Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News
57 Corporations Launch New Startup Investment Arms in 2025
Around 57 corporations, many from Asia including Japan, China, and Korea, created new corporate venture capital (CVC) units in 2025, up from 46 in 2024, signaling continued popularity for innovation. Notable spins include Uniqa Ventures rebranding to Shape Capital Partners and Alphabet's Gradient Ventures distancing from its parent for AI deals.
Overall, more CVC units were created than closed this year.
Krafton, Naver, Mirae Asset Launch $669M India-Focused Unicorn Fund
South Korean gaming studio Krafton, partnered with Naver and Mirae Asset, is launching a $669M fund targeting Indian startups, building on Krafton's $200M+ prior investments in social media and gaming. This escalates Krafton's commitment to India as a critical market.
Naver enters India investments more actively through this vehicle.
International Airlines Group Sets Up $210M Venture Fund
British Airways parent International Airlines Group launched a revamped $200M venture fund over five years, focusing on AI, IoT for operations, and sustainable aviation fuel. Previously, investments lacked a set fund size or cadence; Nacho Tovar leads the new fund.
This formalizes their minority stakes in startups.
Aviva Investors Launches $185M Evergreen VC Fund
Aviva’s asset management arm launched a £150M ($185M) evergreen VC fund targeting fintech, healthtech, sci-tech, and climate/sustainability in UK, North America, and Europe. It has a UK bias as the corporate's base.
The structure allows perpetual investing without fixed timelines.
Vibranium Labs Raises $4.6M Seed for Vibe AI
New York-based Vibranium Labs announced $4.6M in seed funding on Dec 24, 2025, to scale its Vibe AI platform. This funds expansion of their AI technology.
Vibranium focuses on AI innovations.
Architect Financial Technologies Secures $35M Series A
Chicago's Architect Financial Technologies completed a $35M strategic Series A round. The investment supports growth in financial tech solutions.
This bolsters their position in fintech startups.
Lemon Slice Raises $10.5M Seed for AI Research Lab
San Francisco's new frontier AI research lab Lemon Slice raised $10.5M in seed funding. Funds advance AI product development.
It positions them in cutting-edge AI R&D.
Dazzle AI, Founded by Marissa Mayer, Raises $8M Seed
Palo Alto startup Dazzle AI, led by Marissa Mayer, raised $8M seed at $35M post-money valuation. The company targets AI applications.
Mayer's experience drives its tech entrepreneurship.
Endeavor Global Plans $300M for AI Startups in Emerging Markets
Endeavor announced raising up to $300M for Seed-Series B AI and high-growth startups in MENA, US, Europe, Africa, and Asia. First investments expected soon, providing capital and access.
This boosts entrepreneurship in emerging regions.
Lucid Capital Closes $2.5M Seed and Secures $200M Commitments
UAE-based Lucid Capital raised $2.5M seed led by Tharawat Holding and Singular Link to expand AI trading platform for US equities and digital assets. Additional $200M from institutions supports scaling adaptive AI models.
Founded in 2022, it optimizes real-time trading.