🔵 KoBold Metals, which uses AI to help find critical minerals for the energy transition, raises $491M

KoBold Metals, an AI-powered startup focused on discovering critical minerals for the energy transition, has raised $491 million out of a targeted $527 million funding round. The company aims to develop a significant copper deposit it recently discovered in Zambia, with plans for about 60 other exploration projects.

KoBold uses artificial intelligence to analyze large datasets to improve the success rate of mineral prospecting, which historically has been quite low. The funding will support the development of this copper resource, estimated to cost around $2.3 billion. Previous investors include high-profile figures such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

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⚡️ Apheris rethinks the AI data bottleneck in life science with federated computing

Apheris, a startup focused on addressing data access challenges in life sciences, is leveraging federated computing to enable secure AI model training without transferring sensitive health data. Founded by Robin Röhm, Apheris has secured $8.25 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $20.8 million. The company's approach allows computations to occur locally where the data resides, enhancing privacy and compliance.

Apheris has pivoted from a federated learning framework to focus on serving data owners in the pharmaceutical sector, achieving significant revenue growth. Its software, the Apheris Compute Gateway, is already utilized by the AI Structural Biology Consortium, which includes major pharmaceutical companies. The startup aims to unlock valuable data while addressing data owners' privacy concerns, which is crucial for the broader impact of AI in the field.

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❕ Inside the wild fall and last-minute revival of Bench, the VC-backed accounting startup that imploded over the holidays

Bench, a Canadian accounting startup backed by $113 million in venture capital, abruptly shut down on December 27, 2024, leaving thousands of small business owners unable to access their accounts during tax season. The shutdown followed multiple rounds of layoffs and issues with their AI and automation strategies, which failed to deliver promised efficiencies.

The sudden closure was caused by a bank calling in their venture debt, leading to immediate layoffs without severance. However, media attention surrounding the shutdown prompted interest from potential buyers. Jesse Tinsley, CEO of Employer .com, quickly negotiated a deal to acquire Bench, saving many jobs and customer accounts.

Despite the acquisition, uncertainties remain about Bench's future, including concerns over service quality and the lack of prior accounting experience at Employer .com. The company plans to rehire former staff and honor existing customer contracts but faces challenges in ensuring a smooth transition.

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❕ Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi resigns from self-driving truck startup Aurora’s board

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, has resigned from the board of Aurora Innovation, a self-driving truck startup. His decision, effective January 2, 2025, was made to focus on his responsibilities at Uber and to reduce external commitments, with no disagreements reported with Aurora. Khosrowshahi joined Aurora's board after Uber sold its self-driving unit to the company in 2020 as part of a $400 million investment deal.

Shailen Bhatt, COO for AtkinsRéalis, will replace Khosrowshahi on the board. This resignation comes shortly after Aurora's general counsel announced plans to step down. Uber maintains a collaborative relationship with Aurora through its freight platform, although it also partners with other self-driving tech companies.

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❕FTC orders AI accessibility startup accessiBe to pay $1M for misleading advertising

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered the AI accessibility startup accessiBe to pay $1 million for misleading advertising practices. The FTC found that accessiBe falsely advertised its ability to make websites compatible with screen readers for visually impaired users and concealed its compensation of reviewers without proper disclosure.

The proposed order will require accessiBe to refund customers and prohibits the company from overstating its product's capabilities. Advocacy groups have criticized accessiBe's products as ineffective, claiming they can hinder the functionality of screen readers and fail to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The order is open for public comment for 30 days before becoming final.

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⚠️ Hydrogen tax credit rules give startups clarity while boosting nuclear and carbon capture

The U.S. Treasury has finalized rules for hydrogen producers to qualify for tax credits under section 45V of the Inflation Reduction Act, providing much-needed clarity for hydrogen startups. These rules, which took over two years to develop, aim to promote cleaner hydrogen production methods and prevent additional greenhouse gas emissions.

Producers can earn tax credits up to $3 per kilogram based on their emissions throughout the hydrogen lifecycle. The new regulations allow existing nuclear power plants to contribute electricity to hydrogen production, and certain fossil fuel plants with carbon capture technology can also qualify. While the rules are welcomed by the industry, some stakeholders seek more flexibility regarding electricity sourcing and requirements. Overall, the legislation is seen as a significant step towards supporting hydrogen as a cleaner alternative in heavy industry and transportation.

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✅ Timekettle’s new earbuds offer real-time translation on calls

Timekettle has introduced its W4 Pro earbuds at CES 2025, featuring real-time two-way translation for phone and video calls. The earbuds automatically translate conversations in 40 languages, with a latency of about three to five seconds. Users can enjoy bidirectional translations without losing voice quality, although translated audio is louder than the original.

The W4 Pro also offers conversation summaries using onboard AI. Additionally, the earbuds maintain the functionality of previous models, allowing users to share earbuds for face-to-face translations. They operate on a new Babel OS, which enhances translation speed and emotional tone. The W4 Pro is priced at $449 and will be available for purchase starting Sunday.

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❕ Circular unveils its next gen Ring 2 with ECG functionality and AFib detection at CES 2025

Circular has introduced its next-generation Ring 2 at CES 2025, featuring ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality and AFib (atrial fibrillation) detection. Set to retail for $380, the Ring 2 allows users to monitor heart health by capturing single-lead ECGs using a PPG (photoplethysmogram) sensor.

Improvements over the previous model include a battery life of up to eight days and enhanced sensors for tracking health metrics like sleep. The companion app has also been redesigned for better user experience. The Ring 2, available in gold, silver, black, and rose gold finishes, will launch in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., and France, alongside a new Digital Ring Sizing feature for ordering.

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🔻 Toyota’s Woven City is open for business and looking for startups

Toyota's Woven City, a 175-acre prototype city near Mount Fuji, is officially open for startups and innovation. Chairman Akio Toyoda announced at CES 2025 that the city aims to create a living laboratory for new technologies and is inviting inventors to join the initiative.

Woven City will launch a pitch competition and offer scholarships to support startups and individuals in developing their ideas. The city will feature projects like autonomous vehicles, electric air taxis, and even rockets, highlighting Toyota's commitment to investing in diverse technologies.

The first phase of Woven City, which began in 2021, includes facilities designed for collaboration among employees, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Toyoda emphasized that while the project may not be immediately profitable, it reflects Toyota's responsibility to invest in the future and support innovation.

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🫶 Nvidia is helping humanoid robots learn through Apple Vision Pro instruction

Nvidia is advancing humanoid robotics through its GR00T initiative, which utilizes a new feature called Blueprint for imitation learning. This technique allows robots to learn skills by observing and mimicking human actions. At CES 2025, CEO Jensen Huang explained that users can perform actions using Apple’s Vision Pro, which are then captured as a digital twin for robots to replicate in simulations.

The GR00T system aims to enhance the deployment of humanoid robots in various settings, such as factories and warehouses, by enabling remote teaching through teleoperation. Nvidia's collaboration includes major robotics firms like Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics, positioning the company as a leader in integrating AI with humanoid technologies.

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🔸 Bench customers are now being forced to hand over their data or risk losing it, they say

Customers of the accounting startup Bench, which shut down on December 27, 2024, and was subsequently acquired by Employer .com, are facing challenges in accessing their financial data. To retrieve their data, customers are required to consent to terms that allow Employer .com to access it. Many customers are unhappy with this process, feeling coerced into agreeing to terms that may not be in their best interest.

Concerns have been raised about Employer .com’s lack of experience in accounting and tax services, and customers are frustrated by the perceived unfairness of the consent requirements and the company’s inadequate privacy policy. Some customers report difficulties in obtaining refunds for pre-paid services, further complicating the situation.

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🔵 The first AI chip startup to go public in 2025 will be Blaize

Blaize, an AI chip startup founded by former Intel engineers, is set to go public on the Nasdaq through a SPAC deal on January 16, 2025. Established in 2011 and headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California, Blaize focuses on manufacturing AI chips for edge applications, such as security cameras and drones, rather than for large data centers like its competitor Nvidia.

Despite being unprofitable—with a reported loss of $87.5 million on $3.8 million in revenue in 2023—Blaize has secured $400 million in potential deals, including a significant contract with a defense entity in the EMEA region. CEO Dinakar Munagala anticipates the company will be valued at $1.2 billion after the merger. Blaize aims to capitalize on the growing demand for AI technology integrated into physical products, emphasizing practical real-world applications.

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🔵 Karmen secures $9.4 million for its revenue-based financing products

Karmen, a French startup, has raised $9.4 million in a funding round to enhance its revenue-based financing products aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing cash flow challenges. The funding includes equity from Seventure Partners and additional debt from Financière Arbevel and Bpifrance. Karmen, which previously secured a €100 million debt vehicle, provides short-term loans ranging from €20,000 to €3 million for various business needs.

Currently serving around 600 clients, Karmen emphasizes a data-driven approach to assess loan applications, utilizing about 60 financial metrics in real time. The company's strategy includes embedded financing through partnerships with fintech firms and platforms like Qonto, aiming to increase this distribution method to 75% of new clients by the end of 2025. Karmen's co-founder highlighted the importance of risk assessment technology and AI in managing loan repayments effectively.

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🔵 Some shareholders of a16z-backed Divvy Homes may not see a dime from $1B sale

Divvy Homes, a rent-to-own startup backed by a16z, is set to be acquired by Brookfield Properties for $1 billion. However, some shareholders may not receive any payouts from the sale. Divvy has raised over $700 million from investors but is selling at half its peak valuation of $2.3 billion. Following the sale, the company plans to repay debts and preferred shareholders, potentially leaving common shareholders with nothing.

Divvy's CEO, Adena Hefets, indicated that the decision to sell was difficult and came after extensive reviews of the company's options amid challenging market conditions, including rising mortgage rates. Despite this disappointing financial outcome for some, Hefets expressed pride in the impact the company had on its customers.

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🇺🇸OpenAI's ambitious Stargate Project hits a funding snag

OpenAI's next big leap, the *Stargate project*, is reportedly facing financial hurdles. According to recent reports, the project, which aims to push the boundaries of AI development, doesn’t currently have the funding it needs to move forward.

Stargate is rumored to be a massive initiative focused on creating advanced AI systems, potentially requiring unprecedented computational power and resources. However, securing the necessary investment has proven challenging, raising questions about the timeline and feasibility of the project.

This development highlights the growing costs and complexities of cutting-edge AI research. Will OpenAI find the funding to keep Stargate on track, or will this become a roadblock in the race for AI supremacy?

What are your thoughts? Is the future of AI innovation at risk, or is this just a temporary setback? Let’s discuss! 👇

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🇮🇳India pledges $1.15 Billion for Startups and unveils ambitious reforms!

India is solidifying its position as a key player in the global economy. As part of the new 2025-26 budget, the government announced the creation of a $1.15 billion Fund of Funds for Startups to boost tech innovation and clean energy development.

📢What else was announced:

🟠A High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms to simplify bureaucratic processes and reduce compliance burdens for startups.

🟠Plans to launch a Deep Tech Fund of Funds to support startups working on advanced technologies.

🟠Extension of tax benefits for startups until 2030.

🟠A new scheme to support 500,000 first-time entrepreneurs, including women and underrepresented groups.

📌 Nuclear Energy Mission:
India also unveiled a $2.3 billion Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033 and achieve 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

Why does this matter❔
Startups have already created millions of jobs and attracted over $100 billion in investments in the past decade. India is targeting 8% economic growth to generate enough jobs for its young population and strengthen its global standing.

💡Quote:
“We are determined to ensure that our regulations keep up with technological innovations and global trends,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

✅ India continues to inspire with its ambition and reforms!

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🌱 Google’s X Launches Heritable Agriculture to Revolutionize Crop Yields Using AI

This week, Google’s X “moonshot factory” announced the spinout of a groundbreaking startup—Heritable Agriculture. This new company aims to transform agriculture by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve crop yield and make farming more sustainable.

🍀 While plants are naturally efficient, the agricultural industry heavily strains our planet, contributing to 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, excessive groundwater use, and soil erosion. Heritable is tackling these issues by analyzing vast datasets to help farmers optimize plant growth and make agriculture more environmentally friendly.

🤖 Using AI, Heritable studies plant genomes to identify traits that could lead to higher yields, lower water usage, and better carbon storage. The startup is focused on enhancing traditional breeding methods, with future plans to incorporate gene editing techniques like CRISPR for more advanced plant optimization.

With backing from investors including Google, Heritable Agriculture is set to commercialize these innovations and help bring sustainable farming into the future 🌍

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🎉 Fizz brings on TikTok alum to supercharge Growth!

College social app Fizz is leveling up! The company has hired David Vasquez, former Head of Creator Monetization and TikTok Shop Product Lead, as its new Head of Product.

What’s coming next for Fizz?

🟣Smarter Recommendations – Vasquez aims to build a TikTok-style recommendation engine to serve users the most relevant content.

🟣Marketplace Expansion – In-app payments, peer-to-peer transactions, and even brand integrations are on the way.

🟣More Video Content – Video length increased from 15 to 30 seconds, leading to a 350% spike in video creation!

🟣Advertising & Brand Partnerships – AI companies are already showing major interest.

🔥 Fizz is on fire:

📈 +245% daily posts since the start of the year
📈 +61% daily active users
📍 Available at 300+ colleges
💵 Raised $41M in funding

The future of student social media is here. Are you ready?👍

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🏈 Startups taking over the Super Bowl!

While the Super Bowl is famous for football and halftime shows, startups are making a splash this year with big-money ad slots. Here are five startups airing commercials during the game:

🔥 Ramp – Fintech startup featuring Saquon Barkley, who’s not just an investor but also the star of their first-ever Super Bowl ad.

🤖 OpenAI – Debuting its first-ever TV commercial, signaling its commitment to AI dominance.

💊 Hims & Hers – A controversial ad taking shots at big pharma’s weight-loss drugs, despite an FDA investigation into its own products.

🥤Poppi – The prebiotic soda brand returns with an ad tackling the guilt of drinking traditional soda, featuring social media stars.

💰Papaya Global – Workforce payment platform back for a second year, after tripling its web traffic with last year’s ad.

🖥 Super Bowl ads cost millions, but they give startups bragging rights and a shot at major brand recognition.

Would you spend VC cash on a Super Bowl ad? Drop your thoughts below!👇

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🖥 Softr Expands Beyond Airtable: No-Code App Building Just Got More Powerful!

If you’ve ever wanted to build a client portal, internal tool, or dashboard without hiring a developer, Softr just made that even easier. The popular no-code app builder has announced a major update for 2025: users are no longer limited to Airtable as a data source!

🆕 What’s new?

✅ More database options – Now, you can connect Google Sheets, Notion, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and more

✅ Drag-and-drop simplicity – Build apps with predefined blocks like lists, charts, forms, and tables

✅ New AI-powered features to speed up app creation

✅ Built-in permission controls – Set user roles so clients, employees, and admins see only what they need

✅ Coming soon: Workflows & native tables, so you won’t even need an external database!

💡Softr is known as one of the easiest no-code platforms for beginners, helping 600,000+ users build apps without writing code. The company’s freemium model and strong word-of-mouth growth have led to 5,000+ paying customers – all without a dedicated sales team!

Would you build an app without coding? What features would you love to see next? Let’s discuss! 💬

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