TechCrunch Top 3

Facebook rolls out an AI companion app for creators: The new app, which is currently being tested with select creators, will have Facebook's recently launched AI creator assistant built into it. Read More

Here’s why Slate changed the battery in its cheap EV truck: While there was probably a moment when Slate’s leadership had to green-light the switch from one battery type to another, the momentum toward that decision had been building for years. Read More

Deezer says its new feature lets fans remix songs with artist consent: Global music streaming service Deezer is taking a contrarian approach to AI, even as it adds a feature that lets fans remix songs. Read More

A message from EY

Chaos gets expensive

Starting a tech company can be thrilling. It can also be messy. Just ask anyone who’s done it (or tried). Better yet, ask EY. They’ve seen startups at their best (and messiest) moments. EY knows you don’t start a company to burn cycles on the fine print. So, work with EY. They’ll help you get it right early so you can stay in builder mode.

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Afternoon Must-Reads

Slate Auto's radically simple electric truck starts at $24,950: The Jeff Bezos-backed startup finally revealed more pricing details for its debut EV, including a $29,950 starting price for the SUV variant, and boosted the base range to 205 miles. Read More

OpenAI unveils its first custom chip, built by Broadcom: Named Jalapeño, the new processor was designed specifically for the unique needs of OpenAI's inference systems. Read More

NTSB launches probe into fatal Texas Tesla crash: The safety board, known for its thorough investigations, is probing the crash alongside the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read More

New website names and shames companies that still don't offer passkeys to users: According to a new site, 24% of the most popular websites in the world don't offer support for passkeys, which are considered the most secure way to log in to apps and services. Read More

Companies are scrambling to stop employees from maxing out AI budgets with small tasks: The tokenmaxxing era was brief. We now appear to be entering the era of token rationing. Read More

A message from Fidelity

Your Pitch Isn’t the Only Thing Investors Are Evaluating.

Investors don’t just listen to what you say - they look at how your company operates. Is ownership clear? Do your numbers match your story? Can you answer follow-up questions without digging through spreadsheets? The Fundraise-Ready Startup Kit equips founders with the materials investors expect to see, before pressure is on. Because confidence in the room doesn’t come from slides. It comes from preparation.

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Last but Not Least

If you want to cut your screen time, just get a Brick: After years of struggling to curb my screen time, apparently all I needed was a $59 hunk of plastic. Read More