Maka Kids is redefining kids’ screen time with a streaming app optimized for well-being, not engagement |

In a media landscape dominated by Baby Shark and Skibidi Toilet, one startup is reimagining children’s media by focusing on well-being, not watch time. Maka…

Beauty booking startup Fresha hits $1B valuation with KKR backing |

Beauty and wellness booking marketplace Fresha has announced an $80 million investment from KKR’s Next Generation Technology Growth fund, valuing the London-based company at more…

Imperagen raises £5 million to use quantum physics, AI on enzyme engineering |

Biotech company Imperagen announced on Thursday a £5 million ($6.7 million) seed round led by PXN Ventures, with participation from IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone.…

Clouted wants to take the guesswork out of making short videos go viral |

It feels like short video clips from podcasts, songs, and movies are suddenly everywhere on social media right now, and that’s not an accident. Brands…

Sam Altman makes ‘mic drop’ offer to every Y Combinator startup |

During a Y Combinator event on Tuesday night, Sam Altman had what YC partner Tyler Bosmeny called a “mic drop moment.” Altman offered $2 million…

How Lucra raised $20M as an eSports play when every VC only wants AI

Slapping “AI” on yourstartup’spitch deck isbasically tablestakes right now. When a founderraised $20 million from Cathie Wood’s ARK Investfor an eSportsgamificationloyalty startup without those two…

OpenAI barrels toward IPO that may happen in September |

In Brief Posted: 10:24 AM PDT · May 20, 2026 A day after Elon Musk lost his lawsuit that threatened OpenAI’s structure, leadership, and finances,…

This startup raised $43M to build a hive mind for ships |

Oceans — to state the obvious — are big. That makes it hard for governments, shipping companies, and insurance providers to know exactly what’s happening…

NanoClaw creator turns down $20M buyout offer, raises $12M seed instead |

NanoCo, the company behind security-focused OpenClaw alternative NanoClaw, has raised an oversubscribed $12 million seed round following a viral launch, its founders tell TechCrunch. The…

Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27 |

Your shot at VC access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, and $100,000 in equity-free funding isgone in a week. Startup Battlefield 200 applicationscloseMay 27. Ifyou’rebuilding a…