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This week reminds us that creative accounting is not only happening in Hollywood. Some hopes are dashed, but startups are making various promises, from nuclear reactors to small electric vehicles.
The most interesting entrepreneurial story of the week
The week’s startup news is very mixed, with one public export finalization, another delayed, and a range of other developments that are both promising and disappointing.
Stirring attentionTechCrunch learned that several companies that use logos on the 11x website are Not a real customer Consisting of A16Z and benchmark-backed startups. Sources also said that using 11 times the innovative approach to calculate annual recurring revenue.
Further delays: The brain system saw the IPO Delay again. The AI chip maker applied for public application in 2024, but its national security comments continue.
nuclear: Land Energy, a nuclear startup in the United States, has developed a small modular reactor. Publicly published via SPAC And it is expected to be a net $280 million. Meanwhile, the federal convergence system supported by Bill Gates Reaching a key milestone Build its demonstration reactor.
not enough: Vertical agricultural companies are sufficient File for bankruptcy After raising nearly $1 billion from investors, including SoftBank Investment Advisor, Wal-Mart, Bezos Expedition and Jeff Bezos as angel investors.
Layoffs: Block, a fintech startup co-founded by Jack Dorsey, 931 people firedaccording to the leaked email. The company that owns cash apps and plaza has already laid off employees in 2024.
rumor: Nvidia is reportedly Close to the deal to acquire Lepton AIa startup that rents servers powered by AI chips. It is said to be a Korean startup called Furiosaai, which makes chips for AI applications. Rejected $800 million in acquisition offer From Yuan.
The most interesting VC and funding news of the week
From pre-play to E-series E, here are some rounds that caught our attention this week. In addition, VCS invests in some fresh funds in new transactions.
Thermal thermometer: Digital Banking Entrepreneurship Mercury Raised $300 million Among the primary and secondary funds are included in the C Series led by Sequoia. This also doubled its valuation to $3.5 billion in currency.
Valuation bumpy: Island, a company that manufactures browsers in enterprises Received $250 million In the Coatue-led E series, the Dallas-based startup’s $4.85 billion valuation was valued at $4.85 billion, a major valuation in the last round of less than a year.
also: Rivian rotation A new mini boot is also calledhas received $105 million from Eclipse Ventures. Its goal is to build small electric vehicles and provide flagship products to consumers in the United States and Europe next year.
automation: Automatically start N8N based on fast-growing workflows in Berlin Raised $60 million HV Capital and former investors Sequoia, Felicis and Harpoon also attended the meeting in a round of funding in the European Highlands. Sources said the valuation was close to $270 million.
Ramps in Latan: Mendel, a YC alumnus of Mexico City Raised $35 million Series B It is expected that its business will gain profitability by the end of 2025.
Carpets for wealth: Arcade is the generation AI market for design jewelry, and announced Its $25 million Series A funding round Starting with the carpet, it expands it to household goods.
No free labor: Former outreach CEO Manny Medina launches Pay, a new startup that has raised $11 million in advance funds Ensure AI agents are paid.
More AI: Advent Capital Headquartered in San Mateo, California Closed $1 billion in Seventh Fund Support B2B companies and are full of interest in AI.
Blue check: French venture capital firm Daphni $215 million in margin In its overall target of $270 million.
Beyond the sound: Amazon’s Alexa Fund expands its scope beyond voice startups Focus on AI investment more widely.
last but not least
A new report shows the world’s 20 most popular open source startups. You can find Complete list and more details. As you might have guessed, more than half of them have the core of AI.
