Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Nvidia Strikes $20 Billion Licensing Deal with AI Chip Startup Groq
Nvidia announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Groq for its inference technology, valued at approximately $20 billion, marking Nvidia’s largest-ever deal. Groq founder Jonathan Ross, president Sunny Madra, and other employees will join Nvidia, while Groq continues independently under new CEO Simon Edwards. The deal, reported December 24-27, 2025, expands Nvidia's AI inference dominance.
Ukraine's Reface Secures $18M in User Acquisition Funding
Kyiv-based AI firm Reface, specializing in AI-powered visual and video content tools like face swapping, raised $18 million from PvX Partners. Founded in 2019, the funding supports non-dilutive user acquisition to scale globally. It accelerates marketing and growth for its machine learning apps serving millions in entertainment.
Prance Raises Seed Funding for AI Recruitment Platform
Tokyo-based Prance Holdings, provider of AI-powered automated recruitment software Prance Hiring, secured undisclosed seed funding led by DEEPCORE. The funds will enhance engineering hires, product development, and adoption amid Japan's labor shortages. DEEPCORE offers AI startup support via communities and accelerators.
AI Startups Raise Record $150 Billion in 2025 Funding
AI startups amassed a record $150 billion in new capital this year, despite bubble concerns, building war chests for growth. This surge highlights investor confidence in AI amid market volatility.
10 AI Mega-Rounds Total $84B in 2025, Led by OpenAI's $40B
2025 saw 10 major AI funding rounds raising $84 billion collectively, with OpenAI's record $40B topping the list alongside Anthropic and xAI. These deals reshaped the AI funding landscape with emerging players.
Chinese Startup Z.ai Releases Open-Source GLM-4.7 Model
Z.ai launched GLM-4.7, an open-source large language model for real-world development, including coding assistance in workflows. It topped the AI by AI Weekly Top 5 for December 22-28, 2025.
Meta's 'Hear Better' AI Feature Goes Viral in Smart Glasses
Meta's v21 update for AI Smart Glasses introduced 'Conversation Focus,' using AI beamforming to isolate voices in noisy settings, solving the cocktail party problem. Rolled out December 16, it became the top-discussed holiday tech gift.
Disney Strikes $1B Deal with OpenAI for Sora IP Licensing
Disney announced a $1 billion investment and 3-year licensing deal with OpenAI for Sora, using Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars IP. First shorts appeared December 18-24, 2025.
Clox AI: Fraud Detection for Digital Documents in Fintech
Clox AI uses AI to detect fraud like tampering in digital documents, automating verification for finance and lending firms. Selected for TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200 in fintech category.
Kruncher Automates VC and PE Investment Processes with AI
Kruncher employs AI for deal screening, due diligence, portfolio monitoring in VC and private equity. It scales operations for investment firms, featured in TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield.
Genia Transforms Architectural Drawings with AI for Proptech
Genia uses AI to convert drawings into code-compliant, physics-validated structural designs, slashing time by 10x. Part of TechCrunch Disrupt's real estate/proptech Battlefield selectees.
Investwise Optimizes Data Centers with AI Platform
Investwise provides AI-driven optimization for data center hardware performance and cooling efficiency. It maximizes profitability in infrastructure, highlighted at TechCrunch Disrupt.