OpenAI allows users to directly adjust ChatGPT’s enthusiasm level

ChatGPT users can now tweak the chatbot’s warmth, enthusiasm, and emoji use.

Building venture-backable companies in heavily regulated spaces

This week on Build Mode, Startup Battlefield editor Isabelle Johannessen spoke to two founders who are working to make progress in industries ripe for disruption, despite the regulatory headaches that might have deterred many other people.

Where are investors placing their bets next year? AI, AI, AI.

Investors at TechCrunch Disrupt explained their focus on artificial intelligence and offered advice to founders on how to stand out in a crowded AI field.

Cursor continues acquisition spree with Graphite deal

Graphite is an AI code review assistant that was last valued at $290 million.

Yann LeCun confirms his new ‘world model’ startup, reportedly seeks $5B+ valuation

Renowned AI scientist Yann LeCun confirmed on Thursday the worst-kept secret in the tech world: that he had indeed launched a new startup. Although he did say he will not be running the new company as its CEO.

Netflix acquires gaming avatar maker Ready Player Me

The gaming startup will allow Netflix subscribers to create avatars that can extend across gaming titles.

Krafton hikes India bet with new $670M fund

Called the Unicorn Growth Fund, the investment vehicle is a collaboration between Krafton and South Korean internet conglomerate Naver, and investor Mirae Asset. It aims to deploy around $669.3 million over four years.

From Roombas to e-bikes, why are hardware startups going bankrupt? 

The hardware world had a brutal week, with iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes all filing for bankruptcy.  Each company faces its own mix of tariff pressures, supply chain issues, and shifting markets, but together they tell a…

These startups are building innovations that make life (and death) better

Founders Gabriel Sanchez (Enspectra Health) and Tom Harries (Earth Funeral) share what it takes to build in heavily regulated industries where “move fast and break things” simply won’t work. In this episode of Build Mode, they reveal …

Trump Media is merging with fusion power company TAE Technologies in $6B+ deal

The merger would broaden Trump Media’s holdings into the nascent fusion power space while data centers clamor for more electricity amid the ongoing AI boom.