TechCrunch Startup News

Black Forest Labs raises $300M at $3.25B valuation; plus, OpenAI’s investment into Thrive Holdings is its latest circular deal

The round was co-led by Salesforce Ventures and Anjney Midha (AMP), and saw participation from a16z, NVIDIA, Northzone, Creandum, Earlybird VC, BroadLight Capital, General Catalyst, Temasek, Bain Capital Ventures, Air Street Capital, Visionaries Club, Canva and Figma Ventures. Also, analysts will be watching to see if Thrive-owned firms actually succeed in building long-term profitable businesses using OpenAI’s tech, or if the result is really just pumped up valuations based on speculative market potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

How AI PR startup Clipbook won Mark Cuban’s investment from a cold email

Adam Joseph was shocked when Mark Cuban replied to his email with an inquisition full of questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Are you balding? There’s an AI for that; plus, JustiGuide wants to use AI to help people navigate the US immigration system

MyHair AI examines photos of the scalp to help diagnose hair loss and suggest scientifically validated clinics and treatments. The startup uses AI to help immigrants understand the system, connect with lawyers and reduce associated costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Why ‘hold forever’ investors are snapping up venture capital ‘zombies’

An investor explains the "buy, fix, and hold" model employed by Bending Spoons and similar companies that buy distressed startups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Google teams up with Accel to hunt for India’s next AI breakouts

Google and Accel will jointly invest up to $2 million in each startup through their new partnership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]