Tech news picked on 2026-07-26
More than 20 companies now cite AI as a reason for layoffs
- TechCrunch compiled a list this year of companies that cited AI as a reason for layoffs, and with Monday.com joining, the count has surpassed 20.
- The founder of Patreon, which laid off 20% of its staff in the same week, wrote a post that did not mention AI but instead focused on what the company had failed to nurture properly.
- Using AI as a reason for layoffs is akin to a way of softening the blow of management failure.
- Honest explanations may be unfavorable in the short term but reduce the trust cost in future hiring.
After Chips, It's Electricity: The Energy IPO Surge Opens Doors for Founders
- US energy companies raised $12.6 billion through public offerings in the first half of this year.
- This is the largest amount since 1999 for the first half of the year, but two-thirds of new listings trade below their offering prices.
- Large sums go toward building power generation assets, but the revenue opportunities for founders lie in hands-on tasks like grid connection, site evaluation, and cooling design, which developers usually outsource.
- Because these tasks are labor-intensive with low margins, showing numerical data on schedule shortening or cost reduction is necessary to receive funding.
Naver Builds AI Factory with NVIDIA and Brookfield
- Naver is partnering with NVIDIA and Brookfield to launch a $10 billion AI factory.
- The article also includes branding insights from Jeon Woosung, CEO of Seaside City, which oddly feels quite honest.
- As computing becomes more common, the remaining differentiating factor is the answer to why someone should choose your product, and that answer does not come from merely renting GPUs.
- Partnerships secure resources but are not a reason to be chosen.
Opportunities Open Up with Expanded Global Startup Support
- The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has launched a startup support program targeting overseas Koreans and international students, selecting 80 prospective entrepreneurs from places like Silicon Valley for mentoring.
- According to the article, the funds do not go directly to the entrepreneurs; the core of the program is mentoring and networking.
- The real value depends on whether these connections lead to entering overseas markets or securing financing.
- If you're considering support, ask about the next steps after selection rather than just whether you are selected.