News/Fundraising
Tampa wants to be to USF what Silicon Valley is to Stanford, but for cybersecurity
The University of South Florida is poised to become a cybersecurity education hub with a historic $40 million donation from tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren. This transformative gift will establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, positioning Tampa as a potential cybersecurity powerhouse that can help address critical workforce shortages in these fields. The donation represents an ambitious attempt to strengthen America's digital security infrastructure while creating a premier educational institution that could rival established tech education centers. The big picture: USF is receiving the largest donation in its history to create Florida's first...
read Mar 11, 2025Startup Tomorrow.io builds private weather forecasting network as National Weather Service faces stormy future
Weather prediction startup Tomorrow.io is positioning itself to fill critical gaps in forecasting as potential budget cuts threaten the National Weather Service. The company's network of satellites and AI-powered forecasting technology offers businesses customized weather intelligence at a time when public services may face significant reductions. As climate change increases weather volatility, this private-sector solution raises important questions about the future of weather forecasting infrastructure. The big picture: Tomorrow.io has built a commercial weather forecasting business that's gaining momentum as potential government cutbacks to the National Weather Service loom on the horizon. Founded in 2016 by Shimon Elkabetz, the company...
read Mar 10, 2025Ex-Google DeepMind researchers launch $130M AI startup to build autonomous coding tools
Former Google DeepMind researchers have launched a new superintelligence venture with substantial backing from top-tier investors. Reflection AI's $130 million funding and ambitious focus on autonomous programming tools positions it alongside other AI labs developing agent-based automation systems. The startup's focus on practical programming tools represents an initial step toward their long-term vision of creating advanced AI capable of performing most computer-based work. The big picture: Reflection AI has secured $130 million across two funding rounds, achieving a $555 million valuation led by prominent investors including Sequoia Capital, CRV, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The startup raised an initial $25 million...
read Mar 7, 2025StubHub eyes $1 billion IPO golden ticket as live events rebound from pandemic slump
StubHub's potential IPO represents a significant milestone in the revival of tech public offerings amid market volatility influenced by President Trump's economic policy changes. While the ticketing marketplace has only held preliminary discussions with bankers, their reported goal of raising over $1 billion signals confidence in their post-pandemic recovery. This development, alongside similar explorations by companies like CoreWeave and Discord, suggests renewed Wall Street appetite for tech listings despite the slow start to the year's IPO market. The big picture: StubHub is testing the waters for a potential initial public offering that could happen before the end of 2025, looking...
read Mar 5, 2025Anticipatory AI: Crunchbase transforms into prediction platform with 95% funding forecast accuracy
Artificial intelligence is going Nostradamus on us at a quicker and quicker pace. Crunchbase's transformation into an AI-powered prediction platform marks a significant evolution in how private company data is analyzed and leveraged. With claimed 95% accuracy in forecasting fundraising events, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and venture capital intelligence, potentially changing how investors identify promising startups before they become widely known. This shift from historical data provider to predictive market intelligence platform represents a broader trend of AI reconfiguring traditional business information services. The big picture: Crunchbase has relaunched as an AI-powered predictive...
read Mar 5, 2025Auxia raises $23.5M to break the customer reacquisition cycle with AI
Advertise. Die. Repeat. It gets so tiresome, doesn't it? In an era where customer acquisition costs are soaring, particularly in digital advertising dominated by tech giants, Auxia is leveraging artificial intelligence to help enterprises break free from costly customer reacquisition cycles. The startup's innovative approach to transforming customer data into personalized experiences has attracted significant investor attention, highlighting the growing demand for AI-powered solutions that can improve marketing efficiency and customer retention. The big picture: Auxia has secured $23.5 million in Series A funding led by VMG Technology Partners, with participation from Incubate Fund, MUFG Financial Group, and over 50...
read Mar 5, 2025Now hear this: Vermillio secures $16 million from Sony Music and DNS Capital
As artificial intelligence reshapes the creative industries, protecting intellectual property has become a critical challenge for artists and media companies. Vermillio's innovative approach to AI licensing and protection, backed by major industry players like Sony Music Entertainment, signals a shift toward more ethical and controlled use of creative content in AI development. The big picture: Vermillio has secured $16 million in Series A funding from Sony Music Entertainment and DNS Capital to protect creative rights as generative AI transforms artistic consent, credit, and compensation frameworks. Key details: The platform leverages TracelDTM technology to monitor IP and NIL content, manage takedowns,...
read Mar 4, 2025Analysis: Most businesses plan to increase AI investment despite uncertain ROI
As artificial intelligence moves from technological novelty to business necessity, Morgan Stanley's latest analysis reveals a stark contrast between AI's current development phase and its anticipated revenue potential. Their projections suggest that while enterprises are still fine-tuning AI implementations today, the technology is poised for significant monetization starting in 2025, marking a crucial transition from development to widespread commercial adoption. The big picture: Morgan Stanley Research forecasts generative AI revenue to surge from $45 billion in 2024 to $1.1 trillion by 2028, with enterprise software accounting for roughly $400 billion of that total. Key timeline details: The AI innovation cycle...
read Mar 3, 2025Anthropic secures $3.5 billion at $61.5 billion valuation amid AI funding surge
Anthropic's latest $3.5 billion funding round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, showcases the enduring investor confidence in leading AI developers despite sky-high valuations. The company's dramatic rise from startup to AI powerhouse mirrors the broader acceleration of enterprise AI adoption, with its chatbot Claude gaining significant market share among business users since its 2023 debut. The big picture: Anthropic secured a $3.5 billion Series E funding round at a $61.5 billion post-money valuation, with Lightspeed Venture Partners contributing $1 billion. The round attracted major investors including Salesforce Ventures, Cisco Investments, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and several prominent venture capital...
read Feb 27, 2025Survey says: UK consulting firms ramp up hiring amid market recovery
The consulting industry in the United Kingdom experienced a significant downturn following the post-pandemic boom, with major firms implementing substantial staff cuts throughout 2023 and 2024. In 2025, the sector is showing signs of recovery, primarily driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence expertise and advisory services. Market Overview: The UK consulting market is projected to grow by 5 percent in 2025, rebounding from a 3.4 percent contraction in 2024. Nearly half of global companies utilizing consulting services anticipate significant increases in spending over the next three years Technology consulting is expected to grow globally by 7 percent to $421...
read Feb 25, 2025Microsoft backs cloud data company Veeam to develop new AI products
Microsoft's expanding presence in the data protection market takes a significant step forward through an equity investment in Veeam Software, a company specializing in data recovery and backup solutions. The partnership, announced in February 2025, aims to integrate Microsoft's AI capabilities with Veeam's established data protection platform. Deal structure and strategic focus: Microsoft has made an undisclosed equity investment in Veeam Software as part of a broader collaboration focused on AI product development and integration. The partnership will emphasize research and development investments and design collaboration between the two companies Veeam plans to integrate Microsoft's AI services into its existing...
read Feb 25, 2025Can this be real? AI startup’s $30B valuation raises eyebrows amid consciousness claims
His company is already bigger than Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers! The race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) has attracted massive investment despite uncertain timelines and feasibility. Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's former chief scientist known for controversial statements about AI consciousness, has launched a new venture that's drawing attention for its unusual business model. The big picture: Safe Superintelligence, Sutskever's new AI company, has achieved a $30 billion valuation without offering any products or clear technological differentiators. The company recently secured an additional $1 billion in funding from prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital Its valuation now exceeds established...
read Feb 25, 2025AI startups from around the globe go head-to-head in Comcast NBCUniversal Sports Tech Program
The Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech accelerator program has entered its fifth year, selecting 10 early-stage sports technology companies from a record pool of over 1,600 applicants. This year's cohort features several AI-focused startups, reflecting the growing integration of artificial intelligence across the sports industry. Program Overview: The six-month accelerator provides selected startups with $50,000 in funding from NBCUniversal and Boomtown, with both organizations receiving equity stakes in participating companies. Each company receives mentorship from experienced business operators and opportunities to test their concepts The program includes partnerships with major sports organizations like NBC Sports, NASCAR, Premier League, and PGA Tour Companies...
read Feb 24, 2025Warehouse robot startup Ati raises $20M in Series B funding
The rise of autonomous warehouse robots has accelerated as companies seek to optimize their logistics operations and reduce labor costs. Ati Motors, a manufacturer of autonomous warehouse robots, has demonstrated significant market traction with its Sherpa robot line, nearly tripling its orders in 2024. Funding Details: Ati Motors has secured a $20 million Series B investment round, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory. The funding round was co-led by Walden Catalyst Ventures (WCV) and NGP Capital (NGP) Additional participants included existing investors True Ventures, Exfinity Venture Partners, Athera Venture Partners, and Blume Ventures Product Capabilities: The Sherpa...
read Feb 24, 2025Anthropic is finalizing a massive $3.5B funding round, WSJ reports
Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company known for its chatbot Claude, is rapidly expanding its financial backing and technological capabilities in the competitive AI market. The company's latest developments include both a significant funding round and the release of an advanced AI model, marking substantial growth from its previous $18 billion valuation in 2024. The funding details: Anthropic is in the final stages of securing a $3.5 billion funding round that would value the company at $61.5 billion, representing a dramatic increase in valuation over the past year. Notable investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Bessemer Venture Partners...
read Feb 24, 2025Sapphire Ventures report: B2B VC deals plummet as investors maintain focus on AI
The venture capital landscape in early 2025 shows a stark contrast between artificial intelligence (AI) investments and traditional B2B startup funding. While AI companies are attracting record-breaking investment rounds, conventional B2B venture deals continue their downward trajectory that began in mid-2021. Key trend analysis: The latest data from Sapphire Ventures reveals a continuing decline in B2B venture capital deal activity during January 2025, marking a significant shift in investment patterns. January 2025 showed an 8% decrease in B2B VC deals compared to December 2024 Year-over-year deal volume has plummeted 64% from January 2024 Overall deal activity has been declining steadily...
read Feb 24, 2025Apple commits $500B to new US AI infrastructure initiative
The global technology landscape is being reshaped by major investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and domestic manufacturing. Apple's latest announcement comes amid increasing pressure from the U.S. government regarding overseas manufacturing and growing tensions around international trade relationships. Key Investment Details: Apple has committed to a $500 billion investment in the United States over four years, including plans to build AI servers in Houston and create 20,000 new jobs. The company will construct a 250,000-square-foot facility in Houston for AI server manufacturing, partnering with Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn The investment will support expansion of data centers across North Carolina, Oregon,...
read Feb 22, 2025Texas Southern University seeks $6.6M to boost AI programs
The historically Black Texas Southern University (TSU) is seeking significant funding for artificial intelligence and technology initiatives to modernize its operations and enhance student outcomes. The university's funding request comes amid growing adoption of AI tools in higher education to improve administrative efficiency and student success rates. Primary funding request: Texas Southern University has submitted a $6.6 million legislative appropriations request for an AI initiative called "AI-Driven Excellence: Transforming Student Success from Recruitment to Graduation." The initiative aims to leverage AI technology for improving student recruitment, admissions processes, academic progression tracking, and graduation rates Key components include AI-powered personalized marketing...
read Feb 22, 2025Arize AI raises $70M, deepens partnership with Microsoft
Microsoft Azure and Arize AI have partnered to advance AI system testing and evaluation capabilities, marked by Arize's recent $70 million Series C funding round. This development comes at a critical time when enterprises are increasingly deploying sophisticated AI applications that require robust testing and monitoring solutions. Investment significance: The largest-ever investment in AI observability demonstrates growing market recognition of the critical need for AI system evaluation tools. Adams Street Partners led the Series C funding round, with participation from Microsoft's M12 venture fund, Datadog, and PagerDuty The investment positions Arize AI to expand its AI testing and troubleshooting platform...
read Feb 22, 2025Why reasoning models like DeepSeek-R1 are increasing (not decreasing) demand for GPUs
The rise of advanced AI reasoning models like DeepSeek-R1 has transformed the computational landscape for AI infrastructure providers. Together AI has secured significant funding to meet growing enterprise demands for high-performance AI model deployment and reasoning capabilities. Recent funding and growth: Together AI has raised $305 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst and Prosperity7, marking a significant expansion of its AI deployment platform. The company has experienced 6X year-over-year growth with over 450,000 registered developers Notable customers include AI startups like Krea AI, Captions, and Pika Labs The platform now supports multiple AI modalities including language, reasoning,...
read Feb 21, 2025AI auctions facilitate FOMO among investors, reshaping the landscape for startups
AI is standing atop the auction block. The venture capital landscape has fundamentally shifted from needs-based fundraising to auction-driven dynamics over the past decade. In today's competitive startup environment, particularly in AI, the ability to secure favorable funding terms through auction pressure has become a critical differentiator for companies seeking growth capital. Current fundraising paradigm: Modern startup fundraising has evolved beyond traditional financial modeling to focus on creating competitive tension among potential investors. Leading startups no longer base their fundraising targets solely on operational needs, instead leveraging market dynamics to optimize their cost of capital The explosive growth in venture...
read Feb 21, 2025Niantic plans $3.5B ‘Pokemon Go’ sale as HP acquires AI Pin
Whatever the "name of the game," it's going to have AR and VR written all throughout it. Here are some big happenings in that space... The virtual and augmented reality gaming landscape continues to evolve, with several major acquisitions and product launches reshaping the industry in early 2025. Notable developments include Niantic's potential sale of Pokémon Go and HP's acquisition of Humane's AI technology assets. Major industry shifts: Niantic is in negotiations to sell Pokémon Go to Scopely Inc. for approximately $3.5 billion, marking a significant change in the AR gaming space. The deal reflects challenges in AR gaming profitability, as...
read Feb 21, 2025AI search startup Genspark secures $100M to challenge Google
The rapid evolution of AI-powered search engines has sparked intense competition in a market long dominated by Google. Genspark, a Palo Alto-based startup led by former Baidu executive Eric Jing, is the latest contender to secure significant funding in this space. The funding details: Genspark has secured $100 million in Series A funding, achieving a valuation of $530 million as it aims to challenge Google's search engine dominance. The funding round was led by investors from the United States and Singapore This follows a $60 million seed round raised in June 2024 The company has already attracted over 2 million...
read Feb 21, 2025AI running startup Ochy raises $1.7M, integrates with Adidas adiClub
Running biomechanics startup Ochy has developed an AI-powered platform that analyzes runners' gaits using smartphone cameras, making professional-level biomechanical analysis accessible to everyday athletes. The French company has recently secured new funding and formed a significant partnership with a major athletic brand. Key Investment Details: Ochy has raised USD 1.7 million in pre-seed funding to expand its AI-driven biomechanics platform and enhance its global presence. The funding round was led by Redstone's Social Impact Fund, with participation from Look AI Ventures, BPI France, Berkeley SkyDeck, and strategic investor Agile Physical Therapy The capital will support advancements in computer vision AI...
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