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Hello reader,
I’ve always enjoyed reading science fiction stories but never really gave much thought to the science behind them. For many years, they’ve seemed like just that – fiction.
However, looking at today’s list of top-funded startups, I’m reminded that science fiction could one day be science nonfiction.
The company that raised the most funds this week is developing smart contact lenses that could involve night vision, AR capabilities, and hands-free control via gaze and voice. The No. 2 company on the list, meanwhile, is in the business of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or what we’d call “flying cars.” We all remember Back to the Future Part II, right?
I’m pretty excited to see what lies ahead for us as science and technology march on. See you via hologram one day, maybe?
Image credit: Timmy Loen
You can find all other important investment deals that happened in the last few days in our weekly funding news wrap-up.
Let’s dive into the biggest deals and M&As that recently took place.
The biggest deals by market
🇦🇪 Xpanceo is a deep tech company developing smart contact lenses. Based in the United Arab Emirates, it has raised US$250 million in series A money from Opportunity Ventures.
🇯🇵 SkyDrive is a Japanese startup that develops “flying cars.” It has raised US$58.1 million in a series D round from East Japan Railway Company, Itochu Technology Ventures, JR Kyushu Railway Company, Kansai Electric Power, MUFG Bank, NHK Spring, Obayashi Corporation, SuMi Trust Innovation Fund, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyoda Iron Works, and Univance Corporation.
🇨🇳 Hurricanechip, a semiconductor company from China, has raised US$41.7 million in series B funding from the China National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund, China Reform Holdings Corporation, GF Xinde Investment Management, Lotus Lake Ventures, and ShengJing360.com.
M&As
Startups that are raising funds
Behind the Glasswall
An investment in maximizing your event experience
Exclusive listicles
Thoughtful tidbits
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