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August 06.2025
3 Minutes Read

Crack the Code: How to Raise a Seed Round Successfully at TechCrunch Disrupt

Tech conference panelists discussing how to raise a seed round.

Unlocking Seed Round Success: Real Insights from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

As startups strive to secure that pivotal first round of funding, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is poised to deliver a treasure trove of knowledge. This dynamic event, running from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, promises invaluable insights from top investors aimed at empowering founders navigating the challenging landscape of seed funding.

Strategies for Effective Fundraising

A panel featuring prominent investors, including Maria Palma of Freestyle Capital, Gabby Cazeau of Harlem Capital, and Marlon Nichols from MaC Venture Capital, will provide practical guidance on raising seed capital. These experts will focus on the dual aspects of crafting a persuasive pitch and identifying the right investment partners, ensuring founders leave equipped with actionable strategies.

Meet the Investors: Who Are They?

Maria Palma offers a wealth of experience as a general partner, having backed innovative companies like Fung Money and Lightning Labs. Her background includes influential roles at Kindred Capital and RRE Ventures, complemented by a Harvard MBA.

Gabby Cazeau, renowned for her investments in pre-seed and seed startups, brings her expertise in enterprise software to the table. With accolades like being featured in Business Insider and recognized as a leader in Crain’s 40 Under 40, she is well-equipped to advise on navigating the currents of early-stage funding.

Lastly, Marlon Nichols stands out as a co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, which manages over $600 million in assets. His track record includes support for companies that are reshaping industries, confirming his status as a go-to source for fundraising wisdom.

The Panel: What to Expect

Unlike typical venture panels, the conversation on the Builders Stage aims to demystify the seed fundraising process. Participants will gain insights on building authentic investor relationships that extend beyond the transactional nature of term sheets.

This session is not just for founders gearing up for their first seed round but also for advisors and seasoned entrepreneurs seeking to refine their understanding of the investment landscape.

Maximizing Network Opportunities at Disrupt 2025

The event is more than just a series of presentations; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and potential investors. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and growth.

The addition of industry giants such as Netflix, Sequoia Capital, and ElevenLabs only amplifies the potential for learning and networking, providing startup founders with a close-up view of industry expectations and trends.

The Future of Tech and Funding

As technology continues to evolve, the implications for startup funding will shift correspondingly. Founders who attend this event will gain insights into emerging trends that could affect their fundraising strategies, positioning them for success in an increasingly competitive environment.

Decisions to Make with New Insights

After soaking in the knowledge shared by these seasoned investors, attendees will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their fundraising strategies, enhancing their chances of securing crucial seed funding.

Whether you’re a first-time founder or a returning participant, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 offers invaluable insights and networking opportunities that could shape your startup's future for years to come. Secure your ticket now to save up to $675 and take part in over 200 sessions designed to empower entrepreneurs.

To learn more about the event and register, visit TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

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08.06.2025

Apple's $100 Billion U.S. Manufacturing Boost: What It Means for Tech

Update Apple's Bold Move: $100 Billion Commitment to U.S. ManufacturingIn a strategic shift poised to reshape the tech industry landscape, Apple has announced a monumental $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. This decision arrives at a time when the company is under increased pressure from U.S. tariffs, especially amidst ongoing trade tensions. Following its previous commitment of $500 billion aimed at boosting local production, the latest announcement signals Apple's intent to anchor its manufacturing processes closer to home.The Importance of Manufacturing in the U.S.Manufacturing remains the backbone of economic stability and growth. With this new investment, Apple aims to strengthen the American workforce, as the company plans to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston. This facility will produce servers critical for optimizing Apple Intelligence, adding to the nearly $500 billion already earmarked for various manufacturing enhancements throughout 20 U.S. states. This not only marks a pivotal moment for Apple but could also inspire other tech giants to consider reshoring their operations.Why Is Apple Investing in U.S. Manufacturing Now?The surge in Apple's commitment is partly in response to external pressures. With tariffs imposed on products manufactured overseas, particularly in Asia, the financial burden on Apple has been significant. The company reported incurring $800 million as a result of tariff costs recently and expects this figure to rise sharply. By investing domestically, Apple can mitigate these financial risks and strengthen its supply chain against future disruptions.Responding to Political PressureThe timing of Apple’s announcement cannot be overlooked, as it comes in the wake of President Trump’s threats regarding tariffs unless the iPhone maker increases U.S. manufacturing. This political backdrop has prompted Apple to realign its strategy to not only comply with trade directives but also to sustain its reputation as a responsive and responsible corporate citizen.What This Means for the Tech IndustryApple's decision could have significant ripple effects across the tech industry and the economy at large. This level of investment might set a precedent for other technology firms, potentially igniting a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S. As companies grapple with supply chain vulnerabilities revealed during global crises, a shift towards domestic manufacturing could become a new norm.Future Predictions: Is This the New Trend?As global supply chains face increasing uncertainties, more companies in the tech sector might follow suit. The trend towards onshoring could lead to job creation in areas that once relied heavily on overseas manufacturing. If this proves effective, we could witness a resurgence in American manufacturing jobs, revitalizing local economies across the nation.Conclusion: The Broader ImplicationsApple’s commitment to increasing its U.S. manufacturing capacity is a significant development not just for the company but for the tech industry and American workers. As we watch this pivotal shift unfold, it raises essential questions about our reliance on global supply chains and encourages innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience within the domestic market. For those keen on keeping abreast of similar developments, this story signifies a turning point worth following closely.

08.06.2025

Unleashing the Power of Google's AI Coding Agent Jules: A New Era in Development

Update Google's Jules: An Asynchronous Game-Changer for Coders Google has just taken a significant leap in the coding world by officially launching its AI coding agent, Jules, out of beta. This move comes just a couple of months after its initial debut at the I/O developer conference, where developers first caught a glimpse of its innovative capabilities. Powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro, Jules is designed as an asynchronous, agent-based coding tool that collaborates seamlessly with GitHub, integrates into Google Cloud, and offers a suite of features that assist developers in fixing, updating, and managing their code efficiently. Breaking Tech News: Why Jules Stands Out One of the most remarkable aspects of Jules is its asynchronous operation. Unlike traditional AI coding tools that require real-time interaction, Jules enables users to delegate tasks and step away, providing a level of convenience akin to having an extra set of hands available to tackle coding responsibilities. Users can initiate tasks like cloning codebases, and then leave, returning hours later to find those tasks completed. This operation style significantly contrasts with synchronous agents, forcing users to monitor outputs continuously. Plans and Pricing: AStructured Approach for Developers Upon its public launch, Google introduced a structured pricing system for Jules, starting with an introductory access free plan for up to 15 tasks daily. For more robust users, paid tiers offer enhanced capabilities and limits, catering to varying developer needs. These pricing models reflect real usage data captured during the beta phase, including feedback from thousands of users who participated in the test run. Feedback: Incorporating Developer Insights According to Kathy Korevec, the director of product at Google Labs, the decision to move Jules out of beta was a product of rigorous feedback received during its testing phase. Developers tackled tens of thousands of tasks, resulting in over 140,000 code improvements. Importantly, this wealth of information allowed Google to refine Jules further, enhancing its user interface and capabilities. The feedback prompted the addition of features that increased efficiency, such as enabling the reuse of previous setups, which can mitigate repetitive effort for developers. Privacy Matters: What Users Need to Know Another critical update from Google's launch of Jules is the enhancement of its privacy policy. As per the new guidelines, public repositories may be used for training the AI, while private ones strictly safeguard user data. This shift aims to clarify for developers how their data may be leveraged within the platform, allowing them to code in confidence. Korevec highlighted the importance of transparency in this aspect, noting the adjustments made were largely in response to user concerns. The Future of AI Coding Agents: Innovations and Potential As the move towards AI-powered coding solutions gains momentum, Jules positions itself as not only a facilitator but potentially a leader in the coding assistance landscape. The introduction of deeper GitHub integration, enabling automatic pull request generation, enhances Jules' usability in real-world scenarios, fitting seamlessly into existing workflows. The trajectory of AI tools in development suggests an anticipated demand for more robust automation capabilities, and Google appears committed to remaining at the forefront of this technological revolution. Looking Ahead: Implications for Professional Developers With an increasing blend of AI in development tasks, professional developers must stay well-informed about tools like Jules and consider adopting such technologies into their practice. The potential to reduce repetitive coding tasks allows developers to reserve their brainpower for more strategic and creative initiatives, thereby enhancing overall productivity and innovation within their teams. As AI tools become common in everyday coding practices, understanding and leveraging these tools will be critical for staying competitive in the tech industry. In summary, the launch of Google’s AI coding agent, Jules, heralds a new era for developers everywhere—where the coding process may become more efficient, manageable, and strategic through AI assistance. As developers navigate this evolving landscape, embracing these tools could enhance productivity and creative potential in the tech world. For those looking to stay updated with breaking tech news and learn more about the latest innovations in AI and coding, developing a strong understanding of tools like Jules will be crucial for success.

08.06.2025

Why the Cybersecurity Community Must Fight Against US Authoritarianism

Update A Dire Warning from Citizen Lab’s Ron Deibert Ron Deibert, the director of Citizen Lab, is raising alarm bells within the cybersecurity community as he prepares to speak at the prestigious Black Hat conference in Las Vegas. His message is clear: the intersection of technology and authoritarianism poses a significant threat not only to cybersecurity professionals but to democracy itself. Deibert refers to this concerning trend as a "fusion of tech and fascism," underscoring the collective insecurity that’s growing amidst the silence from tech giants. The Political Climate and its Implications Deibert's concerns aren't unfounded. He points to recent U.S. political developments that have seen an uptick in authoritarianism, raising questions about the responsibilities of the cybersecurity sector. The firing of former CISA director Chris Krebs by former President Donald Trump, who dismissed critical voices against his administration’s falsehoods about election integrity, highlights how politics has crept into the realm of cybersecurity. Conversations sparked by Deibert, as well as calls from figures like Jen Easterly, stress the urgent need for cybersecurity experts to stand up against such political pressures. Calls for Action from the Cybersecurity Community With a history of political neutrality in focus, Deibert notes that the cybersecurity industry must re-evaluate its role. He advocates for vigilance and proactive engagement from industry experts, suggesting that ignoring this alarming trend can lead to dire consequences for democracy. "If we stay silent... we risk diminishing the very institutions we are here to protect," cautions Easterly. Cybersecurity professionals have an essential role in addressing these threats, and their involvement could be pivotal in shaping a better future. Corporate Responsibilities in the Fight Against Authoritarianism Deibert raises a critical point regarding the role of large tech companies like Meta, Google, and Apple in combating government spyware. He warns that cutting back on threat intelligence teams, which are essential for tracking malicious actors influencing democracy, can lead to a significant vulnerability in the broader fight against authoritarianism. As these companies grapple with their responsibilities, it’s evident that the battle lines between corporate interests and public security are becoming increasingly blurred. The Role of the Public As we consider the implications of these developments, it is vital for the public to understand their significance. What can individuals do to contribute to the fight against increasing authoritarianism? Engaging in informed discussions, advocating for policies that promote transparency, and supporting organizations dedicated to safeguarding democratic values are all steps that can be taken. By staying educated on cybersecurity and its intersection with politics, the public can play an active role in ensuring that technology remains a force for good in society. Looking Ahead: Future Tech News and Civil Rights As the cyber landscape evolves, continual monitoring of the political climate’s effects on technology will be essential. Cybersecurity professionals, combined with engaged citizens and corporate accountability, can help ensure that technological developments enhance rather than threaten our social fabric. The interplay of technology and civil rights will become an increasingly critical issue in the years to come, making it all the more vital for the industry to advocate for democratic practices. In conclusion, Ron Deibert’s insights at the upcoming Black Hat conference serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for action. The cybersecurity community’s response to the intertwining challenges of authoritarianism and technological advancement will be crucial in shaping the future of democracy. As we navigate these turbulent waters, commitment to collective security and democratic values will guide our trajectory.

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