Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Ahead Health Closes $6M Seed Round
Swiss healthtech startup Ahead Health secured a CHF 6M ($6M) seed round with global investors, fueling last week's $17M+ total Swiss startup funding. This highlights growth in Zurich's ecosystem, up 28% YoY. Other Swiss raises include Noriware's $4M in materials.
Olelo Intelligence Raises $1M Angel Round
Honolulu-based AI sales coaching platform Olelo Intelligence raised $1M in an angel round led by Hawaiʻi Angels. Funds will support U.S. and Canada expansion for automotive repair shops. Investor Clif Purkiser guided the deal.
US Dominates Global FinTech with 44% of Deals
Global FinTech deals dropped 24% YoY to 4,800, but U.S. firms captured 44% amid $96B total investment, up 7% from 2024. Cyera's $540M Series E led big rounds for AI-driven data security.
Sequoia Invests in Anthropic, Breaking VC Norms
Sequoia Capital joins Anthropic's massive funding round aiming for $25B+ at $350B valuation, led by GIC and Coatue at $1.5B each. This bucks tradition of avoiding rival AI bets like OpenAI and xAI.
Microsoft and Nvidia commit up to $15B.
OpenAI Backs Sam Altman's BCI Startup Merge Labs
OpenAI invested in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup co-founded by CEO Sam Altman, emerging from stealth this January. Details on amount undisclosed, focusing on BCI innovation.
Thinking Machines Lab Hits $2B Record Seed
Mira Murati's AI startup Thinking Machines Lab raised $2B seed in mid-2025 led by a16z, valuing it at $12B, largest ever. January 2026 saw OpenAI exodus and stalled follow-on funding at $50-60B ask.
Investors include Nvidia and AMD.
Akorn Technology Wins UAE FoodTech Challenge
California's Akorn Technology won UAE FoodTech Challenge with edible food waste solution, sharing $2M prize from 1,200+ entries. Plans UAE research and pilots in South Africa, Southeast Asia.
Follows prior winners raising $48M+.
CoolSem Technologies Secures Pre-Seed Funding
CoolSem Technologies announced pre-seed funding on January 19 to advance wafer-level thermal innovation. Embargo lifted today, supporting semiconductor tech development.
one.five Raises €14M for Packaging Innovation
Hamburg-based one.five secured €14M to tackle product-market fit in packaging sector. Aims to solve key startup challenges in sustainable materials.
ElevenLabs Eyes $11B Valuation in New Funding
UK AI audio startup ElevenLabs in talks for fresh funding to nearly double valuation from $6.6B to $11B. Positions it as UK's top AI company amid hot market.
Vienna Seeks 15 International Startups for 2026
Vienna Business Agency calls for 15 global startups for 2026 package, aiding DACH market entry and scaling. Supports entrepreneurship expansion in Europe.
Angel Funding Surges in Life Sciences January
Angel investors fill seed gaps in life sciences with key January 2026 rounds, taking on riskier biotech and medtech stages. Trends show shift from traditional seed funds.