Weekly Funding / Startup / VC news of July 9, 2025

Venture Capital News. Funding rounds, statistics Week of July 1 - July 7: United States (16 - $1.03B), United Kingdom (2 - $55M), India (2 - $26M), Germany (3 - $250M)

July 09, 2025

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The artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is transforming rapidly. Major players like OpenAI and Meta are embroiled in a fierce competition for top talent. This war is not just about hiring; it’s about survival, innovation, and the future of technology.
As Meta ramps up its recruitment efforts, OpenAI finds itself on the defensive. The stakes are high. Mark Zuckerberg’s aggressive talent acquisition strategy has sent shockwaves through the industry. Reports suggest that Meta is offering staggering compensation packages, some rumored to exceed $100 million. This figure has ignited debates, with some insiders dismissing it as exaggerated. Regardless, the message is clear: Meta is serious about building its superintelligence lab.

The UK is on the brink of an industrial renaissance. The government has unveiled a bold Modern Industrial Strategy, a 10-year roadmap designed to propel business investment and productivity. This strategy is not just a plan; it’s a lifeline for the economy, aiming to foster long-term growth in a world rife with uncertainty.
At the heart of this strategy lies a commitment to advanced manufacturing, particularly 3D printing. This technology is not merely a tool; it’s a catalyst for change. The government’s investment of £4.3 billion over the next five years into advanced manufacturing signals a clear intent: the UK wants to be a global leader in this field.

In the ever-evolving landscape of biotechnology, two stories stand out like beacons of innovation. Laverock Therapeutics, a London-based startup, has raised over €23.3 million to advance its gene control technology. Meanwhile, AbbVie, a giant in the pharmaceutical world, has made headlines by acquiring Capstan Therapeutics for $2.1 billion. These developments highlight a crucial shift in how we approach disease treatment and the future of medicine.
Laverock Therapeutics is not just another startup. Founded in 2021, it is at the forefront of gene control technology. The company focuses on developing disease-responsive therapies that can adapt to the body’s needs. Imagine a medicine that can adjust itself, like a chameleon changing colors to blend in with its environment. This is the essence of Laverock’s programmable gene control platform.

In the world of finance, the rhythm of capital flows can be both exhilarating and daunting. Recently, two companies, BerGenBio ASA and Hacksaw, have taken significant steps that illustrate this dance. Each move is a calculated step toward growth, yet fraught with risks and uncertainties.
On June 30, 2025, BerGenBio ASA announced a fully underwritten rights issue aimed at raising approximately NOK 130 million. This announcement came on the heels of a proposed merger with Oncoinvent ASA, a strategic move designed to bolster their market position. The rights issue is a classic maneuver in the financial playbook, allowing existing shareholders to purchase additional shares at a discounted price. This tactic can be a lifeline for companies seeking to raise capital without diluting ownership too drastically.

5. Baidu's Bold Move: The Open Source Revolution in AI (Cited in 7 tech media)

In the fast-paced world of technology, change is the only constant. Baidu, the Chinese search engine titan, is shaking the foundations of artificial intelligence (AI) with a bold announcement. The company plans to open source its generative AI model, Ernie, a move that could redefine the competitive landscape. This decision comes on the heels of a significant shift in the AI market, reminiscent of the upheaval caused by DeepSeek.
Baidu's Ernie is not just another AI model; it’s a potential game-changer. The company has long been a proponent of proprietary technology, but the winds of change are blowing. By opening the doors to Ernie, Baidu is inviting developers and researchers to tinker, innovate, and create. This is akin to handing out keys to a treasure chest. The question is: what will they unlock?

In the vast, uncharted waters of the ocean, a French startup is making waves. Cosma, a Nice-based deep-tech company, has secured €2.5 million in funding to revolutionize underwater imaging technology. This funding round, led by WIND and Ternel, is not just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline for marine biodiversity.
Founded in 2022, Cosma is on a mission. They aim to map deep-sea ecosystems using autonomous underwater vehicles. Think of them as the Google Maps for the ocean floor. Their technology is designed to collect vast amounts of data, capturing up to 100,000 images per hectare of seabed. This is no small feat. The ocean is a mysterious realm, with only 25% of its floor mapped with high precision. Less than 1% of marine species are known. The need for knowledge is immense.

Meta, the tech giant once synonymous with social media, is shifting gears. Under the leadership of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the company is diving headfirst into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with a new initiative: the Meta Superintelligence Labs. This move signals a bold ambition to reshape the future of technology, but it also raises questions about the risks and rewards of such a high-stakes endeavor.
The Superintelligence Labs will be spearheaded by Alexandr Wang, the former CEO of Scale AI. Wang is no stranger to the AI landscape. His experience in data labeling will be crucial as Meta aims to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI)—machines that can think and learn like humans. This is not just a tech upgrade; it’s a quest for the holy grail of AI.

In the bustling world of customer engagement, Talon.One stands out like a lighthouse in a storm. This Berlin-based enterprise has just secured a staggering €114 million in growth funding, a clear signal that the tides are shifting in the loyalty and promotion software landscape. With new backers like Silversmith Capital Partners and Meritech Capital joining existing investor CRV, Talon.One is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation, particularly through the lens of artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2015, Talon.One has quickly become a powerhouse in the realm of loyalty and promotions. Its platform is not just a tool; it’s an engine that unifies loyalty, promotions, and gamification into a single, cohesive system. Imagine a Swiss Army knife for marketers—versatile, powerful, and essential. This funding round is not merely a financial boost; it’s a vote of confidence in a vision that seeks to redefine how brands engage with their customers.

Last week's funding rounds

78 funding rounds, -44% from last week.

Number of funding rounds in the last half year - July 7, 2025 by Parsers VC

Total raised $4.82 billion, -46% since last week

Total raised $, bln - July 7, 2025 by Parsers VC

Funding rounds in United States

  • Arevon Energy, Inc. Raises $600M 

  • Chloris Geospatial Raises $8.5M Series A Round from Counteract, At One Ventures, Innogy Venture Capital 

  • Civ Robotics Raises $7.5M Series A Round 

  • Deeto Raises $12.5M Series A Round 

  • Enquire AI Raises $3M 

  • FantasyLife Raises $7M Seed Round 

  • Gallant Pet Raises $18M Series B Round 

  • Levelpath Raises $55M Series B Round from Battery Ventures 

  • North Raises $5M 

  • Poppy Raises $1.7M 

  • Remark Raises $16M Series A Round 

  • Savvy Wealth Raises $72M Series B Round 

  • Soteris Raises $8M 

  • Syntis Raises $38M Series A Round 

  • Walker & Dunlop Raises $170M 

  • Wisq Raises $15M 

Funding rounds in United Kingdom

  • Assetcool Raises $13.65M Series A Round 

  • HIVED Raises $42M 

Funding rounds in India

  • AppsForBharat Raises $20M Series C Round 

  • Kazam – EV Raises $6.2M from IFC Venture Capital Group, Avaana Capital 

Funding rounds in Germany

  • CarOnSale Raises $82.06M Series C Round 

  • Impossible Cloud Network Raises $33.89M 

  • Talon.One Raises $135M 

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