Over the last 15 years or so, as European venture capital shifted into a higher gear, one way to help a nation’s ecosystem flourish was to invest in founders from that country, regardless of where they were based. This would help re-patriate the entrepreneurial mindset back home. In Europe, the approach was pioneered in part […]
Vento rolls out new €75M fund for Italian founders, no matter where they live Read More »
In this episode TechCrunch Editor in Chief, Connie Loizos, is joined by Aileen Lee the founder of Cowboy Ventures. Aileen coined the term “unicorn” in a TechCrunch article all the way back in late 2013. In this conversation, they discus the ongoing liquidity crisis in the startup ecosystem, the secondary market’s evolution, and how VCs
VC Aileen Lee still sees the most promise in ‘unsexy tech’ Read More »
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
A comprehensive list of 2025 tech layoffs Read More »
Silicon Valley has been captivated by the prospect of AI, not only as a productivity enhancer but also as a catalyst for creating successful companies with much leaner teams than in the past. Stories abound of AI startups quickly reaching tens of millions in revenue with headcount as low as 20 people. With less overhead,
Y Combinator founders raising less money signal a ‘vibe shift,’ VC says Read More »
A new venture firm called Leitmotif has been on a quiet blitz for the last 16 months, funding around 20 startups broadly focused on decarbonization. Its portfolio includes EV companies, space and battery plays, and four nuclear fusion startups. But the firm has only said its funding is from “European industrial interests.” Now, Leitmotif has
Meet the new VC firm secretly backed by Volkswagen Read More »
A new venture firm called Leitmotif has been on a quiet blitz for the last 16 months, funding around 20 startups broadly focused on decarbonization. Its portfolio includes EV companies, space and battery plays, and four nuclear fusion startups. But the firm has only said its funding is from “European industrial interests.” Now, Leitmotif has
Meet the new VC firm secretly backed by Volkswagen Read More »
DeepSeek’s founder Liang Wenfeng is in no hurry to get investment from outsiders, the WSJ reported Monday. DeepSeek is one of the hottest AI startups in the world right now after the Chinese AI company took Silicon Valley by storm with its latest model earlier this year. Unlike DeepSeek’s AI model provider counterparts, who regularly
DeepSeek isn’t taking VC money yet. Here are 3 reasons why. Read More »
Given how much money VCs are pouring into AI startups these days, it may seem like VCs have decided: If it’s not AI, they won’t write a big check. But that’s not exactly what’s happening. Dealmaking at the moment is more nuanced, said VC Insight Partners managing director Ryan Hinkle during a recent Equity podcast.
Insight VC explains the biggest mistake that keeps founders from raising a big round Read More »
Are you a pre-Series A startup founder looking to make your mark on a global stage? This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Applications for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 — the premier startup pitch competition — are officially open. We want to see you showcase your game-changing innovations to the world at TechCrunch Disrupt
Applications open for Startup Battlefield 200 Read More »
On July 15, 1,200 founders and VCs across all stages will gather at SoWa Power Station in Boston for TechCrunch All Stage 2025 — the ultimate summit for startup founders. What does this mean for you? A golden opportunity to showcase your brand to a powerhouse crowd eager to scale. It’s easy — just head
Secure an exhibit table at All Stage 2025 Read More »
