Linq raises $20M to enable AI assistants to live within messaging apps

The startup -- with backing from Accel -- is building a financial layer that handles the authentication and micro-payments required for AI agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fundamental has built a new foundation model to solve an old problem: how to draw insights from the huge quantities of structured data produced by enterprises. Also, having raised a €30 million Series A round led by CapitalG, business identity verification startup Duna is now among the most well-capitalized European startups founded by Stripe alumni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peak XV says internal disagreement led to partner exits as it doubles down on AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The investment comes from backers including the Qatar Investment Authority as demand for chips beyond Nvidia soars and as Qatar aims to build out its AI infrastructure. Also, To build and sell more of its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), Apeiron Labs recently closed a $9.5 million Series A round led by Dyne Ventures, RA Capital Management Planetary Health and S2G Investments, the company exclusively told TechCrunch. Assembly Ventures, Bay Bridge Ventures, and TFX Capital participated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gradient's heat pumps fit in windows, minimizing installation times. Now, it is introducing software to make those units more intelligent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Linq offers an API that lets companies offer their AI assistants via iMessage, RCS and SMS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carbon Robotics' Large Plant Model will allow farmers to kill new types of weeds without having to retrain the machines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Stanford students launch $2M startup accelator for students nationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The startup is partnering with utilities to help homeowners determine the best upgrades to cut their energy use. Also, Waymo is reportedly finalizing a new funding round that will value the robotaxi company at $110 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The $250 million Series B was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from Salesforce Ventures and Picture Capital. Also, Outtake makes an agentic cybersecurity platform to help enterprises detect identity fraud. Its angel investors are a who's who. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices