Restaurants navigate a complex digital world today. Customers discover eateries through search engines, maps, social media, and AI tools. However, many businesses use scattered platforms. These tools often charge fees and hold customer data hostage. SOUS changes this dynamic. This Amsterdam-based AI platform unifies the customer journey for independent food businesses. It spans discovery, transactions, and retention. Now, SOUS secures €4 million in seed funding.

futurepresent, a German-US venture firm, steps out of stealth mode. It announces a $300 million debut fund. The firm has already invested in 14 companies. These investments blend early-stage opportunities with targeted growth plays. For over a year, the team operated discreetly. Now, they reveal their strategy to the world. This launch marks a significant moment in transatlantic venture capital. Founders across Europe and the US gain access to fresh capital.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) launches one of Europe's boldest initiatives. It deploys a €15 billion fund of funds. This programme targets growth-stage ventures directly. EIF aims to strengthen the capital layer that helps startups scale. It does not just focus on starting businesses. Instead, it builds pathways for expansion. EIF plans to support around 100 funds. These include mid-sized vehicles.

Periodic Labs, an innovative AI startup, engages in early discussions to raise hundreds of millions of dollars. Investors value the company at around $7 billion, according to Bloomberg. This marks a significant increase from its $1.3 billion valuation during the September seed round. Previously, Periodic Labs secured $300 million from prominent investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis, and Accel. However, current talks remain fluid, and terms may change as negotiations progress.

Stock futures decline this morning. This drop follows a positive trading day. Investors face several key developments. These events shape the market outlook. First, Meta Platforms grapples with major legal challenges. Second, geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East. Third, space sector stocks rally on IPO news. Fourth, analysts warn about energy prices. Finally, new laws target prediction markets. These factors influence trading strategies today.

Harvey AI, a pioneering US-based legal tech company, recently announced a major funding round. The firm raised $200 million, co-led by GIC and Sequoia Capital. This latest investment values Harvey at an impressive $11 billion. Moreover, existing investors participated actively. They include Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue, Conviction Partners, Elad Gil, Evantic, and Kleiner Perkins. This round highlights strong confidence in Harvey's growth potential.

Dexory, a London-based logistics intelligence company, has secured significant new funding. The British Business Bank invested in this Series C round. The round already closed at $100 million in October 2025. Eurazeo led the investment. LTS Growth and Endeavor Catalyst also participated. Existing investors doubled down. These backers include Atomico, DTCP, Latitude Ventures, Lakestar, Elaia, and Wave-X. This influx of capital strengthens Dexory's position in the logistics sector.

Arkadia Space has achieved a major milestone. The Spanish startup secured €14.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. Out of 923 applicants, only 61 companies succeeded. This reflects a tough success rate of just 6.6%. Moreover, Arkadia became the first Spanish space company to receive this backing. The funding package includes a €2.5 million grant. It also features €6 million in equity from the EIC Fund.

Modern defense increasingly relies on software, simulations, and autonomous systems. These technologies operate in environments where humans cannot venture safely. Traditional aircraft depend on human pilots. However, pilots often face dangers or communication blackouts. In areas without GPS or reliable links, vulnerabilities arise. Shield AI addresses these challenges head-on. The Founders' Vision Takes Flight Brothers Brandon Tseng and Ryan Tseng, alongside Andrew Reiter, launched Shield AI in 2015.

Blossom Health emerges as a key player in addressing the mental health crisis. The company raised $20 million in combined seed and Series A funding. This investment tackles the growing imbalance between demand and available specialists in mental healthcare. Headline led the round. Co-founder and managing partner Mathias Schilling joined the board. Returning investors Village Global and TA Ventures participated actively.

Scalvy, an Austin-based innovator, has raised $13.9 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round. This investment aims to modernize power delivery for the world's most demanding systems. A strategic investor led the round, alongside Silicon Badia. Azolla Ventures, Climate Capital, and Skyriver Ventures also provided backing. Additionally, other supporters joined the effort. The funding boosts Scalvy's total capital to about $17 million.

The surveillance technology industry faces intense scrutiny today. Controversies surround U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's use of Flock's camera network. Additionally, Ring's home cameras draw criticism for enabling law enforcement to request neighborhood footage. These issues spark broad debates on safety, privacy, and surveillance power dynamics. However, market growth persists. Advancements in vision-language models propel companies to innovate monitoring solutions for businesses.

Researchers recently uncovered serious malware in LiteLLM, a popular open-source project. LiteLLM simplifies access to hundreds of AI models for developers. It also offers features like spend management. This tool has gained massive traction. Snyk reports show downloads reach 3.4 million times per day. The project boasts 40,000 stars on GitHub. Thousands of developers fork it to customize their versions.

Ultra-wealthy family offices aggressively pursue domestic real estate investments. The market's recovery stalls amid high interest rates and geopolitical tensions. However, these investors seize opportunities for long-term gains. They shared insights with Inside Wealth. Family offices sit on the sidelines less than others. Their deep pockets allow opportunistic bets. They focus on the long haul. Realm's Bold Moves in Northern California…

Henkel, a leading German consumer brand, announced a major acquisition on Thursday. The company agreed to purchase Olaplex, a prestige haircare brand, for $1.4 billion. This deal strengthens Henkel's position in the beauty industry. Investors reacted positively, as shares surged immediately after the news. Deal Details and Approval Henkel offered $2.06 per share for Olaplex. Olaplex's board unanimously approved the transaction.

Fannie Mae now accepts crypto-backed mortgages through a new product from Better Home and Finance and Coinbase. This move marks a significant milestone in real estate finance. Previously, crypto-backed options existed, but none gained Fannie Mae's approval. As a government-conservatorship entity, Fannie Mae sets high standards for conforming loans. The new offering lets homebuyers pledge crypto assets as collateral. Fannie Mae buys these loans just like traditional ones.

Tom Brady, the iconic quarterback of the New England Patriots, recently sparked intrigue about his NFL future. He inquired about returning as a player while keeping his minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Brady quickly clarified his contentment with retirement. This exploration highlights ongoing rumors about his potential un-retirement. Fans and analysts alike watch his moves closely. Brady's Inquiry into League Policies…

Major League Baseball launches its season with excitement. Yet, Thursday's Opening Day signals the calm before a brewing storm. The league faces critical changes ahead. Owners prepare for tough negotiations. Players anticipate disruptions. This article explores the key challenges and opportunities shaping MLB's future. CBA Expiration Looms Large The collective bargaining agreement between MLB and its players expires at season's end.

United Airlines recently announced a tentative labor agreement with its flight attendant union. This deal marks the first significant raises for crew members in approximately six years. Negotiations have proven challenging, yet both sides achieved progress. Breaking Down the Tentative Agreement United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA crafted this agreement carefully. If flight attendants ratify it, United becomes the final major U.S.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) urges its 1.8 million members to avoid Target for back-to-school shopping. This call stems from Target's inadequate response to federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. The union passed a resolution on Thursday to push for local shopping instead. This move adds to ongoing boycotts targeting the retailer. Target shows signs of recovery, yet faces fresh challenges.

Infiniti launched its new midsize luxury SUV, the QX65, on Thursday. The company aims to revive its presence in the U.S. market. This vehicle marks a key step in Infiniti's strategy. Infiniti, Nissan's premium brand, seeks to recapture lost momentum. The QX65 features a powerful 268-horsepower VC-Turbo engine. It delivers 286 foot-pounds of torque. Drivers enjoy smooth acceleration and responsive handling.

Google's recent research on AI models shakes up the memory chip market. Investors worry about lower demand for chips. Shares in major companies drop sharply. This development highlights tensions in the booming AI sector. On Thursday, SK Hynix shares fell 6% in South Korea. Samsung shares declined nearly 5%. Kioxia, a Japanese flash memory firm, dropped almost 6%. These declines followed U.S.

Meta encountered significant setbacks this week in two high-profile court cases. These rulings highlight the company's ongoing struggles to manage safety on Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, Meta races to catch up with competitors in artificial intelligence. The verdicts underscore broader challenges in the social media landscape. Court Verdicts Expose Safety Failures Jurors in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ruled on Tuesday that Meta misled users about the safety of its platforms.

Artificial intelligence now dominates the web. Bots and automated systems have surpassed human activity online. Human Security's latest report reveals this shift. The firm, a cybersecurity leader, released the State of AI Traffic report on Thursday. It shows AI traffic eclipses humans for the first time. Stu Solomon, CEO of Human Security, highlighted the change. He told CNBC that the internet's core idea has flipped.

Apple announced a major expansion of its American Manufacturing Program on Thursday. This move brings four new partners into its domestic supply chain. These partners include Bosch, Cirrus Logic, TDK, and Qnity Electronics. They will produce essential materials and components in the U.S. for Apple products sold worldwide. Moreover, Apple plans to invest $400 million in these new programs through 2030.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence reshapes corporate landscapes across America. Recently, two prominent CEOs revealed how AI influences their decisions to step down. James Quincey of Coca-Cola and Doug McMillon of Walmart shared these insights with CNBC. Their stories highlight a growing trend among business leaders. They recognize AI's transformative power. Therefore, they seek successors better equipped to navigate this shift.

Meta surges ahead with a bold expansion. The company boosts its spending on an upcoming AI data center in West Texas. It increases the commitment more than sixfold to $10 billion. This move targets 1 gigawatt of capacity by 2028. Meta announced these details on Thursday. The facility in El Paso promises significant growth. It will create 300 new jobs. At peak construction, it requires over 4,000 workers.

David Sacks, a key figure in the Trump administration, steps away from his position as artificial intelligence and crypto czar. He announced this move on Thursday to Bloomberg. Sacks explained that he completed his 130-day stint as a special government employee. Now, he joins the President’s Council of Advisers on Science & Technology, or PCAST, as co-chair. Sacks' New Role in PCAST…

Elon Musk's Boring Company unveiled ambitious plans in July. The company aims to construct 20 miles of tunnels in Nashville. These tunnels will transport passengers from downtown to the airport using Tesla cars. Republican Governor Bill Lee hailed the project as transformative. He emphasized its potential to revolutionize urban mobility. However, enthusiasm has faded among residents just eight months later. A recent Vanderbilt University survey reveals growing disapproval.

OpenAI introduced its ads business in January. The company targeted free users and ChatGPT Go subscribers in the U.S. This pilot aimed to create a new revenue stream. However, rival Anthropic mocked the effort. Anthropic even highlighted it in their first Super Bowl ad. Despite the ridicule, OpenAI moved forward confidently. The ads appear at the bottom of chatbot responses. They do not influence the AI's answers.

A federal judge in San Francisco recently granted Anthropic's request for a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration. Judge Rita Lin issued this ruling on Thursday. It came just two days after lawyers from the AI startup and the U.S. government faced off in court. Anthropic filed the lawsuit to challenge its blacklisting by the Pentagon. The company also targeted President Donald Trump's directive.

The UK Government launches a comprehensive Pandemic Preparedness Strategy. This plan overhauls how the nation responds to future health emergencies. Officials allocate roughly £1bn to boost vaccine access, surveillance, and testing capacity. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) publishes the framework. It aligns with the government's response to the Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 2 report. This report scrutinizes decision-making and governance during the pandemic.

A sharp increase in orbiting satellites fuels a growing crisis of space debris. This debris endangers America's vital national space systems. Maj. Gen. Chris Povak, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), highlighted these dangers in his keynote address. He spoke at the Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium hosted by the Purdue University Policy Research Institute. Povak emphasized the urgent need for action.

Global crises have reshaped the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic struck first. Then, the Ukraine conflict caused geopolitical turmoil. Protectionist policies rose next. Recently, threats to maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz emerged. These events exposed supply chain weaknesses. Many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Europe lacked preparation for such shocks. Traditional reactive approaches now fall short. Resilience has become essential for survival and stability.

NASA unveils a transformative roadmap that connects lunar infrastructure, commercial partnerships, and nuclear propulsion to ambitious exploration goals. This sweeping update signals a major shift in U.S. space operations for the next decade. Agency leaders announced the changes during a recent briefing. These updates align closely with the National Space Policy. They position a sustained Moon base as the heart of future strategies.

First Hydrogen Corp. has strengthened its partnership with Exodus Actuation Solutions Inc., known as RoboticsCo. This expansion builds on their February announcement. The updated Letter of Intent grants First Hydrogen exclusive worldwide rights. They will develop and commercialize a patented unmanned ground vehicle. This UGV supports both autonomous and remote operations. Understanding Unmanned Ground Vehicles An unmanned ground vehicle serves as a land-based robotic system.

Cocoa prices soar worldwide. Supply chains falter due to climate shifts and volatility. Manufacturers scramble for alternatives. Into this turmoil enters Foreverland, an Italian foodtech startup. The company reimagines chocolate production without cocoa. It uses sustainable, local ingredients instead. This approach promises stability and eco-friendliness. Foreverland recently secured €6 million in funding. Kost Capital and Maia Ventures led the round. New investors joined, including CDP Venture Capital, Linfa agrifoodtech fund, and Newtree Impact.

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) boasts abundant engineering talent. However, it has historically faced a shortage of early-stage capital. Investors often hesitate to take bold risks before startups gain traction. Credo Ventures steps in to bridge this gap. The Prague-based venture capital firm recently raised $88 million for its fifth fund, named Credo Stage V. This fund targets startups at the earliest stages across the CEE region.

Stateful Robotics recently secured $4.8 million in pre-seed funding. Amadeus Capital Partners and Oxford Science Enterprises led the round. Stan Boland, founder of Five (later acquired by Bosch), also provided support. This investment fuels exciting growth in robotics. The company plans to use the funds wisely. They aim to expand their engineering team. Moreover, they will strengthen the performance engine. Additionally, they seek to accelerate partnerships with industrial players.

Halter, a New Zealand-based agtech innovator, just secured $220 million in Series E funding. This round catapults the company to a $2 billion valuation. Founders Fund, co-founded by Peter Thiel in 2005, led the investment. Other key players joined in, including Blackbird, DCVC, Bond, Bessemer, NewView, Ubiquity, Promus, and Icehouse Ventures. This marks the largest funding round in global agtech history.

Strategy Inc. continues its aggressive push into Bitcoin investments. The company, led by Michael Saylor, recently acquired more digital assets. This move highlights its commitment to cryptocurrency. Investors watch closely as Strategy navigates funding strategies. Recent Bitcoin Acquisition Details Strategy Inc. purchased 1,031 Bitcoin between March 16 and March 22. The company spent approximately $76.5 million on this acquisition. Bloomberg reports confirm these details.

Artificial intelligence progresses through distinct phases. Generative AI dominated 2023. Multi-modal systems expanded in 2024. Reasoning models advanced boundaries in 2025. Now, computer agents emerge as the key shift for 2026. These agents operate systems independently rather than just assisting users. While OpenAI and Anthropic develop general-purpose agents, Zalos focuses solely on finance. This San Francisco startup, founded in 2025, prioritizes precision, traceability, and auditability in financial operations.

Europe races to develop its own launch capabilities. Startups lead this charge. German company Isar Aerospace stands out. It negotiates fresh capital now. This timing proves critical. Isar Aerospace discusses raising €250 million. Bloomberg reports this news. A source familiar with the matter shares details. The deal could value the company at €2 billion. Investors watch closely. Europe needs independent space access.

Zevero, a leading carbon management platform, recently secured $7 million in fresh funding. This round doubles the company's total capital to $14 million. Investors including Spiral Capital, Gazelle Capital, and Deep 30 participated actively. The funding follows strong commercial growth, including a $7 million seed round in 2024. Now, Zevero plans to accelerate product development. Additionally, the company aims to expand its presence in Asia-Pacific and continental Europe.

Current lithography tools rely on light to etch patterns onto silicon wafers. Engineers have pushed these tools for decades through incremental improvements. However, they now approach physical limits. This challenge attracts investors to alternative technologies. Norwegian startup Lace Lithography captures significant attention with its novel approach. Semiconductor manufacturing demands ever-smaller features for faster, more efficient chips. Traditional photolithography uses ultraviolet light, but wavelengths limit resolution.

Urban traffic signals often rely on outdated fixed-cycle timers. These systems fail to adapt to real-time conditions. They also lack communication between signals and remote updates. As a result, cities face inefficiencies and frustrations daily. NoTraffic, an Israeli startup, tackles these issues head-on. The company replaces fragmented hardware with a single, integrated system. This approach connects directly to existing traffic signal controllers.

Prediction markets have exploded in popularity. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket lead this space. Yet, competition rages between them. Now, their CEOs back the same venture fund. This move surprises many observers. TechCrunch first reported the news. It highlights unity amid rivalry. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour and Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan invest in 5(c) Capital. Bloomberg and Fortune confirmed their involvement.

Zipline secures a massive boost in funding. Investors pour $800 million into the drone logistics leader. This Series H round values the company at $7.6 billion. Fidelity leads the investment. Baillie Gifford, Valor Equity Partners, Tiger Global, and Paradigm also participate. The fresh capital fuels ambitious growth plans. Funding Fuels US Expansion Zipline plans to expand operations across the United States.

Epoch Biodesign, a London-based startup, recently raised £9 million, equivalent to about $12.9 million. This funding round pushes their total capital beyond $50 million. Last year, they secured £18.3 million in Series A funding. Now, they advance their recycled nylon 6.6 toward widespread adoption. Strategic and climate-focused investors backed this round. Lululemon joined as a key supporter. KOMPAS VC, Happiness Capital, Extantia, and Leitmotif also invested.

India's food delivery market booms with convenience. However, many platforms struggle with freshness. They depend on third-party restaurants. Long preparation times plague orders, especially during peak hours. Inconsistent quality frustrates customers. Bengaluru-based startup Swish tackles these issues head-on. It promises fresh meals in under 10 minutes. This innovative approach sets Swish apart in a crowded market. Swish builds a full-stack model.