October 26, 2025

TechCrunch Top 3

Who are AI browsers for?: OpenAI launched an AI-powered browser this week, but it feels like it offers a slight efficiency gain at best. Read More

If you're not an AI startup, good luck raising money from VCs: New PitchBook data illustrates how dramatically AI is dominating startup investment, with 2025 on-track to become the first year when AI accounts for more than half of all VC money invested. Read More

Less than 24 hours until 10,000 founders, investors, and innovators hit TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — and ticket rates rise: The countdown is almost over — tomorrow's the day! In less than 24 hours, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 takes over Moscone West. From October 27–29, 10,000 founders, investors, and innovators will flood San Francisco for three days of building, connecting, and deal-making. We're just days away from live demos of never-before-seen tech and high-stakes pitches as startups compete for the $100,000 prize. The stages are being set. Booths are lighting up. Founders are fine-tuning their pitches. Investors are clearing calendars. When the excitement kicks off, the nonstop conversations, demos, and deals will begin. These are your final hours to save up to $444, bring a plus-one for 60% off, or lock in up to 30% off group discounts. Every conversation shapes what's next Across every stage, one truth stands out: innovation isn't confined to one role or title. Founders are seeking investors. Investors are scanning for signals. Builders are architecting what's next. At Disrupt 2025, these worlds collide — in 1:1 meetings, live sessions, and side events where chance encounters turn into partnerships. Whether you're pitching, funding, scaling, or reinventing, this is where the global startup ecosystem connects to make things happen. Find your ticket type. Founders: learn, pitch, fund, repeat Every founder at Disrupt shows up with the same mission — sharpen the story, meet the right investors, and walk away stronger. Learn how agentic AI is rewriting the startup playbook, how to stand out in a crowded market, and smarter ways to fund your next stage, and how to Read More

A message from TechCrunch Events

Tomorrow: Disrupt 2025 kicks off in SF and rates hike

Join 10,000+ founders, VCs, operators, and tech innovators on October 27–29 in San Francisco for Disrupt 2025. Get access to 250+ top voices, 200+ sessions, and 300+ innovations. Learn from Microsoft, Reddit, Netflix, Amazon, and more. Save up to $444 on your pass, 60% on a plus-one, or 15% to 30% on group passes.

Afternoon Must-Reads

OpenAI reportedly developing new generative music tool: Such a tool could be used to add music to existing videos, or to add guitar accompaniment to an existing vocal track, sources said. Read More

High school's AI security system confuses Doritos bag for a possible firearm: A high school student in Baltimore County, Maryland was reportedly handcuffed and searched after an AI security system flagged his bag of chips as a possible firearm. Read More

TikTok robot star Rizzbot gave me the middle finger: About a week ago, I woke to a dizzying DM on Instagram — Rizzbot flipping me off. This sent me down a rabbit hole about humanoids in society. Read More

India, the market BlaBlaCar once walked away from, is now its biggest: BlaBlaCar is seeing rapid growth in India, with 20 million passengers expected this year — up 50% from last year. Read More

The glaring security risks with AI browser agents: New AI browsers from OpenAI and Perplexity promise to increase user productivity, but they also come with increased security risks. Read More

A message from TechCrunch Events

Discover how on-device AI is changing business

Join Qualcomm's expert panel to see how Snapdragon's on-device AI helps enterprises cut costs, speed up workflows, and deliver smarter results in real time. Learn how on-device vs. cloud AI impacts your bottom line. Hear real enterprise success stories and ROI case studies. Explore Snapdragon's partner ecosystem driving next-gen innovation. Don't miss practical insights on how to put AI to work — right on your device. Sign up now to get event updates and access the livestream.

The Latest From TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Side Events schedule: Women in Tech, MongoDB, Silkroad Innovation Hub, and more to host: With TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 right around the corner, we're thrilled to introduce the companies hosting Side Events that will extend the buzz and excitement to the thousands of attendees and Silicon Valley locals alike. Read More

The full breakout session agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The full Disrupt 2025 breakout session agenda is now live. Join for tactical, small-group learning on AI, fundraising, M&A, workflows, and more. Browse the full lineup and register today to save up to $444, and get 60% off a second pass before prices rise on October 27. Read More