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• Startup funding received a significant boost this week, reaching $187 million through deals involving Perfios and Lohum.
• The funding amount increased nearly three times from the previous year, with $186.6 million deployed across 10 deals, marking an 188% rise from the same week in 2022.
• Next-gen Biyanis are innovating in the food industry, but previous cases related to Foodhall raise concerns.

• GobbleCube, a brand analytics platform, secures $1.9 million funding led by Kae Capital
• The Gurugram-based company plans to enhance product engineering capabilities and focus on go-to-market strategy in India, Southeast Asia, and the US
• Sebi chief and ICICI Prudential MF’s S Naren issues warning to fund managers
• Next-gen Biyanis developing new Foodstories, while past Foodhall cases raise concerns
• Upcoming launches include a five-door Mahindra Thar, Tata Curvv, and Maruti eVX, with high buyer interest

Understanding the Importance of a Brand Analytics Platform

In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking ways to understand and optimize their brand presence and performance. Read more

• STX Next enhances Man Group’s fund management via innovative tech tools, strengthening client fund management through sophisticated data discovery, filtering, and predictive tools
• Successful partnership project completed between IT consulting business STX Next and Man Group, a global active investment management company
• STX Next collaborated with Man Group to build and maintain 16 applications with unique features to enhance visibility for portfolio managers
• STX Next introduced digital solutions to streamline operations without disruption, creating a unified interface language for customer trust and loyalty
• Results of partnership include improved data discovery process, predictive risk analysis tools, real-time dashboards for portfolio performance analysis, and a toolkit for future app development

Enhancing Fund Management with STX Next’s Innovative Technology Solutions

In the realm of financial management, the ability to efficiently handle client funds and make informed investment decisions is paramount. Read more

• Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse tech hub pursuing phase-two funding of up to $54 million
• Tech hub known as NY SMART I-Corridor involving over 100 institutions in the region
• U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer leading the push for funding
• Component projects led by institutions like Syracuse University and University at Buffalo
• Focus on developing semiconductor technology and workforce training in the Upstate region

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub Pursuing Phase-2 Funding

The tech hub encompassing the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region is making significant strides in securing phase-two implementation funding, with the potential sum reaching up to $54 million. Read more

• Wicklow councillor’s AI-driven organic farm project receives funding from RISE Community Fund
• Five Wicklow community groups awarded €1,000 grants for technology investments
• RISE Community Fund supported by corporate sponsors like KN Circet and KPMG
• Projects include online shopping expansion, physiotherapy programs, and coding activities
• NBI aims to connect rural Ireland with high-speed broadband, encourages innovative technology use

Revolutionizing Agriculture with AI Technology

In a groundbreaking move to enhance rural communities in Wicklow, the RISE Community Fund has provided a much-needed boost to local initiatives through technology grants. Read more

• Deep-Tech Innovation Catalyst: BIF established in 2018 to support Deep-Tech startups in India
• BIF focuses on selecting startups with large markets, credible teams, and innovative technology
• BIF stands out by exclusively investing in Deep-Tech startups at pre-Series A and Series-A stages
• BIF’s portfolio includes innovative startups like Entropik Technology and A5G Networks
• BIF provides crucial early-stage funding and operational support tailored for deep-tech ventures, addressing challenges in the Indian startup ecosystem

Catalyzing Deep-Tech Innovation: The Story of Bharat Innovation Fund

In the realm of deep-tech innovation, Bharat Innovation Fund (BIF) stands out as a catalyst for groundbreaking technological advancements. Read more

• Bezos Fund commits $60m to alt protein, Impossible Foods reveals new packaging
• HeavyFinance secures significant funding round
• Serenity Kids closes $52m in Series B funding
• Tierra Biosciences raises $11.4m in Series A funding
• Various other funding rounds and industry developments highlighted

AgriFoodTech Funding News: HeavyFinance secures $55m in funding

In the dynamic world of AgriFoodTech funding, the week brought exciting developments that underscore the growing momentum in the industry. Read more

• African tech startup scene faces a “funding winter” due to global financial constraints
• Despite challenges, African tech sector exceeded US$3 billion in funding in 2022
• 2023 saw a 28% decrease in investment, totaling US$2.4 billion for tech startups in Africa
• Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya dominated funding landscape in 2023
• Fintech sector attracted the most funding in 2023, while e-commerce and marketing sectors faced significant reductions

African Tech Startup Funding Winter: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

In the realm of African tech startups, the recent years have been marked by a funding winter, a period of financial constraints that have impacted the investment landscape across the continent. Read more

• NeoTaste secures €21M in funding for restaurant discovery
• NeoTaste offers exclusive introductory offers through its app for new culinary experiences
• Users access 2-for-1 deals for €4.99/month or €2.99/year, benefiting both customers and restaurants
• Rapid growth: 750,000 users, 3,000 restaurants in 27 cities in Germany, expanding to Amsterdam
• Funding from Earlybird Venture Capital and BPI to support European market expansion

Revolutionizing Restaurant Discovery with NeoTaste’s €21M Funding

In the bustling world of gastronomy, where culinary experiences are constantly evolving, NeoTaste emerges as a beacon of innovation and convenience. Read more

• Funding winter intensified in 2023, leading to over 35,000 startups shutting down, with challenges in the Indian startup ecosystem.
• Deal volume and size declined, mega rounds dropped by 70%, and unicorns decreased, signaling a shift towards traditional sectors.
• Tech startups faced a significant decline in funding, with a focus on traditional sectors like BFSI, consumer brands, and healthcare.
• Funding in tech startups in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu dropped in 2023, with a significant decrease in total funding raised.

• Sparqle, a sustainable delivery solutions startup, secures €1.2 million investment led by business angels to expand its platform and network.
• Interview Kickstart raises $10 million to enhance education platform for tech workers, with notable success stories in securing top jobs.
• ESProfiler, a British cybersecurity startup, receives a £2.8 million seed round to address inefficiencies in enterprise cybersecurity investments.
• Mondra, an AI-driven SaaS platform for supply chain decarbonisation, raises £3.6 million to expand to UK grocers and beyond.

• EnergyLab’s climate tech alumni raised $289 million in 2023, showcasing investor interest in climate technology
• Australian startups secured $124 million of the total funding, demonstrating domestic strength in the climate tech landscape
• Success stories included Infravision, Sicona Battery Technologies, and Renewable Metals, highlighting innovation in drone services, battery materials, and recycling
• EnergyLab emphasized the importance of early-stage capital for climate tech startups facing unique challenges
• The accelerator expanded its programs in 2023, supporting diverse founders and aiming to foster global climate tech companies in 2024

EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Alumni: A Closer Look at the $289 Million Raised in 2023

Climate tech startup accelerator EnergyLab has been making waves in the industry, with its alumni collectively securing an impressive $289 million in funding in 2023. Read more

• Global agrifood tech VC funding reaches 6-year low, down by 49.2% from 2022-23
• Funding in agrifood tech startups drops to $15.6B, with average deal sizes down by nearly 30%
• Share of agrifood tech funding in overall VC landscape declines to 5.5%
• Funding falls across all global regions, with Europe experiencing the smallest drop at 14%
• Upstream startups receive 62% of total funding, while downstream startups see a rapid slowdown

Investors Reflect on Global Agrifood Funding Landscape

In the ever-evolving world of venture capital funding, the global agrifood tech sector has hit a significant low, causing investors to pause and reflect on the shifting financial landscape. Read more

• Startups anticipated a funding surge in 2024 following a period of deferred fundraising in 2023 due to rising interest rates.
• The number of mega rounds, exceeding $100 million, dropped to 15 in 2023 from 48 in 2022.
• Web3 association Blockniti faces skepticism due to the absence of crypto or token involvement.
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a significant hub for digital loan sharks’ money mules.

• Elderly care startup Kites Senior Care raises Rs 45 crore in funding from Ranjan Pai
• Funds to be used for expanding presence in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and three additional cities in Southern India
• Bhubaneswar emerging as a hub for money mules of digital loan sharks
• Stock Radar: HDFC Life reclaiming 50-DMA on daily charts prompts buying consideration
• Quick-commerce startups eyeing Amazon and Flipkart’s market share with larger dark stores and product returns

Revolutionizing Elderly Care: Kites Senior Care Secures Rs 45 Crore Funding

In a significant development for the elderly care sector, Kites Senior Care, an innovative startup focusing on senior citizens’ well-being, has successfully raised Rs 45 crore in funding from renowned investor Ranjan Pai. Read more

• Sustainability platform Tapfin secures $4 million in funding from Elevar Equity to support growth initiatives, market expansion, and technological enhancements
• Mumbai-based company aims to attract top-tier talent across various domains with the newly acquired capital
• Web3 association Blockniti faces skepticism about being different from previous platforms due to the absence of crypto or token
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a hub for money mules of digital loan sharks, highlighting concerning financial practices
• Stock Radar indicates HDFC Life reclaiming 50-DMA on daily charts, prompting consideration for investment

Sustainability Platform Tapfin Secures $4 Million in Funding from Elevar Equity

In the latest development in the realm of sustainability platform funding, Mumbai-based Tapfin has successfully raised $4 million from Elevar Equity. Read more

• Freed, a debt relief platform, secures $7.5 million in funding led by Sorin Investments.
• This marks the second equity injection for Freed, following a $2.8 million pre-Series A round in 2022 from angel investors and Multiply Ventures.
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a significant center for money mules working with digital loan sharks.
• Quick-commerce startups are expanding with larger dark stores and focusing on product returns to compete with Amazon and Flipkart.

• AI startup RapidCanvas secures $7.5 million in funding led by Accel
• Funds to be allocated for customer acquisition, marketing, sales expansion, and research and development
• Web3 association Blockniti faces skepticism due to lack of crypto or token
• Bhubaneswar emerges as a hub for digital loan shark money mules
• Stock Radar: HDFC Life sees positive movement, while IOC, HPCL, BPCL stocks rally

AI Startup RapidCanvas Secures $7.5 Million in Funding Round Led by Accel

In a significant development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) startups, RapidCanvas has successfully raised $7.5 million in a recent funding round led by the renowned venture capital firm, Accel. Read more

• Tech Funding Woes are limiting tech usage needed to drive new care models and payment frameworks at nursing homes
• Nursing home providers are shifting to decentralized care models to cater to regional needs and payor mix
• Value-based care initiatives and on-site clinical services are seen as valuable additions to new care models
• Remote patient monitoring and predictive analytics are playing an essential role in identifying potential risks and changes in patient conditions
• Proactive and intentional approaches are emphasized to avoid financial challenges, improve managed care partnerships, and recruit high-quality staff

Tech Funding Woes Impacting Nursing Homes

The nursing home industry is facing a critical juncture in terms of embracing new technologies, innovative care models, and revised payment frameworks. Read more

• Lohum, a lithium-ion battery pack maker and recycling firm, secures $54 million in Series B funding round for market expansion
• Funding round includes participation from venture firms like Singularity Ventures and Baring Private Equity
• Lohum, founded by Rajat Verma, focuses on eco-friendly battery material production and recycling
• Plans for international expansion and hiring top professionals with the raised capital
• Lohum emphasizes integrated battery lifecycle management system and sustainable energy transition technologies

Battery Tech Startup Lohum: Revolutionizing the Industry with $54 Million in Series B Funding

Lohum, a lithium-ion battery pack maker and recycling firm, has recently made waves in the industry by securing an impressive $54 million in a Series B funding round. Read more

• Bristol battery startup Anaphite secures £1.6m in funding for its “dry-coating” technology aimed at reducing EV battery manufacturing costs.
• The funding comes from a mix of government grants and private sector investment, with over £880,000 from private investors and £685,000 from a government grant program.
• Anaphite’s technology utilizes a “dry” manufacturing process without drying ovens and incorporates graphene for battery coating, aiming for a 2028 commercial rollout in EVs.

• Autonomo secures £2M Seed funding to expand checkout-free retail software
• Retailers can convert stores into cashierless shopping with Autonomo’s software
• Customers use payment card or phone, computer vision tech tracks products
• System reduces theft, shrinkage, and offers seamless shopping experience
• Autonomo aims to automate cashierless shops in Western Europe, attracting investments from various sources

Revolutionizing Retail with Seed Funding for Autonomo’s Checkout-Free Technology

In a groundbreaking move, Autonomo, a checkout-free software company, has secured £2 million in Seed funding to further develop its innovative technology. Read more

• Learnovate has secured €9.6m funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to address Ireland’s emerging skills gaps
• The technology center, based at Trinity College Dublin, specializes in learning technology to transform workplace, educational, and home learning experiences
• Learnovate’s research aims to help companies adapt to the future of work by enhancing skills development and creating innovative learning experiences
• The funding will support Learnovate’s expansion of research and innovation, with projections to generate significant economic impact for Ireland
• Key figures, including government officials and industry leaders, express confidence in Learnovate’s mission and importance in shaping Ireland’s future economy

Expanding Research and Innovation Efforts with Learnovate Funding Secured

Learnovate, a leading technology centre based at Trinity College Dublin, has recently secured €9.6m in funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Read more

• Tech VC Keith Rabois threatens to cut off funding to Republicans who vote against TikTok ban bill
• House expected to pass bill forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok due to national security concerns
• Rabois’ threat could influence undecided Republican lawmakers on the bill
• Former President Trump and Elon Musk oppose the legislation, complicating support
• Senate prospects for the bill remain uncertain, potential for ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months if passed

TikTok Ban Threat: Tech VC Keith Rabois Flexes Funding Power

In a dramatic turn of events, Republican lawmakers are facing intense pressure from tech venture capitalist Keith Rabois, who has threatened to halt funding to those who do not support the bill aimed at banning TikTok in the United States. Read more

• DocNow, a Bellevue-based health tech startup, secures seed funding led by Waterline Ventures to revolutionize long-term care EHR systems
• Founded by Dr. Kashif Saeed, DocNow aims to streamline workflow and patient data management in post-acute care through integration with existing medical record platforms
• The startup offers a mobile app for practitioners to capture images and data related to patient wounds, syncing directly with electronic health records
• With 2,000 long-term care facilities in partnership, DocNow’s funding aims to solidify its presence in the healthcare tech industry
• DocNow’s mission is to automate administrative tasks, enhance billing accuracy, and increase time for patient care in various medical specialties, aiming to transform the post-acute care landscape

Revolutionizing Long-Term Care with DocNow’s Seed Funding

Bellevue-Based Health Tech Startup DocNow has made waves in the healthcare industry by securing seed funding to further develop its electronic records system for long-term care providers. Read more

• Pentagon trims tech research funding request; AI, networking flat
• Defense Department seeks $143.2 billion for research and development in fiscal year 2025
• Funding for key technology research priorities to remain steady or decrease slightly
• Constraints from the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act impact spending outlook
• Investments in basic research, advanced technology, AI, and cyber capabilities maintained

The Impact of Pentagon Trimming Tech Research Funding

In a recent development, the Pentagon has made adjustments to its tech research funding request for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more

• Paddle revives AI Funding Program to support startups in tech future
• Program offers guidance, expert mentorship, and $20,000 prize for innovative AI concepts
• Success story of Virtual Staging AI showcases program’s impact with revenue increase
• Emphasis on the importance of growth strategies and infrastructure for AI startups
• Venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins highlight AI’s potential and advise entrepreneurs to leverage AI for solving significant problems

Paddle Revives AI Funding Program: A Boost for Startups

In the realm of tech innovation, securing funding can often be the make-or-break factor for startups with groundbreaking ideas. Read more

• Learnovate secures €9.6m funding from Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to address skills gaps
• The Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin conducts research in learning technologies with support from experts in various disciplines
• Projects include developing a platform to enhance digital and data skills and using AI to eliminate bias in hiring
• Funding will support companies in edtech and HR tech to develop tools addressing skills gaps in Ireland
• Learnovate’s director Nessa McEniff sees the funding as a vote of confidence in the center’s mission to deliver competitive advantage to Irish industry

Learnovate Secures €9.6m Funding to Reduce Skills Gaps

In the fast-paced world of technology and innovation, the need for continuous learning and upskilling has never been more crucial. Read more

• Black Tech Nation Ventures closes $50 million inaugural fund to support startups with marginalized founders
• Pittsburgh-based venture firm aims to make the city a haven for Black technologists and entrepreneurs
• BTNV focuses on supporting Black, Latinx, female, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the tech industry
• Venture capital disparity for Black founders highlighted, with only 1% of funds going to Black entrepreneurs in 2021
• BTNV backed by notable investors, provides pre-seed and seed funding, with a goal to attract companies to Pittsburgh

Empowering Marginalized Founders through Black Tech Nation Ventures

In a bold move to address the glaring disparities in venture capital funding, Black Tech Nation Ventures (BTNV) recently closed a $50 million inaugural fund. Read more

• Nanonets, a workflow automation platform, secures $29 million in funding led by Accel to enhance algorithms and scale marketing efforts.
• The platform provides AI-based automation solutions for businesses in various sectors.
• Fly91, a new regional airline in India, aims to differentiate itself from previous failed airlines.
• Phantom sues Sony entities for defamation, distancing itself from being associated with Zee or Goenka.