startup

Uber will bring its premium robotaxi service to Houston in 2027

Uber’s Premium Robotaxi Service Is Headed to Houston in 2027: How AI-Powered Self-Driving EVs Will Transform Urban Transportation

Uber is accelerating its autonomous driving ambitions with plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in Houston by mid-2027. The move marks the second U.S. city in Uber’s strategic partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and autonomous driving technology company Nuro. The expansion comes as the three companies prepare to debut their first commercial robotaxi fleet in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year. Together, they aim to reshape the future of ride-hailing with AI-powered, fully electric, self-driving vehicles. Houston Becomes Uber’s Next Robotaxi Destination After San Francisco, Houston will become the next major market where Uber deploys its next-generation autonomous ride service. The Texas launch places Uber in direct competition with Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, which already operates commercial robotaxi services in both San Francisco and Houston. Uber says this is only the beginning. The company plans to expand its autonomous transportation network to dozens of cities over the coming years as demand for driverless mobility continues to grow. How Uber’s Robotaxi Partnership Works Uber’s premium robotaxi program combines the strengths of three industry leaders: Rather than developing every component internally, Uber has built a collaborative ecosystem designed to scale autonomous transportation faster. Lucid Gravity SUVs Feature Advanced Self-Driving Technology The robotaxi fleet is built on the Lucid Gravity SUV, one of the newest luxury electric vehicles entering the autonomous mobility market. Each vehicle includes an advanced sensor suite designed for safe navigation in complex urban environments, including: Together, these technologies allow the autonomous driving system to detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic signals, and road conditions with exceptional precision. Driverless Testing Is Still Underway Although testing has expanded significantly, the robotaxis are not yet operating without human supervision. Nuro has been testing autonomous Lucid Gravity vehicles across San Francisco for several months and recently began allowing select Uber employees to request rides in the test fleet. The company also received a California permit allowing future testing without a safety driver. However, current public road testing continues with trained safety operators behind the wheel while engineers validate system performance. In Houston, Uber and Nuro are testing approximately 100 autonomous vehicles on public streets while also using closed-course testing facilities and advanced driving simulations to improve reliability before public deployment. Uber Expands Houston Infrastructure Ahead of Launch Preparing for a commercial robotaxi service requires more than autonomous vehicles. Uber has already invested heavily in Houston by establishing a 50,000-square-foot operations hub that will support the autonomous fleet. The facility includes: This operational center will play a critical role in keeping autonomous vehicles charged, maintained, and ready for passengers around the clock. Nuro’s Strategic Shift Is Paying Off The Uber partnership represents a major milestone for Nuro. After originally focusing on small autonomous delivery vehicles, the startup shifted its business strategy in 2024 to license its self-driving technology to automakers and mobility companies. That decision has positioned Nuro as a leading supplier of autonomous driving software rather than a manufacturer of vehicles. Working with Uber provides Nuro an opportunity to deploy its AI-powered autonomous platform at scale across major U.S. cities. Lucid Gains a New Growth Opportunity The partnership also creates significant opportunities for Lucid. Like many electric vehicle startups, Lucid has faced challenges expanding sales in a market still largely dominated by Tesla. Uber’s commitment offers Lucid a major commercial customer beyond traditional retail buyers. The ride-hailing company has agreed to purchase at least 35,000 robotaxi-ready Lucid vehicles, giving the automaker a substantial boost as it scales production of its premium electric SUVs. Uber Doubles Down on Autonomous Mobility Uber isn’t simply partnering with autonomous vehicle companies—it is investing directly in them. The company has reportedly invested approximately $500 million in Nuro while separately committing another $500 million to Lucid. These investments demonstrate Uber’s long-term strategy of integrating autonomous vehicles into its global transportation platform. Instead of building self-driving technology from scratch, Uber is leveraging partnerships with specialized companies to accelerate commercialization while reducing development risks. What This Means for Riders For passengers, Uber’s premium robotaxi service could introduce a new era of transportation that combines luxury electric vehicles with AI-powered autonomous driving. Potential benefits include: Uber has also focused heavily on the in-cabin experience, ensuring passengers can easily interact with the vehicle throughout their journey. The Future of Autonomous Ride-Hailing Uber’s Houston expansion signals that autonomous transportation is moving from pilot programs toward commercial reality. As AI, machine learning, sensor technology, and electric vehicles continue advancing, robotaxis are expected to become an increasingly common option in major metropolitan areas. Competition between Uber, Waymo, and other autonomous mobility providers will likely accelerate innovation while improving accessibility and convenience for riders across the United States. Final Thoughts Uber’s decision to launch its premium robotaxi service in Houston by 2027 represents another major step toward the future of autonomous transportation. By combining Lucid’s luxury electric SUVs, Nuro’s cutting-edge self-driving technology, and Uber’s global ride-hailing platform, the company is building a scalable robotaxi ecosystem designed for long-term growth. As testing expands and infrastructure develops, Houston is poised to become one of the nation’s leading cities for autonomous mobility. For consumers, the rollout offers an early glimpse into how AI-powered robotaxis could redefine daily transportation, making self-driving electric rides an increasingly familiar part of urban life. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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App

FTC Lawsuit Exposes Massive Subscription Scam Network That Outsmarted Apple and Google App Store Safeguards

Millions of smartphone users trust app stores to provide safe and reliable applications. However, a newly filed lawsuit by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that even Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store can struggle to stop sophisticated subscription scam networks. According to the FTC, a company called Genesis Tech allegedly built a complex web of shell companies and deceptive mobile apps that generated hundreds of millions of dollars while making it difficult for consumers to cancel recurring subscriptions. The case highlights growing concerns about subscription scams, mobile app fraud, digital payments, and the limitations of current app store enforcement systems. FTC Alleges Genesis Tech Operated a Global Subscription Scam The FTC claims Genesis Tech orchestrated an extensive operation using multiple subsidiaries registered in Cyprus while conducting operations in Ukraine. These companies allegedly marketed numerous mobile apps to U.S. consumers under different business names, making it difficult for regulators and payment providers to identify their connections. Among the apps named in the complaint were popular services focused on fitness, nutrition, PDF editing, productivity, fashion, astrology, and habit tracking. Between early 2023 and mid-2025, these applications reportedly generated nearly $250 million in global revenue. During a separate 12-month period ending in September 2025, transactions processed through connected PayPal merchant accounts reportedly approached $700 million, according to the lawsuit. How the Alleged Scam Avoided Detection Rather than relying on a single developer account, the FTC alleges Genesis Tech continuously created new corporate entities and merchant accounts to hide its identity. The complaint claims the company regularly: This strategy allegedly allowed the organization to remain active for years despite growing complaints from consumers. The lawsuit demonstrates how modern app fraud has evolved from isolated scam apps into highly organized business networks capable of avoiding traditional enforcement measures. Deceptive Subscription Practices Targeted Consumers The FTC alleges many of Genesis Tech’s mobile apps attracted users by advertising free trials or inexpensive introductory offers. However, after signing up, customers were allegedly enrolled in recurring auto-renewing subscriptions that were far more expensive than expected. According to the complaint, consumers also experienced several deceptive practices, including: The agency argues these practices violated consumer protection laws designed to ensure transparency in online purchases. Why Canceling Became So Difficult One of the FTC’s strongest allegations centers on the cancellation process. Rather than providing simple cancellation options, the complaint claims some apps and websites either buried the cancellation feature or failed to offer one altogether. As a result, many users reportedly continued paying for subscriptions they believed had already been canceled. The FTC argues that businesses cannot legally make enrollment effortless while intentionally creating obstacles for customers attempting to end recurring payments. FTC Says Consumer Protection Laws Were Violated The lawsuit accuses Genesis Tech of violating both the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). ROSCA requires companies selling online subscriptions to: The FTC alleges Genesis Tech failed to meet these legal requirements through misleading marketing and deceptive billing practices. The complaint also names several company executives and associates as co-defendants. The case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Apple and Google Face Growing Challenges Although Apple and Google maintain review processes for apps entering their marketplaces, this lawsuit underscores the increasing sophistication of fraudulent developers. Instead of operating under a single company, bad actors now create networks of businesses, payment accounts, and international entities that make enforcement significantly more difficult. This approach allows developers to launch multiple apps across different categories while avoiding detection for extended periods. The case raises broader questions about whether existing app review systems are equipped to identify large-scale fraud networks operating behind seemingly unrelated brands. Subscription Scams Continue to Rise The Genesis Tech lawsuit is not an isolated enforcement action. Over the past several years, the FTC has investigated companies across multiple digital industries, including anonymous social apps, dating platforms, gig economy services, children’s app developers, advertising technology firms, and data brokers accused of deceptive business practices. These actions reflect the agency’s increasing focus on protecting consumers from hidden fees, misleading subscriptions, unauthorized charges, and digital marketplace fraud. How Consumers Can Protect Themselves As subscription-based apps become more common, users should remain cautious before downloading unfamiliar applications. Experts recommend several best practices: Taking a few extra minutes to verify payment terms can help prevent costly recurring charges later. Final Thoughts The FTC’s lawsuit against Genesis Tech exposes how organized subscription scam networks can exploit weaknesses in today’s app store ecosystem. By allegedly using shell companies, multiple payment processors, and deceptive subscription tactics, the company generated massive revenue while making cancellations unnecessarily difficult for consumers. As mobile subscriptions continue to dominate the app economy, regulators, technology companies, and payment providers will likely face increasing pressure to strengthen fraud detection and improve consumer protections. For users, the case serves as a reminder that understanding subscription terms before downloading an app is more important than ever. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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Intel Joins Elon Musk’s Terafab Project: New Texas Chip Factory Aims to Power AI and Robotics Boom

In a major move for the U.S. semiconductor industry, Intel has officially joined a high-profile initiative led by Elon Musk to build a next-generation chip manufacturing facility in Texas. The ambitious “Terafab” project, backed by SpaceX and Tesla, aims to produce massive computing power to support the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, and space technologies. 🚀 What Is the Terafab Project? The Terafab initiative is designed to create a cutting-edge semiconductor factory capable of producing up to 1 terawatt (1 TW) of compute annually—a massive leap in processing capacity. This compute power could fuel: The vision reflects Elon Musk’s broader strategy to integrate AI across industries—from Earth to orbit. 🏭 Intel’s Role: Manufacturing Powerhouse Intel brings critical expertise to the project. As one of the few companies capable of designing, fabricating, and packaging high-performance chips at scale, Intel is expected to handle the most complex part of the operation: chip manufacturing. Although the exact scope of its involvement hasn’t been fully disclosed, Intel stated that its capabilities will help accelerate Terafab’s mission. This partnership also gives Intel two major anchor clients—Tesla and SpaceX—boosting its foundry business ambitions. ⚠️ Why Building a Chip Factory Is So Challenging Constructing a semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) is one of the most expensive and complex projects in tech: Previously, questions were raised about how Tesla and SpaceX—companies without chip manufacturing experience—could execute such a project. Intel’s involvement now provides a clear answer. 📊 Strategic Shift in the Chip Industry Once the dominant U.S. chipmaker, Intel has faced strong competition from rivals like Nvidia and AMD, which adopted a fabless model—designing chips while outsourcing manufacturing. By joining Terafab, Intel is doubling down on its manufacturing-first strategy, aiming to reclaim leadership in semiconductor production. Following the announcement, Intel’s stock saw a notable rise, reflecting investor optimism about the partnership. 🔮 What This Means for the Future of AI The Terafab project signals a major shift in how tech giants approach infrastructure: If successful, this initiative could redefine global competition in semiconductors and AI computing. 💡 Final Thoughts The collaboration between Intel, Tesla, and SpaceX marks a bold step toward the future of high-performance computing. The source of this news is Tech Crunch. For TechMeo readers, this is more than just a business deal—it’s a glimpse into the next era of AI infrastructure, where massive compute power will drive everything from self-driving cars to space-based data systems.

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Close to $1M Cyber Heist: Hacker Diverts £700,000 from Energy Firm in Sophisticated Payment Scam

A shocking cybercrime incident has exposed the growing threat of financial fraud in the digital age. UK-based energy company Zephyr Energy confirmed that hackers successfully redirected a payment worth £700,000 (nearly $1 million) into a fraudulent account—raising serious concerns about business cybersecurity. How the Cyberattack Happened According to a regulatory filing, the stolen funds were intended for a legitimate contractor working with Zephyr’s U.S. subsidiary. However, cybercriminals intercepted the transaction and rerouted the payment to an account under their control. While the company has not disclosed the exact entry point, experts believe this type of attack typically involves business email compromise (BEC)—a method where hackers gain access to corporate emails or financial systems to manipulate payment details. Business Email Compromise: A Growing Threat Business email compromise attacks are among the most damaging cyber threats today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that BEC scams caused over $3 billion in global losses in 2025 alone, making them one of the top cybercrime categories. These attacks often involve: The Zephyr case highlights how even established companies can fall victim to these highly targeted scams. Company Response and Recovery Efforts Zephyr Energy stated that it is actively working with banks and cybersecurity consultants to recover the stolen funds. The company also assured stakeholders that: Despite following “industry-standard practices,” the breach underscores the need for constant upgrades in cybersecurity infrastructure. What This Means for Businesses This incident serves as a wake-up call for companies worldwide, especially those handling large financial transactions. Key cybersecurity takeaways include: Final Thoughts The £700,000 cyber theft targeting Zephyr Energy is a stark reminder that no organization is immune to digital fraud. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, businesses must stay proactive to protect their financial systems and sensitive data. The source of this news is Tech Crunch. For readers of TechMeo, this story highlights a critical reality: in today’s connected world, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential.

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OpenAI Launches $100 ChatGPT Pro Plan: A Game-Changer for Developers and Power Users

In a major move for AI enthusiasts and developers, OpenAI has officially introduced a $100/month ChatGPT Pro plan, bridging the gap between its existing $20 Plus tier and the high-end $200 plan. This long-awaited pricing update is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced AI tools—especially among heavy users of coding features. A New Mid-Tier Plan for Serious Users Until now, ChatGPT users had limited choices: The introduction of the $100 Pro plan creates a balanced option for users who need more power without jumping to the highest tier. Interestingly, while the $200 plan is no longer listed publicly, OpenAI has confirmed it still exists for advanced users requiring maximum capacity. Built for Coding: Codex Takes Center Stage The new $100 plan is heavily focused on AI-powered coding, powered by OpenAI’s Codex tool. Compared to the Plus plan, this new tier offers: This makes it a strong choice for programmers, startups, and tech professionals who rely on AI for daily development tasks. Competing Directly with Anthropic With this launch, OpenAI is clearly targeting competitors like Anthropic, which already offers a similar $100/month plan for its Claude AI. According to OpenAI, the new Pro tier delivers more coding value per dollar, especially during active usage. The company emphasizes that developers will notice the difference when working on complex or parallel coding projects. Limited-Time Boost: Higher Usage Until May To attract early adopters, OpenAI is offering temporarily higher usage limits for the $100 plan until May 31. This means users may experience fewer restrictions initially—but should expect standard limits to apply later. It’s important to note: Rapid Growth in AI Coding Adoption OpenAI also revealed impressive growth stats: These numbers highlight the rising demand for AI-assisted coding and automation tools across the tech industry. What This Means for the Future of AI The launch of the $100 ChatGPT Pro plan signals a shift toward flexible AI pricing models tailored to different user needs. Whether you’re a casual user, a startup founder, or a full-time developer, OpenAI is expanding its ecosystem to support every level of demand. For readers of TechMeo, this update marks a critical moment in the AI race—where pricing, performance, and productivity are becoming key differentiators in the battle for dominance. The source of this news is Tech Crunch. Stay tuned for more updates on AI tools, ChatGPT features, and the future of intelligent software right here on TechMeo.com 🚀

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OpenEvidence-Logo

OpenEvidence Reaches $12 Billion Valuation After Major Series D Funding Round

OpenEvidence Secures $250 Million in Fresh Investment OpenEvidence, a rapidly growing AI-driven healthcare technology startup, has reached a massive $12 billion valuation following a new $250 million Series D funding round. The investment was co-led by prominent venture capital firms Thrive Capital and DST, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s future despite rising competition in AI-powered health information platforms. This latest funding round marks a significant milestone for the U.S.-based startup and further strengthens its position in the evolving artificial intelligence healthcare market. Valuation Doubles in Just a Few Months The new valuation represents a 100% increase compared to OpenEvidence’s previous funding round in October, when it raised $200 million at a $6 billion valuation, led by Google Ventures (GV). In less than a year, the company has demonstrated exceptional growth, both in user adoption and revenue generation. According to company disclosures, OpenEvidence has now raised a total of $700 million across multiple funding rounds, placing it among the most well-funded AI health startups in the United States. Backed by Leading Investors and Institutions OpenEvidence’s investor list reads like a who’s who of Silicon Valley and healthcare innovation. Major backers include: The continued support from top venture capital firms and healthcare institutions suggests that investors are not overly concerned about competition from emerging AI health products developed by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. AI-Powered Medical Platform Built for Doctors OpenEvidence is an AI-powered medical information platform designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals. Often compared to WebMD for doctors, the platform delivers evidence-based clinical insights, medical literature summaries, and real-time decision support. Unlike consumer-focused AI health tools, OpenEvidence is tailored to clinical use, helping physicians make faster and more informed medical decisions. This differentiates it from ChatGPT’s health features, which primarily target everyday consumers. Competitive Landscape: OpenEvidence vs AI Health Rivals While OpenEvidence operates in the same broader space as AI health solutions from OpenAI and Anthropic, its target audience sets it apart. Anthropic’s Claude for Healthcare serves patients, providers, and payers, whereas OpenEvidence remains deeply focused on verified U.S. medical professionals. This specialized approach appears to be paying off, as the company continues to grow rapidly despite increased competition in the healthcare artificial intelligence sector. Massive Growth in Clinical Usage OpenEvidence revealed impressive usage metrics, highlighting its fast-growing adoption among medical professionals. In December alone, the platform supported 18 million clinical consultations conducted by verified healthcare providers in the United States. This marks a dramatic increase compared to approximately 3 million monthly searches just one year ago, showcasing the platform’s accelerating momentum and trust within the medical community. Revenue Crosses $100 Million Milestone In addition to user growth, OpenEvidence confirmed that it has surpassed $100 million in annual revenue, a key indicator of strong product-market fit. The platform currently operates on a free, ad-supported model, allowing widespread access for clinicians while generating sustainable income. This revenue milestone further reinforces the company’s long-term business viability and attractiveness to investors. The Future of AI in Healthcare Information With its latest funding round, OpenEvidence is well-positioned to expand its AI capabilities, enhance clinical accuracy, and potentially enter new healthcare markets. As artificial intelligence continues to transform medical research and decision-making, platforms like OpenEvidence are becoming essential tools for modern healthcare systems. The company’s rapid rise underscores a broader trend: AI-powered medical information platforms are no longer optional—they are becoming critical infrastructure in healthcare. The source of this news is Tech Crunch. For more breaking technology news, AI startup updates, and innovation stories from the U.S. tech ecosystem, stay connected with Techmeo.com 🚀

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Amazon-founder-Jeff-Bezos

Jeff Bezos Steps Back Into Leadership as Co-CEO of New AI Startup, Project Prometheus

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly returning to a hands-on leadership role for the first time since stepping down from Amazon in 2021. According to The New York Times, Bezos is taking on the role of co-CEO at a new artificial intelligence startup called Project Prometheus, a company he is also helping fund. The startup has already secured a massive $6.2 billion in backing, signaling its ambition to become a major force in the next era of AI. Bezos Joins Forces With Veteran AI and Biotech Leader Vik Bajaj Bezos will share the top role with Vik Bajaj, a seasoned tech and biotech executive. Bajaj previously led Google’s life sciences division, co-founded Alphabet’s health-focused company Verily, and helped launch Foresite Labs, an AI-driven research affiliate. The report notes Bajaj recently left Foresite Labs specifically to focus on building Prometheus. For Bezos, this marks a significant return to operations after years of focusing on space exploration, philanthropy, and higher-level strategic roles. Building AI for the Physical World Project Prometheus is positioning itself as an AI powerhouse focused on advancing the physical economy—industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced computer engineering. The company’s LinkedIn page highlights its mission as creating AI systems capable of understanding and simulating real-world physics. According to the report, its work is expected to resemble companies like Periodic Labs, which develop AI models capable of accelerating scientific discovery by mimicking real-world environments. A Team Stacked With AI Talent The startup has already assembled a team of nearly 100 specialists, including researchers and engineers with experience from top AI labs such as OpenAI, Meta, and Google DeepMind. With such a lineup — and billions in funding — Prometheus is signaling its intent to compete at the highest level of the AI industry. A New Chapter in the AI Arms Race Bezos’ involvement adds significant weight to the rapidly expanding AI race, especially as major players like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI push toward new frontiers. His return also suggests a growing belief that AI’s next breakthroughs will happen at the intersection of software, hardware, and the physical sciences. As Project Prometheus accelerates development, the tech world will be watching closely to see how Bezos’ leadership shapes this ambitious new venture. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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Cloudflare

Cloudflare Outage Disrupts Major Platforms, Company Blames ‘Latent Bug

A large portion of the internet went dark on Tuesday morning as a widespread Cloudflare outage impacted major platforms including ChatGPT, Claude, Spotify, X, and several other online services. The internet infrastructure giant quickly identified the issue, but the incident underscored just how dependent the modern web is on a handful of critical providers. Cloudflare Identifies the Cause and Issues a Fix At around 8 a.m. ET, Cloudflare updated its status page confirming that it had detected the problem and was deploying a fix. By mid-morning, the company reported that the situation had been stabilized, though it continued monitoring its systems to ensure a full recovery. Cloudflare’s CTO Dane Knecht later explained the root cause in a candid post on X, stating that the outage was triggered by a latent bug that went unnoticed during testing. According to Knecht, “a latent bug in a service underpinning our bot mitigation capability started to crash after a routine configuration change.” The malfunction cascaded across Cloudflare’s network, disrupting multiple services worldwide. He clarified that the outage was not the result of an attack. Cloudflare Apologizes and Promises Improvements Knecht apologized to users, saying the company had “failed its customers and the broader internet”, acknowledging the real-world impact of the disruption. Cloudflare confirmed that it would release a detailed post-incident report and strengthen safeguards to prevent a similar failure in the future. Despite the fix, Cloudflare noted ongoing issues for some users, particularly with logging into the Cloudflare dashboard. Engineers are actively working on resolving these lingering problems. A Reminder of the Internet’s Structural Fragility The outage comes less than a month after a significant AWS service disruption, highlighting a recurring concern: the internet relies heavily on a small number of infrastructure companies. When one experiences a failure, the ripple effect is immediate and widespread. Cloudflare alone powers an estimated 20% of all websites, operates data centers in 330 cities, and connects directly to 13,000 networks, including major ISPs and cloud providers. Given that one of its core services is defense against DDoS attacks, the irony of Tuesday’s downtime was not lost on many observers. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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Emm-smart-menstrual-solution

Emm Secures $9M to Launch One of the World’s First Smart Menstrual Cups

In a major step forward for femtech innovation, UK-based startup Emm has raised $9 million in seed funding to bring its “smart” menstrual cup to market. The idea originated during the COVID lockdown, when founder Jenny Button realized that while wearables like the Oura Ring and Whoop band offered deep wellness insights, nothing provided meaningful data about menstrual and reproductive health. Turning a Simple Cup Into a Smart Health Tool After thousands of prototypes and years of testing, Emm revealed what Button describes as the world’s first smart menstrual cup. It functions like a traditional menstrual cup but is built from medical-grade silicone embedded with ultra-thin sensor technology. These sensors track cycle data and patterns that are often impossible to capture through conventional health tools. Button believes the device could significantly improve the way reproductive conditions are detected and treated. Menstrual blood, she notes, is an untapped health resource, capable of providing insights beyond what circulatory blood tests can offer. A New Path for Diagnosing Reproductive Health Issues One of Emm’s biggest potential impacts is in diagnosing conditions such as endometriosis, which affects one in ten women and can take 7 to 10 years to identify. Button says this delay stems from a lack of reliable, objective menstrual health data — something Emm aims to solve. Beyond endometriosis, she highlights that one in three women will face serious reproductive health challenges during their lifetime. Emm’s technology could help speed up diagnoses and empower users with clearer information about their bodies. Privacy-First Technology With Strong Backing All data collected through the Emm app is encrypted, anonymized or pseudonymized, and protected by two-factor authentication. Only essential team members can access it, ensuring user privacy remains a core priority. Emm’s $9M seed round was led by Lunar Ventures, with participation from Alumni Ventures (an early Oura backer), The Labcorp Venture Fund, and BlueLion Global. The product is slated to launch in the UK next year, and the waitlist has already exceeded 30,000 sign-ups. Button expects a U.S. rollout by early 2027. Building the Future of Women’s Health Button says menstrual health is only the beginning. Emm plans to expand into diagnostics, digital tools, and potentially therapeutics. Her mission is clear: give people the data they need to take control of their health and advocate for themselves. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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European-tech-gets political

European Tech Steps Into Politics as Lobbying Efforts Grow

European technology is entering a new era — one where startups and investors aren’t just building products but also pushing for political influence. Atomico’s newly released State of European Tech 2025 report highlights a clear trend: lobbying is becoming a defining feature of Europe’s tech landscape. From Ecosystem Insights to Policy Advocacy This year’s report goes beyond investment numbers and ecosystem growth. According to Tom Wehmeier, Atomico partner and head of intelligence, the goal is no longer just to show progress but to shape the future. Atomico’s recommendations — Fix the friction, Fund the future, Empower talent, and Champion risk — reflect the industry’s growing desire for a more supportive environment. Founded by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström, Atomico carries weight in European tech. Its portfolio includes major names such as Klarna, DeepL, Stripe, Supercell, and Aiven. With companies of this scale behind it, Atomico’s voice represents more than just a single firm; it echoes a broader shift among European startups. A Push for Unified Rules and Global Competitiveness European tech companies, much like their U.S. peers, are hiring public-affairs teams and joining collective efforts to influence policy. Many of these recommendations align with ongoing debates in Brussels — including the call for a “28th regime” that would simplify company formation across Europe. Currently, businesses must navigate 27 different national structures, an obstacle that slows cross-border growth. Atomico warns that the success of this new regime will depend heavily on whether it becomes a regulation instead of a directive. Regulations apply uniformly across all member states, which tech founders say is crucial for scaling. The report also features, for the first time, a message from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who says she wants “the future of AI to be made in Europe,” underscoring the political importance of the region’s tech ambitions. New Voices, Growing Risks European tech advocacy is expanding, with groups like France Digitale, ESNA, and major startups taking more assertive positions. But challenges remain. Some proposals, such as boosting Europe’s chances of producing trillion-dollar companies, may feel disconnected from everyday citizens. Experts like Alexandru Voica of Synthesia say this gap is exactly why startups are increasing their communication efforts. With public trust in tech still fragile, companies now view policy and reputation management as essential. A Crucial Turning Point As Atomico puts it, Europe stands at a crossroads. Whether the continent strengthens its competitiveness — or falls behind global rivals — may depend on how effectively its tech leaders navigate both innovation and political influence. The source of this news is Tech Crunch.

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