Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchThis $9 key physically locks your most addictive appsThis $9 NFC key requires you to physically scan it to unlock distracting apps on your phone. (opens original source in a new tab)Lauren Forristal·1 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchUber is building an autonomous vehicle empire, and here’s every company it’s using to do itUber has partnered with — and in some cases made direct investments in — about 30 autonomous vehicle companies over the past two years. Here's the list and the latest on the partnerships. (opens original source in a new tab)Kirsten Korosec·1 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchApps that help you break free from doomscrolling and get activeIf you’re looking to cut back on screen time and get a little more active, here’s a roundup of the apps that might help. (opens original source in a new tab)Lauren Forristal·1 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchWhat’s the best handheld mini fan?From premium Shark and Dyson offerings to random Amazon devices, these mini fans will make your sweaty summer a little more managable. (opens original source in a new tab)Amanda Silberling·1 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchOpenAI reportedly finds evidence that more of its agents ran amokOpenAI has reportedly found evidence of additional agent misbehavior as it looks into the incident that occurred with Hugging Face. (opens original source in a new tab)Lucas Ropek·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchRivian spinoff Also to start delivering e-bikes after months of delaysAlso has big plans beyond the TM-B. The startup mostly refers to itself as a "vehicle" company and has plans to make four-wheel pedal-assist cargo vehicles for Amazon. (opens original source in a new tab)Sean O'Kane·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchSilicon Valley loves young founders. Until it doesn’t.AI tools have democratized the opportunity to build, shortening the timelines of success and enabling more young people to start successful companies without stepping foot inside a Big Tech company. (opens original source in a new tab)Dominic-Madori Davis·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchIndia is starting to pay for apps, not just download themIndia's app market generated a record $345 million in Q2. (opens original source in a new tab)Jagmeet Singh·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchGoogle nixes its Earth AI feature one day after launch, amid criticism it would spread misinformationA tool that allowed anyone to generate fake AI-generated imagery and superimpose it over real Google Earth maps quickly spurred backlash. (opens original source in a new tab)Lucas Ropek·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchFresh off its Wiz payout, Index Ventures raises $2B across three fundsThe new funding brings Index's total available investing capital to $3.5 billion. (opens original source in a new tab)Marina Temkin·31 July 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchVC-backed startups commit more fraud, and researchers think they know whyNew research from the U.K.’s Imperial College and France’s Emlyon Business School mapped out how Silicon Valley founders commit fraud — and the role investors play. (opens original source in a new tab)Dominic-Madori Davis·31 July 2026
