US & International Startup & Tech News
Seattle startup Live Aware raises $4.8M USD for new AI-powered game developer feedback system
Seattle-based startup Live Aware Labs raised $4.8 million in seed funding to enhance its feedback management platform for game developers. Led by Transcend with participation from notable investors, the platform uses AI to analyze tester feedback, helping developers iterate faster by extracting valuable insights from player reactions. Co-founders Sean Vesce and Dave Berger aim to enable "player-first" game development, allowing creators to work closely with their communities throughout the development process.
Acrew Capital raises $700M USD
Acrew Capital has raised $700 million in fresh funds, bringing its total assets under management to $1.7 billion. The firm, which invests in sectors like data security, healthcare, and fintech, will allocate these funds across both early-stage and discovery-stage companies. Despite tough fundraising conditions in 2024, Acrew's notable portfolio and successful exits helped it achieve this milestone as it turns five years old.
How Meshcapade Is Revolutionizing Embodied Intelligence
Meshcapade is pioneering human-centric AI by developing technology that captures the nuances of human behavior, including motion, facial expressions, and non-verbal cues. Their SMPL model allows AI avatars to interact with the world in a realistic, human-like way, positioning the company to transform industries from entertainment to healthcare with empathetic and accurate AI-driven interactions.
Fairway bikes raises $1.25M USD for electric bike used on golf courses
Seattle-area startup Fairway Bikes raised $1.25 million in seed funding to advance its 3-wheeled electric bike designed for golfers, aimed at improving pace of play and providing exercise on the course. The company, founded by tech veteran Jim Billmaier, has partnerships with golf courses in Washington state and interest from over 50 more. With the new funding, CEO Alex Wunderlich aims to increase production, and the company has added Rad Power Bikes co-founder Ty Collins as an advisor.
Qure.ai revenue soars 83% to Rs 141 Cr in FY24, slashes losses
Qure.ai, an AI-driven healthcare firm, raised $65 million in a funding round led by Lightspeed Ventures and 360 One Asset Management, following an 83% revenue growth in FY24 to Rs 141 crore. The company reduced its losses by 38.5%, while employee benefit expenses surged by 66.2%. Qure.ai offers AI tools for diagnosing critical conditions, and its promising market acceptance signals continued growth.
LATAM Startup & Tech News
Fintech Albo will reach profitability in a few months, after a credit line for 60M USD
Mexican fintech Albo secured a $60 million credit line from SixPoint Capital Management to enhance its credit products and work towards group profitability. CEO Ángel Sahagún emphasized the importance of becoming profitable, especially as many fintech companies are still losing money, which could jeopardize operations. Albo aims to expand its offerings in both personal and business credit, targeting underbanked segments in Mexico, and is seeing significant growth in revenues and credit products.
Mentora raises $300K USD in pre-seed round
Brazilian HR tech Mentora raised $300K in a pre-seed round led by DOMO.VC, with participation from iFood co-founders Guilherme Bonifácio and Eduardo Baer. The funds will be used to enhance its leadership development platform, which utilizes GenAI and a personalized approach, as it aims to expand to medium and large businesses by 2025.
Jüsto raises 70M USD to consolidate operations in Mexico
Jüsto, a Mexican startup, aims to consolidate its operations in Mexico and expand to more cities, having recently raised $70 million, with $50 million from investors and $20 million from HSBC. The company plans to invest in technology, infrastructure, and personalized customer experiences to enhance its services. Despite challenges like inflation and low online grocery penetration, Jüsto is optimistic about strong growth in the coming years.
Former CEO of Mach launches Nask
On August 31, Ignacio Larraín stepped down as head of Mach, BCI's payment app, after nearly six years, and was succeeded by Diego Vidaurre. Larraín left to focus on his insurtech startup, Nask, which he co-founded with two former Betterfly colleagues, aiming to develop digital insurance solutions. Nask operates in the B2B2C space, providing embedded insurance technologies to platforms like proptechs and mobility companies, while also creating digital solutions for insurance companies. The company plans to expand across Latin America, though its initial focus remains on Chile.
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