Tech revamps ☕️

TOGETHER WITH

Hello. OpenAI recruiters are trying to lure Google AI employees with $10 million pay packets, report says.

— James Xu-Johnson

VCs no longer do DTC

In a significant downturn, U.S. investors injected a mere $130 million into direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands this year, marking a staggering 97% drop from the robust $5 billion peak witnessed in 2021. Blamed for this decline are dwindling interest in e-commerce aggregators and a broader reluctance toward consumer products. Notably, DTC brands are strategically pivoting to offline channels, forging partnerships with major retailers, and establishing physical storefronts. Despite a resilient consumer spending landscape, startup backers, echoing a sentiment of caution, are increasingly hesitating to invest in burgeoning DTC ventures. (Crunchbase)

^{TOGETHER WITH UIZARD}

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Tech headlines 💬

AI Actions: Zapier has rolled out AI Actions, a tool for developers to integrate any AI platform into its 20,000+ automation actions. Users can issue natural language commands to the AI platform, which executes the desired action. With support for various AI platforms, AI Actions offers a simple setup and seamless API integrations. (Zapier)

The fight for .ai domains: In the fast-paced realm of AI startups, entrepreneurs are dishing out hefty sums for coveted .ai domain names, with prices soaring into the six figures. This digital gold rush reflects the intense competition and fervor surrounding the AI landscape. (BBC)

X algorithm changes: Elon Musk reveals X's upcoming algorithm update, shifting away from prioritizing popular posts to showcase content from smaller accounts outside users' usual network. The move is part of Musk's plan to turn X into a creator platform, giving smaller creators more visibility and monetization opportunities. (TC)

Tech start-ups race to make EV battery recycling sustainable

In the competitive landscape of electric vehicle (EV) innovation, tech start-ups like Hong Kong's GRST and Oregon-based OnTo Technology are leading a race to develop cleaner and more cost-effective methods for recycling EV batteries. With traditional methods facing criticism for being energy-intensive, these companies are attracting billions in investment to pioneer water-based technologies as environmentally friendly alternatives, anticipating a surge in battery disposals and aligning with impending regulatory mandates. (FT)

Airbnb's revamp with Carney

Airbnb, once a titan of innovative travel, found itself weathering storms of controversy and legal battles. In an effort to rewrite its narrative, the company turned to a notable figure from the West Wing: Jay Carney, former press secretary for President Obama. Margaux MacColl unpacks Carney's role and the maneuvers underway to reshape Airbnb's public perception.

1. Navigating turbulence:

   • Airbnb's recent history has been marred by negative headlines and legal entanglements. The arrival of Jay Carney, Airbnb's chief communicator, signals a concerted effort to steer the company through choppy waters.

2. User-centric revamp:

   • Carney, drawing from his experience, spearheaded changes addressing user concerns. These include a "Guest Favorites" label and AI tools designed to enhance the user experience and rebuild trust.

3. Global engagement dilemma:

   • Amid regulatory challenges in various cities, Carney grapples with the task of engaging policymakers globally. The emphasis is on navigating the complexities, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where Airbnb seeks to maintain a presence.

4. Transparent leadership:

   • CEO Brian Chesky's approach of acknowledging imperfections and actively seeking feedback emerges as a crucial element in Airbnb's bid to regain trust and redefine its image in the competitive travel landscape.

Your GPT will make more money than your Substack…

Other tech news

• Google sues to block AI ads preying on small businesses.

• Workers are 40% more likely to skip lunch than they were a year ago.

• AI that reads brain scans shows promise for finding Alzheimer’s genes.

• YouTube updates copyright claims process to help creators avoid violations.

• Apple reportedly cut a deal to get cleaner Amazon pages.

• Hackers stole over two million people’s personal data from Michigan hospitals.

• WhatsApp is adding a new way to voice chat with large groups.

• Google fights scammers using Bard hype to spread malware.

• Astra founders offer to take company private at value of about $30 million.

• Bill Gates-backed startup to use old wood to remove carbon from the air.

• Omegle was forced to shut down by a lawsuit from a sexual abuse survivor.

• Google is in talks to deepen its relationships with Character.AI by investing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Articles & links we dig

• Melinda French Gates: ‘It’s time to change the face of power in venture capital’ - (Fortune)

• The right-to-repair movement is just getting started - (The Verge)

• Podcast: Brian Chesky’s new playbook - (Listen)

• How to be an inspirational startup founder - (TC)

• 25 UK startups to watch: OnlyFans, Monzo, Yoto, Zilch and More - (Bloomberg)

• Should VCs worry about overvalued AI startups? - (AB)

• How virtual shares can improve the way startups reward their communities - (Maddyness)

• Superhuman is pivoting its email app to teams - (Fast Company)