Startup weekly: Follow the spying movie

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This week we reminded us that different start -up companies share a different approach to the news: some choose to stay quiet for a very long time, even for their acquisition data. However, others are as strong as they can be for their rivalries.

The most interesting startup stories of the week

The founders are not always reliable when they claim that they have nothing to worry about – or when they hint at something suspicious. But anyway, pass the popcorn; This is more good than when they refuse to reveal any details.

Corporate espionage: After bringing a lawsuit, the launch of HR Tech pulses publicly released his ex -employee’s declaration Accused of spying on rival Diel. This is so much as a movie script that we would not be surprised if Hollywood producers notice.

A harbinger of trouble: EV manufacturer of Harbinger trucks Charged Canoo in hiding assets in the bankruptcy process and filed an objection to the sale of the assets of the company of CANOO Executive Director Anthony Aquila, which is said to be “unfairly preferred.”

Out of us: Qualcomm acquired the Vinai AI General DepartmentVietnam -based AI Research Company, founded by a former Deepmind Hung Bui study scientist. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Epic marking: Fortnite Maker Epic Games paid an undisclosed amount Buying locusAI platform that automatically marks 3D assets for easier search and detection of IP violation.

Or: Unplexity Aravind Srinivas Executive CEO took over at Reddit to confirm that the company No “no Ipoing plans before 2028” And it is not under serious financial pressure.

The most interesting news about VC and funding this week

From Serie A to E this week, we have brought us an alphabet of funding circles – and fresh capital for production and defense technologies. Plus, the VC veteran moves to the other side of the table.

Flourishing: AI platform for detecting drugs isomorphic laboratories raised a round of $ 600 millionHis first external funding after leaving Google’s Deepmind in 2021. The circle was led by Thrive Capital, such as GV’s involvement and the existing investor alphabet.

Covered: Box raised $ 575 million in a $ 6.1 billion estimate -less than half of the top of $ 13.4 billion, but more than VISA would pay for the acquisition, which failed in 2021. Fintech also said it was “well-capitalized” and would not be public this year.

Permanent: Temporal, a company whose open and commercial offers help developers perform reliably long work processes, raised a series C of $ 146 million In an estimate of $ 1.72 billion after money.

Time now: Retym (pronounced “re -time”), chipmaker for AI data centers founded in 2021 but flies under the radar so far, raised a series D of $ 75 million D D Guided by Spark Capital.

Flow: Aetherflux raised Series A of $ 50 million to improve its vision of space -based solar power plants with First demonstration planned for 2026S This leads his total funding to $ 60 million; Its CEO, Robinhood co -founder Baju Bhat, also invests $ 10 million.

Future of housing? Roam, startup that helps future homeowners find real estate with alleged mortgages closed Series A of $ 11.5 million Guided by Khosla Ventures Managing Director Keith Worka.

New bricks: Construct Capital, a VK company in Washington, DC, which invests in start -ups related to production, transport and defense technology, Close a third fund of $ 300 millionS

New tunes: Fintech VC Frank Rothman Will Get off of investors Qed And as a partner Emeritus, to focus on creating your own startups, starting with the first business in the music industry.

Not least

Intel Capital has been acting as Intel’s Venture Investment ARM since 1991. But as it is preparing to rotate, TechCrunch took more careful examination of his trip so far and his plans for the futureS