**Stord**, a rising star in the logistics and e-commerce sector, has made a strategic acquisition that could shake up the industry. The startup announced its purchase of **Ware2Go**, a subsidiary of **UPS**, marking a significant step in its ambition to compete with giants like Amazon.

### The Strategic Acquisition
This move is not just about expansion; it's a clear signal of Stord's intent to **revolutionize e-commerce logistics**. By integrating Ware2Go's technology and network, Stord aims to offer more scalable and flexible logistics solutions to online retailers.

### Why This Matters
- **Competition with Amazon**: Stord is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Amazon's logistics dominance, offering independent retailers an alternative that could level the playing field.
- **Enhanced Capabilities**: The acquisition brings Ware2Go's advanced warehousing and fulfillment technologies under Stord's umbrella, promising faster and more efficient delivery options for customers.

### The Bigger Picture
This acquisition is a testament to the **growing influence of startups in traditional industries**. Stord's aggressive growth strategy highlights how innovation and strategic partnerships can disrupt established markets.

Logistics startup Stord said Monday that its buying UPS subsidiary Ware2Go as it looks to expand its footprint in the ecommerce space.

Stord's Bold Move: Acquiring UPS Subsidiary to Challenge Amazon in E-commerce Logistics

**Headline Asia**, a Tokyo- and Taipei-based venture capital firm, has successfully closed its **Headline Asia Fund V** at **$145 million**, marking one of its largest funds to date. This fund is set to invest in **tech startups** across the **Asia-Pacific** region, focusing on **Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia**, with selective investments in **South Korea**. The fund targets early-stage startups, from **seed to Series A**, with check sizes ranging from **$1 million to $5 million**, in sectors like **e-commerce, logistics, fintech, IP, and AI**.

### **Funding Landscape in Asia-Pacific**
Despite the current economic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges leading to a **tightened funding environment**, Headline Asia's latest fund signifies a strong belief in the potential of **early-stage startups** in the region. Akio Tanaka, a co-founder and partner at Headline Asia, describes the VC market as going through a **"cyclical winter"**, characterized by high interest rates and cautious LP sentiment. Yet, Headline Asia sees this as an opportunity to invest in **high-growth, high-risk tech startups** that others might shy away from.

### **Investment Focus and Portfolio**
The fund has already invested in **17 companies**, including:
- **Newmo**: A Japanese taxi and ride-sharing startup.
- **Jenfi**: A Singapore-based company providing revenue-based financing for digital businesses.
- **Pi-xcels**: A Tokyo- and Singapore-based startup delivering NFC-enabled tech for merchants.

### **Backers and Global Network**
Backers of the fund include **Japan Investment Corporation (JIC)**, the **National Development Fund of Taiwan (NDF)**, and **Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC)**. Headline Asia is part of the **Headline global network**, with regional offices in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, managing approximately **$4 billion in assets**.

### **Opportunities in Japan**
Tanaka highlights **Japan** as a particularly exciting market, noting a shift from local-focused startups to those with **global ambitions**. This aligns with Headline Asia's interest in supporting **Asian startups going global**, whether they're from Japan, Southeast Asia, or North Asia.

### **Recent VC Fundraises in Asia**
Headline Asia's fund closure follows other significant fundraises in the region, such as **Antler's $72 million Southeast Asia fund** and **MindWorks Capital's $220 million Pan-Asia fund**.

Headline Asia has closed a new $145 million fund to fuel investments in Asia-Pacific.

Headline Asia Secures $145M Fund to Boost Tech Startups Across Asia-Pacific Amid Funding Winter

**Otto Aviation**, a Texas-based aviation startup, has been revealed as the company behind **'Project Bluebird'**, a significant investment opportunity at **Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport**. The project could see **$430 million** injected into the local economy across two phases, alongside the relocation of Otto Aviation's headquarters to Jacksonville.

### The Big Move
Otto Aviation is considering building a **manufacturing and production facility** on 80 to 100 acres of vacant land at Cecil Airport, previously used by Boeing Co. This move comes after a **years-long search** involving over 50 airports across a dozen states, with Jacksonville standing out due to its **pro-business environment** and growing region.

### Incentives on the Table
The **Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA)** has proposed a lucrative incentive package to attract Otto Aviation, including:
- **$22.5 million** for site preparation and taxiway extension.
- Rent and maintenance fee abatements worth **$3.73 million**.
- Rent credits valued at **$1.5 million**.
- Additional abatements for the new plant site worth **$7.18 million**.

A **20-year Recapture Enhanced Value grant** of up to **$20 million** is also on offer for machinery and office equipment purchases.

### Why Jacksonville?
Adam Slepian, Otto Aviation's Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted Jacksonville's **economic development agreements**, incentives, and talent pool as key factors in their decision. The city's **strategic location** and **aviation infrastructure** further cement its appeal as a hub for aerospace innovation.

![Jacksonville's Cecil Airport](https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/d_https:::media.news4jax.com:theme:images:placeholder-16x9-wjxt.png/c_scale,w_900/v1/media/gmg/PYEWBAUMC5CVBBPDIVG4ASDIEE.jpg?_a=DAJAUVWIZAAA)

*The Jacksonville Aviation Authority's new 126-foot air traffic control tower and Dr. Norman Thagard Mission Control Center.*

This development promises to **enhance Jacksonville's position** as a leader in the aerospace sector, creating lasting economic impacts and job opportunities.

The company behind “Project Bluebird,” a project that could inject millions of dollars into Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport, was revealed Monday as it seeks incentives to move its headquarters to the River City. 

Texas Aviation Startup Otto Aviation Eyes Jacksonville for $430M Expansion and HQ Move

## **Texas Startup’s Hypersonic Rocket Aces First Flight Test**

Venus Aerospace, a Houston-based propulsion company, has successfully tested its **Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE)**, marking a significant milestone in hypersonic flight technology. This breakthrough could eventually enable flights from **Los Angeles to Tokyo in under two hours**.

### **The Breakthrough**

The **RDRE** is a revolutionary engine that uses **continuous explosions** (detonations) to propel aircraft at speeds exceeding **six times the speed of sound**. Unlike traditional engines, which rely on steady combustion, the RDRE generates thrust through **shockwaves**, making it more efficient and compact.

![Venus Aerospace RDRE Test](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2025/05/VenusAero_RDRE_466-1.jpg)
*Ground-based test of the conceptual rocket design. © Venus Aerospace*

### **The Test Flight**

The recent test at **Spaceport America** in New Mexico saw a small rocket equipped with the RDRE reach an altitude of **4,400 feet** and a speed of **383 mph** (half the speed of sound). The engine burned for **seven seconds**, and the rocket landed safely via parachute.

### **Why It Matters**

- **Cost-Effective**: The RDRE is **10 times cheaper** to build and operate than traditional engines, with no moving parts and the ability to be **3D-printed in a week**.
- **Efficiency**: It produces more thrust with the same fuel, making it ideal for **military, commercial, and spaceflight applications**.
- **Future Applications**: Potential uses include **hypersonic weapons** and launching **larger space payloads**.

### **What’s Next?**

Venus Aerospace aims to have **operational RDRE systems by the early 2030s**. The company is now focused on scaling the technology and engaging with investors, including **U.S. defense agencies** and commercial partners.

This test brings us one step closer to turning **hypersonic travel from science fiction into reality**.

Eventually, this technology could take passengers from Los Angeles to Tokyo in under two hours.

Revolutionary Hypersonic Flight: Texas Startup's 'Exploding' Rocket Passes First Test

**Saudi Arabia's venture capital arms, Wa’ed Ventures (Aramco) and Tali Ventures (STC), have invested $19 million in US-based tech startup Graphiant Inc.** This move is part of the kingdom's broader strategy to foster innovation and bolster its digital economy. The investment expands on a previous $102 million funding round that included heavyweights like **Sequoia Capital**.

Graphiant, headquartered in Silicon Valley, specializes in transforming data networks for **artificial intelligence (AI)**, tackling security challenges head-on. The startup has already made waves by serving global enterprises such as **Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.** and plans to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh following this latest investment.

This development comes hot on the heels of President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Middle East, where Saudi Arabia and the US announced **$600 billion worth of investment agreements**, with a strong emphasis on AI. The kingdom is keen on positioning itself as a **regional tech powerhouse**, as evidenced by the flurry of AI-related deals, including those by the newly-created AI firm **Humain**, owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

In a related move, Saudi venture capital firm STV launched a **$100 million AI fund**, backed by **Alphabet Inc.’s Google**, aimed at nurturing early-stage startups. Saudi Arabia continues to lead as the top source of VC investment in the Middle East and North Africa, attracting nearly **$400 million in funding in the first quarter alone**, according to Magnitt.

STC’s Tali Ventures, with a **$300 million committed fund**, is doubling down on **AI and fintech**, signaling the kingdom's unwavering commitment to technological advancement.

The venture capital arms of Saudi Arabia’s oil and telecom giants have invested in US tech startup Graphiant Inc. as the kingdom seeks to drive innovation and develop its digital economy.

Saudi Giants Aramco & STC Back US Startup Graphiant in $19M Boost for AI Networking

## **Seraphim Space's Latest Cohort: A Blend of Innovation and Defense**

Seraphim Space has unveiled the **10 startups** selected for its **15th accelerator program**, showcasing the growing synergy between **commercial space innovation** and **national defense** priorities. This diverse group spans **five countries**, including a first-time participant from **Mongolia**, and focuses on areas like **defense communications**, **AI-powered surveillance**, and more.

![Seraphim Space Accelerator](https://i0.wp.com/spacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Seraphim-15.jpg?fit=1200%2C826&quality=89&ssl=1)
*The latest cohort joins over 110 space startups that have benefited from Seraphim's accelerator over the past seven years. Credit: Seraphim Space*

### **Meet the Startups**

| **Name**                     | **Description**                                      | **Location**   |
|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|----------------|
| Aerlin                        | Developing antennas for consumer cars                | United States  |
| [Ecosmic](https://www.ecosmic.space/) | Space traffic management provider                   | Italy          |
| [Ethereal Exploration Guild](https://www.etherealx.space/) | Designing a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle | India          |
| [LambdaVision](https://www.lambdavision.com/) | Manufacturing artificial retinas in microgravity     | United States  |
| [Lyrasense](https://lyrasense.com/) | Geospatial intelligence provider                     | Germany        |
| [ONDO Space](https://ondospace.com/) | Building out SOS satellite ecosystem                 | Mongolia       |
| [Pan Galactic](https://www.pangalactic.io/) | Developing operating systems for space               | United Kingdom |
| [Planetary Utilities](https://www.planetaryutilities.com/) | Running a marketplace for space services             | United States  |
| [Ravee Optics](https://www.raveeoptics.com/) | Laser communications venture for satellites          | United States  |
| [Vortx AI Private](https://www.vortx.ai/) | Designing tools to improve satellite-enabled AI systems | India          |

### **Program Impact and Industry Trends**

Seraphim, in collaboration with its U.S. arm **Generation Space**, reports that alumni have raised **$695.3 million** in private funding since the program's inception in 2018. The accelerator aims to prepare startups for investment, with **space-related startups** attracting **$2.1 billion** in private investment in Q1 2025 alone—a **17% increase** from the previous quarter.

This program underscores the **vibrant growth** of the space sector, driven by **technological advancements** and **strategic partnerships**.

Seraphim Space announced the startups joining the 15th round of its networking and mentoring accelerator program May 19, reflecting the rising convergence of commercial innovation and national defense priorities.

10 Cutting-Edge Startups Join Seraphim's 15th Space Accelerator Program

## **The New Frontier in Startup Recruitment: Venture Capital Steps In**

In an era where **capital is increasingly seen as a commodity**, venture capital firms are scrambling to differentiate themselves. **Goanna Capital**, a Florida-based VC firm with $800 million in assets under management, has found a unique way to add value beyond just funding: by becoming a recruiter for its portfolio companies.

### **Why Talent is the New Battleground for Startups**

Robert Hilmer of Goanna Capital highlights a critical pain point for top tech companies: **access to talent**. While capital and customers are plentiful, filling key roles remains a challenge. This insight led Goanna to experiment with **in-house recruiting services**, offering a personalized, cost-free alternative to traditional platforms like LinkedIn.

### **How Go-Hire Works: A Game-Changer for Startups**

Goanna’s **proprietary scraping tools** identify potential candidates, conduct initial interviews, and match them with startups in its portfolio. This service has already placed over 15 employees in companies like **Discord, Airtable, and Wiz**. Now, Goanna is scaling this initiative with **Go-Hire**, a public job board set to launch with 80-100 listings.

### **The Competitive Edge: Proprietary Investment Opportunities**

Hilmer believes that **enduring success in venture capital** hinges on creating unique, scalable processes. By integrating recruitment into its value proposition, Goanna not only supports its portfolio companies but also **originates proprietary investment opportunities**.

### **Founders, Would You Try It?**

With venture capital firms like Goanna Capital stepping into recruitment, the landscape of startup hiring is evolving. Could this be the **future of talent acquisition** for high-growth companies?

Why Goanna Capital is launching a recruiting platform to help its portfolio companies.

How Goanna Capital is Revolutionizing Startup Recruitment with Its Free VC-Led Hiring Platform

## **The IPO Rush: A Golden Window for Startups**

In a dramatic turnaround from last month's market slump, **tech startups are now racing to go public**, urged by bankers to seize the moment before potential political volatility strikes again. The recent stabilization of the markets, following President Donald Trump's rollback of severe tariffs, has created a **golden window for IPOs**.

![Chime Co-founders Chris Britt and Ryan King](https://i.insider.com/5c5e3ba4dde8674e877c4562?width=700)
*Chime Co-founders Chris Britt and Ryan King. The digital banking app filed to go public last week after previously pausing its IPO plans on President Donald Trump's tariffs.*

### **Why the Sudden IPO Frenzy?**

- **Market Stability**: The S&P 500 has rebounded, now up about 1% since the beginning of the year, a nearly 19% increase from its April lows.
- **Reduced Volatility**: The VIX index, a measure of market volatility, has dropped to 17 from a high of 52 in April, signaling calmer markets.
- **Pent-up Demand**: A historic drought in IPOs over the last three years has created a backlog of private companies eager to go public.

### **Notable IPOs in the Pipeline**

- **eToro**: The Israeli trading platform debuted via a SPAC merger, with shares popping 34% above the IPO price.
- **Hinge Health**: Resumed its IPO roadshow, aiming for a valuation of up to $2.6 billion.
- **Chime and Omada Health**: Both filed to go public in May, capitalizing on the improved market conditions.

![Hinge Health IPO Roadshow](https://i.insider.com/6827515268a2929008018898)
*Hinge Health launched the road show for its IPO last week. The physical therapy startup has been signaling its intentions to go public for several years.*

### **The Risks Ahead**

Despite the current optimism, **bankers warn of potential political volatility** that could disrupt the market again. Companies like Klarna and StubHub, which delayed their IPOs in April, have yet to re-enter the market. Medline, a surgical equipment company, remains vulnerable to tariffs due to its reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

**"If you're trying to get public, now is the time to 'go go go' before something else happens,"** a healthcare banker told Business Insider.

### **The Bottom Line**

The current market stability offers a rare opportunity for startups to go public, but the window may not stay open for long. Companies are advised to act quickly, while investors remain cautious about the unpredictable political landscape.

As the public markets improve, tech companies are rushing to IPO — knowing more political volatility could be around the corner.

Stord's Bold Move: Acquiring UPS Subsidiary to Challenge Amazon in E-commerce Logistics

Summary:

The Strategic Acquisition

Why This Matters

The Bigger Picture

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