TNB Tech Minute: New York City Launches Prediction Markets Investigatio
August 12, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readThe New York City Council has launched an investigation into four prediction market and cryptocurrency companies, alleging deceptive marketing practices and potential targeting of minors, while two European AI and energy startups have closed massive funding rounds that more than double their previous valuations.
New York City Targets Prediction Markets and Crypto Firms
The New York City Council is investigating Polymarket, Calci, Coinbase, and Gemini Titan for what it describes as "deceptive marketing practices and targeting minors." In letters sent to the companies, the City Council speaker requested detailed information on how much revenue they generate in New York, how many users are city residents, and how their marketing operations function. The speaker specifically asked Polymarket for details about promotional videos that "appeared to depict fake trades."
The companies have responded differently. A Coinbase spokeswoman said the company "fully complies with applicable laws." Both Polymarket and Calci said they "look forward to engaging with the city council." Gemini Titan did not respond to a request for comment. Polymarket has a data partnership with Dow Jones, the publisher of the Wall Street Journal.
Lovable Hits $13 Billion Valuation in AI "Vibe Coding" Boom
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:39) **NYC Launches Prediction Markets Investigation** - The New York City Council is probing four platforms over alleged deceptive marketing and targeting minors.
- 2 (01:24) **AI Startup Lovable Hits $13 Billion Valuation** - The WSJ exclusively reports that the "vibe coding" startup closed a new funding round, more than doubling its valuation in months.
- 3 (01:58) **Form Energy Raises $750M for Iron-Air Batteries** - A startup using "reversible rusting" technology raised a massive new round for a battery that can discharge power for days.
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Show Notes
Plus: European vibe-coding startup Lovable notches $13 billion valuation. And rust-powered battery maker Form Energy raises $750 million to boost manufacturing. Danny Lewis hosts.
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