Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
Crypto Startups Raise $155 Million Amid Growing Investor Interest
In the first week of December 2025, crypto startups secured $155 million across 14 deals, pushing total 2025 investment near $25 billion—a 160% increase from last year. Investors include General Catalyst, Jump Trading, Coinbase Ventures, and traditional institutions like BNY Mellon and Nasdaq Ventures. Funding focuses on infrastructure, layer 1s, and stablecoin issuers with proven business models, like Portal ($25M for cross-chain Bitcoin trading) and Ostium Labs ($20M for perpetual futures on real-world assets).
Biotech Companies Secure Over $600 Million in Funding Rounds
Recent biotech fundraising includes OTR Therapeutics announcing a $100 million Series A led by Pfizer Ventures, Triana Biomedicines raising $120 million Series B for ALK-targeted therapies, Protego Biopharma collecting $130 million Series B from Novartis and others, and Artios Pharma closing $115 million Series D to expand cancer drug trials. These rounds signal robust VC support for innovative therapeutics entering clinical stages.
500 Global and Sanabil Investments Launch Tenth MENA Startup Cohort
The Sanabil Accelerator, operated by 500 Global in Riyadh, selected nine startups from 735+ MENA region applicants for its tenth cohort. Sectors span AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and e-commerce, with a focus on scale and revenue acceleration. Demo Day is set for December 17, featuring startups like Edufi (education fintech) and Scenario X (AI risk analysis). The program aims to boost Saudi Arabia's growing startup ecosystem and facilitate venture capital connections.
Asseta AI Raises $4.2 Million Seed Round to Expand Fintech Offerings
Family office-focused fintech startup Asseta AI secured $4.2 million in seed funding co-led by Nyca Partners and Motive Partners. The company plans to enhance forecasting and planning features and scale its team. Asseta AI's clients pay $35,000 annually; profitability is expected within 18 months, highlighting demand for AI-driven financial solutions.
SpaceX Negotiates to Regain Status as Most Valuable Startup at $800 Billion
SpaceX is in talks with investors for new funding that could value the space corporation at $800 billion, surpassing previous private company records. This move would make SpaceX again the world's most expensive startup. Partnerships like Emirates Airline's planned use of Starlink onboard will spotlight SpaceX's communication technology globally.
UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum Aims to Double Bilateral Trade to $200 Billion by 2030
Held in Shanghai, the UAE-China Entrepreneurs Forum supports startup ecosystems and expects to double trade from $101.8 billion in 2024 to $200 billion by 2030. China hosts over 116,000 startups with $1 trillion+ raised. UAE tech funding reached $2 billion in 2025, driven by fintech and enterprise apps. Initiatives focus on AI, robotics, and innovation to foster cross-border investment and economic diversification.
Pie Systems Completes $15.5 Million Series A to Advance Duty-Free Digitalization
Japanese startup Pie Systems raised $15.5 million (approx. ÂĄ2.3 billion) in Series A funding to accelerate digital transformation in duty-free retail processes. The capital will help expand their technology and market reach in retail automation and compliance solutions.
200+ African AI Startups Lay Foundation for Continent’s Tech Growth
African-born AI startups like InstaDeep, acquired for $680 million by BioNTech, continue to lead innovation using platforms such as DeepChain for protein design. The regional AI ecosystem is shifting from adoption to ownership, training talent, and developing cutting-edge scientific engines supporting global markets.
Fluidstack Negotiates Nearly $700 Million Funding Round to Boost Cloud Computing
Cloud infrastructure startup Fluidstack is reportedly negotiating a nearly $700 million investment round that would significantly increase its valuation. The funding aims to expand its decentralized cloud computing technology and scale enterprise solutions worldwide.
Korean Startup Ecosystem Seeks Predictability Amid Stable Funding
South Korea’s startup community faces challenges around predictability and stability despite abundant funding. Founders and investors call for regulatory clarity and consistent policy frameworks to sustain growth and entrepreneurial confidence over the long term.