Weekly Tech Pulse
From Spotify’s Daniel Ek Leads Investment in Defense Startup Helsing to WOBA Raising $13.5M in Funding
US & International Startup & Tech News
Seattle Startup Raises $6.3M to Pick Up Your Used Stuff for Free and Turn It Into a Resale Marketplace
Seattle-based startup Ridwell has raised $6.3 million to expand its free pickup service for used household items and build a resale marketplace. The company aims to reduce waste by giving items a second life and helping people declutter sustainably. The funding will help scale operations and reach new markets.
Source: GeekWire
Sarah Smith Launches $16M Fund, Says AI Can Unlock ‘So Much’ for Solo GPs Like Herself
Sarah Smith, a former venture capitalist at Bain Capital Ventures, has launched a $16 million solo fund called Sarah Smith Fund I. She plans to invest in early-stage startups with a focus on how AI can boost the productivity of solo general partners. Smith believes AI tools can empower individual investors to compete with larger firms.
Source: Tech Crunch
Seattle Solar Servicing Company Omnidian to Pay $7M for a Slice of Bankrupt Sunnova’s Business
Omnidian, a Seattle solar service provider, will pay $7 million to acquire part of the business of bankrupt solar firm Sunnova. The deal includes servicing thousands of residential solar customers, boosting Omnidian’s reach and customer base. This move strengthens Omnidian’s position in the solar operations and maintenance market.
Source: Geek Wire
Spotify’s Daniel Ek Leads Investment in Defense Startup Helsing
Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, has led an investment round in Helsing, a European defense AI startup. Helsing develops AI systems for defense and national security, focusing on strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty. The investment highlights tech leaders’ growing interest in the defense sector.
Source: CNBC
LATAM Startup & Tech News
SECO Startup Fund by Seedstars Brings Patient Capital to Africa, Asia, and LATAM
Seedstars has launched the SECO Startup Fund to provide long-term capital to startups in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Backed by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the fund will focus on early-stage ventures. It aims to fill funding gaps and support sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Source: Daba Finance
WOBA Raises $13.5M in Funding
WOBA, a workplace wellbeing platform, has secured $13.5 million to expand its services. The Danish startup provides tools for companies to measure and improve employee mental health and work environment. The funding will help WOBA grow its presence in Europe and enter new markets.
Source: Finsmes
Propel Venture Partners Closes $100 Million Fund
Propel Venture Partners has closed a new $100 million fund to back fintech startups across Latin America. The firm plans to focus on financial inclusion and digital transformation in the region’s banking sector. Propel has already invested in companies like Nubank and aims to deepen its impact in emerging markets.
Source: Axios
New AI Fintech Kira Raises $2M and Debuts With $3M in Revenue
Mexican AI fintech startup Kira has raised $2 million in seed funding and reported $3 million in initial revenue. The company offers AI-driven solutions for financial institutions to automate processes and improve customer experiences. Kira plans to expand its product offerings and grow its client base in Latin America.
Source: Prone Network
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