Weekly Tech Pulse
From digital mortgage startup Tomo landing $20M to VEMO raising $63 million dollars to expand electric mobility in Mexico.
US & International Startup & Tech News
SoftBank buys $676M old Sharp plant for its OpenAI collaboration in Japan
SoftBank plans to acquire a former Sharp LCD plant in Osaka for approximately $676 million, intending to transform it into a data center for AI operations in partnership with OpenAI. The facility is expected to commence operations in 2026, aiming to commercialize OpenAI's AI agent model by training it on client data and offering customized AI solutions.
Source: Reuters
Digital mortgage startup Tomo lands $20M, reports 3.5x revenue growth
Tomo, a digital mortgage startup founded by former Zillow executives, has secured $20 million in new funding, bringing its total raised to $130 million. The company reported a 3.5-fold increase in gross revenue last year compared to 2023, attributing growth to its automated mortgage lending process that aims to make borrowing faster and less expensive.
Source: GeekWire
Cybersecurity startup SpecterOps raises $75M
SpecterOps, a cybersecurity firm specializing in defending against identity-based threats, has raised $75 million in a Series B round led by Insight Partners, with participation from Microsoft's venture fund M12 and others. Founded in 2016, the company has about 200 employees, nearly 15% of whom are based in its Seattle office.
Source: GeekWire
Anduril in talks to raise money at $28 billion valuation
Defense technology company Anduril Industries is reportedly in discussions to raise funds at a valuation of $28 billion, reflecting strong investor interest in its AI-powered defense solutions. The potential funding round underscores the company's rapid growth and significant position in the defense tech sector.
Source: CNBC
LATAM Startup & Tech News
Grão Direto raises R$90M to boost digital grain trading
Grão Direto, a Brazilian agribusiness startup, has secured R$90 million in funding to enhance its digital grain trading platform. The investment aims to streamline transactions between farmers and buyers, promoting efficiency and transparency in the grain market.
Source: Valor Internacional
VEMO raises $63 million dollars to expand electric mobility in Mexico
VEMO, a Mexican company specializing in electric mobility solutions, has raised $63 million to expand its services across Mexico. The funding will support the growth of electric vehicle fleets and the development of charging infrastructure, advancing sustainable transportation in the country.
Source: Contxto
Loopia raises $650K pre-seed to expand AI-powered e-commerce support
Loopia, a Brazilian AI-driven customer support platform, secured a $650,000 pre-seed investment led by EspÃrito Santo’s Sovereign Fund (FUNSES). The company plans to use the funds to enhance its AI technology, expand commercial operations, and hire strategic talent to better serve e-commerce sellers.
Source: LatamList
Sunrize raises $433K
Brazilian foodtech startup Sunrize raised $433,000 from investors including Renato Breia, Nathalia Paulino, and singer Di Ferrero, who also became a brand ambassador. The company plans to use the funds to expand its digital presence and accelerate the launch of Sunrize Shakehouse, a franchise offering high-protein shakes, snacks, and coffee.
Source: LatamList
HMC secures over USD 500 million in commitments for Insight Partners’ Fund XIII
HMC has secured over $500 million in commitments from Latin American investors for Insight Partners’ Fund XIII. This significant investment underscores Insight's leadership in the technology sector and strengthens its position as a leading tech general partner in the region.
Source: Fund Pro Latin America
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