Peec, one of Berlin’s rising startups, more than doubled annualized revenue in months to $10M, sources say

Peec, which helps brands track their presence in AI searches, offers proof of a key trend among European startups.

How VCs and founders use inflated ‘ARR’ to crown AI startups 

Some AI startups are stretching traditional revenue metrics when talking about progress publicly. And their investors are fully aware.

Convective Capital raises an $85 million fund to build disaster resilience

After launching to invest in fire tech, Convective is broadening its mandate to disaster resilience.

This young startup is taking on a fragrance industry that hasn’t changed in a almost half century

Fragrance tech company Patina announced Thursday a $2 million raise from investors, including Betaworks and True Ventures. 

Beauty booking startup Fresha hits $1 billion valuation with KKR backing

Beauty and wellness booking marketplace Fresha says it has raised $80 million investment from KKR’s Next Generation Technology Growth fund, KKR’s growth equity arm.

Imperagen raises £5 million to use quantum physics, AI on enzyme engineering

Biotech company Imperagen announced on Thursday a £5 million ($6.7 million) seed round led by PXN Ventures, with participation from IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone.

Sam Altman makes ‘mic drop’ offer to every Y Combinator startup

Altman offered to have OpenAI invest in every single startup in this Y Combinator class: tokens for equity.

Startup Battlefield 200 applications close in one week: Window to nominate and apply for the most promising startups ends May 27

Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27. Pitch at TechCrunch Disrupt, get investor access, win $100K, plus more scaling perks. Nominate an early-stage founder or submit your startup here.

Forget the feed: Status AI raises $17M to turn social media into interactive entertainment

Interactive social media site Status announced Tuesday $17 million in combined seed and Series A funding, with investors including General Catalyst, YC, LightShed Ventures, and Abstract.

Stilta raises $10.5M from a16z and YC to help companies rediscover the patents they forgot they had

Stilta announced Tuesday a $10 million seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz. Other investors in the round include YC and operators from companies like OpenAI, Legora, and Lovable.