Why startups want to mine asteroids, robotaxis coming to Uber in 2025, “It’s Glowtime” for Apple + new open deals!
Just when you thought you've seen everything...
Welcome to Issue #30 of Startup Deal Desk!
Here’s what you can expect in today’s edition:
Why startups want to mine asteroids, robotaxis coming to Uber in 2025, and “it’s glowtime” for Apple
SEC raises threshold for VC fund exemption, early-stage VC valuations remain high despite VC slump, US median round sizes finally increase
3 new open deals: NightVision, Culture Think Tank and Nedge
and much more!
Keep reading to see the latest deals, news and trends 👇.
And don’t forget to subscribe!
Why startups want to mine asteroids - There’s no shortage of metal-rich, near-Earth asteroids ready for mining. Asteroid mining startup AstroForge just raised $40M and is primed to mine asteroid 16 Psyche that contains $700 quintillion worth of gold.
Robotaxis coming to Uber in 2025 - General Motors’ self-driving subsidiary, Cruise said it has signed a multi-year partnership with Uber to bring its robotaxis to the ride-hailing platform in 2025, marking the relaunch of the company’s driverless service.
“It’s Glowtime” for Apple on September 9 - Apple’s annual iPhone-centric event will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup, new Apple Watch models, and the AirPods 4, plus we'll get official launch dates for iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and Apple's other software updates.
SEC raises size threshold for VC fund exemption - The SEC raised the threshold for a venture capital fund to qualify as exempt from SEC registration and regulation – from $10M to $12M. What does it mean for smaller VCs and emerging fund managers?
Early-stage VC valuations remain high despite VC slump - The median US VC early-stage pre-money valuation was $45M in the first half of 2024, about the same as in 2022. Factors like investments in AI and delays between funding rounds factor in.
US median round sizes finally increase - Median round sizes increased across seed to Series C stages in H1 2024. Seed and Series A rounds surpassed peak levels in 2021 and 2022, while Series B and C round sizes increased slightly.
NightVision: Innovative website and API software security - An application security testing platform that identifies and locates exploitable vulnerabilities in minutes before the code is deployed. Recently raised a $5.4M Seed round and launched its revolutionary tech. Currently raising $3M to scale operations and enhance technology.
Meet the founder and learn more about NightVision here.
Culture Think Tank: Transforming workplace culture through metrics - Behavioral Intelligence SaaS company that enables organizations to understand and optimize their culture and workforce well-being with real-time research and trend analysis, driving a remarkable 28.6% improvement in just 90 days. Currently raising $2M in SAFE notes.
Get more information and connect with the founder here.
Nedge: Enriching cloud workspaces with cutting-edge tech - Accelerated real-time applications for VDIs through its AI-infused Edge OS Fabric. 5 patented technologies, a partnership with HP, a tested and confirmed flagship product ‘Meet’, and an IDC Innovator in AI/ML Award. Currently raising $2.5M to accelerate commercial GMT.
Book a meeting with the founder and find out more about Nedge here.
Telegram CEO arrested in France - Pavel Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside Paris as part of a police investigation into allegedly allowing a wide range of crimes due to a lack of moderators on Telegram and a lack of cooperation with police.
AI startup Anthropic sued for copyright infringement - Three authors allege in the lawsuit that the company built its business and its large language model (LLM) Claude through the large-scale theft of copyrighted works from pirated or illegal websites.
Startups shut down faster than they appear - New research by Economic Innovation Group says that the number of US startups shutting down is outpacing the number of new ones founded, with an almost 60% increase between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024.
Borealis Biosciences emerges from stealth with $150M in funding - Versant Ventures partners with Novartis to create biotech with potential to be a leader in RNA medicines for kidney disease, securing $150M+ in combined Series A financing.
TickPick secures $250M from Brighton Park Capital - Brighton Park announced a $250M investment in TickPick, a transparent ticket marketplace, making it the largest fundraise in the ticketing industry to date.
Blockchain developer PIP Labs raises $80M at a $2B valuation - The software company behind Story Protocol, an intellectual property-focused blockchain, raised $80M in a round led by venture capital firm a16z crypto.
✅ The IRS updated the required minimum distribution – 3 things you need to know
✅ Supercharged growth stock that could join Apple and Nvidia in the $3T club
✅ This is the average 401(k) balance for ages 55-64
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Make sure to check out NightVision, Culture Think Tank and Nedge if you’re looking for promising investment opportunities.
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Until next time!