Wabi, a new startup founded by the creator of Replika, has successfully raised $20 million in a pre-seed funding round. This innovative platform is being dubbed the 'YouTube for apps' as it allows users to easily create and share mini apps using simple prompts. This development is significant as it opens up new avenues for creativity and social interaction in the app space, potentially transforming how we engage with technology and each other.

MoEngage, a customer engagement service, has successfully raised $100 million in a Series F funding round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, bringing its total funding to $250 million. This significant investment highlights the growing confidence in MoEngage's potential, especially as it plans to ramp up its investments in artificial intelligence. This funding will not only support MoEngage's global expansion but also enhance its capabilities in AI, which is crucial for staying competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Spotify has reached an impressive milestone with nearly 500,000 video podcasts available on its platform, and over 390 million users have streamed a video podcast, marking a 54% increase year-over-year. This growth highlights Spotify's commitment to expanding its podcast offerings and engaging a larger audience, making it a significant player in the digital media landscape.

WhatsApp has just launched a highly anticipated companion app for the Apple Watch, allowing users to receive call notifications, read full messages, and even send voice messages directly from their wrist. This development is significant as it enhances user convenience and accessibility, making it easier for people to stay connected without needing to pull out their phones. The integration of WhatsApp with the Apple Watch reflects the growing trend of wearable technology and its role in everyday communication.

Pine Labs, an Indian digital payments company, has priced its IPO between $2 to $2.5 per share, resulting in a valuation of $2.9 billion at the upper end. This marks a significant drop from its previous valuation of $5 billion in 2022. The reduced valuation reflects the challenges faced by the fintech sector and highlights the shifting landscape of digital payments in India. As Pine Labs aims to expand globally, this IPO could be a crucial step, but the lower valuation raises concerns about investor confidence and market conditions.

TikTok is making waves by announcing its first-ever TikTok Awards show in the US, set to take place on December 18. This live event will be streamed on the TikTok app and Tubi, marking a significant milestone for the platform as it celebrates its creators and content. The awards show not only highlights the growing influence of TikTok in the entertainment industry but also offers a unique opportunity for fans to engage with their favorite creators in real-time.

VentureBeat is excited to welcome Karyne Levy as its new Managing Editor, starting today. Karyne brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at TechCrunch and has held significant positions at notable outlets like Protocol and NerdWallet. Her extensive background in tech journalism will undoubtedly enhance VentureBeat's editorial direction and strengthen its leadership team, making this a pivotal moment for the publication.

Alphabet is making waves in the tech world by launching independent companies through its Series X Capital fund, which has successfully raised over $500 million. This initiative not only showcases Alphabet's commitment to innovation but also allows for the exploration of groundbreaking ideas that could reshape industries. By spinning out these 'moonshot' projects, Alphabet is positioning itself as a leader in fostering new technologies and business models, which could have a significant impact on the economy and society.