Tag: Business

Harbinger Raises $160M to Build Electric Trucks for FedEx

The news hit late on a Tuesday, or maybe it was Wednesday — the days blur when you’re chasing a story. Harbinger, a Los Angeles-based startup, had just landed a hefty $160 million in funding.

The plan? To build electric truck chassis. And not just any chassis, but ones specifically for FedEx.

By the end of this year, they’re aiming to deliver more than 50 of these electric workhorses. It’s an ambitious goal, especially given the timelines in this industry.

The announcement, picked up by TechCrunch on November 13, 2025, sent a ripple through the industry. Electric vehicles, and the companies that build them, are always a hot topic.

The air in the room, when I first heard it, felt charged. There’s a lot of pressure, of course, on these companies. Building trucks, especially electric ones, is not easy. It’s expensive, and the technology is still developing rapidly.

But the funding signals something. It’s a bet, a vote of confidence in Harbinger’s vision. And in the future of transportation, too.

“This funding allows us to scale our production,” an official reportedly said, “and meet the growing demand for sustainable delivery solutions.”

Sustainable delivery solutions — that’s the phrase everyone’s using now. It’s more than just buzzwords, though; it’s about adapting. About being ready for what’s coming.

Fifty trucks is a start. A small one, in a way, when you consider the scale of FedEx’s operations. Still, it’s a step. A real one.

November 13, 2025
OpenAI & Startups: AI’s Fast-Paced Reality

It’s a whirlwind out there, apparently. The world of AI, as Marc Manara, OpenAI’s head of startups, described it, has moved well beyond the realm of experiments and ideas. Speaking on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, he painted a picture of a sector in hyperdrive.

Seems like just yesterday, we were all talking about AI’s potential. Now, according to Manara, AI-native companies are hitting $200 million in annual recurring revenue. That’s… a lot. And the pace? Forget two-week product cycles; we’re talking about days, even single days, to get something new out there.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is right in the thick of it. Helping, as Manara put it. But what does that really mean, on the ground? What are these startups actually *doing* with the tools they’re getting?

Earlier today, I was reading a bit about this. Russell Brandom, who was hosting the podcast, really dug into the details. The rapid shift, the shrinking timelines – it’s all kind of mind-boggling, if you stop to think about it. It’s a bit like trying to catch a speeding train.

Officials from OpenAI have been quoted, of course, but it’s the sense of speed that sticks with me. And the implications. If product cycles are truly measured in days, well, that changes everything. It changes how you build, how you test, how you even *think* about what you’re building.

“The reality has advanced far beyond ideas,” Manara said during the podcast. A simple sentence, but it carries a lot of weight, doesn’t it?

And it makes you wonder… what’s next?

November 12, 2025
OpenAI & Startups: AI’s Rapid Evolution

It’s a whirlwind, isn’t it? The world of AI, I mean. Seems like just yesterday, we were all kicking around ideas, and now… well, now things are different. Marc Manara, OpenAI’s head of startups, was at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, and he painted a picture of just how quickly the ground is shifting.

The pace is the most striking thing. Manara mentioned that AI-native companies are already hitting $200 million in annual recurring revenue. That’s not just some distant goal; it’s happening right now. And the product cycles? They’ve shrunk to a matter of days, not weeks. It’s a sprint, constantly.

Meanwhile, Russell Brandom, as part of the TechCrunch Equity podcast, sat down with Manara to get a better sense of what’s going on. They talked about what startups actually need, what they’re looking for from OpenAI, and how the company is helping them navigate this crazy new landscape.

“The reality has advanced far beyond ideas and experiments,” Manara explained. That statement really stuck with me. It’s a good way to put it. The whole field has moved from theoretical to practical, almost overnight.

Earlier today, I was reading through some of the notes from the session. The speed of iteration, the way things are changing, it’s… a bit overwhelming, to be honest. It’s like trying to keep up with a river that’s constantly changing course.

Officials from OpenAI, as per reports, are focusing on providing the tools and support that startups need to keep up. It’s about more than just the technology; it’s about helping these companies survive and thrive in a world that’s being redefined in real-time. This is, in a way, a race.

And it seems like OpenAI is right in the thick of it, helping these startups, providing them with the resources they need to go from idea to, well, that $200 million revenue mark. Still, the pressure must be immense.

November 12, 2025
Prediction Markets: Slim Odds for Trump Tariff Win

The numbers, as they say, don’t lie. Or at least, they offer a cold, hard perspective. Following the Supreme Court’s oral arguments regarding the Trump-era tariffs, the prediction markets have spoken, and the news isn’t exactly rosy for the former president.

As of today, the odds of the Supreme Court siding with Trump’s tariffs stand at a mere 24%, according to data pulled from prediction platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. That’s a significant drop, suggesting traders aren’t betting on a win.

It kind of feels like watching a slow-motion train wreck, doesn’t it? You know the outcome, you see the forces at play, but you’re still watching, waiting for the inevitable.

These markets, for those unfamiliar, allow participants to wager on the likelihood of future events. In this case, traders are putting their money where their mouths are, or, more accurately, where their financial analysis leads them. The lower the percentage, the less likely the event, in this case, a Supreme Court win for Trump, is expected to occur.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case recently. The specifics of the case involve the legality of the tariffs, which were imposed during Trump’s presidency. The implications are, of course, far-reaching, touching upon international trade and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

Meanwhile, the traders on these platforms, they’re watching, analyzing, and placing their bets. It’s a fascinating, if slightly unsettling, glimpse into the collective psyche, the way we try to predict the future.

One can’t help but wonder what the mood is like in the trading rooms, the collective anticipation. What are the calculations, the arguments, the second-guessing that goes into these wagers?

A spokesperson for Kalshi, when reached for comment, declined to provide specific details on trading volume but confirmed the general trend. The ministry confirmed the numbers.

By evening, the market, like the court, remains open. The numbers, for now, tell their story.

November 12, 2025
WisdomAI Raises $50M: AI Data Startup Secures Funding

It’s a familiar story, in a way. Another day, another hefty investment in the world of AI. This time, it’s WisdomAI, the data analytics startup, announcing a fresh round of funding. The news, breaking on November 12th, 2025, seems to confirm the relentless march of technological advancement. Or at least, the relentless flow of venture capital.

WisdomAI, as per reports, secured a cool $50 million. The round was led by Kleiner Perkins and Nvidia, two names that carry a certain weight in the tech world. It’s a vote of confidence, no doubt, in WisdomAI’s approach to data analytics.

What exactly does WisdomAI do? Well, they’re offering AI-driven solutions to make sense of, well, everything. Structured data, unstructured data, even the “dirty” kind — the stuff riddled with typos and errors. Seems like a necessary service, these days.

I remember reading a tweet from a data scientist a while back. She was complaining about the sheer volume of unusable data, the digital equivalent of a cluttered desk. WisdomAI, at least on paper, seems to offer a solution to that very problem.

The company’s goal is to answer business questions by sifting through this digital mess. It’s a bold ambition. To take the chaotic reality of raw data and turn it into something useful.

“We believe in the power of data, even the messy bits,” an official from WisdomAI was quoted as saying in TechCrunch.

And it’s not just about the technology itself. It’s about what that technology *allows*. Could this mean faster insights, better decisions? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just another step in the ongoing quest to make sense of the world, one data point at a time. Still, $50 million is a lot of faith.

November 12, 2025
WisdomAI Raises $50M: AI Data Analytics Startup Secures Funding

The news hit my desk earlier today: WisdomAI, the AI data analytics startup, has secured another round of funding. This time, a cool $50 million, led by Kleiner Perkins and Nvidia. It seems like only yesterday they were announcing their seed round, but that was back in the spring of 2024. Time flies, especially in this tech world.

What’s got everyone so interested? Well, WisdomAI is promising something pretty compelling: AI that can make sense of all kinds of data to answer business questions. Not just the nice, clean stuff, but the messy, “dirty” data, full of typos and errors. That’s a huge promise, and a big problem they’re trying to solve.

A spokesperson from Kleiner Perkins, reached by phone this afternoon, said, “We see huge potential in WisdomAI’s approach. Their ability to handle unstructured data, the stuff that’s often overlooked, is a game-changer.” That’s the kind of language you hear in these situations, but it’s hard to dismiss the enthusiasm. Especially when you see the names attached.

And, the numbers don’t lie. This latest round brings WisdomAI’s total funding to over $80 million, as per public records. It’s a sign, I think, of where the market is headed. Data, and making sense of it, is the new gold rush. Everyone wants to be able to pull insights from every scrap of information.

Meanwhile, the market is watching, too. You see the chatter online, the analysts weighing in. It’s a reminder of how quickly things move. One minute, a company is just an idea; the next, it’s a headline. And then, the pressure is on.

It’s still early days, of course. But this funding round, coming in November of 2025, certainly feels like a significant step forward for WisdomAI. And, in a way, for the whole field. The kind of investment that makes you wonder what they’ll come up with next.

November 12, 2025
Groww IPO: India’s Retail Investing Surge

The air in the trading room felt charged, you know? It was November 12, 2025, and all eyes were on Groww. The company, a prominent player in India’s retail investment space, had just launched its IPO. The numbers, honestly, were pretty striking.

Groww managed to raise nearly $750 million. Shares opened at ₹112, which was already 12% above the initial issue price. By the close of trading, they’d climbed further, settling at ₹128.85. That gave the company a market capitalization of around ₹795 billion, roughly $9 billion.

The buzz was palpable. Everyone seemed to be talking about it — from seasoned brokers to first-time investors. The mood was optimistic, reflecting the general sentiment surrounding the Indian market, particularly the retail sector. The tricky part is, a lot of this growth is relatively recent.

A source at the Bombay Stock Exchange, who preferred to remain anonymous, mentioned that the IPO’s success was a clear indication of the confidence in India’s retail investing boom. “It’s a sign of a maturing market,” they said, “and a testament to the growing financial literacy among the younger generation.”

The scene at the trading floor was a mix of tension and excitement. Screens flickered with real-time data, and the murmur of conversations filled the room. The success of Groww’s IPO, you could see, was more than just a financial event; it was a cultural one. It spoke volumes about the changing financial landscape in India.

The company, it seems, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Their platform has gained popularity among younger investors, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide range of investment options. The IPO, in a way, is just the next step.

And the future? It’s hard to say, of course. But the initial success of the IPO certainly paints a positive picture — or maybe I’m misreading it. The market, after all, is a fickle beast.

November 12, 2025
Groww IPO: India’s Retail Investing Market Surges

The air in the trading room felt charged on November 12, 2025. You could almost feel the anticipation as Groww, the Indian investment platform, launched its Initial Public Offering. The numbers were impressive, as per reports.

Groww, you see, managed to raise nearly $750 million. The shares opened at ₹112, a significant 12% above the issue price. By the close of trading, they were at ₹128.85. The market cap? Roughly $9 billion, a figure that seemed to hang in the air, a testament to the retail investing boom that’s been sweeping across India.

It’s hard to ignore the broader context. India’s retail investing scene has been on fire. A witness mentioned, “It’s like everyone is looking for a piece of the pie.” Groww has been a major player in this, and this IPO seems to be a clear sign of confidence.

The company’s success isn’t just about numbers, though. It’s also about timing, of course. The market is favorable, and Groww has positioned itself well. The platform has made investing more accessible, which is crucial, you know.

The tricky part is what comes next. How will Groww use these funds? How will they maintain this momentum? The answers, like the market itself, are still unfolding. But the opening day performance gives them a strong starting point.

And then there’s the ripple effect. Other companies are watching, no doubt. This IPO could well encourage more Indian startups to go public, further fueling the market. Or maybe I’m misreading it.

The room cleared out slowly as the day ended. The screens, once filled with numbers, began to fade. The feeling, though, the buzz of a successful IPO, lingered.

November 12, 2025
AI Startups: Nailing Product-Market Fit

It’s a question that’s probably been on the minds of every AI startup founder: How do you actually *nail* product-market fit? I was reading a piece over on TechCrunch the other day — dated November 11, 2025, if you’re keeping track — and it got me thinking. The article, which I’ll link below, featured insights from a couple of investors who’ve seen a thing or two.

They’re not just throwing around buzzwords, either. It’s practical stuff. They talk about what founders and operators should be focusing on. About how to avoid some of the classic pitfalls. The whole product-market fit thing… it’s a journey, right?

Notably, the article really drove home the idea that AI startups, in particular, face unique challenges. The technology is new, the landscape is shifting constantly, and the expectations are… well, they’re pretty high. So, how do you even begin to approach something like that?

The Core Questions

One of the first things the investors highlighted was the need to really understand your customer. Who are they? What problems are they *actually* trying to solve? It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many startups get this wrong, especially in the AI space. They get caught up in the technology itself, in the potential, and they forget to listen to what the market is telling them.

The investors stressed that product-market fit isn’t a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process. It’s about iterating, testing, and adapting. You build something, you get feedback, you adjust. And you keep doing that until you find something that resonates.

This means being willing to pivot, too. To change your approach if something isn’t working. That can be tough, especially if you’ve poured your heart and soul into something. But sometimes, it’s necessary.

Focusing on the Real Problems

The best AI startups, the article suggested, are the ones that aren’t just building cool tech. They’re building solutions to real problems. Problems that people are willing to pay to solve. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your technology meets a genuine need.

And it’s not always about the flashiest AI. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that are the most practical, the most user-friendly, and the ones that deliver the best results. That’s the core of product-market fit, right?

The investors also touched on the importance of building a strong team. A team that can execute the vision, adapt to change, and keep pushing forward. It’s a key ingredient, you could say.

Beyond the Tech

One thing that resonated with me was the idea that product-market fit isn’t just about the product itself. It’s about the whole experience. It’s about how easy it is to use, how well it integrates with other systems, and the level of support you provide. It’s everything, really.

This article, and the investors’ insights, really make you think. It’s not just about the technology, it’s about the people. It’s about the market, and the need. AI startups, like any startup, need to remember that at their core.

So, the next time you hear someone talking about AI and product-market fit, remember: it’s a journey. A complex one, sure, but also a really exciting one. And the best AI startups are the ones that are prepared to go the distance.

For now, it’s a reminder that the best technology solves real problems.

November 11, 2025
Planning Ahead: How Founders Can Prep for Late-Stage Funding

It’s funny, isn’t it? How much of the startup game is about looking ahead. The article I read today, from TechCrunch, really drove that home. It’s all about late-stage fundraises, and how founders can, and really should, start preparing from day one. Seems obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds, you know?

The core idea? Start building those relationships *now*. I mean, if you’re a startup, you probably have a million things on your plate. But the piece really emphasizes that forging connections with late-stage investors early on is crucial. It’s like planting seeds in a garden. You don’t wait until the harvest to start, right?

Notably, the piece doesn’t just say ‘network.’ It’s more nuanced. It’s about understanding what late-stage investors look for. They’re not just throwing money around; they want to see a clear path to returns. So, it’s not just about knowing names; it’s about understanding their investment theses, their portfolios, what they value. That takes time, it takes research, and it takes… well, it takes the kind of foresight that separates the good founders from the great.

And it makes sense when you think about it. Late-stage investors are, by definition, looking at more mature companies. They want to see traction, revenue, a solid business model. They’re not taking big risks, so your groundwork has to be rock solid. This means having a clear narrative, a compelling story that resonates with *their* priorities.

Earlier this week, I was talking to a friend who is a founder. He’s in the thick of it – early stage, trying to get off the ground. He was so focused on the immediate, on getting that initial seed round. And, you know, that’s understandable. But the TechCrunch article kind of nudged me to think: what if he also started, in a small way, to build those relationships for the future? Not in a pushy, desperate way, but in a smart, strategic way.

It’s not just about the money, either. The article kind of implies that the right investors bring more than just capital. They bring experience, connections of their own, and a deeper understanding of the market. They can help you navigate the tricky waters of scaling up. You get that, and you’re set.

Still. It’s a balancing act, right? You’re building a company, dealing with the daily grind, and then you have to think about the *future* future. But, in a way, it’s also about changing your mindset. It’s about seeing the whole field, not just the immediate patch in front of you.

The article also touched on the idea of transparency. Late-stage investors want to see the whole picture. They want to understand the risks, the challenges, the potential roadblocks. So, it’s about being upfront, honest, and building trust. You’re not just selling a dream; you’re building a partnership.

And, you know, I think that’s the real takeaway. It’s not just about getting the funding. It’s about building a solid foundation, a sustainable business, and a relationship built on mutual respect. It’s a long game, and the best players are always thinking a few steps ahead.

November 11, 2025