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This week has been full of new releases, probably because it's also the last “real” week of 2024. Another way for us to say goodbye to you for now and see you again in 2025!
Most interesting startup stories of the week
This week brought us some mergers and acquisitions, but also some reminders that it's always worth taking a closer look at things, whether they're potential LPs or shiny announcements.
Own capital: More than 20 venture capital firms, many of which invest in defense technology, signed the Clean Capital Certificationthemselves attesting that they have not and will not accept money from US geopolitical adversaries such as China and Russia.
The deprived: AI hype distorts the big picture in venture capital. Digging deeper, the fundraising landscape is radically different for non-AI startupsand many of those who raised a Series A round 18 months ago are likely facing challenges raising Series B funds, Tribeca Venture Partners co-founder Brian Hirsch told TechCrunch.
Big problem with the warnings: The nuclear startup Oklo, supported by Sam Altman, signed a massive but non-binding agreement with data center operator Switch. The deal is also subject to the startup's approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after its previous application was denied in 2022.
AI Productivity: The grammar is acquisition of productivity startup Coda to broaden its reach. In an unusual move, Coda CEO and co-founder Shishir Mehrotra will become Grammarly's new CEO, replacing Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, who will serve in an advisory role.
Informed answers: Perplexity acquired Carbona Seattle-based startup that connects LLMs to external data before they generate a response. This could help Perplexity leverage “internal databases, cloud storage, or document repositories,” the company said.
The most interesting fundraisers this week
As startups rushed to disclose their latest fundraising news ahead of the holidays, there were plenty of deal announcements this week.
Gigantic pre-IPO funding round: Data bricks raised $10 billion in one of the largest funding rounds in venture capital history. The gigantic Series J could be its last fundraising before its highly anticipated IPO; but even if its CEO does not exclude it for 2025, it could or also in 2026he said.
The last unicorn of Africa: South African fintech Tyme Group has been raised a $250 million Series D round. Led by Nu Holdings, the parent company of Latin American fintech Nubank, it puts Tyme's valuation at $1.5 billion.
Ring manufacturer: Finnish wearable startup Oura has been formed a $200 million Series D round at a valuation of $5.2 billion. It included participation from Fidelity Management and glucose device maker Dexcom, with which Oura recently entered into a partnership.
The journey is back: Canadian travel startup Hostaway, which makes software for vacation rental operators, raised $365 million at a valuation of $925 million. The round was led by General Atlantic and will help the company double its growth.
Dynamism in favor of accessibility: Evinced, which helps businesses comply with online accessibility requirements, raised a $55 million Series C round expand in Europe, where new regulations will come into force in June.
Fast financing: AI startup Decart, based in San Francisco but with operations in Israel, obtained $32 million in new financing at a valuation of $500 million, just two months after coming out of stealth.
Find the money: Agave Games, the Turkish startup behind the highly entertaining mobile game Find the Cat, raised an $18 million Series A funding round he will take the opportunity to build his team and work on future titles.
Most interesting venture capital and fund news this week
Pendulum swing: Marcy Venture Partners, Jay-Z's venture capital firm, has merged with Pendulum Opportunities to form MarcyPen Capital Partnerswhich now manages $900 million in assets.
Behind the scenes: Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton announced that she move towards an advisory role; 360 Venture Collective will “acquire a significant stake in Backstage’s management entity” and join in operator co-management and provide capital to the company, which had previously faced criticism. and struggles.
Vote of confidence: G2 Venture Partners, a spin-out from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers that invests in climate and sustainability-related startups, raises $750 million for a third fund this would confirm LP's optimism for his thesis.
Last but not least
We leave you a list of the 51 most disruptive startups of 2024 — a collective effort with contributions from several members of the TechCrunch team. Go read it, and have a good vacation!
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