Former Apple worker pleads responsible to stealing autonomous car design particulars

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Goood [time of day] pricey [name]. You realize what we’re psyched about? The agenda for TC Disrupt just dropped, and it’s going to be an absolute corker of an occasion. Aaaah. Try what’s taking place on our 4 (Rely ’em! 4!) phases, and take a look at the unimaginable lineup of audio system. Then get your tickets and e-book your flights — it’s gonna be superior. See you there! — Christine and Haje

The TechCrunch High 3

• Facetime: Whereas Mark Zuckerberg is promising higher metaverse avatars, Estonia-based Prepared Participant Me is delivering. Andreessen Horowitz led the corporate’s latest $56 million increase into the corporate that’s constructing dynamic, animated recreation avatars for digital worlds, Ingrid writes.
• Driving away with secrets: Rita wrote a juicy one a few former Apple worker who left with extra than simply finest needs from his ex-colleagues. Xiaolang Zhang pleaded responsible this week to stealing confidential driving data from the tech large after which going to work for an electrical car firm.
• Light it up: Over at TechCrunch+, Tim studies on U.S. senator Joe Manchin’s ultimatum to automotive producers that they both transfer extra of their lithium-ion battery provide chain out of China or hand over on some tax incentives which might be a part of the Inflation Discount Act. Tim writes that this might backfire or that “the US, in the end, is about to develop into a key participant within the battery business.”

Startups and VC

The world has gotten much more critical about privateness and knowledge safety, however in lots of circumstances enterprise fashions that depend on personalization of 1 type or one other have struggled to maintain up. At present, a startup out of Paris referred to as Ravel Applied sciences is rising from stealth with an approach it believes could be the missing link between these two, Ingrid studies.

Although it’s sometimes tough for brand new client social apps to realize widespread adoption, 9count’s apps (friend-finder Wink and relationship app Summer time) have already seen some early traction — and traders have taken discover, investing an additional $28 million, writes Sarah.

5 extra we loved as we speak:

Ought to founders announce down rounds? This PR skilled says you don’t have anything to cover

Picture Credit: Ysr Dora (opens in a new window) / Getty Pictures

If your property was broken in an earthquake, would you’re feeling embarrassed?

Equally, founders needn’t really feel squeamish about accepting funding that lowers their valuation, advises Kate Johnson, VP of PR at BLASTmedia.

“Moderately than pretending a decrease valuation didn’t occur, swap your mindset,” she writes.

“You don’t have anything to cover, and by way of PR, no information isn’t excellent news. So, deal with adjusting your expectations.”

(TechCrunch+ is our membership program, which helps founders and startup groups get forward. You can sign up here.)

Large Tech Inc.

After studying about Apple’s ex-employee, we’ve got extra ex-employees who have been within the information as we speak, together with Twitter’s former safety chief, Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, who blew the whistle on the social media giant’s alleged mismanagement of cybersecurity. That one was by Carly, however the crew set to work on a number of totally different angles, and right here have been the fruits of their labor:

In the meantime, in streaming land, Lauren writes about each “Thor: Love and Thunder,” coming to Disney+ next month, and HBO’s “House of the Dragon” series premiere, which snagged 10 million viewers. Additionally, look out for Netflix’s version of the popular “Heads Up” game, Aisha studies.