Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Merge Labs Emerges from Stealth with $252M Seed for Brain-Computer Interfaces
Los Angeles-based Merge Labs launched with $252M seed funding led by Bain Capital Ventures, backed by OpenAI and Gabe Newell. Co-founded by Sam Altman and Caltech's Mikhail Shapiro, it focuses on less invasive brain-computer connections. Funding date: January 13, 2026.
Parloa Raises $350M Series D to Scale AI Customer Service
Parloa secured $350M in Series D funding to expand its AI-powered customer service platform. The round highlights investor confidence in AI automation for enterprises. Announced January 15, 2026.
Harmattan AI Lands $200M Series B for Autonomous Defense Drones
Harmattan AI raised $200M Series B to develop autonomous defense drones. The funding underscores growing interest in AI for national security applications. Reported January 15, 2026.
Etched AI Secures ~$500M Series C to Challenge Nvidia in AI Hardware
Etched AI obtained approximately $500M in Series C funding to compete with Nvidia in AI chips. This massive round positions it as a key player in AI infrastructure. Highlighted January 15, 2026.
Tulip Grabs $120M Series D to Digitize Factories with AI
Boston-based Tulip raised $120M Series D led by Mitsubishi Electric, valuing it at $1.3B. The platform enables AI-driven analytics for manufacturing efficiency. Funding announced January 15, 2026.
Skild AI Raises $1.4B Led by SoftBank for Robotics Foundation Model
Pittsburgh's Skild AI secured nearly $1.4B in funding led by SoftBank Group for scalable AI robotics models. This is among the largest AI robotics investments recently. Announced around January 15, 2026.
Proxima Announces Oversubscribed $80M Seed Financing
New York-based Proxima closed an oversubscribed $80M seed round. The funding supports its growth in undisclosed tech sector. Reported January 15, 2026.
Project Eleven Secures $20M Series A for Post-Quantum Security
Project Eleven raised $20M Series A led by DG Lab Fund and Solana Ventures for digital asset security. It focuses on post-quantum migration solutions. Funding date: January 15, 2026.
depthfirst Raises $40M Series A for AI Software Security
San Francisco's depthfirst announced $40M Series A led by Accel for applied AI in software security. The lab aims to shape future cybersecurity. Closed around January 15, 2026.
VelaFi Secures $20M Series B in LATAM Funding
LATAM financial infrastructure startup VelaFi raised $20M Series B led by XVC and Ikuyo, with Alibaba participation. Total funding now over $40M for money movement platforms. Week of January 2026.
Lightspeed Plans $500M Global Expansion Fund
Montreal's Lightspeed Commerce is structuring a $500M fund for India and Southeast Asia in commerce and payments. Signals Canadian scale-ups as international allocators. Dated January 12, 2026.
Nuclera Scoops $12M Series C Extension
Boston's Nuclera raised $12M Series C extension, bringing total to $87M for biotech innovations. Supports synthetic biology advancements. Announced January 15, 2026.