Tech News Roundup: February 11, 2021

This report provides a detailed overview of key developments in the technology sector as of February 11, 2021. It covers TikTok's evolving role in Russian politics, updates from major tech companies, and recent funding activity within the startup ecosystem.

TikTok and Political Activism in Russia

Russia is witnessing a surge in TikTok usage, particularly among younger demographics. Initially focused on entertainment, the platform is now becoming a space for political expression.

A growing number of young activists are utilizing TikTok to support Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition figure. This shift marks a notable change from the platform’s previous content trends.

Egor Khodasevich, a food blogger, observed that TikTok in Russia has transitioned from lighthearted content to include political videos across various categories, including humor and beauty.

Updates from Tech Giants

The Facebook Oversight Board is extending its scope, inviting other social networks to participate in its project if it proves successful.

Apple has launched a new augmented reality (AR) experience linked to its television series, ‘For All Mankind,’ demonstrating the company’s continued investment in AR technology.

Startups, Funding, and Venture Capital

Public, a fintech startup, is attracting significant venture capital investment amid challenges faced by Robinhood. The company focuses on accessible investing and community engagement.

Goldman Sachs and Sesame Workshop have jointly invested in Reach Capital III, a $165 million fund dedicated to supporting edtech firms.

Reduct.Video, a video editing startup, has secured $4 million in funding. Its technology is currently utilized by major companies like Intuit and Facebook.

Analysis from Extra Crunch

Metromile’s CEO, Dan Preston, discussed the company’s debut as a public entity following a SPAC merger, as more insurtech companies emerge.

A practical guide for founders and investors outlines the unique challenges and evolution cycle of deep tech startups, differentiating them from traditional B2B or B2C businesses.

(Extra Crunch is a membership program designed to assist founders and startup teams. Subscription details can be found here.)

Additional News

New data reveals racial disparities in the use of force by Chicago police officers, suggesting that increased diversity in law enforcement could improve policing practices.

A security breach exposed thousands of user accounts associated with Adorcam, a webcam application.

Subscription-based apps experienced a 34% growth in revenue, reaching $13 billion in 2020, maintaining a consistent share of overall app spending, according to Sensor Tower’s latest report.

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