Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Korea Launches $3B Fund-of-Funds for AI Unicorns and Startup Growth
Korea commits $1.5B to a fund-of-funds initiative, targeting $3B total venture capital focused on AI unicorns, regional innovation, and the $9B Next Unicorn Project. This aims to bolster the startup ecosystem with significant government backing.
Additional Korean startups like Innoxus ($9.6M Series A for aesthetic devices) and ANIAI ($4M pre-Series A for robotic kitchens) also raised funds.
Humans& Raises Whopping $480M Seed for Human-Centric AI Tools
San Francisco-based Humans&, building AI tools for communication and collaboration, secured $480 million in seed financing. This massive early-stage round highlights investor enthusiasm for AI enhancing human interactions.
It stands out among recent VC deals in a competitive landscape.
Upscale AI Secures $200M Series A for AI Networking Infrastructure
Santa Clara-based Upscale AI raised $200 million in Series A financing led by investors including Prosperity7 Ventures. The funding will scale its AI networking infrastructure for commercial deployment.
This reflects surging demand for AI hardware solutions.
Preply Closes $150M Series D as Leading Language Learning Platform
New York-based Preply, the top global language learning marketplace, secured $150 million in Series D led by WestCap. The funding supports platform expansion amid rising demand for online education.
It marks a major milestone for edtech in 2026.
Ivo Announces $55M Series B for Unspecified Tech Innovation
San Francisco startup Ivo raised $55 million in Series B funding. Details on the focus remain emerging, but it joins a wave of substantial VC rounds.
This underscores ongoing investor confidence in early-to-mid stage tech.
Cubby Secures $63M Series A in New York
New York-based Cubby raised $63 million in Series A funding. The round positions the startup for growth in its sector amid active VC activity.
It highlights NYC as a hub for significant financings.
Jetson Raises $50M Series A for Energy-Saving Heat Pumps
Vancouver's Jetson secured $50 million Series A led by Eclipse Capital to expand electric heat pumps across North America. Total funding reaches $76M, addressing home electrification needs.
Investors include 8VC, Activate Capital, and Garage Capital.
Crypto Startups Raise Over $1B in 2025, $362M in One Week
Crypto startups amassed over $1 billion in funding in early 2025, with $362M across 14 deals in the third week of January. Largest was BitGo's $213M IPO for custody services.
Investments target infrastructure despite market volatility.
Fervo Energy Files for IPO After $462M Raise
Geothermal startup Fervo Energy filed confidentially for an IPO following $462M funding led by B Capital. Projects like Cape Station in Utah aim for 100MW grid power this year.
JPMorgan and Bank of America advise on the offering.
Cyberme Graduates 2nd Cohort, Opens 3rd for Saudi Startups
Riyadh's Cyberme Startup Studio graduated its second cohort in cybersecurity, insurtech, fintech, and logistics, with Demo Day on Jan 27. Startups include Ambersand (AI GRC) and Floaty (credit solutions).
Registrations open for third intake to boost Saudi innovation.
Korea Hosts Startup Investor Summit 2026 in Busan
KAIA's Startup Investor Summit 2026 (Jan 29-30) in Busan themes 'Beyond Capital,' focusing on private-led ecosystems and AI tools. Speakers from Bluepoint Partners and others discuss paradigm shifts.
It connects local startups to global networks.
Yuki Emerges from Stealth with $6M Seed for Data Optimization
New York-based Yuki raised $6 million seed to optimize data costs. The stealth exit signals fresh VC interest in efficiency tools.
It joins multiple AI and tech financings this week.