The latest funding developments in the AI landscape reveal a compelling narrative of innovation and strategic investment that is reshaping multiple sectors. This week’s significant capital influx highlights a shift towards not just enhancing existing technologies but also pioneering entirely new paradigms. Startups are increasingly focusing on niche applications that leverage AI to solve specific, pressing challenges—whether it’s revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics with advanced imaging solutions, optimizing industrial operations through predictive analytics, or enhancing cloud security with sophisticated threat detection. Moreover, the trend towards open-source frameworks and collaborative development indicates a broader movement within the tech community to democratize AI access and foster a culture of innovation.

Tenstorrent
Founder: Jim Keller
Tenstorrent, an AI chip-making startup, has secured over $693 million in a highly successful Series D funding round, elevating its pre-money valuation to $2 billion. The round was led by Samsung Securities and AFW Partners, with additional backing from prominent investors such as Baillie Gifford, Bezos Expeditions, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and Hyundai Motor Group, among others. Tenstorrent’s Chief Operating Officer, Keith Witek, highlighted the diverse group of investors, including both financial and strategic players, as a sign of confidence in the company’s vision and technology. The company closed approximately $150 million in deals, signaling strong commercial traction. The funds will be directed towards expanding open-source AI software stacks, recruiting developers, and growing global development centers. CEO Jim Keller emphasized the strategic importance of their open-source approach, which is designed to empower developers and foster innovation. Known for its Tensix cores and customisable silicon solutions, Tenstorrent continues to attract global interest with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Tractian
Founder: Igor Marinelli
Tractian has secured $120 million in Series C funding, led by Sapphire Ventures with participation from General Catalyst, Next47, and NGP Capital. The Atlanta-based AI leader in industrial maintenance plans to use the funds to optimize machine performance and reduce downtime. Tractian integrates hardware and software solutions for asset monitoring, improving productivity and uptime. The company addresses 5% of global industrial GDP, with each $1,000 produced by factories generating $50 from Tractian’s solutions. CEO Igor Marinelli highlights the growing need for AI to bridge the skills gap in industrial operations. Tractian’s innovation earned it a spot on the Forbes AI 50 list.
Cleerly
Founder: James K. Min
Cleerly, a leader in advanced cardiovascular imaging, has raised $106 million in Series C extension funding, led by Insight Partners and joined by Battery Ventures and existing investors. This funding will support Cleerly’s mission to scale its commercial growth and enhance clinical evidence for improving patient outcomes in coronary care. The company uses FDA-cleared AI-powered CT imaging technology to provide detailed insights into coronary artery disease. CEO James K. Min, MD, highlighted the importance of this funding following recent milestones, including Medicare coverage and a CPT Category I code for advanced plaque analysis. Insight Partners’ Scott Barclay emphasized Cleerly’s potential to revolutionize cardiac care by offering non-invasive, AI-driven diagnostics that could transform early detection, similar to mammograms and colonoscopies for cancer.
Public
Founder: Jannick Malling
Investment platform Public has raised $135 million in a Series D-2 funding round, consisting of $105 million in equity and $30 million in debt, led by Accel. This financing supports the company’s rapid growth, particularly its AI-enabled research tools. Public, which began in 2019 offering commission-free fractional stock investing, has expanded its offerings to include social features, crypto, treasuries, fine art, collectibles, and corporate bonds. The company’s AI research tool, Alpha, is now used by over 90% of its members. As generational wealth transfers are expected to reach $70 trillion by 2045, Public is positioning itself to meet the demands of digital-native investors seeking autonomous, AI-driven portfolio management.
Upwind Security
Founder: Amiran Shachar
Upwind has raised $100 million in a Series A funding round, led by Craft and joined by TCV, Alta Park, and existing investors Greylock, Cyberstarts, Leaders Fund, Cerca, and Sheva. The company’s mission is to build next-generation cloud security powered by runtime, addressing key challenges in cloud security such as lack of prioritization, wasted time, and evolving threats. Upwind’s platform provides comprehensive CNAPP capabilities, including secret and vulnerability scanning, risk prioritization, identity security, and configuration monitoring, all while avoiding the need for agents. This funding will support Upwind’s global expansion, innovation, and plans to double its headcount to 300 by 2025 across offices in Israel, San Francisco, the UK, and Iceland.
AMP Robotics
Founder: Matanya Horowitz
Amp Robotics has secured $91 million in Series D funding to expand its AI-driven recycling operations. The company, which has deployed 400 robots and operates multiple recycling facilities, shifted its focus to running entire sorting plants rather than just providing robots to existing operations. Amp’s technology uses AI and cameras to identify recyclable materials, with robotic arms sorting waste on the conveyor belt. The company handles facility operations, maintenance, and upgrades, charging clients per ton of waste sorted. The new funding, led by Congruent Ventures, will support the company’s expansion and innovation in automated recycling.
Nectir
Founder: Kavitta Ghai and Jordan Long
Nectir, a Los Angeles-based startup providing personalized AI learning partners, has raised $6.3 million in seed funding led by Long Journey Ventures, with participation from Entrada Ventures, Precursor Ventures, and Behind Genius Ventures. Founded by Kavitta Ghai and Jordan Long, Nectir’s platform integrates with all major learning management systems (LMS) to create FERPA-compliant AI course assistants that offer personalized, 24/7 learning support for students, teachers, and administrators. Already used by over 80,000 students across 100 schools, including UC Santa Barbara and Boston University, the funding will drive Nectir’s expansion and further development efforts.
Intch
Founder: Yakov Filippenko
Intch, originally launched as a professional networking platform, has evolved into the first platform dedicated to connecting top professionals with businesses seeking part-time talent. Backed by a $1.2 million pre-seed round led by Altair Capital and supported by Deel, Intch focuses on enabling small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to access high-quality talent at a fraction of the cost of full-time hires.With the remote workforce projected to reach 22% by 2025, SMBs face increasing competition for top talent in a market with 12.4 million job seekers in the US alone. Intch’s AI-driven platform addresses this challenge by offering an efficient talent-matching process that connects businesses with part-time professionals, a segment often overlooked by traditional job platforms.Founded by Yakov Filippenko in 2021, Intch’s innovative approach enables SMBs to access flexible, skilled workers at a third of the traditional cost. With over 500,000 professionals across 140+ countries, Intch is well-positioned to help businesses thrive in today’s evolving workforce.