Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Databricks Raises $4B at $134B Valuation for AI Data Platform
AI startup Databricks secured a $4 billion funding round at a $134 billion valuation to expand its data and model platform, highlighting data infrastructure's key role in AI. This mega-round underscores investor focus on scalable AI layers amid tightening venture conditions.
Amazon is reportedly in talks for a massive OpenAI investment, intensifying cloud-AI competition.
Fervo Energy Secures $462M Series E for Geothermal Tech
Greentown Labs alum Fervo Energy raised $462 million in Series E funding for deploying next-generation geothermal technology commercialization. This bolsters clean energy infrastructure amid rising demands.
Other Greentown startups like NeuroBionics got $10M seed for neuromodulation devices.
Freshworks Eyes Acquisitions with $800M Cash amid AI Shift
Freshworks, holding $800 million in cash, is exploring acquisitions to compete in AI-driven customer support software. AI features like automated triage are now essential against larger incumbents.
Reuters reports this strategy to avoid being sidelined in enterprise software.
Radiant Raises Over $300M Series D for Portable Nuclear Reactors
Radiant announced over $300 million in Series D funding to mass-produce portable nuclear reactors. This supports nuclear energy startups in cleantech's jumbo rounds trend.
Investors back scaling amid energy demands for AI and tech.
Addition Therapeutics Lands $100M for Biotech Development
Addition Therapeutics raised $100 million from SR One, Gates Foundation, and others for its biotech initiatives. Part of December's biotech funding surge including Ambros Therapeutics' $125M Series A.
Fierce Biotech tracks VC flowing into life sciences.
Chai Discovery Secures $130M Series B with OpenAI Backing
Chai Discovery raised $130 million in Series B from General Catalyst, Thrive Capital, and OpenAI for AI-driven biotech discovery. This reflects AI integration in drug development funding.
Other rounds include Prolynx's $70M Series A.
Base Power Tops Cleantech with $1.2B in Residential Battery Funding
Austin-based Base Power raised $1.2 billion across two rounds for battery backup power solutions. Leads 2025's largest cleantech rounds, followed by nuclear firms like Commonwealth Fusion's $863M.
Investors favor jumbo investments despite overall low funding.
Northzone Highlights Mega Seed Rounds like Genesis AI's $105M
Northzone reports 2025 mega seed rounds normalizing, with Genesis AI raising $105M for robotics AI models. Series A sizes ballooned, e.g., CuspAI's $100M.
Fewer but larger deals intensify capital competition.
Klarna Hits $19B Market Cap Post-IPO with User Growth
Klarna reached $19 billion market cap after NYSE IPO, adding 27M users and 235K merchants in Q3. Launched payment card and stablecoin.
Northzone anticipates more portfolio IPOs like Einride in 2026.
Xanadu Among Quantum Startups Receiving Federal Support
Canadian quantum startup Xanadu received federal investment alongside Anyon Systems, Photonic, and Nord Quantique. Supports quantum computing advancement.
CEO Weedbrook noted strategic growth potential.
Sovereign Funds Emerge as Major VC Players
Sovereign wealth funds are acting as new venture capitalists, e.g., leading $6.6B rounds. Shifts VC landscape with state-backed capital.
OMFIF highlights trend on December 17.
MBX Capital's Early-Stage Biotech Fund Exceeds $100M
MBX Capital surpassed $100 million commitments for early-stage biotech and health tech startups. Targets innovative health ventures.
Strengthens US biotech funding momentum.