Wrapping Up 2024 with a Bang: Key Highlights

As we bid farewell to the bustling year of 2024, this week’s Startups Weekly is packed with news and insights you can’t afford to miss. From mergers and acquisitions to groundbreaking agreements, the startup world has been buzzing. If you’re keen on staying updated every Friday, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Clean Capital Initiative

In a significant move, over 20 venture capital firms have pledged through the Clean Capital Certification to steer clear of investments from U.S. geopolitical adversaries like China and Russia. This marks a notable shift in the funding landscape, especially for those involved in defense tech.

The AI Hype and Its Impact

The AI sector continues to dominate venture capital discussions, but what about non-AI startups? According to Tribeca Venture Partners co-founder Brian Hirsch, there’s a stark difference in fundraising opportunities, with many Series A startups from 18 months ago now struggling to secure Series B funding.

Nuclear Ambitions with Caveats

Nuclear startup Oklo has inked a substantial but nonbinding agreement with data center operator Switch. This partnership hinges on regulatory approval, following a previously denied application in 2022.

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Shifts in Leadership at Grammarly

Grammarly is acquiring productivity startup Coda, bringing about an unexpected change in leadership. Coda CEO and co-founder Shishir Mehrotra will take the helm at Grammarly, while current CEO Rahul Roy-Chowdhury transitions to an advisory role.

Strategic Acquisitions and Fundraising Frenzy

• Databricks’ Pre-IPO Round: The company raised $10 billion in one of the largest VC rounds ever, setting the stage for a potential IPO in either 2025 or 2026.
• Africa’s Unicorn: South African fintech Tyme Group secured $250 million in Series D funding, reaching a $1.5 billion valuation.
• Wearable Tech Expands: Finnish startup Oura raised $200 million, valuing it at $5.2 billion.
• Travel Resurgence: Canadian startup Hostaway raised $365 million to bolster growth in vacation rental software.
• A Boost for Accessibility: Evinced raised $55 million to expand its accessibility solutions into Europe.
• Swift Funding for AI: San Francisco-based Decart secured $32 million just two months post-launch.
• Gaming Growth: Agave Games raised $18 million to enhance its gaming portfolio.
• Merging Ventures: Marcy Venture Partners and Pendulum Opportunities merged to form MarcyPen Capital Partners with $900 million under management.

Evolving Roles and New Funds

Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital is transitioning to an advisory role as 360 Venture Collective takes a significant stake. Meanwhile, G2 Venture Partners is raising $750 million for its third fund, signaling strong LP interest in climate-focused investments.

The Year Ahead: Disruptive Startups of 2024

As we look towards 2025, explore our curated list of the 51 most disruptive startups of 2024. Crafted with contributions from across the TechCrunch team, this list highlights the innovations shaping our future. Dive into these stories and enjoy your holiday season!