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- Startup Researcher - North America and Israel: Week 45, 2024
Startup Researcher - North America and Israel: Week 45, 2024
November 4th - November 10th
Hello there,
Welcome to another edition of ๐ Startup Researcher - North America and Israel, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region ๐๏ธ
If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.
Let's delve into the core sections of our weekly newsletter:
๐ฐ Important News
๐ธ Top Funding Rounds
๐ฐ๏ธ Notable Exits
๐ฆ About Investors
๐๏ธ Curated Lists
๐ Deep Dive Bites
๐๏ธ Expert Insights
๐ค Diversity Spotlight
๐ Startup Of the Week
๐ผ Investor of the Week
๐ค Opportunity Radar
๐ฐ Important News
OpenAI has acquired the domain Chat.com, which now redirects to its ChatGPT platform for over $15 million.
Lyft has partnered with Israeli companies Mobileye and Nexar to bring autonomous vehicle technology to scale.
Anthropic has partnered with Palantir and AWS to offer its Claude AI models to defense clients mainly U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.
Canada has ordered TikTok to shut down its offices due to national security concerns but the app remains available to users and businesses.
Mozilla Foundation has laid off 30% of its staff to focus more on agility and a unified narrative amid a rapidly changing tech landscape.
๐ธ Top Funding Rounds
Robotics startup Physical Intelligence raised $400 million at a $2 billion valuation from investors like Jeff Bezos, Lux Capital, and OpenAI.
Precision Neuroscience raised $93 million in funding as it develops a non-invasive brain implant designed to enhance neural signal detection.
Vitrian has closed a $50 million investment into AmplifyBioโs Manufacturing Enablement Center in Ohio, marking the start of a strategic partnership.
Inquis Medical raised $40 million in a Series B round led by Marshall Wace to advance its next-generation thrombectomy technology.
PrognomiQ raised $34 million in Series D funding led by Seer Inc. to advance its multi-omics platform for early detection of lung cancer.
๐ฐ๏ธ Notable Exits
Avid Bioservices has agreed to be acquired by GHO Capital Partners and Ampersand Capital Partners for $1.1 billion at $12.50 per share.
CrowdStrike is acquiring Israeli cybersecurity startup Adaptive Shield for approximately $300 million.
Yelp acquired car repair estimate website RepairPal for $80 million to expand its services offerings, particularly in the U.S. auto services sector.
Serve Robotics agreed to acquire Vebu, maker of the Autocado avocado-processing robot, to expand automation offerings for the restaurant industry.
Toronto-based Manzil acquired U.S. FinTech firm Aghaz Investments to expand its Halal-certified financial services in the United States.
๐ฆ About Investors
Coatue Management is raising $1 billion to invest in AI-focused companies, continuing its strategy of backing tech startups.
The Israel Secondary Fund has expanded its third fund to $350 million to acquire shares from existing stakeholders in Israeli high-tech companies.
Calgary-based Longbow Capital secured an initial $150 million for its second Energy Transition Fund, targeting a $250 million close.
Exit North Ventures, a new Toronto-based FinTech VC firm is raising a $20 million fund to support early-stage Canadian FinTech startups.
Third Point Ventures has appointed Adiel Gopas to its Israel investment team to drive growth and support the Israeli tech ecosystem.
๐๏ธ Curated Lists
Discover the dynamic venture capital ecosystem fueling Arizonaโs innovation across tech, healthcare, and emerging industries. From Bay Wharf Capitalโs tech investments to Research Corporation Technologiesโ healthcare breakthroughs, these Arizona-based VCs are backing transformative startups and fostering growth in Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond. Check out the full list to uncover the leading VC firms driving entrepreneurial success and advancing Arizonaโs national presence in venture capital.
๐ Startup Of the Week
Introducing our Startup of the Week ๐
Physical Intelligence
Physical Intelligence, a San Francisco-based startup focused on developing a "generalist brain" for robots, raised $400 million at a $2 billion valuation in a round led by Jeff Bezos, Lux Capital, and Thrive Capital, with participation from OpenAI, Redpoint Ventures, and Bond. Co-founded by CEO Karol Hausman, the company aims to create universal AI software that can power various robot models without custom operating systems. This funding reflects growing investor interest in AI-driven robotics, with similar high-profile investments made in companies like Figure and Skild AI, both backed by Bezos and others this year.
๐ผ Investor of the Week
Introducing our Investor of the Week ๐
Coatue Management
Coatue Management, led by founder Philippe Laffont, is raising $1 billion to invest in AI-focused companies, marking a renewed focus on the sector. Known for its significant tech investments, Coatue has adjusted its approach post-pandemic, with a slower pace of startup fundingโbacking only around 30 companies in 2023 compared to over 170 in 2021. The new funding will largely come from institutional investors, although high-net-worth individuals with Raymond James & Associates can also participate. Recent AI investments include companies like Glean, Scale AI, and Skild AI, which are advancing in AI-driven solutions and robotics.
๐ค Opportunity Radar
Apply to the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator by Nov 20th, 2024, to elevate your startup from anywhere in the world. This innovative remote-first program, designed for companies across various industries, offers access to top-tier mentorship, funding of up to $120,000, and a worldwide network of investors. With three in-person meetups throughout the Americas, you'll gain valuable insights and connections to help you succeed. The accelerator kicks off on Mar 10th, 2025, and culminates in a Demo Day on Jun 5th, 2025. Donโt miss this opportunity to join a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and accelerate your business journey.
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If you're interested in staying updated on the latest trends, startups, and investments in other regions, don't miss out on:
๐ Startup Researcher - Africa: Delve into Africa's thriving ecosystem, uncovering cutting-edge trends, emerging startups, and investment opportunities.
๐๏ธ Startup Researcher - Asia Pacific: Discover the latest innovations and startups in the Asia Pacific region, covering key markets, investment movements, and emerging tech hubs.
๐ Startup Researcher - Europe: Stay updated on Europe's innovation scene, featuring insights into groundbreaking startups, investment trends, and entrepreneurial developments.
๐๏ธ Startup Researcher - Latin America: Keep track of Latin America's fast-growing startups, investment trends, and disruptive technologies driving economic growth.
๐ Startup Researcher - Middle East: Explore the dynamic landscape of the Middle East, with comprehensive coverage of startups, entrepreneurial endeavors, and venture capital trends.
Additionally, stay connected with us on LinkedIn for more insights and updates ๐
Looking forward to staying connected and bringing you more exciting content next time!