Tag: startups

AI Breakthrough: Sequoia-Backed Lab Mimics Human Brain

The fluorescent lights of the Flapping Airplanes lab hummed, reflecting off the server racks. It was a Tuesday, and the air crackled with the low thrum of processing power. The team, led by brothers Ben and Asher Spector, and co-founder Aidan Smith, were huddled around a screen, poring over heat maps. Seems like the kind of place where the future is being built, one algorithm at a time.

Flapping Airplanes, as the name suggests, aims to take flight in the AI world, and they’ve got the fuel to do it. They just secured a hefty $180 million in seed funding. Google Ventures, Sequoia, and Index Ventures are betting big on their approach: making AI models learn like humans instead of just vacuuming up data from the internet.

“We’re not just building another language model,” a source close to the project said, “We’re trying to understand how the brain actually works, and then build AI from there.” That’s a bold claim, but in this field, bold claims are kind of the point. The goal? To move beyond the current limitations of AI, which, in their view, is only scratching the surface of what’s possible.

The core of their work revolves around the idea that the human brain isn’t the limit for AI; it’s the starting point. They’re not just trying to replicate human intelligence, but to surpass it. This means moving beyond the current paradigm of AI, which is largely based on statistical analysis of massive datasets. They’re looking at something… different.

This shift isn’t just about the algorithms; it’s about the hardware too. The team is probably eyeing the next generation of GPUs, and maybe even custom silicon, to handle the intense computational demands of their brain-inspired models. They’ll need it. The shift towards neuromorphic computing is already underway, but the road is long, and it’s expensive.

Meanwhile, analysts are watching closely. “This could be a game-changer,” said one analyst from a major financial firm, speaking on condition of anonymity. “If they can pull it off, the implications are huge. We’re talking about a paradigm shift, a move from correlation to understanding.”

By evening, the lab was still buzzing. The team, fueled by coffee and a shared vision, continued their work. The hum of the servers, the glow of the screens, the quiet determination in their eyes – it all suggested that they were on the cusp of something big. Or maybe just another Tuesday, in the relentless pursuit of the future.

February 10, 2026
AI Lab Secures $180M to Teach Machines Human-Like Thinking

The hum of servers fills the air, a constant white noise in the Flapping Airplanes lab. It’s a sound that’s probably familiar to Ben and Asher Spector and Aidan Smith, the team behind this ambitious new AI venture. The lab, which just secured a substantial $180 million in seed funding, is taking a contrarian approach. They’re not just vacuuming up the internet to train their models.

Instead, they’re aiming to build AI that learns more like a human brain. Or, at least, that’s the stated goal. It’s a lofty one, and one that many labs have quietly abandoned. But with backing from Google Ventures, Sequoia, and Index, Flapping Airplanes has the resources to try. The funding, announced earlier this week, is a significant vote of confidence in their vision.

The core idea? That the brain is the “floor, not the ceiling” for AI, as one insider put it. This means moving beyond the current paradigm of training AI on massive datasets scraped from the web. The team believes that true intelligence requires something more akin to the human ability to generalize, to adapt, to learn with limited data. This is where their research diverges from the prevailing trends.

Earlier today, an analyst at a leading tech research firm, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that “the investment signals a shift.” They continued, “For a while, it seemed like the focus was solely on scaling up existing models. Now, there’s a renewed interest in fundamental research.”

The technical challenges are immense. It involves figuring out how to replicate the brain’s neural networks, its ability to process information, and its capacity for learning. The Spector brothers, along with Smith, are betting that a new approach can unlock the next generation of AI capabilities. They are, in a way, betting on a new paradigm. It’s an approach that, if successful, could revolutionize everything from healthcare to robotics.

This is a bet on the future. A future where AI doesn’t just process data but understands it. A future where machines think more like humans. The next few years will be crucial. With the backing and resources they have, it’s a bet worth watching.

February 10, 2026
VC Funding Roundup: Primary Ventures, Dohmke, & Smart Bricks

The hum of the server room, a constant thrum that seems to vibrate through the floor. It was February 10, 2026, and the industry was abuzz. Primary Ventures had just announced the closing of Fund V, a hefty $625 million, earmarked for seed-stage investments. The news rippled through the tech world like a seismic event.

Meanwhile, across the country, Thomas Dohmke, formerly of GitHub, was celebrating a monumental $60 million seed round for his new venture. His startup, still in its early stages, is developing an AI system to help developers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI-generated code. The valuation? A cool $300 million. It’s a bold move, but the demand is clearly there.

The core of Dohmke’s project? It’s all about helping developers manage the sheer volume and complexity of AI-generated code. The system, as I understand it, will act as a kind of intelligent assistant, helping engineers debug and optimize code created by AI tools. It’s a critical need, actually. As one analyst put it, “The bottleneck isn’t just in the AI models themselves, but in the tools to manage their output.”

And then there’s Smart Bricks. This proptech startup, leveraging AI to sniff out promising real estate investment opportunities, secured a $5 million pre-seed round. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) led the charge, signaling a growing interest in AI-driven solutions for the real estate market. The details of their algorithms are, of course, proprietary, but the promise is clear: more efficient and informed investment decisions.

The pace of investment, in general, has been frenetic. It’s a sign, I think, of sustained confidence in the tech sector, or maybe a sign of something else entirely. The sheer amount of capital sloshing around suggests that investors are eager to find the next big thing, the next unicorn. Or, at least, that’s the hope.

This flurry of activity, from seed rounds to massive funds, underscores the dynamic nature of the venture capital landscape. The money is flowing, the ideas are churning, and the future, as always, remains unwritten. Still, the underlying trend is clear: AI, and the tools that support it, are where the smart money is going.

February 10, 2026
VC Funding Roundup: Primary Ventures, GitHub, Smart Bricks

The hum of the servers was almost a physical thing, a low thrum that vibrated through the floor of the data center. It was February 10, 2026, and the air crackled with the energy of a thousand calculations. Or maybe it was just the anticipation of the latest funding announcements.

Primary Ventures announced the closing of Fund V, a massive $625 million war chest. The focus, as per reports, would be on seed-stage investments. It’s a significant vote of confidence in a market that, despite some recent cooling, still sees enormous potential. The firm’s partners, according to a press release, are betting big on early-stage companies across the nation.

Meanwhile, Thomas Dohmke, the former CEO of GitHub, was making waves of his own. His new venture, still unnamed, secured a staggering $60 million seed round. The startup is developing an AI system designed to help developers manage AI-generated code. This, in itself, is a sign of how quickly the market is shifting. The valuation, a cool $300 million, speaks volumes about the perceived value of this endeavor.

That’s a lot of money changing hands.

The proptech space, too, is experiencing a surge. Smart Bricks, a startup using AI to identify promising real estate investment opportunities, snagged a $5 million pre-seed round. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) led the investment, and it seems like the firm is betting on AI’s ability to reshape the real estate market. This follows a trend, as analysts have noted, of increased investment in AI-driven solutions across various sectors.

“The pace of innovation is relentless,” said one analyst. “These funding rounds reflect a broader trend: investors are placing significant bets on AI’s potential to disrupt industries.”

But still, the fundamental questions remain. How will these AI systems perform under real-world conditions? What are the limitations of the current technology? And how will these companies navigate the complex landscape of regulations and competition? They’re questions that will likely be answered, one funding round at a time.

February 10, 2026
InfiniMind: AI Transforms Video Archives into Business Intelligence

The hum of servers filled the air, a constant white noise in the InfiniMind office. It was mid-morning, and the engineering team, a mix of faces from Google Japan and fresh recruits, were huddled around a large monitor. They were reviewing thermal tests for the latest iteration of their AI infrastructure, a system designed to parse and analyze video data at scale.

InfiniMind, founded in 2026 by former Google Japan leaders, is tackling a significant challenge: turning vast, often-untapped video archives into searchable, actionable business intelligence. The core of their operation relies on sophisticated AI models. They’re not just archiving video; they’re building a system that can understand and interpret the content, providing insights that businesses can use to improve operations, marketing, and decision-making.

Earlier this year, the company secured a seed round of $12 million. The funding is earmarked for expanding their AI capabilities and scaling their infrastructure. The goal, as per internal projections, is to onboard at least 50 enterprise clients by the end of 2027. That’s a rapid expansion.

The technical complexities are considerable. The system needs to process massive amounts of data, identify key objects and events within the video, and then correlate this information with other business data. This requires powerful GPUs, and the team is navigating the ever-changing landscape of supply chains and export controls. “We’re seeing real pressure on the supply side, especially with the US export rules,” a company spokesperson noted during a recent briefing. The team is working with both domestic and international suppliers to navigate these challenges.

The market potential is substantial. Analysts at Gartner predict the video analytics market will reach $50 billion by 2030, and InfiniMind is positioning itself to capture a significant share of that growth. Deutsche Bank, in a recent report, highlighted the potential for AI-driven video analysis to revolutionize various industries, from retail to manufacturing. The report stressed the need for companies to leverage video data effectively, or risk falling behind the competition. The implications are wide-ranging.

Meanwhile, the engineering team continues to refine its models. They’re working on improving the accuracy of object recognition, and developing new features to identify complex patterns and behaviors within the video. They are also focused on improving the system’s ability to integrate with existing business intelligence tools. The system is designed to provide dashboards and reports that offer actionable insights, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions.

One of the key advantages of InfiniMind’s approach is its focus on enterprise clients. They are not just building a generic video analysis tool; they are tailoring their solutions to the specific needs of each business. This includes customizing the AI models to recognize industry-specific objects and events, and integrating the system with existing workflows. The goal is to provide a seamless and valuable solution that helps businesses unlock the full potential of their video data.

The team, still refining their product, is ambitious. It seems like they are betting on the future.

February 9, 2026
InfiniMind: AI Transforms Video Archives into Business Intelligence

The hum of servers filled the air, a constant white noise in the InfiniMind office. It was early February, 2026, and the team, a mix of former Google Japan engineers and fresh hires, were huddled around monitors, reviewing the latest thermal tests. They were pushing the limits, trying to get more processing power out of the new generation of GPUs.

InfiniMind, founded by ex-Googlers, is tackling a massive problem: the untapped potential of video data. Companies are drowning in video archives, but extracting actionable insights has been a monumental task. The team is building enterprise AI to make those video archives searchable and useful, turning them into a source of business intelligence.

Earlier that morning, a conference call with a potential client had been punctuated by long silences. The client, a large retail chain, was eager to use InfiniMind’s AI to analyze security footage, customer behavior, and inventory management. But the scale of the video data was daunting, and the client was cautious. They were, understandably, wary of another over-promised AI solution.

“It’s a tough sell,” one of the engineers, whose name tag read ‘Kenji,’ muttered, adjusting his glasses. “We’re promising a lot.”

The core of InfiniMind’s solution lies in its ability to process vast amounts of video data using a combination of advanced AI models. These models, trained on custom datasets, can identify objects, track movements, and understand context within the video. The goal is to provide businesses with a powerful search tool that allows them to quickly find specific events or patterns within their video archives. It is like having a super-powered search engine, but for video.

As per reports, the market for video analytics is expected to reach $20 billion by 2028, according to a recent report by Gartner. This growth is driven by the increasing availability of video data and the growing demand for AI-powered solutions that can extract valuable insights from this data. The founders are betting that their experience at Google, combined with a deep understanding of the Japanese market, will give them a competitive edge. They are focusing on the enterprise market, targeting companies with large video archives and a need for advanced analytics.

Meanwhile, the team was also navigating the complexities of the supply chain. The demand for advanced GPUs, essential for running their AI models, was intense. They were competing with companies all over the world. Export controls from the US and the domestic procurement policies in China added another layer of complexity. SMIC, the leading Chinese chip manufacturer, was still a few generations behind TSMC in terms of cutting-edge chip production, which added another wrinkle.

“We’re looking at a 2027 roadmap for the M300 chips,” said a company spokesperson, “but the supply chain is, well, it’s still a work in progress.”

The pressure was on. The team knew they were building something significant, something that could revolutionize how businesses use video data. It’s a high-stakes game. But they also knew that success hinged on more than just the technology — also on the ability to navigate the complexities of the market, the supply chain, and the ever-evolving landscape of AI.

February 9, 2026
TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 & Startup Battlefield 200

TechCrunch Opens Doors for Founders: Summit 2026 & Startup Battlefield 200

For those in the startup ecosystem, the name TechCrunch resonates deeply. It’s a bellwether, a platform that consistently spotlights innovation and provides invaluable resources for entrepreneurs. As the calendar turns towards 2026, TechCrunch is already setting the stage for two pivotal events: the Founder Summit and the Startup Battlefield 200. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and gain exposure. This article details the calls for participation and the exciting prospects they hold.

Founder Summit 2026: A Platform for Sharing Scaling Insights

The TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 is scheduled for June 23 in Boston. TechCrunch is extending an invitation to founders to submit to speak at the summit. The event is designed to foster a collaborative environment where founders can learn from one another. The opportunity to lead a roundtable offers a unique chance to share hard-earned scaling insights with an audience of approximately 1,100 fellow founders. This is a chance not just to speak, but to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to contribute to the collective knowledge of the startup community. // Image Suggestion: A photo of founders engaged in a roundtable discussion at a previous TechCrunch event.

Startup Battlefield 200: A Prestigious Pitch Competition

Simultaneously, TechCrunch is also accepting nominations for the Startup Battlefield 200. This prestigious pitch competition will be a highlight of Disrupt 2026, which is slated to take place from October 13-15. The Startup Battlefield 200 has a history of launching successful startups. Pre-Series A founders are encouraged to apply, giving them a platform to showcase their ventures and potentially secure crucial funding and recognition. The competition is more than just a contest; it’s a launchpad, offering invaluable exposure to investors, media, and potential customers.

Why Participate?

The motivation to participate in either the Founder Summit or the Startup Battlefield 200 is clear. For speakers at the Summit, it’s a chance to give back, to share experiences, and to shape the trajectory of other startups. For those competing in the Battlefield 200, it’s about gaining visibility, refining the pitch, and potentially securing the investment needed to propel their business forward. Both events are designed to help founders navigate the complex and often challenging world of startups. The chance to network, learn, and compete makes these events essential dates on the startup calendar.

These events, spearheaded by TechCrunch, offer a unique blend of networking, education, and competition. They are a testament to the publication’s commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem and fostering innovation. The calls for speakers and nominations are now open, so founders should seize the opportunity to participate in these critical events. The Founder Summit 2026 and Startup Battlefield 200 are not just events; they are experiences that can shape the future of a startup.

February 9, 2026
India Revamps Startup Rules for Deep Tech Funding

India Revamps Startup Rules to Boost Deep Tech Funding and Success

In a move signaling a strong commitment to technological advancement, India is actively reshaping its startup ecosystem. The recent adjustments to startup rules are specifically designed to bolster the prospects of deep tech startups. This strategic initiative aims to improve access to funding and cultivate long-term success for these innovative ventures. (Source: TechCrunch)

The Rationale Behind the Regulatory Shift

India’s decision to revise its startup regulations stems from a clear vision: to nurture a vibrant environment for deep tech innovation. The “why” behind this move is multifaceted. Primarily, the government seeks to foster an environment where cutting-edge technologies can flourish, creating new economic opportunities and solidifying India’s position on the global stage. By focusing on deep tech, which often requires significant capital investment and has longer development cycles, India acknowledges the need for tailored support mechanisms.

These changes are not merely cosmetic; they represent a fundamental shift in how India approaches supporting its most innovative businesses. The emphasis is on providing the necessary resources and regulatory frameworks that allow these companies to thrive from their inception and beyond. This proactive approach is a testament to India’s ambition to be a leader in technology and innovation.

Key Aspects of the New Regulations

While the specifics of the revised rules are still emerging, the underlying goals are evident. The “how” of these adjustments likely involves several key areas. We can anticipate measures aimed at simplifying funding processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing tax incentives. Moreover, there may be provisions designed to facilitate collaborations between startups, research institutions, and established industries. Such collaborative efforts are crucial for translating research into marketable products and services.

It’s also plausible that the updated regulations will address intellectual property rights, a critical aspect for deep tech companies that rely heavily on proprietary technologies. Strengthening these protections would provide additional security and encourage further innovation. The overarching aim is to create a more supportive and sustainable ecosystem for deep tech ventures.

Impact and Future Outlook

The impact of these regulatory changes could be profound, particularly for deep tech startups. Improved access to funding, coupled with a more streamlined regulatory environment, should accelerate the growth of these companies. This, in turn, could drive economic growth, create high-skilled jobs, and enhance India’s overall competitiveness. The long-term implications are equally significant.

As India continues to refine its approach to supporting deep tech startups, the nation is positioning itself as a hub for innovation. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, ongoing monitoring, and the willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of the startup community. The future looks promising, with India poised to make significant strides in the global tech landscape.

The “when” these changes will fully take effect and the extent of their impact will become clearer in the coming months. However, the initial signs are encouraging, and the commitment from India to support its deep tech sector is unmistakable.

February 8, 2026
India Boosts Deep Tech Startups with New Funding Rules
India Revamps Startup Rules to Boost Deep Tech Funding

In a move signaling its commitment to technological advancement, India has revised its startup regulations. The adjustments are specifically targeted at supporting the growth and success of deep tech startups, aiming to streamline funding and foster long-term viability. This initiative, unveiled in 2026, reflects India‘s strategic vision to become a global leader in technology and innovation.

The Rationale Behind the Reforms

India‘s decision to modify its startup rules stems from a clear why: to bolster its deep tech sector. Deep tech startups, which focus on complex scientific and engineering challenges, often require significant capital and time to develop their products. By addressing these needs, India hopes to create an environment where these companies can thrive.

The adjustments are designed to tackle challenges related to what: accessing funding. Deep tech companies often face hurdles in securing investments due to the high risks and long development cycles associated with their projects. These new rules are, therefore, a strategic response to these challenges.

Key Changes and Their Implications

While the specifics of the new regulations are still emerging, the overarching goal is clear: to enhance the ecosystem for deep tech startups. The how of the reforms likely involves a combination of financial incentives, regulatory simplifications, and perhaps, the establishment of new support mechanisms. These might include:
- Streamlined funding processes to make it easier for deep tech startups to attract venture capital and other forms of investment.
- Regulatory frameworks designed to be more flexible and responsive to the unique needs of these companies.
- Government initiatives, such as grants or tax breaks, to further incentivize investment in the sector.
The where is, of course, India. The impact of these changes will be felt across the country, particularly in tech hubs where deep tech startups are concentrated. This includes cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi, which are already home to a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Impact on the Indian Economy

The reforms have the potential to significantly impact the Indian economy. By fostering innovation and technological advancements, they can create new jobs, drive economic growth, and position India as a global leader in emerging technologies. Moreover, the success of deep tech startups can also lead to the development of new products and services, improving the quality of life for Indian citizens.

Looking Ahead

The when of the actual implementation will be crucial. The success of these regulations will depend on the details of their execution. It is vital to assess how effectively these new rules address the specific challenges faced by deep tech startups.

As India continues to refine its approach to the startup ecosystem, the world will be watching to see how these changes contribute to the nation’s technological progress.
February 8, 2026
Series A Surge: Duna & Fundamental Secure Major Funding

Series A Surge: Duna’s €30M Boost and Fundamental’s $255M Investment

The landscape of startup funding saw a flurry of activity on February 4, 2026, with significant Series A rounds announced for two promising ventures. This included business identity verification startup Duna, and Fundamental, a company focused on big data analysis. The investments signal continued investor confidence and highlight the potential for innovation in key sectors.

Duna Secures €30 Million in Series A Funding

Duna, a startup founded by Stripe alumni, has successfully secured a €30 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by CapitalG, further solidifying Duna’s position within the European startup ecosystem. This funding round places Duna among the most well-capitalized startups in Europe, setting the stage for accelerated growth and expansion. The support from CapitalG, coupled with the expertise of the founding team, positions Duna to make significant strides in the business identity verification space.

Duna’s success is a testament to the growing need for robust and reliable business identity verification solutions. With the backing of key investors and the founders’ experience, Duna is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the market. The company’s ability to secure such a substantial investment highlights the increasing importance of verifying business identities in today’s digital landscape. Several Adyen executives were also involved in the funding round.

Fundamental Raises $255 Million for Big Data Analysis

Simultaneously, Fundamental has raised an impressive $255 million in a Series A round, focusing its efforts on a new and innovative approach to big data analysis. The company is developing a foundation model designed to extract valuable insights from enterprise-produced structured data. This represents a significant investment in the future of data analytics and the potential for uncovering actionable intelligence from vast datasets.

The investment in Fundamental underscores the growing recognition of the power of big data and the need for advanced analytical tools. By focusing on a foundation model, Fundamental aims to provide a more efficient and effective way to analyze structured data, helping businesses make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. This substantial funding will enable Fundamental to further develop its technology and expand its reach within the enterprise market.

The Significance of Series A Funding

Series A funding rounds are a critical milestone for startups, representing the transition from early-stage development to scaling operations and market expansion. Securing this type of investment validates the company’s business model, product, and market potential. The substantial sums raised by Duna and Fundamental reflect investor confidence in their respective markets and the potential for high-growth returns. These funding rounds provide the necessary capital to fuel innovation, expand teams, and drive market penetration.

The success of both Duna and Fundamental in securing Series A funding showcases the ongoing dynamism within the startup world. These investments are key indicators of the direction of technological advancements and investor sentiment. As these companies continue to grow and evolve, they will undoubtedly contribute to the broader economic landscape.

Conclusion

The recent Series A funding rounds for Duna and Fundamental highlight the sustained strength of the startup ecosystem and the ongoing investment in innovative technologies. With Duna focusing on business identity verification and Fundamental on big data analysis, both companies are poised to make a significant impact in their respective fields. These investments signal a promising future for both companies and the industries they serve.

Source: TechCrunch

February 5, 2026