Weekly Tech News Roundup: Coinbase Data Breach, Microsoft Layoffs, and More

This week’s TechCrunch recap covers a wide array of impactful developments in the tech industry. One of the biggest headlines involves Coinbase, which suffered a major data breach. Hackers accessed customer data, including government-issued IDs, and demanded a $20 million ransom. CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the attack and stated the company will not pay the ransom. In other corporate news, Microsoft is laying off about 6,500 employees, approximately 3% of its workforce, despite reporting strong financial results with $70.1 billion in revenue and $25.8 billion in profit. Meanwhile, fintech company Chime is moving toward an IPO, although details remain scarce. In startup news, AI note-taking app Granola raised $43 million in Series B funding, reaching a $250 million valuation. The piece also highlights InventWood’s innovation: a material called ‘Superwood’ that is as strong as steel. Google faced accusations from Y Combinator in an antitrust brief, alleging that Google stifles startup competition. Other notable mentions include Apple’s new accessibility features and Uber’s upcoming Route Share commuter shuttle. A curious development includes Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes’ partner pitching a health startup. Overall, the week showcased a mix of corporate shifts, innovation, and regulatory tensions across the tech world.