Post-election Tech/Finance Coverage: AI agenda, TikTok survival, a new Space Race, and more on Biotech, Real Estate and EVs + new open deals 🔥
It’s been a wild week, to say the least.
Welcome to Issue #52 of Startup Deal Desk!
We’re discussing the major ooohs, ahhhs and ugghhs after Trump’s victory in last week’s election.
Here’s what you can expect in today’s edition:
What will happen to AI’s development, TikTok’s survival and space exploration?
Shake-ups, revivals and disruptions in biotech, real estate and the EV space.
3 new open deals:
💱 Plaude, ⛓️ Bloomverse, 💬 RespexTech
and much more.
Keep reading to see the latest deals, news and trends 👇.
And don’t forget to subscribe!
Trump’s AI agenda: Innovation or overreach? - Trump plans to revoke Biden’s 2023 Executive Order on AI, aiming to deregulate the tech to spur innovation rooted in free speech. While AI companies may gain new freedoms, there’s also concern over loosening ethical standards. Some advocacy groups are even pushing for Elon Musk to advise on AI policy, adding fuel to an already polarized debate on how AI’s development should proceed.
Will TikTok be saved or killed? - TikTok’s hope for survival in the US was for Trump to win. Now, that hope might actually become reality. The President-elect could spare TikTok from Biden’s proposed ban, set to commence in January. Trump’s shifting stance on TikTok—initially a critic, now a potential savior—may hinge on his disdain for Meta. But will ByteDance find Trump’s support reliable enough to fend off bipartisan anti-China sentiment? Investors are eyeing this space closely, as TikTok’s survival could create major shifts in the social media space.
A new Space Race is upon us - With Trump back, Musk’s SpaceX may gain regulatory relief for Starship, enabling ambitious plans for moon and Mars exploration. Trump’s potential support for the Artemis program and Space Force expansion would fuel America’s space race with China. However, the future of NASA’s expensive Space Launch System (SLS) may be uncertain as Musk seeks cost-effective alternatives.
Biotech braces for Trump’s health policy shake-up - Biotech firms are eyeing potential FDA changes. Partnering with RFK Jr., Trump could usher in looser, “right to try” policies, driving flexibility at the FDA. Meanwhile, M&A deals in biotech may accelerate as the Trump administration reconsiders FTC scrutiny, potentially lifting regulatory barriers on industry consolidation.
Real estate hopes for a revival - Trump’s real estate roots could spell relief for real-estate developers and investors. Industry leaders are banking on looser regulations, revived Opportunity Zones, and SALT cap reversals. But Trump’s real estate ambitions will require Congress’s backing, and the House’s stance is still undecided. With Howard Lutnick guiding his transition team, industry insiders see a friendlier regulatory landscape ahead.
Major disruption incoming in the EV space - Expect turbulence in the EV market as Trump plans to axe Biden’s EV tax credits and incentives. Without these perks, EV prices may climb, possibly stalling demand. Automakers face a future with fewer subsidies and increased tariffs on foreign EVs, which could leave U.S. companies like Tesla with a competitive edge while Chinese automakers face new hurdles.
Plaude: Transforming cross-border trade - A comprehensive trade finance platform that enables SMEs to perform cross-border transactions seamlessly, offering a suite of features that support global business expansion. Has processed over $13M in transactions with $4.6K MRR before even officially launching. Collaborations with Sila and Route Fusion support Plaude’s currency exchange and multi-currency capabilities. Currently raising $1.2M in Seed funding.
Connect with the Founders and learn more about Plaude here.
Bloomverse: A new era of blockchain gaming - A gaming platform built on the Solana blockchain that integrates brands, online stores, and service providers into its game mechanics, creating a sustainable and rewarding ecosystem for players and partners alike. Established collaborations with Amazon and Solana to offer immersive, in-game shopping and reward opportunities for players. Currently raising a $500K Seed round to further develop its platform and expand its market reach.
Meet the Founder and find out more about Bloomverse here.
RespexTech: Respectful and inclusive workplace communication - AI-powered SaaS built like a “Grammarly” for respectful communication, providing instant feedback and alternative suggestions across platforms to help employees maintain respectful, inclusive language in all typed communications. Targets a growing market of HR consultants and small to mid-sized businesses, with projections of 28.2% annual revenue growth. Now raising $1.8M for MVP development.
Chat with the Founder and learn more about RespexTech here.
Big Tech CEOs rush to congratulate Trump - While some CEOs are cozying up to Trump after his election win, others are just trying to stay in his good graces. From Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Big Tech is aligning itself with the new administration—whether out of admiration or anxiety. Some, though, are staying silent, like Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. With looming antitrust cases, regulatory uncertainty and, of course, the rise of AI, Trump’s tech influence is already casting a long shadow.
Stocks hit record highs - Markets roared as Trump’s win sent U.S. stocks to all-time highs: The Dow was up 3.56%, S&P 500 up 2.51%, and Nasdaq up nearly 3%. “Trump trades” led the charge, with financials and small caps soaring while renewable energy lagged. The rate-sensitive real estate and utilities sectors fell slightly, with the Fed eyeing inflation. Investors see opportunities… but risks loom.
Crypto investors rejoice as Bitcoin blasts past $88K - Bitcoin hit a jaw-dropping $88,448, fueling a 25% surge in MicroStrategy’s stock, which closed at a 24-year high. Crypto markets are thriving post-election, with Bitcoin’s market cap edging past silver’s. Investors anticipate a Trump-led crypto comeback, with BTC up 27% this week alone and other cryptos riding the wave.
Category Ventures eyes $156M fund - Category Ventures files to raise $156M for its first fund, targeting early-stage category-defining companies. Former Two Sigma Ventures’ Velislav Iltchev leads the charge.
BETA Technologies lands $300M for electric aviation - Electric aviation startup BETA Technologies raises $300M+ in equity funding to expand production of its all-electric aircraft and charging infrastructure, led by QIA and Fidelity.
Melio secures $150M, hits $2B valuation - Melio, an accounts payable and receivable company, backed by Fiserv, Capital One, and Shopify, raises $150M to drive B2B expansion. Valuation now stands at $2B.
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Until next time!