TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Blackstone’s Jas Khaira on building the next generation of AI giants

Blackstone’s Jas Khaira will take the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 on building next-gen AI. Register for your pass and get 50% off a second.

Factory CEO just accused his VC board advisor of spying for Cognition

VC Chris Degnan and former board advisor to Factory AI has taken a job as chief revenue officer for Cognition.

3 days left to exhibit: Turn visibility into your next opportunity at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Three days left to exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Book by October 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT to showcase your startup to 10,000+ founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders.

Two Google alumni raise $11.3M to back AI startups that enterprises will actually pay for

BAG Ventures announces close of a $11.3M Fund I to invest in all things AI.

a16z-backed EliseAI raises $350M, doubles valuation to $4B

EliseAI raises $350M, doubles valuation in a year.

With Dazzle, Marissa Mayer bets your camera roll has more info on your life than your inbox

The former Yahoo CEO is introducing a new AI personal assistant based entirely on your photos.

Protego Ventures closes debut $125 million fund for Israeli defense tech

Protego Ventures, the first and largest dedicated defense tech VC in Israel, just completed its final $125 million closing, TechCrunch learned exclusively.

Peak XV ups Surge seed investment ceiling to $5M, unveils 18-startup cohort

Thirteen of the 18 startups in Peak XV’s latest Surge cohort are targeting global markets, while more than half are based in India.

Mavi bets on the AI boom creating demand for a new kind of accountant

Accounting staffing company Mavi emerges from stealth with $4million in funding.

Next five VCs judging Startup Battlefield 200 contenders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Thousands of applications. Multiple rounds of review. Hundreds of hours spent evaluating startups from around the world. Now comes the part everyone has been waiting for. Startup Battlefield 200 is almost here, and with today’s announcement, the …