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Tag: founded

  • Tech founder throws hat in California governor’s race

    Tech founder throws hat in California governor’s race

    Tech founder Ethan Agarwal, who has raised tens of millions of dollars from VCs across two startups, is running for the 2026 California gubernatorial seat, as reported by Axios.

    Axios described Agarwal as a “Democrat who believes in capitalism.” He told the outlet he’s mainly concerned about the increased cost of living and doing business in the state, which has led to the departure of residents and other opportunities, such as film productions.

    California “could use some business and tech acumen to fix things in a way that other candidates in the race won’t,” he told Axios.

    Agarwal previously co-founded fintech startup The Coterie, which raised $80 million from VCs, according to PitchBook, before its assets were sold earlier this year. He also co-founded Aaptiv, an audio-focused fitness app that raised roughly $61 million before being sold to Pear Health Labs for undisclosed terms.

    Agarwal has already planned campaign fundraising events, with hosts including DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang and Y Combinator President Garry Tan, who invested in The Coterie through his venture firm Initialized Capital.

    He has already updated his LinkedIn profile to list his latest position as “Candidate for Governor.”

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

  • Meta acquires AI audio startup WaveForms

    Meta has acquired AI voice startup WaveForms for an undisclosed sum, The Information reports. It’s the company’s latest buy to strengthen its new AI unit, Superintelligence Labs, and Meta’s second major AI audio acquisition in the last month after it bought PlayAI. 

    WaveForms, founded just eight months ago, raised $40 million from Andreessen Horowitz in a round that valued the company at $160 million pre-money, per PitchBook data. 

    Two of the startup’s co-founders — former Meta and OpenAI researcher Alexis Conneau, and former Google advertising strategist Coralie Lemaitre — have reportedly joined Meta. While at OpenAI, Conneau co-created GPT4-o Advanced Voice Mode neural networks. 

    TechCrunch has reached out to WaveForms to find out whether its chief technologist, Kartikay Khandelwal, will also join Meta, as well as the outcome of the deal for the roughly 14 other staffers (per LinkedIn) at the company.

    WaveForms appears to have taken down its own website, but the company’s LinkedIn page describes its mission as solving the “Speech Turing Test,” which tries to measure if a listener can distinguish between human and AI-generated speech. WaveForms was also developing “Emotional General Intelligence,” which focuses on understanding individual self-awareness and management.

    Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Khandelwal’s role at WaveForms.

  • Richie Leonard, former Cocoa Tiger, earns Allstate AFCA Good Works nomination

    Richie Leonard, former Cocoa Tiger, earns Allstate AFCA Good Works nomination

    awards recognizes players making a difference in their communities

    Richie Leonard, former Cocoa Tiger, earns Allstate AFCA Good Works nomination

    Meet Richie Leonard IV: The Cage‑Fit Copycat Who’s Also a Community Crusader

    Richie Leonard IV, Florida State’s redshirt senior offensive lineman, isn’t just piling up tackles on the gridiron—he’s also hauling the town’s hope forward. The Aflac‑white‑jacket player has landed a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the squad that does more than slide under the saw‑tooth line: it rewards athletes who pack real, positive vibes into their neighborhoods.

    Why Richie’s Good‑Works Game Has Everyone Talking

    • What’s the scoop? — Richie, hailing from Cocoa, Florida, founded the Richie H. Leonard Football Camp. It’s a summer playground where kids can learn football and life lessons in his hometown.
    • Community impact? — The camp’s all‑in‑one approach boosts confidence, ramps up teamwork, and yes—creates a whole bunch of future linemen ready to tackle whatever life throws at them.
    • The nomination? — The AFCA Good Works Team recognizes players like Richie who’re not only excelling on the field but also lifting the morale of their community.

    Enough with the Teasy Talk—Richie’s Playbook

    When Richie says “the field is where I play,” he means it’s both a place of sweat and a school of kindness. Fancy a cool analogy? He’s the offensive line that protects the quarterback, and he’s the community captain who protects and nurtures the next generation.

    What’s next for our Linked‑In‑hall‑of‑fame athlete?

    In the coming months, Richie’s plans keep expanding—he’s planning a new coaching bootcamp, a scholarship fund for promising players, and a ‘no‑touch’ experience for local youth who have found themselves in, well, less-than-ideal positions. Basically, the man’s on a mission to keep the spirit of “team” alive far beyond the 100‑yard line.

    Final Thought

    From the high‑stakes of the college fields to the low‑stakes daily challenges faced by kids in Cocoa, Richie—is living proof that a good play can be as vital as a good community. Who knew that blocking out the bad vibes could be his signature move?

    Richie Leonard’s Big-Couch‑Day: Game, Give, and Globetrot

    From Couch to Pigskin: The Cocoa Camp Craze

    Meet Richie H. Leonard—a Cocoa, Florida native who decided that passing the ball and giving back should go hand‑in‑hand. He launched the Richie H. Leonard Football Camp in 2024, and it’s been a touchdown for the community ever since.

    • Free to all: No fee, no fuss.
    • 300+ eager players in the first season.
    • Local sponsors turned the camp into a charity blitz.

    Touchdown Gift to the Cocoa High Team

    During the camp’s kickoff, Coach Ryan Schneider of the Cocoa High Football team received a generous ball‑roll from Richie. The $5,000 donation led to upgraded helmets, better practice fields, and more pep talks.

    Slashing Across the Balloon: The Argentina Adventure

    Mid‑year, Richie took a detour with the FSU Fellowship of Christian Athletes to Argentina. The week‑long excursion wasn’t just about food and tango—it aimed at spreading the love of American football. Local teams learned the off‑side rule, and kids in Buenos Aires got a taste of the gridiron groove.

    Why It All Works

    Richie’s plan has three core scores:

    1. Community build‑up: The camp brings in new fans, new players, and new friends.
    2. Financial boost: The donation keeps the Wildcats’ program thriving.
    3. Global outreach: Introducing American football to Argentina opens a whole new fan base.

    So next time you’re in Cocoa, grab a ball, a buddy, or a newspaper story. Richie Leonard’s hustle proves that with passion and a plan, even a football camp can score big on every front.

    Leonard’s Community Crusade

    Leonard isn’t just a star on the gridiron—he’s a full‑time superhero off the field. His heart beats for the people he loves, and his hands are always ready to help.

    Backcourt Support

    He’s the quiet king behind an AAU basketball team. Whether it’s coaching or cheering, Leonard’s presence lights up the court—no benchwarmer can compete with his hype.

    Kids in Tallahassee & Cocoa

    • Lecturing at local schools with knock‑on energy and straight‑forward stories.
    • Working with kids in after‑school programs, ensuring they get the right tools for success.
    • Arranging fun, interactive sessions that mix play with life lessons.

    The Moffitt Care Packages

    Leonard’s got a whole plan for patients at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Think warm meals, cozy blankets, and the kind of surprise that makes someone break into a smile—he’s on a mission to keep comfort front and center.

    And the story of his mother, Prishonda adds personal flavor. She survived breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy at Moffitt in 2021—a real testament to resilience. Leonard was there every step of the way.

    Game Day Highlights

    • 35 career games with 17 starts—one of those 15‑minute magic bursts.
    • Stole the lead in 12 games for Florida last season, racking up a team‑high 755 snaps.
    • Started the first four games of 2024 before a season‑ending injury let him take a break.

    His journey on the field may have had untimely pauses, but his spirit in the community? That’s everlasting. Keep cheering, Leonard—your story is pure gold!

    Good Works Team:  A Legacy of “Off‑Field Champion” Spirit

    Since its founding in 1992, Florida State’s Good Works Team has been the secret sauce that rewards players who put in the extra grind beyond the gridiron—think kindness on a 60‑mile road trip, turning a school lunch into a charitable meal, or simply being a human in a world that’s too busy to notice. 

    Meet the Pioneers of the “Giving Game”

    • Dillan Gibbons – 2022
    • Camren McDonald – 2021
    • Mavin Saunders – 2017
    • Alec Eberle – 2016
    • Christian Ponder – 2010
    • Sam Cowart – 1996
    • Wayne Messam – 1995
    • Corey Fuller – 1992

    2025 Season Kick‑off – The Big Stage

    Mark your calendars: the Seminoles will step back onto the freshly sandblasted Doak Campbell Stadium for the biggest kickoff of the year on August 30 at 3:30 p.m. The opponent? Nothing less than Alabama, the juggernaut that will test every ounce of grit from the first whistle.

    Turned Into a National Spectacle

    — and, as it turns out, the stars won’t need a TV puppeteer: ABC will stream the whole showdown live for millions of viewers across the continental U.S. “That’s right,” the bows announced, “if you can’t travel to Tallahassee, tune in and feel the electric vibes of the All‑American rivalry.”

  • Sam Altman’s OpenAI is set to fund a rival of Musk’s Neuralink.

    Merge Labs, Altman’s New Brain‑Tech Startup, and the Brain‑to‑Computer Revolution

    In a move that feels straight out of a sci‑fi movie, Sam Altman is on the brink of launching Merge Labs—an ambitious brain‑to‑computer interface venture that could be worth a whopping $850 million. While the capital is rumored to stem mainly from OpenAI’s venture arm, the deal is still in its infancy, and the terms may shift as the project unfolds.

    Who’s in the Brain‑Team?

    • Sam Altman: the mastermind behind OpenAI, now looking to get your thoughts into the cloud.
    • Alex Blania: founder of Tools for Humanity (previously World), the brain behind an eye‑scan ID that lets you prove you’re a real human—no faking from the future!
    • OpenAI’s venture folks: possibly funding the whole operation, but still playing their cards close to their chest.

    Facing the Goliath: Neuralink

    Merge Labs isn’t the only one trying to plug your neurons into a kitchen‑ware‑like interface. Elon Musk’s Neuralink has been at it for years, aiming to help folks with severe paralysis control devices with their thoughts. Musk’s chip has already blown up the market with a $600 million Series E round that put the company at a $9 billion valuation last June.

    What if the Brain Tech Boom Happens?

    So what’s at stake when brain chips go mainstream? Think “the singularity”—an age where technology waltzes so closely with our minds that who we are might become a blur. Altman and Musk’ve both dreamed of a future where humans and machines don’t just coexist—they’re one awesome organism.

    Altman’s “Merge” Nostalgia

    Fast‑forward to 2017: Altman blogged about “The Merge” and how it’s already underway. He famously said, “We’re going to get a lot weirder… we’ll design our own descendants.” That’s sort of what the folks at Merge Labs are chasing right now.

    Whichever path they chase—whether it’s Musk’s sleek implants or Altman’s ambitious partnership—there’s no doubt this brain‑tech crusade will change how we talk to our laptops and hopefully, maybe, to each other.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    Late‑Night Showdown: Musk vs. Altman

    Picture this: A quiet San Francisco office, the phone’s glow on a laptop, and two tech titans—Elon Musk and Sam Altman—throwing digital punches on X.

    What went down

    • Altman calls Musk a puppet master for manipulating X.
    • Musk labels Altman a straight‑up liar in retaliation.
    • Both spill the tea while the crowd watches, hoping for a headline‑making payoff.

    The Bigger Picture

    Musk left the OpenAI symphony back in 2018, and ever since, the top‑level camaraderie has splintered into silence and occasional quarrels. If the Merge Labs concept ever makes its grand entrance, it’s bound to be a headline over the singularity scene—because nobody wants Musk floating in the void without a challenger to call out.

    OpenAI’s Response

    OpenAI chose the classic “shut‑it‑down‑that‑comment” route, leaving the world to speculate. The silence only grows the intrigue.

  • After selling to Spotify, Anchor's co-founders are back with Oboe, an AI-powered app for learning

    After selling to Spotify, Anchor's co-founders are back with Oboe, an AI-powered app for learning

    The co-founders who sold their last startup Anchor to Spotify are launching their next project: Oboe, an AI-powered educational app that enables anyone to create lightweight, flexible learning courses on nearly any topic they choose, simply by entering a prompt.

    These courses can span a variety of verticals, including topics like science, history, foreign language, news, pop culture, preparing for life changes, and more. At launch, Oboe — a name inspired by the root of the Japanese word meaning “to learn” — will offer nine different course formats. These allow users to learn in the way they prefer, Oboe co-founder Nir Zicherman explained to TechCrunch.

    Zicherman founded the company along with Anchor co-founder Michael Mignano after leaving Spotify in October 2023 and taking a brief period to recharge. Zicherman said he was inspired to work on an AI educational product after working to scale Spotify’s audiobooks business, which made it easier for people to gain access to high-quality and educational content, as it was bundled with their music subscription.

    Unlike AI chatbots, you don’t have to engage in back-and-forth conversations to learn with Oboe. Instead, you can opt for text and visuals, audio courses, games, interactive tests, and more.

    For those who want to learn on the go, Oboe offers two audio formats. One feels more like listening to a university-style lecture, while the other is akin to Google’s podcast-like NotebookLM, as it features two hosts talking in depth about the topic.a pair of screenshots showing the Oboe appImage Credits:Oboe

    “The real magic here comes from an internal architecture that we’ve built that I would describe as a complex, multi-agent architecture that we built from scratch, each part of which is orchestrated to run in parallel as we generate a course,” Zicherman says.

    “The challenge is, how do you create courses that are both high quality, entirely personalized to what the user wants to see, and also get generated extremely quickly? This all happens within seconds,” he says.

    “We have agents that, in parallel, are responsible for everything from developing the course architecture to developing and verifying the base material that’s being taught, writing the script for the podcast, pulling in real images from the internet — not AI-generated images, but real images and visuals into the reading formats that we offer,” he added.

    Some of Oboe’s agents audit the content to ensure the courses are accurate, high-quality, and personalized to what the user wants to learn.another pair of screenshots showing a deep dive and podcast episode in the Oboe app.Image Credits:Oboe

    The courses are meant to be lightweight, engaging, and fun. Plus, Oboe’s team is working on a recommendation engine that will help you continually go deeper on a topic, if you prefer. That leaves it up to the user as to whether they want to gain some surface-level knowledge about a new topic or whether they want to get more in-depth.

    This, combined with the variety of formats, will help Oboe appeal to a broader audience, the team believes.

    “To me, education conjures up images of more formal academic settings and the types of prescriptive curricula that students are used to as they grow up,” Zicherman tells TechCrunch. “But the truth is, we are all lifelong learners … So much of the time that we spend on the internet these days is spent trying to better understand things, but the truth is that the internet was built to grab our attention, not to teach effectively.”

    “We’re very excited to build a platform that is intended to be the one-stop shop to serve that intrinsic thirst for knowledge that exists in every person,” he said.

    At launch, users can consume any course created by others for free and can create up to five free courses per month. After that, there are two paid tiers: Oboe Plus, which offers 30 additional courses for $15 per month, and Oboe Pro, which offers 100 courses for $40 per month.

    The service will first be available on the web (and mobile web), but native apps for iOS and Android are on the way.

    Oboe is a team of five full-time, including Zicherman. Mignano remains a full-time partner at VC firm Lightspeed but sits on Oboe’s board and shares the co-founder title.

    The startup’s $4 million seed round was led by Eniac Ventures, the VC firm that led Anchor’s seed. The round also includes investment from Haystack, Factorial Capital, Homebrew, Offline Ventures, Scott Belsky, Kayvon Beykpour, Nikita Bier, Tim Ferriss, and Matt Lieber.