Startups are aiming to capitalize on the momentum created by the SpaceX IPO, hoping to attract investors riding the wave of public market enthusiasm.
Artificial intelligence has long been touted as a game-changer in asset management, and in 2026, its impact is becoming clear. FINQ's AI-managed ETFs, which use a fully automated, continuously learning model for portfolio management instead of human judgment, have started to outperform traditional funds since their launch on February 5, 2026, on the NYSE. This development highlights the growing potential of AI to revolutionize how investment portfolios are constructed and managed.
On June 12, the US government ordered Anthropic to shut down its advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, in an export control move designed to limit foreign access to cutting-edge American AI technology. For India, Anthropic’s second-largest market, this action highlighted the risks of relying on foreign AI infrastructure and strengthened the case for developing independent, sovereign AI capabilities.
The essential skill in today's workforce is mastering how to learn alongside AI technologies.
The UK government has revealed ambitious plans to invest billions in AI infrastructure, aiming to boost its position in the global AI landscape dominated by the US and China. At London Tech Week, an event spotlighting the UK tech sector, officials highlighted new and existing initiatives focused on AI companies, talent development, and technological infrastructure. While the announcements mark a push for growth and innovation, uncertainties remain about the execution and effectiveness of proposals, especially concerning AI chips and social media regulation.
Mistral is reportedly in the process of raising €3 billion, which would value the company at approximately €20 billion (around $23.15 billion). This figure nearly doubles the valuation from its Series C round, which stood at €11.7 billion.
Accenture's acquisition of Whalar reflects a strategic move similar to its earlier play in programmatic advertising, but anticipates the challenges of creator marketing much sooner.
San Francisco-based venture firm Base10 Partners has successfully closed two funds totaling $850 million: a seed and Series A fund 4, and a Series B fund 2, aimed at investing in automation technologies impacting the real economy. Co-founder Adeyemi Ajao shared with Crunchbase News that their investment thesis centers on leveraging technology to extend capabilities typically reserved for the top 1% to the broader 99%. Their portfolio includes diverse companies such as Nubank, Motive, WeTravel, Happy Robot, and Blank Street, with a strong focus on sectors like logistics, payroll, and construction. They are also exploring advanced AI technologies, including vision models and manufacturing intelligence, to revolutionize real economy applications. Base10 invests primarily at seed through Series B stages, committing to 10-15 seed rounds and 2-3 Series A investments annually, alongside 3-4 Series B deals. The firm’s research-driven approach involves deep sector analysis and meeting numerous global companies, leveraging an internal AI system, Base11, to streamline research. Despite technological aids, human insight remains crucial in their investment decisions, particularly understanding founders and customer needs. Base10 also runs an Advancement Initiative, donating up to half of carried interest to support financial aid at underfunded colleges and universities.
In 2018, a startup funding round of $100 million was dubbed the “Supergiant Round,” signaling a massive investment milestone. Fast forward to today, $100 million rounds are not only common but represent the median size of late-stage financing deals in the U.S. The landscape has shifted dramatically, with even larger rounds, like OpenAI’s record-breaking funding, pushing the boundaries.
The rise of these jumbo rounds is tied to the growth of startups like Uber and WeWork in the late 2010s, peaking during the 2021 bull market, and surging with the AI investment wave. This year alone, 250 rounds of $100 million or more have been funded, with half exceeding $200 million, and some reaching over $1 billion.
Alongside this, median late-stage round sizes have doubled since 2020, now averaging around $100 million. Valuations have similarly skyrocketed, with many startups valued at over $10 billion, and a couple eyeing IPOs valued near $1 trillion. Investors are clearly placing big bets with high expectations for returns as the startup funding environment continues to evolve.
Following SpaceX's public offering, lower-tier Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) investors may encounter undisclosed fees, prolonged delays in receiving payouts, and potential risks including fraud.
