Perplexity is about to break the 9B in valuation! Otherwise, It's a Funding Fiesta!

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For those that are new around here, this is an extension of my weekly newsletter where I highlight new and innovative AI products that are worth exploring.

Hey hey!

Happy Wednesday!

Here’s your news in newsletter!

In this Issue:

• Your Weekly Industry News Recap

• Quick Note on This Week!

• The Raise Recap - Funding Fiesta edition! 🎉

The Headliner: AI Startup Perplexity Nears $9 Billion Valuation!

Perplexity, the rising star in the AI world, is on track to hit a staggering $9 billion valuation. Known for its advanced AI tech, Perplexity is attracting big investors as demand for intelligent automation skyrockets. This valuation surge highlights how transformative AI is shaping the future across industries. 🚀
Read more: Perplexity's growth story

Your Weekly Industry News Recap

Some other notable news and product launches from this week

• Salesforce to Hire 1,000 for AI Push!
  Salesforce is making a big move in AI, planning to bring on 1,000 new salespeople to expand its AI-driven solutions. This hiring spree reflects its commitment to integrating AI across industries, aiming to stay ahead in the evolving tech landscape. 🌐
  Read more: Salesforce’s AI hiring plans

• Pentagon’s First AI Defense Contract
  A new startup secures the Pentagon's first AI defense contract, marking a major milestone in AI’s role in national security. 🛡️
  Read more: AI defense contract

• Baidu’s AI Glasses
  Baidu is getting ready to rival Meta with new AI-powered smart glasses. 👓 A stylish way to get more out of tech on the go!
  Read more: Baidu’s AI tech

• Novo AI and DiscoverMarket Partnership
  Novo AI partners with DiscoverMarket to advance embedded insurance. 💼 AI in insurance just got smarter and more efficient!
  Read more: Novo AI partnership

• Crowdstrike Launches AI Red Team Services
  Crowdstrike introduces AI red team services, helping organizations better defend against AI-based cyber threats. 🔒 Security just got smarter!
  Read more: Crowdstrike’s services

• AI in Finance: 200 Hours Saved
  AI in finance and planning saves up to 200 hours and $100,000 annually! 💰 Efficiency gains are impressive as AI streamlines workflows.
  Read more: AI in finance

Gone to SaaSNorth

We’re closing out the conference season with SaaSNorth in Ottawa! One last time for the year, it’s all keynote speakers, investor meets, and networking! Excited to share soon about what happens.

Proxy, the AI Agent for Everyday Life

Imagine if you had a digital clone to do your tasks for you. Well, meet Proxy…

Last week, Convergence, the London based AI start-up revealed Proxy to the world, the first general AI Agent.

Users are asking things like “Book my trip to Paris and find a restaurant suitable for an interview” or “Order a grocery delivery for me with a custom weekly meal plan”.

You can train it how you choose, so all Proxy’s are different, and personalised to how you teach it. The more you teach it, the more it learns about your personal work flows and begins to automate them.

Join the waitlist here

The Raise Recap - Funding Fiesta Edition! 🎉📈💰 

• Kanpla Raises €8M in Series A funding to expand its operations and innovate further! 🚀 Read more: Kanpla's funding

• DeepRoute.ai Closes Major Series C1, self-driving tech is pushing forward with more support than ever. 🛣️ The funding will power their R&D and expansion.
  Read more: DeepRoute.ai funding

• Zhipu AI's $211M AI Fund is it’s first close! 🌐 They’re aiming to lead in AI development by already having invested in over 10 startups. Read more: Zhipu AI’s fund

• Barcelona-Based Acai Travel Secures €3.7M
  Acai Travel raises €3.7 million to revolutionize travel tech using AI. ✈️ Expect new features to enhance the travel experience!
  Read more: Acai Travel’s funding

• Pulse Raises $1.4M for SaaS Growth
  Agentic AI platform Pulse secured $1.4 million in seed funding to advance its SaaS capabilities, driven by AI innovation. 🌐 Ready to scale big!
  Read more: Pulse funding news

• Circus Unlocks €1.1B Potential in recurring revenue potential with its advancements. 🎪 Talk about growth to the next level. Read more: Circus’ AI revenue expansion

• Cogna Raises Over €14M for Precision AI to boost productivity with its AI-driven software, for better business efficiency. 💼 Read more: Cogna’s funding details

• API Platform Speakeasy Secures $15M in Series A funding to elevate its API platform for seamless integrations. 📈 They’re all about simplifying development.
  Read more: Speakeasy’s funding news

• Brightpick Bags €11.3M for US Expansion, with AI in logistics and supply chain. 📦 The advanced logistics here we go! Read more: Brightpick’s funding

• UnifyApps Raises $20M from Iconiq Growth to expand its AI-powered app integration platform. 📲 Read more: UnifyApps funding

Stay well, and see you next week!

-✌🏽 Sam