Startup News: A Week of Growth and Investment

This week in the startup world brought a mix of exciting developments, from IPO filings to significant acquisitions and funding rounds. While a minor disagreement between Y Combinator and Google stirred the pot, the overall atmosphere was one of steady progress.

Top Startup Stories

Several startups made headlines this week with major announcements:

  • Chime IPO Filing: Digital bank Chime publicly filed for an IPO, revealing a $33 million marketing deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Learn more.
  • Databricks Acquires Neon: Databricks plans to acquire open-source database startup Neon for $1 billion. This acquisition aims to enhance AI agent deployment. Read more.
  • Acorns Acquires EarlyBird: Savings and investment platform Acorns acquired family investment gifting platform EarlyBird. Acorns plans to integrate EarlyBird's technology into its Acorns Early app. Get the details.
  • AutoUnify Launches: AutoUnify, backed by Porsche and UP.Labs, aims to streamline communication between dealerships, service shops, manufacturers, and software vendors. Explore AutoUnify.
  • Google and Y Combinator Clash: Google launched its AI Futures Fund to invest in AI startups using DeepMind's tools. Meanwhile, Y Combinator accused Google of monopolistic practices hindering the startup ecosystem. Read about Google's fund. Read Y Combinator's statement.
  • Vertical Aerospace Develops eVTOL: British startup Vertical Aerospace is developing a hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft for both commercial and defense applications. Learn more.
  • New Blood-Testing Startup Raises Concerns: Billy Evans, Elizabeth Holmes' partner, is reportedly seeking funding for a new blood-testing startup, raising comparisons to Theranos. Read more.

Funding and Venture Capital News

This week saw significant funding rounds across various sectors, with AI remaining a prominent theme:

  • Bestow: $120M Series D
  • TensorWave: $100M
  • Sprinter Health: $55M Series B
  • Nawy: $52M Series A + $23M debt financing
  • Granola: $43M Series B
  • Realta Fusion: $36M
  • Hedra: $32M
  • Doji: $14M seed round

In venture capital news, New York-focused VC firm Work-Bench raised $160 million for its fourth fund. Mercury CEO Immad Akhund launched a $26 million fund for early-stage startups.

Investing in European Defense Tech

Former CIA officer Eric Slesinger discussed his venture capital firm, 201 Ventures, which focuses exclusively on European defense tech. Learn more about his unique investment strategy.