📈 AI cloud startup Runpod has hit an impressive $120 million annual recurring revenue — and its journey started with a simple Reddit post. According to TechCrunch, founders Zhen Lu and Pardeep Singh pivoted from repurposing cryptocurrency mining rigs to building a developer-focused platform for hosting AI applications. They initially bootstrapped growth by offering free access to their service on Reddit, which attracted early users and eventually paying customers. That early momentum helped them reach $1 million in revenue in under a year and later secure a $20 million seed round co-led by Dell Technologies Capital and Intel Capital. Today Runpod serves 500,000 developers worldwide, including teams at major companies, and operates across 31 regions — a testament to how solving real developer needs and community engagement can fuel rapid growth. 👉 Read the full story on TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/ai-cloud-startup-runpod-hits-120m-in-arr-and-it-started-with-a-reddit-post/ #Runpod #AICloud #StartupGrowth #ARR #TechCrunch #AIInfrastructure #DeveloperTools #RedditSuccess #TechNews

OpenAI has introduced new safety rules for how its AI models interact with teens as lawmakers and regulators ramp up focus on AI standards for minors. The update aims to make AI tools safer and more age-appropriate for younger users amid growing scrutiny over youth risk. https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/19/openai-adds-new-teen-safety-rules-to-models-as-lawmakers-weigh-ai-standards-for-minors/ #AI #OpenAI #Safety #AIRegulation #TeenSafety #TechPolicy #DigitalSafety #AIStandards #TechNews