy on its internal affairs on behalf of Deel. And O’Brien himself testified that he had been spying in a lengthy affidavit. After weeks of silence, Deel is very publicly fighting back, filing a countersuit in the U.S. last week, making various accusations against Rippling, including that it cultivated its own insider inside Deel. In response, Rippling CEO Parker Conrad took to X to post, “Nowhere does Deel dispute our central allegation — that @Bouazizalex personally recruited a spy to steal rippling’s trade secrets, and personally directed the theft.” Rippling did not respond to a request for comment.

The AI revolution isn’t coming — it’s already underway, and the time to grab your Early Bird ticket ends in just 6 days. Don’t miss your chance to dive into the AI ecosystem and lock in the lowest rates. On June 5, TechCrunch Sessions: AI takes over UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall for a one-day gathering of the world’s top founders, investors, researchers, technologists, and enthusiasts who are actively shaping the future of AI. Early Bird pricing ends soon — save up to $210 on your pass, and get 50% off a second ticket for your co-founder, colleague, or AI-obsessed friend. Register here to lock in your savings. What to expect at TechCrunch Sessions See where AI is headed: Hear directly from Anthropic’s Jared Kaplan — and many more pioneers — on the frontier of AI innovation. Explore the full speaker lineup and session agenda here. Learn what VCs are really looking for: Find out what today’s top investors want in AI startups — beyond the hype — across main stage talks and breakout sessions. Explore the future of AI safety and policy: Dive into private deployment models, AI safety challenges, and global policy shifts shaping the industry. Get hands-on in breakout sessions: Bring your questions to experts from OpenAI, Cohere, and others in interactive breakout discussions. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Power up your network: Set up high-impact 1:1 and small-group meetings to forge valuable connections and gain actionable insights. Discover the next wave of AI solutions: Explore cutting-edge tools, products, and startups in the Expo Hall. If you’re serious about building, backing, or shaping the next wave of AI innovation, this is the room you need to be in. Lock in your ticket now + save 50% on the second — Early Bird pricing ends May 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Image Credits:Max Morse for TechCrunch Image Credits:Max Morse Make your brand impossible to miss in the AI world Time’s running out to reserve your exhibit booth at TC Sessions: AI. Secure your spot by May 9 — or before tables sell out. Showcase your brand to AI leaders, VCs, innovators, and visionaries. It’s your chance to highlight your tech and connect with the people shaping the future of AI. Secure your table here. Image Credits:Halo Creative

You’ve got just 5 days to save up to $210 — plus 50% off your plus-one — and get inside the minds of AI’s biggest voices at TechCrunch Sessions: AI. Imagine hearing firsthand from Anthropic’s Jared Kaplan, OpenAI’s startup team, and top voices from firms like Khosla Ventures — all in one day. June 5 is your chance to dive deep into AI from every angle. Join founders, VCs, researchers, and visionaries at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall for a day packed with cutting-edge insight and connections. Sessions you won’t want to miss at TC Sessions AI The Frontier of AI — with Anthropic VC secrets for AI startup funding Private generative AI hands-on workshops AI ethics and safety deep dives Global AI policy playbook for startups scaling worldwide Explore the full agenda More action you don’t want to skip From major speakers to hands-on programming, TC Sessions: AI delivers wall-to-wall action all day. High-quality 1:1 and small-group Braindate networking. Explore real-world AI applications through interactive demos in the Expo Hall. Watch startups pitch live — and hear real-time feedback from top VCs. Participate in Q&A-driven breakouts with peers and experts. Ready to go deep on AI? Now’s the time to save Prices jump after May 4 — secure your discounted ticket before rates go up and be a part of the AI ecosystem at TC Sessions: AI. Time’s running out to exhibit your brand at TC Sessions: AI Want to put your startup in front of the AI crowd? Now’s the time. Exhibit at TC Sessions: AI — but hurry, tables are nearly gone. Reserve by May 9 to connect with the VCs, founders, and tech leaders shaping what’s next. Grab your table here before your competitor does.

Nuvo, a company that has built a social-like platform to facilitate easier purchasing of physical goods between businesses, has raised a $34 million Series A from Sequoia Capital and Spark Capital, it tells TechCrunch exclusively. The San Francisco-based startup previously raised $11 million in an undisclosed seed round led by Founders Fund and Index Ventures in early 2022. Other institutional backers include Foundation Capital, Human Capital, and Susa Ventures. Angel investors Gokul Rajaram, Instacart founder Max Mullen, Rippling COO Matt MacInnis, Samsara founders Sanjit Biswas and John Bicket and Flexport founder Ryan Petersen, among others, also have written checks into Nuvo. Sid Malladi, CEO and co-founder, started Nuvo in 2021 with CTO Rameez Remsudeen to give businesses a way to create profiles they can share with trade partners. Think of it as a LinkedIn for B2B trade. The purchase of physical goods, such as lumber and electronic parts, by businesses, along with the credit agreements that support these purchases, is an $11 trillion industry in the United States. But it’s an industry that remains plagued by old-fashioned methods of communication such as faxes, phone calls, and emails, Remsudeen says. And with tariffs looming, the need for such a platform has likely never been greater. “Any volatility, for tariffs or other reasons, causes shifts in trade partnerships across all businesses that need to respond to changes in price, risk, or other parameters,” Malladi, a former product manager at Yelp, told TechCrunch. “None of this can happen smoothly when relying on pen-and-paper processes.” Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Nuvo wants to help businesses more quickly connect with trade partners, as well as gain faster access to information such as creditworthiness, banking data, and partner history. By helping businesses connect and verify each other, Nuvo claims it can also lead to fewer instances of fraud, loss, delays, and less administrative overhead. So, how does it work? Sellers invite buyers to join the platform. Those buyers in turn can connect with additional sellers. Users create a business identity profile, and the platform verifies their information in real time. Users can also get customer references, credit reports, FICO scores, and license verifications in the Nuvo customer dashboard. In addition, customers gain the potential to connect with new suppliers, secure better credit terms, and streamline their own purchasing processes, notes Sequoia partner Bryan Schreier. “The potential for network effects reminds us of other great companies Sequoia has been fortunate to partner with, including payments giants PayPal and Stripe,” he told TechCrunch. “As new customers join Nuvo, they bring their buyers and sellers with them, and in the process, create a data platform that keeps getting better. By bringing B2B commerce online, Nuvo is enabling businesses to grow with confidence and security.” Other companies exist that attempt to do similar things, including HighRadius, noted Malladi. “The key difference is that Nuvo isn’t a single-player SaaS tool. It’s a network,” Remsudeen said. “It’s like comparing your contacts app to Facebook when it comes to managing your social relationships.” By the end of the second quarter, Nuvo, which currently has 42 employees, will have about 50,000 businesses in its trade network, including Great Dane, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Fender. The company currently charges annual subscription fees. Nuvo’s core markets are alcohol & beverage, building materials, chemicals, distribution, food service and manufacturing. It’s looking to expand into new verticals as well as features like payments and AI. It’s also seeking to expand internationally and is eyeing markets such as Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Did you miss your chance to apply for a Side Event at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Week? Don’t worry — we’ve extended the deadline by three more days! You now have until May 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT to submit your proposal. This is your opportunity to connect with attendees of TC Sessions: AI and the vibrant Berkeley, California, community. Simply submit your event idea through the (no fee) Side Events application on this page and amplify your brand’s presence at this highly anticipated AI event! Why host a Side Event? TC Sessions: AI offers a comprehensive look at the cutting-edge AI trends and advancements through curated programming, live demos, and invaluable networking. By hosting a Side Event, your brand becomes an integral part of the story, gaining broad exposure to the AI community. Side Event perks Get an exclusive discount code for you and your network. Receive promotion to TechCrunch’s entire audience and the TC Sessions: AI crowd. Appear on the TC Sessions: AI Side Event page, agenda, and mobile app. Gain visibility through shared attendee emails and TC Sessions: AI articles. Key guidelines You’re responsible for event logistics, costs, and promotion. There’s no fee to participate, but be sure to follow these guidelines: Events must run June 1–7. Anything on June 5 should start after 5:00 p.m. PT. All attendees must be 18+ (or 21+ if serving drinks). Events must be in or around Berkeley. Ready to make your brand mark? Side Events offer a prime opportunity to engage with the AI community and increase your brand visibility. Apply now before the deadline on May 2! Ready to make an even bigger brand mark? Make a lasting brand impact by reserving your exhibit booth at TC Sessions: AI. Secure your spot by the May 9 deadline — or before tables sell out. Showcase your brand to AI leaders, VCs, innovators, and visionaries and make valuable hot leads. It’s your chance to highlight your tech and connect with the people shaping the future of AI. Secure your table here before your competitor does. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Image Credits:Halo Creative

TechCrunch All Stage is just around the corner — and you get to help shape the agenda. From a competitive pool of applicants, two of the six visionary finalists are one step away from leading a roundtable session on July 15 at SoWa Power Station in Boston. Your vote determines who makes it. Audience Choice voting closes May 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Choose wisely — you only get one shot. While you’re at it, grab your ticket now to save up to $210 and lock in your spot for the winning sessions — some of the most tactical, founder-focused conversations of the day. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and scale smarter. Finalist sessions Building team intelligence: How product-led innovation transforms collaborative problem-solving Jeff Chow, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Miro AI can automate, but it can’t replace the magic of a well-connected team. Jeff Chow, Miro’s CPTO, shares how to design products that don’t just streamline tasks but also supercharge collaboration. From boardroom strategies to product blueprints, he’ll show how inclusive, human-first design turns communication chaos into high-performance teamwork. What venture investors are looking for in AI investment targets in enterprise startups in 2025 Darrell Etherington, Head of Network and Sourcing, OMERS Ventures Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW AI hype is everywhere — but enterprise buyers want more than just buzzwords. Darrell Etherington of OMERS Ventures offers a rare insider’s take on what actually gets enterprise-focused AI startups funded in 2025. Discover what today’s investors demand, and how your pitch can rise above the noise. How I created a $40 million business from my kitchen Mike Kurtz, Founder, Mike’s Hot Honey From pizza slice to pantry staple, Mike Kurtz took a homemade recipe and turned it into a $40 million cult brand. In this spicy session, he’ll break down how he sparked a movement with zero marketing budget, proving that great taste and word-of-mouth hustle can go a long way. From fundraising to IPO: How to build a PR & marketing engine that drives growth Nikki Parker, EVP, Marketing and Communications, Insight Partners Great products don’t sell themselves — especially when you’re chasing growth and an IPO. Nikki Parker from Insight Partners reveals how to architect a high-impact PR and marketing machine that commands attention, earns trust, and drives exponential value. If you’re ready to scale, this session is your playbook. Thriving with anxiety: How startup founders can turn fear, pressure, and self-doubt into their greatest advantage Dr. David H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Startups are pressure cookers — and anxiety comes with the territory. But what if it could be your edge? Dr. David Rosmarin, a leading Harvard psychiatrist, shares how founders can reframe fear and stress into clarity, confidence, and decisive action. Come for the science, stay for the mindset shift. Mistakes startups make and hacks when raising money from VCs Hyuk-Jeen Suh, General Partner, SkyRiver Ventures Pitching VCs? There’s a fine line between a compelling story and a costly misstep. Hyuk-Jeen Suh of SkyRiver Ventures pulls back the curtain on the mistakes that stall fundraising — and the smart, scrappy hacks that actually work. If you want to land your next round, don’t miss this one. Vote Now

There’s an unspoken pressure nowadays to share all your special moments online, whether it be birthdays, graduations, or engagements. However, not everyone has the skills to take high-quality pictures, and people often find themselves too distracted to snap the perfect shot. While hiring a professional photographer is an option, it may not always be feasible on short notice. This is where Social Agent steps in. The upcoming location-based gig app opened its waitlist on Wednesday, allowing users to sign up for its service, which is designed for last-minute photo requests. The app connects users with trained photographers, videographers, and content creators for same-day needs, ensuring their special moments are captured. Additionally, the company targets beauty, fashion, and hospitality brands that need short-notice product shots. The major promise? Social Agent’s gig workers or “agents” will arrive within 30 minutes, much like calling an Uber. Social Agent is the brainchild of Lisa Jammal and is supported by co-founders Brooke Levy and Jeff Tobler. Jammal is the founder of Social Intelligence Agency, which works with high-profile clients, such as Disney, the Recording Academy, and the Television Academy. Image Credits:Shawn Kaleky/Cosmic DesignWhat distinguishes Social Agent from its competitors is its on-demand service. Imagine sitting at brunch with friends and wanting to hire someone to deliver professionally edited photos before you’ve finished paying the bill. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW When hiring an agent, users can book sessions starting at $65 for 30 minutes and $120 for 60 minutes. The packages offer options for photo or video content, including 10 to 15 images or 5 to 10 short videos ideal for platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. Raw, unedited content is delivered within 30 minutes after the event, and users have the option to purchase editing services, which start at $30. Editing takes a few hours, the company claims. There is an additional service fee of approximately $5, as indicated in the demo we observed. Other features include the ability for users to upload their own photos for on-the-go editing, the option to reserve an agent in advance, and a “share payment” option that makes it easy for friend groups looking to split the cost. Image Credits:Shawn Kaleky/Cosmic DesignThe key advantages of this service are its speed and affordability. In contrast to traditional services that often charge over $100 — and in some cases, even upward of $1,000, depending on the duration of the shoot — Social Agent offers a more budget-friendly option. For comparison, its closest competitor seems to be Snappr, a marketplace that allows users to book a photographer with just two hours’ notice. Snappr promises to deliver edited photos within 48 hours, with prices beginning at $60 for a 30-minute session. However, Social Agent’s low starting price might upset some people. When Uber first launched, taxi drivers were frustrated by having to compete against a new company that offered similar services for significantly less and paid drivers lower wages. Photographers might have a similar reaction to Social Agent. Nonetheless, the company says that the app is only designed for side hustles, allowing agents to fill their downtime and get paid quickly. Apps like Social Agent are entering the market to capitalize on the growing gig economy. This shift is happening as the full-time job market slows down. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that around 4.9 million people are working part-time gigs because they can’t find stable work. Image Credits:Shawn Kaleky/Cosmic DesignWhen agents apply to join the platform, they undergo an ID verification and background check process. Accepted agents are then required to complete a series of training modules, which include tasks such as editing photos within a specified timeframe. From the agents’ perspective, the app provides an engaging interface that allows them to start their daily missions or requests by pressing a green button and conclude their session by pressing a red button. According to the founders, the app aims to introduce more gamification, such as offering agents an extra $100 incentive for completing 10 missions. In terms of safety, users are provided with a security code that agents must share upon arrival to verify their identity. Additionally, both parties have the option to report any concerns if something feels off during their interaction. Agents are rated out of five stars based on their performance. “Social Agent is focused on really building trust between agents and clients,” Jammal said. “The trust factor is everything, and we’ve really done a wonderful job thinking through every detail. We know it’s a great privilege to be invited into someone’s intimate space, whether it’s B2B or B2C.” The app launches on the App Store in June and will initially be available in Los Angeles. Edits for user-generated content will be available across the U.S. According to the company, Social Agent has onboarded nearly 100 LA-based content creators, many of whom come from backgrounds in photography, videography, and digital content. The company also plans to roll it out to New York City, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Scottsdale. In addition, plans are in place for future international expansion. The long-term roadmap includes the development of in-app editing tools, which will be part of a $10 per month subscription that also offers unlimited storage and other premium features. Social Agent has secured a total of $2 million in funding from family and friends. This story has been updated to clarify that agents cannot set their own prices, and to correct the delivery time for unedited content from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

Companies of all sizes are recognizing the game-changing possibilities of AI. Despite the excitement about the new technology, most of their pilot projects don’t make it into production. Gruve.ai, a startup founded by the team behind Rahi Systems aims to help enterprises get AI solutions out of testing phase and into real-world application by using AI to deliver its services. Rahi Systems is an IT solutions company acquired by Wesco for $225 million in 2022. IT services firms, including major players like Accenture, have long been the go-to consultants to implement new tech projects for companies when they don’t have the skilled staff in-house. However, given that their work relies on humans, their expertise often comes with a steep price tag. “Technology services industry hasn’t been disrupted in the last 25 to 30 years,” Tarun Raisoni, CEO of Gruve, told TechCrunch. “AI truly changes that dynamic.” Gruve hopes to change the traditional IT consultancy model in two key ways: first, by reducing the need to hire a large staff of consultants by using AI agents for repetitive tasks. Second, by charging clients based on usage rather than on an hourly basis. In the past, VCs were generally not interested in investing in IT services in large part because their reliance on human labor made these businesses hard to scale. But by using AI agents instead of human consultants, Gruve can deliver software-like gross margins of 70% to 80%, which is significantly higher than the margins of traditional tech consultancies, said Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Gruve’s innovative model and its team’s experience building Rahi Systems has helped it raise a $20 million Series A round led by Mayfield, with participation from Cisco Investments and other investors. The fresh capital brings Gruve’s total funding to $37.5 million. Raisoni said that his team first meets with the client to determine their AI needs and prepares their data to support AI applications before recommending and implementing AI solutions. “You must understand your customer’s business before you can implement because their business processes are different, their workflows are different. How they service their clients is different,” he said. But once Gruve is ready to deploy, AI agents will handle tasks such as security breach detection and the transition from on-premises to cloud CRM. Similar to traditional IT consultancies, the company partners with select trusted tech vendors to implement their solutions for clients. Gruve’s current partners include large companies like Cisco, IBM’s Red Hat, and Google, as well as about a dozen AI-native startups like Glean and Supervity. But unlike most tech consultancies, Gruve won’t bill its clients when the solution is first implemented. Their “services are available on demand, the same way electricity is provided or the same way cloud computing is provided,” Chaddha said. For example, if Gruve has implemented AI for security, the company will only charge the client upon a security breach detected and analyzed by the installed AI.

The tech layoff wave is still kicking in 2025. Last year saw more than 150,000 job cuts across 549 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. So far this year, more than 22,000 workers have been the victim of reductions across the tech industry, with a staggering 16,084 cuts taking place in February alone. We’re tracking layoffs in the tech industry in 2025 so you can see the trajectory of the cutbacks and understand the impact on innovation across all types of companies. As businesses continue to embrace AI and automation, this tracker serves as a reminder of the human impact of layoffs — and what could be at stake with increased innovation. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the known tech layoffs that have occurred in 2025, which will be updated regularly. If you have a tip on a layoff, contact us here. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact us here. April 2025: More than 23,400 employees laid off — see all April 2025 tech layoffs March 2025: 8,834 employees laid off — see all March 2025 tech layoffs February 2025: 16,234 employees laid off — see all February 2025 tech layoffs January 2025: 2,403 employees laid off — see all January 2025 tech layoffs April Expedia Is laying off around 3% of its employees as part of its restructuring. The job cuts will mainly affect midlevel positions in the product and technology teams. The latest round of layoffs comes after the company let go of hundreds of employees from its marketing team globally in early March. Cars24 Has reduced its workforce by about 200 employees in its product and technology divisions as part of a restructuring measure. The India-based e-commerce platform for pre-owned vehicles provides a range of services like buying and selling pre-owned cars, financing, insurance, driver-on-demand, and more. In 2023, the SoftBank-backed startup raised $450 million at a valuation of $3.3 billion. Meta Is letting go of over 100 employees in its Reality Labs division, which manages virtual reality and wearable technology, according to The Verge. The job cuts affect employees developing VR experiences for Meta’s Quest headsets and staff working on hardware operations to streamline similar work between the two teams. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Intel Announced its plan to lay off more than 21,000 employees, or roughly 20% of its workforce, in April. The move comes ahead of Intel’s Q1 earnings call helmed by recently appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over from longtime chief Pat Gelsinger last year. GM Is laying off 200 people at its Factory Zero in Detroit and Hamtramck facility in Michigan, which produces GM’s electric vehicles. The cuts come amid the EV slowdown and is not caused by tariffs, according to a report. Zopper Has reportedly let go of around 100 employees since the start of 2025. Earlier this week, about 50 employees from the tech and product teams were let go in the latest round of job cuts. The India-based insurtech startup has raised a total of $125 million to date. Turo Will reduce its workforce by 150 positions following its decision not to proceed with its IPO, per Bloomberg. The San Francisco-based car rental startup, which had about 1,000 staff in 2024, said the layoffs will bolster its long-term growth plans during economic uncertainty. GupShup Laid off roughly 200 employees to improve efficiency and profitability. It’s the startup’s second round of layoffs in five months, following the job cuts of around 300 employees in December. The conversational AI company, backed by Tiger Global and Fidelity, was last valued at $1.4 billion in 2021. The startup is based in San Francisco and operates in India. Forto Has reportedly eliminated 200 jobs, affecting around one-third of its employees. The German logistics startup reduced a significant number of sales staff. Wicresoft Will stop its operations in China, affecting around 2,000 employees. The move came after Microsoft decided to end outsourcing after-sales support to Wicresoft amid increasing trade tensions. Wicresoft, Microsoft’s first joint venture in China, was founded in 2022 and operates in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. It has over 10,000 employees. Five9 Plans to cut 123 jobs, affecting about 4% of its workforce, according to a report by MarketWatch. The software company prioritizes key strategic areas like artificial intelligence for profitable growth. Google Has laid off hundreds of employees in its platforms and devices division, which covers Android, Pixel phones, the Chrome browser, and more, according to The Information. Microsoft Is contemplating additional layoffs that could happen by May, Business Insider reported, citing anonymous sources. The company is said to be discussing reducing the number of middle managers and non-coders in a bid to increase the ratio of programmers to product managers. Automattic The WordPress.com developer is laying off 16% of its workforce across departments. Before the layoffs, the company’s website showed it had 1,744 employees, so more than 270 staff may have been laid off. Canva Has let go of 10 to 12 technical writers approximately nine months after telling its employees to use generative AI tools wherever possible. The company, which had around 5,500 staff in 2024, was valued at $26 billion after a secondary stock sale in 2024. March Northvolt Has laid off 2,800 employees, affecting 62% of its total staff. The layoffs come weeks after the embattled Swedish battery maker filed for bankruptcy. Block Let go of 931 employees, around 8% of its workforce, as part of a reorganization, according to an internal email seen by TechCrunch. Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of the fintech company, wrote in the email that the layoffs were not for financial reasons or to replace workers with AI. Brightcove Has laid off 198 employees, who make up about two-thirds of its U.S. workforce, per a media report. The layoff comes a month after the company was acquired by Bending Spoons, an Italian app developer, for $233 million. Brightcove had 600 employees worldwide, with 300 in the U.S., as of December 2023. Acxiom Has reportedly laid off 130 employees, or 3.5% of its total workforce of 3,700 people. Acxiom is owned by IPG, and the news comes just a day after IPG and Omnicom Group shareholders approved the companies’ potential merger. Sequoia Capital Plans to close its office in Washington, D.C., and let go of its policy team there by the end of March, TechCrunch has confirmed. Sequoia opened its Washington office five years ago to deepen its relationship with policymakers. Three full-time employees are expected to be affected, per Forbes. Siemens Announced plans to let go of approximately 5,600 jobs globally in its automation and electric-vehicle charging businesses as part of efforts to improve competitiveness. HelloFresh Is reportedly laying off 273 employees, closing its distribution center in Grand Prairie, Texas, and consolidating to another site in Irving to manage the volume in the region. Otorio Has cut 45 employees, more than half of its workforce, after being acquired by cybersecurity company Armis for $120 million in March. ActiveFence Will reportedly reduce 22 employees, representing 7% of its workforce. Most of those affected are based in Israel as the company undergoes a streamlining process. The New York- and Tel Aviv-headquartered cybersecurity firm has raised $100 million at a valuation of about $500 million in 2021. D-ID Will cut 22 jobs, affecting nearly a quarter of its total workforce, following the announcement of the AI startup’s strategic partnership with Microsoft. NASA Announced it will be shutting down several of its offices in accordance with Elon Musk’s DOGE, including its Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy and the DEI branch in the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. Zonar Systems Has reportedly laid off some staff, according to LinkedIn posts from ex-employees. The company has not confirmed the layoffs, and it is currently unknown how many workers were affected. Wayfair Announced plans to let go of 340 employees in its technology division as part of a new restructuring effort. HPE Will cut 2,500 employees, or 5% of its total staff, in response to its shares sliding 19% in the first fiscal quarter. TikTok Will cut up to 300 workers in Dublin, accounting for roughly 10% of the company’s workforce in Ireland. LiveRamp Announced it will lay off 65 employees, affecting 5% of its total workforce. Ola Electric Is reportedly set to lay off over 1,000 employees and contractors in a cost-cutting effort. It’s the second round of cuts for the company in just five months. Rec Room Reduced its total headcount by 16% as the gaming startup shifts its focus to be “scrappier” and “more efficient.” ANS Commerce Was shut down just three years after it was acquired by Flipkart. It is currently unknown how many employees were affected. February HP Will cut up to 2,000 jobs as part of its “Future Now” restructuring plan that hopes to save the company $300 million before the end of its fiscal year. GrubHub Announced 500 job cuts after it was sold to Wonder Group for $650 million. The number of cuts affected more than 20% of its previous workforce. Autodesk Announced plans to lay off 1,350 employees, affecting 9% of its total workforce, in an attempt to reshape its GTM model. The company is also making reductions in its facilities, though it does not plan to close any offices. Google Is planning to cut employees in its People Operations and cloud organizations teams in a new reorganization effort. The company is offering a voluntary exit program to U.S.-based People Operations employees. Nautilus Reduced its headcount by 25 employees, accounting for 16% of its total workforce. The company is planning to release a commercial version of its proteome analysis platform in 2026. eBay Will reportedly cut a few dozen employees in Israel, potentially affecting 10% of its 250-person workforce in the country. Starbucks Cut 1,100 jobs in a reorganizing effort that affected its tech workers. The coffee chain will now outsource some tech work to third-party employees. Commercetools Laid off dozens of employees over the last few weeks, including around 10% of staff in one day, after failing to meet its sales growth targets. The “headless commerce” platform raised money at a $1.9 billion valuation just a few years ago. Dayforce Will cut roughly 5% of its current workforce in a new efficiency drive to increase profitability and growth. Expedia Laid off more employees in a new effort to cut costs, though the total number is unknown. Last year, the travel giant cut about 1,500 roles in its Product & Technology division. Skybox Security Has ceased operations and has laid off its employees after selling its business and technology to Israeli cybersecurity company Tufin. The cuts affect roughly 300 people. HerMD Is shutting down its operations amid “ongoing challenges in healthcare.” It’s unclear the number of employees affected. In 2023, the women’s healthcare startup raised $18 million to fund its expansion. Zendesk Cut 51 jobs in its San Francisco headquarters, according to state filings with the Employment Development Department. The SaaS startup previously reduced its headcount by 8% in 2023. Vendease Has cut 120 employees, affecting 44% of its total staff. It’s the Y Combinator-backed Nigerian startup’s second layoff round in just five months. Logically Reportedly laid off dozens of employees as part of a new cost-cutting effort that aims to ensure “long-term success” in the startup’s mission to curb misinformation online. Blue Origin Will lay off about 10% of its workforce, affecting more than 1,000 employees. According to an email to staff obtained by CNN, the cuts will largely have an impact on positions in engineering and program management. Redfin Announced in an SEC filing that it will cut around 450 positions between February and July 2025, with a complete restructuring set to be completed in the fall, following its new partnership with Zillow. Sophos Is laying off 6% of its total workforce, the cybersecurity firm confirmed to TechCrunch. The cuts come less than two weeks after Sophos acquired Secureworks for $859 million. Zepz Will cut nearly 200 employees as it introduces redundancy measures and closes down its operations in Poland and Kenya. Unity Reportedly conducted another round of layoffs. It’s unknown how many employees were affected. JustWorks Cut nearly 200 employees, CEO Mike Seckler announced in a note to employees, citing “potential adverse events” like a recession or rising interest rates. Bird Cut 120 jobs, affecting roughly one-third of its total workforce, TechCrunch exclusively learned. The move comes just a year after the Dutch startup cut 90 employees following its rebrand. Sprinklr Laid off about 500 employees, affecting 15% of its workforce, citing poor business performance. The new cuts follow two earlier layoff rounds for the company that affected roughly 200 employees. Sonos Reportedly let go of approximately 200 employees, according to The Verge. The company previously cut 100 employees as part of a layoff round in August 2024. Workday Laid off 1,750 employees, as originally reported by Bloomberg and confirmed independently by TechCrunch. The cuts affect roughly 8.5% of the enterprise HR platform’s total headcount. Okta Laid off 180 employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The cuts come just over one year after the access and identity management giant let go of 400 workers. Cruise Is laying off 50% of its workforce, including CEO Marc Whitten and several other top executives, as it prepares to shut down operations. What remains of the autonomous vehicle company will move under General Motors. Salesforce Is reportedly eliminating more than 1,000 jobs. The cuts come as the giant is actively recruiting and hiring workers to sell new AI products. January Cushion Has shut down operations, CEO Paul Kesserwani announced on LinkedIn. The fintech startup’s post-money valuation in 2022 was $82.4 million, according to PitchBook. Placer.ai Laid off 150 employees based in the U.S., affecting roughly 18% of its total workforce, in an effort to reach profitability. Amazon Laid off dozens of workers in its communications department in order to help the company “move faster, increase ownership, strengthen our culture, and bring teams closer to customers.” Stripe Is laying off 300 people, according to a leaked memo reported by Business Insider. However, according to the memo, the fintech giant is planning to grow its total headcount by 17%. Textio Laid off 15 employees as the augmented writing startup undergoes a restructuring effort. Pocket FM Is cutting 75 employees in an effort to “ensure the long-term sustainability and success” of the company. The audio company last cut 200 writers in July 2024 months after partnering with ElevenLabs. Aurora Solar Is planning to cut 58 employees in response to an “ongoing macroeconomic challenges and continued uncertainty in the solar industry.” Meta Announced in an internal memo that it will cut 5% of its staff targeting “low performers” as the company prepares for “an intense year.” As of its latest quarterly report, Meta currently has more than 72,000 employees. Wayfair Will cut up to 730 jobs, affecting 3% of its total workforce, as it plans to exit operations in Germany and focus on physical retailers. Pandion Is shutting down its operations, affecting 63 employees. The delivery startup said employees will be paid through January 15 without severance. Icon Is laying off 114 employees as part of a team realignment, per a new WARN notice filing, focusing its efforts on a robotic printing system. Altruist Eliminated 37 jobs, affecting roughly 10% of its total workforce, even as the company pursues “aggressive” hiring. Aqua Security Is cutting dozens of employees across its global markets as part of a strategic reorganization to increase profitability. SolarEdge Technologies Plans to lay off 400 employees globally. It’s the company’s fourth layoff round since January 2024 as the solar industry as a whole faces a downturn. Level The fintech startup, founded in 2018, abruptly shut down earlier this year. Per an email from CEO Paul Aaron, the closure follows an unsuccessful attempt to find a buyer, though Employer.com has a new offer under consideration to acquire the company post-shutdown. This list updates regularly. On April 24, 2025, we corrected the number of layoffs that happened in March.

Tools for Humanity, the startup behind the World human verification project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, unveiled Wednesday a mobile device designed to help people determine the difference between a human and an AI agent. Rich Heley, Tools for Humanity’s Chief Device Officer and a former Apple director, debuted the Orb Mini device during its “At Last” event in San Francisco. The device looks like a smartphone, and has two large sensors on the front to scan users’ eyeballs. Image Credits:ScreenshotWorld, a web3 project started by Altman and Alex Blania that was formerly known as Worldcoin, is based on the idea that it will eventually be impossible to distinguish humans from AI agents on the internet. To address this, World wants to create digital “proof of human” tools; these announcements are part of its effort to get millions of people to sign up. After scanning your eyeball with one of its silver metal Orbs — or now, one of its Orb Minis — World will give you a unique identifier on the blockchain to verify that you’re a human. The Orb Mini, a reference to the company’s larger Orb devices, has the familiar shape of a smartphone and is designed to be portable, a Tools for Humanity spokesperson told TechCrunch in a briefing. Thomas Meyerhoff, a former Apple designer, helped design the Orb Mini, according to people familiar with the new product. The main purpose of the Orb Mini is to verify more people, not necessarily to use apps, make calls, or send texts. However, the spokesperson said it’s unclear what the device’s ultimate functionality would be. After the event, Blania told TechCrunch it aims to eventually turn the Orb Mini into a mobile point-of-sale device, and perhaps even sell the sensor technology to device manufacturers. Tools for Humanity is also launching its World Network in the U.S. on Thursday, and will open storefronts in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco. The stores, which World already has in other countries, are designed for people to come in and have their eyeballs scanned by one of the company’s Orbs. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW The World project claims 26 million people have signed up, and 12 million people are verified, around the world. Today, the company has a larger presence in Latin America, South America, and Asia — but Wednesday’s announcement aims to grow the project in the U.S. While the company was light on details about its Orb Mini, the device seems to be an effort to distribute its verification devices more broadly. While World’s objectives have shifted over the years, the Orb seems core to its mission. A key question around swirling around World is whether it will one day partner with Sam Altman’s other venture, OpenAI. It’s unclear if the Orb Mini will have any AI features, or whether it’s related to the AI device OpenAI is reportedly working on.