startups And Financing
Oana Ciurea
Investor Insight: November 2024 portfolio updates
Oana Ciurea
From revolutionary advancements in AI and hyperloop technology to fresh educational initiatives and workplace accolades, November was packed with achievements that remind us why these startups are shaping the future. Let’s dive into the highlights from the past month:
Alcatraz AI has published new security best practices for data centers amidst projected industry growth in 2025. The company also launched a promotion for its biometric access control solutions, offering trade-in credits for outdated systems.
DRUID AI is targeting a €50–60 million Series C funding round to expand in North America and strengthen its foothold in Europe. The company also highlighted impressive results from its AI-driven student support platform, which generated over $2.4 million in additional revenue for Georgia Southern University.
Hunch delivered a 55% boost in pub bookings for Greene King during the Euros, demonstrating the power of automated, personalized local ads in achieving high-impact marketing results.
KFactory announced plans to raise €2 million to support its international expansion, focusing on the UK market. The company also plans to launch an updated version of its manufacturing digitization solution in 2025.
Klarna has filed for a U.S. IPO, signaling its intent to expand its footprint in the competitive American market. The filing marks a pivotal moment for the company as it capitalizes on strong growth in "Pay Later" services amid regulatory developments in fintech.
On November 7, LabBox officially launched its educational technology product aimed at equipping children with essential skills for the digital future.
Amid significant financial strain, Northvolt filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S., citing supplier debts and layoffs exceeding 1,000 employees. Despite these challenges, the company plans to issue €59 million in bonuses to retain key talent and stabilize operations.
Ondato introduced reusable biometric age assurance technology, enhancing privacy and security for anonymous online interactions.
PD Neurotechnology’s digital therapeutic device demonstrated significant benefits for Parkinson’s disease management. A study published in Frontiers in Neurology showed that the device’s telemonitoring capabilities enabled improved symptom control and medication adjustments for the majority of patients.
Plant an App, Questo, and Dronamics were named in the 2024 Deloitte Fast 50 Central Europe "Companies to Watch" list.
Swisspod Technologies, in collaboration with the LIMITLESS project, achieved the longest-ever Hyperloop trial in Europe. This milestone saw a vacuum capsule traveling the full-scale equivalent of 141.6 km at speeds of 488.2 km/h.
Veridion earned the Top Employer award in the SME category from Undelucram, demonstrating its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
November reminded us that innovation thrives even in the face of adversity. As our portfolio companies navigate complex markets and achieve incredible breakthroughs, their resilience inspires us to continue championing bold ideas.
If you’d like to support these forward-thinking startups with your expertise, network, or mentorship, reach out to us at mailto:investors@seedblink.com.
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