Weekly Tech Pulse
From Electra's $257M for clean iron purification to Brazil's drone-powered food delivery debut and Xepelin's fintech platform for advisors, innovation drives the global and LATAM tech scene forward.
US & International Startup & Tech News
Generative AI Funding Hits Record Highs in 2024
2024 marked a banner year for generative AI, with companies raising more funding than ever before. Venture capital poured into startups developing tools for content creation, enterprise solutions, and healthcare applications. The surge reflects growing confidence in AI’s ability to disrupt traditional industries and create new market opportunities. Experts predict even greater integration of generative AI into daily workflows in 2025.
Source: TechCrunch
Electra Raises $257M for Clean Iron Purification
Electra is transforming industrial manufacturing with its innovative approach to purifying iron. The company’s proprietary technology reduces energy consumption and emissions, addressing critical challenges in steel production. With $257M in fresh funding, Electra aims to scale its operations and contribute to global decarbonization efforts, further positioning itself as a leader in sustainable industrial solutions.
Source: TechCrunch
Kailera Therapeutics Raises $50M for Oncology R&D
Kailera Therapeutics has closed a $50M Series B round to advance its pipeline of therapies targeting oncology and immune disorders. The company plans to use the funds to accelerate clinical trials and expand its research capabilities. With a focus on precision medicine, Kailera is striving to develop treatments that offer better outcomes for patients suffering from hard-to-treat conditions.
Source: VC News Daily
Treeline Biosciences Secures $100M for Cancer Research
Treeline Biosciences has raised $100M to expand its work on groundbreaking cancer treatments. The biotech startup is leveraging cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to address complex cancer cases. This funding will accelerate drug development and clinical trials, ensuring patients gain access to innovative therapies faster.
Source: VC News Daily
LATAM Startup & Tech News
Drone Delivery Debuts in Northeast Brazil
Brazil’s northeast region has officially launched drone-based food delivery services, marking a significant technological milestone. By using drones, companies are cutting delivery times and overcoming infrastructure challenges in urban areas. This initiative is expected to expand to other parts of the country, showcasing Brazil’s leadership in drone innovation within LATAM.
Source: Aviaciónline
Binance Acquires Broker-Dealer License in Brazil
Binance has strengthened its foothold in LATAM by securing a broker-dealer license in Brazil by acquiring a local firm. This strategic move positions Binance to offer regulated services to its growing user base in the country, paving the way for further expansion amidst heightened regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
Source: TradingView
Xepelin Launches Platform for Financial Advisors
Chilean fintech Xepelin has unveiled a cutting-edge platform designed to empower financial advisors. The platform focuses on streamlining self-management and offering new business opportunities for advisors, allowing them to better manage their clients and portfolios. Xepelin’s move underscores its commitment to reshaping business finance in LATAM through technological innovation.
Source: Diario Estrategia
Fiwind Reaches Historic Milestone User Base
Fiwind, an Argentine fintech startup, has reached a historic milestone by surpassing a record number of active users. This achievement highlights the rapid adoption of digital financial solutions in LATAM and positions the company as a key player in the region’s booming fintech ecosystem. With expansion plans, it continues to drive financial inclusion and innovation.
Source: InfoNegocios
TikTok Shop is Coming to Mexico
Mark your calendars! TikTok is launching its social commerce platform in Mexico on January 8 for select sellers, with full consumer access starting February 13.
After generating over $100 million in sales during Black Friday in the U.S., TikTok Shop presents a unique opportunity for creators and brands through affiliate marketing, short-form videos, and live shopping.
Can TikTok Shop compete with Mercado Libre and Amazon Mexico? We believe it has a strong chance. Join Ethan Kramer in Monterrey on February 8 for a masterclass on strategies from the U.S. launch that can help you succeed in Mexico.
Newsletter subscribers can get a 15% discount on tickets with the code "PULSE."
Special thanks to our sponsor:
Axented helps businesses design, build, and scale their products and teams worldwide.
With over 10 years of experience and a diverse portfolio of more than 300 projects delivered in over 15 countries, Axented has established itself as a trusted partner in the tech industry.
Renowned for its expertise and commitment to excellence, Axented provides innovative solutions to help businesses thrive in a digital world.
