FEMA National Emergency Alert Test: What You Need to Know

Daily Crunch: August 11, 2021

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Greetings, and welcome to Daily Crunch for August 11, 2021. The day has sparked considerable debate among Twitter users due to recent alterations in the platform’s design.

Today's Highlights

Alongside these discussions, we’re covering developments in the hardware and mobility sectors. Several noteworthy funding rounds have also been completed, and there’s news concerning startup media ventures.

It’s an excellent day for a comprehensive overview of the tech landscape. Furthermore, residents of the United States likely received a communication from FEMA today.

FEMA's Emergency Alert System Test

FEMA, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, conducted a test of its Emergency Alert System (EAS). Considering the frequency of global crises – be they fires, illness, or flooding – this was a timely exercise.

TechCrunch Disrupt

Prior to continuing, it’s worth noting that TechCrunch Disrupt will feature presentations from some of the most innovative founders in the health tech space. The event will also include a series of compelling breakout sessions.

Disrupt promises to be a remarkable event. — Alex

TechCrunch's Leading Three Stories

Here's a summary of the most prominent tech news as reported by TechCrunch.

Twitter's New Look Sparks Debate

It’s widely recognized that Twitter is undergoing significant product development, simultaneously pursuing numerous projects. This includes ongoing work on the TweetDeck platform.

Today, Twitter introduced a web and mobile redesign featuring a revised typeface, which has generated considerable reaction. The change has, in fact, prompted a degree of public dissatisfaction.

Samsung Unveils Latest Hardware Innovations

Samsung recently hosted a hardware launch event, as anticipated.

The company showcased several new products, including the Galaxy Watch 4, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 (a foldable smartphone), the Galaxy Z Flip 3 (a more compact foldable device), and updated headphone models.

These offerings are particularly relevant for users outside of the iOS ecosystem.

Venture Investment in China Remains Stable Despite Regulatory Changes

Following the Chinese government’s extensive regulatory actions targeting various domestic industries – addressing concerns about power, regulation, and monopolies – questions arose regarding the impact on startups and venture capital.

Initial data from the third quarter suggests that investment levels have remained relatively consistent, for now.

However, potential pauses in Chinese deals by firms like SoftBank could lead to a decrease in larger startup investments.

Startups and Venture Capital Updates

Prior to reviewing the latest funding activities within the venture capital and high-growth startup ecosystems, let’s consider a couple of noteworthy product developments.

Firstly, Airtable has recently completed an acquisition. Indeed, the company valued at approximately $5.8 billion, often described as the future of spreadsheets, is actively engaging in strategic deals. Specifically, they’ve acquired Bayes, an early-stage startup specializing in data visualization and offering a no-code platform, as reported by TechCrunch. This development could prove beneficial for existing Airtable users.

Secondly, Medium is once again revising its business strategy. This marks another iteration for the platform. The latest change involves adjustments to its partner program. Authors on Medium now have the opportunity to manage their own subscriptions, retaining 50% of the revenue after fees. This approach mirrors elements of Substack, but is viewed positively. Despite ongoing identity challenges, optimism remains for Medium, particularly given the demand for content creation.

Now, let's turn our attention to recent funding rounds.

Doxel Secures $40 Million for Construction Technology: This Series B funding round, led by Insight Partners, brings Doxel’s total funding to over $56 million. The company utilizes computer vision to monitor construction project progress. Their business model is innovative, and they’ve maintained a healthy financial position, achieving cash flow neutrality since their previous funding round due to strong growth and bookings. Doxel chose to raise capital to strengthen its balance sheet at an increased valuation, minimizing dilution. Raising funds when not immediately needed is a prudent financial strategy.
Cart.com Raises $98 Million: The name Cart.com may be familiar. The Houston-based e-commerce solutions provider has secured funding for the third time this year. This latest round adds to the $143 million total raised in 2021.
Everstage Obtains $1.7 Million for Sales Commission Software: The principle of developing software to automate traditionally manual spreadsheet-based processes remains relevant. Everstage aims to modernize sales commission calculations, currently often handled by finance teams using spreadsheets with limited transparency for sales personnel. This software is expected to be well-received by sales teams, given the complexity and importance of commission structures.
Pave Raises $16 Million to Enhance Compensation Management: Similar to the complexities of sales commissions, employee compensation can be a challenging area. Pave provides companies with data-driven insights to improve compensation planning, communication, and equity. The goal is to facilitate fairer and more informed compensation decisions, ultimately benefiting employees. This initiative is considered a positive development.

The Expanding Senior Market: Investment in the 65+ Demographic

Despite representing a rapidly expanding segment of the population, older adults are frequently overlooked within the consumer technology sector.

Projections indicate the worldwide population of individuals aged 65 and over will attain 1.5 billion by the year 2050. This demographic, characterized by increased longevity and active lifestyles, possesses significant disposable income.

However, a considerable number of startups continue to prioritize the development of products geared towards younger consumers, according to Lawrence Kosick, a co-founder at GetSetUp, an educational technology firm focused on learners aged 50 and above.

Kosick emphasizes that a beneficial and readily scalable service tailored to the needs of older adults presents substantial potential for growth, particularly through strategic alliances.

Untapped Potential in the Senior Tech Space

The current market dynamics suggest a considerable gap between the needs of the aging population and the availability of suitable technological solutions.

This presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to capitalize on an underserved market with substantial purchasing power.

Strategies for Success

Focus on Value: Develop services that genuinely address the needs and challenges faced by older adults.
Scalability is Key: Ensure your solution can efficiently serve a large and growing user base.
Partnerships Matter: Collaboration with relevant organizations can accelerate market penetration.

Successfully navigating this demographic requires a dedicated focus on usability, accessibility, and a deep understanding of the unique requirements of older consumers.

(Access to exclusive insights and resources is available through Extra Crunch, our membership program designed to empower founders and startup teams. Registration can be completed here.)

Big Tech Inc.

Major public technology corporations experienced a particularly active day. The following is a concise summary of the most significant developments:

NortonLifeLock and Avast Merger: A definitive agreement has been reached for NortonLifeLock to acquire Avast in a transaction valued at $8.1 billion. This represents a substantial consolidation within the cybersecurity sector, recognized by TechCrunch as the third-largest cybersecurity acquisition recorded to date.
Android 12 Beta 4 Reaches Platform Stability: The fourth beta release of Android 12 has achieved platform stability. This milestone allows developers to finalize application development targeting the new Android version without anticipating further API changes.
Transportation Sector Updates: A variety of noteworthy events occurred within the transportation industry. TechCrunch published a review of the newly released hybrid Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Furthermore, Hyzon Motors has commenced deliveries of its hydrogen fuel cell powered trucks, marking a step forward in alternative fuel technology.

Amazon’s $1.5 billion air cargo facility is now operational, facilitating expedited package delivery services.

Joby Aviation has finalized its merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), resulting in the company becoming publicly traded.

Additional Insights

An in-depth analysis of Singapore’s burgeoning startup ecosystem is now available for review, offering valuable perspectives on innovation in the region.

A shift in excitement appears to be occurring, with Windows 11 generating more consumer interest than recent iterations of Android or iOS.

TechCrunch Seeks Recommendations for Growth Marketing Professionals

daily crunch: fema tests national emergency alert system for first time since pandemic began

TechCrunch is currently soliciting recommendations for skilled growth marketers.

Expertise in areas such as SEO, social media marketing, and content creation is highly valued.

Growth Marketer Survey

Growth marketers are encouraged to share a survey link with their clients.

TechCrunch aims to gather feedback regarding positive client experiences and the reasons behind them.

Further Insights into Startup Storytelling

Those interested in understanding how these surveys influence TechCrunch’s reporting can explore a conversation between Eric Eldon and Julian Shapiro.

The interview, titled “The art of startup storytelling with Julian Shapiro,” provides valuable context.