U.K.-based Seraphim Space is spinning up its 13th accelerator program, with nine participating companies working on a range of tech from propulsion to in-space manufacturing and space situational awareness. The intense 12-week program is designed to get seed and Series A companies “investment ready,” the firm says, by providing specialist mentorship, networking opportunities and intensive […]
Sony Music warns tech companies over ‘unauthorized’ use of its content to train AI
Sony Music Group has sent letters to more than 700 tech companies and music streaming services to warn them not to use its music to train AI without explicit permission. The letter, which was obtained by TechCrunch, says Sony Music has “reason to believe” that the recipients of the letter have “may already have made […]
Retell AI lets companies build ‘voice agents’ to answer phone calls
Call centers are embracing automation. There’s debate as to whether that’s a good thing, but it’s happening — and quite possibly accelerating. According to research firm TechSci Research, the global market for contact center AI could grow to nearly $ 3 billion in 2028, from $ 2.4 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, a recent survey found […]
Women in AI: Catherine Breslin helps companies develop AI strategies
To give AI-focused women academics and others their well-deserved — and overdue — time in the spotlight, TechCrunch has been publishing a series of interviews focused on remarkable women who’ve contributed to the AI revolution. We’re publishing these pieces throughout the year as the AI boom continues, highlighting key work that often goes unrecognized. Read more profiles here. […]
Alternative clouds are booming as companies seek cheaper access to GPUs
The appetite for alternative clouds has never been bigger. Case in point: CoreWeave, the GPU infrastructure provider that began life as a cryptocurrency mining operation, this week raised $ 1.1 billion in new funding from investors including Coatue, Fidelity and Altimeter Capital. The round brings its valuation to $ 19 billion post-money, and its total […]