Sometimes, surprises are lurking in everyday data.
Take a category of consumers that Doug Rubin’s startup, Northwind Climate, calls “climate doers.” They’re concerned about climate change and tend to prioritize climate-friendly purchases, the sort of identifiers who might be stereotypically associated with things like buying organic foods or prioritizing local businesses.
“Turns out that the climate doers category actually are the consumers who most frequent fast-food restaurants,” Rubin told TechCrunch. What’s more, some 30% of climate doers are Republicans, he added.
Northwind Climate evolved from Rubin’s work in the political world, where surveys are vital to understanding shifts in public sentiment and identifying likely voters. The startup has raised a $1.05 million pre-seed round, it exclusively told TechCrunch, with participation from angel investors, including Tom Steyer, former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, and Alexander Hoffmann of Susty Ventures.
Rather than divide people into demographic buckets that might segment along political, generational, or regional lines, Northwind Climate analyzes survey responses for behavioral clues that can be used to classify consumers.
In addition to climate doers, who comprise about 15% of all U.S. consumers, Northwind Climate has identified four other behavioral groups, ranging from “climate distressed,” or people who are slightly less concerned about climate change and aren’t as financially secure as the climate doers, to the climate deniers, who tend to be retirees who think the media is exaggerating the problem.
But, Rubin adds, “even in that [climate deniers] bucket, there are messages and ways that work with them.”
Take some analysis Northwind did on electric vehicles. For climate doers and “climate distressed,” two categories of consumers who are most likely to buy an EV, the startup suggests that automakers frame the cars as matter of choice. “We’re providing choices for those who care about reducing pollution, saving money on gas, and helping address climate change,” reads one of Northwind’s suggested pitches.
But for climate doubters and deniers, who are less likely to buy one, the focus of the pitch shifts from choice to freedom: “Americans should have the freedom to drive what they want. We want to make electric vehicles clean, affordable, and practical for the millions of Americans who want one.”
The startup has built a database that consists of 20,000 survey respondents across eight surveys, and Rubin says it’s growing by 2,500 respondents per month. Every three months, Northwind also runs an industry-specific survey to capture deeper insights for different customers.
Companies that subscribe to the service, which costs $10,000 per quarter or $40,000 per year for a typical customer, can add up to four of their own questions every quarter, which Rubin said is less than what they’d shell out for one annual survey.
Within the platform, customers get access to the data Northwind has collected, questions it has asked, and some basic analyses like cross tabulations. The startup is building a chatbot to allow users to ask for more specific analyses using plain language queries.
Concerned consumers might cast a wary eye on such a platform, worried that it might help companies greenwash their businesses. But Rubin isn’t concerned, saying surveys have shown that consumers are pretty savvy. “Our data shows there is a clear risk to brands and their reputations from making claims that are exaggerated or otherwise untrue,” Rubin said.
Rubin said that Northwind is also developing what he calls a virtual focus group. It’s essentially an AI model, trained on survey responses, that can analyze a company’s marketing materials like TV spots or social media ads and provide feedback, just like a human focus group would. The startup hopes to have it available in the next four to five months, Rubin said, though it will use new data to continually refine the model.
Rubin is convinced that companies have been missing opportunities to connect with climate-conscious consumers. “If you look at the data and where consumers are — and it’s across the board, it’s not just Democrats or Independents — they really want this, and they will reward companies who are willing to be smart about it,” he said.
Keep reading the article on Tech Crunch
Qualcomm has acquired the generative AI division of VinAI, an AI research company headquartered in Hanoi, for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced on Monday.
The move marks Qualcomm’s continued expansion into the AI tooling sector. VinAI, which was founded by former DeepMind research scientist Hung Bui, develops a range of generative AI technologies, including computer vision algorithms and language models.
“This acquisition underscores our commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to R&D that makes us the driving force behind the next wave of AI innovation,” Qualcomm SVP of Engineering Jilei Hou said in a press release. “By bringing in high-caliber talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”
VinAI, which Bui started in 2019, primarily focuses on AI-powered automotive products, but also conducts higher-level AI research. Backed by VinGroup, a Vietnamese conglomerate, the company creates solutions like in-cabin monitoring, security, and “smart parking” systems for carmakers and customers in other verticals.
In a 2023 interview with Forbes, Bui said that VinAI had around 200 employees spread across the startup’s offices in Hanoi, the U.S., and Australia.
Bui said that he expects VinAI will contribute to a number of Qualcomm’s product families, including its software and chips for smartphones, PCs, and vehicles. “Our team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work,” he added in a statement.
Bui, who serves as VinAI’s CEO, will join Qualcomm following the close of the acquisition, according to the aforementioned press release.
The VinAI acquisition is Qualcomm’s second this year following its purchase of Edge Impulse, a German AI and Internet of Things company, in early March. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon recently called edge AI — AI that can run on devices without the need for data center infrastructure — a “tailwind” for the tech giant.
Keep reading the article on Tech Crunch
Construct Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups applying technology to sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and defense, has closed its third fund with $300 million in capital commitments.
The Washington, D.C.-based firm previously raised a $225 million second fund and a $75 million capital pool for later-stage companies in 2022.
While many emerging managers are struggling to raise fresh funds, Construct’s capital haul underscores institutional investors’ interest in backing VCs focused on the growing field of defense tech amid rising geopolitical tensions, along with the Trump administration’s push to increase domestic manufacturing.
The firm was founded in 2020 by former NEA partner Dayna Grayson and Rachel Holt, who was previously an executive at Uber. Construct has invested in startups like Hadrian, which uses software to manufacture parts for the defense and aerospace industries, and Veho, a company specializing in last-mile e-commerce delivery from distribution centers to customers.
Keep reading the article on Tech Crunch
OpenAI on Monday announced that it closed one of the largest private funding rounds in history.
According to a blog post on the company’s website, OpenAI raised $40 billion in a round that values the company at $300 billion post-money. SoftBank led the financing, CNBC reported. Other participants included Microsoft, Coatue, Altimeter, and Thrive, all of which are earlier backers in the outfit.
“[This new capital] enables us to push the frontiers of AI research even further, scale our compute infrastructure, and deliver increasingly powerful tools for the 500 million people who use ChatGPT every week,” OpenAI wrote in the blog post. “We’re excited to be working in partnership with SoftBank Group — few companies understand how to scale transformative technology like they do.”
CNBC, citing a source familiar with the matter, says that around $18 billion of the funding will go toward OpenAI’s ambitious Stargate infrastructure project, which aims to establish a network of AI data centers around the U.S.
Keep reading the article on Tech Crunch
Last chance! Less than 24 hours left to grab your $300+ discount on TechCrunch All Stage founder and investor passes. Planning to bring more than just you? Bundle tickets for even greater savings! Don’t wait — prices rise at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.
TC All Stage is the ultimate event where founders turbocharge growth, and investors spot the next big investment. Gain game-changing insights and connect with industry leaders on July 15 at SoWa Power Station in Boston.
Secure your discounted ticket before today ends — don’t wait!
Eager to turn traction into rapid growth? Join 1,200 founders and investors at TC All Stage, where founders learn from top VCs and industry experts, engage in practical sessions, and network with influential players — all while investors search for their next major startup investment.
Our roster of scaling experts continues to expand! Head to the speaker page to see the newest additions.
Two stages. Multiple tracks. Designed to cover every stage of startup growth, from early-stage to growth-stage to IPO, with actionable insights at each level.
Foundation Stage: Early-stage founders will dive into the essential principles of building a startup from the ground up. Topics include:
Scale Stage: For founders at Series A and beyond, uncover strategies to propel your startup to the next level. Don’t let growth stall — take your startup further:
Create meaningful connections with founders and investors in intimate 1:1 or small-group sessions. Tackle key challenges, share insights, and form strategic alliances that shape the future of your startup. Keep the momentum going by attending exclusive Side Events across Boston during “TC All Stage Week.”
Take part in focused, small-group roundtables guided by industry experts. Connect with fellow founders and investors, dive deep into your growth challenges, and leave with tailored strategies and actionable insights to help you scale smarter.
Head to the Expo Hall to find solutions for accelerating your startup or meet VCs looking to back your idea. Connect with exhibitors and explore new partnerships. Want to stand out? Reserve a table for 1,200 founders and investors — limited spots available. Learn more and secure your table here.
Founders, So You Think You Can Pitch gives you a front-row seat to live pitches paired with expert feedback from top VCs. Uncover the secrets to a winning pitch, get real-time advice, and fine-tune your strategy for the next funding round.
VCs, seize this opportunity to find new investment opportunities while mentoring founders to enhance their pitch skills.
Final hours to save! Founders and investors, secure up to $320 in savings before the clock strikes 11:59 p.m. PT tonight. After that, these deals vanish. Secure your ticket now and take charge of your startup’s success!
Or, explore sponsorship opportunities and activations at TC All Stage. Get in touch with our team by filling out this form.
Subscribe to the TechCrunch Events newsletter and be the first to know about special deals and event announcements.
Keep reading the article on Tech Crunch