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Venture Capital News
Medium
6d
284
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Embedding Intelligence into Silicon
- Taalas is developing the world's first “hardcoded” AI chip, bypassing limitations of general-purpose processors and delivering faster, efficient, and sustainable AI computation.
- Taalas's chips embed the model's architecture and weights directly into the chip's circuitry, eliminating the need for repeated loading and executing through abstraction.
- The chips will be purpose-built for specific AI tasks, maximizing performance and reducing waste in ways that general-purpose designs cannot compete against.
- As compared to current methods, Taalas's chips result in a 1000x better efficiency. Their processors are tailored to specific use-case requirements, with pre-defined architectures optimized for particular AI tasks.
- While specific technical details remain sparse, Taalas mentions that their chips support fine-tuning, which suggests they include programmable elements or reconfigurable logic within the chip to enable such adaptability.
- Developing a custom processor can take years and hundreds of millions of dollars in development costs. Taalas plans to address this by creating a proprietary automated engineering workflow that they claim accelerates and reduces the cost of this process.
- The global Artificial Intelligence (AI) market, valued at approximately $515 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to over $2.7 trillion by 2032, with a CAGR of 20.4%. This growth is driven by increasing adoption across industries and the proliferation of data that enhances AI capabilities.
- Taalas operates in a competitive hardware landscape, with key rivals spanning several categories. They set themselves apart by targeting the inefficiencies of all these approaches and delivering purpose-built hardware that is more efficient than general-purpose or edge solutions.
- While significant questions remain about the viability and scalability of their approach, Taalas's vision of embedding AI models directly into silicon could transform how we think about AI deployment and scaling.
- The team's deep expertise in semiconductor design and AI hardware, combined with backing from industry legends like Pierre Lamond, suggests they have the technical and strategic capability to execute.
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Guardian
6d
57
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Nissan’s mooted merger with Honda may be best answer to industry’s EV problem
- Nissan is in talks with Honda for a possible merger or takeover.
- The merger could potentially create the world’s third largest car company.
- The move is driven by the need to compete with Chinese electric carmakers and to cut costs.
- The alliance between Nissan and Renault could pose challenges to the merger.
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Medium
6d
161
The Path to Exit: How Celsius Therapeutics got acquired by AbbVie
- Celsius Therapeutics was acquired by AbbVie for $250mn in June 2024
- Amplitude Ventures made an $83mn investment in the company's series B round in 2022
- Celsius had a large dataset from patients in the cancer and inflammatory bowel disease space
- Celsius was developing a TREM1 protein antibody that could reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease
- Amplitude backed Celsius due to the previous collaboration with the CSO on other Amplitude portfolio companies
- Celsius required a larger series C round but experienced a difficult time raising capital when the macroeconomic conditions had changed.
- Investors were retrenching and the company was running out of cash.
- A buyer emerged to purchase Celsius for less than its worth, but it decided to sell its TREM1 program to AbbVie instead for $250mn
- Celsius' board set up a transaction committee for a possible financing, partnership, or sale.
- Amplitude played a significant role in the transaction, bringing potential acquirers to the table.
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Medium
6d
53
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The Pre-Amp Fellowship in 2024
- The Pre-Amp Fellowship is an annual initiative designed to bring together young scientists from a diverse range of fields of study.
- The Fellowship is divided into three one-month cycles where participants are divided into groups, assigned a topic to focus on, and given the opportunity to work alongside early-stage portfolio companies.
- The program challenges scientists to think creatively, refine ideas, and think about commercial viability.
- An important aspect is to challenge feasibility from a business perspective, considering how widely applicable ideas are, how quickly they can come to fruition, and whether or not they have the potential to result in a meaningful multi-billion-dollar business.
- Since it was launched in 2021, 28 scientists have participated in the Pre-Amp Fellowship, and in many cases, it has helped pave the way to their first jobs and built long-term professional relationships.
- An in-person session is held each year that brings the entire group together for meetings, workshops, and fireside chats.
- Participants have the chance to drive strategic analyses, learn about the critical questions that arise, and establish strong working relationships.
- The program demands resilience and the ability to embrace failure as part of an iterative process.
- The organizers are already hard at work preparing for the 2025 Fellowship and encourage talented scientists to apply.
- Amplitude Ventures is the venture capital firm behind the initiative, investing in leading precision medicine companies using their unique growth model and evidence-based approach.
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Medium
6d
70
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Vertical Software: Think Small to Win Big
- Vertical Software, also known as vSaaS, is tailored software designed for specific industries or market segments.
- Vertical software focuses on specialized functionalities for sectors like healthcare, construction, or hospitality.
- Vertical SaaS is experiencing significant growth due to its ability to address specific industry needs.
- By mastering industry nuances, vSaaS companies can become indispensable within their sectors.
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VentureBeat
6d
223
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Vgames raises $142M for its third fund for gaming
- Vgames has raised $142m for its third gaming fund to support game studios across different stages to back founders as they grow.
- The fund is led by Eitan Reisel and Daniel Mironov, while previous funds amounted to $60m in 2020 and $141m in 2021.
- Vgames has invested in 38 companies globally, including 'gamification' deals, achieving exits in the billions of dollars.
- Notable investments include InnPlay Labs (acquired by Playtika for up to $300m), SuperPlay (acquired by Playtika for up to $1.95bn).
- Vgames is known for its close relationships with entrepreneurs and a specialised and hands-on team of Mironov, Reisel, David Digmi and Riki Papa Pnini.
- The fund invests across all stages of a company - from early days to A and growth rounds - and has recently led an undisclosed $50m round in one of its portfolio companies.
- Reisel expects AI to have a value in bringing down production costs but says he does not see it replacing game makers anytime soon.
- Although cross-platform games have arrived in a big way, the Virginia-based fund does not buy into blockchain games or the metaverse or AI trends.
- Vgames intends to keep the same investment rhythm and deploy capital quickly to grow its portfolio and support its existing portfolio.
- Vgames expects to hire its first investor outside of Israel in its goal to deploy if the firm finds suitable opportunities.
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13 Likes
Medium
6d
45
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AI-Powered Manufacturing Startup Tractian Secures $120M to Revolutionize Industrial Maintenance
- Tractian is an AI-powered predictive maintenance startup that aims to revolutionize industrial maintenance.
- The startup helps businesses reduce downtime, optimize processes, and save money by monitoring equipment performance in real time.
- Tractian has raised $120 million, contributing to the larger trend of venture capital flowing into AI startups.
- Predictive maintenance is transforming how factories operate, offering proactive insights to prevent breakdowns and improve efficiency.
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2 Likes
Medium
6d
314
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Reimagining Housing: A Perspective on 3D Printing in Construction
- As we invest in the future of 3D printing in construction, we must consider the gaps, risks, and what success looks like.
- Growth in this field depends on regulatory frameworks, scalable infrastructure, and consumer trust.
- Certifications like UL 3401 achieved by companies like Mighty Buildings pave the way for broader adoption.
- Addressing risks and realizing full potential in 3D printing in construction requires capital, partnership, mentorship, and advocacy.
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18 Likes
Saastr
6d
336
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5 Interesting Learnings from Databricks at $3 Billion in ARR
- Databricks is worth $62B, with $3B ARR, growing 60% and accelerating.
- It has 500 customers with over $1 million in annual revenue run-rate.
- Databricks will be cash-flow positive in 2025 and is raising $10 billion, partly for employee shares.
- Andreessen Horowitz, the first investor, may make $10 billion from the investment.
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Saastr
6d
173
Image Credit: Saastr
How to Think About Product-Led Growth, Bootstrapping vs VC, and Early Exits with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
- At SaaStr Annual, Jason Lemkin, SaaStr CEO and Founder took questions from founders on everything from product-led growth to knowing when to sell your company.
- Jason suggests looking at private equity rather than venture capital for companies with $35M ARR."
- "A lot of folks that have been around for a while don’t really believe there’s any such thing as product-led growth," Jason explains.
- Jason's take on scaling beyond founder-led sales motion is to do whatever you know and founder is good at as he/she can get better results there.
- If founder reaches product-market fit, "Word of mouth is ultimately the only way you can build a great product in SaaS," Jason emphasizes.
- Regarding the “build or buy” narrative, Jason believes it is often used as a bullying tactic.
- "It’s a false choice," Jason shares regarding the bootstrapping vs VC funding debate.
- Focus on building a product that customers love instead of chasing latest trends or funding strategies is the key takeaway from the AMA with Jason.
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10 Likes
Intelalley
6d
376
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Databricks Raises Largest Venture Round in History
- Data and AI company Databricks has announced its Series J funding, raising $10 billion of expected non-dilutive financing and completing $8.6 billion to date.
- The funding, led by Thrive Capital, values Databricks at $62 billion and includes participation from Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, GIC, and other investors.
- Databricks plans to use the funding for new AI products, acquisitions, and international expansion, as well as providing liquidity for employees.
- The company is expected to achieve positive free cash flow for the first time in the fourth quarter.
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VC Cafe
6d
37
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My 2025 VC Survey: A Recap and Some Predictions
- Israeli founders dealt with much more while scaling startups due to the war outbreak, yet successfully raised 35% more in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the equivalent period in 2023.
- The impact of new American leadership on the global high-tech industry remains to be seen. However, a supportive US administration can foster collaboration and open doors for Israeli entrepreneurs.
- Post-war, Israeli startups are expected to receive stronger international investor and corporate interest.
- Remagine Ventures is excited to partner with pre-seed startups that are working on industry-specific niches and adding automation to problems encountered by companies and consumers.
- According to Eze Vidra, AI, cybersecurity and climate tech present opportunities for Israeli startups in 2025.
- Founders choosing to start a company in the current market come with a resilient mindset, say investors.
- Providing strong investment in education and talent development initiatives, enhancing access to capital and fostering a supportive regulatory environment can accelerate the high-tech engine in Israel.
- Israel has one of the largest concentrations of AI talent per capita. The country will continue to play a prominent role in AI.
- Keewano, a co-pilot for product managers, providing real-time behavioral insights on mobile, is an example of an intriguing investment made in 2024.
- Aigency and Quiiiz are the two companies that are expected to thrive in 2025.
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Insider
6d
1.7k
Image Credit: Insider
Tiun gives media companies another way to monetize online content. It just raised $2.5 million with this pitch deck
- Zurich-based startup Tiun has raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding for its digital wallet, which allows users to pay only for the online media they consume.
- Tiun offers a pay-for-what-you-use model to reduce friction for media consumers and provide businesses with an alternative way to monetize their content.
- Users can create a free account and top up funds to purchase content across multiple media partners, eliminating the need for individual subscriptions.
- Tiun's funding round was led by Swiss VC firm Founderful, with additional funds coming from Blue Wire Capital and a16z scout Maximilian Lehmann.
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15 Likes
Saastr
6d
405
Image Credit: Saastr
Dear SaaStr: What is the Best Way to Deal With an “Unauthorized Signer” on a Contract?
- Dealing with an 'unauthorized signer' on a contract in SaaS sales can be tricky.
- While the contract might be enforceable, it may not be worth it to try and enforce it.
- Hiring a lawyer to enforce the contract can be costly, and outsourcing firms may not try hard enough.
- Instead, it is advisable to focus on better uses of time and cut off service for non-paying customers.
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24 Likes
Insider
6d
186
Image Credit: Insider
33 women in venture capital who made partner or higher at firms like Andreessen Horowitz and IVP in 2024
- More women in venture capital are becoming partners in 2024.
- In 2023, women made up 19% of investment partners at US funds, up from 16% in 2020.
- Firms like Andreessen Horowitz and IVP are promoting women to partner positions globally.
- Business Insider has recognized women who became partners or general partners.
- Cat McDonald is now a partner at AlbionVC.
- Grace Ge joined Amplify as a partner from Menlo Ventures.
- Jennifer Li was promoted to general partner by Andreessen Horowitz.
- Iulia Tudor was promoted to partner at UK-based firm Ascension.
- A number of women rose to the role of partner or general partner for the first time in 2024.
- This list celebrates those within established organizations and sets a precedent for the future.
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