Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Skild AI Raises $1.4B for Robotics 'Omni-Bodied' Brain
Skild AI, a Pittsburgh-based robotics startup, secured $1.4 billion in funding led by SoftBank Group, tripling its valuation to over $14 billion. The round supports development of an AI brain to operate any robot for any task, just seven months after a Series B at $4.5B valuation. This underscores surging investor interest in robotics AI.
Merge Labs Emerges from Stealth with $252M Seed for Brain-Computer Interfaces
Sam Altman-backed Merge Labs raised $252M in seed funding led by Bain Capital Ventures, with OpenAI and Gabe Newell participating. The San Francisco startup focuses on high-bandwidth brain-computer interfaces integrated with advanced AI. Total raised marks it as one of the largest seed rounds ever.
ClickHouse Secures $400M Series D for OLAP Database
Open-source OLAP database startup ClickHouse raised $400M in a Series D led by Dragoneer Investment Group, with Bessemer, GIC, and others joining. Bringing total funding to $1.05B, the fast SQL-query columnar database targets analytics processing. Investors highlight its enterprise scalability.
Torq Bags $140M Series D at $1.2B Valuation for AI Cybersecurity
Agentic AI cybersecurity firm Torq raised $140M in Series D led by Merlin Ventures, pushing valuation to $1.2B and total funding to $332M. The platform transforms security operations centers (SOCs). Existing backers like Bessemer and Insight participated.
Onebrief Raises $200M Series D in Defense Tech
Honolulu-based defense tech startup Onebrief secured $200M Series D led by Battery Ventures and Sapphire Ventures, also acquiring battle simulation firm Battle Road Digital. Its AI-driven software aids military planning and operations. The funding fuels expansion amid rising defense needs.
Higgsfield Lands $80M Series A Extension for AI Video Generation
AI-powered video generation platform Higgsfield raised $80M in a Series A extension from Accel, GFT Ventures, and Menlo Ventures. The funding accelerates platform development on January 15, 2026. It positions Higgsfield in the booming AI content creation market.
Defense Unicorns Secures $136M Series B
Defense Unicorns raised $136M in Series B led by Bain Capital, with Sapphire Ventures and Gen. David Petraeus investing. The funding supports software for national security missions. It reflects strong VC interest in defense startups.
Mytra Raises $120M Series C for Warehouse Automation
Warehouse automation startup Mytra secured $120M Series C led by Avenir Growth, with Greenoaks and D.E. Shaw, bringing total raised to over $210M. Announced January 15, 2026, it targets logistics efficiency. Investors back its scaling potential.
Type One Energy Gets $87M Convertible Note for Fusion
Fusion energy startup Type One Energy raised $87M convertible note from Prime Movers Lab and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, totaling ~$167M. Dated January 14, 2026, it advances clean energy tech. Highlights investor bets on fusion breakthroughs.
Project Eleven Raises $20M Series A for Post-Quantum Crypto
Blockchain security startup Project Eleven raised $20M Series A led by DG Lab Fund, with Solana Ventures and Goldman Sachs alumni, totaling $25M+. Focused on post-quantum cryptography, funded January 15, 2026. Addresses emerging quantum threats.
depthfirst Announces $40M Series A for AI Security
AI-native security firm depthfirst raised $40M Series A to combat threats using its platform. The funding supports enterprise adoption amid rising AI risks. Positioned for growth in cybersecurity startups.
Symbolic.ai Partners with News Corp for AI Journalism
AI journalism startup Symbolic.ai signed a deal with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp to optimize editorial processes and research. Announced January 16, 2026, it leverages AI for media efficiency. Signals AI integration in publishing.