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This week reminded me that various startups share different approaches to the news. Some choose to remain quiet for a very long time, even with regard to the details of the acquisition. But others are loud like about their rivals.
The most interesting startup story of the week
Founders are not always reliable when they insist that there is nothing to worry about or suggest something suspicious. But anyway, I’ll give him popcorn. This is more interesting than refusing to disclose details.
Corporate Spy: After filing a lawsuit, the HR Tech startup has publicly released an affidavit of a former employee accused of spying on a rival deal. This is very similar to the script of a film, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Hollywood producers were to pay attention to it.
Habinger in Trouble: EV truck maker Harbinger accused the canoe of hiding its assets in the bankruptcy process and challenged canoe CEO Anthony Aquila to sell the company’s assets.
From NAM: Qualcomm has acquired the Generated AI division of Vinai, a Vietnam-based AI research company founded by former Deepmind Research Scientist Hung Bui. The terms of transactions have not been disclosed.
Epic Tagging: Fortnite Maker Epic Games has paid a private amount to get Loci, an AI platform that automatically tages 3D assets to facilitate search and detection of IP breaches.
AMA: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas joined Reddit to ensure the company is not under severe financial pressure, saying it “has no IPO plans before 2028”.
Most Interesting VC and Funding News This Week
From Series A to E, this week brought in the alphabet of the fundraising round and fresh capital for manufacturing and defense technology. Additionally, a veteran VC is moving to the other side of the table.
Prosperity: AI drug discovery platform Isomorphic Labs has raised its first external funding since 2021 released Google’s deep copyright. The round was led by Thrive Capital with participation from GV and existing investor alphabet.
Cover: Plaid raised $575 million at a valuation of $6.1 billion. It was valued at less than half of its peak at $13.4 billion, but in 2021 Visa would have been paid more than it was paid in the acquisition. The fintech company said it was “capitalized” and will not be made public this year.
Durable Run: Helping Open Source and Commercial providers ensure developers run long workflows, The Comparial has raised a $146 million Series C with a post-money valuation of $1.722 billion.
Now: Retym (pronounced “Re-Time”), a chipmaker for AI data centers founded in 2021, has previously flew under the radar, has raised a $75 million Series D led by Spark Capital.
Flux: AetherFlux is planning its first demonstration in 2026, with its vision to raise a $50 million Series A to deploy a space-based solar power plant. This will bring total funding to $60 million. CEO Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt has also invested $10 million.
The future of housing? Roam, a startup that helps future homeowners find real estate on a possible mortgage, has closed a $11.5 million Series A led by Keith Rabois, managing director of Khosla Ventures.
New Bricks: Construction Capital, an early Washington, DC-based VC company investing in startups related to manufacturing, transportation and defense technology, has shut down its third $300 million fund.
New Song: Fintech VC Frank Lotman resigns from QED investors to the role of Partner Honor to focus on establishing his own startup, starting with his first business in the music industry.
Last but not least, it’s important
Intel Capital has been operating as Intel’s venture investment division since 1991. But with the ready to spin out, TechCrunch has looked into the journey so far and plans for the future.