Apple’s recent software upgrade brings a big change, Roku accuses Google of anticompetitive behavior, and Brex raises a large round of funding. This is your daily crisis for April 26, 2021.
The big story: iOS 14.5 brings privacy changes and more
Apple today released the latest version of its mobile operating system, which includes the much-discussed app tracking transparency feature, which allows users to control which apps share their data with third parties for ad targeting purposes.
Other new features include watch unlocking (which allows users to avoid the annoying “I can’t unlock my phone with my masked face!” Phenomenon), new emojis, and much more.
The technology giants
Roku claims Google is using its monopoly power in YouTube TV promotion negotiations – Roku warns customers that they may lose access to the YouTube TV channel on its platform after negotiations with Google go south.
Lyft to sell self-propelled unit to Toyota’s Woven Planet for USD 550 million – Lyft’s Level 5 division will be incorporated into Woven Planet Holdings as part of the acquisition agreement.
Apple Commits to 20,000 US Jobs on New North Carolina Campus – Apple this morning announced a comprehensive plan to invest more than $ 430 billion over the next five years.
Startups, Finance and Venture Capital
Brex raises $ 425 million at a valuation of $ 7.4 billion as the corporate spending war rages on. The company has also put together a new service called Brex Premium, which costs $ 49 per month.
Main Sequence was founded by Australia’s National Science Agency and is launching a deep tech fund of A $ 250 million. Main Sequence’s second fund addresses issues such as accessibility to health care, improving global food supplies, industrial productivity and space.
Mighty Networks is raising $ 50 million to build a creator economy for the masses. The company is led by Gina Bianchini, the co-founder and former CEO of Ning.
Advice and analysis of extra crunch
Founders who fail to properly review VCs set both parties up for failure – due diligence is a two-way street, and founders need to do their homework to ensure they aren’t doing business with VCs who pay lip service to their value.
How Brex more than doubled its rating in a year – An interview with CEO Henrique Dubugras about this huge funding round.
There’s no cybersecurity skills gap, but CISOs need to think creatively – Netskope’s Lamont Orange isn’t buying the idea that millions of cybersecurity jobs are left vacant because there aren’t enough qualified candidates.
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Everything else
How a founder worked with NASA to make puncture-proof and more sustainable tires – this week’s episode of Found features Co-Founder and CEO of SMART Tire Company, Earl Cole.
What the MasterClass effect means for edtech – MasterClass imitators collect a lot of money.
Learn more about building AVs on Amazon from Jesse Levinson, CTO of Zoox, at TC Sessions: Mobility 2021 – We’ll learn more about Zoox’s mission to develop and deploy autonomous passenger vehicles.
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