The article also highlights the application of AI in various sectors. AiDash, a startup that uses satellites and AI to help infrastructure companies identify vegetation risks, raised a $50 million Series C. Briq, a startup that automates financial workflows for construction companies, raised an $8 million extension of its Series B, valuing the firm at $150 million. Despite a slower start to AI funding in 2024 compared to the previous year, the significant valuation jumps indicate a continued strong investor interest in AI.
Key takeaways:
- Voice AI startup ElevenLabs raised an $80 million Series B at a “unicorn valuation,” representing a 10x jump from a Series A just last June.
- AI startup Anthropic is reportedly in discussions to raise $750 million in a funding round led by Menlo Ventures at a valuation of up to $18.4 billion, a 4.5x valuation jump in about nine months.
- Toronto-based Cohere is reportedly in discussions to raise between $500 million and $1 billion at a “significantly higher” valuation than the $2.2 billion it hit just last June.
- San Jose, California-based AiDash, a SaaS startup helping infrastructure companies be more climate-resilient and sustainable with satellites and AI, raised a $50 million Series C led by Lightrock.