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An idea that often comes up when we talk about AI is that the next wave of big AI companies will be the ones with domain expertise. Firms like OpenAI and Anthropic have already made their mark with more general large language models. However, the real challenge will be in building models and solutions that can address specific real-world pain points.
We’re seeing that today in the startups topping our funding list. While all of them have “AI” somewhere in their company descriptions, they’re using the tech for specific use cases, ranging from communications to diagnostics.
At the end of the day, the old wisdom still holds: If you’re building something that solves real problems, opportunities abound.
You can find all other important investment deals from the last few days in our weekly funding news wrap-up.
Let’s dive into the biggest deals and M&As that have recently taken place.
— Stefanie
The biggest deals by market
🇨🇳 GigaAI is an AI data engine developer. Based in China, it has raised US$143 million in a series B round from China-Belgium Direct Equity Investment Fund, Fosun RZ Capital, Huacang Capital, JICC, Lion Capital, and Wanxiang Qianchao Co., Ltd.
🇲🇾 Respond.io is a Malaysia-headquartered company that offers customer conversation management software. It has bagged US$62.5 million in series B money from Camber Partners and Endeavor Catalyst.
🇦🇪 Based in the United Arab Emirates, CNTXT AI is a data-first AI firm that helps organizations prepare, build, deploy, and scale localized AI solutions while maintaining data sovereignty. It has raised US$60 million in series A funding from BlueFive Capital and ai71.
🇮🇳 A commercial solar power company hailing from India, SolarSquare Energy has bagged US$55 million in a series B round. Participating investors included B Capital, Elevation Capital (SAIF Partners), and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
🇦🇺 Everlab is a healthtech company offering a subscription-based platform for preventive care. Headquartered in Australia, it has raised US$46 million in series A funding from Airtree, Left Lane Capital, Plural, b2venture, and Australian cricketer Pat Cummins.
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