In another challenging year for startups, higher valuations and revenue give reason for hope | TechCrunch
Jan 31, 2025 - techcrunch.com
The article provides a weekly recap of notable events in the startup world. It highlights Voi Technology's first profitable year, positioning it for a potential IPO, and OpenAI-backed 1X's acquisition of Kind Humanoid. French health insurance startup Alan reported significant revenue, aiming for profitability by 2026, while startups are addressing wildfire risks in Southern California. In funding news, Helion raised $425 million for a fusion reactor project with Microsoft, and TravelPerk secured $200 million, doubling its valuation. Alice & Bob, Quibim, and Motif also raised substantial rounds, with 8VC aiming for a $1 billion fund. ElevenLabs raised $180 million, reaching a $3.3 billion valuation.
The article concludes with a note on potential startup closures in 2025, though AngelList's CEO offers a more optimistic perspective. Anna, a freelance reporter at TechCrunch, covers SaaS and other topics, with a background in media and startups.
Key takeaways:
Swedish micromobility startup Voi reported its first profitable year, positioning it for a potential IPO.
Nuclear startup Helion raised $425 million in Series F funding, increasing its valuation to $5.245 billion.
Barcelona-based TravelPerk closed a $200 million Series E round, doubling its valuation to $2.7 billion.
Quibim, a Spanish AI medical imaging startup, raised $50 million to expand its U.S. operations, focusing on prostate cancer detection.
