TechCrunch

Founded in 2005 by Michael Arrington, TechCrunch set out to be the digital oracle of Silicon Valley, promising scoops on startups before they even had their first million in venture capital. Known for its rabid coverage of tech's most egotistical and enigmatic players, the site has chronicled everything from the rise of billion-dollar unicorns to the occasional catastrophic IPO flop with equal zeal. Its defining moments? Perhaps the fiery departure of Arrington, who made headlines for his dramatic exit in 2011 and its colorful spat with AOL, which had acquired the site in 2010. Valuation-wise, TechCrunch’s financial stakes might not be in the same league as its tech mogul subjects, but its influence is undeniable—more than a few high-profile startups owe their hype to a juicy TechCrunch article. While it boasts numerous industry awards and a reputation for being the go-to for tech news, it's not all sunshine and glitter; the site has had its share of controversies, from accusations of favoritism to behind-the-scenes drama. Current top executives like Matthew Panzarino and its various editorial stars continue to steer the ship, navigating a sea of startup hype with a combination of insider access and sharp, sometimes scathing analysis.