Hello there,

Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - North America and Israel, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌎️

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:

• 📰 Important News

• 💸 Top Funding Rounds

• 💰️ Notable Exits

• 🏦 About Investors

• 📋️ Curated Lists

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🎙️ Expert Insights

• 🤝 Diversity Spotlight

• 🚀 Startup Of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 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.

💸 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 AmplifyBio’s 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.

💰️ 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.

🏦 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.

📋️ Curated Lists

Discover the dynamic venture capital ecosystem fueling Arizona’s innovation across tech, healthcare, and emerging industries. From Bay Wharf Capital’s tech investments to Research Corporation Technologies’ 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 Arizona’s national presence in venture capital.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

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.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

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 funding—backing 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.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

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. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and accelerate your business journey.