TechCrunch Summary (2023-05-18 12PM)

Source: Turns out Ledger can hold some of your crypto wallet’s keys, if you agree to it

Summary
Crypto wallet provider Ledger has launched Ledger Recover, a subscription service letting users recover private keys if they become lost. However, in order to access the service, users must provide ID under KYC guidelines, meaning three different companies will each receive an encrypted portion of the private key. This has sparked controversy as some customers do not want any companies to have access to their private keys and are also wary of trusting crypto providers with their information.

Fact

🔑 Users have access to the $9-per-month service called Ledger Recover.

🤨 The service requires identification under KYC guidelines, which is used to verify wallet holders when they want to use the recovery tool.

❗ Some people are opposed to the service as it lets Ledger access customers’ private keys, which the company previously said it would never do.

🔒 Cold wallets are supposed to be offline and fully self-custodied.

---

Source: Pudgy Penguins wants to use its NFT-inspired toys to bring IP to the real world

Summary
Pudgy Penguins, an NFT collection, is launching a line of toys called Pudgy Toys in collaboration with toy producer PMI to reach a wider audience and expand its brand. The toys will feature licensed NFTs and offer online content on its Pudgy World platform.

Fact

🐧 The penguin plushies will be made with a toy producer for Fortnite and Among Us.

🧸 The toys are a “trojan horse” for NFTs and the web3 ecosystem, according to Netz.

💰 Each toy is an NFT that lives on the blockchain, with owners earning a perpetual royalty from its sale.

🌍 The toys will be sold online and through retailers internationally, priced from $5 to $35.

🚀 Pudgy Penguins recently raised $9 million in seed funding to expand its brand and attract external capital.

---

Source: Hear how Sensi.AI is building AI for remote patient monitoring

Summary
Sensi.AI, a startup that has developed an AI-based software to remotely monitor and detect anomalies in the health of those receiving in-home care, is set to discuss their technology and engineering processes at TechCrunch Live. The platform uses audio-based AI to monitor patient rooms in a privacy-preserving manner.

Fact
💻 Sensi.AI has developed 24/7 audio-based AI software to detect physical, cognitive, and emotional care-related anomalies in patients receiving in-home care.

---

Source: Consulting firm Krebs Stamos Group lays off six employees

Summary
Krebs Stamos Group, founded by notable cybersecurity veterans Alex Stamos and Chris Krebs, laid off six employees recently due to changing client needs. The firm had 18 employees in April, including the founders and only 14 in September.

Fact

💼 Krebs Stamos Group, the cybersecurity consulting firm, founded by two cybersecurity vets – former Facebook CSO, Alex Stamos and former director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, Chris Krebs laid off six employees recently due to an adjustment in client requirements.

💼 The layoffs suggest that the cybersecurity industry is not immune to the wave of layoffs affecting many industries. Other cybersecurity firms like Patreon and Bishop Fox have also reported layoffs previously.

💼 Despite anticipations that cybersecurity staff would be less affected, many cybersecurity companies are still susceptible to layoffs as they continue to face ever-evolving cyber threats.

---