Google announces its I/O plans, Facebook tests an audio Q&A feature, and Patreon triples its valuation. This is your Daily Crunch for April 7, 2021.
The big story: Google I/O will return virtually next month
Google canceled its giant developer conference last year during the pandemic. This year, the show will return virtually from May 18 to May 20. It will be free and open to all. Google is following the lead of companies like Apple (holding a virtual WWDC in June) and Microsoft (which will have a virtual Build from May 25 to 27).
The tech giants
Facebook tests Hotline, a Q&A product that’s a mashup of Clubhouse and Instagram Live — Unlike Clubhouse, creators can turn their cameras on for the event instead of being audio-only.
Twitch expands its rules against hate and abuse to include behavior off the platform. The news comes as Twitch grapples with reports of abusive behavior and sexual harassment, both on the platform and within the company.
E-bikes and earbuds are among the first third-party hardware to support Apple’s Find My tracking — VanMoof’s S3 and X3 e-bikes will sport tracking functionality, along with a “Locate with Apple Find My” logo located on the bottom side of the crossbar.
Startups, funding, and venture capital
Patreon triples valuation to $4 billion in new raise — This was in a $155 million funding round led by Tiger Global.
Plaid raises $425M Series D from Altimeter as it charts a post-Visa future — After its $5.3 billion sales to Visa fell through this January, it became clear that Plaid would chart its destiny.
Authentic Artists is building virtual, AI-powered musicians — These musicians will perform their concerts initially on Twitch and respond to audience requests.
Advice and analysis from Extra Crunch
How to kick the ten worst startup habits with Fuel Capital’s Leah Solivan — Solivan has ample experience on both sides of the fence. She founded TaskRabbit and led it to exit through an acquisition by Ikea in 2017.
The do’s and don’ts of bug bounty programs with Katie Moussouris — In the rush to launch, cybersecurity doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, and yet it’s one of the first things that can go wrong for startups.
Building and leading an early-stage sales team with Zoom CRO Ryan Azus — Before his role at Zoom, Azus built RingCentral’s North American sales organization from the ground up. (Extra Crunch is our membership program, which helps founders and startup teams get ahead. You can sign up here.)
Everything else
Saying hello to TechCrunch’s newest podcast: Found — The Equity team sits down with the hosts of TechCrunch’s new podcast Found. The Daily Crunch is TechCrunch’s roundup of our biggest and most important stories. If you’d like this delivered to your inbox daily at around 3 pm Pacific, subscribe here.
