Startup Grind News
34 articles
Tavily raises $20M Series A to build the Google of AI agents | CTech
Tavily, an AI company specializing in a search layer for AI agents, has raised $20 million in a Series A funding round led by Insight Partners and Alpha Wave Global. The company, which has over 1 million downloads, serves Fortune 500 clients and top AI firms like Cohere and Groq. Tavily plans to double its workforce by the end of the year, expanding its offices in New York, Tel Aviv, and Abu Dhabi. The platform enables AI agents to navigate live web data, offering a unified search layer for querying multiple models. Tavilys total funding now stands at $25 million.
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Startup had raised just $23M; deal adds to flurry of AI-driven cybersecurity acquisitions.
Prompt Security, an Israeli cybersecurity startup founded in August 2023, has been acquired by SentinelOne for approximately $250 million. Despite being only two years old and having raised just $23 million, the acquisition represents a significant return for its investors, including Hetz Ventures, Jump Capital, Ridge Ventures, Okta, and F5. Prompt Security specializes in securing interactions between generative AI tools and organizations, addressing AI-specific threats. The acquisition is part of a broader trend of AI-driven cybersecurity acquisitions, as companies seek to defend against increasingly sophisticated AI-based attacks. The deal highlights the growing importance of AI in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies.
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CTech's exclusive survey reveals the five critical factors that determine which AI startups will secure funding and dominate the next decade.
The article discusses the evolving landscape of AI startup investments, highlighting a shift from hype-driven to discipline-focused evaluation criteria. Investors are now prioritizing sustainable growth, proven profitability, and exceptional teams with deep domain expertise. The survey conducted by CTech reveals five critical pillars for AI startups to secure funding and achieve long-term success: exceptional teams, defensible competitive advantages, operational and financial mastery, strategic market timing, and being AI-native. The article emphasizes the importance of adaptability, strategic intelligence, and leveraging AI to build sustainable competitive advantages. Israeli startups are noted for their resourcefulness and potential in applied AI across various industries.
Israeli startup claims blueprint for million-qubit machine in single cryostat, challenging Google and IBM.
QuamCore, an Israeli deep-tech startup, has raised $26 million in a Series A funding round to advance its development of a million-qubit quantum processor. The funding, which includes a $4 million non-dilutive grant from the Israel Innovation Authority, brings the companys total funding to $35 million. The Series A was led by Sentinel Global, with participation from Arkin Capital and other investors. QuamCore aims to overcome the scaling challenges in quantum computing by redesigning the architecture of superconducting qubits, embedding digital control logic within the cryostat. This approach reduces thermal load and facilitates large-scale operation. The company plans to move from simulation to fabrication of its processors, establish a quantum lab, and expand its operations.
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Startup poised to raise billions from CapitalG and Nvidia, eclipsing Wiz’s previous high-water mark.
Vast Data, an AI infrastructure company, is reportedly raising several billion dollars in a funding round led by Nvidia and CapitalG, potentially valuing the company at up to $30 billion. This would mark the largest funding round in Israeli tech history and position Vast as Israel’s highest-valued private tech company. The company, founded in 2016, has been profitable and maintains a growing roster of blue-chip clients, including the U.S. Air Force, Booking Holdings, and Nvidia. Vasts technology is critical for AI model deployment, enhancing GPU performance and enabling real-time access to unstructured data. The company has raised approximately $380 million to date and is on track to reach $600 million in annual recurring revenue by 2026.
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Noma Security raises $100 million to defend against AI agent vulnerabilities | CTech
Noma Security, a cybersecurity startup specializing in AI and agent security, has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Evolution Equity Partners, with contributions from Ballistic Ventures and Glilot Capital Partners. This new funding brings the companys total to $132 million in under two years. Nomas platform aids enterprises in managing AI-related risks, offering solutions like vulnerability discovery, risk prioritization, and real-time attack simulations. Founded in 2023, Noma has seen significant growth, particularly among Fortune 500 companies and leading AI players across various sectors. The company employs 40 people and operates from Tel Aviv and the U.S.
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Still Bright is now loaded up with $18.7 million in seed money to build out its demonstration unit.
Still Bright, a New Jersey-based startup, has developed a novel method to extract copper from ores using a vanadium-based solution, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. The company has raised $18.7 million in a seed round led by Material Impact and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, with participation from Azolla Ventures, Fortescue, Impact Science Ventures, and SOSV. Currently operating at a pilot scale, Still Bright plans to build a demonstration unit by 2027 or 2028, aiming to produce 500 tons of copper annually. The technology, inspired by vanadium flow batteries, promises to be cheaper and more efficient, with the potential to significantly impact the copper industry.
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Bariks Health’s compact pressure chamber gets $7M boost, led by Nir Zuk, after October 7 devastation.
Bariks Health, a company developing a portable hyperbaric oxygen chamber, has raised $7 million in a funding round led by Nir Zuk, founder of Palo Alto Networks. Zuk has also joined the companys board of directors. This investment follows a $3 million grant from the Israel Innovation Authority earlier in 2023. The chamber is designed for use in various settings, including clinics, homes, and emergency scenarios, and aims to make hyperbaric treatment more accessible. The company, founded in 2018, was affected by the October 7 attack near its development center, resulting in the loss of its software manager, Nadav Poppelwell. Despite these challenges, the investment is expected to support the companys growth and innovation.
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A marketing automation startup called Conversation has a founding story that sounds like it could have been an episode of the HBO show “Silicon Valley.”
Conversion, an AI-powered marketing automation startup founded by Neil Tewari and James Jiao, has raised a $28 million Series A funding round led by Abstract, with participation from True Ventures and HOF Capital. The company, which began as a project to enhance marketing automation tools, has integrated AI to automate tasks like organizing leads and personalizing follow-up emails. With a focus on midsize businesses, Conversion has achieved nearly $10 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). Despite competition from established companies like HubSpot and new AI-native startups, Conversions growth prospects are strong, supported by its innovative use of AI and a successful funding round.
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A marketing automation startup called Conversation has a founding story that sounds like it could have been an episode of the HBO show “Silicon Valley.”
Conversion, an AI-powered marketing automation startup, has raised a $28 million Series A round led by Abstract, with participation from True Ventures and HOF Capital. Founded by UC Berkeley dropouts Neil Tewari and James Jiao, the company has integrated AI into its tools to automate marketing tasks such as organizing leads and personalizing follow-up emails. With a focus on replacing legacy marketing tools, Conversion has achieved nearly $10 million in annual recurring revenue, primarily from midsize businesses. The company has raised a total of $30 million to date and continues to grow in a competitive market.
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Startup turns observation into round-the-clock digital SOC agents.
Legion Security, a cybersecurity startup, has successfully raised $30 million in a Series A funding round led by Coatue, with participation from Accel, Picture Capital, and senior angel investors from Wiz, Google, and CrowdStrike. This brings their total funding to $38 million. The company is developing an AI-driven browser extension SOC companion that automates threat investigation processes by learning from analysts workflows. Founded in 2024 by security veterans, Legion aims to address the challenges of alert fatigue and staffing shortages in SOC teams by providing scalable automation solutions. The startup currently employs 25 people across Israel and New York.
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Israeli startup’s optical tech promises 100x data speeds and 70% power savings.
Teramount, an Israeli startup specializing in fiber-to-chip interconnect solutions for AI infrastructure, has secured $50 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Koch Disruptive Technologies, with participation from Grove Ventures and strategic partners like AMD Ventures, Hitachi Ventures, Samsung Catalyst Fund, and Wistron. The funding includes $41 million in new capital and $9 million from a previous SAFE round. Teramounts optical technology promises 100x faster data speeds and 70% power savings, crucial for AI processors, data centers, and communication networks. The company has developed proprietary systems like PhotonicPlug and PhotonicBump, and is already shipping in small volumes to top-tier customers.
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Seal Security raises $13M Series A to automate open-source vulnerability fixes | CTech
Seal Security, a cybersecurity startup, has raised $13 million in a Series A funding round led by Vertex Israel, with participation from More Investment House, SBI Group, and CCL. This brings the companys total funding to $20 million since its founding in 2022. Seal Security offers an AI-powered platform that automatically detects and fixes vulnerabilities in open-source components, addressing a critical need in the software industry. The company employs 35 people and operates development centers in Israel and the U.S. The investment and increased customer demand highlight the growing need for Seals patching-first approach, which helps teams maintain compliance and deliver secure software efficiently.
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Forget flashy valuations, these companies are winning where it counts: revenue and resilience.
Moon Active, an Israeli company founded in 2011, has achieved significant success with its flagship game, Coin Master, which generated $1.4 billion in revenue in one year. The company has raised $10 million in primary funding and $420 million in secondary funding, with a latest valuation of $5 billion. Moon Actives success is attributed to its clever monetization strategies and addictive gameplay, with most revenue coming from in-app purchases. The company has invested heavily in user acquisition and advertising, making Coin Master a global phenomenon. Despite its success, Moon Active remains secretive about its operations.
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Tonic Security raises $7M Seed round to tackle cybersecurity alert overload | CTech
Tonic Security, a Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity startup, has emerged from stealth mode, announcing a $7 million Seed funding round led by Hetz Ventures, with participation from Vesey Ventures and several angel investors. The company has developed a platform designed to help security teams prioritize and respond to risks by consolidating and interpreting alerts from existing security tools. The platform aims to provide context to vulnerabilities, helping organizations focus on the most relevant issues. Tonic Security is led by experienced cybersecurity professionals, including CEO Sharon Isaaci, CPO David Warshavski, and CTO Greg Ainbinder. The funding will likely support the companys growth and further development of its platform.
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A senior software engineer for Turso, Thorpe is part of an experimental program in the Maine state prison system that allows incarcerated people to work remote jobs from custody.
The article highlights the story of Preston Thorpe, an incarcerated individual who became a senior software engineer at Turso, a database company. Thorpes journey from incarceration to a promising tech career is facilitated by an experimental program in the Maine state prison system that allows inmates to work remote jobs. Tursos CEO, Glauber Costa, recognized Thorpes talent through his contributions to an open-source project. The program, supported by the Maine Department of Corrections, aims to reduce recidivism by providing education and employment opportunities to inmates. The initiative has shown success in lowering return-to-custody rates and reducing prison violence, demonstrating the potential of rehabilitation-focused approaches.
The Israeli startup says it now reaches millions of Americans with faster tax filing.
Israeli fintech company April has raised $38 million in a Series B round, led by QED Investors, with participation from Nyca Partners and Team8. This brings Aprils total capital raised to $78 million. Founded in 2021, April has developed a platform that simplifies U.S. tax filing, reducing the time required from 13 hours to under an hour. The platform is integrated into financial transactions and is used by millions of Americans. April has partnerships with over 50 organizations and has received approval to operate in all 50 U.S. states. The company employs about 60 people and plans to expand its offerings beyond tax filing.
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בשנתיים האחרונות, שורה של אנשי ביטחון הצטרפו לתחום הטכנולוגיות הביטחוניות, דיפנס־טק ■ המטרה היא לעזור לסטארט־אפים לצמוח, וגם לפתוח להם דלתות בישראל ובעולם ■ אבל מה בין עשרות שנים בשירות צבאי לבין אבנר נתניהו שבעברו לימודי ארכיאולוגיה ושנה וחצי בחברת ייעוץ? למשקיע דובי פרנסס פתרונים
The article discusses the political unrest in Israel and its impact on businesses, particularly focusing on Papaya Global. Venture capitalist Dovi Frances met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid protests against governmental changes. Previously, Papaya Globals CEO, Eynat Guez, threatened to withdraw funds from the country in response to the political situation. The article also touches on various economic issues, including stock market fluctuations and challenges in the real estate sector. Additionally, it mentions management changes in other companies, highlighting the broader economic and political climate affecting businesses in Israel.
Israeli startup closes funding round despite wartime challenges, with CEO serving in reserves and offices being evacuated due to Iranian missile strike.
Israeli startup Octup, which specializes in AI-powered logistics management platforms, has successfully raised $12 million in a Seed funding round led by JAL Ventures and Shine Capital. Despite challenges posed by wartime conditions, including CEO Alon Partuk serving in the IDF reserves and office evacuations due to missile strikes, the company plans to use the funds to triple its workforce, enhance product development, and expand its North American presence. Octups platform aids third-party logistics providers and e-commerce brands by integrating with WMS, ERP, and shipping systems to streamline operations. The company also appointed Dror Feldheim as chairman of the board.
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סטארטאפ הסייבר הישראלי Daylight מציע אלטרנטיבה מבוססת אייג'נטים AI לשירותי ה-MDR הוותיקים
The deal would see the Israeli cybersecurity startup exit just three years after its founding.
Israeli cybersecurity startup Upwind is in talks to be acquired by Datadog for an estimated $1 billion. Founded in late 2022, Upwind has developed a cloud security platform known as a CNAPP, which consolidates various security functions into one comprehensive offering. The company recently raised $100 million in a Series A funding round led by Craft Ventures, with participation from TCV, Alta Park Capital, and existing investors. This round valued Upwind at approximately $900 million, a significant increase from its previous valuation. The acquisition by Datadog, a U.S.-based SaaS company, marks a strategic move to enhance its cloud security capabilities.
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The Israeli startup says its hybrid MDR model can speed up detection and response.
Daylight Security, a cybersecurity startup, has emerged from stealth with a $7 million Seed funding round led by Bain Capital Ventures. The company aims to enhance managed security services by integrating AI with human analysts to improve threat detection and response times. This approach addresses the challenges faced by large enterprises in managing growing cyber threats. Daylights services are already in use by clients in finance and technology sectors, and the company plans to expand its team. The global Managed Detection and Response (MDR) market is projected to grow significantly, and Daylight aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a more efficient solution.
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Following its acquisition of Israeli startup Dogiz’s proprietary AI tech assets, Israel–Miami startup Vetted Pet Health is gamifying pet care to break into the $260 billion market, with its app set to launch in the U.S. this August.
Vetted Pet Health, an Israel-Miami startup, has acquired the proprietary AI technology assets of Israeli-UK pet health app Dogiz. This acquisition is set to bolster Vetteds efforts to revolutionize the pet care market by gamifying pet care and integrating AI diagnostic tools. The app, which is launching in the U.S. in August, aims to educate and empower pet owners through a gamified system that rewards users for routine pet care activities. Vetted plans to expand its market presence over the next three years, starting with English-speaking countries. The company envisions creating a global rewards ecosystem tied to pet wellness, with a monetization strategy based on ad revenue, B2B partnerships, and data monetization.
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Israeli AI companies don't yet pay the huge signing on fees seen in Silicon Valley but AI experts are top of the tree in Tel Aviv's well-paid tech sector.
The article discusses the intense competition among major tech companies like Meta, Google, and OpenAI to acquire top AI talent, offering substantial salaries and benefits. Google has made significant talent acquisitions, including two executives from Windsurf and 30 executives from Character for $2.5 billion. The demand for AI professionals in Israel is growing, with salaries increasing significantly. However, there is a shortage of experienced AI professionals, leading to high salaries and creative incentives. The article highlights the need for a national program to address the talent gap in AI, similar to the cybersecurity field. The demand for AI integration in enterprises is also rising, with managerial positions offering high salaries.
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State-backed initiative aims to bridge funding gaps for high-risk, early-stage tech ventures.
The Israel Innovation Authority has launched a new initiative to bolster the high-tech sector by establishing up to three technological incubators. These incubators will focus on high-risk, capital-intensive fields such as semiconductors, advanced robotics, and bio-convergence. The program aims to attract strategic partners and investors, both domestic and international, by providing state support and funding for early-stage startups. Each incubator could receive up to NIS 40 million over five years, with additional grants available for startups. The initiative seeks to fill a funding gap in early-stage development and maintain Israels status as a global innovation hub.
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The startup says its Mirage system can change video style instantly while preserving motion.
Israeli AI startup Decart has launched Mirage, the worlds first real-time, autoregressive video-to-video model. Mirage allows live video streams to be converted into different visual styles while maintaining motion and structure. This innovation could revolutionize video production and adaptation in real time. Decart plans to enhance Mirages capabilities to support full HD and 4K resolutions. The company has raised $53 million from investors including Benchmark, Sequoia Capital, and Zeev Ventures. Decart is expanding its team with new roles in San Francisco. Founded in 2023 by Dr. Dean Leitersdorf and Moshe Shalev, Decart aims to make video a more adaptive and responsive medium.
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The Israeli startup explains restructuring as part of push to advance FDA-approved AI diagnostics.
TytoCare, an Israeli startup specializing in remote medical testing and diagnosis, is undergoing a restructuring process that includes laying off 35 employees in Israel and the U.S. This marks the second round of layoffs for the company, which previously dismissed 20 employees in 2023. CEO Dedi Gilad will transition to chairman, while COO Ofer Tzadik will manage daily operations. The company aims to streamline operations and focus on AI-driven diagnostics, having secured FDA approvals for its solutions. TytoCare plans to concentrate on the U.S. market, leveraging strategic partnerships and its proprietary AI technology to enhance its product offerings.
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New Remagine Ventures report charts explosive growth and the rise of agentic AI systems.
The Remagine Ventures report highlights the rapid growth of Israels generative AI ecosystem, which has seen a significant increase in startups and funding. As of 2025, the landscape includes 342 startups, with 198 new companies identified since May 2024. The sector has raised over $20 billion, with 31 acquisitions in the past year alone. The report emphasizes the shift towards agentic AI systems, which are autonomous agents capable of decision-making and task execution. Israels advantage lies in its concentration of AI talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and access to capital. Remagine Ventures has actively backed 13 generative AI startups since 2019, positioning Israel as a leader in applied AI innovation.
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The credit giant acquired the B2B payments startup for around $20 million in 2023.
American Express has shut down its Amex Israel operations, which were established following the acquisition of the Israeli startup Nipendo in 2023. Nipendo, known for its B2B payment automation solutions, was acquired for an estimated $15–20 million. After integrating Nipendos technology, American Express decided to close the local operation, resulting in layoffs of several dozen employees. In February 2024, Top Systems, a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, acquired Nipendos Israeli operations for $2 million, including its business with Israeli customers and global suppliers. This acquisition by Top Systems is not affected by the closure of Amex Israel.
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/PRNewswire/ -- Hirundo, specialists in machine unlearning, has beaten more than 1,100 of their peers in the RAISE Summit Start-Up Competition, as it was...
Hirundo, an Israeli startup specializing in machine unlearning technology, has won the RAISE Summit Start-Up Competition, beating over 1,100 competitors. The company, which recently raised an $8 million seed funding round led by Maverick Ventures Israel, offers a pioneering solution that enables AI models to forget unwanted data and behaviors without retraining. This technology addresses AI hallucinations and biases, ensuring data is fully deleted while maintaining model accuracy. The RAISE Summit, held at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, is a leading AI conference in Europe. Hirundos CEO, Ben Luria, expressed that the win is a significant endorsement of their mission to make AI safer and more trustworthy.
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Former Waymo engineers have launched an autonomous vehicle startup with $80 million in venture funds.
Bedrock Robotics, a startup specializing in autonomous vehicle technology, has secured an $80 million funding round from investors Eclipse and 8VC. The company is developing a self-driving kit for construction and worksite vehicles, aiming to retrofit existing fleets with advanced sensors and AI capabilities. Founded by veterans from Waymo and Segment, Bedrock is currently testing its technology in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, and California with partners such as Sundt Construction and Zachry Construction Corporation. This investment marks a significant step in Bedrocks growth, positioning it as a key player in the off-road autonomous vehicle sector.
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As consumer losses soar, the web intelligence startup expands in the US and Europe.
Heka, an Israeli startup focused on combating digital fraud through web intelligence, has raised $14 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Windare Ventures, with participation from Barclays and Cornèr Banca. The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations in the US and enhance its presence in the UK and Europe. Hekas AI-driven technology analyzes online data to create real-time digital profiles, helping financial institutions detect fraud and connect with legitimate customers. The company reports generating significant revenue through partnerships with banks, payment processors, and pension funds.
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הסטארטאפ הישראלי XTEND גייס 30 מיליון דולר כהשלמה לסבב B בהיקף של 70 מיליון דולר
Bevy.com raises $15M to power virtual events and community
Bevy.com, an event software business, has raised $15 million in Series B funding. The company has seen a surge in demand for its virtual event platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers such as Duolingo, Startup Grind, and Salesforce have utilized Bevys platform to host events. Bevy provides an end-to-end virtual experience for event organizers, integrating with platforms like Zoom, Salesforce, Marketo, and Meetup. The funding round was led by Accel, with participation from existing investors Ryan Smith and Upfront Ventures. Bevy previously raised a $6.4 million Series A.
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