On February 26, 2026, Jack Dorsey announced a significant restructuring at Block, the payments company he founded, which includes Square, Cash App, and Tidal. The company plans to lay off over 4,000 employees, effectively reducing its workforce by nearly half, from over 10,000 to just under 6,000. The announcement triggered a 24% increase in Block’s […]
Anthropic has announced its acquisition of Vercept, a Seattle-based AI startup known for developing tools that automate complex tasks using AI agents. This acquisition comes shortly after Anthropic previously acquired another AI company, Bun, to enhance its coding capabilities for its product Claude Code. Vercept was recognized for its innovative product, Vy, which functions as […]
Spanish startup Multiverse Computing, noted for its rapid rise as a "soonicorn," has launched a free version of its advanced AI model, HyperNova 60B, which aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI capabilities and the accessibility needed for widespread deployment. This initiative targets the growing challenge of size in large language models (LLMs), which […]
A recent demonstration by Mastercard at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased the potential for payment systems to transition towards a model where software agents, rather than individuals, execute purchases. This presentation highlighted what Mastercard called its first fully authenticated "agentic commerce" transaction. During the demo, an AI agent autonomously searched for a product, […]
Super Early Bird pricing for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is ending soon. The final day to secure early rates is February 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, giving you just six days to save up to $680 on individual passes or 30% on community passes. This year, the event will take place from October 13-15 at San […]
AI technology in the APAC retail sector is evolving, moving from mere analytics and pilot programs into full-scale workflows and daily operations. This shift is driven by factors such as dense urban populations, high employee turnover, and the need for rapid service in competitive quick-commerce markets. According to a survey by GlobalData conducted in Q4 […]
The creator economy is rapidly evolving, with ad revenue no longer serving as the sole financial lifeline for many creators. YouTubers are diversifying by launching product lines, acquiring startups, and building business empires that go beyond traditional media. For instance, MrBeast’s company recently acquired the fintech startup Step, and his chocolate business has outperformed his […]
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, discussions around its impact on the workforce are increasingly prevalent. Attendees at the recent Web Summit Qatar shared insights on this topic, particularly around the roles of human employees in the face of advancing AI technologies. David Shim, CEO of Read AI, a company specializing in meeting notetaking […]
For financial leaders, the time for experimentation with generative AI has ended; 2026 marks a shift toward operational integration. Initial efforts focused on content generation and enhancing isolated workflows. Now, the goal is to industrialize these capabilities, allowing AI agents to autonomously execute processes within well-defined governance structures. This transition presents challenges in architecture and […]
Apple is reportedly expanding its efforts in the AI wearable market, following a recent report from The Information about a new device resembling an AirTag-sized pendant equipped with cameras that can be clipped to clothing. Bloomberg has since confirmed that Apple is accelerating the development of this AI-powered pendant while also advancing two additional products: […]