Facebook Dating Launches in Europe - Daily Crunch

Updates on Facebook’s dating platform following a regulatory pause, a review of the latest Amazon Echo, and news regarding President Donald Trump’s Twitter account are featured in today’s Daily Crunch for October 22, 2020.

Key development: Facebook Dating launches in Europe

Earlier this year, Facebook postponed the rollout of its dating service in Europe because it did not provide sufficient advance notification to the Irish Data Protection Commission. The regulatory body has now granted Facebook permission to proceed with the launch.

Facebook Dating, initially released in the U.S. last year, enables users to build a distinct dating profile, utilize confidential chat features, and participate in video dates.

Regarding potential privacy and regulatory issues, the commission stated, “Facebook has supplied thorough explanations regarding the handling of personal data within the Dating feature… We will continue to assess the product as it becomes available throughout the EU this week.”

Major technology companies

Amazon Echo review: Enhanced audio performance — The current year’s model focuses on further improvements to the sound quality.

Facebook introduces hosting, shopping capabilities, and tiered pricing for WhatsApp Business — Facebook is implementing a system for customers to purchase and pay for products and services directly within WhatsApp conversations, and will begin charging businesses for utilizing WhatsApp for Business.

Spotify challenges traditional radio with its own daily morning program — The new show will integrate news, popular culture, entertainment, and music tailored to each listener’s preferences.

Startups, investment, and venture capital

Chinese online tutoring platform Yuanfudao achieves a valuation of $15.5 billion — The homework assistance app, established in 2012, has exceeded Byju’s to become the world’s most highly valued edtech company.

E-bike subscription company Dance secures $17.7M Series A funding, spearheaded by HV Holtzbrinck Ventures — The creators of SoundCloud initiated their e-bike service just three months ago.

Financial services startup Lili, focused on freelancers, raises $15M — This funding round follows Lili’s recent announcement of a $10 million seed investment.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

The impact of unicorn companies on the timing and size of venture capital investments — The third quarter of 2020 demonstrated a significant increase in late-stage funding compared to resources available for early-stage startups.

Perspectives from ten investors in the Zurich area on the Swiss startup landscape in 2020 — Official data indicates a 700% increase in the number of new Swiss startups since 1996.

A post-mortem analysis of Quibi (2020-2020) — Lessons learned from Quibi’s rapid and costly failure.

(Note: Extra Crunch is our subscription service designed to provide accessible information about startups. You can find subscription details here.)

Other news

A security expert successfully accessed President Trump’s Twitter account by correctly guessing the password “maga2020!” — The researcher notified Homeland Security after gaining access and the password was subsequently changed.

Moog commemorates the theremin’s 100th anniversary with the release of the Claravox Centennial — Featuring a walnut enclosure, brass antennas, and numerous controls, the Claravox evokes the aesthetic of a vintage recording studio.

The agenda for TC Sessions: Space 2020 has been announced — Our inaugural space-focused event will take place on December 16 and 17.

The Daily Crunch is TechCrunch’s compilation of the most significant and noteworthy stories. To receive this summary in your inbox daily around 3pm Pacific time, you can subscribe here.