Startups news and trends

Y Combinator Offers Startups $500K in Stablecoins Instead of Cash
Blockchain // February 04, 2026

Adding crypto into the finance stack has traditionally had the flair of a younger business. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter,...

OpenAI Denies Report of Dissatisfaction With Nvidia AI Chips
Artificial Intelligence // February 03, 2026

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Monday (Feb. 2) that the artificial intelligence startup is satisfied with Nvidia’s AI chips. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe...

Perplexity Adds Microsoft’s Azure as a Cloud Service Provider
Partnerships // January 30, 2026

Perplexity signed a $750 million, three-year deal with Microsoft that will enable the artificial intelligence startup to use the tech giant’s Azure cloud service, Bloomberg reported Friday (Jan. 30). Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...

Amazon Eyes $50 Billion OpenAI Stake
Artificial Intelligence // January 29, 2026

Amazon is discussing investing as much as $50 billion in OpenAI, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Jan. 29), citing unnamed sources. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional...

Interviews & Exclusives
Y Combinator Offers Startups $500K in Stablecoins Instead of Cash

February 04, 2026
Adding crypto into the finance stack has traditionally had the flair of a younger business. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today. By completing this form, you agree to receive […]

Kamran Ansari on the FinTech Reset: Execution, Endurance, and the End of Easy Money

November 10, 2025
Kamran Ansari has lived through nearly every major turn in FinTech, from the first digital wallets and mobile payments to the rise (and recalibration) of billion-dollar disruptors. With nearly 100...

Fundamentals Beat Frenzy for FinTech IPOs in 2025

October 08, 2025
The FinTech initial public offering (IPO) market has roared back to life in 2025 after several quiet years. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and...

SemperVirens Launches Accelerator as FinTechs Scramble for Post-Seed Growth

June 02, 2025
For fledgling FinTechs chasing their first paying customer, the toughest stretch often begins after the seed check clears. Because building a company is a long journey. From concept to funding and finally...

Quick Reads
TRM Labs Reaches $1 Billion Valuation in $70 Million Funding Round

February 04, 2026
Blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs secured $70 million in a Series C funding round, propelling the company to a $1 billion valuation, according to a Wednesday (Feb. 4) press release. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. […]

OpenAI Denies Report of Dissatisfaction With Nvidia AI Chips

February 03, 2026
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Monday (Feb. 2) that the artificial intelligence startup is satisfied with Nvidia’s AI chips. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article...

Perplexity Adds Microsoft’s Azure as a Cloud Service Provider

January 30, 2026
Perplexity signed a $750 million, three-year deal with Microsoft that will enable the artificial intelligence startup to use the tech giant’s Azure cloud service, Bloomberg reported Friday (Jan. 30). Get...

Amazon Eyes $50 Billion OpenAI Stake

January 29, 2026
Amazon is discussing investing as much as $50 billion in OpenAI, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Jan. 29), citing unnamed sources. Get the Full Story Complete the form to...