Articles tagged with "startup-funding"
AI chip startup Ricursive hits $4B valuation two months after launch
Ricursive Intelligence, an AI chip startup founded by former Google researchers Anna Goldie (CEO) and Azalia Mirhoseini (CTO), has rapidly achieved a $4 billion valuation just two months after its formal launch. The company raised $300 million in a Series A round led by Lightspeed, bringing its total funding to $335 million. Ricursive is developing an AI system capable of designing and autonomously improving AI chips, including creating its own silicon substrate layer to accelerate chip advancements. The founders’ prior work on reinforcement learning for chip layout design has been instrumental in four generations of Google’s TPU chips. Ricursive is part of a broader trend of startups focused on AI systems that self-improve hardware. Notably, it should not be confused with Recursive, another AI startup working on similar self-improving AI systems and reportedly also targeting a $4 billion valuation. Additionally, Naveen Rao’s Unconventional AI recently raised a $475 million seed round at a $4.5
AI-chipssemiconductor-materialschip-design-automationsilicon-substratereinforcement-learningAI-hardwarestartup-fundingRobotics software maker Skild AI hits $14B valuation
Skild AI, a robotics software startup founded in 2023, has rapidly increased its valuation to over $14 billion following a $1.4 billion Series C funding round led by SoftBank, with participation from Nvidia, Macquarie Group, and 1789 Capital. This marks a more than threefold increase from its $4.5 billion valuation just seven months prior. The company has now raised over $2 billion in total funding. Skild AI specializes in developing general-purpose foundation models for robots that can be adapted to various robots and tasks with minimal additional training, aiming to enable robots to learn by observing humans. The startup’s technology addresses a significant challenge in robotics: the extensive training typically required for robots to perform new tasks. By creating adaptable, learn-as-you-go robotic software, Skild AI hopes to accelerate the adoption of robots in both personal and industrial settings. This approach aligns with broader industry trends focused on humanoid robots and more flexible robotic learning capabilities, with other companies like
roboticsartificial-intelligencerobotic-softwarehumanoid-robotsmachine-learningstartup-fundingautomationMore than 100 new tech unicorns were minted in 2025 — here they are
In 2025, the surge in AI-driven innovation has propelled over 100 startups to achieve unicorn status—valuations exceeding $1 billion—according to data from Crunchbase and PitchBook tracked by TechCrunch. While the majority of these new unicorns are AI-focused, notable exceptions include companies in satellite technology, such as Loft Orbital, and blockchain-based platforms like Kalshi. The list of these high-value startups is dynamic and updated regularly, reflecting the fast-paced nature of venture capital investment in emerging technologies. Highlighted unicorns from late 2025 include Heven Aerotech, developing hydrogen-powered drones with $115.2 million raised; Unconventional AI, founded by a former Databricks AI lead and valued at $4.5 billion after a $475 million seed round; and Saviynt, a cybersecurity firm with $740 million in funding and a $3 billion valuation. Other significant entrants include Serval and Main Func, both creating AI agents to automate professional tasks, with
energydroneshydrogen-powernuclear-renewable-energystartup-fundingtech-unicornsventure-capitalThe European startup market’s data doesn’t match its energy — yet
The European startup and venture capital (VC) market, despite the energetic atmosphere at events like the recent Slush conference in Helsinki, has yet to fully recover from the global VC downturn experienced in 2022 and 2023. Data from PitchBook shows that while €43.7 billion was invested in European startups through the first three quarters of 2025, this figure is only on pace to match—not surpass—the investments made in 2023 and 2024. In contrast, U.S. venture deal volumes in 2025 have already exceeded those of the past three years. A more pressing issue for Europe is the significant decline in VC firm fundraising, with only €8.3 billion raised through Q3 2025, marking the lowest level in a decade and a 50-60% drop compared to previous years. This decline is partly due to fewer mega funds closing and a shift toward emerging managers. Despite these challenges, there are signs of a potential turnaround. U.S.
energyventure-capitalEuropean-startupsAI-technologyinvestment-trendsstartup-fundingmarket-recoveryUnconventional AI confirms its massive $475M seed round
Unconventional AI, a startup founded by Naveen Rao, former head of AI at Databricks, has secured $475 million in seed funding at a $4.5 billion valuation. The funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Ventures, with additional investments from Lux Capital and DCVC. This initial raise is part of a larger planned round that could reach up to $1 billion. Although the final valuation is slightly below the $5 billion Rao initially aimed for, the company’s value may increase if the full funding target is met. The startup aims to develop a new, energy-efficient computer specifically designed for AI applications, with Rao emphasizing a goal to achieve efficiency comparable to biological systems. Rao has a strong track record in AI and machine learning startups, having previously founded MosaicML, acquired by Databricks for $1.3 billion, and another machine learning platform acquired by Intel for over $400 million. Unconventional AI’s ambitious funding and vision position it as
energyAI-hardwareenergy-efficient-computingstartup-fundingsemiconductor-technologymachine-learningcomputer-architectureHeat pump startup Quilt raises $20M Series B to expand sales
Quilt, a Redwood City-based startup specializing in sleek, customizable heat pumps, has raised $20 million in a Series B funding round. This new investment follows a $33 million Series A round announced in April 2024. The Series B was led by Energy Impact Partner and Galvanize, with additional participation from Alumni Ventures, Gradient Ventures, Incite Ventures, and Lowercarbon Capital. Notably, Veery Maxwell from Galvanize and former Nest CFO Tom vonReichbauer will join Quilt’s board, reflecting the company’s strong ties to Nest, where many of its team members previously worked. The fresh capital will be used to expand Quilt’s market presence. To date, the company has installed nearly 1,000 units across 16 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. Quilt differentiates itself in the competitive heat pump market by adopting a software- and design-first approach. For instance, it has enhanced the performance of already installed units through over-the-air software and firmware updates
energyheat-pumpsstartup-fundingSeries-Brenewable-energyclimate-technologysoftware-updatesFoxglove raises $40M to scale its data platform for roboticists
Foxglove, a San Francisco-based startup founded in 2021, has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, bringing its total funding to over $58 million. The company develops a data and observability platform designed to help robotics developers collect, analyze, and visualize sensor data from robots to improve reliability and efficiency. Foxglove’s tools have been adopted by notable customers such as Shield AI, which integrated Foxglove’s platform into its HiveMind autonomy stack, and Dexterity, a logistics robotics firm that reported a 20% reduction in development time and $150,000 annual savings after switching from in-house tools to Foxglove’s platform. Foxglove’s co-founders, Adrian Macneil and Roman Shtylman, aim to provide robotics companies with the kind of sophisticated in-house data infrastructure typically found at large tech firms like Tesla and Waymo. Macneil likens Foxglove’s mission to the early
robotroboticsdata-platformsensor-dataautomationsoftware-developmentstartup-fundingSelf-driving trucks startup Einride raises $100M
Einride, a Swedish startup specializing in electric and autonomous freight vehicles, has raised $100 million from new and existing investors, including its largest shareholder EQT Ventures and quantum computing firm IonQ. The company did not disclose its post-money valuation. Founded in 2016, Einride aims to disrupt the freight industry with its electric big rigs, autonomous pod-like trucks without steering wheels or pedals, and planning software for shippers. Its fleet operates across Europe, North America, and the UAE, serving clients such as PepsiCo, Carlsberg Sweden, and DP World. The startup has made progress with autonomous pods through partnerships with Apotea in Sweden and GE Appliances in the U.S. The new funding will support Einride’s efforts to scale its three core business products and accelerate the deployment of its autonomous freight technology. The company has faced challenges common to the autonomous vehicle sector, including the lengthy and costly transition from development to commercial operations. In recent leadership changes, co-founder Robert Falck stepped
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-trucksfreight-technologytransportation-innovationstartup-fundinglogistics-automationPreparing for your later-stage raise: Insider strategies from top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The article highlights an upcoming session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 29 at the Builders Stage in San Francisco, focused on strategies for securing later-stage funding. The session emphasizes that raising late-stage capital requires more than just meeting revenue goals; founders must craft compelling narratives, monitor key metrics, and cultivate long-term investor relationships. Attendees can expect practical advice, candid insights, and actionable frameworks from experienced investors and founders to better prepare for major funding rounds. The panel features three prominent experts: Andrea Thomaz, CEO and co-founder of Diligent Robotics, who offers a founder’s perspective on building investor trust in AI hardware startups; Zeya Yang, partner at IVP with a background in AI-native startups and product leadership at major tech firms; and Lila Preston, head of growth equity at Generation Investment Management, known for scaling impact-driven companies with a global outlook. The article also promotes early registration for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, highlighting significant ticket savings available
robotAI-hardwaresocial-roboticscollaborative-roboticshealthcare-roboticsventure-capitalstartup-fundingTED leader’s $300M ‘valley of death’ fund might be just what later-stage climate tech needs
The article discusses a new $300 million fund called All Aboard, led by Chris Anderson, former head of TED Talks, designed to address the significant financing gap—often called the "valley of death" or "missing middle"—that climate tech startups face between early-stage funding and growth capital. This gap is especially wide in climate tech because many startups focus on hardware solutions that require expensive first-of-a-kind power plants or factories, often costing tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. All Aboard aims to provide equity or convertible equity investments, rather than loans or project-specific financing, to help startups secure the $100 million to $200 million rounds necessary to scale their technologies commercially. The fund brings together a coalition of prominent climate-focused venture firms, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Energy Impact Partners, among others. While participation in the fund does not require investment from these partners, their involvement is intended to create a "Sequoia-like" signal to attract additional
energyclimate-techclean-energyventure-capitalstartup-fundingclimate-technologyenergy-investmentRivian spinoff Also raises another $200M to build e-bikes and more
Also Inc., a micromobility startup that was spun out of electric vehicle maker Rivian earlier in 2023, has secured an additional $200 million in funding from Greenoaks Capital. This latest investment raises Also’s valuation to $1 billion post-money. Previously, the company had raised $105 million from Eclipse Ventures shortly after its separation from Rivian. Originally formed as an internal project at Rivian in 2022 called Project Inder, Also began developing an e-bike with design input from Jony Ive’s firm LoveFrom. Now operating independently, Also aims to produce a range of micro-electric vehicles (micro-EVs) and plans to unveil its initial designs later this year. Both Rivian and Also have not provided comments on the funding or future plans as of the report.
energyelectric-bikesmicromobilityelectric-vehiclesstartup-fundingsustainable-transportationRivian-spin-offTulum Energy rediscovered a forgotten hydrogen tech and used it to raise $27M
Tulum Energy emerged from a forgotten discovery made between 2002 and 2005 by engineers at the Techint Group, who accidentally created a pyrolysis reaction in an electric arc furnace that split methane into pure hydrogen and solid carbon without producing carbon dioxide. This reaction, which was initially overlooked due to limited interest in methane pyrolysis and hydrogen at the time, was rediscovered by Techint’s corporate venture arm, TechEnergy Ventures, as they sought cleaner hydrogen production methods. Leveraging this accidental innovation, Techint spun out Tulum Energy, which recently secured an oversubscribed $27 million seed funding round led by TDK Ventures and CDP Venture Capital to develop the technology commercially. Tulum Energy’s approach to methane pyrolysis stands out because it does not require expensive catalysts, unlike some competitors, and uses a modified version of widely available electric arc furnace technology. The company plans to build a pilot plant in Mexico adjacent to a Techint steel plant, with the potential for the plant to directly
energyhydrogen-productionmethane-pyrolysisclean-energyelectric-arc-furnacecarbon-emissionsstartup-fundingThree powerhouses cover how to prepare now for your later-stage raise at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will feature a crucial session on preparing for later-stage fundraising, specifically targeting founders aiming for significant funding rounds like Series C. The panel, scheduled for October 29 on the Builders Stage, emphasizes that successful late-stage capital raises require more than just strong revenue; founders must craft compelling narratives, monitor key metrics, and nurture investor relationships well in advance. This session promises practical frameworks and candid insights to help startups strategically position themselves for major funding. The panel includes three industry experts: Zeya Yang, a partner at IVP with a background in AI-native startups and product leadership; Lila Preston, head of growth equity at Generation Investment Management, known for scaling impact-driven companies globally; and Andrea Thomaz, CEO and co-founder of Diligent Robotics, who brings firsthand founder experience in AI and robotics innovation. Their combined perspectives offer a comprehensive guide for founders preparing to raise substantial capital. Att
robotAIautomationroboticshealthcare-roboticsstartup-fundingventure-capitalStartups Weekly: No sign of pause
The article "Startups Weekly: No sign of pause" highlights the continued dynamism in the startup ecosystem despite major industry events like WWDC, with June seeing numerous significant deals and IPO announcements. It underscores that startup trajectories are often nonlinear, exemplified by neobank Chime’s near-collapse in 2016 before its highly anticipated IPO. Other notable startups include Nucleus Genomics, which offers controversial embryo genetic testing, and Automattic, the WordPress.com owner, which continues to support its personal CRM app after raising substantial venture capital. The piece also details key venture capital and funding developments, spotlighting several large and strategic investments. Multiverse Computing raised about $215 million for its technology that reduces the size and cost of large language models, while enterprise AI company Glean’s valuation surged to $7.2 billion. Other highlighted startups include Fervo Energy, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for geothermal projects; German nuclear fuel startup Proxima Fusion; delivery robot company Coco Robotics
energygeothermal-energyfusion-energyroboticsdelivery-robotsAI-integrationstartup-fundingStandard Nuclear emerges from the ashes of a failed startup
Standard Nuclear has launched with $42 million in funding to develop advanced nuclear fuel, building upon assets acquired from the bankruptcy of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) for $28 million. The new company’s CEO, Kurt Terrani, was formerly USNC’s vice president. The funding round was led by Decisive Point, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and others. Standard Nuclear has secured $100 million in non-binding fuel sales projected for 2027 and is collaborating with customers such as Nano Nuclear Energy and Radiant Industries. The company acknowledges that acquiring USNC’s assets accelerated its timeline. USNC had focused on commercializing TRISO fuel—uranium pellets coated with carbon- and ceramic-based layers—which is considered safer and more meltdown-resistant than traditional nuclear fuel, though it has not been widely used since its development in the 1950s. USNC’s history was marked by a broad and ambitious business model, including two reactor designs, nuclear propulsion, and spacecraft heating systems, but it was primarily funded by a single investor, Richard Hollis Helms, who invested over $100 million plus loans. Helms, a former CIA Arabist, founded USNC after retiring from intelligence work. Despite efforts to raise more capital in 2022, USNC struggled financially and declared bankruptcy in October 2024 amid mounting debts and payroll issues. Standard Nuclear, led by Decisive Point founder Thomas Hendrix, purchased USNC’s fuel-related assets in a bankruptcy auction completed in February 2025, establishing its operational base and continuing the development of TRISO fuel technology.
energynuclear-energyadvanced-nuclear-fuelTRISO-fuelstartup-fundingnuclear-materialsnuclear-reactorsSupio, an AI-powered legal analysis platform, lands $60M
AIlegaltechstartup-fundingventure-capitalautomationlegal-analysistechnologyNear Space Labs nabs $20M to take its high-res imaging Swift robots into the stratosphere
Near-Space-Labshigh-resolution-imagingstratosphereaerial-photographystartup-fundinghelium-balloon-technologySeries-B-roundA16z backs UK startup Dex to scale ‘AI talent agent’ and recruitment matchmaker
AI-recruitmenttalent-matchingstartup-fundingAndreessen-HorowitzUK-techemployee-retentiontechnology-innovation