It’s time to close this chapter and gear up for all the adventures that await us in 2025!
Let’s dive into some of the intriguing stories that unfolded in the startup ecosystem:
Clean Capital’s Integrity: More than 20 VC firms, particularly those focusing on defense tech, pledged their commitment to the Clean Capital Certification. Hey there, startup enthusiasts! Welcome back to another edition of Startups Weekly – your go-to source for the latest happenings in the startup world. Be sure to check out the impressive lineup and enjoy your well-deserved holiday season!
. This initiative ensures that they won’t accept funding from geopolitical adversaries such as China and Russia.
AI Hype and VC Funding: The ongoing hype surrounding AI is causing a shift in VC funding data, posing challenges for non-AI startups seeking funding for Series B rounds.
Groundbreaking Partnership: Nuclear startup Oklo, with backing from Sam Altman, struck a significant deal with data center operator Switch, pending approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Boosting AI Productivity: Grammarly made waves by acquiring startup Coda to expand its reach, with Coda’s CEO stepping into the role of Grammarly’s new CEO.
Turning to the funding landscape, here are some noteworthy rounds that took place:
Databricks’ Impressive Pre-IPO Round: Databricks secured a whopping $10 billion in funding, marking one of the largest VC rounds in history.
Africa’s Rising Unicorn: South African fintech Tyme Group raised an impressive $250 million in a Series D round.
Oura’s Success: Finnish startup Oura raised a substantial $200 million in a Series D round.
Hostaway’s Growth: Canadian startup Hostaway, specializing in vacation rental software, raised an impressive $365 million.
Evinced’s Expansion: Evinced raised $55 million in a Series C round to fuel its expansion into Europe.
Decart’s Rapid Funding: San Francisco-based AI startup Decart secured $32 million shortly after emerging from stealth mode.
Agave Games’ Triumph: Turkish startup Agave Games raised an impressive $18 million in a Series A round to fuel team expansion and develop new titles.
In the realm of VC and funds:
Merging Forces: Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners joined hands with Pendulum Opportunities to create MarcyPen Capital Partners.
Arlan Hamilton’s Transition: Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton is transitioning to an advisory role, with 360 Venture Collective investing in Backstage’s management entity.
G2 Venture Partners’ Eco-Focused Fund: G2 Venture Partners aims to raise $750 million for its third fund, focusing on climate and sustainability startups.
And last but not least, TechCrunch compiled a list of the 51 most disruptive startups of 2024. This past week was abuzz with exciting news, as we bid farewell to what can be considered the final “real” week of 2024 né?
