## Silicon 100: The Most Promising Semiconductor Startups of 2024

EE Times' annual **Silicon 100** list is back, showcasing the **electronics and semiconductor startups** poised to revolutionize the tech landscape.

This year's list highlights the **growing influence of AI**, with startups leveraging this technology to innovate in various sectors. We also see a surge in startups from **China**, marking a significant shift in the global tech scene. 

To provide a more in-depth analysis, EE Times has expanded its technological categorization to cover **24 distinct areas**, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and innovations.

Download your free copy of the **Silicon 100** report to discover:

* A detailed list of **pioneering startups** across diverse sectors
* The latest **technological innovations** and their potential
* How these startups are leveraging technology to create **lucrative business opportunities**

**Don't miss this opportunity to explore the future of electronics and semiconductors.**

Download EE Times' Silicon 100, our prestigious annual compilation of electronics and semiconductor startups that are shaping the future.

Silicon 100: The Hottest Semiconductor Startups Shaping the Future (2024)

### SEC's Stance on NFTs

At a recent **crypto roundtable**, SEC Commissioner **Hester Peirce** expressed that projects using **NFTs** for fundraising, like **Stoner Cats**, might soon be exempt from securities regulations. This follows a positive response to the SEC's recent statement on **proof-of-work** crypto mining, which clarified its non-security status.

### The Role of NFTs in Fundraising

**NFTs** are digital tokens on blockchain networks like **Ethereum** and **Solana**, often associated with **digital art** and sold as tradeable assets. The NFT market peaked at **$25 billion** in late 2021, with many crypto entrepreneurs leveraging NFTs to raise substantial funds.

Peirce noted that a similar statement regarding NFTs could help establish a **framework** for NFT issuers, enhancing clarity in the marketplace. She highlighted that certain NFTs, particularly those linked to projects like **Flyfish Club** and **Stoner Cats**, could be categorized as non-securities.

### Examples of Successful NFT Fundraising

- **Stoner Cats**, an animated series produced by **Mila Kunis**, raised approximately **$8 million** through NFT sales, granting holders exclusive viewing access and generating royalties from secondary market transactions.
- **Flyfish Club** raised over **$14 million** to build a private restaurant, with NFTs providing membership access and similar resale royalties.

### Future Implications

If the SEC issues a statement similar to those about proof-of-work mining and **meme coins**, it could open the door for projects utilizing **tradable NFTs** with perks for fundraising. However, Peirce cautioned that not all NFTs would be exempt, especially if they are structured as **tokenized securities**.

### Legislative Developments

Congress is also considering legislation to protect certain fundraising activities through NFT sales. Some lawmakers are advocating for language in bills that would legalize selling NFTs that offer perks like **memberships**, merchandise, or artwork.


Commissioner Hester Peirce said Friday NFTs could be the next crypto sector the agency addresses with an exemptive statement.

SEC Signals Potential NFT Fundraising Exemption: What It Means for Crypto Startups

### Ethos Explores IPO with Goldman Sachs

**Ethos**, a rising player in the **insurance technology** sector, is taking significant steps toward an **initial public offering (IPO)**. Reports indicate the company has enlisted the expertise of **Goldman Sachs Group Inc.** to navigate this process, which could culminate in an IPO as early as this year.

This move comes amidst a broader trend of technology firms seeking public listings, leveraging favorable market conditions. Ethos aims to capitalize on its innovative approach to insurance, which focuses on simplifying and modernizing the insurance purchasing experience for consumers.

### Market Context

The insurance industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by technology and changing consumer expectations. Ethos's potential IPO reflects the growing interest in **insurtech** solutions that offer more efficient and user-friendly options compared to traditional insurance models.

As Ethos prepares for this critical phase, industry watchers will be keenly observing how it positions itself against competitors and how the market responds to its offering. The collaboration with Goldman Sachs is expected to provide strategic insights and access to a broad network of investors, crucial for a successful IPO.

### Industry Implications

The move by Ethos may signal a resurgence in the IPO market, particularly for tech-driven companies. With many startups looking to go public, the upcoming months could be pivotal for both investors and the insurtech landscape as a whole. Ethos's journey to the public market will serve as a case study for other startups considering similar paths.

(Bloomberg) -- Ethos, an insurance technology startup, is exploring an initial public offering that could occur as soon as this year and has tapped Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to assist with the effort, according to people with knowledge of the matter.Most Read from BloombergNew York Subway Ditches MetroCard After 32 Years for Tap-And-GoChicago Transit Faces ‘Doomsday Scenario,’ Regional Agency SaysLA Faces $1 Billion Budget Hole, Warns of Thousands of LayoffsDespite Cost-Cutting Moves, Trump Plans

Ethos Insurance Startup Partners with Goldman Sachs for Potential IPO

### Wisconsin's Investment in Entrepreneurship

The **Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)** has awarded nearly **$1.3 million** in **Entrepreneurship Partner Grants** to eight organizations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs across the state.

**Missy Hughes**, the secretary and CEO of WEDC, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward, stating, "Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward. With the help of our partners, entrepreneurs will be able to bring new ideas and businesses to life."

### Purpose of the Grants

Established in **2021**, these grants aim to assist organizations that provide vital resources such as **training, financing, mentorship,** and **technical support** to startups.

### Recipients of the Grants

The following organizations were awarded grants in this funding round:
- **Doyenne Group, Madison** - **$98,000**
- **UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Milwaukee** - **$97,000**
- **BizStarts Milwaukee, Inc., Milwaukee** - **$200,000**
- **StartingBlock Madison, Inc., Madison** - **$200,000**
- **Food Finance Institute, Madison** - **$190,900**
- **Rock County Jumpstart, Beloit** - **$200,000**
- **Urban League of Greater Madison, Inc., Madison** - **$100,000**
- **FOR-M Foundation, Inc., Milwaukee** - **$200,000**

These grants represent a significant investment in the future of entrepreneurship in Wisconsin, aiming to nurture innovation and support the state's startup ecosystem.

MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) awarded nearly $1.3 million in Entrepreneurship Partner Grants to eight organizations supporting entrepreneurs.

Wisconsin Fuels Entrepreneurial Spirit with $1.3M Grant Boost!

Welcome to **Startups Weekly**, your essential recap of the latest happenings in the startup ecosystem. Want to receive this weekly digest in your inbox every Friday? **[Sign up here](https://techcrunch.com/newsletters/)**.

### Major Acquisitions and Startup News
This week was remarkable, featuring an **11-figure acquisition** and several other notable deals that suggest a positive shift in startup dynamics.

![Assaf Rappaport - Wiz](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Assaf-Rappaport-Wiz.jpg?w=680)  
*Image Credits: Kimberly White/Getty Images / [Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/) under a CC BY 2.0 license.*

- **Wiz's Strategic Gamble**: Last year, Wiz made headlines by **rejecting Google’s $23 billion offer**, a decision that has now proven wise as Google is set to acquire the cloud security startup for an unprecedented **$32 billion** in cash, plus an additional **$1 billion** in retention bonuses. This deal will notably benefit **Cyberstarts**, an Israeli VC, which will see a staggering **200x return** on its initial investment.

- **Ampere Computing Acquisition**: SoftBank Group is poised to acquire **Ampere Computing**, a semiconductor startup, for **$6.5 billion** in an all-cash transaction expected to finalize in the second half of 2025.

- **Next Insurance Sold**: The insurtech company **Next Insurance** is being acquired by Germany’s **Munich Re** for **$2.6 billion**.

- **Nvidia's Latest Venture**: Nvidia is reportedly acquiring **Gretel**, a synthetic data startup, for a price exceeding its last valuation of **$320 million**.

- **New Ventures**: The former CEO of **Bolt** is launching a new e-commerce venture called **Spangle AI**, which will create customized landing pages based on user interactions.

- **Generalist AI Development**: A senior researcher from **DeepMind** is founding a stealth startup focused on **Generalist AI**, already backed by Nvidia.

- **Klarna's New Partnership**: Following its IPO filing, **Klarna** has secured an exclusive **Buy Now, Pay Later** partnership with **Walmart**, replacing its previous partner, Affirm.

- **Legal Battles**: Logistics unicorn **Flexport** is suing former employees for allegedly using stolen code to create a competing startup, **Freightmate AI**.

### VC and Funding Highlights
- **Evroc's Cloud Ambitions**: Swedish startup **Evroc** raised **$55 million** in Series A funding aimed at establishing a secure and sustainable cloud infrastructure in Europe.

- **Factorial's Non-dilutive Funding**: Spanish HR unicorn **Factorial** secured **$120 million** from General Catalyst in a non-dilutive loan.

- **Graphite's Growth**: AI-powered code-review platform **Graphite** raised **$52 million** in a Series B round led by Accel.

- **GrubMarket's Expansion**: Food e-commerce startup **GrubMarket** raised **$50 million**, aiming to enhance its technology, including AI, with a valuation surpassing **$3.5 billion**.

- **Ribbit Capital's New Fund**: Fintech-focused VC **Ribbit Capital** is raising **$500 million** for a new fund, indicating positive sentiments in the fintech sector.

- **Climate Investments**: **Just Climate**, part of Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management, raised **$175 million** from Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund for climate-based investments.

### Noteworthy Updates
Following **Y Combinator’s W25 Demo Day**, the accelerator announced the departure of **Michael Seibel**, who transitions to a partner emeritus role after previously stepping back from the CEO position.

Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here.

Why Wiz's Bold Move Paid Off: A Week of Major Startup Acquisitions

# The Inspiring Journey of Jack Ma

On a crisp autumn morning in **1964**, in the historic city of **Hangzhou, China**, a boy named **Jack Ma** was born into a world with limited opportunities. His parents, traditional storytellers and musicians, provided him with a respectable upbringing but not with wealth or stability.

## A Curious Mind in a Changing China

Even as a child, Jack Ma stood out. While others played in the alleys of Hangzhou, he was drawn to the world beyond China. In the **1970s**, as the nation began to welcome international tourists, Ma seized the opportunity by offering free tours to travelers in exchange for **English lessons**. With relentless practice, he became a self-taught fluent English speaker, earning the nickname "Jack" from a visitor, a name that would soon resonate in the global business community.

## The Struggles of a Determined Student

Despite his aspirations, Ma faced significant challenges. He struggled academically, failing his university entrance exam twice. However, he eventually gained admission to **Hangzhou Teachers Institute** on his third attempt, majoring in English. After graduating, he worked as a teacher, earning a meager **$12 per month**, but he was determined to achieve more.

## A Series of Rejections

After college, Ma faced a string of **humiliating rejections** when applying for jobs, including being turned away from **KFC** and the police force. Each rejection fueled his belief that failure was merely a stepping stone toward success.

## The Internet Awakening

In the **mid-1990s**, Ma's life changed when he encountered the **internet** in the United States. He was fascinated by the vast information available online and recognized a gap in Chinese businesses' online presence. Upon returning to China, he founded **China Pages** in **1995**, although it faced challenges and ultimately failed. However, this experience was invaluable for his future.

## The Birth of Alibaba

In **1999**, Ma gathered 18 friends in his apartment to discuss creating a platform to help Chinese small businesses connect with the global market. Thus, **Alibaba** was born. Despite initial skepticism and limited funding, SoftBank recognized Alibaba's potential in **2000**, providing a crucial **$25 million** investment.

## The Rise of a Global Empire

Alibaba evolved into more than just an online retailer; it became a movement for small entrepreneurs. The launch of **Taobao** in **2003** transformed online shopping in China, while **Alipay** revolutionized payment systems. By the time Alibaba went public on the **New York Stock Exchange** in **2014**, it had raised a record **$25 billion**, cementing Ma's status as a global business icon.

## A Legacy Beyond Business

After stepping down as CEO in **2013** and chairman in **2019**, Ma dedicated his efforts to philanthropy and environmental projects through the **Jack Ma Foundation**, believing true leadership is about giving back.

## A Story of Resilience

Jack Ma's journey from a boy offering free tours to a multibillionaire businessman is a testament to the power of **perseverance**. His story serves as a reminder that **success** is defined not by one's beginnings but by the commitment to overcome challenges and pursue dreams.

Jack Ma started with no connections, no money and repeated failures. Here's how he persisted to become one of the most influential business leaders of our time.

How Jack Ma Transformed Rejection into Billion-Dollar Success: Discover His Secret Trait!

## A Bold Approach to Climate Change
Most climate models indicate that merely **cutting emissions** is insufficient to combat global warming, prompting interest in **carbon capture** solutions. 

### Planetary Technologies in Action
In **Halifax, Nova Scotia**, a lesser-known company named **Planetary Technologies** is injecting a slurry of **magnesium oxide** into the ocean, aiming to absorb **carbon emissions**. The company's motto, "Restore the climate. Heal the ocean," reflects its mission to leverage the ocean's natural ability to combat climate change.

Backed by **$1 million** from **Elon Musk’s foundation**, Planetary is competing for an additional **$50 million prize** for innovative solutions to climate change. The industry is witnessing a race with numerous companies proposing various methods to sequester carbon, including **sinking rocks, nutrients, and seaweed** into the ocean.

### The Debate on Ocean Solutions
While the **carbon capture** concept is gaining traction, experts express concerns regarding the potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Critics, including **Adina Paytan** from UC Santa Cruz, warn that the field resembles the **Wild West**, moving without adequate regulation.

Planetary generates funding through **carbon credits**, which represent one metric ton of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. The carbon credit market has expanded significantly, with marine carbon credits increasing from **2,000** to more than **340,000** sold last year, though this still falls short of the **billions of tons** scientists say are needed to meet climate goals.

### Capturing Carbon in the Sea
The **United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change** underscores that simply cutting emissions will not suffice; we must also actively remove heat-trapping gases. Planetary's method transforms carbon dioxide into stable molecules that can remain in the ocean for thousands of years, effectively creating a **vacuum** to absorb more gases.

Other companies like **Gigablue** aim to capture carbon by promoting the growth of algae and phytoplankton, while others explore the depths of the ocean for organic storage solutions. 

### Community Concerns and Regulatory Challenges
Despite the enthusiasm in the industry, local communities often react cautiously. In North Carolina, a project proposal to dump **olivine** faced significant pushback, leading to a downsized version that included more comprehensive monitoring plans. Coastal residents express concerns about the potential environmental impacts of these initiatives.

### Scientific Uncertainties
The scientific community acknowledges the **unknowns** surrounding these technologies. While some principles have been studied for years, the ocean remains a complex and dynamic environment. Questions persist about the longevity of carbon capture and the potential risks involved.

### The Road Ahead
As Planetary announced its successful capture of **138 metric tons** of carbon, the industry continues to push forward. However, many scientists worry about the balance between advancing research and the potential for **abuse** within the carbon credit system. The urgency to act is palpable, with climate change reaching critical levels, and companies like Planetary aim to innovate rapidly, albeit with caution and integrity.

The dumping is part of a growing movement interested in using the oceans to reign in the carbon emissions causing global warming.

Ocean Experiment: Can Magnesium Save the Planet from Global Warming?

### Igniting a Second Chance for Failed Drugs

**Ignota Labs**, led by CEO **Sam Windsor**, is on a mission to revive failed drugs using **AI technology**. With a unique approach, the startup acquires abandoned drug candidates and leverages AI to diagnose safety issues and modify compounds for new clinical trials.

### A Cost-Effective Solution
Windsor explains, "**Traditional drug discovery** can exceed **$10 million** and take **seven to eight years** to reach clinical trials. In contrast, our method can achieve similar results in **under two years** and for **less than $1 million**." This innovative strategy has attracted significant investor interest, culminating in a **$6.9 million** seed round co-led by **Montage Ventures** and **AIX Ventures**, along with support from **Modi Ventures**, **Blue Wire Capital**, and **Gaingels**.

### A Niche in Pharmaceutical Technology
Focusing on an overlooked area in **pharmaceutical technology**, Ignota Labs aims to tackle drugs that were **80-90%** successful before being discarded due to safety concerns. Windsor highlights that many AI drug discovery startups neglect existing drugs, as safety science often appears less appealing to entrepreneurs eager to make a significant impact.

### The Challenges of Fundraising
Windsor candidly shares the challenges faced in fundraising, stating, "We had to kiss a lot of frogs along the way to find the right investors." 

### Future Aspirations
With fresh funding, Ignota Labs plans to acquire more distressed assets and advance its first drug, a **PDE9A inhibitor** aimed at treating **Alzheimer's**, into early trials. 

**Check out the 14-slide pitch deck** Ignota used to raise its seed round for more insights into their innovative approach.

Ignota Labs is using AI to fix failed drugs and bring them to market. It raised $6.9 million from investors with this pitch deck. 

Silicon 100: The Hottest Semiconductor Startups Shaping the Future (2024)

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Silicon 100: The Most Promising Semiconductor Startups of 2024

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Other Latest News

SEC Signals Potential NFT Fundraising Exemption: What It Means for Crypto Startups

Ethos Insurance Startup Partners with Goldman Sachs for Potential IPO

Wisconsin Fuels Entrepreneurial Spirit with $1.3M Grant Boost!

Why Wiz's Bold Move Paid Off: A Week of Major Startup Acquisitions

How Jack Ma Transformed Rejection into Billion-Dollar Success: Discover His Secret Trait!

Ocean Experiment: Can Magnesium Save the Planet from Global Warming?

Revolutionizing Pharma: How Ignota Labs is Breathing New Life into Failed Drugs with AI

Other Latest News

SEC Signals Potential NFT Fundraising Exemption: What It Means for Crypto Startups

Ethos Insurance Startup Partners with Goldman Sachs for Potential IPO

Wisconsin Fuels Entrepreneurial Spirit with $1.3M Grant Boost!

Why Wiz's Bold Move Paid Off: A Week of Major Startup Acquisitions

How Jack Ma Transformed Rejection into Billion-Dollar Success: Discover His Secret Trait!

Ocean Experiment: Can Magnesium Save the Planet from Global Warming?

Revolutionizing Pharma: How Ignota Labs is Breathing New Life into Failed Drugs with AI