Summary:
Wix acquired Base44 for $80M, highlighting Israel's startup prowess
Ramp's valuation hit $16B in just three months
Meta's $14.3B deal for Scale AI and OpenAI's subsequent move
OpenAI secured a $200M DoD contract, potentially straining Microsoft ties
Defense tech startups like Helsing and Mach Industries raised massive rounds
Coralogix became a unicorn with a $115M Series E
Startups Weekly: Fast and Furious
This week was all about lightning-speed valuations and the undeniable heat in defense tech. From record-breaking acquisitions to strategic partnerships, the startup world didn't disappoint.
That Was Fast
- Wix acquired 6-month-old Base44 for $80 million in cash, showcasing Israel's thriving startup scene.
- Ramp's valuation soared to $16 billion in just three months, up from $13 billion earlier this year.
Friends and Foes
- Meta's $14.3 billion deal for 49% of Scale AI included a potential dividend payout, while OpenAI dropped Scale AI as a data provider post-deal.
- The U.S. Department of Defense awarded OpenAI a $200 million contract, potentially straining its ties with Microsoft.
YC Demo Day Highlights
- 11 standout startups from YC's Spring 2025 Demo Day caught investors' eyes.
- The controversial AI startup Cluely made headlines when police shut down its after-party, dubbed "the most legendary party that never happened."
Defense Tech and AI Funding Boom
- Applied Intuition raised $600 million at a $15 billion valuation, pushing further into defense.
- Helsing, Europe's defense tech darling, closed a €600 million investment at a €12 billion valuation.
- Coralogix became a unicorn after raising $115 million, eyeing expansion in India.
- Mach Industries confirmed a $100 million raise at a $470 million valuation.
- Aspora secured $50 million to build remittance solutions for the Indian diaspora.
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