Google to change search layout, Amazon building ad-focused AI team, Slash raises $19M

WSJ sources: Google plans to change its search results from only "10 blue links" to include AI chat, short videos, and social media posts to support creators - Link

Reuters sources: Cainiao Network Technology, Alibaba's logistics arm, is aiming to raise $1B-$2B in an early 2024 Hong Kong IPO - Link

NY AG Letitia James proposed the Crypto Regulation, Protection, Transparency and Oversight Act (CRPTO), which would require crypto exchanges to have independent public audits and reimburse defrauded customers, among other regulations - Link

Slash, a Gen Z founder-focused neobank, raised $19M across Seed and Series A funding from NEA, Menlo, YC, and others; the startup has ~20K users - Link

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AstroForge CEO Matthew Gialich joins Jason to discuss his startup's lofty goal of mining Platinum Group Metals from asteroids (1:11). They discuss the recent launch of the Brokkr-1 space vehicle, the company's road map to gather PGMs successfully from space, and SpaceX's impact on the space industry (5:42). Then, Founder University's Kelly Schricker gives a presentation on how to set up a fundraising process for your startup (31:51). - Link

Amazon is building an AI team to develop tools that generate photos and videos for merchants' ad campaigns, aiming to diversify its ad business - Link

TechCrunch sources: Rapid, a startup offering an API marketplace, has laid off 70 more employees after cutting 50% two weeks ago; the company now has 42 FTEs, down 82% from April; a sale is in the works, but for well below its $1B valuation from 2022 - Link

Amazon rolled out Inspire, a TikTok-like in-app shopping feed to all US customers; users can browse personalized content based on their interests and shop directly from the feed - Link

NFT marketplace Art Blocks saw a 98.9% drop in sales volume from August 2021 to April 2023, dropping from $587M to $6.5M - Link

This Week in Startups

E1736: Mining asteroids with AstroForge CEO Matthew Gialich

E1735: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky on early rejection, customer focus & AI’s future in hospitality

E1734: Uber earnings + using AI to revolutionize clinical trials w/ Unlearn.AI’s Charles Fisher

E1733: BuzzFeed vs Gawker, AI’s impact on the future of media, and more with Semafor’s Ben Smith

E1732: Demoing the most innovative new ChatGPT features with Sunny Madra and Vinny Lingham

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