Month: June 2024

• Global climate technology firm Aether Fuels secures $34M Series A funding
• AP Ventures leads funding round, joined by Chevron Technology Ventures and other investors
• Aether plans to scale up Aether Aurora™ technology for sustainable aviation and shipping fuels
• Funding to accelerate R&D, expand production facilities in the US and Southeast Asia
• Aether’s innovative technology offers feedstock flexibility and cost efficiency, aiming to address supply constraints in sustainable fuel production

Breaking News: Aether Fuels Raises $34M Series A Funding

Aether Fuels, a leading **climate technology firm**, has recently made headlines by securing an impressive $34 million in Series A financing. Read more

• Bailador secures majority of $22 million funding for fintech Dash Technology
• Dash Technology offers cloud-based financial advice and investment management software
• The investment from Bailador includes initial $15 million with $5 million follow-on funding
• Dash aims to expand sales, marketing, and product development with the new capital
• Bailador’s partnership with Dash aims to increase access to affordable financial advice for Australians

Dash Technology Raises $22 Million with Bailador Taking the Lead

In a significant development for the Australian tech startup scene, Dash Technology has successfully secured a $22 million raise, with Bailador emerging as a key investor in this funding round. Read more

• Egyptian Proptech Startup Birdnest secures pre-Series A funding for expansion and operations enhancement
• Funding round includes contributions from Beltone Venture Capital and CI Venture Capital
• Exact amount raised remains undisclosed; 20% stake exchanged for funding
• Birdnest to advance technology, hire regional team members, and launch aggressive marketing campaigns
• Plans to expand operations into new markets like Athens, Dubai, and Riyadh, while strengthening local presence in Egypt

Egyptian Proptech Startup Birdnest Secures Pre-Series A Funding

In the bustling landscape of Egyptian startups, Birdnest has emerged as a promising player in the proptech sector. Read more

• Seafund Venture India Trust is an AIF focused on early-stage technology startups, operating in Bengaluru and Delhi.
• The fund supports mission-driven teams developing future technologies, with a focus on sectors like AI, semiconductors, space, and energy.
• Fund I was a ₹25-crore micro-fund with successful investments in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, and ed-tech.
• Fund II aims to raise ₹250 crore for sectors like fintech, SaaS, agri-tech, health-tech, IoT, and gaming.

• Global defense funding has increased significantly since recent global conflicts, leading to a rise in investment in defense tech startups.
• The U.S. leads in defense budget, with major tech firms receiving contracts worth $53 billion between 2019 and 2022.
• Investors are showing interest in defense tech with dual-use potential, which can be applied to both civilian and military purposes.
• Venture capital firms, such as NATO Innovation Fund and MD One Ventures, are investing in resilience tech startups globally.

• Mills & Reeve advises cyber tech firm Cavero Quantum on growth funding led by Foresight Group and Northern Gritstone
• Cavero Quantum develops password-less encryption technology for secure key generation and authentication
• Technology compatible with legacy hardware, low bandwidth, and potential to secure against cyber attacks by quantum computers
• Funding to be used for commercializing technology and launching first product, with key roles filled by founders and new appointees
• Demand for Cavero’s solution expected to rise as existing cryptographic methods become vulnerable to quantum computers

Cavero Quantum Secures Growth Funding for Password-Less Encryption Technology

In a significant move for the cyber tech industry, Leeds-based Cavero Quantum has secured growth funding to advance its groundbreaking password-less encryption technology. Read more

• Indonesia’s tech startups struggle to compete on funding and innovation, with local unicorns GoTo and Bukalapak experiencing significant valuation declines in 2024.
• Investment in local startups has decreased by about two-thirds from 2020 and 2021, putting pressure on companies to innovate, become profitable, and stop burning cash.
• Tough competition from larger regional rivals with wider funding pools and aggressive tactics is a major challenge for Indonesian startups.

• Celebal Technologies raises debt funding from BlackSoil to fuel global expansion
• Company previously raised $32 million in institutional fundraising in 2022
• Funding to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes
• Company specializes in data science, AI, and enterprise cloud solutions
• Achieved impressive annual growth rate and significant increase in workforce from 300 to 2,300 employees

Celebal Tech Raises Debt Funding for Global Expansion

Celebal Technologies, a prominent IT services provider specializing in data science, AI, and enterprise cloud solutions, has secured debt funding from BlackSoil, an alternative credit platform. Read more

• AI investment trends have surged globally, with $68 billion in funding for AI startups in 2021, driven by technological advancements and market demand.
• Healthcare and biotech sectors are attracting significant AI investment, with companies like Tempus and PathAI securing substantial funding for AI-driven solutions.
• Self-driving cars and autonomous delivery systems are heavily reliant on AI, with companies like Waymo and Aurora securing large investments for their technologies.

• Startup funding landscape experiences a surge with significant investments in various sectors
• Investors show robust appetite for innovative and sustainable startups
• Sectors like HR tech, B2B SaaS, electric mobility, online healthcare, and fashion marketplaces receive substantial funding
• KarmaCheck secures $45 million led by Parameter Ventures, Rocketlane raises $24 million co-led by 8VC, Matrix Partners India, and Nexus Venture Partners
• Omnivore and Narotam Sekhsaria family office invest $10 million in Sid’s Farm, emphasizing interest in sustainable dairy products

Exploring the Monsoon of Startup Funding

In the realm of startup funding, the monsoon season has brought a shower of investments across various sectors, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic landscape of innovation and growth. Read more

• Freeflow Ventures raises $90M for early stage deep tech investments, doubling fundraising from Fund One to Fund Two cycle
• First Berkeley ecosystem investment made with Catena Bio, a company focused on next-generation Antibody Drug Conjugate technology for cancer treatment
• Freeflow Ventures has invested in over 30 companies founded by leading scientists, including Nobel Laureates, at Caltech in Pasadena
• Expansion of Freeflow’s ecosystem-focused operating model to Berkeley, aligning with the firm’s thesis on human and planetary health
• CEO and cofounder of Catena Bio, Marco Lobba, developed the technology during his PhD at UC Berkeley under the guidance of renowned scientists

Exploring Deep Tech Investments with Freeflow Ventures

In the world of venture capital, where investments are made in promising startups and innovative technologies, Freeflow Ventures has made a significant mark with its recent funding announcement. Read more

• Amsterdam Startup Funding: Amsterdam’s startup ecosystem saw significant funding activities in June 2024, showcasing growth and innovation in various sectors.
• Bounce Watch: A startup streamlining investment processes for investors through enhanced scouting and performance monitoring tools.
• Nexus Platform: Developed by an Amsterdam-based company, this AI software supports unmanned systems integration and operations across different domains.
• Cawa: A software startup offering traceable carbon credits through its platform, facilitating transparent climate contributions for companies.

• London-based Supercede secures €14M funding led by Alven in Series A round
• Funds to be used for team expansion, talent acquisition, and platform development
• Supercede aims to revolutionize reinsurance industry through automation and optimization
• Alven and Mundi Ventures express confidence in Supercede’s growth and potential
• Supercede’s platform enhances data management, decision-making, and operational efficiency

London Supercede Secures €14M Funding for Reinsurance Technology Platform

In a significant development for the reinsurance industry, London-based Supercede has successfully secured €14M in funding for its innovative reinsurance technology platform. Read more

• upGrad to raise $34 million debt funding from EvolutionX through NCDs and optionally convertible debentures
• Proceeds to be used for growth capital, operating expenses, and general corporate purposes
• upGrad recorded a net loss of INR 1,141.5 Cr in FY23 on an operating revenue of INR 1,169.6 Cr
• The startup plans to issue 25 Lakh NCDs and 3.75 Lakh OCDs to EvolutionX Debt Capital India Fund I and Master Fund I
• Founded in 2015, upGrad offers higher education courses and skilling programs, with total funding of over $672 million and recent fundraising of INR 300 Cr

Debt Funding Boost: upGrad Secures $34 Mn from EvolutionX

In a strategic move to bolster its financial standing, upGrad, the renowned edtech unicorn, has announced its plans to secure a substantial sum of $34 million in debt funding from EvolutionX Debt Capital. Read more

• Equity funding round through Crowdcube boosts Nottinghamshire public safety tech company to £10 million valuation
• Halo Solutions, provider of public safety and security software, oversubscribed in maiden crowdfunding call, raising £489,610
• The Halo System streamlines crowd safety, incident management, and security operations, used at major global events and venues
• Forecasted growth includes 340% revenue increase in FY23 and expansion into America, Europe, and the Middle East
• Midven strengthens investment in Halo Solutions to support global growth and product range expansion

Equity Funding Nottinghamshire: Halo Solutions Secures £10 Million Valuation

In the realm of public safety and security technology, Nottinghamshire-based company Halo Solutions has made significant waves with its recent equity funding round. Read more

• Longbridge Group Singapore secures additional USD $100 million in funding, achieves profitability, and accelerates global expansion of its ‘Securities + Technology’ business model
• Longbridge Group has accumulated over USD $150 million in total financing, leveraging leading practices in “Finance + Internet Technology”
• The company plans to focus on Singapore and Hong Kong markets, extending its reach to Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East
• Longbridge Group has obtained over 21 financial compliance licenses and qualifications across various countries
• Longbridge Group’s dual business model of “Securities + Technology” has led to overall profitability, with the technology business capturing 16% market share in Hong Kong

Longbridge Group Singapore Secures Additional USD $100 Million in Funding, Achieves Profitability and Accelerates Global Expansion of Its ‘Securities + Technology’ Business Model

Longbridge Group Singapore, a prominent player in the finance and technology sector, has recently made headlines by securing an impressive USD $100 million in additional funding. Read more

• US DOE launches $5m water power fund to support development of new technologies
• Water power technologies are crucial for achieving clean electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero-emissions economy by 2050
• Fund aims to commercialize and adopt water power systems like hydropower and marine energy
• Water power systems help balance electricity grids with renewable sources like wind and solar
• WPTO funding supports entrepreneurship, business creation, and economic innovation in water power sector

Introduction: US DOE Launches $5m Water Power Fund

Water power technologies are crucial for achieving a clean electricity sector by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050. Read more

• Axelera AI secures $68 million in Series B funding, bringing total raised to $120 million
• Company has a team of 180+ employees, including 55+ PhDs with over 40,000 citations
• Funding attracted from diverse global sources like venture capital and pension funds
• Series B funding is Europe’s largest in fabless semiconductor industry
• Expansion plans include targeting North America, Europe, and the Middle East, focusing on key vertical markets

Axelera AI Raises $68 Million Series B Funding

In the world of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, funding plays a crucial role in driving innovation and growth. Read more

• The National Renewable Network (NRN) secures AUD $1 million in pre-Series A funding round led by Investible’s Climate Tech Fund.
• NRN offers solar and battery installations to consumers at no upfront cost, aiming to reduce energy bills and increase property value.
• Investible, Electrifi Ventures, and angel investors support NRN’s mission to make renewable energy accessible and affordable in Australia.
• NRN’s business model promises annual savings of AUD $700 to AUD $1,200 for homeowners, with plans to expand solutions to heating, cooling, and electric vehicle charging.

• Food retailtech Rohlik secures $170M funding from various investors
• Rohlik Group focuses on online grocery services with high-quality customer experience
• Rohlik operates automated fulfilment centers using AI, ML, and robotics for efficiency
• Achievements include on-time deliveries, profitability in multiple regions, and rapid scaling
• Funding to accelerate growth, expand into 10+ new cities, and set standards in online grocery delivery

Exploring Rohlik’s $170M Funding Success

In the bustling world of food retailtech, Rohlik Group has emerged as a standout player, recently securing a significant $170 million in funding to further bolster its growth trajectory. Read more

• Rock Tech to receive up to 100 million EUR in direct grants for its German Lithium refinery, with funding provided by the State of Brandenburg and the German Railway Authority
• Binding letter of intent signed by the Minister for Economic Affairs in Brandenburg for up to 90 million Euros in subsidies for the Guben Project
• Application for federal funding from the German Railway Authority progressing well for an additional 10 million Euros in grants
• Targeting governmental financial support of up to 500 million Euros, with subsidies under the “Anschlussbahnförderung” to support logistics concept
• Project milestones include feedstock agreement with C&D Logistics Group, construction and operations permit approvals, and progress in financing steps.

• AI and stable funding environments are catalysts for biotech assets, with a focus on commercial plans and AI for drug discovery.
• The funding market has evolved, requiring a more aggressive and calculated strategy to secure funding.
• Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI in drug discovery and are building syndicates to support biotechs.
• Emerging biotechs face challenges in mapping out the full value of their assets, impacting their ability to secure funding for late-stage studies.

• Twelve rising enterprises expected to lead in $2tn clean tech funding by 2024, having already amassed $35bn in venture capital investments
• More investors attracted to clean tech sector for potential returns and sustainable future, driven by demand for eco-friendly technology solutions
• Startups prioritizing renewable energy production, distribution, and storage, with main investment sectors in wind, solar, nuclear technology, and energy efficiency
• Notable funded startups include ReNew Power, Sinovac Biotech, SpaceX, and Databricks, each making significant contributions in their respective fields
• Green companies like Greenko Group, Intersect Power, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems also thriving in clean tech industry, collectively receiving billions in funding and showcasing breakthrough innovations

Rising Enterprises Set to Dominate the $2tn Clean Tech Funding Landscape

In the realm of clean tech enterprises, a select group of twelve rising companies are poised to capture a substantial portion of the projected $2 trillion in funding by 2024. Read more

• Energy startup funding is a critical challenge for climate tech companies, requiring large cash infusions beyond typical venture investments.
• Rondo Energy, a company producing thermal energy batteries, secured funding through a unique model involving philanthropic grants.
• Climate tech startups face a “commercial valley of death” when transitioning from prototype to selling finished products, hindering funding opportunities.
• Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the European Investment Bank provided project finance to Rondo Energy, showcasing a new funding template.

• Battery startup Sila secures $375M funding for U.S. factory construction
• Construction of Moses Lake plant to scale next-gen battery tech for customers like Mercedes-Benz
• All-equity Series G round led by existing investors in challenging market for EV battery companies
• Sila’s technology replaces graphite with silicon in lithium-ion batteries for increased energy density
• Future plans include driving recharge times to less than 10 minutes and expanding production for automotive series

Battery Startup Funding: Sila Secures $375M Amidst Industry Struggles

In a challenging landscape for battery startups, Sila has managed to secure a significant $375 million in funding to complete the construction of a U.S. Read more

• Samsara Eco secures $100m funding to scale its enzymatic plastic recycling tech
• Funding supports diversion of millions of tonnes of plastics from landfills and incineration
• Capital will aid construction of new facilities in southeast Asia for recycling plastic waste
• Samsara Eco to expand global team and library of plastic-eating enzymes
• Latest funding led by Temasek and Main Sequence, with support from lululemon and Hitachi Ventures

Samsara Eco Secures $100m Funding to Scale Plastic Recycling Tech

In a significant move towards combating the mounting issue of plastic waste pollution, Samsara Eco, an Australian enviro-tech company, has recently secured a substantial $100 million in funding. Read more

• Freightmate Ai exits stealth mode with pre-seed funding from Wischoff Ventures
• Funding to enhance features of freight forwarding management system developed by industry experts
• Aim to revolutionize freight management with AI technology for higher margins and improved efficiency
• Co-founders identify lack of automation in current industry systems, offer automated documentation solution
• Launching beta version of automated documentation system to address trade-related document management

Freightmate Ai Secures Pre-Seed Funding and Emerges from Stealth Mode

Freightmate Ai, the innovative freight management startup, made waves in the industry by announcing its successful pre-seed funding round led by Wischoff Ventures. Read more

• Music AI faces legal challenges over training data usage
• ARPA-E awards $63 million to four companies for climate tech
• Researchers use Lego bricks to create affordable lab equipment
• Supreme Court ruling on White House’s contact with social media firms
• California’s green energy revolution showcased

The Future of Music AI: Navigating Copyright Battles

In the realm of music AI, the future is both exciting and uncertain. Read more

• Presto Ventures and CSG have launched Presto Tech Horizons, a €150M fund targeting security and defence tech companies
• Fund aims to invest in promising technological projects from NATO countries for civilian and security purposes
• Investments target sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, automation, robotics, defence, aerospace, and healthcare
• Presto and CSG partnership offers expertise to evaluate technology quality and commercial viability
• CSG, an industrial group involved in Aerospace & Defense, reported revenues of €1.73B in 2023

Presto Ventures and CSG Launch €150M Fund

In the world of venture capital, partnerships and collaborations often lead to groundbreaking opportunities. Read more

• Vertus Energy secures €8.75M Seed funding for Waste-to-X biotech solutions
• Waste-to-X involves treating waste as a resource for energy and valuable products
• Vertus’ BRIO technology enhances energy production in anaerobic digestion plants
• Funding led by Energy Capital Ventures, supported by Blackbird and other investors
• Focus on accelerating BRIO technology adoption in various renewable energy applications

Revolutionizing the Energy Sector: Vertus Energy’s €8.75M Seed Funding for Waste-to-X Biotech Solutions

In a significant development in the energy industry, industrial biotech company Vertus Energy has successfully raised €8.75 million in Seed funding. Read more