Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
FINNY Raises $17M Series A at $150M Valuation for AI Prospecting
AI-powered prospecting startup FINNY secured $17 million in Series A funding led by Venrock, reaching a $150 million valuation. The tool targets organic growth for financial advisory firms amid rising demand for outbound prospecting tech. Investors see billion-dollar potential despite limited current adoption.
Palo Alto Networks Nears $400M Acquisition of Israeli Startup Koi Security
Palo Alto Networks is negotiating to acquire Israeli endpoint security startup Koi Security for around $400 million. This marks Palo Alto's first Israel deal post-Zuk, bolstering its cybersecurity portfolio. The move highlights ongoing M&A interest in security startups.
VCs Predict Surge in AI Funding and Megarounds for 2026
Top VCs forecast increased venture funding in 2026, driven by AI with larger expansion rounds and growth-stage concentration. Total VC raised hit $205B through mid-2025, up 32% YoY, with AI expected to claim half of investments. Experts anticipate more IPOs and M&A for liquidity.
Key Consumer Trends for 2026: Hyper-Personalisation and In-Person Experiences
Investors highlight AI enabling hyper-personalisation, precision wellness, and blended digital-physical experiences for consumer startups. Corporate funding in consumer sector reached $4.7B in 2025, up slightly YoY, with optimism for AI-integrated models. Loyalty challenges persist amid AI content floods.
Nevis Raises $35M to Eliminate Advisor Administrative Work
Technology startup Nevis announced a $35 million fundraising round to automate administrative tasks for financial advisors, freeing time for client work. The pitch aligns with research showing advisors spend significant non-client time on admin. This follows a wave of growth-focused fintech investments.
Alvotech Secures €100M Loan for Global Biosimilar Launches
Icelandic biotech startup Alvotech obtained a €100 million loan to accelerate its biosimilars pipeline and supply chain through 2026. The funding supports global expansion in affordable biologics. It underscores financing innovations for biotech scaling.
TQI Launches Ventures Arm with BR Angels for B2B Startups
TQI introduced TQI Ventures with BR Angels, investing up to R$5M in B2B startups via CVC-as-a-service for digital transformation. Targets data-heavy sectors like finance and healthcare with mentorship from 400+ executives. LatAm funding rose meaningfully in 2025.
Snap Compliance Raises $2M for AI Compliance Expansion in LatAm
Costa Rican startup Snap Compliance raised $2 million to grow its AI-based compliance platform across Latin America and launch FORTALEZA GRC. The funding preps for a Series A amid regional expansion. Part of surging LatAm tech investments in 2025.
Lumina Capital Closes $1.5B Fund III for Global Deployments
Lumina Capital Management closed $1.5B Fund III, totaling $5B raised in four years, backed by US/Canadian institutions. The fund targets credit and equity globally, signaling strong LP appetite for VC exposure. Aligns with 2026 fundraising strength predictions.
ChatGPT Launches Morningstar and Pitchbook Apps for Investment Research
ChatGPT introduced embedded Morningstar and Pitchbook apps to rival standalone AI investment tools. This aims to enhance research capabilities for financial pros directly in the platform. Reflects intensifying AI competition in fintech.
CES 2026 Preview: Startup Highlights and Tech Innovations
CES 2026 kicks off with media events on January 4-5 featuring big brands and emerging startups unveiling news. Focus on consumer tech, AI, and green growth innovations. Key venue for entrepreneurship showcases and investments.
Consumer Startups Gain Traction in Corporate Funding
Corporate investments in consumer startups rose to $4.7B in 2025, signaling positive 2026 outlook despite past backseat to IT/healthcare. AI drives trends like creator-commerce and precision wellness. Investors stress integration with brand rigor.