Kunal Shah, founder of India's Cred, has been appointed to lead WhatsApp, a move that propels him into the global spotlight. The appointment follows Meta's investment in Cred and comes as WhatsApp expands into payments, business services, and AI.
At VivaTech 2026 in Paris, PM Modi highlighted India's AI capabilities, digital public infrastructure like UPI, and a thriving startup ecosystem. He emphasized 'AI for All Inclusive' and invited global businesses to collaborate, noting the recent India-EU trade deal and India-France Year of Innovation.
TechCrunch is bringing Startup Battlefield back to Sydney on August 19, 2026, in partnership with Stripe. Ten selected companies will pitch for a chance to compete in San Francisco, with past winners raising over $85 million.
South Korea's government, led by President Lee Jae Myung, plans to create a startup-friendly environment centered on AI and advanced technologies. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized supporting SMEs to drive economic growth and foster coexistence with large conglomerates.
