Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Cryptocurrency Startups Raise $176M in Latest Funding Week
Despite a $1 trillion crypto market downturn, VCs invested $176M across 16 startups, favoring sustainable models with clear revenue. Key deals include LI.FI ($29M for cross-chain infra), Real Finance ($29M for RWA tokenization), and TenX Protocols ($22M for staking services). Total 2025 crypto funding exceeds $25B.
Meta Slashes Metaverse Budget by 30%, Shaking AR Startups
Meta announced up to 30% cuts to its metaverse budget on Dec 4, shifting focus to core products and cooling AR funding rounds. Some startups paused hiring; rivals like Google and Warby Parker announced new AR moves on Dec 8-10.
Spinny Lines Up $160M to Acquire GoMechanic
Indian used-car platform Spinny is raising $160M in Series G, with $90M primary from Accel and WestBridge, to acquire service platform GoMechanic for ~$50M. The deal maintains Spinny's $1.8B valuation and expands its full-stack services.
Esusu Raises $50M at $1.2B Valuation for Renter Credit Building
Fintech startup Esusu secured $50M to help renters build credit via verified rental data, reaching unicorn status at $1.2B valuation. The funding supports scaling to millions of users in housing finance.
Disney Invests $1B in OpenAI for AI Video Characters
Disney committed $1B to OpenAI, enabling Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar characters in the Sora AI video generator. This partnership accelerates AI content creation for entertainment startups.
Harness Secures $200M at $5.5B Valuation from Goldman Sachs
AI software delivery platform Harness raised $200M led by Goldman Sachs, boosting its valuation to $5.5B. The funds will enhance continuous delivery and cloud cost management tools.
Phoebe Gates' Phia AI Startup Raises $30M at $180M Valuation
AI startup Phia, backed by Phoebe Gates, closed a $30M round valuing it at $180M, just months after an $8M seed. The rapid funding underscores investor interest in its AI applications.
OpenAI and Mercedes-Benz Join Korea's AroundX Platform
Korea’s AroundX adds OpenAI, Mercedes-Benz, HP, and Astellas, connecting 1,600+ startups with 17 global firms for AI, mobility, and biotech innovation starting 2026.
Olympus Triples VC Fund to $150M for MedTech Innovation
Olympus launched a second $150M venture fund targeting MedTech devices, digital solutions, and diagnostics to strengthen its leadership through startup investments.
Israeli Cyber Startup Armis Nears $7B Sale to ServiceNow
Armis, valued at $6.1B after a $435M raise, is in advanced talks for acquisition by ServiceNow up to $7B, highlighting cybersecurity M&A trends.
Microsoft Plans $23B Global AI Infrastructure Investment
Microsoft to invest $23B in AI infra, including $17.5B in India’s cloud and data centers, fueling deep-tech startups in emerging markets.
Bitzero Secures $25M for Sustainable Blockchain Data Centers
Bitzero raised $25M to expand clean, community-focused blockchain and HPC data centers, emphasizing sustainable crypto infrastructure.