In a significant development for the Indian startup ecosystem, AstroSure, an AI-powered astrological services provider, has secured $6 million in its latest funding round. The investment was led by a group of prominent angel investors, further bolstering the company’s growth plans.

AstroSure, founded in 2018, has established itself as a pioneer in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies with traditional astrology. The platform offers personalized astrological insights and predictions, catering to the growing demand for data-driven astrological services.

“We are thrilled to have the support of these esteemed investors, who share our vision of revolutionizing the astrological industry,” said Nisha Sharma, the co-founder and CEO of AstroSure. “This funding will allow us to further enhance our AI capabilities, expand our user base, and solidify our position as the go-to platform for personalized astrological services.”

The startup’s innovative approach has garnered significant attention, drawing in a diverse user base ranging from individuals seeking guidance on personal and professional matters to businesses looking to integrate astrological insights into their decision-making processes.

“AstroSure’s ability to combine ancient astrological knowledge with modern AI technology is truly impressive,” said Anand Mahajan, one of the lead investors. “We believe this startup has the potential to redefine the astrological services landscape, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”

The fresh capital infusion will enable AstroSure to further expand its team, invest in research and development, and enhance its product offerings. The company also plans to explore strategic partnerships and collaborations to broaden its reach and impact within the Indian and global markets.

As the demand for personalized, data-driven astrological services continues to grow, AstroSure’s success in securing this funding round underscores the increasing acceptance and mainstream adoption of the integration of technology and traditional astrological practices.

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In a significant development for the waste management industry in India, the Jaipur-based startup WeVOIS has raised ₹36 crore (around $4.2 million) in its Series A funding round. The round was led by Negen Capital and Vyom Wealth (the Polycab family office), with additional participation from Venture Catalysts, SN Capital, Warmup Ventures, Marsshot Ventures (Razorpay Founders’ Fund), and other prominent angel investors.

This funding will enable WeVOIS to accelerate its mission of revolutionizing waste management in India and establishing the country as a global leader in sustainable waste practices. Abhishek Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of WeVOIS, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will significantly accelerate our mission of creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

WeVOIS is spearheading efforts to reduce reliance on virgin resources, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and reclaim land by diverting waste from landfills. The company is setting up textile waste recycling facilities and bio-CNG plants to convert wet waste into clean energy, showcasing innovation in sustainable waste management.

Abhinav Vashistha, Co-Founder and CTO of WeVOIS, outlined the company’s vision for innovation, saying, “We will use this funding to establish a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for advanced waste processing, a first-of-its-kind facility in India. Our prototypes are ready for commercialization, allowing us to reduce waste and its environmental impact drastically.”

With a strong network of over 1,500 sanitation workers and partnerships with 20+ municipal bodies, WeVOIS is building a robust waste collection, recovery, and recycling ecosystem. The company aims to establish 100 zero-waste cities in the next five years, addressing the pressing issue of India’s growing waste management challenges.

Neil Bahal, Founder of Negen Capital, expressed confidence in WeVOIS’s potential, stating, “The waste management sector has evolved significantly, driven by better regulations and heightened awareness. WeVOIS’s cutting-edge technology is uniquely positioned to address these challenges while creating immense value for investors and communities alike.”

This strategic investment marks a significant step forward for WeVOIS as it looks to scale its operations, expand partnerships, and drive innovation across India. By combining advanced technology with a commitment to sustainability, the company aims to inspire transformative change in the industry and establish global benchmarks in waste management practices.

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Funding allows for expansion of labs, teams, and additional species candidates for de-extinction

Dallas, TX  – UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL JANUARY 15 at 6:30PM IST – Colossal Biosciences, the world’s first de-extinction company, has today announced $200M in a Series C financing by TWG Global, a diversified holding company with operating businesses and investments in technology/AI, financial services, private lending and sports and media, jointly led by Mark Walter and Thomas Tull. Since launching in September 2021, Colossal has raised $435M in total funding. This latest round of capital places the company at a $10.2 billion valuation. Colossal will leverage this latest infusion of capital to continue to advance its genetic engineering technologies while pioneering new revolutionary software, wetware and hardware solutions, which have applications beyond de-extinction including species preservation and human healthcare.

“Our recent successes in creating the technologies necessary for our end-to-end de-extinction toolkit have been met with enthusiasm by the investor community. TWG Global and our other partners have been bullish in their desire to help us scale as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said CEO and co-founder of Colossal Ben Lamm. “This funding will grow our team, support new technology development, expand our de-extinction species list, while continuing to allow us to carry forth our mission to make extinction a thing of the past.”

Colossal employs over 170 scientists and partners with labs in Boston, Dallas, and Melbourne, Australia. In addition, Colossal sponsors over 40 full time postdoctoral scholars and research programs in 16 partner labs at some of the most prestigious universities around the globe. Colossal’s scientific advisory board has grown to include over 95 of the top scientists working in genomics, ancient DNA, ecology, conservation, developmental biology, and paleontology. Together, these teams are tackling some of the hardest problems in biology, including mapping genotypes to traits and behaviors, understanding developmental pathways to phenotypes like craniofacial shape, tusk formation, and coat color patterning, and developing new tools for multiplex and large-insert genome engineering.

“Colossal is the leading company working at the intersection of AI, computational biology and genetic engineering for both de-extinction and species preservation,”  said Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global. “Colossal has assembled a world-class team that has already driven, in a short period of time, significant technology innovations and impact in advancing conservation, which is a core value of TWG Global. We are thrilled to support Colossal as it accelerates and scales its mission to combat the animal extinction crisis.”

“Colossal is a revolutionary genetics company making science fiction into science fact. We are creating the technology to build de-extinction science and scale conservation biology particularly for endangered and at-risk species. I could not be more appreciative of the investor support for this important mission,” said George Church, Ph.D, Colossal Co-founder, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In October 2024, the Colossal Foundation was launched, a sister 501(c)(3) focused on overseeing the deployment and application of Colossal-developed science and technology innovations. The organization currently supports 48 conservation partners and their global initiatives around the world. This includes partners like Re:wild, Save The Elephants, Biorescue, Birdlife International, Conservation Nation, Sezarc, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Aussie Ark, International Elephant Foundation, Saving Animals From Extinction. Currently the Colossal Foundation is focused on supporting conservation partners who are working on new innovative technologies that can be applied to conservation and those who benefit from the development and deployment of new genetic rescue and de-extinction technologies to help combat the biodiversity extinction crisis.

Tracking Progress on Colossal’s De-Extinction Projects

The first step in every de-extinction project is to recover and analyze preserved genetic material and use that data to identify each species’ core genomic components. In addition to recruiting Dr. Beth Shapiro, a global leader in ancient DNA research, as Colossal’s Chief Science Officer, Colossal has built a team of  Ph.D experts in ancient DNA among its scientific advisors, including Love Dalen, Andrew Pask, Tom Gilbert, Michael Hofreiter, Hendrik Poinar, Erez Lieberman Aiden, and Matthew Wooler. With this team, Colossal continues to push advances in ancient DNA through support to academic labs and internal scientific research. All three core species – mammoth, thylacine, and dodo – have already benefited from this coalescence of expertise. As an example, Colossal now has the most contiguous and complete ancient genomes to date for each of these three species; these genomes are the blueprints from which these species’ core traits will be engineered.

The path from ancient genome to living species requires a systems model approach to  innovation across computational biology, cellular engineering, genetic engineering, embryology, and animal husbandry, with refinement and tuning in each step along the de-extinction pipeline occurring simultaneously. To date, Colossal’s scientists have achieved monumental breakthroughs at each step for each of the three flagship species.

In the last three years, Colossal’s first major project to be announced, the woolly mammoth project, generated new genomic resources, made breakthroughs in cell biology and genome engineering, and explored the ecological impact of de-extinction, with implications for mammoths, elephants, and species across the vertebrate tree of life.

Woolly Mammoth De-extinction Project Progress:

The mammoth team has:

• Generated chromosome-scale reference genomes for the African elephant, Asian elephant, and rock hyrax, all of which have been released on the National Center for Biotechnology Information database;
• Generated the first de novo assembled mammoth genome – that is, a genome generated using only the ancient DNA reads rather than mapped to a reference genome. This genome identified several genetic loci that are missing in reference-guided assemblies;
• Acquired and aligned 60+ ancient genomes for woolly mammoth and Columbian mammoth in collaboration with key scientific advisor, Love Dalen and Tom van der Valk. This data, in combination with 30+ genomes for extant elephant species including Asian, African, and Bornean elephants, have dramatically increased the accuracy of mammoth-specific variant calling;
• Derived, characterized, and biobanked 10+ primary cell lines from acquired tissue for Asian elephants, rock hyrax, and aardvark for use in company conservation and de-extinction pipelines;
• Became the first to derive pluripotent stem cells for Asian elephants. These cells are essential for in-vitro embryogenesis and gametogenesis;
• Generated neuronal and cardiac precursor cells from elephant iPSCs, demonstrating the potential of these stem cell populations;
• Fine-tuned and redesigned transcription factors using state-of-the-art machine algorithms to generate novel proteins with increased capacity for cellular reprogramming;
• Generated TP53 mutant variants and reversibly integrated over-expression cassettes to facilitate immortalization of elephant cells that can be used in downstream editing efficiency screening;
• Optimized media to facilitate proliferation of immortalized cell lines and enhance viability of biosamples following cryo-preservation, which is a critical aspect of biobanking effort
• Demonstrated multiplex gene editing at 20+ target sites of high impact genes associated with core cold adaptation mammoth phenotypes;
• Established a hair organoid model to assess the impact of key genetic targets on formation capacity and development of hair follicles as a means to validate edit target selection;
• Built a leading embryology lab for endangered species work and started the process of refining protocols for elephant somatic cell nuclear transfer process

“These mammoth milestones mark a pivotal step forward for de-extinction technologies,” said Love Dalen, Professor at the Centre for Paleogenetics, University of Stockholm, and a key advisor to the mammoth project. “The dedication of the team at Colossal to precision and scientific rigor is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt they will be successful in resurrecting core mammoth traits.”

Thylacine De-extinction Project Progress:

The Colossal thylacine team recently made announcements demonstrating progress on the various work streams critical for the de-extinction of the thylacine. Since that team’s inception two years ago the Australia and Texas-based teams have:

• Generated the highest-quality ancient genome to date for a Thylacine, at 99.9% complete, using ancient long reads and ancient RNA – a world’s first and once thought to be an impossible goal – creating the genomic blueprint for Thylacine de-extinction;
• Generated ancient genomes for 11 individuals thylacines, thereby gaining understanding of fixed variants versus population-level variation in thylacines pre-extinction and enabling more accurate prediction of de-extinction targets;
• Assembled telomere-to-telomere genome sequences for all dasyurid species – the evolutionary cousins of thylacines– providing resources both to improve Colossal’s understanding thylacine evolution and underpin thylacine engineering efforts, and to aid in the conservation of threatened marsupial species;
• Became the first to derive pluripotent stem cells in fat-tailed dunnarts, propelling the company on the path towards advanced in vitro functional workflows as well as establishing state of the art conservation and genomic preservation capabilities in marsupials;
• Identified regions of the genome driving the development of the thylacine’s unique craniofacial shape and demonstrated, using genetic engineering in mice, that these regions drive morphological similarities between thylacines and wolves;
• Established multiplex editing pipelines in dunnart fibroblast cell lines for the first identified edits which provide the framework for the Thylacine hypercarnivore craniofacial morphology;
• Made over 300 unique genetic edits into a cell line of a fat-tailed dunnart, which is the species that is the foundation for Colossal’s future thylacines and future surrogate of thylacine embryos;
• Prototyped artificial ex-utero development for early-stage marsupial gestation;
• Discovered and optimized an approach to induce ovulation in a dunnart, which is a vital first for both marsupial conservation and thylacine de-extinction;
• Fertilized single-cell marsupial embryos and cultured them over half way through pregnancy in an artificial uterus device

“These milestones put us ahead of schedule on many of the critical technologies needed to underpin de-extinction efforts. At the same time, it creates major advances in genomics, stem cell generation and engineering, and marsupial reproductive technologies that are paving the way for the de-extinction of the thylacine and is revolutionizing conservation science for marsupials. Colossal’s work demonstrates that with innovation and perseverance, we can offer groundbreaking solutions to safeguard biodiversity— and the team is already doing this in many visionary ways,” said Andrew Pask, Ph.D.

Dodo De-extinction Project Progress:

The Colossal Avian Genomics Group is currently focused on the Dodo project as well as building a distinct suite of tools for avian genome engineering which differs from some of the company’s mammalian projects. The dodo specific team’s progress includes:

• Generated a complete, high coverage genome for the dodo, its sister extinct species the solitaire, and the critically endangered manumea (also known as the “tooth-billed pigeon” and “little dodo”);
• Generated and published a chromosome-scale assembly of the Nicobar pigeon (the dodo’s closest relative) as well as developed a population-scale data set of Nicobar pigeon genomes for computational identification of dodo-specific traits;
• Developed a machine learning approach to identify genes associated with craniofacial shape in birds for gene-editing targets toward resurrect the dodo’s unique bill morphology;
• Processed more than 10,000 eggs and optimized culture conditions for growing primordial germ cells (PGCs) for four bird species;
• Developed a new approach to isolate editable cells from feather pulls;
• Established a flock of Nicobar pigeons that will act as donors for PGCs that will be edited into Colossal’s dodos;
• Demonstrated that the RNA-binding protein La consistently enhances precision editing efficiency in avian genomes, leading to improved efficiency in gene-editing;
• Validated that newly reported integrase variants exhibit higher enzymatic activity, which is being leveraged to establish a method for large-fragment DNA exchange;
• Used genome-editing tools to alter the DNA sequence in chicken PGCs, injected these edited PGCs into embryos, and successfully hatched Colossal’s first chimeric chicks – the offspring of these birds will be Colossal’s surrogates for de-extinct dodos

“As we advance our understanding of avian genomics and developmental biology, we’re seeing remarkable progress in the tools and techniques needed to restore lost bird species,” said Colossal’s Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro. “The unique challenges of avian reproduction require bespoke approaches to genetic engineering, for example, and our dodo team has had impressive success translating tools developed for chickens to tools that have even greater success in pigeons. While work remains, the pace of discovery within our dodo team has exceeded expectations.”

Colossal’s Support of Global Conservation and De-Extinction Efforts

By 2050, it is projected that over 50% of the world’s animal species may be extinct. Now around 27,000 species per year go extinct, compared to the natural rate of 10 to 100 species per year. Over the past 50 years (1970–2020), the average size of monitored wildlife populations has shrunk by 73%. That extinction crisis will have cascading, negative impacts on human health and wellbeing including reductions in drinkable water, increases in land desertification and increases in food insecurity. While current conservation efforts are imperative to protecting species, more and newer technologies and techniques are required that can scale in response to the speed humanity is changing the planet and destroying ecosystems. Colossal was created to respond to this crisis. And, Colossal’s growing de-extinction and species preservation toolkit of software, wetware and hardware solutions provides new, scalable approaches to this systems-level existential threat and biodiversity crisis.

“The technological advances we’re seeing in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are rapidly transforming our understanding of what’s possible in species restoration,” said Shapiro. “While the path to de-extinction is complex, each step forward brings us closer to understanding how we might responsibly reintroduce traits from lost species. The real promise lies not just in the technology, but also in how we might apply these tools to protect and restore endangered species and ecosystems.”

The breakthroughs in Colossal’s core projects create a ripple effect across species conservation. Each Colossal core species is tied to conservation efforts that support other endangered and at-risk species in the respective animal’s family group. The company’s work toward mammoth restoration has simultaneously advanced reproductive and genetic technologies that can help preserve endangered elephant species, while the dodo program is pioneering avian genetic tools that will benefit threatened bird species worldwide. Through the Colossal Foundation and its partnerships with leading conservation organizations, Colossal is transforming these scientific advances into practical solutions that can help protect and restore vulnerable species across multiple taxonomic families. Key initiatives include:

• Colossal’s $7.5M in new donations to fund ancient DNA research across a diverse selection of species;
• The development of a gene-engineering solution to create cane toad toxin resistance for Australia’s endangered Northern Quoll;
• A partnership with the international conservation organization Re:wild on a suite of initiatives to preserve the world’s most threatened species, including:
  • A joint 10-year conservation strategy to save some of the world’s most threatened species by leveraging the power of Colossal’s genetic technologies and Re:wild’s experience and partnerships for species conservation across the world;
  • The Lost Species project where the companies have partnered to find the world’s most wanted lost species and catalyze conservation for those rediscovered;
  • The Species Reintroduction Fund which was designed to support the reintroduction of threatened species back to the wild; and
  • The development of a distributed genetic repository of endangered species (a biobank) which will act as an insurance policy for species on the edge of extinction while building local capacity to provide a safety net for species facing extinction.
• Joining the BioRescue consortium in the fight to save the world’s most endangered rhino species: the northern white rhino. Through a novel technological platform, Colossal Foundation and BioRescue will provide the tools needed to create a genetically healthy population which can be reintroduced to the wild;
• A partnership with the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation to use the company’s novel genetic rescue platform to restore genetic diversity with the heavily threatened Pink Pigeon;
• A partnership with Save the Elephants to create an artificial intelligence platform to detect, identify and track African elephants movements in Samburu National Park to identify, analyze, and even predict elephant behaviors and movements;
• An AI-powered bird call detector to help partners at the Samoa Conservation Society, BirdLife International, and the IUCN’s Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group to identify the lost Tooth-billed pigeon which led to the first sighting of the Tooth-billed pigeon in several years;
• The distribution of critical funding to Zoos Victoria to kickstart the rapid rescue of the once-thought to be extinct Victorian grassland earless dragon upon its rediscovery after more than fifty-four years of being lost;
• Joining forces with ProNatura in support of Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas Mexico (CONANP) and their Vaquita Monitoring Group’s efforts to protect the world’s most endangered marine mammal;
• Hosting an international meeting of the world’s leading voices in Sumatran rhino rescue effort that led to the development of a partnership between Colossal and IPB University in Indonesia to use advanced assisted reproduction and cutting edge genetic technologies to save this critically endangered species;
• Committing to reignite the search for America’s most infamous lost species, the Ivory-billed woodpecker;
• Forming Colossal’s Indigenous Council to a focus on wolf and buffalo conservation, and enhance and accelerate the conservation initiatives of the indigenous peoples of North America;
• A partnership with Dr. Paul Ling, Ph.D. and Baylor College of Medicine, who collaborated on the development of a vaccine for EEHV, the deadliest disease in elephants;
• A partnership with Dr. Andrew Pask at University of Melbourne including one of the largest investments ever into the creation of an avian genomics toolkit to develop conservation and de-extinction tools.

“Colossal is advancing the development of genetic technologies for conservation at a rapid pace. Their cutting-edge technologies are changing what is possible in species conservation and are permitting us to envision a world where many more Critically Endangered species not only survive but thrive,” said Barney Long, PhD, Senior Director of Conservation Strategies for Re:wild.

Colossal’s additional strategic investors include funds such as USIT, Animal Capital, Breyer Capital, At One Ventures, In-Q-Tel, BOLD Capital, Peak 6, and Draper Associates among others and private investors including Robert Nelsen, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Ric Edelman, Brandon Fugal, Paul Tudor Jones, Richard Garriott, Giammaria Giuliani, Sven-Olof Lindblad, Victor Vescovo, and Jeff Wilke.

For more information on the company’s progress, please visit: www.colossal.com to sign up for the newsletter and follow along on social media.

ABOUT COLOSSAL

Colossal was founded by emerging technology and software entrepreneur Ben Lamm and world-renowned geneticist and serial biotech entrepreneur George Church, Ph.D., and is the first to apply CRISPR technology for the purposes of species de-extinction. Colossal creates innovative technologies for species restoration, critically endangered species protection and the repopulation of critical ecosystems that support the continuation of life on Earth. Colossal is accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state, while also solving for the future economies and biological necessities of the human condition through cutting-edge science and technologies. To follow along, please visit: www.colossal.com

WEBSITE & SOCIALS

Website: www.colossal.com

Twitter: https://x.com/colossal

Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/itiscolossal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itiscolossal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itiscolossal

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South Korean venture capital firm Kakao Ventures has revealed its investment focus for 2025, with a strong emphasis on early-stage startups in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, small modular reactors (SMRs), and space technologies.

In 2024, the company invested 14 billion won ($9.6 million) across 21 startups, targeting diverse sectors such as services, deep tech, digital healthcare, and gaming. Notable investments include semiconductor firm Rebellions Inc., which achieved unicorn status, and gaming company Shift Up Corp., which successfully launched its highly praised game “Stellar Blade.”

For the upcoming year, Kakao Ventures plans to intensify its focus on early-stage startups, particularly those leveraging ICT to address societal shifts and demands. The firm will also target deep tech companies working on advancements in AI, including software, hardware, materials, and processes.

Additionally, Kakao Ventures has set its sights on startups driving AI transformation in untapped industrial sectors, as well as emerging technologies such as quantum computing, SMRs, and space-related industries.

Despite the global venture capital market slowdown, Kakao Ventures has solidified its position as an early-stage specialist, continuing to make both new and follow-up investments. The firm’s U.S.-based researcher network has also delivered notable results, including investments in semiconductor technology firm FS2, medtech company Kompass Diagnostics, and robotic surgery startup Magnendo.

By strengthening its virtuous cycle of investment, value creation, returns, and fund formation, Kakao Ventures aims to drive innovation and growth in South Korea’s technology landscape.

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In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial spirit, two young Kashmiri entrepreneurs, Sheikh Yameen and Zubair Bhat, showcased their innovative e-bike sharing solution on the popular reality show “Shark Tank India Season 4.”

Representing their startup, “Curve Electric,” the duo captured national attention with their commitment to sustainable urban mobility and their dedication to eco-friendly commuting. Though they did not secure funding from the panel of “sharks,” the entrepreneurs walked away with a wealth of positive wishes and recognition for their remarkable achievements.

Launched in 2023, Curve Electric has already made significant strides, establishing Kashmir’s first e-bicycle sharing fleet in collaboration with Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). The startup’s custom-designed e-bikes and seamless customer experience have resonated with a growing user base in the region, with over 55,000 rides completed and 720,000 kilometers covered, resulting in the saving of 145 metric tons of carbon emissions.

During their presentation, Yameen and Bhat impressed the panel of judges, which included Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and Kunal Bahl, with their vision for the future. The entrepreneurs shared their ambitious growth plans, including expanding operations to other mountainous towns like Shimla and Mussoorie, as well as collaborating with major institutions and hotel chains to further integrate their services.

Aman Gupta, one of the “sharks,” praised the entrepreneurs for their customer-centric model, which eliminates onboarding barriers such as app downloads and security deposits, making the service more accessible to users. Peyush Bansal, another judge, was particularly impressed by the founders’ detailed customer-focused approach, drawing parallels to his own entrepreneurial journey.

While the panel ultimately decided not to invest in Curve Electric, the founders remained undeterred, expressing their excitement for the future. “Shark Tank India gave us an incredible platform to share our dream of revolutionizing urban mobility,” said Yameen. “Coming from Srinagar, this journey represents not just Curve Electric, but the untapped potential of Kashmiri youth. We’re excited for what lies ahead.”

The success of Curve Electric on the national stage serves as a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Kashmir’s youth, and the startup’s innovative e-bike sharing solution has the potential to transform the region’s transportation landscape while promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.

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In a significant move for the medtech industry, Mulder, a female-led and minority-owned SaaS startup based in London, has secured €597k in a rolling pre-seed round led by SFC Capital. This funding, along with support from Innovate UK, will accelerate Mulder’s mission to tackle the transparency and compliance challenges that have long plagued the medical device supply chain.

Mulder is developing a groundbreaking blockchain-powered platform specifically designed for MedTech manufacturers. The platform offers comprehensive solutions for regulatory compliance, recall management, and end-to-end traceability, addressing the evolving needs of the industry.

Speaking about the funding milestone, Michelle Kuei, CEO of Mulder, expressed, “Securing SFC as our first institutional investor is a tremendous validation of our vision. With their support, alongside the backing from Innovate UK, we’re poised to accelerate our development, launch pilot programmes, and move closer to full commercial deployment.”

Founded in 2023 by a team of experts in healthcare innovation, regulatory frameworks, and technology development, Mulder is well-positioned to capitalize on the changing landscape of the medical device industry. The EU MDR and IVDR frameworks are heightening requirements for device traceability, post-market surveillance, and cybersecurity, driving the demand for Mulder’s innovative solutions.

Moreover, the integration of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics in medical device manufacturing has increased the need for connected and transparent systems. Mulder’s blockchain-based platform aligns perfectly with these industry trends, empowering manufacturers to navigate the complex regulatory landscape with ease.

With a global medical device market estimated at £40 billion in 2024, Mulder is set to make a significant impact. The startup’s strategic approach will initially focus on the UK’s SME medical device manufacturer market, serving as a springboard for international expansion targeting the US, EU, Japan, India, and Taiwan’s SME segments.

As Mulder prepares for its pilot phase, the company is actively engaging with industry partners to participate in these programmes, allowing manufacturers early access to its innovative platform. With the second tranche of its pre-seed round opening in early 2025, Mulder anticipates reaching significant milestones that will pave the way for growth and future valuation increases.

This funding round is a testament to Mulder’s innovative approach and the growing recognition of the need for enhanced traceability and compliance in the medical device industry. As the company embarks on its journey, it is poised to revolutionize the way medical devices are managed, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and patients alike.

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Crypto artificial intelligence company Fetch.ai is launching a new Startup Accelerator program as part of its Innovation Lab. The program, backed by a $10 million annual innovation fund, is designed to support early-stage startups working in AI, quantum computing, and high-performance computing.

The accelerator, with operations in San Francisco, London, and India, will run two to three innovation competitions per year while maintaining year-round support programs for participating startups. The program offers funding, mentorship, and access to Fetch.ai’s technology and resources to help these startups develop and commercialize their innovations.

“AI, quantum computing, and other advanced technologies are reshaping how we solve complex problems,” said Sana Wajid, Chief Development Officer at Fetch.ai Innovation Labs. “Our accelerator is designed to help founders take their innovations from concept to market, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed to create meaningful impact.”

Key features of the program include personalized guidance from industry leaders, exclusive access to Fetch.ai’s technology stack, global pitch opportunities, and cross-border collaboration through its international hubs. Eligible startups must have a minimum viable product or prototype, and the program is open to projects across various sectors.

Fetch.ai aims to support startups from concept to commercialization, providing comprehensive and tailored support to participants. Applications are now open for the first cohort through the accelerator’s website.

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Prepare to experience the future of urban mobility, as Chinese EV startup Xpeng Aero HT unveils its revolutionary Land Aircraft Carrier at CES 2025. This cutting-edge flying car, set for mass production in 2026, promises to redefine the way we navigate our cities.

The Land Aircraft Carrier is no ordinary vehicle – it’s a seamless integration of a sleek electric minivan and a detachable eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. With a price tag of $300,000, this futuristic marvel has already garnered 3,000 intent orders, showcasing the public’s eagerness to embrace this innovative solution.

The Land Aircraft Carrier’s key feature is its ability to transition effortlessly from the road to the sky. Simply drive the ground module, which is a six-wheeled electric minivan, to a designated takeoff site, issue a command, and watch the eVTOL detach, unfold, and prepare for flight. After your airborne adventure, the eVTOL reconnects to the ground module, folding neatly into the trunk.

Designed with both form and function in mind, the Land Aircraft Carrier boasts a sleek exterior with a floating roof, dark wheel arches, and foldable rearview mirrors. The spacious interior can accommodate four passengers, even with the eVTOL onboard. As for the eVTOL itself, it features a lightweight, carbon-fiber panoramic cockpit and a dual-duct six-rotor system with foldable propellers and arms for compact storage.

This innovative solution not only captivates with its futuristic design but also addresses the pressing urban challenges of parking and congestion. By seamlessly transitioning between ground and air transportation, the Land Aircraft Carrier offers a practical and efficient way to navigate the complexities of modern city life.

Xpeng’s Aero HT division has truly pushed the boundaries of automotive and aerospace engineering, delivering a groundbreaking product that is sure to revolutionize the way we experience urban mobility. As the world eagerly awaits the mass production of the Land Aircraft Carrier in 2026, the future of transportation has never looked more promising.

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Over two dozen Indian startups with annual earnings surpassing Rs 500 crore demonstrated stronger financial results in FY24, adapting to a difficult funding environment through enhanced business practices.

Several companies like Purplle, Porter, Lenskart, and PhonePe achieved substantial growth while maintaining healthy profit margins. Others prioritized reducing financial losses, showing a clear shift toward sustainable operations.

The trend reflects two distinct approaches: Some firms maintained rapid expansion while enhancing profitability, while others chose moderate growth to minimize losses. This strategic adjustment was particularly noticeable among companies preparing for public listings.

In the fintech sector, major players focused on cost management and financial health. Razorpay saw a 9% revenue increase to Rs 2,501 crore, while PhonePe reduced losses as its revenue jumped 74%. InsuranceDekho achieved profitability with Rs 85.7 crore and total revenue of Rs 785 crore.

Investment platforms showed mixed results. While Groww reported an operational profit of Rs 585 crore, it faced a net loss due to a one-time payment. Zerodha maintained its profitable status with Rs 5,496 crore in net profit on Rs 9,372 crore revenue.

The funding scenario remained challenging, with Indian startups raising $10.9 billion in 2024, slightly higher than 2023’s $9.6 billion, but significantly lower than previous years. This environment pushed companies to focus on unit economics and core business operations.

Looking ahead, regulatory challenges persist, particularly in the fintech sector. The Reserve Bank of India’s stricter lending norms and SEBI’s market speculation controls indicate potential hurdles for startups in FY25.

The post Indian Startups Show Financial Gains in FY24 Despite Limited Funding appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Two emerging airlines are breathing new life into forgotten regional airports, proving that smaller can indeed be better in the competitive aviation industry.

At New Haven’s Tweed Airport in Connecticut, the transformation is striking. From hosting just six daily flights five years ago, it now manages 30 daily departures to over 25 destinations, creating traffic queues that stretch beyond airport grounds.

This revival stems from strategic moves by newcomers Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways, who launched operations in spring 2021. These carriers identified opportunities at airports largely abandoned by major airlines, offering direct flights between smaller cities – a departure from the traditional hub-and-spoke model used by larger carriers.

“The economics make sense,” explains Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer Lukas Johnson. “We’ve found our place by matching the right size aircraft with the right routes at competitive prices.”

Both airlines focus on leisure travelers and family visits, operating routes often overlooked by competitors. From New Haven, passengers can now fly directly to destinations like Knoxville and San Juan via Avelo, while Breeze connects cities like Erie to Orlando and Hartford to Wilmington.

Industry veterans lead both ventures – David Neeleman, JetBlue’s founder, heads Breeze, while former United Airlines executive Andrew Levy directs Avelo. Though similar in targeting underserved markets, their service models differ. Avelo emphasizes low fares with minimal extras, while Breeze offers tiered services including premium options with amenities like Wi-Fi and branded refreshments.

Financial indicators show promise. Breeze reported its first monthly profit this year, targeting full-year profitability by 2025. Avelo expects to approach break-even in 2024, projecting over $300 million in revenue.

For cities like New Haven, these airlines bring more than just flights. “Residents can now easily visit family or take weekend trips to Florida,” says Mayor Justin Elicker, noting the boost to local employment and tourism.

Regular flyer Mia Whitfield appreciates the direct Nashville-New Haven route: “It saves hours compared to connecting flights and long drives from other airports. The simplicity of a small airport is a bonus.”

However, challenges exist. Some residents voice concerns about increased traffic and noise. Environmental group Save the Sound has challenged plans for airport expansion, citing potential impacts on air quality and flooding.

Despite these hurdles, both airlines continue expanding. Avelo serves 54 airports and has transported over 2.8 million passengers from New Haven alone. Breeze connects 66 airports, with plans to increase services in several regions.

Industry analysts believe both carriers can succeed, though economic downturns could pose risks. As aviation consultant Michael Boyd notes, “When people have fewer discretionary dollars, discretionary flying decreases.”

The post Startup Airlines Revive Small Airports with Direct Flight Services appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.