Autnmy AI has launched the Road to Autonomy Index, a generative AI platform that evaluates and ranks autonomous vehicle companies based on operational data. The index, updated every 12 hours, covers robotaxis, licensing companies, trucks, and delivery bots, with China's Baidu Apollo Go currently leading the robotaxi rankings.
Relativity Space, led by Eric Schmidt, will launch NASA's Aeolus payload to Mars in 2028. The mission aims to provide the first daily global view of Martian winds, temperatures, dust, and clouds, informing future astronaut missions.
TechCrunch highlights buzzy YC Spring 2026 startups, focusing on defense tech, AI agents, and developer tools. Several companies secured significant funding and high valuations, with 9 Mothers reportedly valued over $200 million for its counter-drone systems.
SpaceX's historic IPO raised $85.7 billion, making it the largest in history and turning Elon Musk into the world's first trillionaire. Shares opened at $150 on Nasdaq, with heavy trading volume.
SpaceX has completed its historic IPO, pricing 555.6 million shares at $135 each to raise $75 billion, making it the largest IPO ever and turning Elon Musk into the world's first trillionaire. Shares surged on the first day of trading.
SpaceX's market cap surpasses Tesla's, fueling merger speculation. GM plans LFP cell production for energy storage, not EVs yet. Waymo acquires Apple's Arizona proving ground for $220M, signaling expansion.
SpaceX's historic IPO raised $75 billion by pricing 555.6 million shares at $135 each, making it the largest IPO ever. Shares opened at $150 on Nasdaq, rising 30% in midday trading. The IPO could make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire.
TechCrunch and VivaTech 2026 are collaborating to spotlight emerging startups and enterprise AI innovations. The partnership aims to showcase European companies focusing on industrial AI applications, moving beyond consumer-facing models to address complex integration and deployment challenges.
GM's EV cost reduction plans, SpaceX IPO implications, and various mobility deals and updates highlighted in TechCrunch Mobility newsletter.
Startup Battlefield 200 applications close June 8, offering early-stage startups a chance to pitch live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco for $100,000 in equity-free funding and industry exposure.
Carvana has received a warrant to potentially invest in Slate Auto, an EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos. The deal, revealed in Delaware filings, could see Carvana acquire shares in Slate Auto around 2025, as both companies explore new business avenues.
TechCrunch and VivaTech 2026 are collaborating to spotlight AI strategies, contrasting Europe's focus on industrial competitiveness and regulation with Silicon Valley's emphasis on scale and speed. The event in Paris will feature discussions on AI governance and its application in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
Meta is testing a new 'Series' feature for Reels on Instagram and Facebook, allowing creators to bundle episodic content into dedicated hubs. This move aims to encourage longer-term viewing habits and provide creators with an organized way to release serialized videos, mirroring a similar feature on TikTok.
TechCrunch is extending the application deadline for its Startup Battlefield competition to June 8. Founders can pitch live for a $100,000 prize and gain exposure to investors and media. Even non-selected applicants receive benefits.
TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield has launched over 1,700 companies, raising $32 billion and achieving 250+ exits. The competition serves as a crucial launchpad, with recent alumni sharing their post-event journeys on the "Build Mode" podcast. Applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 are open until June 8.
Strava is now charging developers $11.99 per month to access its data for building applications. This new subscription fee impacts how third-party apps can integrate with the popular fitness tracking platform.
Ferrari's new all-electric Luce EV faces backlash, while Texas enacts a new law for AV testing. The report also covers recent deals in the mobility sector, including EV charging and drone delivery companies, and updates on American Airlines, Rivian, Volvo, and Waymo's robotaxi.
US Black-founded startups have raised $643 million in funding this year, nearing 2025's total. This surge is driven by a few large deals, including SambaNova's $350 million Series E, but experts note it's still a small fraction of overall venture capital and doesn't signify significant progress due to persistent funding declines and lack of network access.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 offers last chance for Early Bird savings up to $410 until 11:59 p.m. PT tonight, featuring networking, startup discovery, and industry-shaping conversations in San Francisco, Oct 13-15.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticket prices increase after May 29; event runs Oct 13-15 in San Francisco, featuring 10,000+ attendees, 250+ speakers, and Startup Battlefield with a $100,000 prize.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 offers last chance for savings up to $410 until May 29, featuring industry stages for credibility-building in startup growth, AI, fintech, and more, attracting 10,000+ attendees.
TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 program, offering VC access, global visibility, and $100k funding, has a final application deadline of Friday, May 27. Early-stage founders are urged to apply or nominate others.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, held in San Francisco Oct 13-15, offers early bird savings until May 29. The event focuses on providing founders with access to investors, VCs, and networking opportunities to accelerate fundraising and scaling.
Waymo has paused robotaxi operations in multiple cities due to weather and construction zone issues, highlighting ongoing challenges in commercializing autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, SpaceX's IPO filing reveals significant financial transactions with other Elon Musk-affiliated companies like Tesla and The Boring Company.
