Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Tech Founders Launch $30,000 Fund for University of Auckland Entrepreneurs
Alumni Alliv Samson and Hengjie Wang from Hiraya Ventures gifted $30,000 to establish the CIE Alumni Fund, supporting the University's Velocity startup program and innovation initiatives at no cost to students. The fund addresses rising demand for entrepreneurship education starting in 2026.
MENA Startups Attract Funding Despite Iran Conflict and Q1 Decline
MENA startups raised multiple rounds last week amid regional tensions, with Q1 2026 funding at $941 million, down 21.5% from last quarter. UAE led with $652.8 million, followed by Saudi Arabia ($156.7M) and Egypt ($86M).
Saudi Proptech Jozo Closes $2.2M Seed Round
Jozo, a Saudi property tech startup, secured $2.2 million led by Sheikh Hamad Bin Saedan Real Estate Co. to expand operations and upgrade its digital real estate investment platform. Plans include integrating HR, POS, and CRM for comprehensive business management.
Bahrain's Sufra AI Raises $100,000 Pre-Seed
Sufra AI, a food and beverages startup by Carnegie Mellon Qatar graduates, received $100,000 from Snoonu Startup Factory. It offers personalized menus via QR codes, seamless ordering, payments, and real-time restaurant insights.
Falak Holding Acquires Majority Stake in AI Firm Kernel
Saudi venture-builder Falak Holding took a majority stake in Kernel for AI, an AI solutions provider in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. This bolsters Falak's portfolio in the Kingdom's growing AI sector.
Cracks Emerge in Fusion Energy Funding Boom
Fusion startups raised $1.6 billion in the last 12 months, but disagreements risk fissures, highlighted at The Economist’s Fusion Fest. Investors eye cash-outs via public listings amid buoyant yet tense mood.
TAE Technologies Advances Merger with Trump Media
TAE Technologies merger with Trump Media & Technology Group has delivered $200 million of $300 million cash, providing runway for power plant R&D. The deal awaits S-4 filing with the SEC.
General Fusion Plans $1B Public Merger
General Fusion announced a reverse merger with a SPAC, potentially netting $335 million and valuing the entity at $1 billion. This enables long-term investors to cash out after years of support.
Amazon Payments to Blue Origin Hit $1.8B Amid Conflict Concerns
Amazon paid $1.8 billion to Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin last year, nearly triple prior amounts, as shareholders propose addressing his external business conflicts of interest.
OpenAI Praises AWS Alliance Over Microsoft Constraints
OpenAI's chief revenue officer called AWS partnership a key growth driver for enterprises, noting Microsoft ties limited big business reach.
Amazon Acquires Globalstar, Boosting Apple Satellite Features
Amazon's Globalstar deal enhances Amazon Leo and includes a long-term Apple agreement for iPhone and Apple Watch satellite connectivity.
SeekOut CEO Anoop Gupta Steps Down
Bellevue recruiting startup SeekOut's co-founder CEO Anoop Gupta is handing reins to Sean Thompson amid leadership transition.