Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo has named Google executive Steve Fieler as its new chief financial officer. The move comes as Waymo expands its commercial robotaxi services to new markets and potentially prepares for additional outside investment. Fieler previously served as vice president of pla
Paperboy Ventures is launching its first $3 million fund targeting early-stage CPG brands. The unique model combines media coverage with direct investment, featuring an unusual fee structure that eliminates management fees after just two years.
According to an Inc. 500 veteran who coached dozens of companies, adopting a buyer’s perspective creates what he calls an “exit blueprint.” This systematic approach to decision-making builds sustainable competitive advantages that benefit current operations regardless of future ownership plans. The
Sequoia Capital’s managing partner Roelof Botha was pushed out by senior partners Alfred Lin, Pat Grady and Andrew Reed. The move followed concerns about his “imperial” leadership style and questions about the firm’s AI investment strategy.
The Laude Institute has launched its inaugural Slingshots grants program targeting AI research acceleration. The first cohort includes 15 projects with a heavy focus on solving AI evaluation challenges through benchmarks like Terminal Bench and ARC-AGI.
Amazon and Nvidia are funding eight AI robotics startups through MassRobotics’ Physical AI Fellowship. The program provides $200,000 in AWS credits, Nvidia hardware access, and go-to-market support. These startups aim to automate physical labor representing nearly $50 trillion in annual output.
German satellite manufacturer Reflex Aerospace has raised 50 million euros in what it calls Europe’s largest NewSpace Series A round. The funding will accelerate development of optical, radar, and signals intelligence satellites for European military needs. The company aims to demonstrate these capa
Ripple just raised $500 million from Wall Street giants including Citadel Securities and Fortress Investment Group. The funding values the stablecoin company at a massive $40 billion, putting it ahead of rival Circle. This signals traditional finance’s growing appetite for crypto under Trump’s pro-d
Founded by IIT Kharagpur graduates, Giga is taking on the crowded voice AI space with a focus on rapid deployment and multilingual capabilities. The startup claims it can deploy enterprise-scale AI support in less than two weeks.
According to Sifted, Europe’s obsession with intellectual property is distracting founders from what actually builds successful science ventures. Half of Wilbe’s 2025 investments were made before any patent applications were filed, challenging conventional startup wisdom.
