Market & Regulation
VCs Target AI-Native Startups in Legacy Sectors
Crunchbase Newshigh confidence
Why it matters
- →AI-native startups are poised to disrupt traditionally resistant sectors like defense and energy.
- →VCs see potential in AI to streamline complex processes and reduce migration times.
- →This trend could transform foundational sectors of the global economy.
Venture capitalists are shifting their focus towards AI-native startups in sectors like defense, energy, and government, which were previously considered challenging for investment. This change is fueled by geopolitical instability and the rapid advancement of AI technologies that can streamline complex processes. As traditional software vendors face scrutiny, new startups are emerging with AI-integrated solutions that promise to disrupt these legacy industries. The move represents a significant opportunity to transform sectors that are crucial to the global economy.
Read originalMore from Crunchbase News
© Crunchbase NewsInvestment · $65B
Market & Regulationbusiness
Anthropic Nears $1T Valuation with $65B Funding
Anthropic has dramatically increased its standing in the AI sector by securing $65 billion in a Series H funding round, boosting its valuation to $965 billion. This development places Anthropic ahead of OpenAI in terms of valuation, marking a significant shift in the competitive dynamics of AI companies. The funding was led by major investors such as Altimeter Capital and Sequoia Capital, with Amazon also contributing. This substantial investment reflects the growing demand for Anthropic's AI tools like Claude, which are becoming essential for its expanding enterprise customer base. With this new capital, Anthropic is poised to enhance its capabilities and reach in the AI market.
Crunchbase News
© Crunchbase NewsMarket & Regulationbusiness
Black Founders See Limited Venture Funding Despite AI Boom
Even with the rise in AI funding, Black startup founders are still receiving a minimal portion of venture capital. In 2025, Black-founded startups secured only 0.32% of U.S. venture funding, marking a significant decrease from earlier years. Companies like SambaNova, which raised $350 million in a Series E round, are exceptions rather than the norm. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Black entrepreneurs face in accessing capital, despite their active use of AI technologies. Building strong networks and relationships is becoming increasingly vital for these founders to compete in the funding arena. While there are some positive developments, the overall funding environment remains difficult for Black founders.
Crunchbase News
© Crunchbase NewsInvestment · $200M
Market & Regulationbusiness
Capchase Secures $200M in Debt and Equity
Capchase has secured $200 million in new funding, comprising $26 million in equity and a $174 million credit facility, to expand its B2B buy now, pay later platform. The company has pivoted from revenue-based financing to offering flexible payment terms for enterprise sales, leveraging AI to streamline processes that traditionally took days into seconds. This shift has driven significant growth, with Capchase reporting a 400% increase over the past year and plans to expand globally. The funding will support its move into larger enterprise markets and new regions, including Australia.
Crunchbase News
More in Market & Regulation
© SiftedMarket & Regulationbusiness
Ex-Spotify Exec Uses AI to Evaluate Startups
Henrik Landgren, a former Spotify executive, is leveraging AI to help venture capitalists discern which startups are likely to succeed. By employing cohort analysis, Landgren's approach aims to identify startups that are not just hype. This method groups startups by shared characteristics to predict their potential success, offering a more data-driven approach to investment decisions. The initiative reflects a growing trend of using AI to bring more precision and objectivity to the venture capital industry. This could potentially shift how investments are made, focusing more on data-backed insights rather than intuition alone.
Sifted
© SiftedInvestment · $50M
Market & Regulationbusiness
Ex-DeepMind Team Raises $50M for AI Startup Inherent
Inherent, a new AI lab founded by former DeepMind researchers, has secured $50 million in funding to develop 'AI-native science.' This approach aims to integrate human scientific inquiry with advanced AI systems to foster novel discoveries. The startup's platform, Faraday, seeks to address the limitations of current AI by identifying which scientific questions are worth pursuing. With backing from Index Ventures and Radical Ventures, Inherent is poised to explore the intersection of AI and scientific research, potentially transforming how breakthroughs are achieved.
Sifted
© TechCrunch AIMarket & Regulationbusiness
Glean's Revenue Hits $300M Amid AI Cost-Cutting Demand
Glean has achieved a remarkable $300 million in annual recurring revenue, tripling its figures in just 15 months. This growth is particularly notable as the company faces new competition from tech giants like Google and Microsoft in the enterprise AI search market. Glean's edge lies in its 'context graph' technology, which enhances AI efficiency by reducing computing costs for enterprises. This feature is increasingly appealing to businesses aiming to manage their AI budgets more effectively. As the market becomes more crowded, Glean's ability to offer tailored AI solutions gives it a significant advantage. The company's revenue model, which includes both consumption-based and hybrid pricing, reflects its adaptability to client needs.
TechCrunch AI