Learn what makes a pitch land at Disrupt 2025

Learn what makes a pitch land at Disrupt 2025

Investors hear hundreds of pitches — but only a few break through. On the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, a candid panel of seasoned operators and investors will reveal what captures their attention, what turns them off, and the subtle signals founders often miss. Register here to take advantage of regular pricing with up…

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FirstClub bucks India’s speed obsession, quickly triples valuation to 0M with premium approach

FirstClub bucks India’s speed obsession, quickly triples valuation to $120M with premium approach

While quick commerce in India has become synonymous with 10-minute deliveries — and the hottest play for startups and investors — FirstClub is taking a slower, more curated route. Yet just three months after launching its app, the 8-month-old startup has tripled its valuation. At a post-money valuation of $120 million, the Bengaluru-based startup has…

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Advanced geothermal startups are just getting warmed up

Advanced geothermal startups are just getting warmed up

When Congressional Republicans took a sledgehammer to the Inflation Reduction Act last summer, advanced geothermal startups were largely spared. Drilling for renewable energy appears to be one of the few things that engenders bipartisan support. Now, with the uncertainty settled, geothermal companies are announcing deals that promise to pave the way for broader deployment of…

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LayerX uses AI to cut enterprise back-office workload, scores 0M in Series B

LayerX uses AI to cut enterprise back-office workload, scores $100M in Series B

Aging demographics, labor shortages, the adoption of GenAI, and the 2023 implementation of e-invoicing are driving companies to automate finance, tax, procurement, and HR in Japan. Yet only 16% of digital transformations succeed, and that’s only 4–11% in traditional industries. The main barriers? Weak leadership commitment, a rigid culture, and a lack of digital talent….

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U.S. and Indian VCs just formed a B+ alliance to fund India’s deep tech startups

U.S. and Indian VCs just formed a $1B+ alliance to fund India’s deep tech startups

Eight U.S. and Indian venture capital and private equity firms — including storied investors Accel, Blume Ventures, Celesta Capital, and Premji Invest — have formed an unusual coalition to back India’s deep tech startups, pledging more than $1 billion over the next decade to strengthen U.S.-India tech ties. The alliance addresses longstanding funding concerns. In…

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