Founders Seeking Liquidity? Explore Secondary Share Sales as an Option
As startup exits take longer, founders are turning to secondary share sales to gain liquidity without exiting their companies. Jared Sorin from Brown Rudnick outlines important factors founders should consider when choosing this option.
Thinking Machines Lab Secures Record-Breaking $2 Billion Seed Funding
Thinking Machines Lab raised a record $2 billion seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz, reaching a $10 billion valuation. This is the largest seed funding in Crunchbase history, surpassing previous records. The article reviews this notable achievement and compares it to other significant seed funding rounds.
DOJ Moves to Seize $225 Million in Cryptocurrency from Fraudulent Investment Schemes
The DOJ has filed a complaint to seize $225.3 million in cryptocurrency linked to extensive crypto investment scams known as "pig butchering." The scams, involving fake relationships and false investment opportunities, defrauded over 400 victims. The FBI and Secret Service traced illicit funds through Tether accounts, following alerts from Tether and crypto exchange OKX. Victims include a former bank president involved in related embezzlement. The FBI reports $5.8 billion lost to crypto fraud in 2024. Seized funds will reimburse victims and potentially fund a US crypto reserve.
The Hidden Mountain of Unicorns: A Decade of Private Market Growth
Exploring a decade-long growth in private unicorn startups, this article highlights how the surge in private market activity has resulted in a significant backlog of companies with high valuations, creating an overhang of capital, value, and expectations.
The Rising Insurance Risks of Fossil Fuel Impact
Swiss Re's report warns that fossil fuels worsen risks like heatwaves, mold, and plastic pollution, leading to increased insurance claims and potential new litigation. Rising temperatures cause more wildfires, heat-related health issues, and energy shortages, while mold and microplastics present emerging hazards. Addressing the root cause—fossil fuel use—is crucial to mitigate these growing financial and environmental challenges.
The Impact of Private Equity on American Industries and Workers
Megan Greenwell's Bad Company investigates how private equity has disrupted key American industries like healthcare and local news, focusing on the adverse effects on workers and their resistance to these shifts.
Spike in Complaints Over Tariff Evasion Amid Trump’s Trade Policies
There has been a notable rise in complaints about tariff evasion during Donald Trump’s administration, as importers find new ways to avoid tariffs imposed by his trade policies. This surge in wrongdoing reports is fueled by a growing number of whistleblowers determined to expose tariff evasion.
Chime Soars 37% in Nasdaq IPO Debut
San Francisco-based online bank Chime experienced a 37% increase in its stock price on the first day of trading on Nasdaq, highlighting a robust IPO performance.
Why Quantum Uncertainty Should Not Deter Investors from Smart Betting
Sebastian Weidt, CEO of Universal Quantum, discusses the real value in quantum computing investments and emphasizes focusing on the right opportunities despite inherent uncertainties in the technology.
Food Tech Investment Declines as M&A Activity Increases in 2025
In 2025, funding to food tech startups has decreased notably compared to last year, while mergers and acquisitions in the sector are increasing, reflecting a shift towards consolidation and buyer interest despite reduced investments.
Voyager Technologies Debuts on Market with 82% Increase in Shares
Voyager Technologies, a Denver-based space and defense startup, saw its shares jump 82% on their market debut, signaling a robust IPO market environment.
Clean Energy Startup Funding Set for Significant Decline in 2025
Clean energy and sustainability startups face a sharp decline in funding for 2025, driven by fewer large investments and a contraction in early-stage dealmaking, though some deals continue to close.
May Sees 13 New Unicorns Valued at $22B, Including 5 European Entrants
In May 2025, thirteen companies were added to the Crunchbase Unicorn Board, collectively increasing its value by $22 billion. Among these new unicorns, five are European firms. This reflects significant growth and expansion in the global startup ecosystem.
Coinbase Sponsor Highlights Political Ties at Bitcoin Conference
Coinbase, a major player in the cryptocurrency market, announced its sponsorship of America250 at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, amidst panels featuring Republican leaders and political operatives tied to Donald Trump's 2024 campaign.
Startups Rebound: Securing Significant Funding After Years of Wait
After inflated valuations in 2021 led to funding challenges, several startups have now managed to secure new significant investments following a period of stagnation. These recent funding successes highlight a rebound for patient startups in a tough economic environment.
EchoStar Faces FCC Probe Amid Missed Interest Payments and New Satellite Launch
EchoStar missed over $500 million in interest payments amid an FCC investigation into its 5G deployment compliance, raising bankruptcy concerns. Despite this, it is advancing a new satellite project to support Dish TV. The FCC probe also affects strategic decisions related to Boost Mobile. EchoStar faces competition from SpaceX over spectrum licenses, with both companies sparring publicly. Neither Dish nor EchoStar has commented on these developments.
Voyager Technologies Sets IPO Price Amid Growing Spacetech Investment
Voyager Technologies, operating in the space and defense sector, is planning an IPO with 11 million shares priced from $26 to $29, reflecting increasing investment interest in spacetech.
Fintech IPOs Set to Make a Comeback in the U.S. Market in 2025
The year 2025 may bring a significant increase in fintech IPOs in the U.S. market after several quiet years. Several fintech companies are poised to go public, signaling renewed investor interest and growth in the financial technology sector.
Google Wallet to End PayPal Integration in the US by June 2025
Google Wallet will stop supporting PayPal payments in the US by June 2025, requiring users to use other payment methods. PayPal card support continues and the integration remains in Germany.
MUBI Secures $100M Amidst a Slowdown in Media Startup Funding
Media-related startup funding remains below previous record levels, but notable investments continue, exemplified by MUBI's recent $100M funding round during a generally slow period.