Three ex-AI experts and engineers from Roche's Genentech have launched a new venture named Ortet, aiming to revolutionize the healthcare landscape with innovative solutions. The founders, driven by their experience and expertise in artificial intelligence, are committed to transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge technological developments. Their vision encompasses enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare systems, leveraging AI and other advanced technologies. As Ortet embarks on this journey, it promises to bring fresh perspectives and impactful changes to the industry.

Genentech AI graduates start health company Ortet with $500 million funding.

In a bright, sunlit modern bio-tech lab, two adult scientists in crisp white coats stand side by side unveiling a giant ceremonial check that reads “$500M.” Behind them, floor-to-ceiling frosted glass bears a bold Ortet logo. Natural daylight streams through large windows onto sleek workbenches, while wall-mounted posters merge AI circuit diagrams with DNA strands—symbolizing the Genentech AI alumni roots in this new health startup.

Genentech AI alumni launch health startup Ortet with $500M - Endpoints News

- Former Roche Genentech scientists founded a new healthcare company called Ortet.  
- Ortet aims to innovate and transform the healthcare system through advanced technology.  
- The founding team consists of experts in artificial intelligence and engineering fields.  

A trio of for­mer AI sci­en­tists and en­gi­neers at Roche’s Genen­tech has start­ed a com­pa­ny called Or­tet, with vi­sions of chang­ing the health­care sys­tem with …

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Genen­tech AI alum­ni launch health start­up Or­tet with $500M

A recent report by CNBC's Kate Rooney reveals that both Amazon and Nvidia are in discussions about potential acquisitions of AI startups. This development highlights the increasing interest of major tech companies in bolstering their artificial intelligence capabilities through strategic investments in emerging firms within the sector.

Reports indicate Amazon and Nvidia are exploring AI startup partnerships.

In a sunlit high-rise boardroom, two executive silhouettes lean over a polished glass table. On the table rests a softly glowing AI microchip prototype. Behind them, a giant Amazon logo banner on one wall and an equally prominent Nvidia logo banner on the opposite wall. Warm natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a bustling city skyline and an air of anticipation for a breakthrough AI startup partnership.

Amazon and Nvidia considering AI startup deals: Reports - CNBC

- Amazon and Nvidia are exploring potential deals with AI startups.  
- Reports indicate interest from both companies in advancing AI technology.  
- CNBC's Kate Rooney provided insights into these potential partnerships.  

In this video

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Amazon and Nvidia considering AI startup deals: Reports

CNBC’s Kate Rooney reports that Amazon and Nvidia are eyeing some AI startups.

Amazon and Nvidia considering AI startup deals: Reports

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Who is Decart? From AI startup to a $7 billion acquisition target for Amazon (AMZN:NASDAQ)

A bright morning scene outside a sleek, glass-fronted building labeled “Decart,” bathed in warm natural sunlight. Across a neatly landscaped plaza stands a towering skyscraper with a large Amazon logo on its facade. A golden arched footbridge connects the two structures, and above it hovers a subtle “$7 B” banner in polished metallic lettering. A few professional adults in business attire pause below, looking up in anticipation.

Who is Decart? From AI startup to $7B acquisition target of Amazon (AMZN:NASDAQ) - Seeking Alpha

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Who is Decart? From AI startup to $7B acquisition target of Amazon (AMZN:NASDAQ)

Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire the AI startup Decart for approximately $7 billion, according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal. Sources familiar with the negotiations suggest that an agreement could be reached soon, provided that the discussions remain productive and no other competitors arise to make a counteroffer.

As of now, Amazon has not responded to inquiries for a comment on the matter. Decart has created software designed to facilitate developers in transitioning between various AI chips, a function that has grown increasingly vital as companies strive to boost their computing capabilities.

Founded in 2023, Decart is also developing world models named Lucy and Oasis, which have the ability to create and simulate realistic 3-D environments.

Additionally, the Wall Street Journal noted that Amazon's proprietary Trainium3 chip was engineered to rival Nvidia, the leading company in the graphics processing unit market essential for the AI industry. Last year, Amazon Web Services provided Decart with early access to this chip after being impressed by the startup's founders during a meeting.

Should the acquisition of Decart go through, it would exceed Amazon’s previous $6.5 billion acquisition of the MGM film studio in 2022. Earlier this year, the company also revealed its plans to acquire Globalstar, a competitor to Starlink, in a deal valued at approximately $11 billion.

Recent reports from Israeli news outlet Calcalist indicated that Decart was in advanced discussions for a buyout by a significant tech player, following news that Anthropic had abandoned a $6 billion acquisition offer for Decart just last month.

In related Amazon AI developments, PYMNTS previously spoke with Mary Beth Westmoreland, vice president of Worldwide Selling Partner Experience, regarding the company's upcoming AI initiatives aimed at assisting merchants. This new approach is focused not merely on enhancing responses for sellers but on minimizing the frequency of their inquiries altogether.

Westmoreland highlighted that Amazon is evolving its Seller Assistant tool from a simple question-answering system into a more comprehensive operational layer for third-party vendors. She mentioned that the capabilities of Seller Assistant have expanded from a limited range to now onboarding hundreds of features.

The tool is designed not only to respond to inquiries but also to analyze inventory, pricing, advertising, demand, and compliance, while adapting to how each merchant operates. With ongoing monitoring and the ability to take action upon authorization, this development may significantly change the role of AI from merely a tool to an integral part of the infrastructure for Amazon's millions of third-party sellers. 

For ongoing updates on AI advancements, consider subscribing to the daily AI Newsletter.

Amazon Considers Acquiring AI Startup Decart for $7 Billion

A modern glass-walled boardroom flooded with warm morning sunlight, a giant Amazon logo mounted on a rich wooden accent wall. At the polished mahogany table, two suited figures lean over a sleek tablet screen displaying the Decart logo and a bold “$7 B” beneath it. Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting off the glossy table surface as the executives deliberate.

Amazon Weighs $7 Billion Purchase of AI Startup Decart - PYMNTS.com

- Amazon is in talks to acquire AI startup Decart for approximately $7 billion.  
- Decart's software facilitates developer transitions between different AI chips, enhancing computing power.  
- The potential deal surpasses Amazon’s previous $6.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022.

Amazon is reportedly in discussions to purchase artificial intelligence startup Decart in a roughly $7 billion deal.

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That’s according to a report Sunday (Oct. 11) by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources familiar with the matter. Those sources say a deal could come together soon, provided the talks don’t collapse and another contender doesn’t make an offer.

PYMNTS has contacted Amazon for comment but has not yet gotten a reply.

Decart’s software makes it easier for developers to move between different AI chips, the report said, noting that this capability has become more important as companies scramble to acquire additional computing power.

Founded in 2023, Decart is also working on world models known as Lucy and Oasis, which can generate and simulate real-world 3-D environments, the report said.

The WSJ added that Amazon’s custom Trainium3 chip was developed to compete with Nvidia, which continues to dominate the market for graphics processing units, the specialized chips powering the AI boom.

Amazon Web Services offered Decart early access to the chip last year after meeting with the company and being impressed by its founders, the report added.

If the deal for Decart materializes, it would surpass Amazon’s $6.5 billion purchase of the MGM movie and television studio in 2022. The company also announced an approximately $11 billion deal for Starlink competitor Globalstar earlier this year.

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According to WSJ, Israeli news outlet Calcalist reported recently that Decart was in advanced talks to be acquired by a major technology company. That followed reports from last month that Anthropic had walked away from a $6 billion deal to purchase Decart.

In other Amazon AI news, PYMNTS spoke last month with Mary Beth Westmoreland, the company’s vice president, Worldwide Selling Partner Experience, about its next AI push for merchants.

It’s an effort that’s less about offering sellers better answers and more about reducing how often they need to ask questions in the first place, that report said.

Westmoreland, in an exclusive conversation with PYMNTS, said Amazon is expanding its Seller Assistant from a conversational tool into something more akin to an operating layer for third-party merchants.

“We’ve gone from a smaller set of capabilities to onboarding just hundreds of them,” Westmoreland said.

Seller Assistant “doesn’t just answer questions” but can reason across inventory, pricing, advertising, demand and compliance; remember how a merchant operates; continuously monitor the business; and take action when granted permission, she added.

For Amazon’s millions of third-party sellers, that could transform AI from another item in their toolkits into the infrastructure through which they operate their businesses.

For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe to the daily AI Newsletter.

Amazon Weighs $7 Billion Purchase of AI Startup Decart

Amazon is reportedly in negotiations to purchase the Israeli-based artificial intelligence startup Decart for around $7 billion, as per a Sunday report from The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources close to the discussions. This acquisition could be finalized soon, although there remains a possibility that the talks may not reach a conclusion.

These discussions signify a shift in Decart's quest for a buyer. Initially, Nvidia showed interest in acquiring the startup, but by August, Anthropic was identified as the leading contender. However, Anthropic withdrew from the negotiations in September after reviewing the company’s financials, leaving Decart on the lookout for a new suitor.

Amazon appears poised to take over the opportunity that Anthropic passed on. The two companies already have an existing relationship, as Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a vital customer for Decart. Reports from CTech in May indicated that Amazon had integrated itself into Decart’s clientele as the startup continued to grow its AI infrastructure offerings. Additionally, the Journal noted that AWS provided Decart with early access to Amazon's upcoming Trainium3 AI chip in 2025, following positive feedback on the startup's founders.

Founded in 2023 by Dean and Orian Leitersdorf alongside Moshe Shalev, Decart specializes in creating technology that enhances the efficiency of AI models and facilitates seamless transitions between various chip manufacturers. This software aims to help businesses optimize the computing power they can achieve from their existing hardware, a crucial service as the AI sector grapples with rising infrastructure expenses and seeks to lessen its reliance on Nvidia’s prevalent role in AI accelerators.

Decart is also innovating AI systems that can generate interactive environments and videos in real-time. Notable products include Lucy, capable of real-time video editing, and Oasis, a model that creates simulated environments. The company gained significant international recognition with Oasis, a dynamic game that produces video content based on user interactions.

The integration of Decart's technology could bolster Amazon's competitive stance in the AI infrastructure domain. By developing its Trainium chips as counterpoints to Nvidia’s products, Amazon could substantially benefit from software that makes it easier to manage AI models efficiently across various processors, thereby enhancing its cloud platform’s appeal. Acquiring Decart would also give Amazon direct access to proven technology that aligns with its own computing ecosystem.

The flexibility of Decart’s technology to work across multiple chip brands is particularly significant now, as major tech companies are working to decrease their dependence on Nvidia—whose processors are at the heart of the AI surge. The primary challenge lies not only in acquiring chips but also in optimizing the use of these costly computing resources. Although Decart’s solutions address this issue, its commercial operations currently remain modest compared to the proposed acquisition price.

The estimated $7 billion acquisition would reflect a notable rise from Decart’s latest publicly recorded valuation. In May, Decart secured $300 million at a valuation estimated at roughly $4 billion, in a funding round led by Radical Ventures alongside Nvidia. In total, the startup has raised about $450 million.

The process surrounding the potential sale has been notably dynamic. Reports from August suggested Nvidia was nearing a deal with Decart until another offer surfaced. Anthropic later expressed serious interest, with expected valuations ranging from $6 billion to $7 billion for the deal. However, negotiations fell through after Anthropic conducted its due diligence, although the reasons for this decision were not disclosed.

While the collapse of the Anthropic agreement did not diminish interest in Decart’s technology, it created a layer of uncertainty regarding the startup’s future as an independent entity. An acquisition by Amazon would assure that this technology falls under the umbrella of a leading cloud services and chip manufacturer rather than a firm focused solely on AI model development.

For Amazon, a deal valued at approximately $7 billion would rank as one of its largest acquisitions in recent memory. It previously acquired the film and television studio MGM for about $6.5 billion in 2022 and announced an approximately $11 billion acquisition of satellite company Globalstar this year, aimed at bolstering its satellite initiatives to compete with SpaceX's Starlink.

Amazon may acquire Israeli AI startup Decart for $7 billion.

A bright, sunlit Tel Aviv boardroom where two sharply dressed executives shake hands over a glass table holding a sleek briefcase embossed “$7 B.” Behind them on a polished marble wall, a large Amazon smile logo sits beside the modern Decart startup emblem. In the corner, a single Israeli flag drapes softly, and through floor-to-ceiling windows the Mediterranean sparkles under a clear sky.

Amazon emerges as potential buyer of Israeli AI startup Decart at $7 billion - CTech

- Amazon is negotiating to acquire AI startup Decart for approximately $7 billion.  
- Decart's technology enhances AI model efficiency across different chip manufacturers.  
- A successful acquisition would strengthen Amazon's AI infrastructure and reduce Nvidia reliance.  

Amazon is in talks to acquire Israeli-founded artificial intelligence startup Decart for approximately $7 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal could be signed soon, although the negotiations could still fall apart.

The reported talks mark a new turn in Decart’s search for a buyer. Nvidia initially pursued an acquisition, before Anthropic emerged as the preferred bidder in August. But Anthropic abandoned the deal in September after conducting due diligence, leaving Decart looking for another potential acquirer.

Amazon could now be positioned to take over where Anthropic left off. The two companies already have a business relationship, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) serving as a strategic customer. CTech reported in May that Amazon had joined Decart’s customer base as the startup expanded its AI infrastructure business. The Journal reported that AWS gave Decart early access to Amazon’s Trainium3 AI chip in 2025, after being impressed by the startup’s founders.

1 View gallery Decart founders Orian Leitersdorf (from right), Dean Leitersdorf and Moshe Shalev. ( Amit Elkayam )

Founded in 2023 by brothers Dean and Orian Leitersdorf and Moshe Shalev, Decart develops technology designed to make AI models run more efficiently and switch more easily between chips from different manufacturers. Its software could help companies extract more computing power from existing hardware, a potentially valuable capability as the AI industry faces soaring infrastructure costs and seeks alternatives to Nvidia’s dominant position in AI accelerators.

Decart is also developing AI systems capable of generating interactive environments and video in real time. Its products include Lucy, which can edit video in real time, and Oasis, a model that generates simulated environments. The company first attracted international attention with Oasis, a game that creates video as users interact with it.

Decart’s technology could help Amazon strengthen its efforts to compete in AI infrastructure. The company has been developing its own Trainium chips as an alternative to Nvidia hardware, and software that helps customers run models efficiently across different processors could make its cloud platform more attractive. An acquisition would also give Amazon direct control of technology that has already been tested in its own computing ecosystem.

Decart’s ability to work across different chips is particularly relevant as large technology companies seek to reduce their dependence on Nvidia, whose processors have become central to the AI boom. The challenge is not simply obtaining chips, but using expensive computing resources as efficiently as possible. Decart’s technology is aimed at that problem, although the scale of its commercial business remains far smaller than the valuation being discussed for a potential sale.

The reported $7 billion price would represent a substantial premium to Decart’s most recent publicly disclosed valuation. In May, the company raised $300 million at a valuation of approximately $4 billion, in a round led by Radical Ventures that also included Nvidia. Decart has raised approximately $450 million in total.

The sale process has been unusually fluid. In August, it was reported that Nvidia had been close to acquiring Decart before a competing offer emerged. Anthropic then entered advanced negotiations, with the transaction expected to value Decart at around $6 billion to $7 billion. The deal ultimately collapsed after Anthropic completed due diligence. The reasons for its decision were not publicly established.

The failure of the Anthropic deal did not eliminate interest in Decart’s underlying technology, but it left the startup facing renewed uncertainty over its future as an independent company. A potential acquisition by Amazon would put the technology inside a major cloud and chip developer, rather than a company whose core business is building AI models.

For Amazon, a transaction of approximately $7 billion would rank among its largest acquisitions in recent years. It bought film and television studio MGM for about $6.5 billion in 2022 and announced an approximately $11 billion deal for satellite company Globalstar this year. The Globalstar transaction was intended to help Amazon build out its satellite business and compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Amazon emerges as potential buyer of Israeli AI startup Decart at $7 billion

This account is based on a conversation with Junead Khan, a 25-year-old entrepreneur based in Seattle. Previously, he worked at Microsoft before leaving last year to dedicate himself to his startup, Treasury. The narrative has been revised for brevity and clarity.

Junead had a positive introduction to Microsoft when he started as a full-time employee in 2023, right in the midst of the AI revolution. His role involved the global rollout of data centers, which he found to be an excellent opportunity. However, following some service outages, by early 2025, he noticed a shift towards prioritizing security and stability, resulting in a slower pace of product delivery. This change started to diminish his enjoyment at work.

As he observed improvements in AI coding tools, he found himself eager to experiment and gain quicker access to these innovations. Despite earning over $200,000 in 2024, including stock options and bonuses, Junead felt he wasn’t acquiring the AI skills he desired.

Intrigued by the concept of an AI startup he had been developing in his spare time, he began to seriously contemplate leaving Microsoft. However, he wasn't ready to make an immediate exit.

The entrepreneurial spark for Treasury ignited during his senior year of college. Originally from the UK, Junead moved to the United States in 2019 for a degree in computer science at the University of North Carolina. He recognized that managing finances in both countries was challenging with the existing financial tools available.

Around this time, AI technology was rapidly advancing, sparking his curiosity about creating a financial advisory tool accessible to average consumers who often cannot afford professional advice. After graduating and before starting at Microsoft that summer, he began developing Treasury, which he describes as an AI-driven money coach.

For the next two years, Junead balanced his startup with his Microsoft job, all while contemplating a transition. He applied to various startup accelerators, including Y Combinator, hoping to gain the push he needed to quit Microsoft and focus on Treasury full-time. However, after not receiving acceptance, he decided he didn’t want to wait for external validation to fully commit to his venture. He began viewing his Microsoft earnings as seed funding for his startup.

Being strategic in his departure was important to him. He waited until some of his stock vested and ensured he had stayed at Microsoft long enough to not have to repay a portion of his sign-on bonus. Last August, after nearly two years with Microsoft, he resigned and subsequently launched his business two months later.

Upon leaving Microsoft, Junead took to social media to document his journey of building Treasury. He focused on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to share both successes and setbacks, realizing this was crucial since he wouldn't be raising venture funding or investing in paid ads. He believed that, as AI technology rendered software development more accessible, cultivating a personal brand and audience would grow increasingly important for his career. Even if Treasury didn’t thrive, he understood that sharing his experiences could enhance his prospects for future job opportunities.

Initially, Junead had a very limited social media following, but he knew he needed to start somewhere. By sharing his entrepreneurial experiences, including challenges and product failures, he aimed to provide a real insight into the startup journey as a solo founder without venture capital backing.

His honest approach resonated with audiences, and within a year, he grew his following to around 30,000 across various platforms—from just 500 followers on TikTok to over 9,000.

Junead advises that effective social media growth comes from telling your story in a way that feels authentic to you. While many might think video content is the only way forward, he emphasizes that other formats such as articles or long-form videos could be more suitable for different individuals.

He was also encouraged by the advancements in AI, which allowed him to consider building the company on his own. A few years back, he believed he would need a cofounder to get the business off the ground, but the development of tools like Claude Code and Codex has made software creation much faster and more feasible.

As of now, Junead runs Treasury solo. The startup has already acquired paying customers, generating over $6,000 in revenue. It’s still in its early stages, with Junead not taking a salary; instead, he relies on his savings accumulated prior to leaving Microsoft. Initially, he promised himself a year to evaluate the company’s progress, and he continues to believe in the value of his product and the support from his audience. 

Leaving a lucrative position without external funding or customers was undoubtedly a risk, but through this experience, he learned a valuable lesson: don’t wait for permission from others to pursue your dreams. In the past, he had thought that certain milestones or acceptance into programs would validate his decision to move forward. Now, he realizes that sometimes, the only endorsement you need comes from within.

Ex-Microsoft Engineer Quits $200K Job to Launch AI Startup Alone

A determined adult engineer stands in a bright, sunlit loft office, backlit by morning light streaming through large windows. He’s facing a whiteboard covered in hand-drawn AI algorithms and sketches, a sleek laptop open on a minimalist desk beside a small potted plant. Behind him on a frosted glass wall, a bold Microsoft logo fades gently, symbolizing the high-paying job he left, while the crisp, empty workspace ahead evokes his solo AI startup journey.

I left my $200K job before my business had paying customers. Here's why I stopped waiting for validation. - Business Insider

- Junead Khan left Microsoft to focus on his AI startup, Treasury, after two years.  
- He documented his entrepreneurial journey on social media, growing his audience to 30,000.  
- Treasury has generated over $6,000 in early revenue, with Khan living off savings.  

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Junead Khan, a 25-year-old entrepreneur in Seattle. He worked at Microsoft before resigning last year to focus on his startup, Treasury. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I had a really good experience at Microsoft when I first joined full-time in 2023.

It was my first job out of college, and I joined right in the middle of the AI boom. I was involved in the rollout of data centers across the world. It was a great opportunity.

Then Microsoft experienced some service outages, and by early 2025, I saw a greater emphasis on security and service stability. It felt like shipping things got slower. That started to take some of the fun out of the job for me.

At the same time, I was watching new AI coding tools emerge. I wanted to experiment with them and get access to them faster. I was making very good money at Microsoft: I earned more than $200,000 in 2024, including stock and bonuses. But I didn't feel like I was learning all the AI skills I wanted to learn.

Related video I built a $300,000 side hustle while working full-time at Google

I started to think more seriously about leaving the company and pursuing an AI startup I'd been working on on the side.

Still, I wasn't ready to quit immediately.

I built my startup on the side of my full-time job

My business idea came to me during my senior year of college.

I was born and raised in the UK but came to the US in 2019 to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of North Carolina. I had money to manage in both countries, and I felt like the existing financial tools weren't working well for me.

Around the same time, AI models were getting much better. I started wondering if I could use the technology to build a financial advisor tool for the average person who might not have access to one or want to pay thousands of dollars a year for one.

So after graduating from college and before starting at Microsoft later that summer, I started building Treasury, which I describe as an AI money coach.

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For roughly the next two years, I worked on the business at night and on the weekends alongside my day job. Eventually, I started thinking seriously about leaving Microsoft.

Jacob Zinkula writes about how workers in tech and other industries are navigating their careers. Share your story with him by filling out this form, emailing him, or reaching out via Signal at jzinkula.29. Follow his work by clicking here.

I waited for my Microsoft stock and bonus before leaving

Last year, I applied to a few startup accelerators, including Y Combinator. My thinking was that if I got accepted, I'd quit Microsoft and work on Treasury full time.

But I didn't get accepted.

At that point, I decided I didn't want to wait for somebody else to give me permission to go all in on Treasury. So, I started thinking of the money I'd earned at Microsoft as my own seed funding.

Junead Khan said AI coding tools helped give him the confidence to leave Microsoft and build his startup without a cofounder. Junead Khan

I also wanted to be strategic about when I left. I waited for some of my stock to vest and until I'd been at Microsoft long enough that I wouldn't have to repay part of my sign-on bonus.

Last August, after about two years at Microsoft, I resigned and officially launched my company two months later.

I built an audience by sharing the highs and lows

When I left Microsoft, I started documenting what I was building on social media, primarily on TikTok and Instagram, but I also posted on LinkedIn and X. Part of the calculation was practical. If I wasn't going to raise venture funding and spend money on paid advertising, I needed to find another way to help people discover the product.

I also thought that, as AI made software engineering more accessible, having a personal brand and an audience would become increasingly important to my career. Even if Treasury didn't succeed, I thought documenting my journey could put me in a better position if I decide to look for another job one day.

The problem was that I had basically no social media following at the time, but I had to start somewhere. I began sharing my whole business journey on social media: the highs, the lows, and even failed product launches. I wanted to show what it was actually like to build a startup by myself without VC funding.

I think that approach resonated with people. Over the past year, my following has grown to around 30,000 across platforms.

About a year ago, I had fewer than 500 followers on TikTok. Today, I have more than 9,000.

My advice for growing your social media presence is to focus on telling your story in the way that suits you best. People might assume that means making TikTok or Instagram videos, but that won't be the best fit for everyone.

For some people, it might be writing articles or making long-form videos. Find the platform and content that work best for you and your style.

AI made me think I could build the company solo

One reason I felt comfortable trying this on my own was how much AI had changed software development.

A few years earlier, I think I might have needed a cofounder to help me build the product behind the business. But today, Claude Code and Codex allow me to code so much faster. Building a basic version of a software product without a cofounder or VC funding felt achievable.

If I eventually decide to raise money, I'd rather do it after I've had a chance to validate the idea with an audience on my own terms than give up equity before I've really tried.

Today, I'm still the only person working on Treasury.

I'm still living off my savings

Treasury now has paying customers and has generated more than $6,000 in revenue.

It's still very early. I don't pay myself a salary. The money the business makes stays in the company, and I've been living off the savings I accumulated before leaving Microsoft.

When I initially quit, I told myself I'd give the company a year and then see where things stood.

I've continued because I believe I've built a good product and have an audience that wants the company to succeed. Now I'm focused on figuring out how to reach more people and grow the business.

Leaving a well-paying job without paying customers or outside funding was a risk. But one thing I've learned through the process is not to wait for somebody else to give you permission to pursue something.

I used to think: If I get into this accelerator, then I'll quit. If this happens, then I'll do the next thing. Sometimes we look for those things as validation.

I've learned that sometimes the only permission you need is your own.

Former Microsoft Engineer Left $200K Job to Build AI Startup Solo

Zach Yadegari, a young entrepreneur and co-founder of the calorie-tracking application Cal AI, has embarked on a new venture called Persona, a startup focused on creating a cutting-edge AI assistant. This new initiative has already secured $10 million in funding, spearheaded by Vine Ventures, with notable participation from Cory Levy, founder of Z Fellows, and Collective Global.

Earlier this year, MyFitnessPal acquired Cal AI for an undisclosed amount after it surpassed the older nutrition tracking app in app store rankings. This substantial acquisition prompted Yadegari and his team to part with their company, which had generated over $30 million in annual revenue within just two years, according to comments made to TechCrunch at the time.

Following the acquisition, Yadegari along with his co-founders joined MyFitnessPal to support ongoing developments at Cal AI. However, he decided to leave the larger company in June, promptly shifting his focus to his next innovative concept. He is currently collaborating with another co-founder, whose identity is yet to be revealed.

Persona aims to function as a personalized AI assistant, akin to Instinct or Meta’s Muse, but with the addition of a hardware component—specifically, a $179 wearable band that will soon hit the market. This sets Persona apart from similar devices like Amazon's Bee, acquired in 2025, with Yadegari highlighting its unique features. Unlike traditional ambient AI tools that constantly listen, Persona will incorporate a button that activates the assistant, or it can respond to a simple wrist flick.

User privacy is a cornerstone of Persona’s design. The assistant operates by sending user data to the cloud rather than storing it on the device itself. Data is encrypted during transmission and while at rest, and users maintain the ability to delete their information, ensuring that nothing is sold to advertisers or data brokers.

The startup is also building robust protections against phishing and prompt injection attacks, which are common challenges faced by AI agents, according to established AI labs like OpenAI. Yadegari ensures that Persona cannot access credit card details, and all purchases will require explicit user approval, utilizing external payment services such as Stripe Link.

While Persona won’t monetize user data through advertising, its current business model involves displaying ads during shopping sessions. Yadegari emphasizes that the assistant’s recommendations will remain impartial, as it won't know which items are sponsored. For instance, if a user researches office chairs, the assistant will suggest options aligned with their preferences, including some paid placements.

The wearable bands are anticipated to launch in December, accompanied by a developing app. Meanwhile, Persona has entered a free beta testing phase where users can engage with the assistant through iMessage, already attracting a few thousand beta testers and generating a five-figure sum in preorder sales.

Persona can handle a variety of everyday tasks common to consumer AI assistants, such as ordering food, booking rides, taking notes, and managing travel plans, all while interacting with the user intuitively.

Yadegari envisions a future where various utility apps—whether for shopping, ride-hailing, or email—will merge into a singular, comprehensive platform powered by an AI assistant. He aims to evolve Persona into a proactive tool that anticipates user needs, thus reducing the need for users to engage with their smartphones constantly.

Those interested can catch Zach Yadegari at TechCrunch Disrupt, where he will discuss strategies for creating viral growth and leveraging it, taking place from October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Prior to founding Cal AI, Yadegari launched his first business in the ninth grade and successfully sold it for $100,000 at the age of 16.

Cal AI's 19-year-old creator has secured $10 million for his new AI venture.

In a sunlit loft office with warm morning light streaming through tall windows, a young figure seen from behind stands confidently before a large screen displaying “$10M” in bold letters alongside the Cal AI logo. An open laptop with lines of code, scattered notebooks and a coffee cup rest on a wooden desk, while celebratory confetti drifts in the air—capturing the triumphant moment of a new AI startup’s funding success.

Cal AI’s 19-year-old founder just raised $10M for his new AI startup - TechCrunch

- Zach Yadegari launched Persona, an AI assistant startup, raising $10 million in funding.  
- Persona features a privacy-focused wearable band with user-activated assistance and cloud-based AI.  
- The startup plans to develop a super app integrating various daily utility tasks into one.  

Zach Yadegari, the teen co-founder of calorie tracking app Cal AI, has launched Persona, a new AI agent startup, and already raised $10 million. Vine Ventures led the round, with Z Fellows founder Cory Levy and Collective Global participating.

In March, MyFitnessPal acquired Cal AI for an undisclosed sum after it zoomed ahead of the older calorie app in the app store rankings. The deal was big enough to convince Yadegari and his co-founders to sell the company after it had pulled in over $30 million in annual revenue in under two years, MyFitnessPal told TechCrunch at the time.

Yadegari and his co-founders originally went to work for their new owner, continuing development on Cal AI, but he left the bigger company in June, he tells TechCrunch. He then went right to work on his next idea. (He is working with another co-founder who has yet to be announced.)

That idea is Persona, a personal AI assistant similar to Instinct or Meta’s Muse but with a hardware component that will soon be available: a $179 wearable band.

Persona band Image Credits:TechCrunch

That makes Persona somewhat more like Bee, the wearable AI device that Amazon acquired in 2025, but Persona’s device differs in several ways, Yadegari tells TechCrunch. For one, it won’t be ambient AI, meaning it won’t always be listening and recording. The band will have a button that activates the assistant, or it can be set up to activate with the flick of one’s wrist.

Yadegari also says that Persona is designed with user privacy in mind. Persona doesn’t run its AI model or store user data on the device. Instead, the model runs in Persona’s cloud, and user data is sent there. The assistant protects privacy by encrypting data in transit and at rest. Users can also delete their data, the company says.

In this way, it is promising that user conversations stay private and cannot be sold to advertisers or data brokers.

The team is also baking in safeguards to protect the assistant against phishing and prompt-injection attempts, Yadegari says. These are two areas that can plague agents, say AI labs like OpenAI.

Plus, he promises that Persona’s agent can’t see a user’s credit-card details and that purchases will require the user’s approval, with payment handled through external providers such as Stripe Link. Link is Stripe’s secure wallet designed for use by agents.

Although user data won’t be sold to advertisers, the startup’s current business model does rely on ads. Yadegari says the company will show advertised wares during shopping research. But he says that the agent will present unbiased recommendations because the agent won’t know which of the items are advertised. For example, if someone is researching office chairs, he says, “the agent knows their preferences” and will show them chairs that match those preferences, some of them sponsored results.

The bands are expected to be available in December, and an app is in the works. In the meantime, Persona has launched as a free beta product in which users work with the assistant via iMessage text messages. It has attracted “a few thousand beta users,” Yadegari said. The band has also already generated “five figures in preorder revenue.”

Like other consumer AI assistants, he says, Persona can order food or rides, take notes, book travel, answer questions and emails, among other tasks.

“All of the utility apps that you use on your phone day-to-day, whether those are apps for shopping, whether it’s Uber, DoorDash, your email — these are all collapsing and will collapse into a single super app powered by an AI assistant,” Yadegari said.

Eventually, he hopes to make Persona even more proactive. “It can offer help and solve problems before you even know you have a problem, and overall be more seamless with your life, so that you don’t need to stare at a rectangle in your hand all day.”

Come see Zach Yadegari speak at TechCrunch Disrupt on “How to create viral growth and capitalize on it.” Disrupt takes place October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Before Cal AI, Yadegari built his first business in the ninth grade and sold it for $100,000 when he was 16.

Cal AI’s 19-year-old founder just raised $10M for his new AI startup

Manus is creating versatile AI agents capable of independently performing tasks like research and automation, requiring minimal human intervention. 

In April, the Chinese government instructed Meta to reverse its purchase of Manus due to increasing scrutiny over U.S. investments in Chinese startups focused on cutting-edge AI technology. 

In August, Manus announced its intention to operate as an independent entity, which includes erasing certain user data as part of its transition away from Meta. 

According to a report by The Information in June, Manus experienced a remarkable growth in its annual revenue run rate, which climbed to approximately $500 million, a substantial increase from $100 million at the time of its acquisition by Meta. The company is also exploring the possibility of establishing a joint-venture framework based in China, potentially setting the stage for a listing in Hong Kong.

Manus secures over $500 million following departure from Meta.

A sunlit modern startup office with warm natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows onto a group of adult founders cheering around a sleek meeting table strewn with champagne flutes and confetti. Behind them, a large “Manus” sign in modern type sits above a prominently displayed Meta logo on a digital screen, and a glowing ticker above reads “+$500 M Raised.”

Manus raises more than $500 million after Meta exit - Reuters

- Manus develops AI agents for autonomous research and automation with minimal human input.  
- Beijing ordered Meta to unwind Manus acquisition amid scrutiny of US-Chinese investments.  
- Manus plans to operate independently, delete user data, and pursue a Hong Kong listing.  

Manus develops general-purpose AI ⁠agents that can autonomously carry out tasks such as ​research and automation with minimal human input

In April, Beijing ​ordered Meta to unwind its acquisition of Manus amid tightening scrutiny of US investment in Chinese startups developing advanced AI technologies

Manus said ​in August it would resume operating as an independent company ​and delete some user data as part of its separation from ‌Meta

The ⁠Information reported in June that Manus' annualised revenue run rate had surged to about $500 million, up from $100 million when Meta acquired it, and that the firm was ​considering a ​joint-venture structure incorporated ⁠in China, paving the way for a Hong Kong listing

Manus raises more than $500 million after Meta exit

The AI agent startup Manus has successfully secured over $500 million in its inaugural funding round, following Meta's halted bid to acquire the company. This funding effort, announced by Butterfly Effect—the parent organization of Manus—was spearheaded by private equity firm Boyu Capital along with venture capital investor IDG Capital. Existing investors, including Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund, also contributed additional funding during this round.

Details regarding the company’s valuation post-funding have not been made public. However, sources indicate that Manus was expected to see its valuation double to $4 billion in this funding round, positioning it as the most valuable AI agent developer in China.

This successful fundraising indicates that investors remain optimistic despite the significant decision by Beijing to block Meta's $2 billion acquisition. Meta was in the process of integrating Manus’ technology and team into its operations when the government intervened. The ongoing interest in AI agent startups appears resilient, even as advancements in foundation models accelerate and competition on pricing heats up.

Dan Wang, the China director at Eurasia Group, remarked that the successful funding round reflects that the short-term repercussions from the Meta incident have been managed, showcasing investor confidence in Manus as an independent entity and highlighting the growing belief in the commercial viability of AI agents.

Analysts believe Manus could eventually pursue a public offering, but the immediate focus will be on restructuring its business and ownership model to demonstrate profitability and compliance with regulatory standards set by Beijing. Han Lin, the China country director at The Asia Group, emphasized that Manus needs to concentrate on achieving scale, profitability, and alignment with regulations.

Recently, Manus announced that it has resumed independent operations following its separation from Meta, with its founding team dedicated to advancing generative AI agents for users worldwide.

AI startup Manus secures $500 million in its initial funding round following the split from Meta.

A sunlit modern glass office lobby bathed in warm morning light. At center, two sharply dressed executives shake hands while holding an oversized check emblazoned “$500 M Series A.” Behind them, a sleek etched “Manus” sign on the wall. Off to one side, a cracked Meta logo plaque hangs askew, hinting at their split.

AI startup Manus raises $500 million in first funding round since Meta breakup - CNBC

- AI agent startup Manus has raised over $500 million after Meta's acquisition failure.  
- Funding round was led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, among others.  
- Manus aims for profitability and regulatory alignment while pursuing potential public listing.  

AI agent startup Manus has raised more than $500 million in its first funding round since Meta was forced to abandon its acquisition of the company.

Butterfly Effect, Manus' parent company, said Thursday that the round was led by private equity firm Boyu Capital and venture investor IDG Capital, with follow-on investment from existing shareholders Tencent , HSG and ZhenFund.

The company did not disclose its post-funding valuation. Bloomberg reported last month that Manus was set to double its valuation to $4 billion in this financing round, making it the country's most valuable AI agent maker.

The raise suggests investors aren't deterred by Beijing's unprecedented order to block Meta's short-lived $2 billion acquisition. Meta was working to integrate Manus' team and technology into its system when authorities blocked the deal. It also shows that appetite for AI-agent startups has held up, even as the underlying foundation models improve quickly and price competition intensifies.

"The fundraising shows that the short-term fallout of the Meta case has been contained and investors are willing to back Manus as an independent company," said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group, also noting the renewed confidence in the commercial potential of AI agents.

Manus could ultimately aim for a public listing but the more imminent task would be revamping its business and ownership structure to prove profitability and align with Beijing's regulatory requirement, analysts say.

"The immediate task for Manus now is proving scale, profitability and regulatory alignment," said Han Lin, China country director at The Asia Group.

Earlier this month, Manus said it had resumed independent operations after its split from Meta and that its founding team would continue to push forward generative AI agents for users globally.

AI startup Manus raises $500 million in first funding round since Meta breakup

In Brief

Mecka AI, a startup that collects and analyzes human motion data to train humanoid robots and other kinds of robots, announced it has raised a $60 million Series B round led by Sequoia, with participation from Nvidia, Microsoft’s venture fund M12, and others. TechCrunch had previously reported that the startup was nearing a new funding round at a $500 million valuation.

Founded in 2024, the startup intends to do for robotics what Scale AI, Mercor, Surge, and other data-labeling companies have done for LLMs. Those companies supply the human-generated data these systems learn from. Mecka pays people to record themselves doing everyday tasks, like making coffee or fixing cars, while wearing body sensors and using smartphones.

Other startups that collect real-world data for robot training include XDOF, which was in talks to raise a Series B round at a $1.2 billion valuation according to TechCrunch’s previous reporting. Human-data platforms that began with LLMs are also expanding into robotics, such as Scale AI and Micro1.

Robot data startup Mecka AI nabs $60M from Sequoia

Generate a cinematic news thumbnail for title:Robot data startup Mecka AI nabs $60M from Sequoia. No text in image.

Robot data startup Mecka AI nabs $60M from Sequoia - TechCrunch

A new wave of startups is harnessing artificial intelligence to tackle diverse challenges, from predicting vineyard harvests to advancing skin cancer detection and developing eco-friendly fire suppressants. These innovative companies, initiated by young entrepreneurs in their college dorms, are part of "America's Startup," a government-sponsored collegiate innovation competition marking the U.S. 250th anniversary.

Rosie Rios, chair of America250 and former Treasurer of the United States, shared her insights with CBS News, highlighting the potential of Generation Z entrepreneurs as they enter the workforce. She anticipates that this cohort, who are digital natives, will drive a fresh wave of innovation. Rios noted their confidence in leveraging technology, likening the impact of AI on their capabilities to the transformative effect the internet had on millennials.

The Bank of America Institute recently reported a surge in business formations in the U.S., significantly bolstered by Gen Z founders. In June, this generation overtook all others in new business registration applications, suggesting that entrepreneurship is becoming an appealing career route amid economic challenges. The research pointed out that AI simplifies various tasks, from bookkeeping to content generation, enabling solo founders to manage startups effectively while minimizing overhead costs.

Rios described this tech-savvy generation as "idea machines," remarking that their familiarity with technology positions them well to harness AI for positive outcomes. Among the notable participants is Kayan Shah, a sophomore and co-founder of Graft Systems, recognized as a winner in last year’s America's Startup competition. He is collaborating with vineyards in the San Francisco area to refine technology designed to assess grape yield by incorporating machine learning models with plant imagery and environmental data.

Despite being underage, Shah expressed his commitment to preserving wine culture, especially as alcohol consumption rates among Americans have reached a historic low, with only 54% reporting they consume alcohol, as noted in a recent Gallup poll.

Another contestant from last year, Kristina Schiffman, founded a biotech venture called UV Sense, aimed at aiding individuals in monitoring their UV exposure and detecting skin cancer early. Schiffman explained how her company uses AI to help users evaluate their skin health by analyzing photos of moles and providing guidance on when to seek professional help.

Aspiring entrepreneurs have until October 8 at 7:59 p.m. EDT to submit their innovative ideas to America's Startup, which offers a total prize pool of $1 million. Winning teams have the potential to receive up to $50,000 each. Proposals will be evaluated by a council of distinguished investors, including notable figures such as Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and Sarah Friar, CFO at OpenAI.

College students launch businesses from their dorms using AI in the "America's Startup" contest.

A sunlit college dorm room with two adult students deep in discussion over open laptops showing AI-generated business plans under a projected banner reading “America’s Startup.” Desks are scattered with notebooks, pens, and coffee mugs. A small U.S. flag is pinned to the wall. Warm morning light streams through the window, casting a creative, hopeful atmosphere.

College students competing in "America's Startup" contest use AI to start businesses from their dorms - CBS News

- Startups using AI include winemaking yield prediction and skin cancer detection technologies.  
- Gen Z entrepreneurs are leading a rise in U.S. business formation and innovation.  
- America's Startup competition offers $1 million in prizes to aspiring collegiate entrepreneurs.

One startup uses artificial intelligence to help winemakers better predict crop yields. Another uses insights gleaned from AI to enable earlier detection of skin cancer, while a third develops a seaweed-based hydrogel fire suppressant that's free of "forever chemicals."

The entrepreneurs behind these tech-forward startups have one thing in common: They started the companies from their college dorm rooms to participate in "America's Startup," a government-backed collegiate innovation competition that's part of America250, the congressional commission behind the U.S.'s 250th anniversary celebration.

America250 chair and the 43rd Treasurer of the U.S., Rosie Rios, who leads America's Startup, told CBS News she expects a wave of innovation led by Generation Z entrepreneurs, who will be the first AI-native cohort of workers to enter the job market upon graduation.

"They really hit the ground running and are not intimidated by it," Rios said. She also thinks AI will help broaden the skills and experience of new entrants to the job market, much as the internet did for millennials.

"It's no longer what they learned at home or in a classroom — it's what they see and have access to," said Rios, adding that AI helps eliminate some of the hurdles to launching companies.

"Idea machines"

Recent research from the Bank of America Institute shows the rate of U.S. business formation is rising, largely driven by Gen Z founders. In June, Gen Z surpassed all other generations in growth in new business registration applications. Researchers concluded that starting a business may be viewed as a desirable pathway to career success as younger workers navigate a challenging labor market.

Additionally, AI can be deployed to perform functions such as bookkeeping or content creation, allowing founders to operate as "solopreneurs" and save on personnel costs, researchers at the Bank of America Institute noted.

"They've been exposed to so much because of their comfort with technology that they are basically idea machines," Rios told CBS News. "AI could be very advantageous for this group, and they have demonstrated their ability to use it for good, so far."

Kayan Shah, a college sophomore and co-founder of Graft Systems, was one of 10 winners of last year's America's Startup competition. He's partnering with vineyards across San Francisco to test and further develop the company's technology, which collects images of plants and combines them with machine-learning models that predict how many grapes they'll yield by analyzing variables such as weather, sunlight and a vineyard's location.

"AI could take over many, many jobs, but this is the status quo, so the only option you have is to make the best of it, and we're using it to help wine growers," Shah said.

While Shah isn't yet 21 and can't legally drink, he said he appreciates wine culture and wants to preserve it, citing a decline in alcohol consumption rates. Americans who say they drink alcohol fell to 54% last year, the lowest level in 90 years, according to an August 2025 Gallup poll.

Skin in the game

Another entrant in last year's startup contest pitched a biotech company that helps people track their exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and potentially detect skin cancer earlier. Kristina Schiffman, the founder of UV Sense, told CBS News the company uses AI to educate people about their skin, including a tool for analyzing and tracking moles and other conditions.

"We take user inputs, including images and concerns about the skin, and use AI to help people make an informed decision about what they should do," Schiffman said.

"If you have a freckle you're concerned about, you can upload photos and use AI to monitor its shape, size and color, and we can recommend a dermatologist visit," she explained.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can submit their best ideas to America's Startup before applications close on Oct. 8 at 7:59 p.m. EDT. The competition will award a total of $1 million in cash and prizes to a series of winners. Applicant teams can win up to $50,000 each.

An investor council, which will review proposals and have the opportunity to invest, includes some of the nation's most prominent entrepreneurs, such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Sarah Friar, chief financial officer at ChatGPT developer OpenAI.

Genentech AI graduates start health company Ortet with $500 million funding.

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