Category: Startup

Superorganism, the first venture capital firm dedicated to biodiversity, has successfully closed its inaugural $25.9 million fund. The firm’s investors include Cisco Foundation and AMB Holdings. Superorganism focuses on backing nature-friendly startups, offering funding for early-stage companies working on technology to combat extinction, develop climate-biodiversity solutions, and create conservation tools. The firm’s investment range is between $250,000 and $500,000, and it has committed to donating 10% of its profits to conservation efforts.

According to Kevin Webb, a managing director at Superorganism, the firm is akin to a climate tech fund but with a specific focus on combating nature loss. One example in their portfolio is Spoor, a startup that uses computer vision to monitor bird behaviors, helping wind farm developers adhere to bird protection regulations and mitigate the impact of wind turbines on local bird populations. This approach benefits both biodiversity and the wind energy industry.

The collaboration between Webb and co-founder Tom Quigley stems from their shared passion for biodiversity investments, leading to the creation of Superorganism in 2022. Their funding strategy highlights a strategic blend of environmental preservation and technological innovation.

Source: TechCrunch

Deepgram, a prominent player in the voice AI space, has raised $130 million in its Series C funding round, achieving a $1.3 billion valuation. This funding boost comes amid growing adoption of voice AI across sectors like sales, marketing, customer support, and consumer applications.

The Series C round was led by AVP, with continued support from investors like Alkeon, In-Q-Tel, Madrona, Tiger, Wing, and Y Combinator, as well as new backers including Alumni Ventures, Columbia University, Princeville Capital, Twilio, and SAP. Deepgram has now raised over $215 million in total funding.

The company’s funding success reflects the broader trend of significant investments in voice AI technologies, with notable rounds seen in other companies like Seasame, ElevenLab, and Gradium. AVP partner Elizabeth de Saint-Aignan highlighted the pivotal role of voice AI in enhancing customer interactions and driving operational efficiencies for businesses.

Deepgram offers advanced models for text-to-speech and speech-to-text conversion, along with robust platforms and APIs for speech recognition and real-time interaction handling. Over 1,300 organizations, including startups and established players like Twilio, currently leverage Deepgram’s voice AI solutions.

Source: TechCrunch

Artificial intelligence continues to transform drug discovery in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Converge Bio, a startup based in Boston and Tel Aviv, has secured $25 million in a Series A funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with support from executives at Meta, OpenAI, and Wiz.

Converge Bio specializes in accelerating drug development for pharma and biotech companies through the use of generative AI trained on molecular data. By integrating AI models into research workflows, the company aims to streamline the drug development process and bring new medications to market more efficiently.

The startup’s platform leverages generative models trained on DNA, RNA, and protein sequences to enhance various stages of drug development, from target identification to clinical trials. Converge Bio has already introduced three distinct AI systems focusing on antibody design, protein yield optimization, and biomarker/target discovery.

“By providing tools for antibody design, molecular property analysis, and three-dimensional interaction simulation, Converge Bio aims to drive innovation and accelerate the pace of bringing novel drugs to market,” said CEO and co-founder Dov Gertz.

Source: TechCrunch

Hupo, a startup backed by Meta, has successfully transitioned its focus from mental wellness to AI-powered sales coaching in the banking and insurance sectors. The company, led by co-founder and CEO Justin Kim, recently closed a $10 million Series A funding round, with DST Global as the primary investor.

Originally established as Ami, a platform concentrating on mental well-being and performance improvement, Hupo’s evolution reflects Kim’s interest in enhancing human performance, initially inspired by his passion for sports. The shift to AI sales coaching was driven by a recognition of the importance of mental resilience in professional settings.

Kim emphasized the significance of aligning software solutions with existing behavioral patterns and integrating tools seamlessly into users’ daily work routines. This approach has been instrumental in Hupo’s current sales coaching strategy, which prioritizes assisting individuals during critical interactions in the financial services industry.

By leveraging AI technologies capable of analyzing conversations in real-time, Hupo aims to provide consistent coaching to teams operating in highly regulated environments, such as banking and insurance. This transition underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing performance at scale and addressing the unique challenges faced by professionals in these sectors.

Source: TechCrunch

OpenAI has recently acquired a small health records startup called Torch, reportedly for $100 million in equity. The move signifies OpenAI’s strategic investment in enhancing its technological capabilities, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Torch, a team of four individuals, was focused on developing an app that aggregated users’ medical data from various sources, including doctor visits, lab tests, wearables, and wellness portals. Described as ‘a medical memory for AI,’ Torch’s technology aimed to streamline health records and provide a comprehensive context engine for artificial intelligence applications.

Co-founder of Torch, Ilya Abyzov, highlighted the team’s background at Forward Health, an AI-driven healthcare provider that ceased operations in 2024 despite significant funding. The acquisition by OpenAI marks a new chapter for Torch’s team and technology, as they will now contribute to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health service.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health is a new initiative designed to offer users a chatbot-powered platform for health analysis and management. By integrating Torch’s expertise and solutions, OpenAI aims to enhance the user experience, facilitate personalized healthcare insights, and leverage AI capabilities for improving overall well-being.

Source: TechCrunch

In 2025, the tech industry witnessed a significant increase in the creation of new unicorns, with over 100 startups achieving this coveted status so far. TechCrunch, utilizing data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, has meticulously tracked these VC-backed companies that crossed the $1 billion valuation mark.

AI continues to be a major driving force, propelling numerous startups into unicorn territory on a monthly basis. While many of these newly minted unicorns are AI-focused, a considerable number hail from diverse sectors such as satellite space ventures like Loft Orbital and blockchain-based trading platforms like Kalshi.

Among the notable additions to the unicorn club in December are:

• Heven Aerotech – Valued at $1 billion, this startup founded in 2019 specializes in hydrogen-powered drones and recently secured a $100 million Series B funding round.
• Unconventional AI – With a valuation of $4.5 billion, this startup established in 2025 by Naveen Rao, formerly of Databricks, focuses on developing energy-efficient AI computers. It raised $475 million in a seed round with backing from investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed.
• Saviynt – Valued at $3 billion, this cybersecurity startup founded in 2010 recently closed a $700 million Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $740 million.

As the year progresses, this list of tech unicorns is expected to evolve, showcasing the latest billion-dollar startups that are reshaping the tech landscape.

Source: TechCrunch

Eric Migicovsky, the former CEO of Pebble, is charting a new course with his latest endeavor, Core Devices. Unlike traditional startups, Core Devices is prioritizing sustainability by maintaining a small team, avoiding pre-manufactured inventory, and eschewing external funding.

During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Migicovsky emphasized that Core Devices is distinctly ‘not a startup.’ He highlighted the importance of sustainability, profitability, and longevity in the company’s structure.

Migicovsky acknowledged the value of startups in driving innovation but noted that Core Devices is not pursuing a fundamentally new concept with its smartwatch reboot; instead, it aims to reintroduce a familiar idea to the market.

Reflecting on lessons learned from his Pebble days, Migicovsky revealed that the previous company’s struggles, including inventory mismanagement, informed Core Devices’ strategy.

This strategic shift comes after Pebble was acquired by Fitbit in 2016 and subsequently by Google. Migicovsky’s decision to distance Core Devices from the startup label underscores his commitment to a more sustainable and deliberate approach to product development.

Source: TechCrunch

French defense technology startup Harmattan AI has secured a $200 million Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jet. This investment has propelled Harmattan AI’s valuation to $1.4 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company established in 2024.

Specializing in autonomy and mission-system software for defense aircraft, Harmattan AI has gained recognition from the French and British ministries of defense in a relatively short period. The collaboration with Dassault Aviation signifies a critical development, enabling Harmattan AI to contribute embedded AI capabilities to Dassault Aviation’s future aircraft models, including the Rafales and drones.

The funding injection will support Harmattan AI in diversifying its offerings to encompass drone interception, electronic warfare, and ISR solutions, responding to the growing demand for defense technology innovation. This partnership aims to ensure the implementation of advanced AI technology in defense systems while prioritizing sovereignty and scalability.

The endorsement of Harmattan AI’s progress by French President Emmanuel Macron underlines the strategic importance of enhancing technological capabilities in defense operations. This collaboration strengthens France’s defense landscape and contributes to broader advancements in defense technology worldwide.

Source: TechCrunch

African defense startup Terra Industries, led by CEO Nathan Nwachuku and CTO Maxwell Maduka, has secured an $11.75 million funding round to bolster Africa’s defense capabilities. Recognizing the continent’s security challenges, the company specializes in developing autonomous systems to safeguard critical infrastructure and resources.

With a team composed of military veterans and strategic investors like Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC, Terra Industries aims to become a leading defense contractor in Africa, offering cutting-edge solutions for threat detection and response. The company’s focus on innovation and security aligns with the growing need for advanced defense technologies in the region.

By leveraging their expertise and financial support, Terra Industries is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping Africa’s defense landscape, providing homegrown solutions to address security challenges effectively.

Source: TechCrunch

A recent lawsuit filed against SandboxAQ, an AI quantum computing startup that originated as a Google moonshot project, has unveiled a tumultuous internal situation within the company. The lawsuit, brought by former Chief of Staff Robert Bender, alleges wrongful termination and raises serious allegations against CEO Jack Hidary.

Bender’s complaint, which has been partially redacted, accuses SandboxAQ of various misconduct, including inappropriate sexual encounters and misleading financial practices. In response, SandboxAQ has denied the claims, labeling the lawsuit as baseless and an attempt at extortion.

This case sheds light on the often opaque internal workings of tech companies, particularly the challenges and complexities that can arise within high-profile startups, even those backed by major players like Google. The repercussions of such internal conflicts can have lasting effects on a company’s reputation and operations.

Source: TechCrunch

Leading venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz has announced a significant milestone, securing a new funding round of over $15 billion. Co-founder Ben Horowitz highlighted that this amount comprises a substantial portion of the total venture capital investment in the U.S. for 2025. The firm’s total assets under management now exceed $90 billion, positioning it as one of the largest players globally alongside Sequoia Capital.

With operations spanning multiple continents and a diverse portfolio, Andreessen Horowitz has solidified its presence in the tech investment landscape. The latest funding will be allocated across various sectors, including growth investments, apps and infrastructure, biotech and healthcare, and other venture strategies. Notably, a significant portion is earmarked for ‘American Dynamism,’ emphasizing the firm’s commitment to fostering innovation within the U.S.

The firm’s global reach extends to Asia, with the recent opening of a dedicated office in Seoul focusing on crypto investments. Despite its fundraising success, questions remain regarding the source of capital and the firm’s investment strategies, as transparency continues to be a point of discussion. Notable investors like CalPERS and Sanabil Investments have been associated with Andreessen Horowitz, showcasing a diverse investor base.

This latest funding round not only underscores the firm’s continued growth but also signals a potential shift in the traditional venture capital landscape, setting the stage for further tech innovation and investment opportunities.

Source: TechCrunch

Data security company Cyera has secured a $400 million Series F funding round, increasing its valuation to $9 billion, up from $6 billion just six months ago. The New York-based company specializes in data security posture management, offering a service that enables organizations to monitor the location of sensitive data within their cloud systems and databases, track its usage, and identify security vulnerabilities.

The funding round, led by Blackstone and joined by existing investors like Accel, Coatue, and Sequoia, highlights Cyera’s rapid growth driven by the surge in data volume due to AI advancements and the escalating concerns surrounding data breaches. Cyera boasts a substantial client base, including a fifth of the Fortune 500 companies, and has tripled its revenue in the past year, attracting significant investor interest.

Source: TechCrunch

OpenAI has acquired the team behind Convogo, a business software platform focused on executive coaching. This strategic move will see the Convogo co-founders – Matt Cooper, Evan Cater, and Mike Gillett – joining OpenAI through an all-stock deal.

Convogo was founded as a result of a weekend hackathon and aimed to streamline leadership assessments and feedback reporting for professionals. While OpenAI will not absorb Convogo’s technology, the team’s expertise will be integrated into the company’s AI cloud initiatives.

This acquisition marks OpenAI’s ninth in the past year, aligning with the company’s goal of enhancing its AI capabilities. By leveraging the Convogo team’s knowledge, OpenAI aims to develop more tailored AI experiences for professionals across various industries.

As part of the acquisition, Convogo’s product will be phased out, allowing the team to focus on contributing to OpenAI’s AI cloud efforts. This transition underscores OpenAI’s commitment to harnessing talent and innovation to advance its technological offerings.

Source: TechCrunch

Spangle, an AI e-commerce startup founded by former Bolt CEO Maju Kuruvilla, has secured $15 million in a Series A funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to $100 million post-investment. This investment, led by NewRoad Capital Partners, follows a previous $6 million seed round and brings Spangle’s total funding to $21 million.

Retailers are adapting to evolving consumer behavior in online product discovery, with AI tools and recommendation engines shaping purchasing decisions before shoppers even visit a brand’s website. Spangle offers a solution by providing software that enables retailers to customize shopping experiences in real-time using AI-generated product recommendations and layouts based on individual browsing contexts.

Spangle has attracted nine enterprise clients, including prominent fashion retailers like Revolve, Alexander Wang, and Steve Madden, with a collective online sales volume of approximately $3.8 billion. The platform has experienced a 57% month-on-month increase in traffic and reported a fourfold rise in annualized revenue in the last quarter.

Central to Spangle’s strategy is the utilization of ProductGPT, a proprietary AI model that dynamically populates website pages based on various shopper signals such as past interactions, search history, and referral sources. Instead of static product pages, Spangle creates personalized experiences for visitors, enhancing engagement and driving conversions.

Source: TechCrunch

Anthropic, a prominent AI company, is reportedly in discussions to secure a $10 billion funding round at a $350 billion valuation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by TechCrunch. This substantial funding would mark the company’s third major investment milestone within a year, showcasing the growing interest and confidence in the AI sector.

Earlier this year, Anthropic closed a $13 billion Series F round at a $183 billion valuation, illustrating the company’s remarkable growth trajectory. The impending $10 billion raise would almost double Anthropic’s market value. The round is expected to be led by Coatue Management and GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, with the possibility of the total investment amount fluctuating before finalization.

Separately, Anthropic recently received commitments totaling $15 billion from Nvidia and Microsoft, with a unique agreement for Anthropic to acquire $30 billion worth of compute capacity from Microsoft Azure utilizing Nvidia’s chips, in what is described as a ‘circular’ deal.

This influx of capital aligns with Anthropic’s strategic moves, including the development of Claude Code, an innovative tool aimed at automating coding processes, utilizing the advanced capabilities of Claude Opus 4.5. The company is also gearing up for a potential IPO this year, positioning itself against its primary competitor, OpenAI, which is also exploring substantial funding opportunities.

As the AI industry continues to evolve and attract significant investments, Anthropic’s latest funding endeavors signify a pivotal moment for the company’s growth and technological advancements.

Source: TechCrunch

Artisan AI, an AI startup in San Francisco, recently faced a temporary ban from LinkedIn, sparking discussions on social media. The company’s CEO, Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, clarified that the ban was not due to AI spamming users, but rather stemmed from LinkedIn’s objections to unauthorized use of its name and data scraping activities.

After engaging with LinkedIn to address these concerns, Artisan AI has now been reinstated on the platform. Carmichael-Jack highlighted that such challenges are common for startups as they navigate early-stage operations.

Artisan AI gained attention through its AI agent, Ava, designed for outbound sales tasks like identifying and contacting potential customers. The startup’s billboards in San Francisco contributed to its buzz.

LinkedIn, a key space for outbound marketing, is witnessing the integration of AI tools like Ava alongside human sales teams.

While initial reports of Artisan’s ban surfaced a week ago, a surge in social media posts this week brought the issue to the forefront, underscoring the intersection of tech startups and platform policies.

Source: TechCrunch

Niko Bonatsos, a prominent figure behind investments in Discord and Mercor, has recently left General Catalyst after leading the firm’s seed investing strategy. In an exclusive interview with TechCrunch, Bonatsos revealed his plans to establish a new early-stage venture capital firm in collaboration with associates.

General Catalyst, which has been diversifying beyond traditional venture capital, witnessed a series of high-profile departures, including Bonatsos. The firm’s expansion efforts have included ventures into wealth management, AI roll-ups, and innovative financing models like the Customer Value Fund.

Bonatsos, unlike some of his former colleagues, openly discussed his departure from General Catalyst, citing it as a mutual decision. He expressed gratitude for his time at the firm, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned during his tenure.

While details about Bonatsos’ upcoming firm remain limited, his focus on supporting young founders and consumer-centric businesses stands out. His interest in early identification of trends, such as backing young AI entrepreneurs before it became mainstream, reflects his forward-thinking approach.

As Bonatsos embarks on this new venture, the tech industry will be closely monitoring the evolution of the venture capital landscape and the potential impact of his new firm’s investment strategies.

Source: TechCrunch

Lux Capital, a prominent venture capital firm focused on frontier science and defense technology, has successfully closed its largest fund ever, securing $1.5 billion in investments. This new fund, the ninth in Lux Capital’s 25-year history, reflects the growing interest in defense technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) startups within the investment community.

Despite a downturn in new VC fund creation in 2025, Lux Capital’s ability to identify and support innovative companies has attracted significant attention from investors. The firm’s early investments in companies like Anduril and Applied Intuition have proven to be highly successful, positioning Lux Capital as a key player in the rapidly evolving defense technology sector.

Moreover, Lux Capital’s strategic bets on AI startups, including investments in Hugging Face, Runway AI, and MosaicML, have further solidified its position as a leading investor in cutting-edge technologies. These investments have driven innovation and growth in the AI sector.

With the latest fundraise totaling $1.5 billion, Lux Capital now manages assets worth $7 billion, showcasing its strong position in the venture capital landscape and its commitment to supporting groundbreaking technologies.

Source: TechCrunch

London- and New York-based e-commerce startup Swap Commerce has secured a $100 million funding round from venture capital firms DST Global and Iconiq. This substantial investment comes just six months after Swap raised $40 million in a Series B round led by Iconiq. Swap Commerce, established in 2022, offers an AI-powered platform designed to assist brands in creating web storefronts, managing cross-border transactions, inventory, and returns. The startup’s platform is popular among luxury clothing brands, as it focuses on enabling companies to sell globally. While Swap Commerce has not disclosed its latest valuation, the rapid growth in funding positions it as a notable player in the e-commerce landscape. However, the startup faces stiff competition, notably from industry giant Shopify.

Source: TechCrunch