**The clock is ticking!** The application window for **TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200**, the most prestigious pitch competition in the tech world, is about to close. Don't miss your chance to stand out among 10,000+ startup leaders, investors, and media at **TechCrunch Disrupt 2025**.

### Why You Can't Miss This Opportunity
- **Pitch on the main stage** and compete for **$100,000 in equity-free funding**.
- **Free 3-day exhibit space** at Disrupt 2025.
- **4 complimentary, all-access tickets** to the event.
- **Exclusive access** to press lists, VIP media, and top-tier investors.
- **Investor-led masterclasses** to refine your pitch and strategy.

### Who Should Apply?
- **Pre-Series A startups** with a minimum viable product (MVP) and big ambitions.
- **Bold and innovative teams** ready to make their mark, whether bootstrapped or funded.

### Hurry! Applications Close Tonight at 11:59 PM PT
This is your moment to follow in the footsteps of legends like **Trello, Mint, and Dropbox**. [**Apply now**](#) and take the first step toward becoming the next big success story.

![TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 2025](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TC25_Disrupt_SB200_General_Article_Headers_1920x1080.png?w=680)

These are your final hours to apply to the most iconic pitch competition in tech — TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200. Apply before today ends.

Last Chance to Shine: Apply Now for TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 Before Midnight!

**Charles Zhang Chaoyang**, the visionary behind **Sohu.com**, one of China's earliest internet giants, has a piece of advice for college students: **skip graduate school and delay startup plans**. Instead, Zhang emphasizes the importance of gaining **real-world experience** by working for a company first.

In a revealing interview with **Rupert Hoogewerf** of the **Hurun Research Institute**, shared on **ByteDance’s Douyin platform**, Zhang shared insights from his own journey. Despite holding a **PhD in physics from MIT**, he found that his academic achievements contributed little to his entrepreneurial success. Zhang's story underscores a **practical approach to entrepreneurship**, where hands-on experience trumps formal education.

Zhang's career trajectory is a testament to this philosophy. After completing his studies, he joined **Internet Securities**, laying the groundwork for his future ventures. In **1996**, he founded **Internet Technologies China**, pioneering the **venture capital** landscape in mainland China before rebranding to **Sohu.com** a year later.

This advice comes at a critical time as China faces a **graduate jobs crisis**, exacerbated by the ongoing **trade war**. Zhang's perspective offers a fresh take on navigating the challenges of today's economy, advocating for **experience over academia** in the entrepreneurial world.

Sohu.com founder Charles Zhang says college students need to ‘gain some real experience’ by working for a company.

Why China's Internet Pioneer Advises Against Graduate School for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

## **Onebrief's Remarkable Journey to a $1.1B Valuation**

In an exclusive reveal, **Onebrief**, a pioneering defense tech startup specializing in military workflow software, has announced a **$20 million funding round** led by Battery Ventures. This investment catapults the company's valuation to an impressive **$1.1 billion**, nearly doubling its previous valuation of $650 million from a February deal spearheaded by General Catalyst.

### **Why This Matters**

The defense tech sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with Onebrief's latest funding round underscoring the increasing investor confidence in technologies that enhance military efficiency and decision-making. The startup's platform facilitates **real-time collaborative planning** among military staff across different organizations, leveraging AI to aid in critical decision-making processes.

### **Expanding Horizons**

Michael Brown, a general partner at Battery Ventures, highlights the potential for Onebrief's technology to extend beyond the military, suggesting applications within other federal agencies like **FEMA and Homeland Security**. This opens up a vast new market for the startup, further solidifying its position in the defense tech landscape.

### **The Defense Tech Boom**

Onebrief's success is part of a broader trend in the defense tech industry, exemplified by **Anduril's recent $2.5 billion raise** at a $30.5 billion valuation. According to Brown, the current investor frenzy in defense tech is driven by a collective realization of the need to stay ahead in global defense capabilities.

### **What's Next for Onebrief?**

CEO Grant Demaree hints at the possibility of another funding round before the year's end, citing the company's strong performance. "We're having a really good year. We would be in a good place to do it," Demaree remarks, signaling continued growth and innovation on the horizon.

Onebrief's Series C extension was led by Battery Ventures.

Defense Tech Startup Onebrief Soars to $1.1B Valuation: A Closer Look

## **Nvidia and Samsung Back Skild AI with $35M in Series B Funding**

In a significant move that underscores the growing interest in **general-purpose robotics intelligence**, **Nvidia** (NASDAQ:NVDA) and **Samsung** have collectively invested **$35 million** into **Skild AI**. This investment is part of a Series B funding round that values the startup at an impressive **$4.5 billion**. The round is spearheaded by a **$100 million investment** from **SoftBank Group**, with Samsung contributing **$10 million** and Nvidia adding **$25 million**.

### **The Vision Behind Skild AI**

Skild AI is on a mission to develop a **shared "foundation model"** designed to serve as a **general-purpose brain** for a diverse range of robots. This model aims to enhance capabilities in **manipulation, locomotion, and navigation tasks**, marking a pivotal shift in how robotic systems scale. The startup's long-term goal is to build **artificial general intelligence (AGI)** that is deeply rooted in the physical world.

### **Addressing the U.S. Labor Shortage**

Skild AI's technology is positioned as a **scalable solution** to the **U.S. labor shortage**, particularly in high-risk industries such as **oil rigs and manufacturing**. According to a study by **Deloitte** and The Manufacturing Institute, over **2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs** could remain unfilled by 2030. Skild AI believes its adaptable foundation model can help rebalance labor across these critical sectors.

### **Nvidia's Broader Robotics Strategy**

Nvidia's investment aligns with its **ecosystem strategy** to integrate **intelligent robotics** into everyday environments—from homes to factories to autonomous vehicles. The company already supports other robotics startups like **Figure AI** and **Serve Robotics**, providing the necessary **semiconductors and software infrastructure** for large-scale robotics deployment.

### **Previous Funding and Backing**

This latest funding round follows Skild AI's **$300 million Series A** in July 2024, which saw backing from **Lightspeed Venture Partners, Coatue, SoftBank, and Jeff Bezos** through Bezos Expeditions. The startup's rapid ascent and the confidence of high-profile investors highlight the potential of its technology to revolutionize the robotics industry.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Samsung are investing a combined $35 million into Skild AI, a general-purpose robotics intelligence startup that's rapidly gaining investor confidence. The Series B funding round, which values Skild AI at approximately $4.5 billion, is led by a $100 million investment from Japan's SoftBank Group, Bloomberg reports. Samsung has committed $10 million to the round, using the investment to keep strategic visibility into Skild's technology and talent pipeline without committi

Nvidia and Samsung Fuel Skild AI's $4.5B Robotics Dream with $35M Investment

## The Unlikely Beginning of PostHog's Funding Journey

In an era where funding rounds are commonplace, **PostHog**'s recent **$70 million Series D** stands out not just for its size but for its origin story. The round, led by **Stripe**, catapulted the startup to a **$920 million valuation**, a testament to the power of social media in today's investment landscape.

### From Tweet to Term Sheet

The journey began when **Patrick Collison**, Stripe's co-founder and CEO, tweeted about PostHog's website being "very well done." This seemingly casual compliment opened the door to discussions that eventually led to Stripe leading PostHog's latest funding round. **James Hawkins**, PostHog's co-founder and co-CEO, shared how this unexpected endorsement turned into a pivotal moment for the company.

### PostHog's Evolution and Vision

Starting as a **product analytics tool**, PostHog has evolved into an **open-source platform** offering businesses "full control" over their customer data. With **14 products** aimed at enhancing product and engineering teams' understanding of customers, PostHog is on a mission to automate these offerings with its new **Max AI platform**.

### The Investors' Perspective

**GV**, a repeat investor in PostHog, highlighted the startup's potential to "unify a fragmented developer tools landscape" and its ambitious use of AI to automate the development stack. This vision, coupled with PostHog's **3x year-over-year growth** and "multiple $10s of millions of ARR," has attracted a diverse clientele, including **Y Combinator, 1Password, and Airbus**.

### Stripe's Strategic Moves

Stripe's investment in PostHog is part of a broader strategy that includes **dozens of investments and acquisitions** in 2025 alone. This move underscores Stripe's interest in supporting innovative startups that align with its vision for the future of digital payments and developer tools.

![PostHog's Funding Journey](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/Money_Rocket.jpg)

PostHog's story is a compelling reminder of how **serendipity, strategic vision, and the power of community** can converge to create extraordinary opportunities in the startup world.

PostHog, which aims to help developers build “successful products,” quietly announced last week that it had raised $70 million in a Series D funding round at a $920 million valuation led by digital payments giant Stripe. 

How a Single Tweet Catapulted PostHog to a $70M Series D Funding Led by Stripe

**David Fischer**, a partner at **01 Advisors**, has a unique background that sets him apart in the venture capital world. With experience as a vice president of sales at **Google** and chief revenue officer at **Facebook**, Fischer has been at the forefront of scaling two of the biggest tech companies in history. Now, he's leveraging that experience to coach the next generation of startup founders.

### A Journey Through Tech Giants
Fischer's career began at **Google** in 2002, shortly after the launch of **AdWords**. He spent eight years there before moving to **Facebook**, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company's revenue from $750 million to over $100 billion. His journey through these tech behemoths has given him invaluable insights into what it takes to scale a company from product-market fit to market domination.

### The 01 Advisors Approach
Founded by former **Twitter** CEO **Dick Costolo** and former Twitter CRO **Adam Bain**, **01 Advisors** focuses on **Series B investments**, typically around $15 million. The firm provides more than just capital; it offers strategic guidance on sales operations, executive team building, and competitive positioning. Fischer emphasizes the importance of this stage, where companies have a viable product but need to figure out how to sell it effectively.

### The AI Revolution
Fischer acknowledges that the rise of **AI** is changing the game. Startups now grow faster than ever, but competition is fiercer. "Before we make an investment, we have to really have conviction that this is a company that can win," he says. The firm's portfolio includes **Haus**, a marketing tech startup that helps companies measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.

### Key Takeaways
- **Scaling Expertise**: Fischer's experience at Google and Facebook provides unique insights into scaling startups.
- **Series B Focus**: 01 Advisors specializes in Series B investments, offering strategic guidance beyond capital.
- **AI Impact**: The rapid growth enabled by AI means startups must differentiate themselves to succeed.

**Venture Deals Highlight**
- **Gecko Robotics**: Raised $125 million in Series D funding at a $1.3 billion valuation.
- **Yupp**: Secured $33 million in seed funding for its AI model comparison platform.
- **Elkedonia**: Raised €11.3 million for its antidepressant therapies.

Fischer's journey from tech giant executive to venture investor underscores the value of operational experience in guiding startups to success.

Why 01 Advisors partner David Fischer went from Google and Facebook to venture investor.

From Google to Facebook: How David Fischer is Shaping the Next Wave of Startup Success

## **Huxley Energy: A Flavor-First Revolution in the Energy Drink Market**

Minneapolis-based **Huxley** is making waves in the energy drink industry with its unique approach: prioritizing **taste** over everything else. Founded by Simon Solis-Cohen, this startup is just a year old but has already secured shelf space at **Target** and is trialing in **Costco**, aiming to compete with giants like Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius.

![Huxley energy drinks at Target](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3EVRFOVHARDHXJY5YJEQKIQZ4A.jpg?&w=720)
*Simon Solis-Cohen, founder of Huxley, adjusts his product display at Target in Roseville.*

### **The Taste That Starts Conversations**
Solis-Cohen notes that first-time tasters often react with surprise: **"That actually tastes good."** This reaction is pivotal for Huxley, as it diverges from the industry norm where function (caffeine boost) typically overshadows flavor. Huxley’s drinks are made with **real fruit juices**, offering a natural and healthier alternative.

### **Breaking Into a Dominated Market**
The energy drink market is dominated by three brands controlling **80% of sales**. Huxley’s strategy isn’t to dethrone these giants but to **expand the market** by appealing to a broader audience, including those who typically avoid energy drinks due to their artificial taste and high caffeine content.

### **Health-Conscious and Flavor-Packed**
Huxley checks all the functional boxes:
- **Lower caffeine** (90mg, derived from cascara coffee cherries)
- **Organic cane sugar**
- **Electrolytes and L-theanine** for smoother energy

Yet, the **biggest selling point remains flavor**. Solis-Cohen emphasizes, **"If it doesn’t taste good, you’re not going to get that repeat purchase."**

### **From Napa Valley to Minnesota**
Solis-Cohen, a former fine-dining chef and sommelier, moved to Minnesota from California’s Napa Valley in 2018. He launched Huxley after selling his marketing agency, quickly developing the brand and debuting in March 2024. The name **Huxley** was inspired by Aldous Huxley, author of *Brave New World*.

### **Growth and Ambitions**
With a **50% gross profit margin** and recent seed funding, Huxley is expanding regionally, starting in the Midwest. Solis-Cohen aims to build momentum before going national, inspired by the success of brands like **Olipop and Poppi** in transforming the soda category.

![Simon Solis-Cohen at Target](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/K23IABGQERCG3KWT5FI7PHS3ZU.jpg?&w=720)
*Solis-Cohen with Huxley products at Target.*

### **Industry Recognition**
Huxley has already won awards, including a pitch slam at **Naturally Minnesota** and accolades at a wholesaler trade show. Judges praised its **ingredient story and taste**, key differentiators in a crowded market.

### **The Future of Huxley**
This summer, Huxley will be featured in **Costco locations across Minnesota and Chicago**, testing Solis-Cohen’s thesis that a better-tasting, healthier energy drink can carve out a significant niche.

Minneapolis-based Huxley is just a year old but has already reached Target shelves and is going on a trial run in Costco as it tries to compete with behemoths Red Bull, Monster and Celsius.

Huxley Energy: A Flavor-First Revolution in the Energy Drink Market

## **AndrenaM: Revolutionizing Maritime Security with AI**

Underwater microphones, or hydrophones, have been a staple in detecting enemy submarines for over a century. **AndrenaM**, a cutting-edge startup founded by SpaceX alumni, is leveraging **artificial intelligence** to transform this traditional tool into a modern, high-tech solution. Their mission? To secure the oceans with a **distributed sensing network**—a sonar mesh that provides real-time underwater insights.

### **A Rapid $10 Million Seed Round**

In an unprecedented move, AndrenaM closed a **$10 million seed round in just 36 hours**, a process that typically takes weeks or even months for early-stage startups. This swift fundraising highlights the growing investor enthusiasm for **defense tech innovations**. First Round Capital led the round, with contributions from Also Capital, Long Journey, Homebrew, and the Colorado School of Mines Venture Fund.

### **The Vision Behind AndrenaM**

Founded in 2024 by **Matej Cernosek** (CEO) and **Alex Chu** (CTO), AndrenaM aims to replace the manual, analog processes still prevalent in sonar data analysis. "It's been people in shacks with headphones on, looking at fuzzy screens," Cernosek remarked. Their **AI-powered software** processes underwater acoustic data in real time, offering a significant upgrade over traditional methods.

### **Building the Future of Maritime Tech**

Currently, AndrenaM uses off-the-shelf hydrophones paired with their software. However, the team plans to **develop their own buoys**, integrating their technology to reduce costs and gather more training data for their algorithms. "We want to vertically integrate the solution," Cernosek emphasized, distinguishing their approach from competitors who rely on patching together disparate systems.

### **Investor Enthusiasm and Future Plans**

Meka Asonye, a partner at First Round Capital, was so impressed by AndrenaM's pitch that he flew to meet the team immediately. "The technology already works," Asonye noted, praising the startup's tangible progress. With the new funding, AndrenaM plans to **double its team to 16 employees**, focusing on software engineers, and has already purchased a boat to begin hardware development.

### **A Personal Mission**

Cernosek's drive stems from his family's immigration story from the Czech Republic during communist rule. "I want to build a generational company that will have a massive impact for the United States," he shared, underscoring his commitment to national security and innovation.

AndrenaM, an AI-enabled maritime tech startup, plans to double its head count and build hardware with new funding. 

Last Chance to Shine: Apply Now for TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 Before Midnight!

Summary:

Why You Can't Miss This Opportunity

Who Should Apply?

Hurry! Applications Close Tonight at 11:59 PM PT

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Other Latest News

Why China's Internet Pioneer Advises Against Graduate School for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Defense Tech Startup Onebrief Soars to $1.1B Valuation: A Closer Look

Nvidia and Samsung Fuel Skild AI's $4.5B Robotics Dream with $35M Investment

How a Single Tweet Catapulted PostHog to a $70M Series D Funding Led by Stripe

From Google to Facebook: How David Fischer is Shaping the Next Wave of Startup Success

Huxley Energy: A Flavor-First Revolution in the Energy Drink Market

From SpaceX to the Seas: How AndrenaM's AI Tech Secured $10M in Just 36 Hours

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Why China's Internet Pioneer Advises Against Graduate School for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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Nvidia and Samsung Fuel Skild AI's $4.5B Robotics Dream with $35M Investment

How a Single Tweet Catapulted PostHog to a $70M Series D Funding Led by Stripe

From Google to Facebook: How David Fischer is Shaping the Next Wave of Startup Success

Huxley Energy: A Flavor-First Revolution in the Energy Drink Market

From SpaceX to the Seas: How AndrenaM's AI Tech Secured $10M in Just 36 Hours