Startups
Bootstrapped firms gain edge as AI cuts capital needs, study finds
AI tools reduce entry costs for self-funded businesses, enabling faster validation and profitability compared to VC-backed models. Experienced founders leverage niche markets and customer relationships to build sustainable growth.
Lambda seeks $3 bln at $12 bln valuation in next funding round
AI cloud provider Lambda is in advanced talks to raise up to $3 billion in a new funding round that would value the company at $12 billion or more. Nvidia is among its backers.
Lambda negocia captação de US$ 3 bilhões com valuation de US$ 12 bilhões
A startup Lambda busca levantar US$ 3 bilhões em nova rodada de financiamento, avaliada em US$ 12 bilhões.
Xpeng’s robotics unit valued at over $6.3 billion in record China AI funding
Xpeng raised over $900 million in its first financing round, valuing its robotics unit at $6.3 billion. Strategic backers include Tencent, Alibaba, and IDG Capital.
Schindler sells AI real estate startup BuildingMinds to Lookthrough
Transaction positions Lookthrough as a leading AI platform for real estate decision-making, with Schindler becoming its largest institutional shareholder.
Startups continue buying startups at high pace in 2026
More than 440 venture-backed startups have acquired others in the first half of 2026, with AI and fintech firms leading the trend. Deal flow remains robust despite a slight dip in overall counts.
XPeng robotics unit secures $900 million in largest China embodied AI financing round
Funding round values XPeng’s robotics unit at over $6.3 billion, led by IDG Capital with participation from Tencent and Alibaba. Mass production of the IRON humanoid robot slated for late 2026.
Huddled partners with Cipher for live commerce on TikTok
Huddled Group and TikTok agency Cipher launch Peeko live commerce channels on TikTok Live and Auctions, splitting profits equally. Beta test to begin this week.
Hugging Face explores sale at $13 bln or higher valuation
AI startup Hugging Face has hired a bank to gauge buyer interest for a potential sale that could value the company at $13 billion or more. The firm last raised funds at a $4.5 billion valuation in 2023.
Nvidia in talks to invest in Perplexity AI at $30 bln valuation
Chipmaker in advanced discussions for a stake in AI startup Perplexity, valuing it over 50% higher than its last funding round. Deal would follow a surge in revenue to $750 mln.
CoVolt Power files for U.S. IPO amid energy storage demand
Energy storage developer CoVolt Power has submitted preliminary paperwork for an initial public offering in the U.S., citing rising demand for grid-scale battery systems. The move follows a surge in sector activity amid energy transition policies.
U.S. startups raise $3.1B in top 10 funding rounds this week
Defense tech, AI infrastructure and semiconductors dominate the week’s largest venture financings, with Castelion’s $800M round leading the tally. Total disclosed funding for the top 10 deals reaches $3.1 billion.
Space-Eyes appoints four directors ahead of McKinley SPAC merger
New board members with defense, aerospace and finance expertise join Space-Eyes as the AI geospatial firm prepares for a $638 million Nasdaq listing via McKinley Acquisition Corp.
AI startups raise $63.6M in latest funding rounds across recycling, robotics and medtech
Greyparrot secures £20.3m to deploy AI in recycling plants, while robotics and medical device firms also attract capital for automation and health applications.
Chery’s AiMOGA Robotics plans IPO amid global expansion push
The Chery affiliate, which has already deployed over 3,000 robots worldwide, aims to list on an overseas exchange to fund growth in humanoid robotics. Plans follow recent public-sector deployments in China.
RYTHM debuts THC-infused iced tea lemonade beverage Lifted Lemon
The non-carbonated drink, available in 10mg and 25mg THC variants, launches via direct-to-consumer sales and select retailers in Georgia and Illinois.
AI fintech Tabs raises $92M, valued at $400M amid revenue surge
Tabs, an AI-driven finance automation platform, has grown from a 2023 launch to 180 employees and triple-digit revenue growth, backed by $92M in funding and a $400M valuation.
eXoZymes reports Q2 2026 loss as launch plans progress
Biotech firm eXoZymes posts $2.88 million net loss for Q2 2026 despite $5.86 million in financing proceeds and advancing manufacturing plans for its lead biosolution NCT.
Europe accelerates funding for cutting-edge startups amid investment gap
Governments seek to bridge a nearly $1 trillion funding shortfall by supporting innovative businesses.
Chery’s robotics unit AiMOGA plans IPO amid push into global police robot market
AiMOGA Robotics, Chery Automobile’s robotics division, is preparing for an IPO to fund expansion into overseas markets for its humanoid police robots. The unit has already deployed 110 units across Chinese cities and targets 10,000 global deliveries by next year.
OpenAI launches ad business in Switzerland and Europe
ChatGPT ads to roll out Monday across 31 markets including Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy. Free-tier users to see targeted placements, with paid tiers remaining ad-free.
Anthropic plans dual-class shares for founders ahead of potential IPO
AI startup Anthropic is preparing to issue supervoting stock to CEO Dario Amodei and co-founders as it gears up for a public listing, The Information reports. The unusual governance structure could support a record-breaking IPO.
Infleqtion to test quantum gravity tech in Colorado by 2027
Quantum sensing startup Infleqtion plans a 2027 field test in Colorado to demonstrate gravity gradiometry for mineral exploration, aligning with a U.S. bill to enhance critical minerals mapping.
Silo Pharma secures Canadian patent allowance for PTSD drug SPC-15
The allowance covers methods preventing stress-induced fear and depressive behavior via intranasal serotonin 4 receptor agonists. Silo holds exclusive global rights under a Columbia University license.
