Welcome to Startups Weekly, your essential guide to the dynamic world of startups, where innovation thrives and the landscape is ever-changing. This week, we witnessed the duality of startup life, marked by both promising beginnings and sudden endings. Remarkably, signs of life returned to the unicorn scene, challenging the notion that the golden age of high-value startups is over. From groundbreaking AI ventures emerging from stealth mode to significant funding rounds for established players, the week’s highlights reveal a resilient spirit in the startup ecosystem. Join us as we dive into the most captivating stories and funding news that shaped this week in startup land.
| Category | Startup/Company | Funding Amount | Valuation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup News | Thinking Machines Lab | N/A | N/A | New AI startup launched, founder is Mira Murati. |
| Startup News | Safe Superintelligence (SSI) | $1 billion | N/A | Reportedly raising funds. |
| Startup News | Humane | $116 million | N/A | Assets acquired by HP. |
| Startup News | Future Family | N/A | N/A | Launched IVF insurance product. |
| Startup News | Nikola Corp. | N/A | N/A | Filed for bankruptcy. |
| VC and Funding News | Saronic | $600 million | $4 billion | Raised Series C funding. |
| VC and Funding News | Codeium | N/A | $2.85 billion | In talks for new funding. |
| VC and Funding News | Hightouch | $80 million | $1.2 billion | Closed Series C round. |
| VC and Funding News | Augury | $75 million | Over $1 billion | Series F funding in progress. |
| VC and Funding News | Varo | $29 million | N/A | CEO stepping down. |
| VC and Funding News | Sanas | $65 million | Over $500 million | Closed funding round. |
| VC and Funding News | Luminance | $75 million | N/A | Raised Series C funding. |
| New Funds | Altitude Lab’s Pre-seed Venture Fund | $100,000 to $250,000 | N/A | Investing in biotech startups. |
The Rise of AI Startups
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the startup landscape, and many new companies are emerging in this field. One exciting example is Thinking Machines Lab, founded by Mira Murati, a former OpenAI CTO. This startup is working on innovative AI technologies, although it hasn’t disclosed how much funding it has received yet. Their developments could change the way we think about technology and machine learning in our everyday lives.
Another notable AI startup is Safe Superintelligence, led by Ilya Sutskever, which is reportedly raising around $1 billion. This shows that investors are still excited about the potential of AI, even in a challenging economic environment. These startups highlight the ongoing interest in AI solutions, and they could lead to breakthroughs that will benefit various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Startups Weekly?
Startups Weekly is your go-to source for weekly updates on key events and stories from the startup world, including funding news and innovative ideas.
Who is behind the Thinking Machines Lab?
Thinking Machines Lab is founded by Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, focusing on artificial intelligence advancements.
What is Future Family’s new IVF product?
Future Family launched an IVF insurance product that offers refunds to parents if treatment doesn’t succeed after two rounds.
What happened to Nikola Corp.?
Nikola Corp., a hydrogen electric trucking startup, filed for bankruptcy after failing to secure a buyer or needed funds.
How much did Saronic raise in their Series C funding?
Saronic raised $600 million in a Series C funding round, boosting its valuation to $4 billion.
What is Luminance known for?
Luminance is an AI-powered legal tech startup that recently raised $75 million, indicating growth in the legal AI sector.
What is the focus of Altitude Lab’s new fund?
Altitude Lab’s Pre-seed Venture Fund aims to invest in biotech startups qualifying for NIH Small Business Innovation Research grants.
Summary
Startups Weekly highlights the latest news in the startup world, showcasing both successes and challenges. This week, notable developments include the launch of Thinking Machines Lab by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, and Safe Superintelligence raising nearly $1 billion. Meanwhile, Humane sold most of its assets to HP after struggles with its AI Pin product. Future Family introduced an IVF insurance plan with a money-back guarantee, while Nikola Corp filed for bankruptcy. Venture capital activity remains strong, with several companies, including Saronic and Codeium, successfully raising significant funds, indicating a vibrant startup ecosystem.
