Techcrunch blog!: ‘Compromised' website on Paw Patrol snack packaging displayed explicit content

Friday, September 01, 2023

Parental discretion advised. Today's top story involves superstore Lidl, which recalled Paw Patrol snacks after a website advertised on the packaging displayed porn. Though no definitive reason was cited for why that website had porn, Carly and Zack have a theory.

Next, Google pulled the popular, but controversial, live video chat app Chamet from the Play Store. Here's why.

Meanwhile, get a look at how the FBI took down the notorious QakBot botnet. But not before it infected over 700,000 devices. Get the broom.

And if you're an investor, since it is a long weekend in the U.S., why not spare a few minutes to give us some feedback on Y Combinator Demo Day? Take our short survey.

Image Credits: Jenny Dettrick / Getty Images

More top reads

Special delivery: Go inside Korean internet giant Naver as it explores robotics, AI and autonomous driving. Find out its long-term vision.

The time has come: After a set of layoffs last November, e-commerce acquirer Benitago has now filed for bankruptcy. Get the scoop.

A repeat offender: Robert Luo wants another shot at Haje's Pitch Deck Teardown, this time with another startup called Tanbii. Check out its $1.5 million pre-seed deck. (TC+)

Remember that one time?: Looking to be your family's genealogist? Inalife's digital legacy platform lets you preserve your family's memories and even connect it with other family members. Learn more.

Breaking up is easy to do in this case: Magic Leap is leaving its original headset behind in favor of its new model, announcing that Magic Leap 1 will stop working at the end of 2024. It’s not you, it was them.

Your data doesn't belong to you: Yesterday, we reported that X, formerly Twitter, is collecting users' biometric data. Today comes a story about how it plans to use that data. Hint: To train AI models.

Fintech fail: Find out the impact a decrease in overall fintech investment can have on a region where bank penetration is the problem startups are trying to solve. Read more. (TC+)

Let me Model 3 it for ya: Get a look at Tesla's Model 3 refresh. Sorry, it’s only available in Europe for now.

In case you missed these:

Texas cannot yet enforce ID checks on porn sites

Forever 21 data breach affects half a million people

Lowering costs nets Salesforce a profitable quarter, but can it keep it up? (TC+)

Fisker confirms Foxconn will build its $29,900 Pear EV, but questions remain

Biden offers $15.5B to boost battery and EV manufacturing

Image Credits: Naver

Grab your pass to TC Disrupt 2023

Join 10,000 startup leaders in San Francisco at TechCrunch Disrupt, taking place September 19–21. Last-minute passes are still available. Save 15% with code DC. Register now!

From today's "pod" files

This week, Equity is covering deals from Teamshares and MoonPay, then digging into new rental-focused startups, the IPO drought and what happens when you bring lean startup ideology into the AI world.

Image Credits: Bryce Durbin

How to pitch me: 15 investors talk about what they're looking for in August 2023

Summer 2023 has been the hottest one on record since 1880, but while early-stage founders were sweating over pitch decks, the investors were playing pickleball in Jackson Hole or relaxing poolside with cocktails in Palm Springs.

"People tend to be out of the office longer than usual this time of year," says Kittu Kolluri, founder and managing director of Neotribe Ventures. "I suggest reaching out right before Labor Day to set up a meeting in September or wait and start your outreach altogether next month."

Here are 15 investors who are looking for pitches right now:

Christine Hsieh, venture partner, Third Culture Capital
Marta Cruz, co-founder and managing partner, NXTP Ventures
Adam Struck, founder and managing partner, Struck Capital
Adam Nash, angel investor, CEO and co-founder, Daffy
Anshu Agarwal, general partner, Converge
Kittu Kolluri, founder and managing director, Neotribe Ventures
Jennifer Lee, partner, Edison Partners
Dave Zilberman, general partner, Norwest Venture Partners
Jake Jolis, partner, Matrix Ventures
Chad Cardenas, founder and CEO, The Syndicate Group (TSG)
Matthew Kinsella, managing director, Maverick Ventures
Ty Findley, co-founder and general partner, Ironspring Ventures
Kathleen Kaulins, principal, Plymouth Growth
Samarth Shekhar, EMEA regional manager, SixThirty Ventures
Zamir Shukho, founder and general Partner, Vibranium Venture Capital

TechCrunch+ is our membership program that helps founders and startup teams get ahead of the pack. You can sign up here. Use code "DC" for a 15% discount on an annual subscription.