Market & RegulationInvestment · $175M
Kraken Technology Group raises $175M, becomes unicorn
Siftedhigh confidence
Why it matters
- →Kraken's funding highlights growing interest in maritime tech for European security.
- →The investment supports the expansion of autonomous maritime vehicles in defence.
- →Kraken's partnerships with major defence entities enhance its strategic impact.
Kraken Technology Group, a developer of autonomous maritime vehicles, has raised $175 million in a Series B funding round led by DTCP, achieving a $1 billion valuation. This positions Kraken as Europe's newest defence unicorn, reflecting increased investor interest in maritime technology amid rising security concerns. The London-based company produces vessels like the K3 Scout and K5 Kraken, used for surveillance and combat, and collaborates with entities such as the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO. The funding will support Kraken's global expansion and strengthen its manufacturing partnerships.
Read originalMore in Market & Regulation
© TechCrunch AIMarket & Regulationimage
Meta removes AI feature from Instagram after backlash
Meta has quickly retracted an AI feature from Instagram that allowed users to alter photos from public accounts without notifying the original poster. This feature, part of the Muse Image AI suite developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs, sparked immediate criticism due to its potential for misuse, such as generating unauthorized images. The removal underscores the ongoing struggle tech companies face in aligning innovative tools with user privacy and ethical standards. Meta intended to offer a creative tool, but the absence of user consent mechanisms led to its swift withdrawal, emphasizing the necessity for stronger safeguards in AI technology.
TechCrunch AI
© The Verge AIMarket & Regulationimage
Meta Disables Instagram AI Deepfake Feature
Meta has quickly removed a controversial Instagram feature that allowed users to create AI-generated images using content from public accounts. This feature, part of Meta's Muse Image AI model, faced heavy criticism for enabling potential misuse without the consent of account owners. Critics, including the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, pointed out risks such as sextortion and privacy violations. Initially, Meta offered an opt-out option hidden in settings, but the backlash led to the feature's complete removal. This decision highlights the ongoing challenge for tech companies to innovate while respecting user privacy and safety.
The Verge AI
© The Verge AIMarket & Regulationbusiness
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Apple has taken legal action against OpenAI, accusing the company of illicitly acquiring trade secrets to enhance its hardware development. The lawsuit alleges that former Apple employees, now working at OpenAI, transferred confidential information about Apple's unreleased products and processes. This legal conflict reveals the intense competition among tech giants as they venture into AI hardware. If the allegations hold true, OpenAI's hardware plans and its partnerships could face significant challenges. This case brings attention to the vital role of intellectual property protection in the tech industry.
The Verge AI