Sources: Aaru, which uses AI to simulate user behavior, has raised a Series A led by Redpoint Ventures at multiple valuation tiers, including a $1B tier (Marina Temkin/TechCrunch)

Venture capitalists (VCs) are analyzing the challenges faced by consumer AI startups, noting that many lack the staying power necessary for long-term success. This discussion highlights the need for innovative personal devices to drive the next consumer tech revolution.

Chai Discovery, an AI-driven biotech firm backed by OpenAI, has successfully raised $130 million in a Series B funding round, achieving a valuation of $1.3 billion. The company focuses on developing foundation models for drug discovery, particularly in predicting molecular interactions for potential cures.

Ford is transitioning its US battery manufacturing capabilities to establish a battery energy storage business aimed at supporting data centers and the electrical grid, marking a strategic shift away from large electric vehicles. This initiative involves an investment of approximately $2 billion over the next two years.

Ford is launching a battery storage business with an investment of approximately $2 billion over the next two years, aiming to provide energy solutions for data centers and the electrical grid.

Google has announced that its 'dark web report' feature, which was launched approximately a year and a half ago to help users monitor their personal information on the dark web, will be discontinued starting in February. This decision comes as part of a broader reassessment of the tool's effectiveness in providing actionable insights to users.

Threads has introduced new communities to its platform, which boasts over 150 million daily active users, and is testing badges for highly engaged members to enhance user interaction.

Lidar manufacturer Luminar has filed for bankruptcy, concluding a challenging year marked by significant layoffs, executive turnover, and increasing debt levels. This filing reflects the company's struggles within the competitive landscape of the AI and automotive technology sectors.