Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Etched.ai Raises $500M for Transformer-Specific AI Chip
Cupertino-based Etched.ai secured $500M in funding, bringing total to $625.4M, backed by Palantir, Peter Thiel, and others. The startup develops Sohu, a chip optimized for running transformer models. This reflects surging demand for specialized AI hardware alternatives to Nvidia.
Defense Unicorns Secures $136M for National Security AI Software
Colorado Springs-based Defense Unicorns raised $136M, totaling $171.5M, from investors like Sapphire Ventures and Valor Equity Partners. The startup provides open-source software and AI for defense systems. It highlights booming defense tech funding, the best year ever in 2025.
Onebrief Lands $200M for AI-Powered Military Planning Platform
Honolulu-based Onebrief raised $200M, reaching $311M total, backed by General Catalyst and Salesforce Ventures. The platform aids operational planning and decision-making for military teams. Investors show strong conviction in AI for defense applications.
FuriosaAI Seeks $500M Funding Ahead of IPO
South Korea’s FuriosaAI is raising up to $500M to challenge Nvidia in AI accelerators for inference and training. The move underscores high demand for cost-effective AI hardware alternatives.
It positions the firm in the booming AI chip fundraising category.
Sequoia Capital to Invest in Anthropic
Sequoia is set to back Anthropic, following investments across AI labs, per The Information. This signals VCs betting on multiple frontier AI winners rather than a single dominant player.
It provides Anthropic with networks and enterprise leverage.
Jerusalem VC Opens Dubai Outpost for Middle East AI Deals
A Jerusalem-based VC firm launched a Dubai office to access Gulf AI capital and cross-border opportunities. It taps into trends of non-US funding for compute-intensive startups.
Dubai serves as a hub amid regional political dynamics.
Salesforce Expands Startup Program to Malaysia and Philippines
Salesforce launched its AI-powered startup program in Malaysia and Philippines, offering products, mentorship, and go-to-market support. It now covers five ASEAN/South Asia markets, supporting 435+ startups including 230 AI-first ones.
Leaders cite thriving ecosystems for global scaling.
Tech Venture Meetup 2026 in Kuala Lumpur Tomorrow
TVMU 2026 on January 21 at MRANTI Park features startup pitches from TEASK, Herosoft, and others to investors. Over 20 booths showcase deep tech, AI, and sustainability innovations.
Theme: 'Open to the World: Innovate, Scale & Go Public.'
Fintech Venture Funding Hits $51.8B in 2025, 11% of Global Total
Fintech captured 11% of global VC, second to AI, with $51.8B raised, up 27% YoY. 2026 forecasts predict growth in pre-IPO deals, M&A surge, and AI-integrated fintech.
Expect more bank charters, stablecoins, and wealth tech innovation.
Defense Tech Funding Reaches Record High in 2025
Defense tech startups had their best funding year ever in 2025, driven by mega-rounds. In 2026, focus shifts to proving scalable production.
DC startups alone raised $5.4B, near decade high.
Gulfood Startups Launches in Dubai for Food Innovation
Gulfood Startups event from January 26-30 scales global food tech ventures. It supports startups in food innovation amid rising entrepreneurship focus.
Part of broader UAE ecosystem growth.
Space Tech Investment Set to Rise Further in 2026
Global space tech funding expected to grow in 2026 after record 2025 driven by defense spending. Report highlights continued momentum for startups.
Aligns with deep tech trends.