TechCrunch Top 3

AI researchers 'embodied' an LLM into a robot – and it started channeling Robin Williams: AI researchers at Andon Labs embedded various LLMs in a vacuum robot to test how ready they were to be embodied. And hilarity ensued. Read More

If you're not an AI startup, good luck raising money from VCs: New PitchBook data illustrates how dramatically AI is dominating startup investment, with 2025 on-track to become the first year when AI accounts for more than half of all VC money invested. Read More

Elon Musk wants you to know that Sam Altman got a refund for his Tesla Roadster: Elon Musk and Sam Altman are still taking swipes at each other on Musk's social media platform X. Read More

Afternoon Must-Reads

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong trolls the prediction markets: While Armstrong may have helped some Kalshi and Polymarket users make a little money, he was also illustrating how easily these markets can be manipulated. Read More

Rising energy prices put AI and data centers in the crosshairs: A majority of consumers say they're worried about data centers driving up electricity costs. Is the industry prepared for a possible backlash? Read More

What is Bending Spoons? Everything to know about AOL's acquirer: Bending Spoons remains largely unknown, even as its portfolio of products has served more than a billion people. Read More

Bluesky hits 40 million users, introduces 'dislikes' beta: As users "dislike" posts, the system will learn what sort of content they want to see less of. This will help to inform more than just how content is ranked in feeds, but also reply rankings. Read More

Meta bought 1 GW of solar this week: The social media company inked three deals in the U.S. to power its data centers and offset its carbon footprint. Read More

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The Latest From TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Tattd gave four TechCrunch writers tattoos at Startup Battlefield: Tattd, a marketplace for tattoo-seekers and artists, set up a mini tattoo parlor in the Expo Hall at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Read More

Scenes from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Thanks to everyone who made this year's San Francisco event what it was -- and to the 10,000 of you who filled the halls, made the connections, and left with more than you came with. Couldn't make it? These images tell part of the story. Read More

Cluely's Roy Lee on the rage-bait strategy for startup marketing: Cluely's Roy Lee has a message for startup founders: You should be thinking harder about how to go viral. Read More

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Last but Not Least

AI mania tanks CoreWeave's Core Scientific acquisition — it buys Python notebook Marimo: CoreWeave's failed buy of Core Scientific is another sign of an AI bubble. But it's still shopping. Read More