The DeepMind trio who built a poker AI are now making money for quant hedge funds

EquiLibre Technologies, a Prague-based AI lab founded by three ex-DeepMind researchers, is now valued at more than $500 million.

Clicks shows off its BlackBerry-inspired phone in a new hands-on video

A new video shows the final production version of the upcoming Clicks Communicator, a BlackBerry-like smartphone that runs modern apps.

Acti puts AI agents directly into your smartphone keyboard

Acti is betting the smartphone keyboard is the next home for AI assistants. The startup’s new keyboard for iOS and Android works across apps and lets users create custom AI-powered shortcuts using natural language.

Arcturus could halve the grid’s electrical losses using its nano-infused copper

Stealthy startup Arcturus uses lasers to infuse carbon nanomaterials into copper, dramatically improving its ability to conduct electricity.

Apply now to host a Side Event at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Apply before September 4 to be a part of the TechCrunch Disrupt community by hosting your own Side Event.

Chamath Palihapitiya raises $135M Series A for his AI coding startup, takes CEO role

VCs remain thirsty to fund AI coding startups. This one, founded by investor, Chamath Palihapitiya, is no exception.

Arena, the AI leaderboard everyone uses, is now a $100M business

The startup, which runs a popular free AI leaderboard, launched its commercial service just last September.

Omen AI’s plan to optimize data centers is all wet

Omen AI raised a $31 million Series A to monitor chip coolant and stop bacterial outbreaks in data centers.

Asian AI startups launch Mythos-like models as Anthropic’s export ban drags on

New models are launching in Asia that promise Mythos-like capabilities without fear of an export ban. U.S. AI labs may never recover this enormous market.

Corgi, the buzzy Y Combinator-backed insurance tech startup, says it didn’t steal an open source product

Corgi became embroiled in controversy when Papermark accused it of stealing its software. Corgi says it did not, raising new questions about vibe coding.