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Quick Hits

IPO intrigue: Reddit stirs rumors.

Tesla truck: It’s finally here.

Hauling SaaS: AI boosts sector in Europe.

AI accord: ‘Secure by design' takes hold.

A to Q to Z: Amazon debuts workspace AI.

Playable premiere: YouTube unveils mini-games.

Proper cab: Uber adds London's black taxis.

Alt-CEO: Altman retakes reigns at OpenAI.

All feathers: Rovio urges inclusive game design.

Digital divinity: ‘TikTok Jesus’ gains following.

Social rule: High Court mulls social media protections.

Scribes scandal: SI scorched over AI attribution.

Swedish sensors: Ikea introduces smart home tech.

Game over: ByteDance downscales gaming division.

Roadblock: Cruise scales back robotaxi plans.

Sunnier skies predicted for ‘24

Venture analysts tell TechCrunch they find plenty of reason for optimism for future founders in 2024. Improving software demand, steadying VC markets, and marquee IPO candidates like Shein and Reddit contribute to their sunny outlooks.

X Prize sets sights on anti-aging

The X Prize Foundation offers a record $101M for developing therapies that restore at least 10 years of function in cognition, immunity, and muscles. The prize aims to spur innovation targeting mental/physical decline from aging rather than individual diseases.

Are remote teams less innovative?

Oxford researchers analyzing millions of patents found that remote teams achieve fewer major innovations than desk-bound counterparts. While remote work increases efficiency and reach to global talent, teams struggle to integrate and move work forward. Study authors advocate a balanced approach.

AR in the office

Emerging immersive technologies like AR and VR infuse efficiencies in current practices, rather than replacing them altogether, says JPMorgan's head of immersive research tells MIT. The future is a blend of physical and digital experiences enabled by AI and IoT.

Work sprints, not marathons

Strategic 10-minute work breaks every 90 to 120 minutes can sustain energy and focus over a full day, research shows. Though often seen as wasted time, dedicated recovery periods actually increase team productivity and recharge cognition, transforming monotonous marathons into focused sprints.

Weekly Pulse

Companies compete for AI talent

Nearly three in four employers struggle to hire for in-demand AI skills despite willingness to hike salaries 43% in marketing and 35-42% across HR, finance, and legal roles, according to new research. As AI adoption accelerates, creative approaches like education partnerships and gig work gain appeal to access specialized talent now commanding premium pay.

Post of the Week

Recently Funded

• Saga Raises $5M for Web3 Protocol Development
• Vrgineers Lands $6M to Accelerate Wide-FOV VR for Enterprise
• Kek Entertainment Raises $8M to Drive Cross-Platform Gaming
• Relay, Uber-for-Parcels Startup, Raises $10M Seed to Scale in UK
• Squint Raises $13M, Led by Sequoia, for AR Product Aimed at B2B
• PhysicsX Nabs $32M for AI-Powered Engineering Software

Poll of the Week

What We’re Reading

Creativity in the age of generative AI: A new era of creative partnerships (ScienceDaily)

VCs have a jargon problem and this is how to fix it (TechCrunch)

The job-sharing apps that feel like online dating (BBC)

Interview: Sam Altman on being fired and rehired by OpenAI (TheVerge)

Podcasts of the Week

Building AI for social impact (Thoughtworks)

Startups Hiring Now

Pair Team: Virtual care and automation for community health centers | 47 open roles

Abridge: Abridge helps people stay on top of their health, one conversation at a time | 13 open roles

Divvy Homes: Find your dream home, move in now, and rent with built-in savings for your down payment | 15 open roles

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