The TikTok Ban Clears Key Hurdle While Perplexity AI Continues to Shake Up Search
If you’re a big fan of TikTok and live in the United States, I have some bad news for you. A bill that would force a sale of TikTok or ban it in the United States has passed the Senate. And, unfortunately, the president is expected to sign it into law.
Given that China has made it clear that it will not allow a sale of the social media company, despite it being headquartered in Singapore but owned by Chinese company ByteDance, things are looking grim for TikTok’s future in the States.
But Fear Not, There’s Good News on the Horizon
However, if this news has left you feeling bummed out, don’t worry! We have some fantastic positive news to share as well. Two AI startups in Europe have caught our attention and are making waves in the industry. And we’ll be discussing them in more detail later.
Perplexity AI: The AI Startup That’s Making Waves
One of the most exciting developments is from Perplexity AI, which has just raised significant funding and is shaking up its operating plans by raising even more money. This is a great time to be an AI startup, with many opportunities emerging in this rapidly evolving space.
Other Noteworthy News in the World of Tech
But it’s not just Perplexity AI that’s making headlines. The Framework laptops team has raised additional capital, Pony.AI is considering a U.S. IPO, and Volition Capital is expanding its reach. There’s a lot going on in the world of tech right now.
Let’s Dive In and Explore These Developments Further
In this episode of Equity, we’ll be discussing these developments and more with our guests. Join us as we explore the latest news and trends in the world of tech.
Key Takeaways
- A bill that would force a sale of TikTok or ban it in the United States has passed the Senate.
- Perplexity AI has raised significant funding and is shaking up its operating plans by raising even more money.
- The Framework laptops team has raised additional capital, Pony.AI is considering a U.S. IPO, and Volition Capital is expanding its reach.
Guests
- Alex Wilhelm: Senior Reporter at TechCrunch
- Theresa Loconsolo: Audio Producer at TechCrunch
Listen to the Episode
You can listen to this episode of Equity on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Or, if you prefer reading, check out our full transcript below.
Subscribe to Equity
Don’t miss out on future episodes of Equity! Subscribe to us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
Full Transcript Below
If you prefer reading over listening, or if you want to catch up on any parts of the episode that you missed, check out our full transcript below.
Alex Wilhelm: Welcome back to Equity, I’m Alex Wilhelm. Today we’re discussing a range of topics from TikTok’s uncertain future in the United States to the latest developments in AI and tech.
Theresa Loconsolo: Hi everyone, I’m Theresa Loconsolo, the audio producer for TechCrunch’s flagship podcast Equity.
Alex Wilhelm: So, let’s start with the bad news. A bill that would force a sale of TikTok or ban it in the United States has passed the Senate.
Theresa Loconsolo: That’s right, Alex. And while it’s not looking good for TikTok, there are some positive developments to discuss as well.
TikTok: The Uncertain Future
The proposed bill would give the U.S. government the authority to force ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell its stake in the social media app or ban it from operating in the country altogether.
Alex Wilhelm: Given China’s stance on not allowing a sale of the company, things are looking pretty grim for TikTok’s future in the States.
Perplexity AI: The AI Startup Making Waves
However, if you’re feeling bummed out by this news, don’t worry! There’s plenty to be excited about. Two AI startups in Europe have caught our attention and are making waves in the industry.
Theresa Loconsolo: That’s right, Alex. One of these startups is Perplexity AI, which has just raised significant funding and is shaking up its operating plans by raising even more money.
The Future of AI
Perplexity AI is a great example of the exciting developments happening in the world of AI right now. With many opportunities emerging in this rapidly evolving space, it’s an exciting time to be an AI startup.
Alex Wilhelm: And we’re not just talking about Perplexity AI here. Other companies like Framework laptops have also raised additional capital, Pony.AI is considering a U.S. IPO, and Volition Capital is expanding its reach.
Other Noteworthy News in the World of Tech
There’s a lot going on in the world of tech right now. From advancements in AI to new developments in the fields of robotics and defense, there’s no shortage of exciting news to explore.
Theresa Loconsolo: Join us as we dive into these topics further with our guests.
Listen to the Episode
You can listen to this episode of Equity on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Or, if you prefer reading, check out our full transcript below.
Subscribe to Equity
Don’t miss out on future episodes of Equity! Subscribe to us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
Conclusion
That’s it for this episode of Equity. Join us next time as we continue to explore the latest news and trends in the world of tech.
