Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Aikido Security Reaches Unicorn Status with $60M Series B
Belgium-based cybersecurity startup Aikido Security hit $1 billion valuation after a $60 million Series B led by DST Global. The funding will enhance its platform used by over 100,000 teams globally, with five-times revenue growth last year.
Harmattan AI Valued at $1.4B in $200M Defense Tech Round
French defense tech firm Harmattan AI, founded in 2024, raised $200 million Series B led by Dassault Aviation, valuing it at $1.4 billion. It has partnerships with French, British ministries and Ukrainian drone maker amid autonomous aircraft demand.
Preply Becomes Unicorn with $150M Series D
Ukrainian-rooted edtech Preply reached $1.2 billion valuation via $150 million Series D. Funds will hire AI talent across offices in Barcelona, London, New York, and Kyiv to advance AI-enhanced learning.
Waymo Seeks $16B Funding at $110B Valuation
Alphabet's Waymo aims to raise $16 billion, with Alphabet contributing $13 billion and investors like Sequoia, DST Global joining, valuing it near $110 billion. The robotaxi firm operates in US cities and plans aggressive expansion.
Israeli Startups Raise Over $1B in January
24 Israeli startups secured more than $1 billion in January, led by cybersecurity firms like Upwind, Claroty, and Torq. Young firms like Novee ($51.5M) and Spirit ($50M at $400M valuation) highlighted the surge.
Waabi Secures $1B for Autonomous Trucking
AI startup Waabi raised $1 billion in Series C plus milestone investment for autonomous trucking technology. The deal, announced January 28-30, underscores massive funding in AI mobility.
G2 Acquires Capterra, Software Advice, GetApp from Gartner
G2 bought three major software discovery platforms from Gartner, reshaping the B2B software reviews market. This strengthens G2's dominance in enterprise software evaluation.
Noora Saksa Appointed CEO of Slush
Slush, Europe's key tech event, named Noora Saksa as new CEO to expand into a year-round global founder platform beyond its annual gathering.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 Opens with Sold-Out Crowds
Over 30,000 attendees from 120 countries gathered in Doha for talks, networking, and Qatar's $2B fund of funds expansion to boost startups. Highlights include Chinese humanoid robots and app Upscrolled's rise.
SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic Eye Mega 2026 IPOs
SpaceX may IPO at up to $1.5 trillion valuation, potentially history's largest, with OpenAI and Anthropic also plotting floats amid soaring AI revenues.
Enakl Closes $2.3M Seed in MENA Momentum
MENA startup Enakl finalized $2.3 million seed round after $1.4 million initial raise, signaling fresh capital and deals in the region.
France Phases Out Zoom and Teams in Public Sector
French government moves away from US tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for digital sovereignty, promoting European alternatives in public administration.