Terra Oleo’s oil-producing microbes could replace destructive palm oil plantations
Terra Oleo had operated in stealth for years, developing yeast strains capable of producing high-value oils that don’t need refining. It has raised $3.1 million.
Fundraising
Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Self-Driving Beyond the Hype
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana takes the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (Oct 27–29, SF) to share the realities of scaling autonomous vehicles — from safety to regulation to the road ahead.
Figure reaches $39B valuation in latest funding round
Figure raised more than $1 billion in a Series C round led by Parkway Venture Capital in addition to numerous other investors.
Fourth Power’s sci-fi thermal batteries could be cheaper than pricey natural gas power plants
Fourth Power has raised $20 million to build a demonstration version of its thermal batteries, which ultimately could store electricity at $25 per kWh.
Rodatherm Energy wants to make geothermal more efficient, but will it be cheaper?
Rodatherm Energy emerged from stealth with $38 million in Series A funding. It plans to build a closed-loop geothermal power plant that uses refrigerants to move heat to the surface.
Do startups still need Silicon Valley? Founders and funders debate at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
Does Silicon Valley still give founders an edge? At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (Oct 27–29, SF), Anh-Tho Chuong (Lago), David Hall (Revolution), and Tawni Nazario-Cranz (SignalFire) debate whether location still drives startup success.
Time’s running out to volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 takes place October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, and we’re looking for motivated, curious, and energetic volunteers to help make it all happen.
By popular demand: 10 extra exhibit tables open at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Back by overwhelming demand, we’ve added 10 more exhibit tables to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — and this will be the final release before they sell out. This is your last chance to showcase your company in front of 10,000+ founders, VCs, and tech innovators from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West.
Zoom’s Eric Yuan and Emergence’s Santi Subotovsky on navigating the second act at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan and Emergence Capital General Partner Santi Subotovsky will join the Going Public Stage at Disrupt 2025 in a session called “What Comes After Breakout Success?.” Join 10,000+ tech and VC leaders from October 27-29 in San Francisco.
Preparing for your later-stage raise: Insider strategies from top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Planning your Series C and beyond? Hear from IVP’s Zeya Yang, Generation’s Lila Preston, and Diligent Robotics’ Andrea Thomaz on the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, October 27–29 in San Francisco.