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Gaming and Technology Blog

Category: Tech Startups Updates

  • Carta Backs SimpleClosure: Exits Startup Shutdown Service

    Carta Backs SimpleClosure: Exits Startup Shutdown Service

    Carta Shifts Focus: Invests in SimpleClosure’s Series A

    Carta, known for its equity management solutions, is changing course. They’re moving away from their startup shutdown business and instead, supporting SimpleClosure with a $15 million Series A investment. This move signals a shift in strategy for Carta and highlights the growing importance of efficient startup closure processes.

    Why the Shift?

    While Carta initially aimed to streamline the entire lifecycle of a startup, including its eventual closure, they’ve recognized the specialization required in this niche. SimpleClosure, dedicated to simplifying and managing the complex process of shutting down a startup, has gained traction.

    SimpleClosure: Simplifying Startup Shutdowns

    SimpleClosure offers a platform designed to guide founders through the often-complicated process of winding down a company. This includes handling legal requirements, asset distribution, and notifying stakeholders. Their service aims to reduce stress and ensure compliance during a difficult time.

    The $15M Series A Investment

    Carta’s investment in SimpleClosure’s Series A round demonstrates their confidence in the company’s mission and potential. The funding will likely help SimpleClosure expand its services, reach a wider audience, and further develop its platform.

    What This Means for Startups

    This collaboration between Carta and SimpleClosure provides startups with resources for both equity management and, if necessary, a streamlined shutdown process. Founders can now access specialized support throughout their company’s journey. Startups seeking assistance with company closures can explore SimpleClosure’s platform for more details.

    Carta’s Continued Focus

    Carta remains dedicated to its core business of equity management. This strategic investment allows them to support the startup ecosystem while focusing on their strengths. They will likely continue to explore partnerships and investments that complement their existing services.

  • Breathe Secures $21M to Predict Battery Performance

    Breathe Secures $21M to Predict Battery Performance

    Breathe Lands $21M Series B to Predict Battery Performance

    Breathe, a company focused on predicting battery performance, has successfully secured $21 million in a Series B funding round. This investment aims to enhance Breathe’s capabilities in providing accurate and reliable battery performance predictions, benefiting various industries that rely on battery technology. Learn more about this funding at TechCrunch.

    Enhancing Battery Prediction Technology

    The funding will enable Breathe to further develop its AI-powered platform, which analyzes battery data to forecast performance and lifespan. This technology is crucial for optimizing battery usage and preventing unexpected failures. The data analysis is crucial in extending battery lifespan, potentially reducing waste and costs in the long run. Improved battery technology also helps optimize energy usage, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

    Impact on Industries

    Breathe’s technology has wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors:

    • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Accurate battery predictions help improve the range and reliability of EVs, boosting consumer confidence.
    • Energy Storage: Better management of battery storage systems enhances grid stability and efficiency.
    • Consumer Electronics: Longer-lasting and more reliable batteries in devices like smartphones and laptops.

    Future Plans

    With the new funding, Breathe plans to expand its research and development efforts, as well as broaden its market reach. The company aims to establish itself as a leader in battery performance prediction, driving innovation and sustainability in the battery industry. Discover more about Breathe’s innovations and future plans on their website.

  • AI Game Dev Startup Sett Raises $27M Funding

    AI Game Dev Startup Sett Raises $27M Funding

    AI Game Dev Startup Sett Emerges with $27M Funding

    Sett, a new startup focused on building AI agents for game development, has emerged from stealth mode with $27 million in funding. This investment will fuel their mission to revolutionize how games are created using artificial intelligence.

    What Sett Does

    Sett is developing AI agents that can automate and enhance various aspects of game development. These agents can assist with tasks such as:

    • Level design
    • Character animation
    • Testing and QA
    • Content creation

    By leveraging AI, Sett aims to empower game developers to create more immersive and engaging experiences more efficiently. This could significantly reduce development time and costs, while also opening up new possibilities for game design.

    The Potential Impact on Game Development

    The introduction of AI agents into game development workflows has the potential to transform the industry. Developers could use these tools to:

    • Quickly prototype and iterate on game ideas
    • Generate vast amounts of content with minimal human effort
    • Personalize game experiences for individual players
    • Automate tedious and repetitive tasks

    While AI won’t replace human developers entirely, it will likely become an indispensable tool for augmenting their capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.

  • WisdomAI Secures $23M to Combat AI Hallucinations

    WisdomAI Secures $23M to Combat AI Hallucinations

    WisdomAI Secures $23M to Combat AI Hallucinations

    WisdomAI, an AI data startup, has successfully raised $23 million. They plan to use this funding to advance their innovative solutions for preventing AI hallucinations. This investment highlights the growing importance of ensuring AI systems provide accurate and reliable information.

    Understanding AI Hallucinations

    AI hallucinations occur when an AI model generates outputs that are nonsensical, factually incorrect, or completely fabricated. These inaccuracies can undermine trust in AI systems and limit their practical applications. WisdomAI aims to tackle this problem head-on with its proprietary technology.

    WisdomAI’s Approach

    WisdomAI’s approach involves several key components:

    • Data Curation: They meticulously curate datasets to eliminate biases and inaccuracies, ensuring the AI models train on high-quality information.
    • Model Monitoring: WisdomAI provides real-time monitoring of AI model outputs, detecting and flagging potential hallucinations.
    • Feedback Loops: They incorporate feedback loops to continuously improve the accuracy and reliability of AI models.

    By combining these strategies, WisdomAI aims to significantly reduce the occurrence of AI hallucinations, making AI systems more dependable and trustworthy.

  • Ox Security Secures $60M to Fortify Code

    Ox Security Secures $60M to Fortify Code

    Ox Security Lands $60M for Code Vulnerability Scanning

    Ox Security recently secured $60 million in funding to enhance its code vulnerability scanning capabilities. This investment aims to bolster the company’s mission of identifying and mitigating security risks early in the software development lifecycle.

    Focus on Early Vulnerability Detection

    Ox Security emphasizes the importance of detecting vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Their platform integrates with existing development workflows, providing continuous monitoring and analysis of code repositories. The funding will enable Ox Security to expand its research and development efforts, improving the accuracy and scope of its vulnerability detection tools. By focusing on proactive security measures, Ox Security helps organizations reduce the risk of costly breaches and maintain the integrity of their software. Find out more about their proactive security measures.

    Expansion and Innovation

    With this new capital, Ox Security plans to grow its team and invest in new technologies. The company will explore innovative approaches to code analysis, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to identify even the most subtle vulnerabilities. They will also work to improve the user experience of their platform, making it easier for developers to integrate security into their daily workflows. To see more about the recent funding read here.

    Industry Impact

    Ox Security’s work has significant implications for the software security industry. By providing developers with better tools and insights, the company is helping to shift the focus from reactive to proactive security. This approach not only reduces the risk of breaches but also improves the overall quality and reliability of software. As organizations face increasing pressure to protect their data and systems, solutions like Ox Security’s become essential. Find the insights on data and systems security.

  • Ulili Onovakpuri Departs Kapor Capital

    Ulili Onovakpuri Departs Kapor Capital

    Kapor Capital’s Managing Partner Ulili Onovakpuri Steps Down

    Ulili Onovakpuri, a managing partner at Kapor Capital, is leaving the venture capital firm. This marks a significant change for the company, which focuses on investing in startups that aim to close societal gaps.

    Impact on Kapor Capital

    Onovakpuri’s departure raises questions about the future direction of Kapor Capital and its investment strategies. As a managing partner, Onovakpuri played a crucial role in shaping the firm’s portfolio and mission. Her insights and experience will undoubtedly be missed.

    Future Plans

    At this moment, Onovakpuri has not publicly announced her future endeavors. The tech and investment communities are watching closely to see where she will apply her expertise next.

  • Greek Tech Firm Secures €75 Million Seed Funding

    Greek Tech Firm Secures €75 Million Seed Funding

    Greek Tech Firm Secures €75 Million Seed Funding

    Amidst the flourishing Greek tech scene, a prominent seed-stage firm has successfully secured €75 million in funding. This significant investment underscores the growing confidence in Greek startups and their potential to disrupt various industries. The funding will enable the firm to support promising early-stage companies and fuel innovation within the region.

    The Greek Tech Boom

    Greece has witnessed a remarkable surge in its tech industry, driven by factors such as:

    • A growing pool of talented engineers and entrepreneurs.
    • Government initiatives that support innovation.
    • Increased access to funding and resources.

    This positive environment has attracted both local and international investors, leading to a thriving ecosystem for tech startups.

    Seed-Stage Funding Importance

    Seed-stage funding is crucial for early-stage companies as it provides the necessary capital to:

    • Develop their products or services.
    • Build their teams.
    • Gain initial market traction.

    This recent funding round highlights the importance of supporting seed-stage ventures to foster long-term growth and innovation within the Greek tech sector.

  • AI-Native Startups: Tanka CEO Talks Tech at TechCrunch

    AI-Native Startups: Tanka CEO Talks Tech at TechCrunch

    Tanka CEO Kisson Lin Discusses AI-Native Startups at TechCrunch Sessions

    TechCrunch Sessions: AI recently featured Tanka CEO Kisson Lin, where they explored the burgeoning world of AI-native startups. Lin shared his insights on what it takes to build and scale a successful company in today’s AI-driven landscape.

    Key Discussion Points

    The discussion covered various aspects of AI-native startups, including:

    • Defining AI-Native: Lin clarified what truly constitutes an AI-native company, emphasizing that it’s more than just integrating AI into existing processes. It’s about building a company from the ground up with AI at its core.
    • Challenges and Opportunities: The conversation addressed the unique challenges faced by AI startups, such as access to data, talent acquisition, and ethical considerations. It also highlighted the immense opportunities for disruption and innovation.
    • Building a Scalable AI Startup: Lin provided practical advice on how to build a scalable AI startup, including strategies for data management, model deployment, and continuous learning.

    Lin’s Expertise in AI

    Kisson Lin’s experience as the CEO of Tanka, a company focused on leveraging AI for [Mention Tanka’s specific AI focus, e.g., personalized learning], makes him a valuable voice in the AI startup ecosystem. His insights are particularly relevant for entrepreneurs and investors looking to navigate this rapidly evolving field.

  • Patreon App Accepts Web Payments After App Store Change

    Patreon App Accepts Web Payments After App Store Change

    Patreon App Now Accepts Web Payments

    Patreon’s app now supports web payments, a significant shift following changes in the U.S. App Store policies. This update allows creators to offer a more seamless payment experience to their patrons directly within the app.

    Background of the App Store Changes

    Recent policy adjustments within the U.S. App Store have enabled Patreon to integrate web-based payments into its iOS app, offering greater flexibility to app developers regarding payment options.​

    Background

    In April 2025, a U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case determined that Apple could no longer prevent developers from directing users to external payment methods or impose commissions on such transactions. This decision compelled Apple to revise its App Store guidelines, allowing apps to include links to alternative payment platforms without incurring Apple’s standard 30% commission. ​The VergeTechCrunch+1TechCrunch+1

    Patreon’s Response

    Following this ruling, Patreon released version 125.5.0 of its iOS app, introducing a web-based checkout option for U.S. users. This update enables patrons to subscribe to creators using various payment methods, including credit cards, Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay, directly through Patreon’s website. By facilitating payments outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system, creators can retain a larger portion of their earnings. ​

    Previously, Apple mandated that Patreon transition all creators to its in-app purchase system by November 2024, requiring a shift to subscription billing and subjecting transactions to Apple’s commission. However, the court’s decision has allowed Patreon to pause this transition, providing creators with more flexibility in their billing models. ​Home+1The Paypers+1

    Broader Implications

    Patreon’s integration of web payments reflects a broader shift in the app ecosystem, as developers seek alternatives to traditional in-app purchase systems. This change not only benefits creators by reducing fees but also offers patrons more diverse and potentially cost-effective payment options.​

    For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

    Patreon: U.S. court rules that you no longer have to give Apple 30%

    TechCrunch: Patreon’s app can now accept web payments after U.S. App Store changes

    The Verge: Patreon’s iOS update allows creators to bypass in-app purchases

    How Web Payments Benefit Patreon Creators

    The integration of web payments brings several key advantages for Patreon creators:

    • Increased Patron Convenience: Patrons can now make payments directly through the Patreon app without navigating to an external website.
    • Simplified Payment Process: The streamlined process enhances the overall user experience, encouraging more consistent support from patrons.
    • Greater Control Over Transactions: Creators gain increased control and visibility over their transaction data.

    Implementing Web Payments in the App

    Patreon has proactively updated its iOS app to align with Apple’s App Store guidelines, ensuring continued availability on the platform. This update introduces significant changes to how payments are processed within the app, affecting both creators and supporters.​The Verge+1Patreon | News | Home+1

    Key Updates to Patreon’s iOS Payment System

    • Mandatory Use of Apple’s In-App Purchase System: Starting November 2024, Patreon is required to utilize Apple’s in-app purchase system for all new memberships and digital goods purchased through the iOS app. This change subjects these transactions to Apple’s 30% App Store fee. ​Patreon Help Center+9Patreon Help Center+9Patreon+9
    • Transition to Subscription Billing: Apple’s in-app purchase system supports only subscription billing. Consequently, creators using first-of-the-month or per-creation billing models must transition to subscription billing by November 2025 to continue offering memberships through the iOS app. ​Patreon Help Center+6Patreon Help Center+6Patreon Help Center+6
    • Pricing Adjustments to Offset Fees: To mitigate the impact of Apple’s commission, Patreon provides creators with options to adjust their pricing. Creators can choose to increase prices within the iOS app to cover the 30% fee or absorb the cost themselves, potentially reducing their earnings from iOS-based transactions. ​Patreon+8Patreon | News | Home+8The Verge+8
    • Impact on Existing Memberships: The 30% fee applies only to new memberships and purchases made through the iOS app after the implementation date. Existing memberships and those initiated on other platforms, such as Patreon’s website or Android app, remain unaffected. ​The Verge+6Patreon+6Patreon+6

    These changes reflect Patreon’s commitment to complying with platform policies while striving to support creators’ revenue streams. By providing flexible pricing options and a clear transition plan, Patreon aims to minimize disruptions and maintain a sustainable environment for its community.​Patreon | News | Home+4The Verge+4The Verge+4

    For more detailed information on these updates, you can visit Patreon’s official announcement here: Patreon’s Update on iOS In-App Purchases.​Patreon+1Patreon+1

    Future Implications for App Developers

    Patreon’s integration of web-based payments within its iOS app marks a significant shift in the app ecosystem, setting a precedent for other developers seeking alternative payment methods. This development follows a U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, which prohibits Apple from restricting developers from directing users to external payment platforms and collecting commissions on such transactions. ​Barron’s+5The Verge+5Home+5

    With the release of Patreon’s iOS app version 125.5.0, U.S.-based users can now subscribe to creators via a web-based checkout, utilizing payment options like Apple Pay, credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal. This approach allows creators to bypass Apple’s 30% commission, ensuring they retain a larger portion of their earnings. ​The Verge+3Home+3TechCrunch+3

    This move not only benefits creators and patrons but also exemplifies the potential for increased flexibility and innovation in the app ecosystem. By adopting alternative payment methods, developers can offer more competitive pricing and enhance user experience, challenging the traditional revenue models imposed by major app stores.​

    For more detailed information on Patreon’s implementation of web payments and its implications, you can refer to their official announcement here:

    TechCrunch.​

  • Rivian Adjusts Delivery Forecast Amid Trade Challenges

    Rivian Adjusts Delivery Forecast Amid Trade Challenges

    Rivian Adjusts Delivery Forecast Amid Trade Challenges

    Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has adjusted its delivery guidance. This adjustment stems from the complexities arising from tariffs and broader trade tensions impacting the automotive industry.

    Impact of Trade Policies

    International trade policies significantly influence manufacturing costs and supply chain logistics. Rivian, like many global companies, finds itself navigating these challenges.

    Adjusting to Market Dynamics

    Rivian is proactively managing its production and delivery schedules to adapt to these changing market conditions. This includes optimizing supply chains and making strategic decisions to mitigate the impact of tariffs. Keeping an eye on global trade can help companies stay afloat during times of uncertainty.

    Supply Chain Adaptations

    Rivian focuses on making its supply chain more resilient and efficient. This involves diversifying suppliers and streamlining logistics to ensure timely deliveries. Diversifying and building strong relationships with suppliers will help Rivian mitigate delivery delays.

    Commitment to Customers

    Despite these adjustments, Rivian remains committed to delivering high-quality vehicles to its customers. They are working diligently to minimize disruptions and maintain transparency throughout the delivery process. Staying transparent through communications with customers will help alleviate customer concerns about delays and instill trust.