TechCrunchFundingWednesday, April 15, 2026

AI learning app Gizmo levels up with 13M users and a $22M investment

Gizmo, an AI-powered learning platform, has attracted more than 13 million users and just secured $22 million in Series A funding.

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Wired9h ago

Allbirds Is Pivoting to AI Compute. Sure, Why Not

Funding

Once a $4 billion apparel juggernaut, Allbirds will rebrand as NewBird AI, a “GPU-as-a-Service” company. Hey, if you can't beat ’em, join ’em.

The Verge9h ago

Allbirds announced a switch from shoes to AI and its stock jumped 600 percent

Funding

Allbirds had a hit a decade ago with its Wool Runner shoes, but after a $4 billion IPO in 2021, the business never turned a profit, and sales dropped nearly 50 percent between 2022 and 2025. The company recently announced it would sell off its name and assets for $39 million to American Exchange...

The Register4 days ago

Suits won't quit AI spending, even if they can't prove it's working

Funding

A majority of UK business leaders—65 percent—plan to maintain significant artificial intelligence investments despite the inability to demonstrate immediate measurable returns. Rather than justify spending through traditional ROI metrics, executives are reframing AI as a "strategic enabler for enterprise-wide transformation," according to KPMG research. This suggests companies view AI investment as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term productivity play.

Wired4 days ago

AI Podcasters Really Want to Tell You How to Keep a Man Happy

Funding

AI-generated podcast videos featuring fictional relationship gurus are accumulating millions of views across social media platforms. These videos typically present traditional gender stereotypes and relationship advice, ostensibly designed to help women maintain romantic relationships. The content is being created and distributed at scale, leveraging AI technology to produce realistic-looking video and audio content.

TechCrunch4 days ago

Amazon CEO takes aim at Nvidia, Intel, Starlink, more in annual shareholder letter

Funding

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's annual shareholder letter justifies the company's substantial $200 billion capital expenditure commitment by positioning the company against multiple competitors including Nvidia, Intel, and SpaceX's Starlink. Rather than simply outlining Amazon's strategic direction, Jassy uses the letter to directly address competitive threats across different technology sectors, signaling the company's intention to compete broadly in infrastructure and AI-related markets.