IndieBio’s Bay Area incubator is about to debut its 15th cohort of biotech startups. We took special notice of a few, which were making some major, bordering on ludicrous, claims that could pay off in a big way. Biotech has been creeping out in recent years to touch adjacent industries, as companies find how much […]
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Apple just updated its two high-end tablets: the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. While the entry-level iPad didn’t receive an update, the company lowered its price, too. And of course, yes, the iPad mini is still around.
So we thought it would be a good opportunity to look at the iPad lineup and understand what makes them different. Maybe it’ll help you choose your next iPad if your existing iPad is so old that you can’t get the latest updates for your favorite apps anymore.
The 10th-generation iPad that is simply called “iPad” wasn’t updated during Tuesday’s Let Loose event. But it’s still a solid entry-level tablet with a 10.9-inch display; the A14 Bionic system-on-a-chip that was originally released for the iPhone 12 lineup; and a USB-C port. It comes in blue, pink, yellow and silver.
Before now, the iPad cost $449; Apple is now lowering the price to $349 for 64GB of storage. Upgrading to 256GB is a tad expensive, as the price jumps to $499. This also means that the ninth-generation iPad is now gone from the lineup.
Image Credits: Apple
What is the iPad Air? The line between the iPad Air and iPad Pro isn’t as clear as it used to be. But Apple’s SVP, Hardware Engineering tried to define what the iPad Air is. “iPad Air is designed to deliver advanced features pioneered on iPad Pro and make them available and even more affordable price,” he said.
That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the iPad Air now comes in two screen sizes, 11 and 13 inches. Apple now uses its M2 chip to power the iPad Air and has moved the front-facing camera so that it is now located along the landscape edge of the tablet.
The 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599, and the 13-inch model starts at $799. If you pick a model that supports cellular connectivity or if you’d like to add more storage, it’ll add up pretty quickly.
Image Credits: Apple
As the name suggests, the iPad Pro packs the best components available right now. And the new iPad Pro isn’t an exception, as it now features an OLED display and a brand new M4 chip.
Essentially, everything is better in the iPad Pro. There are four speakers, a lidar scanner, a new adaptive true-tone flash and a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4. But whether these features are necessary depend on your use cases and the role of your iPad in your computing world.
It’s also an expensive machine: The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model. The 13-inch version costs $1,299. And the iPad Pro doesn’t come with a keyboard or a pencil in the box, so you often end up paying more than the price of a MacBook Air.
Apple didn’t mention the iPad mini at all but it’s still here. With an 8.3-inch display, this device is bigger than a smartphone but smaller than what people typically call an iPad.
It would have been nice to update the chip on Tuesday, but at least the iPad mini remains in the lineup.
Now, this is where it gets a bit complicated: Some accessories work with some iPad models but not with others.
Let’s start with the pencils. All iPads support pencils now. Apple sells a basic $79 USB-C Apple Pencil that works with all models and is the cheapest option. It can magnetically attach to the tablet but you have to use a USB-C cable to charge it every now and then.
Image Credits: Apple
The entry-level iPad also supports the first-generation Pencil with a dongle (the one that doesn’t magnetically attach to the tablet). But if you don’t have one, you should choose the basic USB-C Apple Pencil.
If you have an iPad mini, you can also buy a $129 second-generation Apple Pencil. What’s nice about the this one is that it supports wireless pairing and charging as well as a double-tap shortcut to change tools.
And if you’re about to buy a brand-new iPad Air or iPad Pro, Apple essentially updated the second-generation Apple Pencil and rebranded it to the Apple Pencil Pro. It still costs $129 but it adds a couple of quality-of-life features, such as the ability to open a tool palette using the pencil.
As for the keyboard, it’s a bit more straightforward as each model has its own Magic Keyboard. The design of the Magic Keyboard Folio for the entry-level iPad isn’t as nice as the keyboard you can get with the iPad Air or iPad Pro — it’s essentially a $249 keyboard cover.
For the iPad Air and iPad Pro, the pricing of the keyboard depends on the size of the iPad. The Magic Keyboard for 11-inch models costs $299, while the Magic Keyboard for 13-inch models cost $349.
Of course, if you don’t plan to type long documents on your iPad, you can just get a Smart Folio to protect the display and use it as a stand. The versatility of the iPad ecosystem makes it more flexible than a laptop.
Rivian is getting $827 million in incentives from the state of Illinois to support building its next-generation electric vehicle, known as the R2.
The company announced Thursday that the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will dole out the funds to help expand its existing factory in Normal, IL, as well as build out supporting infrastructure and boost job training programs for Rivian’s workforce. Updates to the factory will begin “in the coming months.”
The funding announcement comes just two months after Rivian unveiled the mid-size R2 SUV, which is supposed to start at around $45,000 when it goes on sale in 2026. It also plans to make and sell a hatchback called the R3 that is powered by the same EV platform that underpins the R2.
Rivian had initially planned to build the R2 at a brand new $5 billion factory in Georgia. But the company announced at the R2 event in March that it had decided instead to build the R2 in Illinois, where it currently makes the R1T pickup, the R1S SUV, and its commercial electric vans.
The decision to pivot away from the Georgia plant allows the startup to move up the timeline for the R2 SUV, and also save more than $2 billion. Rivian has said it remains committed to building the factory in Georgia. But the company’s continued losses and struggles to scale production — it will make around the same number of EVs this year as it did last year — forced it to rethink its plans for the next-generation vehicle.
Among the highlights of Early Stage are its fan-favorite roundtable sessions. These intimate gatherings, guided by experts, delve into targeted subjects crafted to enlighten, invigorate, and enhance your entrepreneurial endeavors. Moreover, they serve as prime opportunities to forge connections with like-minded individuals. Networking, anyone?
Take a look at the complete roundtable roster for this year’s event featuring top VCs and founder leaders.
Sponsored by Latham & Watkins LLP
with Spencer Ricks, partner, and Naomi Smith, associate, Latham & Watkins LLP
Sponsored by Prepare 4 VC
with Christopher Dube, chief innovation officer, and Jason Kraus, CEO, Prepare 4 VC
with Dana Louie, senior manager, corporate development, HubSpot
with Sergey Gribov, partner, Flint Capital
with Jake Cohen, partner at Vinyl Capital
with Edith Yeung, general partner, Race Capital
with Rachel Weston Rowell, SVP, Onsite Product & Tech Center of Excellence, Insight Partners
For the complete agenda, head on over here. And don’t forget to buy your tickets now before prices go up at the door.
Get ready to amplify your Early Stage 2024 experience with the electrifying lineup of Side Events taking Boston by storm during the week of April 22–28.
As the countdown to TechCrunch Early Stage begins, we’re thrilled to share our Side Events lineup to foster meaningful connections within the vibrant Boston tech community. Whether you’re a seasoned industry pro or a budding entrepreneur, our Side Events promise an unforgettable week filled with networking opportunities, innovation showcases, and engaging conversations. So mark your calendars, secure your spot, and dive into the excitement of Early Stage Week like never before!
Quick Side Event Disclaimers:
Hosted By: Race Capital
Time: April 24, 1030am to 12pm
Description: There is “no love at first sight” in startup pitching. An investor will not, cannot, and would never invest in you the first time they meet you.
At this talk, Edith Yeung covers:
Hosted By: Descope
Time: April 25, 6pm to 9pm
Description: Join us for an after-hours TechCrunch Early Stage Founders Happy Hour. Let’s raise a glass to innovation and disrupt together!
Hosted By: Rezoomex
Time: April 26, 9am to 1pm
Description: Join our invaluable 4-hour workshop aimed at early-stage startups looking to quickly develop end-user-ready products. Founders will learn how to build smart contracts for effective team engagement, guaranteeing fairness and integrity. Non-technical? No problem—our AI tools will transform your ideas into reality. We’re offering a 20% discount on all smart contracts and a lucky draw for $10,000 in free development time! The event concludes with an opportunity for networking over beer and lunch.
Hosted By: Prepare 4 VC
Time: April 26, Starts at 5pm and runs through weekend
Description: Gain valuable insights on transforming your concept from an initial sketch to a fully-fledged startup. From pitching your idea, scrutinizing business models, identifying your target audience, to marketing your product – we cover it all! By the culmination of the 3-day event, you’ll craft an MVP and showcase it. Use the promo code “TCEARLYSTAGE” for 15% off your ticket!
Hosted By: Supermomos and HBS AI Club
Time: April 22, 6pm to 8pm
Description: Join us for an intimate evening over a Founders and Funders in AI Panel & Mixer featuring venture-backed Founders and VCs, in honor of TechCrunch week! We will feature venture-backed founders and VCs in the panel. There will be time for networking and mingling, with drinks and food on the house. This event is catered to founders, VCs, and operators building full-time in the AI ML space, and also a select group of students from the HBS AI Club.
Hosted By: Suffolk Technologies and TriNet
Time: April 23, 430pm to 630pm
Description: Calling all innovators shaping the built environment! Find the next step for your entrepreneurial journey with Suffolk Technologies + TriNet at our exclusive rooftop happy hour! Learn more about Suffolk Technologies’ BOOST Accelerator Program and TriNet’s HR solutions for startups. Network amidst breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, including iconic landmarks crafted by Suffolk such as Raffles, One Dalton, and the BU Data Science Center. Enjoy refreshing beverages, appetizers, and ignite connections that could redefine the future of the built environment.
Hosted By: Silicon Valley Bank
Time: April 24, 1pm to 3pm
Description: Join SVB on an interactive and non-traditional deep-dive into Boston (and America’s) rich history; founded on innovation, grit, resilience, and freewill. Hosted by SVB Boston’s Director of Startup Banking (who also happens to be a Revolutionary War re-enactor), this tour will begin with a cup’a choudah at the nation’s oldest restaurant and continue through downtown to most of the historic spots; ending at the only place in the world where you can drink a Sam Adams while looking at Sam Adams. So enjoy our historic city before TechCrunch Early Stage and join fellow founders following in the footsteps of our nation’s early founders.
Hosted By: 9point8 Collective and Orrick
Time: April 24, 4pm to 630pm
Description: Join 9point8 Collective and Orrick for a round table focused on accelerating your early-stage start-up. Attendees will hear from serial entrepreneurs and investors covering various aspects of start-up success including going to market, cap table management, growth and scaling, and managing exits. The round table will be collaborative with audience Q&A and group participation along with the main panel.
Hosted By: Startup Launchcode
Time: April 24, 5pm to 630pm
Description: Startup Launchcode Founder Workshop is an interactive session designed to equip early-stage founders with the strategy, tools, and framework to build a great startup.
Hosted By: Dropbox DocSend and Boston New Technology
Time: April 24, 5pm to 8pm
Description: Pitch Practice and BYOPD (Bring Your Own Pitch Deck) Seminar: Securing early-stage funding requires a compelling pitch deck. The VC landscape is fluid and ever-changing, with investors’ priorities often shifting. Justin Izzo, lead data analyst at Dropbox DocSend, offers DO’s and DON’Ts based on DocSend’s proprietary data alongside industry experts from Boston New Technology and Prepare 4 VC. This interactive workshop will help early-stage founders succeed in the current state of fundraising. Founders can submit their own pitch decks for a chance to be reviewed in front of the audience for actionable tips. The session will end in a Q&A where other founders will have a chance to ask questions about their own pitch decks.
Hosted By: Vouch, Remofirst, and SVB
Time: April 24, 6pm to 9pm
Description: If you’re in town for TechCrunch Early Stage or looking for a place to connect with others in the startup space, join us for a Happy Hour hosted by Vouch, Remofirst, and SVB at Black Lamb – just a 10 minute walk from the conference center! RSVP today to secure your spot for this exclusive networking event. See you soon 🥂
Hosted By: SiloClick LLC
Time: April 24, 630pm to 830pm
Description: Join SiloClick for a private Networking Reception on Wednesday, April 24. This event is not just a warm-up for the TechCrunch Early-Stage Conference but a transformative opportunity to navigate your startup journey more effectively. Enjoy food, beverages, and engaging conversations within your startup founder community. We welcome startup founders seeking innovative solutions to maintain wellness while achieving the optimal point of productivity for those crucial momentum moments throughout your startup journey. Investors interested in the future-of-work & productivity space and industry peers aiming to enhance both productivity and wellness in the workplace are also warmly invited!
Hosted By: Onshape (PTC Inc.)
Time: April 24, 630pm to 9pm
Description: Join us the week of TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 at PTC’s headquarters for an exciting happy hour for founders! Immerse yourself in Boston’s dynamic startup community and connect with local hardware experts and innovative product designers. This event is curated for professionals seeking to broaden their network, as well as venture firms and accelerator spaces exploring collaboration opportunities. Join us for an evening dedicated to insightful conversations, new ideas, and fostering a creative community.
Hosted By: Verizon
Time: April 25, 5pm to 7pm
Description: At Verizon, we are striving to move our world forward through diversity, equity and inclusion. On April 25th at our Boston Innovation Lab, we are inviting and would like to hear from people who are interested in emerging technologies that can help our mission. We will have our Head of Accessibility and several startups present their ideas and would love to hear your thoughts. Together, we can do more – we can unlock opportunities for all!
Hosted By: Women in Tech – Global Movement
Time: April 25, 530pm to 8pm
Description: Join our Women Tech Meetup—an incredible gathering of women in technology, female founders, entrepreneurs, community builders, and other professionals! Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, engaging conversations, networking, and a beautiful venue. Additionally, we will host a panel discussion on fundraising, venture capital, and the challenges that founders face on their journey to building successful companies, along with strategies to overcome them.
Hosted By: AlleyCorp
Time: April 25, 530pm to 830pm
Description: Join AlleyCorp, Anzu Partners, Argon VC, Aurelia Foundry, Converge Ventures, Cybernetix Ventures, First Star Ventures, Glasswing Ventures, Hyperplane Ventures, and SkyRiver Ventures after TechCrunch Early Stage, for a happy hour with deep tech founders, operators, and investors. Special thanks to J.P. Morgan. The party will start at 5:30pm, immediately following TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 on April 25th. This event is 21+.
Hosted By: Corpora
Time: April 26, 10am to 1130am
Description: Safes are the most popular early-stage financing tool today. They’re so easy to use, so they seem like a no-brainer for founders. But… are they as founder-friendly as you would think? Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about some of the lesser-known dangers of safes, which often become apparent to founders only when it’s too late.
Hosted By: Launchpad Venture Group
Time: April 26,1pm to 3pm
Description: This is an in-depth workshop for founders to learn when raising money from angel groups and other seed investors:
– What does the diligence involve
– Areas of the diligence and what investors look for in each case
– How to prepare and what documents and artifacts you need to have ready in each area
Hosted By: At the Table and Northeastern University
Time: April 26, 6pm to 9pm
Description: Get ready for an extraordinary evening at Northeastern University with our “Women in Business” Networking Event, a cornerstone of our partnership with AtTheTable.io. This isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of female entrepreneurship, designed to inspire, connect, and energize.
Founded in 2017, Atoms Lanka Solutions is a provider of IT consulting and software development services. Throughout the company’s history, we have worked with over 160 customers from 5+ countries..
