UK’s Space Forge Secures $30M to Manufacture Semiconductors in Space

UK startup Space Forge raised $30M to produce advanced semiconductor materials in space, where microgravity yields purer crystals. Supported by the NATO Innovation Fund and defense giant Northrop Grumman, the company aims to power technologies ranging from 5G networks to quantum computing systems. Its first launch failed in 2023, but a new mission, “The Forge Awakens,” is set to demonstrate its tech later this year.

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Heatseeker AI Raises $1.5M to Disrupt Market Research with Real-Time Insights

Australian startup Heatseeker AI has secured $1.5M in US-led pre-seed funding to scale its behavioral research platform. With clients like Medibank, Tyro, and Bain, the platform captures real-time customer behavior. Led by ex-Cisco innovator Kate O’Keeffe, the team runs product in Australia and sales from the US—mirroring Atlassian and Canva’s global playbook.

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UPI Dominates Digital India, CBDC Gathers Steam

UPI is clearly the backbone of India’s digital economy, now powering 84% of retail payments. Its explosive growth in QR codes and global expansion shows India’s fintech edge. Meanwhile, RBI’s CBDC pilots signal a strategic shift toward programmable money. The future? A hybrid payments system blending real-time rails with state-backed digital currency. A bold move.

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Perplexity Unveils ‘Perplexity Labs’ to Expand Beyond Search with AI-Powered Productivity Tools

Perplexity has launched Perplexity Labs for Pro subscribers, enabling users to create reports, dashboards, web apps, and more using AI. Available on web and mobile, Labs boosts functionality with tools like code execution and data visualization. The move strengthens Perplexity’s enterprise appeal, aligning with reports of a potential $1B raise at an $18B valuation.

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Grammarly Secures $1B Non-Dilutive Funding to Fuel Growth and Acquisitions

Grammarly has landed a $1 billion non-dilutive commitment from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund, designed to support sales, marketing, and strategic acquisitions. Instead of equity, Grammarly will repay the capital via a capped share of revenue. The AI productivity firm, now led by ex-Coda CEO Shishir Mehrotra, earns $700M+ annually and continues evolving post its Coda acquisition.

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Snabbit Secures $19M to Accelerate Quick Service Expansion

Mumbai-based Snabbit has raised $19M in a Series B round led by Lightspeed, bringing its 2024 total to $24.5M. The quick service startup, now active in 10 micro-markets, plans to expand to 200+ in 9 months. Founder Aayush Agarwal cites strong traction in Mumbai and Bengaluru as the driver behind this aggressive growth push.

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Walmart International CEO: Rapid Commerce Powers 20% of India’s Ecommerce Sector


Walmart says quick commerce now forms 20% of its India ecommerce via Flipkart, which is rapidly scaling Flipkart Minutes with 800 stores planned. Backed by recent capital infusions, Walmart prioritizes growth over short-term profits. Meanwhile, Myntra received $125M funding and launched Myntra Global, aiming to serve the Indian diaspora with hyper-personalized fashion and beauty offerings.

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NVIDIA Smashes Expectations with $44.1B Q1 Revenue, Despite China Chip Setback

NVIDIA kicked off fiscal 2026 with a record-breaking $44.1 billion in Q1 revenue, up 69% year-over-year, led by explosive demand in its data center business—which alone contributed $39.1 billion, or 88% of total sales. Even as U.S. export curbs hit shipments of its H20 AI chips to China, NVIDIA still pulled in $4.6 billion from those chips before the licensing kicked in.

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Horizon3.ai Raises $73M+ Toward $100M Goal Amid Rapid Growth

Cybersecurity startup Horizon3.ai has secured over $73M toward a $100M raise, reportedly valuing it near $750M. Backed by NEA, the AI-powered threat detection firm boasts $30M ARR and 101% YoY growth. Following its FedRAMP approval, Horizon3.ai continues expanding in federal and enterprise sectors, mirroring NEA’s recent Veza investment and riding rising demand for automated cyber defense.

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GameStop Buys $500M in Bitcoin Amid Renewed Crypto Momentum

GameStop has purchased 4,710 bitcoin worth over $500M, aligning its treasury strategy with crypto-friendly trends under Trump’s administration. As Bitcoin reaches new peaks, its surge mirrors the strategies of Tesla and Coinbase. Despite investor concerns over volatility, GameStop’s pivot aims to boost financials after declining sales post-Reddit-fueled stock surge. Political tensions around crypto continue to grow.

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