STORM Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm based in Cambridge, has raised $56 million in a Series C funding round led by existing investors such as Pfizer Ventures and M Ventures. Their lead compound, STC-15, is the first RNA-modifying enzyme inhibitor to enter human trials, demonstrating durable tumor regression in Phase 1 across various sarcoma subtypes. The funds will support ongoing development targeting RNA modifications in cancer therapy.
Slash, a vertical banking platform founded by two college dropouts, has secured $100 million in Series C funding led by Khosla Ventures and Ribbit Capital. The San Francisco-based fintech's valuation has nearly quadrupled since its May 2025 Series B round, marking a remarkable comeback after a sudden collapse of its initial market. This latest funding round highlights the company's successful pivot and strong growth trajectory in the fintech space.
Solidroad, a startup based in Dublin and San Francisco and founded by former Intercom team members, has closed a $25 million Series A funding round led by Hedosophia. The company leverages AI to transform customer support quality assurance by analyzing every single customer interaction, a stark contrast to the industry average of reviewing just 1-3%. Among its clientele are notable brands like Ryanair, Crypto.com, and Oura, showcasing the platform's wide adoption and impact.
Runway's CEO envisions AI revolutionizing Hollywood by allowing studios to produce dozens of films at the expense of the budget traditionally required for a single $100 million blockbuster. This strategy leverages volume to increase the chances of producing successful hits.
Why limit heavy industry to fossil fuels or electricity when you can leverage the strengths of both? NOC Energy has pioneered a hybrid solution that combines these energy sources, transforming the cement manufacturing process into a more efficient and sustainable operation.
Helen Gu, CEO of InsightFinder, highlights that the primary challenge in the AI industry is not only identifying and monitoring where AI models fail but also understanding how the entire technology infrastructure functions with AI integrated into it.
Krieger's exit from Figma's board, coupled with potential new design software introductions, highlights growing concerns among investors about a 'SaaSpocalypse.' This term refers to fears that dominant AI labs could overpower traditional software companies, a sentiment that has significantly impacted public market dynamics this year.
Upscale AI, a company specializing in AI infrastructure, is reportedly in discussions to secure its third funding round just seven months after its inception, with the potential to reach a valuation of $2 billion.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has called on the public to support AI innovation, emphasizing the potential benefits despite concerns around job security and cybersecurity threats. The government has made its first investment from a £500m sovereign AI fund to back a British startup, signaling strong commitment to advancing AI technology in the country. Kendall stressed the importance of harnessing AI for national progress and job creation, even as recent AI developments highlight potential risks.
The 2026 blockbuster, "Project Hail Mary," delivers a powerful message that resonates with the aspirations and challenges faced by today’s new generation of entrepreneurs, reviving lessons that have long been needed.
