Startups · Top stories
Apple launching new ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program on July 28
Apple will debut the ‘Apple Upgrade’ leasing program on July 28, allowing lower payments on devices. The program, utilizing Klarna for financing, enables users to lease devices with conditions on certain models and no inclusion of AppleCare.
Bluecore Energy secures $10M for portable nuclear reactors on barges
Bluecore Energy has raised $10 million in pre-seed funding to develop portable nuclear reactors on barges. The startup aims to provide clean energy to ports and surrounding infrastructure, addressing growing power demands while utilizing existing water-cooled nuclear technologies.
Empirical Security Secures $25 Million Series A Funding for AI Cybersecurity Solutions
Cybersecurity startup Empirical has raised $25 million in Series A funding, totaling $37 million raised. The investment will accelerate the development of its AI-driven products that help organizations predict and identify cyber threats.
Natural secures $30M to innovate payments for AI agents, competing with Stripe
Natural has raised $30 million to develop a payment system designed for AI agents, allowing them to autonomously execute transactions without human intervention. This approach addresses current payment limitations that hinder AI efficiency, positioning Natural as a direct competitor to established firms like Stripe.
Dell Technologies Capital's Approach to Evaluating Deep-Tech Startups
Dell Technologies Capital focuses on deeply technical founders and the impact of technology over traditional metrics when investing. This strategy emphasizes problem-solving potential and market disruption, aiming to shape future investments in AI and SaaS.
Gritt raises $34 million to develop robots for solar panel installation
Gritt has raised $34 million in funding to deploy AI-driven robots for solar panel installation. The startup aims to address workforce shortages in solar energy construction by utilizing off-the-shelf hardware to automate tasks on-site.
Q2 2026 Sets New Record for Billion-Dollar Startup Exits, SpaceX IPO Preeminent
The second quarter of 2026 marked a peak in billion-dollar startup exits, driven predominantly by SpaceX's IPO, which reached a staggering $1.77 trillion valuation. This period also saw significant investment trends centering around AI, with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic accounting for a large proportion of funding. The trend highlights a shift in the venture capital market toward larger exits and more concentrated funding. Such market movements indicate a focus on sectors poised for significant economic impact, particularly AI.
Funding Gap for Black Founders in AI Market Remains a Challenge
Black founders face significant barriers in securing seed funding necessary to grow into Series A. AI has changed the dynamics of startup economics, highlighting the need for substantial initial funding to build a scalable business, not just a product.
Colossal Biosciences in talks for new funding at $20B–$30B valuation
Colossal Biosciences is negotiating to raise new capital at a valuation between $20 billion and $30 billion. The startup has begun generating revenue and has expanded its conservation technology offerings to various governments while pursuing multiple de-extinction projects.
Bloomy launches AI platform for mastery learning in K-12 education
Bloomy has launched an AI-powered mastery-learning platform aimed at K-12 students, offering personalized learning paths, adaptive curriculum, and an AI tutor. The platform addresses educational gaps by providing tailored instruction focused on individual skill mastery. This development matters in the context of increasing demand for technology-driven education solutions and personalized learning experiences.
Archer unveils Thunder military craft, stock rises 20%
Archer Aviation introduced its Thunder autonomous VTOL craft with Anduril, boosting stock by over 20%. The focus is on achieving air taxi certification by the 2028 Olympics alongside expanding into defense applications, leveraging new military technology investments.
StrictlyVC announces return to NYC on September 10 for startup community event
StrictlyVC will host its first event in New York City since 2024 on September 10, 2026. The event, taking place at Ideal Glass Studios, marks an important moment as NYC startups continue to attract significant funding, with $1.13 billion raised in seed funding during H1 2026.
Databricks reaches $188B valuation amid ongoing AI-focused fundraising efforts
Databricks announced a funding round led by Coatue, valuing the company at $188 billion. This marks a significant increase in valuation from previous rounds as Databricks transitions into an AI provider, introducing various AI products and leveraging enterprise data.
Letterboxd Valued at $250 Million Amid Acquisition Talks with Netflix, Sony, Paramount
Letterboxd, a social media app for movie enthusiasts, is in early-stage acquisition talks with companies like Netflix, Paramount, and Sony Pictures. The platform is currently valued at $250 million, despite limited revenue, and is majority-owned by Tiny. Letterboxd’s membership surged during COVID-19, reaching 26-30 million users.
Blue Origin Raises $10 Billion in First External Funding Round for Space Ventures
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is raising $10 billion in its first external funding round, valuing the company at $130 billion. Coatue Management leads with a $4 billion investment, with Bezos contributing $2 billion. This move aims to support operational readiness for its New Glenn rocket after a recent setback and to bolster its position against SpaceX.
Hyundai workers strike over plans to deploy humanoid robots
Thousands of Hyundai auto workers initiated a strike after negotiations failed regarding the deployment of humanoid robots. This marks the first major organized labor response to the rise of automation in the automotive sector.
SpaceX is now the most shorted new stock on Wall Street
SpaceX's stock has become the most shorted newly listed stock, with 28% of float in short interest. This reflects investor skepticism regarding its high valuation, particularly after recent declines below its IPO price.
Uber to Acquire Delivery Hero for $14.8B, Doubling Market Reach
Uber has agreed to acquire Delivery Hero for $14.8 billion, expanding its delivery services to nearly 100 markets. This acquisition positions Uber to better compete with rivals like DoorDash and Just Eat.
Anthropic prepares for potential IPO with investor meetings scheduled
Anthropic is organizing investor meetings ahead of a potential IPO this year, showcasing its readiness for the public market. The AI firm, which gained significant valuation recently, appears set to be one of the first major players in the AI sector to go public.
DeepSeek in talks to raise $1.5B ahead of potential IPO in 2027
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model developer, is seeking to raise $1.5 billion at a $71 billion valuation. The company's IPO could occur as early as late 2023, increasing its financial backing after a recent $7 billion funding round.
Oratomic raises $300M to develop utility-scale quantum computer with fewer qubits
Oratomic has secured $300 million in a Series A funding round to develop a utility-scale quantum computer, aiming to complete it by the end of the decade. The company plans to use an innovative approach that requires only 10,000 to 20,000 qubits for effective error correction, significantly fewer than other competitors. This development could accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing technologies across various fields.
Tencent seeks to acquire AI startup Manus from Meta after Beijing intervention
Tencent is reportedly negotiating to acquire Manus from Meta for $2 billion following a government order to unwind the deal. This move reflects China's aim to maintain control over its AI assets amid rising competition with the U.S.
Lyzr Uses AI Agent to Successfully Raise $100 Million in Series B Funding
Lyzr, a startup specializing in AI agents, utilized its own AI agent, SivaClaw, to secure a $100 million Series B funding round. This approach demonstrated the effectiveness of their product, attracting $400 million in investor interest without traditional fundraising efforts.
Prime Intellect secures $130M Series A to empower enterprise AI development
Prime Intellect has raised $130 million in Series A funding, achieving a $1 billion valuation. The startup aims to provide enterprises the tools necessary to create their own AI agents, reducing reliance on large AI labs.
Amazon raises $25 billion in bond sale to fund AI initiatives
Amazon plans to raise at least $25 billion through an eight-part bond sale to finance its AI expansion. This follows significant previous bond raises and underscores a trend among tech firms seeking capital for AI investments.
Keyfactor Secures Over $1 Billion for AI and Post-Quantum Security Solutions
Keyfactor has raised over $1 billion to enhance its Trust Control Plane, addressing identity sprawl and preparing for post-quantum security. This investment will help expand its global operations and advance product innovation amid rising demand for unified cryptographic solutions.
OpenAI's Stargate UK project faces scrutiny amid alleged lack of site visits
OpenAI's plans for the Stargate UK datacenter project, valued at up to £30bn, have been questioned as it appears the company has not visited key sites. This raises concerns about the validity of the investment claims, suggesting the initiative may have been more of a publicity stunt than a viable project.
France and India enhance AI investment through personal outreach by leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are actively courting tech CEOs to secure substantial AI investments. Their efforts include personal meetings with leaders from major companies like SoftBank, Amazon, and Microsoft to develop AI infrastructure in their respective countries.
Quantum Systems raises $1.2 billion, boosting valuation to $8 billion
Quantum Systems secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding, elevating its valuation to $8 billion. This investment reflects a growing trend in the defense industry, with significant capital flowing into tech-driven military solutions amid geopolitical shifts.
Spain Blacklists Palantir from Public and State-Controlled Companies
The Spanish government has blacklisted Palantir Technologies from public and private state-controlled companies due to concerns regarding national security information misuse. This decision disrupts existing contracts and procurement pipelines, reflecting a broader trend of regulatory pushback against the company in Europe.
Zhongji Innolight's shares rise after $8 billion Hong Kong listing approval
Zhongji Innolight received approval for a Hong Kong listing worth up to $8 billion, driving shares up by 8%. This move positions it as a major player in the city's strong IPO market, which has seen significant investor interest from tech firms.
Neko Health Raises $700 Million, Plans US Expansion with First Clinic in New York
Neko Health, co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, has raised $700 million in a Series C funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and O.G. Venture Partners. The funds will support the company's US expansion plans, starting with its first clinic in New York, offering AI-enabled body scans and blood tests. This development signifies a significant step in the company's mission to enhance preventive healthcare through technology.
Stripe and Advent International Reportedly Bid $53.4B for PayPal
Stripe and Advent International have reportedly submitted a $53.4 billion joint bid to acquire PayPal. This major acquisition, if completed, would consolidate two significant players in the digital payments market, impacting its competitive landscape.
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck's AI startup InterPositive for $587 million
Netflix has acquired InterPositive, a startup co-founded by Ben Affleck, for $587 million. The acquisition aims to enhance Netflix's filmmaking capabilities using AI tools to address common production challenges.
FTC Approves Elon Musk's Acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies
The Federal Trade Commission has approved Elon Musk's pending acquisition of Mesh Optical Technologies. Founded by former SpaceX engineers, Mesh develops optical transceivers for data centers. This acquisition could enhance data transmission capabilities in SpaceX's data centers, vital for AI infrastructure.
SambaNova Systems Raises $1 Billion at $11 Billion Valuation
SambaNova Systems, an AI chip company, raised $1 billion in a Series F round, boosting its valuation to $11 billion. Led by General Atlantic, with further participation expected, the funding aims to accelerate SambaNova's growth in AI inference chips, a market challenging Nvidia. SambaNova is considering a future IPO as it scales rapidly.
Humanoid Robotics Sees Major Investments and Market Moves; Ant Group's $73.58 Million Investment in Zeroth Leads Sector Push
Ant Group has invested $73.58 million in Zeroth, its 12th investment in humanoid robotics since 2025, as it diversifies post-IPO halt. Meanwhile, Agility Robotics plans to go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp XI, valuing it at $2.5 billion, marking a significant event in the humanoid robotics market.
Samsung cuts 739 US jobs as it relocates consumer electronics HQ to Texas
Samsung has eliminated 739 jobs in New Jersey and about 100 in Texas as part of its move to relocate the headquarters of Samsung Electronics America to Texas by year-end. The layoffs predominantly affected the company's U.S. consumer electronics division, which faces challenges despite record profits in its chip division.
ZA/UM Studio lays off 32 employees after weak game performance
ZA/UM Studio has laid off up to 32 employees following poor sales of its game Zero Parades. The studio cited insufficient commercial performance as the reason for the layoffs, which affects staff across all departments.
Neil Rimer anticipates AI wealth redistribution among tech leaders
Neil Rimer, co-founder of Index Ventures, predicts a redistribution of wealth in AI, either voluntary or involuntary. This statement signals potential shifts in tech philanthropy, particularly as traditional giving models like the Giving Pledge lose traction.