Shows
EquityStrictlyVC Download: Why Eric Slesinger, a former CIA officer, is now funding European defense techToday, we're bringing you an episode of our sister podcast, StrictlyVC Download.
StrictlyVC's Alex Gove caught up with Eric Slesinger from 201 Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on seed-stage defense tech startups in Europe. They discuss Eric's journey from CIA to investor and how he recognized the untapped potential in European defense tech while others were dismissive, and how he's working to overcome the cultural taboo that once made defense investments "bad manners" in European VC circles.
Equity will be back on Friday with our weekly news roundup, so stay tuned!
Equity is...
2025-05-0730 min
StrictlyVC NewsLax AI rules, an Instagram workaround, and a buzzy automation startup sees customers opt out This collection of excerpts from a tech newsletter, StrictlyVC, provides a snapshot of recent happenings in the venture capital and technology landscape. It covers significant events like Meta's unsuccessful bid to acquire AI chip startup FuriosaAI and Meta's potential ad-free subscription model for Instagram in Europe. The newsletter also highlights the troubles at AI sales automation startup 11x, which is facing customer attrition and potential legal issues despite substantial funding. Furthermore, the report details numerous funding rounds for various startups across different sectors, along with information on new venture funds, acquisitions, and key personnel changes within prominent tech companies.
2025-03-2619 minStrictlyVC NewsApple's orders, Ribbit's millions, and Bluesky half-jokingly becomes a T-shirt purveyorThis edition of the StrictlyVC newsletter provides a concise overview of significant developments in the technology and venture capital landscape. Key themes include increased regulatory scrutiny of major tech companies (specifically Apple), substantial investments in AI infrastructure and startups, a flurry of funding rounds across various sectors, venture capital fund activity, notable exits and potential IPOs, and interesting personnel and industry news.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. Regulatory Pressure on Big Tech:The European Union antitrust regulators have mandated that Apple take specific actions to open its ecosystem to competitors in the smartphone...
2025-03-2024 minStrictlyVC NewsAI Agents, Klarna Filing, and Foxconn FrustrationThis edition of the StrictlyVC newsletter covers a range of topics within the technology and venture capital landscape, including the ambiguity surrounding "AI agents," significant funding rounds, Klarna's long-awaited IPO filing, growing frustrations at Foxconn due to Trump-era tariffs, and other notable news items.1. The Ambiguity of "AI Agents": A Central Point of ConfusionA significant portion of the newsletter focuses on the widespread use and lack of clear definition of the term "AI agent." While tech leaders from major companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Salesforce are bullish on the potential of AI agents to...
2025-03-1517 minStrictlyVC NewsStrictlyVC News: X Down, Meta Book, OpenAI DealElon Musk attributed the X outage to a "massive cyberattack," suggesting it was potentially the work of a large, coordinated group or even a country. He claimed this external malicious activity was the reason for the platform being unavailable to many users.President Trump stated that the U.S. is engaged in discussions with four different groups regarding a possible sale of TikTok. This suggests ongoing negotiations and potential changes in the ownership structure of the popular social media platform within the United States.Tesla's stock experienced a significant drop of 15% on the reported day, marking its worst single day...
2025-03-1312 minStrictlyVC NewsStrictlyVC News: Meta AI Chips, Tesla Warning, YC Funding Shift. The Impact of AI on Startup Funding:Y Combinator Founders Raising Less: A notable trend is emerging where some Y Combinator founders are intentionally seeking less venture capital funding. This is attributed to the rise of AI, which enables startups to achieve significant revenue with leaner teams and lower overhead.Investor Terrence Rohan from Otherwise Fund notes a "vibe shift" among founders, stating one felt, “People used to climb Everest and they needed oxygen. Today, people climb it without oxygen. I want to summit Everest and use as little oxygen (VC) as possible.”This isn't necessarily due to a la...
2025-03-1326 minStrictlyVC NewsMeta mulls a move to Texas, Sam Altman says OpenAI is on “the wrong side of history,” and crazy Super Bowl betsBriefing Document: StrictlyVC Newsletter - January 31, 2025
Overall Theme: The newsletter provides a snapshot of the fast-evolving tech landscape, focusing heavily on AI advancements, funding activity, and some notable shifts in the industry. The tone is informal, but the content is packed with significant developments and emerging trends.
I. Key Themes and Developments:
AI Model Competition Intensifies:
DeepSeek's Rise: DeepSeek is presented as a major disruptive force in the AI space, challenging the dominance of OpenAI with its more cost-effective and efficient models. Anjney Midha, a Mistral board member and a16z VC, acknowledges DeepSeek's...
2025-02-0111 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI aims high, Mark Zuckerberg longs for an “OG Facebook,” and an Albert Einstein candid for the ages🚀 OpenAI's valuation skyrockets, Zuckerberg longs for old-school Facebook, and a rare candid shot of Einstein emerges. A wild week in tech! 🧵👇
1️⃣ OpenAI is reportedly raising $40B at a jaw-dropping $340B valuation—more than double its last round in October! SoftBank is rumored to be leading the charge. 💰🤖
2️⃣ Mark Zuckerberg says he misses the "OG Facebook"—the days before ads and influencers. A sign of nostalgia or a hint at a major shift? 👀📱
3️⃣ An unseen candid photo of Albert Einstein surfaces, capturing the genius in a rare, unfiltered moment. History meets science. 🧠📸
4️⃣ Nucleus Genomics raises $14M Series A, aiming t...
2025-01-3111 minStrictlyVC NewsHelion, a 12-year-old company based in EverettHelion, a 12-year-old company based in Everett, WA, that is developing a fusion energy generator designed to produce electricity through nuclear fusion, raised a $425 million Series F round at a $5.2 billion valuation. Investors included Lightspeed Venture Partners, SoftBank, and an unnamed university endowment as well as previous investors Sam Altman, Capricorn Investment Group, Mithril Capital, Dustin Moskovitz, and Nucor. TechCrunch has more here.
2025-01-3000 minStrictlyVC NewsSkild AI is developing an advanced foundation model to enable robot agility and safety.Skild AI, a two-year-old startup based in Pittsburgh, PA, that is developing a scalable foundation model for robotics, aiming to create a general-purpose "brain" that enables robots to perform tasks with agility, dexterity, and safety in human interactions, is reportedly negotiating with SoftBank over a $500 million investment at a $4 billion valuation, a steep increase from the $1.5 billion valuation it secured last July. Previous investors include Jeff Bezos, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Coatue Management. Bloomberg and The Financial Times broke the story. TechCrunch has more here.
2025-01-3000 minStrictlyVC NewsAtomicwork builds AI-driven software to enhance IT service management.Atomicwork, a three-year-old San Francisco startup that develops AI-powered software to help companies manage their IT services and improve employee support, raised a $25 million Series A round at a $150 million post-money valuation, according to Reuters. The deal was co-led by Khosla Ventures and Z47, with Battery Ventures, Blume Ventures, and Peak XV Partners also investing. Reuters has more here.
2025-01-3000 minStrictlyVC NewsOligo Security, a Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity startup, raised $50M to enhance real-time application monitoring for security threats.Oligo Security, a three-year-old Tel Aviv startup that develops software that monitors applications in real-time to identify and prevent security threats, raised a $50 million Series B round led by Greenfield Partners, with Red Dot Capital Partners and Strait Capital as well as previous investors Ballistic Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and TLV Partners also participating. The company has raised a total of $80 million. SecurityWeek has more here.
2025-01-3000 minStrictlyVC NewsAlibaba claims its AI is even better than DeepSeek, Elon Musk is living at DOGE HQ, and “weirdo” men’s fashionOkay, here's a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided email newsletter:
Briefing Document: StrictlyVC - January 30, 2025
Overview: This edition of StrictlyVC covers a wide range of topics in the tech and business world, including AI advancements, funding rounds for startups, controversies surrounding tech companies, and notable activities by tech figures like Elon Musk.
Key Themes and Ideas:
AI Advancements and Competition:
Alibaba Claims AI Superiority: Alibaba is asserting that its new Large Language Model (LLM) surpasses those of DeepSeek, OpenAI's GPT-4o, and Meta's Llama-3.1-405...
2025-01-3016 minStrictlyVC NewsAn AI startup founder gets arrested, DeepSeek causes a buying frenzy in China, and is it garbage or Van Gogh?Okay, here's a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided email:
Briefing Document: AI, Funding Frenzy, and Geopolitical Tensions
Date: October 27, 2023 (Based on the "Wed, Jan 29, 2025" date in the email, assuming a future perspective is intended, but using today's date for a realistic context).
Subject: Review of Key Developments in Technology, Finance, and Geopolitics
Overview: This document provides an overview of the key themes and events highlighted in the provided email. The primary focus is on the rapid advancements in AI, particularly the rise of DeepSeek...
2025-01-2913 minStrictlyVC NewsDeepSeek's Sputnik Moment and the AI Market CrashOkay, here's a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided source:
Briefing Document: Analysis of "DeepSeek’s “Sputnik moment,” Nvidia’s CEO loses a bundle, and the worst page on the internet"
Date: October 26, 2024
Subject: Rapid Shifts in AI Landscape & Significant Funding Trends
Executive Summary:
This document analyzes a news briefing covering a major upset in the AI landscape with the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, and its impact on the market. The briefing also highlights significant funding rounds across various sectors and other no...
2025-01-2816 minStrictlyVC NewsStressed-out researchers, Andreessen Horowitz's reversal, and why Finns are so happyOkay, here's a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided StrictlyVC newsletter:
Briefing Document: StrictlyVC Newsletter - January 24, 2025
Overview:
This edition of the StrictlyVC newsletter provides a snapshot of the current state of the tech and venture capital landscape. Key themes include the intense pressure on AI researchers, significant funding activity across various sectors, the fluctuating stances of venture capital firms, and notable shifts in the political and corporate tech environment.
Main Themes and Key Ideas:
The Stressful Reality of AI Research:
High Pressure Environment...
2025-01-2821 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI unleashes a new AI agent, a kidnapped crypto entrepreneur is rescued, and Bryan Johnson gets icky again•New AI Paradigms: Current AI, like LLMs, may be short-lived (3-5 years). Meta's Yann LeCun predicts a "new paradigm of AI architectures" will emerge1. This will address the limitations of existing AI systems like a lack of real-world understanding, memory, reasoning, and planning abilities1.•Robotics Integration: AI and robotics are expected to converge, with LeCun forecasting a "decade of robotics"1.•AI Agents: OpenAI's Operator AI, which can interact with web pages, signals a shift towards more autonomous AI agents2.•Large-Scale Investment: Massive investments in AI infrastructure are occurring, such as the $19 billion commitment from OpenAI and SoftBank for the Stargate...
2025-01-2411 minStrictlyVC NewsElon casts shade on Project Stargate, Marc Benioff mocks Microsoft’s deal with OpenAI, and New Balance dress shoes
What claim did Elon Musk make about the recent $500 billion investment in AI data centers?
What is the class action lawsuit against LinkedIn alleging?
Why might some shareholders of Divvy Homes not receive any payout from its $1 billion acquisition?
What is Anthropic, and who recently invested a large sum of money in the company?
What does the company Eleos use AI to do?
What is Vertice, and what is its stated goal?
What is the goal of the startup Addis Energy, and how much pre-seed funding did they recently raise?
What is the stated mission of the...
2025-01-2317 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI's subscriptions are costing it a fortune, the latest at CES, and the agony of texting with menBriefing Doc: AI, Funding, and Tech Trends
Source: StrictlyVC Newsletter
Main Themes:
AI Development and Costs: OpenAI's ChatGPT pro plan is facing financial challenges, while Google is heavily investing in AI that simulates the physical world.
Funding Landscape: The newsletter covers major funding rounds across various sectors, from biotech to construction tech, indicating a healthy but evolving investment landscape.
Tech Market Trends: IPOs are anticipated to make a comeback, and the Chinese startup market is experiencing difficulties. X (formerly Twitter) is facing competition, and Elon Musk is facing criticism for his influence on European...
2025-01-0914 minStrictlyVC NewsMeta tries to slow OpenAI's roll, Claude is one hot tamale, and a gift your therapist will definitely find passive aggressiveStrictlyVC Download Briefing - December 14, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Industry Battles: The newsletter highlights the intensifying competition in the AI industry, with Meta challenging OpenAI's move to for-profit status and OpenAI battling accusations of copyright infringement leading to a tragic outcome.
Events-Betting Market Controversies: The fierce rivalry in the emerging events-betting market is explored, revealing unethical tactics employed by competing companies Kalshi and Polymarket.
Significant Funding Rounds: The newsletter tracks numerous large funding rounds, showcasing the continued influx of capital into AI, fintech, and other sectors.
OpenAI in the Spotlight: OpenAI is heavily featured, covering topics ranging...
2024-12-2910 minStrictlyVC NewsAmazon pays Trump his due, ServiceTitan’s IPO shoots the moon, and screen time takes over completelyStrictlyVC Briefing Doc - December 13, 2024
Top News:
Amazon Donates to Trump Inauguration: Amazon donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ahead of Jeff Bezos' visit to Mar-a-Lago. This follows Meta's identical donation, raising questions about competitive philanthropy.
Texas Investigates Tech Platforms for Minor Safety: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched investigations into over a dozen tech platforms, including Character.AI, Reddit, Instagram, Meta, and Discord, over concerns about privacy and safety practices for minors.
Founder Frustrations with Carta:
Startup founders are expressing frustration with Carta's subscription cancellation process, claiming it's deliberately difficult.
"I’m sp...
2024-12-2919 minStrictlyVC NewsDavid Sacks is Trump’s new crypto czar, Google can now identify your emotions, and apps to mend your broken heartMain Themes:
AI advancements and concerns: Google's new AI model, PaliGemma 2, raises ethical concerns about emotion detection capabilities while xAI secures massive funding, highlighting the increasing investment and competition in the AI field.
Crypto landscape shifts: David Sacks' appointment as the White House "AI & Crypto Czar" signals the incoming administration's focus on these emerging technologies, while Dubai emerges as a hub for crypto scams and Zopa postpones its IPO amidst market uncertainties.
Funding trends: The newsletter highlights a range of funding activities, from massive rounds for AI and robotics companies to smaller seed investments for diverse startups. It...
2024-12-0615 minStrictlyVC NewsBitcoin crosses $100K, Sam Altman says he isn’t worried about Elon Musk, and Italy hates those Airbnb key boxesStrictlyVC Briefing Doc - December 5, 2024
Main Themes:
AI advancements and impact: This issue highlights the rapid progress in AI, particularly with Google DeepMind's weather forecasting model and the rise of "digital labor" through AI agents like Salesforce's Agentforce.
Funding Landscape: A diverse range of startups secured funding, showcasing investor confidence across sectors like biotech, climate tech, and fintech. Notably, secondary share sales are gaining traction, evidenced by Veeam's successful transaction.
Evolving Venture Ecosystem: The transformation of 1863 Ventures into New Majority Ventures signals a shift in venture capital models towards more inclusive and mission-driven approaches.
Tech Leader...
2024-12-0517 minStrictlyVC NewsAmazon takes on Nvidia, ServiceTitan’s IPO gets weirder, and one-bite plates are the ultimate flexTech and Venture Capital News - December 4, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Advancements and Concerns: This briefing highlights the ongoing rise of AI across various sectors, showcasing both its potential and the ethical dilemmas it presents.
Venture Capital Landscape: The document provides an overview of recent funding rounds, new funds, and notable exits within the venture capital ecosystem.
Tech Industry Developments: Key developments within the tech industry are covered, including regulatory proposals, cybersecurity threats, and innovative energy solutions.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
AI:
Amazon challenges Nvidia: Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to launch a...
2024-12-0409 minStrictlyVC NewsA Delaware judge nixes Elon Musk’s pay package, ChatGPT hates David Mayer, and porch pirate insurance is a thingStrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - December 3, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Developments: This issue highlights both the advancements and growing pains of the AI industry. OpenAI's ChatGPT encounters issues with specific names, possibly due to digital privacy requests, while World Labs develops an AI system for 3D scene generation. Tenstorrent raises significant funding for its AI-enhancing processors.
Funding Landscape: Venture capital remains active with significant rounds raised across various sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, and real estate tech.
Elon Musk's Influence: Musk's actions and relationships continue to generate news, from his rejected Tesla pay package to concerns about his ties...
2024-12-0318 minStrictlyVC NewsPony AI pops on Nasdaq debut, xAI plans a consumer app, and a VC giant faces "shrinking options" in ChinaStrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - November 27, 2024
Top Themes:
AI advancements and investments: This issue highlights significant activity in the AI sector, including massive funding rounds, the launch of new AI applications, and concerns about data privacy and copyright.
Challenges in the Chinese tech market: The newsletter points to difficulties faced by investors like HongShan (spun out of Sequoia) in deploying capital in China.
Shifting tides in the autonomous driving landscape: The newsletter covers Pony.AI’s successful Nasdaq debut and the ongoing saga of TuSimple, highlighting challenges and investor concerns in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Key Hi...
2024-11-2811 minStrictlyVC NewsTech Industry Briefing: November 25, 2024Tech Industry Briefing: November 25, 2024
Bluesky Faces EU Scrutiny: Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, is under investigation for allegedly violating EU regulations. The details of the inquiry remain unclear, but this could have significant implications for its operations in Europe.
Microsoft Outage: Microsoft experienced a major outage, disrupting services and raising concerns about the reliability of critical cloud infrastructure.
AI's Job Market Impact: The rapid expansion of AI technologies is reshaping industries, leaving coding boot camp graduates struggling to secure employment.
Environmental Concerns with Tesla: Elon Musk's environmental record is under fire, with critics highlighting Tesla’s unresolved vi...
2024-11-2603 minStrictlyVC NewsStrawberry turkeys, suitcases for skateboarders, and why shares in a Texas land company are soaringBriefing Doc: November 25, 2024
Main Themes:
Tech Industry News: Bluesky faces EU scrutiny, Microsoft experiences outage, AI's impact on job market, Elon Musk's environmental record questioned.
Venture Capital & Startups: Fundraising activity remains strong despite economic challenges, optimism for increased dealmaking in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence: AI applications expand in cybersecurity, healthcare, and gaming. Concerns arise regarding AI's impact on job market and ethical implications.
Real Estate & Infrastructure: Demand for AI data centers drives up stock value of Texas land company.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
Marc Lore on Leadership: The serial entrepreneur emphasizes the importance of constantly refining...
2024-11-2615 minStrictlyVC NewsMatX: Series A - $80 million (AI chips)StrictlyVC Briefing - November 22, 2024
Key Themes:
AI Investment Surge: This issue highlights significant investment activity in the AI space, from Amazon's increased stake in Anthropic to the emergence of new AI-focused funds. This points to continued confidence in the transformative potential of AI across various sectors.
Competition & Duplication in the Startup Ecosystem: The analysis of Y Combinator investments reveals a trend of backing similar startups, raising questions about the emphasis on unique ideas versus execution and market fit.
Concerns Over AI Ethics & Governance: Reid Hoffman's criticism of Elon Musk's involvement in both AI companies and government...
2024-11-2300 minStrictlyVC NewsAmazon doubles down on Anthropic, Reid Hoffman sounds the alarm, and more Americans look for secondary passportsAmazon doubles down on Anthropic, Reid Hoffman sounds the alarm, and more Americans look for secondary passportsNovember 22, 2024
Key Themes:
AI Investment Surge: This issue highlights significant investment activity in the AI space, from Amazon's increased stake in Anthropic to the emergence of new AI-focused funds. This points to continued confidence in the transformative potential of AI across various sectors.
Competition & Duplication in the Startup Ecosystem: The analysis of Y Combinator investments reveals a trend of backing similar startups, raising questions about the emphasis on unique ideas versus execution and market fit.
Concerns Over AI Ethics & Governance...
2024-11-2312 minStrictlyVC NewsxAI closes a monster round, Sam Altman gets a raise, and PDF to Brainrot could be your kid’s latest study hackAI, Tech, and Venture Capital News (November 21, 2024)
Main Themes:
AI Advancements: The emergence of powerful reasoning AI models like DeepSeek-R1, rivaling OpenAI's o1, signifies a leap in AI capabilities. These models showcase enhanced reasoning and problem-solving skills, potentially revolutionizing various sectors.
Significant Funding Rounds: The tech and AI industry continues to attract substantial investments, with companies like xAI, Cyera, and Odoo securing massive funding rounds. This highlights the strong investor confidence in these sectors' growth potential.
Regulatory Scrutiny: The DOJ's call to break up Google reflects ongoing regulatory scrutiny of tech giants and their market dominance...
2024-11-2111 minStrictlyVC NewsBluesky balloons, Bling's bling, and a VC firm is suing to keep its portfolio company from going publicStrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - November 20, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Investment and Controversy: AI continues to attract significant investment, particularly in data centers, robotics, and even law enforcement tools. However, concerns about AI's use in policing and potential biases are raising questions about ethical implications and accountability.
Tech Funding Landscape: Venture capital remains active, with several large funding rounds closing, particularly in AI-related companies. The newsletter highlights both successful startups and emerging trends like API management and online healthcare.
Market Volatility and IPO Challenges: While some companies like Databricks are exploring secondary share sales to provide liquidity to...
2024-11-2013 minStrictlyVC NewsThe DOJ wants Google to divest Chrome, VC returns plummet, and what parents of sons should know 🧠Tech & Venture Capital News - November 19, 2024
Main Themes:
Regulatory Pressure on Tech Giants: The DOJ is considering forcing Google to sell Chrome to break up its search monopoly. This highlights the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech's market power.
AI's Growing Influence: From AI-powered search engines with shopping features to AI agents optimizing factory energy consumption, AI's applications continue to expand rapidly, attracting significant investment and raising concerns about its ethical implications.
Venture Capital Landscape: Despite AI advancements, VC returns are at their lowest since 2011. Meanwhile, new funds are emerging focused on healthcare and seed-stage startups, while...
2024-11-1912 minStrictlyVC NewsMajor Startup Funding Updates – Databricks, Synthesia, Tessl & More
StrictlyVC News:Your go-to source for the latest in venture capital and startup funding updates.
Massive Fundings:
Databricks: San Francisco-based cloud data platform Databricks is negotiating a $1 billion tender offer at a $55 billion valuation, led by Thrive Capital.
Synthesia: London-based AI video creator Synthesia raises $150 million at a $2.1 billion valuation, doubling its valuation from 17 months ago, led by NEA.
Tessl: AI-driven code platform Tessl raises a $100 million Series A led by Index Ventures.
Big-But-Not-Crazy-Big Fundings:
Affiniti: NYC startup offering customized credit card programs raised $11 million in seed funding.
Arbolus: London...
2024-11-1503 minStrictlyVC NewsFamily offices flock to secondaries, a Bitcoin thief receives a five-year-sentence, and a fried chicken Thanksgiving? StrictlyVC Briefing Doc - November 15, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Dominance: AI continues to be a major force in funding, acquisitions, and legal battles.
Secondary Market Growth: Family offices are increasingly looking towards secondary deals for investment opportunities.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Tech giants face increasing scrutiny from regulators, with the EU and FTC launching investigations into Meta and Microsoft respectively.
Key Highlights:
Legal Battles & Acquisitions:
Musk vs. OpenAI: Elon Musk's amended lawsuit against OpenAI now includes Microsoft as a defendant, alleging anti-competitive practices and a "de facto merger" between OpenAI and Microsoft. The suit claims...
2024-11-1523 minStrictlyVC NewsBig Moves, New Trends, and Notable Exits - Your Weekly Insight into the World of Startups and InvestmentWelcome to VC News Update! I'm Keli, bringing you the latest insights on funding rounds, trends, and exciting developments in the world of venture capital. Let’s dive right in.
First up, let’s talk about this week's big movers. We’re seeing major activity in the tech and healthcare sectors!
Zero Gravity Labs
Starting with Zero Gravity Labs, based in San Francisco, which just closed a whopping $40 million Series B round led by TechCrunch Ventures. Zero Gravity Labs is transforming AI infrastructure by creating a decentralized operating system for artificial intelligence. This fundin...
2024-11-1402 minStrictlyVC NewsA surprise turn for a prediction market, the long visits of _Uncle Elon,_ and Mark Zuckerberg drops a singleBriefing Doc: November 13, 2024
Main Themes:
Regulatory scrutiny intensifies in the tech sector: Polymarket faces investigation, Meta battles antitrust charges, and OpenAI's growth faces headwinds.
Generative AI continues to attract investment and innovation: Odyssey raises funds for its real-world data capture system, while DeepMind open-sources AlphaFold 3 for drug discovery.
Venture capital remains active despite economic concerns: Large funding rounds for AI, biotech, and defense startups signal continued investor confidence.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
Polymarket under investigation: The FBI seized the phone of Polymarket's CEO amidst allegations of accepting bets from U.S. citizens, potentially violating...
2024-11-1412 minStrictlyVC NewsGhost, a three-year-old Los Angeles startup
Ghost, a three-year-old Los Angeles startup that operates a B2B marketplace for retail inventory, connecting retailers with suppliers to streamline the procurement process and optimize inventory management, raised a $40 million Series C round led by L Catterton and including USV, Cathay Innovation, Equal Ventures, and Eniac Ventures. More here.
2024-11-1200 minStrictlyVC NewsWhy You’re Missing Out on Equity: Stop Settling for Just a Paycheck and Start Building WealthWhy You’re Missing Out on Equity: Stop Settling for Just a Paycheck and Start Building Wealth
Are you putting in long hours, solving big problems, and giving your all at work—yet missing out on equity? In 2024, the true value of your job isn’t just your paycheck—it’s your ownership stake in the company. Here’s why you’re losing out on wealth if you’re not negotiating for equity, and how you can start finding roles that actually reward your hard work.
1. Equity Is the Key to Real WealthMost people look at t...
2024-11-1204 minStrictlyVC NewsTesla hits the $1 trillion mark, Ben Horowitz cozies up to Las Vegas’ finest, and please do not be a Burning MansplainerStrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - November 8, 2024
Main Themes:
Tech Industry News: This newsletter provides updates on major players in the tech industry, including Tesla reaching a $1 trillion market cap, OpenAI losing another lead safety researcher, and a bidding war erupting over AI coding tool Cursor.
Venture Capital Activity: The newsletter highlights significant funding rounds, including Upwind's potential $100 million Series B and Conflixis securing $4.2 million in seed funding.
Ben Horowitz and Law Enforcement: The newsletter features an investigative piece exploring the close relationship between venture capitalist Ben Horowitz and the Las Vegas Police Department, including Horowitz's funding of...
2024-11-0910 minStrictlyVC NewsAmazon's ask to Anthropic, OpenAI's content reprieve, and Automattic turns the screwsTech, Finance, and Politics Collide: A Briefing Doc
This briefing doc analyzes a conversation discussing a range of topics from the Strictly VC newsletter and the New York Times, highlighting the intersections of technology, finance, and politics.
Key Themes:
Cryptocurrency's Rise: Bitcoin's surge, fueled by institutional investment and global uncertainty, raises questions about its future role in the financial system. The crypto industry's massive spending in the recent election highlights its growing political influence and raises concerns about transparency.
Tech and the Trump Administration: Elon Musk's surprising support for Trump, potentially motivated by...
2024-11-0812 minStrictlyVC NewsBitcoin hits a new high, what Trump’s win means for Elon Musk, and Raygun packs it inStrictlyVC Newsletter - November 7, 2024
Main Themes:
Trump's Election Impact on Tech: The newsletter focuses heavily on Donald Trump's unexpected presidential victory and its potential implications for the tech industry, particularly Elon Musk's close relationship with the president-elect.
Cryptocurrency Surge: Bitcoin's record-breaking high is highlighted, potentially linked to the election results and signaling increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency.
AI and Tech Investment: Significant funding rounds in AI startups like Precision Neuroscience and Corgea underscore the continued investor interest in the sector. The newsletter also mentions Saudi Arabia's substantial investment in an AI hub.
Global Tech Developments: The...
2024-11-0816 minStrictlyVC NewsAmpd Energy, an eleven-year-old Hong KongAmpd Energy, an eleven-year-old Hong Kong company that develops advanced battery energy storage systems designed to replace diesel generators on construction sites, raised a $27.3 million Series B round co-led by Kibo Invest and Openspace, with additional participation from MTR Lab, Taronga Ventures, and 2150. DealStreetAsia has more here.
2024-11-0600 minStrictlyVC Newsebrio, an eleven-year-old Spanish companyTebrio, an eleven-year-old Spanish company that specializes in breeding and processing mealworms to produce sustainable products for animal feed, plant nutrition, and bio-industrial applications, raised a $32.4 million round. Investors included Banco de Santander, Sodical Instituto Financiero de Castilla y León, GCP, and CDTI Innvierte Economía Sostenible. PetfoodIndustry has more here.
2024-11-0600 minStrictlyVC NewsKalshi, a six-year-old New York startupKalshi, a six-year-old New York startup backed by Sequoia that operates a federally regulated exchange where individuals can trade on the outcomes of future events, such as elections, economic indicators, and weather occurrences, has secured millions of dollars in loans from VCs and is raising $50+ million, according to TechCrunch, which has more here.
2024-11-0600 minStrictlyVC NewsNvidia takes top dog, Perplexity eyes a huge round, and Map Daddy knows allVenture Capital and Tech Landscape - November 5, 2024
Main Themes:
Nvidia's Dominance: Nvidia solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry, surpassing Apple to become the world's largest company. This highlights the continued growth and importance of AI technology.
Fundraising Challenges for Startups: Seed VCs caution that only startups demonstrating "quality of revenue" - profitable growth and a large customer base - will successfully raise funds in 2025. The era of easy funding is over.
AI Remains a Hotbed for Investment: Despite the challenging fundraising environment, AI startups continue to attract significant investment, as evidenced by...
2024-11-0623 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI attacks Google, Musk blasts back at a competitor, and Burning Man is going brokeBriefing Doc: Tech & Startup News - October 31, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Competition Heats Up: OpenAI directly challenges Google with its new ChatGPT Search product. OpenAI also faces internal challenges, including compute capacity limitations delaying product releases.
Funding Landscape: While fundraising remains difficult overall, several startups secure significant funding, particularly in AI, fintech, and renewable energy sectors.
Musk in the Spotlight: Tesla CEO Elon Musk faces criticism from Zoox co-founder and legal questions regarding his US citizenship status.
Layoffs and Financial Troubles: Block-owned Tidal announces another mass layoff, while the Burning Man non-profit faces a $20 million funding gap.
2024-11-0111 minStrictlyVC NewsMeta records record profits, Matt Mullenweg admits Automattic is now short-staffed, and never ever say "San Fran"StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 31, 2024
Key Themes:
AI advancements and investments: This issue highlights the growing influence of AI across various sectors. Meta attributes increased user engagement to AI, while Affinity emphasizes the rising adoption of AI by VC firms.
Funding Landscape: A diverse range of startups across industries secured funding, highlighting robust investor confidence.
Workplace Dynamics: The newsletter showcases notable workplace developments, including Automattic's staffing challenges and Dropbox's layoffs.
Important Facts and Ideas:
AI & Tech
Meta's Q3 Profits Soar: Meta recorded a 35% year-over-year increase in Q3 profits, fueled by AI-driven user...
2024-10-3116 minStrictlyVC NewsMicrosoft accuses Google of dirty tricks, Khosla unloads on a California AI bill, and the world’s most expensive wineStrictlyVC Briefing Doc - October 29, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Regulation and Development: Heated debate surrounds AI regulation, particularly in California. Concerns about national security and ethical implications clash with Silicon Valley's push for innovation.
Big Tech Competition: Microsoft accuses Google of anti-competitive practices in Europe, while Meta enters the search engine market, challenging Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft.
Venture Capital Landscape: AI startups attract massive funding rounds, with investors increasingly focusing on emerging sectors and deal sourcing strategies.
Cybersecurity Concerns: Cybersecurity remains a priority, evidenced by significant investments in companies like Armis and Filigran.
Important Facts...
2024-10-2920 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI nixes another safety team, Musk burns up the phone lines with Putin, and an NSFW donut?
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 25, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Legal Battles: Media companies are increasingly pushing back against AI companies like Perplexity, alleging copyright infringement and raising questions about fair use of publicly reported facts.
Data Privacy Concerns: LinkedIn faces a hefty fine for improper ad targeting, highlighting the ongoing struggle with data privacy and regulations.
Funding Landscape: The newsletter details significant funding rounds across diverse sectors like oncology, biotech, fintech, and AI-powered robotics, indicating continued investor interest in innovative technologies.
Key Highlights & Facts:
OpenAI disbands another safety team: This move, following the departure of...
2024-10-2622 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI gets a chief economist, Marc Andreessen airs his doubts, and a hug "zone" that proposes you take it outside
Briefing Doc: AI, Venture Capital, and Quirky News
Date: October 25, 2024
Source: StrictlyVC Newsletter, October 23, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Advancements and Investments: The newsletter highlights significant developments in the AI landscape, showcasing both the technological advancements and the substantial funding flowing into AI-driven startups.
Venture Capital Activity: This issue tracks numerous funding rounds, revealing a vibrant investment ecosystem supporting startups across various sectors, including healthcare, enterprise software, and AI infrastructure.
Industry Perspectives: The newsletter features insights from prominent figures in the tech world, offering valuable perspectives on the future of AI and the startup...
2024-10-2309 minStrictlyVC NewsContent kleptocracy, is Daze the next big thing in social media, and what bankers have to say about HBO's _Industry_
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 22, 2024
Key Themes:
AI advancements and controversies: This issue highlights both the exciting potential and emerging concerns surrounding AI. Startups are leveraging AI for creative applications (Daze), search (Perplexity AI), and financial services (One Zero), driving massive funding rounds. However, the lawsuit against Perplexity AI for "content kleptocracy" underscores the legal and ethical challenges around AI's use of copyrighted material.
Gen Z and the future of social media: The explosive pre-launch popularity of Daze, a visually-driven messaging app, suggests a shift in how Gen Z interacts online. This trend points towards more...
2024-10-2210 minStrictlyVC NewsMicrosoft asks OpenAI for its share, OpenAI's former CTO is raising money, and a $600 Buzz Lightyear doll
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 19, 2024
Main Themes:
AI's Growing Impact: AI is making waves in various sectors, from fraud detection (Treasury Dept.) to education (Byju's) and healthcare (Ikerian). However, concerns about its ethical use and accuracy remain prominent.
Funding Landscape: Despite some high-profile down rounds and bankruptcies, funding continues to flow into promising startups across sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and AI.
OpenAI's Transformation: OpenAI's potential shift to a for-profit model and the return of co-founder Greg Brockman signal significant changes for the leading AI company.
The Elon Musk Factor: Musk's proposed changes to X's blocking...
2024-10-1910 minStrictlyVC NewsEU targets Musk's companies, college endowments face VC write-downs, and 'iceberg' homes catch fire
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 18, 2024
Main Themes:
Regulatory Scrutiny of Tech Giants: The EU is targeting Elon Musk's companies for potential breaches of the Digital Services Act, highlighting increased regulatory pressure on tech giants.
AI's Growing Impact: AI is making its way into various sectors, from police reporting with Abel to enhancing pilot decision-making with Beacon AI.
Venture Capital Landscape: Endowments face VC write-downs, signaling a shift in the investment landscape.
Workplace Dynamics: AWS's return-to-office mandate and reported tension at Automattic showcase evolving workplace dynamics.
Important Ideas and Facts:
EU vs. Musk: The EU...
2024-10-1807 minStrictlyVC NewsSpaceX sues California, Uber pursues Expedia, and AI is not plagiarism, argues cheating child's lawyer
Briefing Doc: October 17, 2024 Tech & VC News
Main Themes:
AI advancements and implications: This edition highlights the continued rise of AI across various sectors, from customer success management to supply chain logistics. It also delves into the ethical and legal complexities surrounding AI, such as the argument that AI-generated content shouldn't be considered plagiarism.
Big funding rounds and new investment trends: Several companies raised substantial amounts, indicating investor interest in areas like AI-driven hardware, healthcare solutions, and energy storage optimization. The emergence of a new fund focused on computational tools in specific sectors also points to emerging...
2024-10-1713 minStrictlyVC NewsNvidia breaks a new record, Tesla’s robot demo was rigged, and how polite are *you* with ChatGPT?
Briefing Doc: Tech & Venture Capital News - October 15, 2024
Main Themes:
AI advancements and implications: This briefing highlights the rapid progress in AI, as demonstrated by Tesla's Optimus robot demonstration and the fierce competition for top AI talent between giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. The potential impact of AI on various sectors is also evident, from Google's investment in nuclear power for AI infrastructure to the emergence of AI-powered procurement startups.
Venture capital landscape: The briefing provides a snapshot of the venture capital landscape, highlighting significant funding rounds for startups across diverse sectors, including carbon capture technology...
2024-10-1508 minStrictlyVC NewsDelta, a one-year-old startup that is building a decentralized network
Delta, a one-year-old startup that is building a decentralized network designed for developers in order to allow them to create customizable, independent environments that interact seamlessly, raised a $11 million in pre-seed and seed financing from Figment Capital, Maven 11, Variant, and DBA, with support from Reverie, Castle Island Ventures, Credibly Neutral, Ambush Capital, Robot Ventures, Delphi Ventures, Public Works, and Komorebi Collective.
2024-10-1200 minStrictlyVC NewsLiner, a ten-year-old Seoul and San Francisco companyLiner, a ten-year-old Seoul and San Francisco company that has built an AI-powered search engine to help students and researchers find credible information from academic papers and trusted websites, raised a $29 million Series B round co-led by Intervest and Atinum Investment, with additional participation from Samsung Venture Investment.
2024-10-1200 minStrictlyVC NewsAnam.ai, a one-year-old London startup
Anam.ai, a one-year-old London startup that provides AI-powered digital personas that mimic human interactions for use in areas such as customer support, education, or retail environments, raised a $2.3 million pre-seed round led by Concept Ventures, with Torch Capital also pitching in.
2024-10-1200 minStrictlyVC NewsKhosla Ventures backs OpenAI with an SPV, Silicon Valley debates AI weapons, and a war between private jet rivals
StrictlyVC Briefing Doc - October 12, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Investment & Development: Significant investment activity surrounds AI, with OpenAI raising billions and smaller startups attracting funding for various AI applications. Debate intensifies around the ethics of AI, particularly in weapons development.
Market Volatility: Tesla's robotaxi plans face market skepticism, highlighting investor uncertainty surrounding ambitious technological advancements.
Evolving Business Models: General Catalyst's new financing product for customer acquisition signals a shift for venture capital firms beyond traditional investment strategies.
Ethical Concerns: The potential use of AI in autonomous weapons sparks debate in Silicon Valley, with differing opinions on acceptable...
2024-10-1209 minStrictlyVC NewsA windfall for FTX creditors, a Porsche 'minivan' designed by Mark Zuckerberg, and Dave Duffield hopes for a hat trick
Venture Capital and Tech Briefing - October 8, 2024
Top News:
Google Ordered to Open Android App Store: A federal judge ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores on Android devices for three years, potentially shaking up the mobile app landscape. (Source: CNBC)
DOJ Challenges Fisker's EV Repair Cost Plan: The Department of Justice is investigating Fisker's practice of passing electric vehicle repair costs onto customers, alleging illegal practices. (Source: TechCrunch)
FTX Creditors to Profit: A federal bankruptcy judge ruled that FTX creditors will likely profit from their investments in the failed crypto exchange, which had held...
2024-10-1110 minStrictlyVC NewsTesla unveils new toys, SpaceX alums are raising a $550 million first fund, and North Face is now selling a “tech tie”
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 10, 2024
Main Themes:
Tesla's Autonomous Future: Tesla made waves by announcing its Robotaxi strategy, utilizing a new class of vehicles called CyberCabs and potentially leveraging Tesla owners' vehicles for ride-hailing. Skepticism remains regarding the safety and readiness of Tesla's autonomous driving software.
Deep Tech Investment Heats Up: SpaceX alumni formed Interlagos, a venture capital firm aiming to raise a hefty $550 million for its first fund focused on "deep tech" startups.
AI Continues its Dominance: Numerous startups securing funding leverage AI across various applications, from accounting automation (Numeric) to healthcare (Cytovale, Suki, Qantev...
2024-10-1107 minStrictlyVC NewsX backs down in Brazil, a new HBO special claims to unmask Satoshi Nakamoto, and a bike that blends in anywhere
Briefing Document: October 9, 2024
Tech & Regulatory Landscape
X Yields to Pressure in Brazil: X has agreed to pay $5.2 million in fines and comply with local laws, allowing it to resume service in Brazil after a period of suspension. (Source: TechCrunch)
X Under Fire for Antisemitic Content: A report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reveals that antisemitic conspiracy theories on X are hampering hurricane preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton. (Source: The Washington Post)
TikTok Faces Legal Challenges Over Youth Mental Health: A group of 14 state attorneys general is suing TikTok, alleging the platform harms children's...
2024-10-0907 minStrictlyVC NewsA windfall for FTX creditors, a Porsche 'minivan' designed by Mark Zuckerberg, and Dave Duffield hopes for a hat trick
Venture Capital and Tech Briefing - October 8, 2024
Top News:
Google Ordered to Open Android App Store: A federal judge ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores on Android devices for three years, potentially shaking up the mobile app landscape. (Source: CNBC)
DOJ Challenges Fisker's EV Repair Cost Plan: The Department of Justice is investigating Fisker's practice of passing electric vehicle repair costs onto customers, alleging illegal practices. (Source: TechCrunch)
FTX Creditors to Profit: A federal bankruptcy judge ruled that FTX creditors will likely profit from their investments in the failed crypto exchange, which had held...
2024-10-0810 minStrictlyVC News💪 Empathy Health raised $2.8M to boost their Sober Sidekick app, providing support for sobriety journeys!
Empathy Health Technologies, a five-year-old startup based in Bentonville, AK, that produces Sober Sidekick, a mobile app designed to support individuals in their sobriety journey, raised a $2.8 million seed round. Investors included HealthX Ventures, Nina Capital, Ikigai Growth Partners, 46 Ventures, The Venture Center, High Street Equity Partners, and Suncoast Ventures. MobiHealthNews has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🎮 Clout Kitchen is empowering gaming content creators with AI tools!
Clout Kitchen, a startup founded this year based in Santa Monica, CA, that creates AI-powered tools for gaming content creators such as an in-game assistant that offers real-time advice on gameplay and strategy, raised a $4.5 million seed round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Peak XV, with AppWorks, Antler, Hustle Fund, Founders Launchpad, and Orvel Ventures also taking stakes. More here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🧑💻 Avarra just raised $8M!
Avarra, a one-year-old startup based in San Mateo, CA, that simulates realistic customer interactions using 3D avatars and large language models, allowing salespeople to practice and improve their skills, raised an $8 million seed round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and including GTM Fund and Firsthand Alliance. VentureBeat has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🔍 Voyage AI raised $20M to refine generative AI's data retrieval and minimize hallucinations.
Voyage AI, a one-year-old Palo Alto startup that aims to reduce hallucinations in generative AI systems by enhancing how AI retrieves and uses information from large datasets, raised a $20 million Series A round led by CRV, with Snowflake, Databricks, and Pear VC as well as previous investors Wing VC and Conviction also taking part. The company has raised a total of $28 million. TechCrunch has more here.
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🤖 Voliro secured $12M to take their advanced flying robots to new heights, ensuring industrial inspections stay sharp and efficient!
Voliro, a five-year-old Zürich startup that designs advanced flying robots used for industrial inspections and maintenance tasks in difficult-to-reach areas such as flare stacks and wind turbines, raised a $12 million Series A round in equity and debt. The deal was led by Cherry Ventures. The company has raised a total of $22 million. TechCrunch has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🏭 Valdera raised $15M to optimize sourcing for manufacturers with their AI-driven platform!
Valdera, a four-year-old San Francisco startup that has built an AI-driven platform that helps manufacturers source chemicals and raw materials, raised a $15 million Series A round led by Index Ventures, with previous investors Susa Ventures, Lerer Hippeau, and Box Group also chipping in. More here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News✍️ AirOps is revolutionizing SEO-driven content creation with AI-powered workflows!
AirOps, a three-year-old San Francisco startup that helps marketers and content teams automate and scale the creation of SEO-driven content using AI-powered workflows, raised a $15.5 million Series A round led by Unusual VC, with Wing VC, Founder Collective, XFund, and Alt Capital also participating. TechCrunch has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🌍 Zepz, the global money transfer platform, just raised $267M led by Accel!
Zepz, a 14-year-old London company that allows users to send money internationally through its mobile app and website, raised a $267 million round led by Accel, with additional participation from IFC, Leapfrog, TCV, and Coller Capital. Silicon Canals has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC News🚀 CoreWeave is making waves with a $23B valuation as Cisco Systems buys shares!CoreWeave, a seven-year-old New Jersey startup backed by Nvidia that provides infrastructure-as-a-service tailored for industries like AI, machine learning, and CGI, is selling $400 million to $500 million in secondary shares to Cisco Systems at a $23 billion valuation, according to Bloomberg. SeekingAlpha has more here.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-10-0500 minStrictlyVC NewsAutomattic’s war with WP Engine heats up, Masa hits up AI for investment ideas, and everybody wants to be a celebrityStartup Battlefield: Automattic Wages War, AI Funding Heats Up, and Gen Z Chases Side Hustles
This briefing analyzes key themes and insights from the October 4th edition of StrictlyVC, a newsletter covering venture capital and startup news.
Main Themes:
Automattic vs. WP Engine: Automattic, the company behind WordPress, is aggressively targeting competitor WP Engine, sparking internal dissent and legal action.
AI Investment Surge: AI continues to attract significant funding, with CoreWeave securing a multi-billion dollar valuation and startups like Voyage AI and Clout Kitchen raising substantial capital.
Fundraising Challenges & Alternative Avenues: While fundraising remains...
2024-10-0508 minStrictlyVC NewsThe 'godmother of AI' has questions, Initialized Capital sacks some partners, and reminders that your privacy is an illusion
StrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing: AI Takes Center Stage
Date: October 4, 2024
This briefing analyzes key themes and takeaways from the October 4th edition of StrictlyVC, focusing on the rapid advancements in AI, its impact on various sectors, and the ethical concerns surrounding its development.
Main Themes:
AI Funding Frenzy: The newsletter highlights a surge in investment towards AI companies, particularly those developing real-world applications. ElevenLabs, specializing in AI-powered audio tools, is reportedly raising a new round at a potential $3 billion valuation, fueled by its impressive revenue growth. This illustrates the immense investor appetite for...
2024-10-0409 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI lands the plane, a judge nixes a deepfake law, and a Jack Nicholson imposter makes a star turn
AI Funding Explodes, Legal Battles Brew, and Jack Nicholson Gets Deepfaked
Date: October 4, 2024
Sources: StrictlyVC Newsletter, October 3, 2024
Key Themes:
AI Investment Frenzy: Massive funding rounds continue to pour into AI startups, reflecting the sector's explosive growth and fierce competition.
Legal and Ethical Concerns: New laws attempting to regulate AI, particularly deepfakes, face legal challenges, while accusations of extortion and anti-competitive practices highlight the growing pains of the industry.
The OpenAI Saga: OpenAI secures a record-breaking valuation, but its dominance sparks concerns over market control and employee retention.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
2024-10-0307 minStrictlyVC NewsSnap's sextortion issue, Palmer Luckey mouths off, and dogs dressed up as pandasStrictlyVC Newsletter Briefing - October 1, 2024
Main Themes:
Sextortion Concerns in Tech: Snap Inc. faces legal action for allegedly ignoring sextortion risks posed by its platform to young users.
Venture Capital Landscape Shifts: Peak XV, a major venture capital firm in India and Southeast Asia, reduces fund sizes and management fees, reflecting potential adjustments in the VC landscape.
Palmer Luckey & Startup Conflicts: Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril, is embroiled in a legal battle with former employees' startup, Salient Motion, alleging intellectual property theft.
AI Advancements and Applications: AI continues to be a significant focus for investment and...
2024-10-0215 minStrictlyVC NewsY Combinator Faces Controversy Over AI Startup PearAIY Combinator Faces Controversy Over AI Startup PearAI
Description:
In this video, we delve into the recent controversy surrounding Y Combinator-backed startup PearAI. Launched with an X post thread and YouTube video on Saturday, PearAI was immediately under fire for openly admitting that their AI coding editor is a cloned copy of another AI editor called Continue, which falls under the Apache open-source license. Adding fuel to the fire, PearAI initially used a fabricated closed license called the Pear Enterprise License, which founder Duke Pan revealed was created by ChatGPT
#YCombinator #PearAI #TechNews...
2024-10-0103 minStrictlyVC NewsMendaera, a four-year-old startup based in San Mateo
Mendaera, a four-year-old startup based in San Mateo, CA, that is developing a handheld, AI-powered robotic system for needle-based procedures such as biopsies and vascular access, raised a $73 million Series B round led by Threshold Ventures, with Lux Capital, PFM Health Sciences, and Frederic Moll also chipping in. FierceBiotech has more here.
Curated from Strictly VC Newsletter
Curated from Strictly VC Newsletter
2024-09-2800 minStrictlyVC NewsMediwhale, an eight-year-old Seoul startup
Mediwhale, an eight-year-old Seoul startup that uses AI to analyze retinal images and predict the risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and eye diseases, raised a $12 million Series A2 round led by Korea Development Bank, with Woori Venture Partners, IMM Investment, and Mirae Asset Securities also anteing up. More here.
Curated from Strictly VC Newsletter
2024-09-2800 minStrictlyVC NewsFindable, a three-year-old Oslo startupFindable, a three-year-old Oslo startup that provides an AI-driven platform to help commercial property owners manage their building documentation, raised $10 million Series A round led by Point Nine, with KOMPAS VC, Construct Venture, Malling & Co Venture, and Lake Eight also pitching in. ArcticStartup has more here.
Curated from Strictly VC Newsletter
2024-09-2800 minStrictlyVC NewsEnsemble, a one-year-old San Francisco startuEnsemble, a one-year-old San Francisco startup that focuses on making previously unstructured or inaccessible data usable for machine learning models, raised a $3.3 million seed round led by Salesforce Ventures, with M13, Motivate, and Amplo also stepping up. More here.
Curated from Strictly VC Newsletter
2024-09-2800 minStrictlyVC NewsArya Health, a two-year-old New York startupArya Health, a two-year-old New York startup that helps healthcare providers streamline tasks such as scheduling, payroll, onboarding, and compliance, raised a $4 million seed round led by Twelve Below, with Nebular VC as well as previous investors Oceans and Ridge Ventures also participating. More here.
Curated from StrictlyVC Newsletter
2024-09-2800 minStrictlyVC NewsApple drops out of OpenAI funding talks, the rise of the 'intern' CEO, and what happens now to 23andMe's trove of data?
Venture Capital and AI: A Weekly Roundup
This briefing document summarizes key themes and insights from the September 28th edition of the StrictlyVC newsletter.
Key Themes:
OpenAI's Turbulent Growth: The leading AI company navigates massive funding rounds amidst leadership shakeups and scrutiny.
AI's Dominance in Startups: Y Combinator's latest Demo Day underscores the overwhelming focus on AI solutions across various sectors.
Ethical and Practical Considerations: From AI's energy consumption to the potential sale of genetic data, ethical and practical challenges surrounding AI applications require attention.
OpenAI in the Headlines:
OpenAI remains...
2024-09-2807 minStrictlyVC NewsCool neighborhoods, desk divers, and a companion chatbot that remembers the colleagues you'd rather avoid
StrictlyVC Briefing Doc - September 27, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Advancements: This issue highlights the rapid progress in AI, particularly in niche applications like companionship (Nomi AI) and data validation (DeepOpinion), alongside concerns about accuracy and potential misuse in social media algorithms.
Funding Landscape: Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, funding remains robust, especially in sectors like clean energy (Marvel Fusion, Zap Energy), healthcare (Zing Health), and AI-powered solutions (Crisp, Harmonic).
Ethical Concerns: Ethical considerations in AI development and deployment are paramount, as highlighted by the scrutiny of Meta's research on social media algorithms and the cautious approach taken by...
2024-09-2705 minStrictlyVC NewsThe Celestia Foundation
Celestia Foundation, a one-year-old crypto startup that focuses on building a modular blockchain infrastructure that separates data availability and consensus from execution, enabling developers to create more scalable and flexible apps, raised a $100 million round led by Bain Capital Crypto, with Syncracy Capital, 1kx, Robot Ventures, and Placeholder also taking stakes. The company has raised a total of $155 million.
Curated from StrictlyVC
2024-09-2600 minStrictlyVC NewsTelegram caves, Anthropic fundraises, and chilly home decor
StrictlyVC Briefing Doc - September 24, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Funding and Innovation: This issue highlights significant fundraising in the AI space, particularly for OpenAI competitors like Anthropic and promising startups like Letta emerging from UC Berkeley's Sky Computing Lab.
Data Privacy Concerns Resurface: Telegram's agreement to share user data with authorities raises questions about data privacy and security in the face of legal pressure.
The Evolving Landscape of Work: Startups focusing on improving the gig economy, like Jump, and streamlining workflows for large enterprises, like Distyl AI, point towards ongoing shifts in work dynamics.
Emerging Tech and...
2024-09-2409 minStrictlyVC NewsQualcomm courts Intel, Microsoft buys power from Three Mile Island, and movie theater pickleball courtsQualcomm courts Intel, Microsoft buys power from Three Mile Island, and movie theater pickleball courts
StrictlyVC Download September 21, 2024 - Key Takeaways
This briefing doc reviews the key themes and important facts from the September 21st edition of StrictlyVC Download.
Main Themes:
AI Funding Frenzy Continues: While OpenAI makes headlines with a potential $6.5B raise, other AI startups are also attracting significant investments, signaling continued investor confidence in the sector.
Sustainability in Focus: From Microsoft's power purchase agreement with Three Mile Island to startups developing environmentally friendly solutions, sustainability is a recurring theme in this...
2024-09-2106 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI's new round is oversubscribed by billions, Elon Musk is in legal hot water again, and John Mulaney roasts Dreamforce
StrictlyVC Daily Briefing - September 20, 2024
Dominating Themes: AI Funding Frenzy, Regulatory Scrutiny on Tech, Elon Musk's Legal Woes
Top Takeaways:
AI startups are attracting massive investments, forcing a shift in the VC landscape. OpenAI's latest funding round is massively oversubscribed, highlighting the intense interest in generative AI. This trend, as noted by The Economist, is pushing VCs towards larger investments in established AI companies, potentially leaving smaller startups with less access to capital.
Governments and regulatory bodies are cracking down on Big Tech's data practices and platform manipulation. An FTC study revealed "vast surveillance"...
2024-09-2007 minStrictlyVC NewsX warms its way into Brazil, ChatGPT-4 sucks up a scary amount of water, and Chinese exes head to the shredder
Tech & Venture Capital News - September 19, 2024
Main Themes:
AI's growing impact: This issue highlights both the advancements and concerns surrounding AI, from its environmental impact to job displacement and ethical dilemmas in creative industries.
Funding landscape: Despite an overall cooling market, specific sectors like green tech, biotech, and AI continue to attract significant investment.
Noteworthy events: X's return to Brazil, upcoming release of Luminate's chemo helmet, and the rise of AI-powered tools across industries.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
X bypasses Brazilian blockade: Demonstrating its resilience, X has found a way to restore service in...
2024-09-1906 minStrictlyVC NewsInstagram slams the door on teens, Snap shows off new specs, and the weed-killing robot on the rise
Tech, Climate Change, and Funding Highlights - September 18, 2024
This briefing covers key takeaways from the "StrictlyVC" newsletter from September 18, 2024, focusing on tech industry news, climate change concerns, and notable funding rounds.
Tech Industry Crackdown and Innovation:
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new laws holding social media companies accountable for limiting the spread of election-related deepfakes.
Instagram is implementing stricter age verification and cracking down on underage users by eliminating workarounds for fake birthdates.
Snap launched new AR glasses, prompting The Atlantic to declare smartphones "so over," indicating a potential shift in personal technology.
...
2024-09-1806 minStrictlyVC NewsVenture Capital Highlights, Startup Funding, and Tech Industry Insights
These newsletters, published by StrictlyVC, provide an overview of recent news in the venture capital and tech space, highlighting funding rounds for various startups, notable company acquisitions, and interesting developments in the AI industry. Each issue also features prominent figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Keith Rabois, as well as a section on notable events and trends. The newsletters cover a diverse range of topics, including AI, space travel, and healthcare, providing insights into the evolving landscape of the tech industry.
2024-09-1412 minStrictlyVC NewsCoreWeave shoots the moon, China's startups wither, and New York wins best pizza
Startup Funding, AI Advancements, and Shifting Landscapes
Main Themes:
AI funding remains strong despite broader tech downturn: CoreWeave's potential secondary sale at a $23 billion valuation highlights continued investor appetite for AI infrastructure providers. Similarly, World Labs' $230 million raise for "spatial intelligence" in AI demonstrates interest in pushing AI capabilities.
Chinese tech ecosystem faces significant challenges: New startup formation in China has plummeted, described by one executive as "The whole industry has just died before our eyes." This presents a stark contrast to the West, particularly the US, where AI funding remains robust.
Ethical concerns and challenges...
2024-09-1408 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI’s $100B Valuation, Google’s Yelp Lawsuit, and NEA’s Return to the Secondary Market
This email newsletter, published by StrictlyVC, provides a roundup of recent news and developments in the technology and venture capital space. It covers a variety of topics, including OpenAI's potential $100 billion valuation, a leadership shakeup at Fluid Truck, a lawsuit against Google by Yelp, and the re-emergence of NEA in the secondary market. The newsletter also highlights several funding rounds for startups in various sectors, as well as layoffs at Brave, the privacy-focused browser company.
2024-09-1407 minStrictlyVC NewsThe Bolt Deal Blows Up: A16z Exits Miami, Plus Why Having a Work Enemy Might Help YouOn this episode of StrictlyVC News, we break down the fallout from Bolt's high-profile deal collapse, discuss why a16z is leaving Miami, and explore the unexpected reasons why having an enemy at work might actually boost your performance. Tune in for all the insights and updates from the world of tech and venture capital.
2024-09-1411 minStrictlyVC NewsOpenAI's new model fact-checks itself, Keith Rabois is still pushing Miami, and a diamond-making machineTech & Venture Capital News - September 12, 2024
Main Themes:
AI Dominance & Concerns: This issue of StrictlyVC highlights the growing dominance of AI, covering OpenAI's self-fact-checking model and the White House summit on AI energy consumption. However, concerns around AI are also prominent, including cost, security vulnerabilities, and ethical considerations.
Miami's Startup Scene: Keith Rabois remains optimistic about Miami's potential as a tech hub despite the departure of Andreessen Horowitz, citing significant growth in seed investments. However, data from PitchBook presents a more nuanced picture.
Funding Landscape: This edition showcases a healthy mix of funding rounds across various...
2024-09-1405 minStrictlyVC NewsMark Zuckerberg draws a crowd, Adam Neumann issues refunds, and a founding CEO refuses to step downnStrictlyVC Daily Briefing - September 12, 2024
Top Themes:
AI Advancements & Concerns: OpenAI's potential fundraising at a $150 billion valuation signals continued investor confidence in AI's future. However, Meta's admission of using Australian user data to train its AI raises privacy concerns.
Leadership & Rebranding: Mark Zuckerberg's shift from apologetic tech CEO to a more assertive figure sporting "learning through suffering" apparel marks a significant rebranding effort. This contrasts with Adam Neumann refunding investors in his failing crypto startup, Flowcarbon.
Funding Landscape: Venture capital remains active with significant funding rounds across various sectors including healthtech, AI, and fintech. Noteworthy investments...
2024-09-1207 minStrictlyVC NewsApple takes a major step into AI, Sequoia buys Stripe stock from its LPs, and Grimes tweaks Elon
In today’s episode of StrictlyVC News, we dive into Apple’s bold new step into AI, Sequoia’s decision to buy Stripe stock from its limited partners, and Grimes’ playful jab at Elon Musk. Get the latest updates and insights from the tech and VC world!
2024-09-1008 minStrictlyVC NewsThe EU sticks it to Apple and Google, a VC devotes half his fund to Elon, and don’t tailgate in Suisse
StrictlyVC Briefing Doc - September 10, 2024
Main Themes:
EU's Clampdown on Tech Giants: The European Court of Justice issued major rulings against Apple and Google, signaling increased scrutiny and potential ramifications for Big Tech.
AI Developments and Disappointments: Apple's foray into AI features falls short of expectations, highlighting the ongoing struggle to deliver on the technology's vast potential.
Investment Trends: VC funding remains robust across various sectors, including fintech, sustainability, healthtech, and AI, with notable rounds in both early-stage and growth-stage companies.
Elon Musk's Influence: Musk's actions continue to draw attention, from concerns over election misinformation to...
2024-09-1007 min
Venture DailyBitcoin's Big Win, TechCrunch Acquires StrictlyVC, GenAI’s Jobs ImpactFeatured Guests: Alan Patricof, chairman, Primetime Partners and founder & chairman emeritus, Greycroft Partners | Ajay Agarwal, partner, Bain Capital Ventures | Paul Cappelli, head of liquid passive strategies, Galaxy Digital
TechCrunch acquires StrictlyVC, how generative AI will revolutionize work over the next decade, but potentially at the cost of human jobs, and bitcoin surges after a favorable U.S. appeals court ruling.
2023-08-3019 min