Silicon Valley

You Can See Everything

Elizabeth Holmes Documentary ‘You Can See Everything’ Becomes a Box Office Sensation With $15 Million Opening

A new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of blood-testing startup Theranos, is attracting enormous attention from moviegoers and Silicon Valley insiders. Titled You Can See Everything, the nearly three-hour film reportedly earned $15 million during its opening weekend in North America, according to Sunday box office estimates reported by TechCrunch. Directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the documentary offers an unusually intimate look at Holmes and her family during the month before she entered federal prison in May 2023. Its commercial success has reignited public interest in one of the most controversial stories in Silicon Valley startup history. Why Is Everyone Watching ‘You Can See Everything’? The documentary stands out because its filmmakers gained extensive access to Holmes and her family before her incarceration. Rather than simply revisiting the Theranos scandal, the movie explores the people and circumstances surrounding Holmes during a pivotal period in her life. The project also benefits from the involvement of Nathan Fielder, known for his unconventional comedy and the HBO series The Rehearsal. His distinctive approach adds an unusual dimension to the documentary, blending uncomfortable conversations with moments that challenge viewers’ expectations. Co-directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film has generated significant discussion since its surprise screening at the Telluride Film Festival. ‘You Can See Everything’ Delivers Strong Box Office Results The documentary’s opening weekend has exceeded expectations for a film of its length and limited theatrical release. According to TechCrunch, the movie earned an estimated $15 million across 855 theaters, with approximately 2,000 sold-out screenings reported during its opening weekend. The publication described the result as the second-biggest opening weekend ever for a documentary. The film also received strong critical reviews, earning reported scores of 99% on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic at the time of TechCrunch’s report. These results highlight the continued audience appetite for documentaries that examine technology, corporate scandals and the people behind major business controversies. Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos Scandal Explained Holmes founded Theranos with the promise of transforming medical testing through technology that could perform numerous blood tests using just a small sample. The startup attracted prominent investors and influential supporters before its claims came under intense scrutiny. The company ultimately collapsed amid revelations about its technology and business practices. Holmes was convicted of defrauding investors and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Although books, podcasts, television productions and previous documentaries have explored the scandal, You Can See Everything takes a different approach by focusing on Holmes’ final weeks before incarceration. Silicon Valley’s Fascination With the Documentary The film’s popularity has extended beyond traditional movie audiences. Technology professionals, startup founders and members of the Silicon Valley community have shown considerable interest in screenings and discussions surrounding the documentary. Its success also arrives as other technology-focused films struggle to attract comparable audiences. TechCrunch noted that The Social Reckoning, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network, opened to $5.5 million the previous weekend, while Alex Gibney’s documentary Musk recorded a considerably smaller opening. The contrast suggests that Holmes’ story continues to capture public attention, particularly because it raises enduring questions about startup culture, investor trust and accountability in the technology industry. What the Documentary Means for Tech Startup Culture The success of You Can See Everything demonstrates how real-world technology scandals can remain relevant long after the original headlines fade. For startup founders and investors, the Theranos story remains a cautionary example of the importance of transparency, credible product claims and independent verification. With its strong opening and widespread discussion, the documentary has brought the Elizabeth Holmes story back into the spotlight while encouraging renewed debate about ambition, deception and responsibility in Silicon Valley. Source: TechCrunch

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winner of Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2026

Intero Biosystems Wins TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Startup Battlefield, Secures $100,000 Prize

Intero Biosystems has won TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2026, earning recognition for its innovative approach to drug testing using lab-grown human intestinal tissue. The Denver-based biotech startup emerged as the winner of the high-profile startup competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco on October 15. Founded by Charlie Childs and Madeline Eiken, Intero Biosystems is developing technology designed to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies study how drugs and other compounds affect the human body before testing them in people. The win puts the early-stage company in the spotlight as investors increasingly look toward biotechnology, life sciences and technologies that could transform drug development. <Cite refs={[“turn645196news0″,”turn645196news1”]}/> What Is Intero Biosystems? Intero Biosystems is building miniature human intestinal organoids, which are lab-grown tissues designed to mimic important characteristics of the human gut. Its flagship product, GastroScreen, allows pharmaceutical, biotech, food and chemical companies to evaluate how different compounds interact with intestinal tissue. Each organoid measures approximately one millimeter across. Unlike simpler laboratory models that reproduce only parts of the intestine, Intero’s approach incorporates multiple cell and tissue types found in the human gut. The technology could give researchers another tool for studying drug responses and evaluating compounds during early-stage development. It may also help address some limitations of traditional testing methods, although its effectiveness depends on the specific application and further validation. Why Did Intero Biosystems Win Startup Battlefield 2026? TechCrunch Disrupt’s Startup Battlefield brings promising early-stage companies before investors, industry experts and technology leaders. This year’s competition featured 20 startups selected from the broader Startup Battlefield 200 program. After live demonstrations and judging, five finalists advanced to the final round: Intero Biosystems, Apate, Flox Intelligence, Industrial Next and Satlyt. Intero ultimately claimed the Startup Battlefield Cup and the $100,000 equity-free prize, giving the company both financial support and visibility among the startup and venture capital communities. <Cite refs={[“turn645196news0″,”turn645196search10”]}/> The competition highlights how emerging companies are tackling problems across healthcare, cybersecurity, industrial automation and space technology. How Human Organoids Could Change Drug Development Drug developers often rely on laboratory experiments and animal models to evaluate potential treatments. However, biological differences between animals and humans can make it difficult to predict how a drug will behave in people. Human intestinal organoids offer an additional research model that more closely reflects aspects of human biology. Intero’s GastroScreen platform aims to help researchers examine how compounds affect intestinal tissue before advancing their development. Such models could support early research, help identify potential problems and provide additional information when evaluating candidate drugs. However, organoids are not complete replacements for clinical trials or every existing testing method. Researchers must assess each model’s reliability and suitability for its intended use. What the Win Means for the Biotech Startup Winning Startup Battlefield gives Intero Biosystems a prominent platform to introduce its technology to potential investors, customers and industry partners. The company spun out of the University of Michigan, combining scientific research with a commercial product aimed at pharmaceutical and other industries. Its victory also reflects growing interest in technologies that make drug development more human-relevant and potentially reduce dependence on animal testing where validated alternatives are appropriate. For the broader startup ecosystem, Intero’s success demonstrates how scientific innovation can become a commercial opportunity when founders address a clear industry challenge. The bottom line: Intero Biosystems’ Startup Battlefield 2026 victory puts its human intestinal organoid technology on the map. Its next challenge will be demonstrating the value of GastroScreen in real-world research and expanding adoption among pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers.Source: TechCrunch

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Elon Musk’s Boring Company Eyes $20 Billion Valuation in New Funding Round as Tunnel Expansion Accelerates

Elon Musk’s Boring Company is reportedly preparing for one of its biggest financial milestones yet. The underground transportation startup is said to be in discussions to raise $4 billion in fresh funding at a $20 billion valuation, signaling renewed investor confidence in its long-term vision for urban transit infrastructure. If completed, the deal would represent a dramatic leap from the company’s $5.7 billion valuation in 2022, highlighting growing interest in futuristic transportation technologies despite operational and regulatory challenges. The Boring Company Reportedly Seeks $4 Billion in New Capital According to reports, The Boring Company is negotiating a funding round that could value the startup at approximately $20 billion. The financing has not yet been finalized, and both the investment amount and valuation remain subject to change until agreements are completed. A successful fundraising round would provide significant capital to accelerate tunnel construction, expand infrastructure projects, and strengthen the company’s position in the rapidly evolving transportation technology sector. Massive Growth Since 2022 The reported valuation represents a remarkable increase from the company’s previous valuation of $5.7 billion, achieved during its 2022 funding round. The jump reflects continued investor optimism surrounding: As governments search for alternatives to overcrowded roads, innovative transit systems are attracting increasing attention from both public and private investors. How The Boring Company Is Transforming Urban Transportation Founded after spinning out from SpaceX in 2018, The Boring Company focuses on building underground tunnel networks designed to reduce traffic congestion in major cities. Its flagship project operates in Las Vegas, where passengers travel between stations using Tesla vehicles through a network of underground tunnels combined with surface transportation routes. The company believes underground transportation systems can move people more efficiently while reducing traffic delays in densely populated urban areas. Expansion Plans Continue Worldwide The Boring Company is actively pursuing several high-profile expansion projects. Current and proposed developments include: These initiatives reflect the company’s ambition to become a global leader in next-generation transportation infrastructure. Regulatory Challenges Remain Despite its ambitious growth plans, The Boring Company has faced criticism regarding workplace safety and environmental compliance. Reports have highlighted workplace injuries involving tunnel construction workers during previous projects. Additionally, Nevada regulators have alleged numerous environmental compliance violations connected to the company’s construction activities. While these issues have attracted regulatory scrutiny, the company continues pursuing expansion opportunities across multiple regions. Investors Continue Betting on Elon Musk’s Vision Elon Musk remains one of the world’s most influential technology entrepreneurs, leading companies across electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, aerospace, robotics, and infrastructure. Many investors continue backing Musk-led ventures because of their long-term innovation potential, even when projects involve significant technical or regulatory risks. The reported funding discussions suggest that investor confidence in underground transportation remains strong despite ongoing operational challenges. Relationship With SpaceX The Boring Company originated as a SpaceX initiative before becoming an independent business in 2018. SpaceX recently made headlines after completing one of the largest public offerings in history. Although its share price has experienced volatility following the listing, investor interest across Musk’s portfolio of companies remains significant. The continued fundraising efforts at The Boring Company further demonstrate the market’s willingness to invest in ambitious infrastructure and mobility technologies. What the Reported Valuation Means If the funding round closes at the reported valuation, The Boring Company would join the ranks of the world’s most valuable privately backed infrastructure technology firms. The additional capital could help the company: As cities worldwide search for innovative solutions to traffic congestion and urban mobility challenges, underground transportation systems may become an increasingly important part of future smart city planning. Whether the reported $20 billion valuation is finalized or adjusted during negotiations, the funding discussions underscore growing investor interest in companies working to redefine how people move through modern cities. The Source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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Inside London’s ‘Lift House’: The Founder Community Challenging Silicon Valley’s Hustle Culture With a Healthier Startup Formula

The traditional Silicon Valley hacker house has long symbolized nonstop coding, sleepless nights, and relentless startup pressure. But in East London, a new generation of entrepreneurs is rewriting those rules. Known as Lift House (London Island Founder House), this innovative co-living space is proving that startup founders can pursue billion-dollar ambitions without sacrificing mental health, fitness, or personal relationships. Instead of glorifying burnout, its residents are embracing a balanced lifestyle while building AI startups and technology companies. As the global startup ecosystem evolves, Lift House represents a growing trend that could reshape how future entrepreneurs build successful businesses. What Is Lift House? Located in East London, Lift House combines a startup workspace with a co-living community designed specifically for ambitious founders. The six-story waterfront residence currently houses six entrepreneurs in their twenties, all working on different technology ventures ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and brain optimization to marketing technology and software innovation. The community was launched in March by entrepreneur Rowan Aldean, who previously sold his startup for millions before launching a new AI-focused company that helps businesses deploy intelligent AI agents. Unlike many founder houses in San Francisco, Lift House isn’t focused on sprinting toward the next Demo Day. Instead, its mission centers on long-term success, sustainable productivity, and personal growth. A Different Startup Philosophy Many Silicon Valley founder houses have become famous for extreme work schedules, marathon coding sessions, and competitive hustle culture. Lift House takes the opposite approach. Residents believe founders perform better when they maintain healthy routines, prioritize sleep, exercise regularly, and build meaningful relationships outside work. Their philosophy reflects a broader movement known as “Londonmaxxing”—an idea that encourages entrepreneurs to maximize everything London’s startup ecosystem offers without adopting Silicon Valley’s intense work culture. Daily Life Inside the Founder House Life at Lift House follows a structured yet flexible rhythm. Instead of endless work sessions, residents participate in activities designed to improve both physical and mental well-being. Their weekly routine includes: Residents also divide household responsibilities, purchase their own groceries, and maintain the home collectively. The goal is simple: create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive professionally while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Wellness Is Part of the Business Strategy One of Lift House’s unique traditions is its weekly journaling practice. Rather than discussing fundraising metrics or startup valuations, founders reflect on: Several residents say living in the house has helped them adopt healthier lifestyles. Some now prioritize regular lunches, consistent workouts, and better sleep—habits often overlooked in high-pressure startup environments. This focus on wellness reflects growing research suggesting that healthier founders often make better long-term business decisions. London’s AI Startup Scene Is Booming Lift House exists at a time when London’s technology ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented momentum. AI startups in London have attracted approximately $12 billion in funding during 2026, making artificial intelligence the city’s fastest-growing investment sector. Major companies driving this growth include: Many of these businesses were founded by former researchers and engineers from DeepMind, reinforcing London’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading AI innovation hubs. Why Many Founders Prefer London Residents believe London offers several advantages over Silicon Valley. Key benefits include: Programs such as the UK’s SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) also encourage angel investors to fund early-stage startups through attractive tax incentives. These policies make fundraising more accessible for many founders. But America Still Remains the Ultimate Destination Despite London’s growing influence, many entrepreneurs acknowledge that expanding into the United States remains a critical milestone. The U.S. continues to offer: Several Lift House residents revealed that American investors have encouraged them to relocate their startups to the U.S. to accelerate growth and improve access to customers. For many European startups, the long-term roadmap still involves launching in London before expanding across the Atlantic. A New Blueprint for Startup Success Lift House demonstrates that entrepreneurial ambition doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being. Its founders are building AI companies, attracting investors, and pursuing global expansion while making time for fitness, friendships, hobbies, and mental health. As startup culture continues to evolve, communities like Lift House could inspire a new generation of founders who value sustainable innovation over constant burnout. For entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders, the message is becoming increasingly clear: building a successful company isn’t just about working harder—it’s about creating an environment where founders can perform at their best for years, not just months. The Source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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Greylock’s $1.5 Billion VC Fund Defies Silicon Valley Trend: Why Smaller May Be Smarter in the AI Startup Race

Silicon Valley’s biggest venture capital firms continue raising record-breaking funds to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. However, Greylock Partners is taking a different path. Instead of chasing a multi-billion-dollar investment pool, the legendary venture capital firm has intentionally capped its latest fund at $1.5 billion, even though it says investors were willing to commit significantly more. The decision reflects Greylock’s long-term investment philosophy: backing fewer startups while providing founders with deeper strategic support. As AI startups attract unprecedented funding, Greylock believes disciplined investing—not simply managing larger funds—will generate stronger returns and help build the next generation of industry-leading technology companies. Greylock Raises a $1.5 Billion Venture Capital Fund Greylock Partners has officially closed its 18th flagship venture capital fund with $1.5 billion in commitments. The fund represents a 50% increase from its previous $1 billion fund raised in 2023, yet it remains modest compared to the massive investment vehicles many competing venture firms have recently launched. According to Greylock partner Saam Motamedi, the firm deliberately avoided raising a significantly larger fund despite having enough investor demand to do so. Rather than maximizing assets under management, Greylock chose to maintain a fund size that aligns with its founder-focused investment strategy. Why Greylock Chose Discipline Over Bigger Returns Many venture capital firms expand fund sizes as competition intensifies, allowing them to invest in more startups and participate in larger funding rounds. Greylock believes that approach comes with trade-offs. Motamedi explained that the firm’s mission is to become the most valuable long-term partner for exceptional entrepreneurs. Achieving that goal requires maintaining a manageable portfolio where partners can work closely with founders instead of spreading resources across hundreds of investments. By limiting the number of companies it funds, Greylock can provide strategic guidance, industry connections, engineering talent recruitment, customer introductions, and operational support that many entrepreneurs consider just as valuable as capital. A Founder-First Investment Strategy Greylock’s investment model remains highly selective. The firm’s ten partners typically make only one or two new investments each year, resulting in approximately 25 portfolio companies supported by the new fund. This focused strategy allows partners to spend significant time helping founders navigate product development, fundraising, hiring, market expansion, and scaling operations. Instead of prioritizing quantity, Greylock focuses on building lasting relationships with founders from the earliest stages of company creation. Investing Before the Startup Even Exists One of Greylock’s most distinctive strengths is identifying talented entrepreneurs before they launch businesses. Rather than evaluating mature companies with established products, the firm’s partners often meet founders while they are still developing ideas. Motamedi explained that weekly investment discussions frequently revolve around people instead of startup names. This founder-first philosophy allows Greylock to help entrepreneurs shape business models, recruit leadership teams, and validate market opportunities before competitors even recognize the opportunity. For Greylock, investing begins with confidence in the individual—not simply the startup concept. Strong Track Record in Early-Stage Technology Investments Greylock has built one of Silicon Valley’s most respected reputations by backing transformative technology companies during their earliest stages. Among its notable success stories are Palo Alto Networks, which originated through Greylock’s incubation efforts more than two decades ago, and cybersecurity company Abnormal, another startup developed with Greylock’s early support before achieving a multibillion-dollar valuation. The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes identifying disruptive founders capable of building category-defining businesses across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, enterprise software, cloud computing, fintech, and developer infrastructure. AI Startups Remain a Major Priority Artificial intelligence continues to dominate venture capital investing, and Greylock is no exception. The firm was an early investor in Baseten, an AI infrastructure company that has grown into one of the industry’s fastest-rising startups. Greylock has also invested in Anthropic, one of the leading AI companies competing in the rapidly evolving generative AI market. Although the firm’s primary focus remains seed and Series A investments, Greylock is willing to invest in later-stage companies with exceptional long-term potential. Selective Growth Investments Add Portfolio Flexibility While Greylock is widely recognized for early-stage investing, it maintains flexibility when outstanding opportunities emerge later in a company’s lifecycle. Its previous fund included investments in growth-stage companies such as Anthropic, Revolut, and Wiz. According to Motamedi, approximately 15% of the new fund will be allocated to later-stage investments, while the majority will continue supporting startups from their earliest funding rounds. This balanced strategy enables Greylock to participate in high-growth technology businesses without abandoning its core identity as an early-stage venture capital firm. Why Smaller Funds Can Deliver Better Performance Larger venture funds often face increasing pressure to deploy capital quickly, which can lead to investments outside a firm’s traditional expertise. Greylock believes maintaining a disciplined fund size improves decision-making, preserves investment quality, and enables stronger founder relationships. Smaller portfolios also allow partners to dedicate more time to helping entrepreneurs solve complex business challenges, recruit world-class talent, and accelerate product development. In today’s competitive AI investment landscape, that hands-on approach may offer founders a significant advantage over firms managing much larger portfolios. What Greylock’s Strategy Means for the Future of Venture Capital Greylock’s latest fund demonstrates that bigger is not always better in venture capital. As artificial intelligence fuels record startup valuations and unprecedented fundraising across Silicon Valley, Greylock continues prioritizing quality over quantity. Its selective investment philosophy focuses on identifying exceptional founders early, supporting them through every stage of growth, and building enduring technology companies rather than simply expanding assets under management. For entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem, Greylock’s strategy highlights an important lesson: sustainable venture capital success depends less on the size of a fund and more on the strength of founder partnerships, disciplined investing, and long-term value creation. As AI innovation accelerates, this focused approach could position Greylock to continue shaping the next generation of industry-leading technology companies. The Source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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