Lidar company Luminar reached a deal with Yorkville Advisors Global and another unnamed investor that could bring another $200 million into its coffers through the sale of convertible preferred stock over an 18-month period. The agreement, which was announced in a regulatory filing Wednesday, follows an abrupt change in leadership and layoffs. Earlier this month,… Continue reading Luminar secures up to $200M following CEO departure and layoffs
Author: Tech Crunch Online News
Einride founder steps down as CEO amid push to scale electric, autonomous trucks
Robert Falck, the founder of electric and autonomous trucking startup Einride, is stepping down from the role of CEO as the company works toward scaling its technology, raising more funds, and exploring the possibility of an IPO. Falck will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board where he will focus on Einride’s… Continue reading Einride founder steps down as CEO amid push to scale electric, autonomous trucks
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Early Bird savings end on May 25
The early bird sees the future first — and saves the most. The old saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm.” But in tech — and in life — it’s not really about the worm. It’s about spotting what’s next before the crowd rushes in and the price goes up. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is… Continue reading TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Early Bird savings end on May 25
Uber Freight bets big on AI tools to grow its business
Three years ago, as the pandemic caused chaos for companies big and small, Colgate-Palmolive’s chief supply chain officer Luciano Sieber orchestrated a “logistics blitz.” The result gave Sieber a better understanding of how Colgate-Palmolive moves its products around the world. But it stuck Sieber with another problem: too much data. About a year ago, Sieber… Continue reading Uber Freight bets big on AI tools to grow its business
Luminar kicks off another round of layoffs amid CEO’s sudden resignation
Luminar, the lidar company founded by recently replaced CEO Austin Russell, is going through another restructuring, according to a recent regulatory filing. This new round of layoffs, which the company did not provide figures for, follows extensive cuts to the workforce in 2024. Luminar cut about 30% of its workforce in 2024, a reduction that… Continue reading Luminar kicks off another round of layoffs amid CEO’s sudden resignation
Musk says Tesla’s self-driving tests will be geofenced to ‘the safest’ parts of Austin
The first test of Tesla’s long-promised robotaxi service in Austin, Texas next month will initially be limited to specific areas the company deems “the safest,” CEO Elon Musk told CNBC in an interview Tuesday. Tesla’s cars are “not going to take intersections unless we are highly confident [they’re] going to do well with that intersection,… Continue reading Musk says Tesla’s self-driving tests will be geofenced to ‘the safest’ parts of Austin
You’ve got 6 days to save $900 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets
Less than one week left to save big on TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 passes! Disrupt 2025 prices increase on May 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Grab your pass now and: Save up to $900 on your ticket Bring a friend, colleague, co-founder, or tech enthusiast for 90% off The clock is ticking — lock in your… Continue reading You’ve got 6 days to save $900 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets
Amazon’s Zoox to start testing AVs in Atlanta, following Waymo
Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit Zoox is about to start testing its self-driving vehicles in Atlanta, Georgia, a precursor to eventually offering public rides in the city. Zoox told TechCrunch on Tuesday that it has completed the “initial mapping phase” in Atlanta and will begin autonomous driving later this summer. Atlanta is the seventh city in… Continue reading Amazon’s Zoox to start testing AVs in Atlanta, following Waymo
SparkCharge raises $30M to help fleets electrify without commitments
Electrifying a fleet of vehicles is the chicken-and-egg problem for the 21st century. Where do you spend money first, on the vehicles or the charging infrastructure? Believe it or not, that question isn’t always thought through. Joshua Aviv, founder and CEO of SparkCharge, has had fleets approach him and say, “Hey, the cars are here.… Continue reading SparkCharge raises $30M to help fleets electrify without commitments
Sylndr, with fresh $15.7M, allows users to buy, sell, finance, and service used cars in Egypt
Cairo-based Sylndr has raised $15.7 million as it expands beyond online used car sales into auto financing, servicing, and tools for dealers. Development Partners International’s Nclude Fund led the round. The company, which operates in Egypt’s fast-growing but under-digitized vehicle market, said the latest round includes both fresh equity and previously unannounced seed financing. Sylndr… Continue reading Sylndr, with fresh $15.7M, allows users to buy, sell, finance, and service used cars in Egypt