Category: Startups

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Gaming Stock Light & Wonder Trading Below Peak Levels Amid Market Uncertainty

Financial analysts indicate Light & Wonder stock is trading approximately 32% below its 1-year peak. The gaming technology company’s recent performance has been affected by mixed earnings and plans to delist from NASDAQ.

Market Position and Valuation Metrics

Financial analysts are reportedly examining whether markets are underestimating the potential of Light & Wonder (LNW) stock, which sources indicate is currently trading approximately 32% lower than its 1-year peak. According to the analysis, the stock is also trading at a price-to-sales multiple that falls below its average from the past three years, suggesting potential undervaluation based on historical metrics.

by Samuel Kim
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Minor International Plans $1.5 Billion Singapore REIT Listing to Fuel Global Hotel Expansion

Bangkok-listed Minor International plans to list a hotel real estate investment trust in Singapore by early 2026, targeting $1.5 billion in fundraising. The move is part of the company’s strategic shift toward an asset-light model while capitalizing on the post-pandemic travel recovery.

Major REIT Listing Planned for 2026

Minor International, the Bangkok-listed hospitality giant controlled by billionaire William Heinecke, reportedly aims to raise approximately $1.5 billion through listing a hotel real estate investment trust in Singapore during the first quarter of 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter. The planned IPO would represent one of the region’s significant hospitality sector transactions and is designed to help reduce the company’s debt burden while funding aggressive expansion plans.

by Priya Kapoor
AISoftwareStartups

OpenAI Acquires Mac AI Interface Startup in Desktop Integration Push

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, the startup behind Sky’s natural language interface for Mac computers. The acquisition aims to accelerate ChatGPT’s integration into desktop workflows and tools people use daily.

Strategic Acquisition for Desktop AI Integration

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a startup specializing in AI interfaces for Mac computers, according to reports confirming the transaction. The deal, reportedly funded through a private fund associated with CEO Sam Altman, was led by applications CEO Fidji Simo and ChatGPT head Nick Turley, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed.

by Priya Kapoor
AISoftwareStartups

OpenAI Bolsters Mac Integration with Acquisition of Apple Shortcuts Team’s AI Startup

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a startup founded by the original creators of Apple’s Shortcuts feature. The acquisition brings former Apple engineers who developed the Sky AI assistant to OpenAI, signaling deeper macOS integration for ChatGPT.

OpenAI Expands Mac Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated and its AI application Sky, according to reports confirmed by the company. The acquisition brings onboard a team of former Apple employees renowned for their work on Apple’s Shortcuts automation feature and the Workflow app that preceded it.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Rivian Announces Workforce Reduction Amid EV Tax Credit Changes

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is reportedly cutting more than 600 positions, representing approximately 4.5% of its workforce. The layoffs come as the Trump Administration eliminates federal tax credits that had boosted EV sales.

Major Workforce Reduction at Electric Vehicle Maker

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is planning to eliminate more than 600 positions, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider. Sources indicate this represents approximately 4.5% of the company’s 15,000-strong workforce and marks one of several rounds of layoffs the automaker has conducted over the past three years.

by Priya Kapoor
AIStartupsTechnology

Tensormesh Secures $4.5M Seed Funding to Optimize AI Inference Efficiency

AI infrastructure startup Tensormesh has raised $4.5 million in seed funding to commercialize its cache optimization technology. The company’s approach to reusing key-value cache memory could dramatically improve GPU efficiency for AI inference workloads, according to reports.

AI Infrastructure Startup Emerges With Significant Funding

Tensormesh has launched from stealth operations with $4.5 million in seed funding, according to recent reports. The investment was reportedly led by Laude Ventures with additional participation from database pioneer Michael Franklin and other angel investors. Sources indicate the funding will accelerate development of commercial products based on the company’s cache optimization technology.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessStartupsTechnology

Lakestar Halts New Venture Fundraising, Shifts Focus to Existing Portfolio

Klaus Hommels, founder of Lakestar, announced the firm will not raise new generalist venture funds, instead concentrating on maximizing existing portfolio companies. The shift comes as European venture fundraising faces a significant decline, with funds raising only $8 billion this year compared to $27 billion in 2024.

Strategic Shift for European Venture Giant

Lakestar, one of Europe’s most prominent venture capital firms, has informed investors it will halt raising new generalist venture funds, according to reports. Founder Klaus Hommels stated in a letter to investors that future startup investments will primarily utilize his personal capital rather than institutional funds. The Zurich-based firm, which manages over $2 billion in assets, plans to focus on maximizing value from its existing portfolio companies.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessStartupsTechnology

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Approaches With Final Discount Window Closing Soon

The premier startup conference TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to launch in San Francisco with only days remaining for discounted registration. The event promises networking with thousands of tech professionals and showcases emerging technologies across multiple industries.

Final Registration Window for Major Tech Conference

With only four days remaining before launch, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is preparing to take over San Francisco’s Moscone West convention center, according to event organizers. Sources indicate this marks the final opportunity for attendees to secure passes before anticipated price increases take effect.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessInnovationStartups

Corporate Venture Arms Emerge as Key Partners for Pioneering Climate Technology Projects

As climate tech funding declines sharply in Europe, corporate venture capital firms are positioning themselves as essential partners for first-of-a-kind projects. Sources indicate CVCs provide technical expertise and offtake agreements that traditional investors cannot match, though some concerns about competitive tensions remain.

Corporate Venture Capital Fills Critical Gap in Climate Tech Funding

Corporate venture capital firms are increasingly positioning themselves as essential partners for first-of-a-kind climate technology projects facing massive capital requirements and technical hurdles, according to industry analysis. As traditional climate tech funding reportedly dropped 71% in Europe during the first half of 2025, CVCs claim they can provide the specialized expertise and customer connections that FOAK startups desperately need.

by Samuel Kim