Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Mobiltech Raises ₩13 Billion Pre-IPO for Spatial Intelligence
Korean spatial intelligence startup Mobiltech secured KRW 13 billion (USD 9.8 million) in a pre-IPO round led by Stonebridge Ventures, with participation from SBI Investment, Leading Ace Capital, Fave Ventures, and IBK Industrial Bank. The funding reflects investor preference for defensible technology in physical AI. This deal underscores Korea's venture market shift toward quality over quantity in early February 2026.
Dermatrix Secures Seed Round for Skin-Health Platform
Digital healthcare startup Dermatrix, founded by Dr. Kim Kyung-hoon, raised a seed round from Bluepoint Partners to advance its skin-health data automation platform integrating clinical data with patient habits. The investment highlights growing focus on data-driven healthcare in Korea. It aligns with trends in AI and digital health innovation.
InnOwl and Other Korean Startups Land Early-Stage Funding
Nine other Korean startups including BAT (KRW 7.5B Series A) and Bonanza Lab (pre-Series A) raised funds in early February, totaling 10 deals concentrated in seed and pre-IPO stages. Investments targeted physical AI, K-beauty tech, and data infrastructure amid a selective market. This signals Korea's maturation as Asia's deep-tech hub.
Safqah Capital Raises $15.2M Seed for Saudi Fintech/Proptech
Saudi-based Safqah Capital secured $15.2 million in one of the largest pure equity seed rounds, led by Shorooq with anb Seed Fund, Rua Growth Fund, and others including 500 Global. The Shariah-compliant platform finances SME real estate developers using AI for risk assessment. Funds will expand platform and financing capacity.
ElevenLabs Hits $11B Valuation with $500M Series D
AI audio startup ElevenLabs raised $500 million in Series D funding, achieving an $11 billion valuation amid surging AI demand. The round positions the company as a leader in generative audio technology. It reflects robust investor confidence in AI applications beyond chatbots.
Anthropic Nears $20B Round at $350B Valuation
Claude chatbot developer Anthropic is closing over $20 billion in funding at a $350 billion valuation, driven by explosive AI investor demand. This mega-round underscores the sector's dominance in global startup funding. It highlights challenges in justifying such valuations amid competition.
EXE Engineering Gets €550K from Eni and CDP for Carbon Offsetting
Italian startup EXE Engineering received €550,000 from Eni Next, CDP Venture Capital, and Zero to expand carbon offsetting projects in Africa and Europe. The investment supports tech for sustainable initiatives, following recognitions like Forbes Top 100. It exemplifies corporate venture acceleration models.
Skyroot Aerospace Leads Indian Space Tech Boom
India's Skyroot Aerospace, with over $100M funding, achieved the first private orbital launch; Pixxel deployed an 18-satellite constellation. The ecosystem raised $500M+ since 2023, boosted by favorable regulations. Key themes include hyperspectral imaging and launch vehicles.
Isar Aerospace Prepares Spectrum Rocket Launch
German launch provider Isar Aerospace raised €300M+ for its Spectrum rocket maiden launch, offering missions from $12M to undercut incumbents. European space startups emphasize green propulsion and AI analytics. Global space VC hit $63.8B in 2025.
Varda Space Advances In-Space Manufacturing
US startup Varda Space Industries, with $90M+ funding, completed its second re-entry mission, pioneering space-based manufacturing. Other US leaders like Astranis ($500M+) deploy broadband satellites. The sector drives new markets beyond traditional launches.
Legal Tech Sees Massive Funding: Clio, Harvey Lead
Clio raised $500M equity plus $350M debt for law firm management; Harvey secured $819M across rounds for AI legal tools. Filevine got $260M for AI-integrated platforms, signaling growth beyond AI in startups. Investors prioritize scalable legal tech solutions.
Defense Startups Attract Billions: Anduril Tops List
Anduril raised $2.5B Series G; Helsing $693M; Saronic $600M for autonomous security tech. The sector experiences big funding growth amid geopolitical demands. It ranks among top non-AI startup investment areas.