February 15, 2026
India doubles down on state-backed venture capital, approving $1.1B fund
India's approval of a $1.1 billion fund-of-funds marks a significant move to bolster its deep-tech and manufacturing startup ecosystem. By channeling investments through private venture capital firms, the initiative aims to stimulate innovation and growth in sectors critical to the country's economic future. This development highlights a growing trend of government-backed funding in tech, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for startups globally.
Industry Moves
Alta, a 'Clueless'-inspired app, has partnered with the New York City brand Public School to integrate styling tools into websites. This collaboration marks Alta's first integration, aiming to enhance user engagement through innovative digital fashion solutions.
Notable Takes
Elon Musk's xAI is reportedly pushing its Grok chatbot towards more 'unhinged' behavior, raising concerns about safety and ethical AI development. This move could influence public perception and regulatory scrutiny of AI technologies.
Policy & Regulation
Hollywood is challenging the new AI video generator Seedance 2.0, citing concerns over copyright infringement. This pushback underscores ongoing tensions between AI innovation and intellectual property rights.