Author Beth Gardiner talks about her new book, 'Plastic Inc.' and about what she learned about the relationship between oil and gas companies and the plastics industry.
West Virginia's Ascend program offers remote workers $12,000 and outdoor recreation access to relocate, successfully attracting over 700 participants and contributing an estimated $750 million to the state's economy, despite challenges like population decline and the rise of hybrid work schedules.
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield, in partnership with Stripe, is bringing its pitch competition to Sydney, Australia, on August 19. Eight early-stage Australian startups will compete for prizes, including $15,000 in Stripe credits and an automatic entry to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.
Mobileye founder and CEO Amnon Shashua will step down from his leadership role after nearly three decades, as the company expands into robotaxis and humanoid robots. He will remain CEO until a replacement is hired, following a regulatory filing.
Patreon CEO Jack Conte announced a 20% workforce reduction, affecting 93 employees, due to market changes and the tech industry's transformation by AI. Conte clarified AI isn't replacing staff but impacts operations, while also detailing severance packages and a recent partnership to block AI scraping.
Tesla's robotaxi program, despite CEO Elon Musk's positive framing, faces challenges including flat mileage, shrinking vehicle numbers, and ongoing safety questions. Analysts express concern over slow growth and potential regulatory hurdles, contrasting with Tesla's camera-only autonomy claims.
Insurance tech startup Corgi is reportedly raising a B2 extension round, closely following its B1 raise, which would double its valuation. The Y Combinator alum, offering AI-powered insurance, data room software, and coffee shops, is backed by TCV and Kindred Ventures, with revenue projected to hit $450 million by year-end.
