Startup News

Apple's 2024 U.S. App Store rankings reveal Temu as the most downloaded free app, surpassing TikTok, which fell to third place behind Instagram Threads.

ChatGPT's significant rise to fourth place is noteworthy, outperforming Google Search.

Other notable rankings include various Meta apps and other popular applications. This information is presented as a bonus episode of the "Startup News" podcast, powered by "The Product City."

This podcast episode of "Startup News" discusses new WhatsApp features. These include the ability to select specific participants for group video calls, avoiding unnecessary disturbances. Additional improvements mentioned are enhanced video call resolution, fun filters, and a redesigned desktop call tab. These upgrades position WhatsApp as a more robust alternative to platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, particularly for work-related calls. Finally, the episode emphasizes the overall enhancement of WhatsApp's video calling capabilities.

Nowadays, a Y Combinator-backed startup using AI to automate event planning. Founded by two sisters, it leverages AI to source venues, caterers, and other services, significantly streamlining the process for large-scale events. The company has already booked over $4 million in events for clients including major tech companies, and recently secured $2 million in seed funding. Nowadays focuses on high-budget events and is gaining traction through word-of-mouth referrals. The episode highlights the sisters' entrepreneurial journey and the innovative application of AI in the event planning industry.

The podcast, "Startup News," provides news and updates on startups in the technology sector.

_______________________

Cleerly, a cardiovascular imaging startup, uses AI to detect early-stage coronary artery disease from CT scans. A recent podcast episode highlighted Cleerly's $106 million Series C extension funding round, led by Insight Partners, which will fuel further growth and clinical trials. The company's technology offers a less invasive alternative to traditional methods like stress tests and angiograms, and has already gained Medicare coverage. Despite competition, Cleerly's rapid growth and potential for widespread screening make it a promising player in the heart health market.

The podcast, "Startup News," provides news and updates on startups in the technology sector.

Lica, a new AI-powered video creation tool, is the focus of a "Startup News" podcast episode. Founded by two ex-Microsoft employees, Lica uses AI to generate professional-looking product videos and tutorials from screen recordings and screenshots. The startup recently secured $4 million in seed funding, highlighting investor confidence in its potential to disrupt the video production market by simplifying a previously expensive and time-consuming process. Lica offers a freemium model, with paid plans providing increased video length and download limits. Future plans include expanding video formats beyond product tutorials.

_______________________

Omri Casspi, a former NBA player, launched Swish Ventures, a $60 million venture fund focusing on early-stage cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and AI startups. This is Casspi's second fund, following the successful Sheva Capital. Swish Ventures will invest $5-$7 million per deal in approximately 10 companies, with a focus on experienced entrepreneurs and leveraging connections from his previous fund. The fund has secured notable investors, including Sequoia Capital and several founders from Casspi's prior portfolio companies. Casspi's venture capital activities highlight a growing trend of athletes investing in startups.

____________________

Tune in to "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Startup News" for more top stories from the tech & venture world, delivered directly to your ears.

_____________

_____________

Would like to stay in touch?

I was hoping you could find me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right away! :)