Weekly TOP Startup / VC news of November 13, 2025

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Swiss deep-tech innovator BTRY recently closed a significant $5.7 million seed round. This capital fuels the industrialization of its revolutionary ultra-thin solid-state batteries. These cells redefine compact energy storage. They offer ultra-fast 1-minute charging. They operate safely up to 150°C. Intrinsic non-flammable safety is a core feature. Measuring just 0.1mm, these batteries power critical high-value applications. Targets include smart connected labels, resilient industrial sensors, and next-generation consumer electronics. The company plans large-scale roll-to-roll manufacturing. This move solidifies BTRY's position in advanced compact energy solutions, challenging traditional battery markets and enhancing device capabilities globally. This technology promises safer, smaller, and more enduring power for the connected world.

Cybersecurity leader Armis successfully closed a $435 million funding round. This landmark investment elevates its market valuation to an impressive $6.1 billion. The substantial capital influx reflects critical demand for digital threat prevention. Armis expertly safeguards internet-connected devices against evolving cyber dangers. Its platform provides comprehensive cyber exposure management. The US-Israeli firm now targets an initial public offering by late 2026 or early 2027. This ambitious IPO timeline hinges on optimal market conditions. The company demonstrates rapid expansion, achieving over $300 million in annual recurring revenue. Goldman Sachs Alternatives’ Growth Equity fund anchored the significant financing. CapitalG, Alphabet's venture arm, also contributed. This strategic investment solidifies Armis's position as an industry frontrunner.

Metropolis Technologies, the U.S. leader in AI-powered parking, recently raised a staggering $1.6 billion, pushing its valuation to $5 billion. This massive capital infusion fuels an ambitious expansion beyond parking lots. The company now targets the broader retail sector, including gas stations, quick-service drive-thrus, hotels, and office spaces. Its proprietary computer vision technology enables frictionless payments and aims to create a "Recognition Economy." Metropolis plans to license its innovative software-as-a-service model to businesses, streamlining transactions and generating valuable data insights. This strategic move marks a significant evolution in physical retail automation, promising a more seamless and personalized consumer experience across diverse real-world environments. The company's growth and disruptive potential position it as a key player in the future of commerce.

Balnord, a Luxembourg-based early-stage investor, has exceeded its €70M fundraising target for Balnord Fund I. It is poised for a €100M final close by mid-2026. The fund focuses on frontier and dual-use DeepTech in the Baltic Sea Region, fueling Europe's re-industrialization and tech sovereignty. Key backers include the EIF and PFR Ventures. Balnord has already deployed €13M into 10 companies across space, healthcare, and industrial resilience, demonstrating early market impact and strategic alignment with critical European initiatives. This significant capital influx boosts European technological leadership.

Fintary, a San Francisco-based insurtech pioneer, has successfully closed a $10 million Series A funding round. Infinity Ventures led this significant investment, with Sierra Ventures and other existing backers participating. The fresh capital is earmarked for aggressively expanding Fintary's advanced product capabilities. It will also extend its powerful AI-powered platform into broader segments of insurance financial management. Fintary revolutionizes how insurance companies handle complex commission and operational challenges. The platform automates intricate compensation calculations. It offers crucial real-time business insights. This digital transformation empowers insurers to dramatically reduce manual processing hours. It enhances accuracy, transparency, and agent satisfaction. The investment boosts Fintary's total funding to $12.8 million, solidifying its market position and growth trajectory in modernizing the insurance industry's financial infrastructure.

Grab is investing $60 million in remote driving innovator Vay Technology. This strategic move positions Grab at the forefront of future hybrid mobility. Vay's teledriving delivers electric vehicles directly to customers. Grab envisions a model combining human drivers, remote services, and autonomous tech. The deal includes an option for a $350 million additional investment. This is contingent on Vay hitting key performance milestones. Success could grant Grab a majority stake in Vay. The partnership leverages Vay's data for AI advancements. It supports Vay's U.S. expansion with Grab's operational expertise. This strategy aims to redefine ride-hailing and reduce private car ownership. Grab moves to dominate advanced transport solutions across diverse markets.

myTomorrows, a Dutch HealthTech innovator, just secured a $29 million investment from Avego. This capital injection propels its global mission. The company bridges the critical gap between emerging therapies and patients in need. Its AI-driven platform connects patients, physicians, and BioPharma. It simplifies access to pre-approval treatments, including clinical trials and expanded access programs. This funding will accelerate international expansion and platform development. It also aims to shorten clinical timelines and gather real-world data. myTomorrows has already aided over 16,900 patients across 133 countries. It tackles the urgent challenge of 300 million patients without approved options, linking them to over 10,000 therapies in development. This move promises more equitable and swift access to tomorrow's medicines worldwide.

Swiss quantum innovator YQuantum secured €160,000 via Venture Kick. This capital fuels vital miniaturized hardware development. YQuantum targets next-generation quantum computers. It directly addresses the critical scalability challenge. Their high-performance cryogenic components are key. They enable robust, larger quantum processors. This funding accelerates quantum computing's critical transition. The shift moves from complex lab experiments to practical, commercial solutions. The global quantum hardware market forecasts rapid, multi-billion euro growth. YQuantum's success underscores Switzerland's emerging influence. It strengthens Europe's quantum technology ecosystem. The company aims to transform advanced computation. It serves researchers and industry giants alike. This investment marks a significant step forward.

Spotawheel, a leading Greek used car platform, secured €300 million in combined equity and debt. This significant capital influx accelerates ambitious European expansion plans. The company offers flexible used car subscriptions and sales. It directly addresses soaring vehicle costs and evolving consumer demands. Pollen Street Capital provided the substantial debt facility. Spotawheel leverages proprietary technology for trusted, affordable car access. This funding underscores a major shift towards flexible mobility. It cements Spotawheel's leadership in the digital automotive sector. The investment also highlights Greece's growing role in European tech innovation. It represents a critical step for modern transportation.

Digitail secured $23 million in Series B funding, led by Five Elms Capital. This investment empowers its AI-native platform for veterinary clinics. The technology streamlines operations, reduces administrative workload, and enhances patient care. With 15+ AI workflows, Digitail supports 10,000 veterinarians and 3 million pet parents. The funding fuels accelerated AI development, product expansion, and global scaling. It targets greater efficiency, better patient outcomes, and improved professional well-being across the veterinary industry. Total investment now exceeds $37 million. This marks a significant leap in modernizing pet healthcare.

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