Donât miss these Bluesky melds open source, content moderation: How do you balance open source software and content moderation? Thatâs the challenge facing Twitter-alternative Bluesky as its user base expands. Bluesky has more than 3 million users today, TechCrunch reports. Meta tightens rules for teenagers: After launching parental supervision tools in 2022, Instagram is making it harder for teens to receive messages from accounts they donât follow. The company previously limited adultsâ ability to reach out to teens, but is now broadening the scope of the restriction. DXwand raises $4M for conversational AI in MENA: Building AI tech is global work, but not all models and technologies in the realm of artificial intelligence work as well in every language. So DXwand wants to build conversational AI for Arabic and its dialects. The startup has attracted a $4 million Series A round, led by Shorooq Partners and Algebra Ventures, based in the UAE and Egypt, respectively. How to build a beverage startup: Have you seen an Olipop where you shop? The beverage companyâs bright cans and limited sugar content are a popular mix. TechCrunchâs Found podcast recently brought on Ben Goodwin, the co-founder and CEO of Olipop, to dig into how he built the company and fundraised in a âriskier, and very saturated, consumer category like beverage.â The new, improved Worldcoin orb will see you now: Worldcoinâs eyeball-scanning tech is getting a makeover. The crypto startup has a big goal of creating a blockchain-based ID product for everyone in the world. It will take a little time to scan the world, however, with just over 3 million users scanned thus far, but perhaps a âmore friendlyâ orb will help win over those unsure. Mushroom roots are big business: Infinite Roots just raised $58 million for its mycelium-based business. The company reckons that the substance (mushroom roots) is going to shake up what and how we eat. Other startups are also digging at mycelium, including Meati, Natureâs Fynd, Myco Technology, and Sqim. Say hello to the newest and coolest startup cluster! Alinea Invest raises $3.4M for Gen Z wealth management: This is a very cool fundraise. Alinea Invest has built a wealth management tool for Gen Z women, and has seen 225,000 downloads and reached a run-rate of $1.8 million. What makes Alinea stand out is the company is run by just six people today, and is already profitable. Surely it will hire more folks, but to see a startup actually make money in its early days while also growing fast is a rare enough achievement. How did it manage the feat? By charging $120 per year for its service. Ask Sophie: As an immigrant, how can I work in space tech? Immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn digs into the space industry, and how working cross-border in areas of technology that fall under regulation is possible with the right preparation. We spent some time digging into Bilt Rewards, Kittl, and Bulk Exchangeâs fundraises on Equity this week. Bilt was an interesting pick due to the space it operates in (fintech); Kittl has a unique geographic location and competition (Germany, Canva); and Bulk Exchangeâs target market (construction materials) doesnât get talked about often enough. Also: Innovation Endeavors just closed a $630 million Fund V, and plans to invest in 30 to 35 new companies. | 
