Early users of Google’s Gemini aren’t impressed

Yesterday, we brought you new details about Google’s new generative AI model called Gemini. In today’s top story, Kyle writes that as people experiment with the AI, early impressions of Google’s Gemini aren’t great. Get the scoop.

Meanwhile, Romain reports on French startup Pimento grabbing some seed funding to use generative AI in an interesting way: Turning creative briefs into visual mood boards. Read more.

And Tage writes about Bujeti, an African corporate card and spend management startup that raised $2 million. Learn more.

More top reads

Keep it weird, Austin: During the global pandemic, Austin was one of the cities identified as a burgeoning tech hub. However, now people are not moving to Austin as much, and in many cases, are moving away. Mary Ann questions if this Texas boom town is losing its luster. Find out for yourself.

Today and Tomorro: After e-signatures, Tomorro, now flush with $11.9 million in new funding, believes e-contracts will be the next thing. Read more.

Non-developers rejoice: Ex-Google and Coursera employees start Lutra AI to make AI workflows easier to build. No technical expertise needed.

Robinhood and the merry investors: Following its expansion into the U.K., Robinhood brings crypto trading to the European Union. Read more.

Full-service: European neobroker Scalable Capital raises $65 million on a flat $1.4 billion valuation. Here’s how it got there.

More layoffs: Tidal is cutting 10% of its staff as parent company Block seeks to reduce headcount. Get the scoop.

Cyber jewel: Opal Security, which helps companies manage access and identities, raises $22 million. Read more.

No no to Venmo: Next month, Amazon will no longer accept the Venmo app as a payment option. Here’s what you still can use.

Addressing affordable housing: Simply Homes lands $22 million in new funding to continue leveraging AI to tackle the affordable housing crisis. Knock knock.

AI battle ensues: As a new AI-driven coding assistant is launched, the battle for AI-mindshare moves to developers. Read more.

Even more for your Thursday:

Everything you know about the podcast industry is a lie

Coinbase’s and Robinhood’s break belies good news for a host of fintech startups (TC+)

Zelda Ventures’ new pre-seed fund backs serial entrepreneurs

Google launches migration tool ahead of Google Podcasts’ 2024 shutdown

Block releases Bitkey hardware wallet to 95 countries…kinda

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On the pods

For this week’s episode of Chain Reaction, Jacquelyn interviewed David Pakman, managing partner and head of venture investments at CoinFund.

Before CoinFund, David spent 14 years at the venture capital firm Venrock. He also led the Series A and B rounds at Dollar Shave Club, which was acquired by Unilever for $1 billion. And in 1991, David co-created Apple Music when he was a part of Apple’s system software product marketing group.

We discussed the state of the crypto VC environment, areas he’s focusing on for investments and what he thinks investors are missing. Listen here. Also check out the TechCrunch+ interview.

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