Spotify explores virtual concerts, Twitter tests a \u201cquotes\u201d count and Google\u2019s Nest Hub becomes more hotel-friendly. This is your Daily Crunch for August 26, 2020.
\nThe big story: Spotify is testing virtual events
\nWe can\u2019t have real-world concerts at the moment, so the popular music streaming service is exploring virtual alternatives. The feature isn\u2019t live yet, but reverse-engineering scoopster Jane Manchun Wong tweeted out photos of an \u201cUpcoming Virtual Events\u201d section.<\/p>\n
Spotify already highlights upcoming concerts from artists you like through various ticketing partners, and the screenshots show Songkick as the ticketing partner. Presumably, Spotify would be able to support virtual events with only minor changes to its bargaining agreement.
\nAnd how big can these events be? K-pop megastars BTS raised nearly $20 million for a single show \u2014 but it\u2019s probably safe to assume that most events will fall far short of that.
\nThe tech giants
\nTwitter experiments with adding a \u2018Quotes\u2019 count to tweets \u2014 This engagement metric would sit alongside the tweet\u2019s existing retweets and likes counts.
\nInstagram Guides may soon allow creators to recommended places, products and more \u2014 The feature, which launched in May, has allowed select organizations and experts to share resources related to managing your mental health.
\nGoogle is pushing to get the Nest Hub in more hotel rooms \u2014 A new update is tailored for the hotel experience, with key features like wake-up calls, weather and local businesses.
\nStartups, funding and venture capital
\nSpaceX will launch Masten\u2019s first lander to the moon in 2022 \u2014 Masten\u2019s first lunar mission is set to take place in 2022 if all goes according to plan.
\nHere are the 94 companies from Y Combinator\u2019s Summer 2020 Demo Day 2 \u2014 So many companies!
\nCourse Hero, a profitable edtech unicorn, raises rare cash \u2014 A Series B extension of $70 million, to be more specific.
\nAdvice and analysis from Extra Crunch
\nSynthetic biology startups are giving investors an appetite \u2014 Impossible Foods is only the most public face of a growing trend in bioengineering.
\nFunding for mental health-focused startups rises in 2020 \u2014\u00a0As wellness startups drift generally, VC hotspots emerge.
\n(Reminder: Extra Crunch is our subscription membership program, which aims to democratize information about startups. You can sign up here.)
\nEverything else
\nGM teases two new all-electric Chevy Bolt models \u2014 Both vehicles will go into production in summer 2021, according to GM.
\nLearn how to scale social impact startups at Disrupt with Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins and Jessica O. Matthews \u2014 Uttering the words \u201cmaking the world a better place\u201d isn\u2019t the same as doing it, or doing it well.
\nThe Daily Crunch is TechCrunch\u2019s roundup of our biggest and most important stories. If you\u2019d like to get this delivered to your inbox every day at around 3pm Pacific, you can subscribe here.<\/p>\n