Google is testing a new 'Speaking Practice' feature in Search to help English learners improve their conversational skills. The feature is available to users in six countries: Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Venezuela, who have joined Search Labs.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

Thoma Bravo acquires Darktrace in a $5 billion all-cash deal, valuing the UK-based cybersecurity company at $5 billion. The deal offers £6.20 ($7.75) per share, a 44% premium on the company's average price over the past three months.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

NHTSA closed an investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system after reviewing 13 fatal crashes and hundreds of misuse cases. The agency is now investigating the effectiveness of Tesla's recall fix implemented in December. No further details were provided.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

Shein, a Singapore-headquartered ecommerce giant, will comply with the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) rules as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) with over 45 million monthly users in the region. The designation requires Shein to adhere to additional governance rules.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

Global Founders Capital, a Berlin-based early-stage VC firm, will exclusively invest from Rocket Internet's balance sheet. The firm previously raised two $1 billion funds and was involved in dozens of deals per year before quieting down.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

Goldman Sachs estimates Blinkit's value at 119 Indian rupees per share ($1.43) or $13 billion, surpassing Zomato's food delivery business valued at 98 Indian rupees per share. Blinkit's valuation surged from $2 billion in March 2023.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to ban most noncompete agreements for non-senior executives, prohibiting companies from requiring employees to wait before joining a competitor or launching a similar business. The ruling will primarily impact industries like financial services and hedge funds.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

Norwest Venture Partners, a 65-year-old firm backed by Wells Fargo, has raised its 17th fund at $3 billion, matching its previous fund size raised in December 2021. The firm's capital pool has increased by 50% since its 2019 fund closed at $2 billion.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

True Anomaly, a space and defense startup, laid off approximately 25% of its workforce and cancelled its summer internship program. The company aimed to streamline operations and eliminate duplicated roles, ensuring its ability to execute on goals.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/

NASA and Boeing confirm the first crewed Starliner mission, scheduled for May 6, will carry astronauts Butch Wilmore and Bob Hines to the International Space Station. The capsule completed a critical flight test review, clearing it for launch.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/