Latest Startups & Entrepreneurship News

đź“…January 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Startups see funding momentum in LATAM, AI unicorns emerge, cybersecurity firms eye IPOs, Europe pushes DeepTech, and January 2026 grants abound for entrepreneurs.
1

Reka AI Achieves Unicorn Status with $110M Funding Round

Reka, a multimodal AI generation startup, raised $110M, propelling it to unicorn status amid enterprise demand for AI decision-making tools.Source 7 The funding highlights growing investor interest in AI startups capable of handling diverse data inputs.Source 7 Enterprises increasingly rely on such AI solutions despite challenges in data interpretation.Source 7

2

Snap Compliance Secures $2M in LATAM Startup Funding

Costa Rica-based Snap Compliance, operating in Chile, led LATAM Week 1 2026 funding with $2M to enhance regulatory compliance tools.Source 4 The capital will support product development and regional expansion amid rising compliance needs.Source 4 This reflects investor focus on startups solving local regulatory issues.Source 4

3

Guarda Raises $806K for Parametric Insurance in Brazil

Brazilian fintech Guarda secured $806K in pre-seed funding to scale parametric insurance covering climate and agricultural risks.Source 4 The startup aims to insure up to 10,000 hectares early in 2026.Source 4 It signals momentum in data-driven insurance products for LATAM.Source 4

4

Galilee Lands $500K from Y Combinator-Backed Fund

Colombian digital credit fintech Galilee raised $500K from a US fund with Silicon Valley and Y Combinator ties.Source 4 The funding bolsters its position in Colombia's competitive fintech scene.Source 4 It underscores steady early-stage capital for financial inclusion.Source 4

5

ID.me Hits Blockbuster Funding with $615M in 2025 Rounds

Identity verification startup ID.me raised $275M in January and $340M in September 2025, serving US government clients.Source 6 The massive funding positions it among cybersecurity firms eyeing IPOs.Source 6 2025 marked a blockbuster year for such startups.Source 6

6

Armis Secures $435M Pre-IPO Round, IPO Planned for 2026-2027

Cybersecurity firm Armis raised $435M in a pre-IPO round in November, targeting public listing late 2026 or early 2027.Source 6 The nine-year-old company manages cyber incident exposure for enterprises.Source 6 It reflects resurgent IPO interest in cybersecurity.Source 6

7

Island Raises $250M, Valuation Triples to $4.8B

Enterprise browser startup Island secured $250M for its cybersecurity-focused product.Source 6 Valuation surged from $1.5B to $4.8B since 2023, amid IPO speculation.Source 6 The funding emphasizes secure browsing solutions.Source 6

8

Cohesity Prepares for 2026 IPO After Veritas Deal Halt

Nvidia-backed Cohesity, offering AI-driven data security, gears up for a 2026 IPO.Source 6 CEO confirmed plans after pausing Veritas acquisition; clients include FedEx and Comcast.Source 6 It highlights AI's role in cybersecurity startups.Source 6

9

Europe's DeepTech Ecosystem at Key Crossroads

Europe's universities and research institutes fuel DeepTech growth, positioning the continent as a potential global hub.Source 1 The ecosystem faces critical decisions for scaling innovation.Source 1 DeepTech advancements could shift global gravity toward Europe.Source 1

10

January 2026 Grant Roundup Offers Over $3M for Entrepreneurs

Transform The Hustle lists vetted grants like Weekly Skip Grants ($1K on Jan 2+), Visible Hands Fellowship ($10K by Jan 7), and Amex Shop Small ($20K by Jan 16).Source 2 Opportunities target US entrepreneurs, underrepresented founders, artists, and small businesses.Source 2 Total exceeds $3M in non-dilutive funding to kick off 2026.Source 2

11

Tampa Bay Names 12 Startups to Watch in 2026

Tampa Bay Inno highlights 12 ventures in cybersecurity, defense tech, fintech, and biotech shaping the innovation landscape.Source 10 These startups are poised for growth and impact in 2026.Source 10 The list spotlights regional entrepreneurial momentum.Source 10

12

New Hampshire Investors Active in Seed and Series A Rounds

Over 11 NH investors support startups with seed checks of $400K-$1M and Series A $2-5M; angels write $25K+.Source 8 Larger rounds shift to Boston funds.Source 8 Updated 2026 list aids entrepreneurs seeking regional capital.Source 8