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Fifteen years ago, I started writing about a small EV startup that struggled to survive even if others failed in a clean technological boom and obstacle cycle. At that time Tesla Catched the interest of some celebrities and electric car enthusiasts – but it’s a small circle.
Since then, a lot has changed, including an overview of Elon Musk, its largest shareholder and CEO. His company, including SpaceXTesla, x,,,,, xai,,,,, Neuralinkand Boring companymultiplied by. He is using it to find talent to support Ministry of Government Efficiencyentities established through President Trump’s executive order.
I’ve recently worked hard on institutional knowledge – over the years you’ll learn something – and worked with several TechCrunch editors and journalists. Our mission is not only to identify people working in Doge, but also to help readers Learn about their connection to Musk’s universe.
This is a living document – we will update regularly as we continue to report. Are there any tips on Doge, its workers, or other related topics? In mine kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com Or my signal in Kkorosec.07.
A little bird
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trade!
The deal this week was bleaked by a partnership that ended before it really started, closed, bankrupt and a dead IPO.
First, the troubled hydrogen electric truck manufacturer Nikola Finally File for bankruptcy After failing to raise enough funds to continue operating or find a buyer. The company suffered a series of scandals around founder and former CEO Trevor Milton, which fought for years, who made an exaggerated sensation on the company’s electric truck technology He was convicted of securities and wire fraud after the statement. We all remember Notorious marketing videoscorrect?
Meanwhile, peer-to-peer car-sharing startups have had a messy week.
Getarounda San Francisco startup and venture capitalist became a publicly traded SPAC, Close its U.S. business As part of the restructuring, 30% of North American labor force was cut after a year. Getaround said it now focuses on its European operations, which operates in six countries including Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Austria.
The craziest part of this closure is how the company manages it. The board made a decision on February 7 but did not remind owners and renters to close until February 12. Oh, their coverage will expire at the end of the day.
Then TURO,have The long-awaited IPO was cancelled. The company filed its initial public offering in January 2022, but the conditions for the IPO changed subsequently. Still, it seems like Turo may end up with an IPO in 2025 – until there isn’t.
Other deals that caught my attention…
aurora An agreement was reached last week Selling up to $500 million Inventory provided “on the market”. Aurora said in its fourth-quarter earnings report that it has enough cash to initially commercialize in April, but the agreement will be raised quickly in the future if funds are needed to expand and positive cash flow. cash.
fetiia collective ride-sharing app based in Austin, proposes a $7.35 million seed wheel Leaded by Mark Cuban, participated by Y combination, Goodwater Capital and others.
this $60 billion Mega-Merger between Honda and Nissan Dead. According to Reuters’ sources, pride is to be blamed.
An equity partnera private equity company, is Get Wheeler Fleet Solutionsafter-sales parts distribution company. Terms are not disclosed.
Saronika military drone manufacturer Raised $600 million With a valuation of $4 billion. The average catalyst leads this round of companies that are less than three years old.
Famous readings and other tidbits
Self-driving cars
avrideThe automatic sidewalk delivery robot is now Uber Eats orders available Jersey City client.
Waymo It looks like it might trigger Membership Program. Some Los Angeles customers received an invitation to surveys asking them which membership they are most likely to choose. When asked, Waymo conducts regular research and experiments to find out features, promotions and experiences that riders may like but do not share any other features, promotions and experiences.
Using robotics have Delivery robot was launched In Miami. The company has also expanded its existing partnership with Shake Shack and added another partnership with O1’s extraordinary pizza, so customers in Miami’s customers order from those restaurants on Uber Eats may serve food through robots .
Electric cars, charging and batteries
Elon MuskPolitical activities (i.e., his participation in the Ministry of Efficiency) have made some consumers object Tesla. Senior journalist Sean O’Kane connects with two people Organized Tesla’s takeover campaignwhich led to protests in Tesla showrooms in dozens of U.S. cities.
Blue Whale Materialsa lithium-ion battery recycling company, owns cooperate and call2recycle In order to promote domestic battery recycling and meet the demand for domestically purchased battery materials.
The future of flight
Beta Technology Flying under radar is much more in competition in the electric aviation industry, but under the leadership of tattoos, the startup has been quietly growing its business and gathering more flight time Mysterious Founder and CEO Kyle Clarksenior journalist Rebecca Bellan wrote.
this Trump administration Hundreds of them have been opened Federal Aviation Administration staff maintain critical air traffic control infrastructure. Shooting because Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been Tap Help create a new air traffic control system.
Microbehavior
lime Report It has been positive for free cash flow for the second consecutive year. The scooter and bike sharing company also said its adjusted EBITDA exceeded $140 million in 2024, up from $94 million in 2023. These results are unaudited, so take it with a grain of salt.
Car and gig economy
Uber submit Litigation objection doordashby including the restaurant owners in the exclusive deal, accusing delivery service of suffocating competition.
The Wheels of the Week
We’re back to another edition of this week, this time 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5price ranges from $43,975 to $59,575 depending on the decoration.
Contributors Em Hall It took some time to find a lot behind the steering wheel of this refreshed all-electric compact SUV. but There is a literal shortageat least for the time being. The electric car is equipped with Tesla’s North American charging standard port, but Hall found that the charging port location does not match the Tesla supercharger line. It didn’t arrive at all.
This means she needs to wait for another Tesla to make room and use a charging cable, basically taking up two spaces, or use in-car navigation to find a charging station equipped with a CCS, and use the adapter that comes with the car.
not good. But it’s awesome stuff – the 2025 model is a new XRT trim that includes a one-inch lift and 29-inch Continental Cross Mean ATR tires for better performance in dirt and gravel. Moreover, this 2025 model year has also received some technological upgrades, but is still prepared on the sidewalk with balanced operation and comfortable riding.
What is “Wheels of the Week”? This is an opportunity to understand the different transportation products we are testing, whether it’s electric or hybrid, electronic bikes, or even self-driving cars.
