Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Qatar PM Unveils $2B Boost for Tech Startups at Web Summit 2026
Qatar's Prime Minister announced a $2 billion expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds program, attracting 12 major VC firms to Doha. Initiatives include an eightfold increase in the Qatar Development Bank's startup program, new 10-year residencies for entrepreneurs, and high-performance compute credits for startups.
The summit highlights Qatar's push to become a global tech hub with over 30,000 attendees from 120 countries.
Chinese Startup LimX Dynamics Raises $200M Series B for Humanoid Robots
Shenzhen-based LimX Dynamics secured $200 million in Series B funding from investors like Stone Venture, JD.com, and SAIC Motor's Shang Qi Capital. The funds will fuel R&D and expansion of embodied AI robots, including new products like shape-shifting 'Tron 2' and agentic OS 'LimX COSA'.
This follows $72 million in prior rounds, advancing industrial deployment of humanoid tech.
Waymo Seeks $16B Funding at $110B Valuation for Autonomous Driving
Alphabet's Waymo is raising about $16 billion, with $13 billion from Google and investments from Sequoia, DST Global, Dragoneer, and Mubadala. The round values Waymo at nearly $110 billion, up from $45 billion in 2024, to expand robotaxi services in more US cities and the UK.
Waymo has completed over 20 million autonomous trips.
CesiumAstro Secures $470M for Satellite Connectivity Tech
US startup CesiumAstro raised $470 million, including $270 million equity led by Trousdale Ventures with Airbus Ventures and Toyota’s Woven Capital. The funding supports development of next-generation space and defense communications for global digital connectivity.
Investors also include Janus Henderson and Development Bank of Japan.
Swiss Medtech SamanTree Medical Receives €20M EU Grant
Swiss startups raised over $27.5M last week, led by SamanTree Medical's €20M EU grant for medtech innovations. Other funding includes ORamaVR's $4.5M for VR and Scholé AI's $3M seed for AI/ML.
Zurich solidified its status as a global robotics hotspot with events featuring top firms like ANYbotics.
Leracom AI Raises $1M Pre-Seed for Contact Center AI
Monterrey-based Leracom AI secured $1 million pre-seed led by WeBoost, with participation from 99 Startups, Ganas Ventures, and angels. The platform specializes in AI for contact centers, marking early 2026 momentum in Latin American tech.
Investors include Semilla Ventures and ALINA VC.
Shield Raises $100M from Thrive Holdings for IT Services Platform
New York-based Shield raised $100 million to accelerate product innovation and M&A in its IT services platform. The funding strengthens market reach amid growing demand for tech infrastructure.
Announced on February 2, 2026.
Danish Defense Startup Shotling Closes €700K Pre-Seed
Shotling, specializing in counter-UAS systems, raised €700K pre-seed led by Myriad Defense Fund with IPO CLUB and EIFO support. The modular kinetic tech targets rapid deployment for defense needs.
Funding exceeds target to advance C-UAS innovations.
World Food Prize Launches $50K AgTech Startup Competition
The 2026 Innovate for Impact Challenge offers $50,000 to early-stage AgTech startups enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture. Partnered with America’s Cultivation Corridor, it drew global applicants last year from 60+ countries.
Applications now open for technology-driven solutions.
Startup Canada Launches Startup Global 2026 with $100K Prizes
Startup Global 2026 features industry roundtables, pop-up pitch events in Halifax, Victoria, and Mississauga, and a $100,000 national prize pool. Running April to October, it empowers Canadian entrepreneurs for global expansion.
Virtual pitch stream also included.
Upscrolled App Becomes World's Most Downloaded, Founder Speaks at Web Summit
Palestinian-Jordanian founded Upscrolled surged to #1 on App Store and Play Store, growing from 150K to 1M+ users in a week. Founder Ihsan Hijazi, ex-IBM and Oracle, headlines Web Summit Qatar.
Highlights multipolar tech shift beyond Silicon Valley.