Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Canada's Top 26 Startups of 2026 Tackle Hard Problems
Despite challenges like U.S. pressures and capital access, 26 Canadian startups focus on national issues. Clio raised US$500M at $5B valuation for AI expansion, with ARR up 60% to $400M. Jane App secured over US$500M, valuing it at $1.8B, launching AI Scribe and targeting U.S. growth
.
Lux Capital Raises $1.5B for Largest Fund Ever
Lux Capital closed $1.5B for its biggest fund, backing early investors in Anduril, Applied Intuition, and Runway AI. The 25-year-old firm aims to fuel deep tech innovations. This underscores robust VC appetite for AI and defense startups
.
Discord Files Confidential IPO Paperwork for March Debut
Discord reportedly filed for IPO, targeting a March launch amid market recovery. The gaming communication platform seeks public market validation. Investors eye its growth post-pandemic
.
Swap Commerce Raises $100M to Challenge Shopify
E-commerce startup Swap secured $100M from DST Global and Iconiq, just six months after $40M. It positions as a Shopify rival with advanced features. The funding accelerates platform development
.
Semafor Secures $30M Venture Funding
Digital news platform Semafor raised $30M led by PSP Capital Partners, totaling $74M raised. Founded in 2022 by Ben Smith and Justin B. Smith. Funds support global expansion in media tech
.
BetHog Crypto Casino Raises $10.4M
Crypto casino and sportsbook BetHog closed $10.4M from 22 investors, totaling $16.4M since 2024 founding by Nigel Eccles. Targets blockchain gaming growth. SEC filing signals strong crypto startup interest
.
LMArena AI Platform Raises $150M
San Francisco's LMArena, for comparing AI models, raised $150M led by Felicis and UC Investments, with Andreessen Horowitz. Open platform aids AI development. Boosts testing infrastructure for startups
.
Hyundai ZER01NE Showcases 10 Startups at CES 2026
Hyundai's open innovation platform highlights 10 startups in AI, energy, robotics at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Includes internal spins and CRADLE partners. Fosters ecosystem with 40 spin-offs since 2018
.
Global VC Funding Surged 30% to $425B in 2025
Venture funding hit $425B across 24,000 companies in 2025, up 30% YoY per Crunchbase. Sets strong base for 2026 startup activity. Growth spans AI, climatetech, and more
.
Over 100 New Funding Opportunities Launch January 2026
Impact Funding lists 280+ global opportunities worth $1.1B+ across 18 sectors. Includes S$1M climate tech grants (Feb 9 deadline) and India clean energy loans (Jan 12). Targets startups in deep-tech, SDG-aligned innovations
.
NEOM Gaming Accelerator Welcomes Largest Cohort
NEOM's gaming accelerator opens its biggest-ever cycle of startup studios on Jan 7, 2026. Supports sustainable gaming ventures in northwest Saudi Arabia. Accelerates regional entrepreneurship
.
Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026: Roz Raises $1.875M
Roz closed $1.875M pre-seed led by Outlander VC for entrepreneur networking. Plans aggressive 2026 growth in product-market fit. Others like dScribe secure YC and pilots
.