This week brought significant developments in the artificial intelligence startup space, especially highlighted by AMD’s acquisition and various major funding rounds.
AMD further accelerated its AI ambitions by acquiring Enosemi, a startup focused on developing custom materials essential for silicon photonics. Although the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the deal aims to elevate AMD’s capabilities in co-packaged optic technologies for AI systems.
In another high-profile move, Anthropic, an AI startup, welcomed Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings to its board. Hastings, already serving as a board member for prominent companies like Netflix, Bloomberg, Meta, and Microsoft, will join Anthropic representing the startup’s independent Long-Term Benefit Trust.
Elsewhere, Life360, a family safety app, finally integrated lost-item tracking capabilities developed by Tile—approximately three and a half years after acquiring the company for $205 million.
In more unusual news, entrepreneur and investor Sahil Lavingia came forward about his short-lived tenure within Elon Musk’s DOGE taskforce, revealing he was dismissed after just 55 days. Musk himself has announced his own departure from his advisory role within the U.S. government.
An impressive bootstrapping success story also emerged: Thinkst Canary, a decade-old cybersecurity company, announced reaching $20 million in annual recurring revenue without raising external venture capital, showcasing profitability and financial independence as alternative paths to startup success.
Turning to venture capital activities, Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant firm, reportedly closed a substantial $600 million financing round at a valuation of about $9 billion before money. Samsung was also said to be considering participating in a $100 million investment in medical imaging startup Exo through its venture arm.
Cybersecurity firm Horizon3.ai filed documents disclosing their intention to raise $100 million, of which at least $73 million has already been raised. In parallel, Chicago-based construction-tech firm Buildots secured a $45 million Series D round, pushing its cumulative investments to a total of $166 million.
In rapid succession, accounting automation startup Rillet garnered a $25 million Series A round led by Sequoia Capital, significantly accelerating growth just 10 months after raising a $13.5 million pre-seed and seed round.
India-based home services platform Snabbit continued the rising momentum in its sector, raising a $19 million Series B round led by Lightspeed at an $80 million valuation. Matthias Niessner, co-founder of Synthesia, secured $13 million in seed funding for his new venture SpAItial, which aims to develop transformative AI for interactive 3D online environments. Likewise, energy optimization startup Gridcare emerged from stealth mode, revealing a $13.5 million seed funding round.
In the more expansive global venture landscape, Saudi Arabia’s state-operated company Humain progressed towards launching a massive $10 billion venture fund, Humain Ventures, targeting technology startups across North America, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, in the Pacific region, New Zealand-based investment firm Outset Ventures announced the completion of its second fund, raising approximately $25 million to invest specifically in deep-tech enterprises from the country.
Finally, as investment into nuclear fusion ventures remains speculative, industry excitement is shifting toward the immediately viable nuclear fission technologies. With fission gaining prominence as an energy source for data centers, several major technology corporations have strategically invested into nuclear fission startups, initiating a promising path forward for sustainable power in tech infrastructure.
