Quick-commerce FirstClub doubles valuation to $255M in 9 months
The Bengaluru startup has crossed 1 million orders and reached a $50 million annualized GMV run rate within a year of launch.
Jun 3, 2026
From TechCrunch
By Mary Ann Azevedo
September 6, 2023
Inside the wild fall and last-minute revival of Bench, the VC-backed accounting startup that imploded over the holidays
Friday, December 27, was supposed to be the start of a relaxing holiday weekend. But it was chaos for thousands of small business owners who use Bench, an accounting and tax startup based in Canada that raised $113 million from investors like Bain Capital Ventures and Shopify. That morning, they found themselves unable to log into their accounts right as tax season was starting. Bench’s entire website was offline except for a notice that Bench had shut down after 13 years of operation. Bench’s
Jan 3, 2025
When your startup fails
The startup world is rich with stories of success but precious few about failure. This is a founder's story of one that didn't work out.
Apr 9, 2023
Bench shuts down, leaving thousands of businesses without access to accounting and tax docs
Bench, a Canada-based accounting startup that offered software-as-a-service for small and medium-sized businesses, has abruptly shut down, according to a notice posted on its website. “We regret to inform you that as of December 27, 2024, the Bench platform will no longer be accessible,” the notice reads. “We know this news is abrupt and may cause disruption, so we’re committed to helping Bench customers navigate through the transition.” The company’s entire website is currently offline except
Dec 27, 2024
Another week in the circle of startup life
Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. I’m Anna Heim from TechCrunch’s international team, and I’ll be writing this newsletter moving forward. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here. This week, we’re looking at some companies being created, funded, shut down and acquired — the circle of startup life. Most interesting startup stories from the week Image Credits: Neon Money Club While one company made a splash out of steal
Aug 16, 2024