Deep Tech Capital Movements Vol. 9
Weekly tracking of funding rounds, new funds, and strategic shifts in deep tech.
Welcome back to Deep Tech Capital Moments! Every week, we track funding rounds, new funds, and major strategic moves in deep tech
💡 Got a big deal to share? If your fund just backed something game-changing—or your startup just raised—let’s make sure the right people see it.
✨ For more, see Membership | DeepTech Catalyst | DeepTech Briefing | Venture Guides
Deep Tech Capital Movements is the only newsfeed fully dedicated to deep tech deals—saving you time and keeping you focused on what truly matters.
If you’re in deep tech—whether you’re building, investing, or simply staying ahead—you need to know where the capital is flowing.
This week, we tracked over 40 funding rounds, including early-stage bets, scale-up rounds, and late-stage financings, channeling $3.8 billion into the frontier of technology.
AI continues to dominate, drawing investments into industrial automation, cybersecurity, and computational intelligence. Energy innovation is surging, with investors backing green hydrogen electrolysis, perovskite solar advancements, and nuclear reactors designed for scalable deployment. Cybersecurity remains a critical focus, as capital flows into AI-driven threat detection and autonomous security frameworks built to counter evolving digital risks.
But the dealmaking extends far beyond these sectors. Quantum computing is moving from research to commercial viability, as funding supports breakthroughs in superconducting qubits and next-gen hardware architectures. Space tech is seeing renewed confidence, with investors fueling efforts to scale reusable launch vehicles and build orbital infrastructure that could redefine the economics of space. Meanwhile, biotech is experiencing a deep tech crossover, with AI-powered drug discovery platforms and molecular engineering startups securing new rounds to push the boundaries of computational biology.
While the United States continues to lead in deep tech capital, Europe and Asia are making decisive moves. The UK and Germany are seeing rising investments in semiconductor innovation and energy storage, while Israel is doubling down on quantum computing and AI-native security. China’s space sector is advancing rapidly, drawing significant funding to support reusable rocket technology and orbital manufacturing.
Beyond the startup funding landscape, venture capital in deep tech is shifting toward sector-focused, high-conviction investments. Recent fund launches highlight growing commitments to climate tech, AI-driven infrastructure, and quantum computing, reflecting a more targeted approach. Investors are moving away from broad early-stage bets, instead prioritizing capital-efficient scaling and clear commercialization pathways.
Energy transition remains a key focus, with new funds backing clean energy, mobility, and industrial decarbonization. AI investment is becoming more specialized, favoring cybersecurity, predictive analytics, and automation. Quantum computing continues to attract funding, with capital flowing toward scalable hardware solutions.
These capital flows reflect a market that is more selective—but not slowing down. Investors are looking for companies with both breakthrough potential and a roadmap to execution, ensuring that deep tech remains one of the most dynamic spaces for long-term value creation.
Stay with us as we continue tracking the deals shaping the future.
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The Deep Tech Negotiation Playbook | Chapter 1/4
Deep Tech stands at an exciting crossroads: it merges rigorous scientific research with the unpredictable world of high-risk venture capital.
On one side, we have innovators working inside specialized labs, developing breakthrough technologies in fields such as quantum computing, new materials, synthetic biology, and energy systems. On the other side, a network of investors is searching for the next monumental breakthrough that could reshape industries or solve pressing global challenges-while also guaranteeing them excellent returns.
Everyone knows that Deep Tech is not for the faint of heart.
It's easy to become so fascinated by the technology that you forget you are building a business.
The daily grind can be overwhelming, especially if you're juggling experiments, managing a small team, and rushing to finalize a term sheet.
So, how do you master the Fundraising Tug of War before it masters you?
Startup Deals
🔸 Jaipur Robotics Secures €725K for AI Waste Solutions
Swiss-based Jaipur Robotics secured Pre-Seed funding led by TiVentures SA. The company develops AI-powered waste management solutions, including real-time monitoring and calorific value mapping to optimize waste-to-energy conversion.
Deal: Pre-Seed
Region: Switzerland, Europe
Industry: AI, Waste Management
Sector: Waste-to-Energy Optimization
Tech: AI-Powered Waste Sorting
🔸 GigaCrop Raises $4.5M Pre-Seed Funding
Berkeley-based GigaCrop secured $4.5M in Pre-Seed funding led by Playground Global and Juniper Ventures. The company applies machine learning, enzyme engineering, and plant science to enhance crop yield and drought tolerance, aiming to support the growing biomanufacturing sector. The startup has also received $2.7M in grants from ARPA-E, the U.S. DOE, and the Grantham Foundation.
Deal: Pre-Seed
Region: US, North America
Industry: AgTech
Sector: Plant Biology
Tech: Machine Learning, Enzyme Engineering
🔸 Radical Dot Raises €2.7M to Revolutionize Plastic Recycling
Munich-based Radical Dot secured €2.7M in pre-seed funding from UVC Partners and Visionaries Tomorrow. The company is developing a low-energy catalytic process to upcycle mixed plastic waste into valuable chemical building blocks. The funding will support prototype development at TU Munich.
Deal: Pre-Seed
Region: Germany
Industry: ClimateTech, Circular Economy
Sector: Chemical Recycling
Tech: Low-Temperature Catalytic Process
🔸 AtmoCooling Secures $2.6M to Enable Desert Agriculture
AtmoCooling raised $2.6M in pre-seed funding from Nucleus Capital, Revent Ventures, and others. The startup develops seawater evaporative cooling systems to create agricultural microclimates in desert regions. The funds will support pilot deployments in arid areas.
Deal: Pre-Seed
Region: Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Industry: ClimateTech, AgriTech
Sector: Sustainable Agriculture, Water Management
Tech: Seawater Evaporative Cooling
🔸 Maneva Raises $10M Seed Round for AI-Driven Factory Automation
Toronto-based Maneva secured $10M in seed funding from Bling Capital, Freestyle VC, and Seguin Ventures. The company develops AI-powered assistants for factories, automating quality control and predictive maintenance. The funds will expand AI capabilities for autonomous factory operations.
Deal: Seed
Region: Canada
Industry: AI, ManufacturingTech
Sector: Industrial Automation
Tech: AI-Driven Factory Optimization
🔸 Harmony Intelligence Raises $3M for AI-Based Cyber Defenses
Sydney- and San Francisco-based Harmony Intelligence secured Seed funding led by Airtree, with participation from First Row Partners and Maxwell Capital. The company develops AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, focusing on automated penetration testing and frontier AI model safety.
Deal: Seed
Region: Australia, USA
Industry: Cybersecurity, AI
Sector: AI-Based Threat Detection
Tech: Automated Penetration Testing
🔸 Sola Security Launches from Stealth with $30M Seed Round
Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity startup Sola Security emerged from stealth mode with a Seed round led by S Capital and Mike Moritz, with participation from S32 and Glilot Capital Partners. The company provides self-serve cybersecurity tools for SMBs and tech startups.
Deal: Seed
Region: Israel
Industry: Cybersecurity
Sector: Self-Serve Security Tools
Tech: AI-Driven Cyber Protection
🔸 QuamCore Raises $9M to Redefine Quantum Computing
Israel-based QuamCore secured Seed funding led by Viola Ventures and Earth & Beyond Ventures. The company develops superconducting quantum processors capable of integrating 1 million qubits in a single cryostat, addressing scalability issues in quantum computing. The investment will advance error correction and commercial viability.
Deal: Seed
Region: Israel
Industry: Quantum Computing
Sector: High-Performance Computing
Tech: Superconducting Qubit Architecture
🔸 Zero Point Motion Raises £4M to Enhance Precision Motion Sensing
Bristol-based Zero Point Motion secured Pre-Series A funding led by SCVC, Foresight Group, and Verve Ventures. The company develops sensor technology integrating silicon photonics and MEMS, enabling ultra-sensitive, low-cost accelerometers and gyroscopes for defense, autonomous vehicles, and industrial applications.
Deal: Pre-Series A
Region: UK
Industry: Sensor Technology
Sector: Autonomous Systems, Navigation
Tech: Silicon Photonics & MEMS Sensors
Winning the Deep Tech Scaling Bottleneck
Unlike software, where iteration is fast and cost-effective, deep tech startups must navigate industrial-scale production, complex supply chains, and billion-dollar infrastructure commitments. The moment a company moves beyond the lab, the risk profile shifts.
Most deep tech startups hit a brutal scaling bottleneck—a moment where technology readiness alone isn’t enough, and the difference between success and failure comes down to strategy, financing structure, and execution precision.
In this Venture Guide, Phil Morle, Partner at Main Sequence Ventures, shares practical tactics and strategies to support industrial startups as they scale successfully.
What You’ll Learn in This Edition
CapEx-Heavy or Asset-Light? – How to structure your business model for scalable growth while managing capital intensity.
Scaling Readiness: Why Early Commercial Traction Is No Longer Optional – The new investor standard for funding Deep Tech beyond the lab.
Funding Beyond Equity: Designing a Capital Stack for Sustainable Growth – How to blend venture capital, non-dilutive funding, and infrastructure financing.
Avoiding the ‘Valley of Death’ in Deep Tech Scaling – The critical financial and operational pitfalls that derail startups before commercialization.
Mapping the Path to Liquidity – Designing compelling exit strategies for long-term value creation.
🔸 Elevarm Raises $4.25M in Pre-Series A Funding
Bandung-based Elevarm secured $4.25M in Pre-Series A funding led by Intudo, with participation from Insignia Ventures Partners and 500 Global. The company provides AI-powered farming tools, bio-based fertilizers, and high-quality seedlings to improve soil health and crop resilience. Elevarm currently supports 15,000+ farmers across Indonesia and partners with major government and industry players.
Deal: Pre-Series A
Region: Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Industry: AgTech
Sector: Sustainable Farming
Tech: AI, Bio-Based Fertilizers
🔸 Atlant 3D Raises $15M to Advance Atomic-Scale Manufacturing
Copenhagen- and London-based Atlant 3D secured Series A+ funding led by West Hill Capital. The company develops atomic layer processing (DALP®) technology for microelectronics and semiconductors, enabling precise material deposition at an atomic scale. The funds will support product development, global expansion, and strategic partnerships.
Deal: Series A +
Region: Denmark, UK
Industry: Manufacturing, Semiconductor
Sector: Advanced Materials
Tech: Direct Atomic Layer Processing (DALP®)
🔸 Tandem PV Raises $50M for Perovskite Solar Panel Factory
Tandem PV, a California-based solar panel startup, secured $50M in equity and debt from Eclipse Ventures, Constellation Energy, and others. The company’s perovskite-on-silicon technology enhances solar efficiency. The funds will support the launch of its first commercial-scale U.S. factory in 2026.
Deal: Series A
Region: USA
Industry: Renewable Energy
Sector: Solar Technology
Tech: Perovskite-Silicon Solar Cells
🔸 Thorizon Secures €20M in Funding and Grant
Amsterdam-based Thorizon secured €20M in funding, including €16M in Series A financing led by Invest-NL and backed by Positron Ventures, PDENH, and Impuls Zeeland. The round also includes a €4M grant from the Dutch Province of Noord-Brabant. Thorizon is developing a next-gen molten salt reactor that uses long-lived nuclear waste as fuel, targeting safer and more sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
Deal: Series A
Region: Netherlands, Europe
Industry: Energy
Sector: Nuclear Technology
Tech: Molten Salt Reactors
🔸 Supercritical Raises £14M to Scale Green Hydrogen Electrolysis
London-based Supercritical Solutions secured Series A funding led by Shell Ventures and Toyota Ventures. The startup develops membraneless, high-pressure electrolysers that produce green hydrogen with high efficiency. The funding will accelerate technology scaling and commercialization.
Deal: Series A
Region: UK, Europe
Industry: EnergyTech
Sector: Green Hydrogen, Electrolysis
Tech: High-Pressure Electrolyser
🔸 Agros Nets $4.25M Series A for Solar-Powered Irrigation
Agros, a Southeast Asian startup specializing in solar-powered irrigation, secured $4.25M in Series A funding co-led by Gaia Impact, Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia, and Wavemaker Impact. The company aims to scale operations in Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar, with a goal of serving 30,000 farmers by 2027 while reducing 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Deal: Series A
Region: Southeast Asia
Industry: AgTech
Sector: Renewable Energy, Smart Irrigation
Tech: Solar
🔸 Capture6 Completes $27.5M Series A for Water and Carbon Capture
Berkeley-based Capture6 secured Series A funding led by Tetrad Corporation, with participation from Hyundai Motor Group and Energy Capital Ventures. The company converts waste brine into freshwater while capturing carbon. The funding will support global expansion and new project deployments.
Deal: Series A
Region: USA
Industry: ClimateTech, WaterTech
Sector: Carbon Capture, Water Desalination
Tech: Waste Brine Processing
🔸 Reflection AI Launches with $130M to Build AI Superintelligence
San Francisco-based Reflection AI, led by ex-Google DeepMind researchers, secured $130M across two rounds from Sequoia, Lightspeed, and Nvidia Ventures. The company is developing AI-driven autonomous programming agents as a step towards artificial general intelligence.
Deal: Seed + Series A
Region: USA
Industry: AI, Automation
Sector: AI-Driven Software Development
Tech: Large Language Models (LLMs), Reinforcement Learning
🔸 Scimplify Bags $40M to Transform Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing
Scimplify secured $40M in Series B funding co-led by Accel and Bertelsmann India Investments, bringing total funding to $54M. The company’s full-stack platform integrates scientific expertise with a global network of 200+ specialized manufacturing plants, offering a more agile and cost-effective approach to specialty chemical production amid ongoing global supply chain shifts.
Deal: Series B
Region: Bengaluru, India
Industry: Chemicals
Sector: Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing
Tech: AI, Chemical Process Automation
🔸 Blackwall Raises $49M to Battle AI-Powered Bots
Cybersecurity startup Blackwall secured Series B funding led by Dawn Capital and MMC Ventures. The company provides AI-driven security solutions to protect hosting service providers and managed service providers from bot threats. The funds will support team expansion and entry into the U.S. and APAC markets.
Deal: Series B
Region: Estonia, Europe
Industry: Cybersecurity
Sector: AI-Powered Security Solutions
Tech: AI-Driven Bot Protection
🔸 Ditto Lands $82M to Pioneer the Edge-Native Revolution
San Francisco-based Ditto secured Series B funding at a $462M valuation, led by Top Tier Capital Partners and Acrew Capital. The company’s database technology enables edge devices to synchronize data without cloud connectivity, supporting industries like aviation and defense.
Deal: Series B
Region: USA
Industry: Cloud & Edge Computing
Sector: Edge-Native Data Synchronization
Tech: Peer-to-Peer Mesh Networking
🔸 Accropeutics Raises $12M to Advance Immunotherapy for Inflammatory Diseases
Suzhou-based Accropeutics secured Series B+ funding led by Shenzhen Capital Group, with participation from Morningside Ventures and others. The company develops novel therapeutics targeting regulated cell death mechanisms for immune-mediated diseases. The funding will support clinical trials for its RIPK2, TYK2/JAK1, and RIPK1 inhibitors.
Deal: Series B+
Region: China
Industry: Biotech, Immunotherapy
Sector: Inflammatory & Autoimmune Diseases
Tech: Small Molecule Inhibitors
🔸 Equilibrium Energy Raises $28M to Enhance AI-Powered Energy Management
San Francisco-based Equilibrium Energy secured Series B2 funding led by GS Energy and NRG Energy. The company provides AI-powered energy portfolio management solutions. The investment will support the expansion of its EQ Mission Control™ platform.
Deal: Series B2
Region: USA
Industry: EnergyTech
Sector: AI-Powered Energy Management
Tech: Agentic AI for Power Grids
🔸 Terabase Secures $130M to Automate Solar Plant Construction
Berkeley-based Terabase Energy secured Series C funding led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The company develops automation and AI-driven solutions to reduce the costs and construction timelines of utility-scale solar power plants. The funding will scale Terafab™, its robotics-assisted solar installation system.
Deal: Series C
Region: USA
Industry: Renewable Energy
Sector: Utility-Scale Solar
Tech: AI & Robotics for Solar Construction
🔸 Celestial AI Raises $250M at $2.5B Valuation to Scale Optical Chips
Santa Clara-based Celestial AI secured $250M in Series C1 funding from Fidelity, BlackRock, and Tiger Global. The startup’s photonic fabric platform enhances AI chip performance by separating compute and memory, reducing energy consumption in large-scale AI processing.
Deal: Series C1
Region: USA
Industry: Semiconductor, AI Hardware
Sector: Optical Interconnects for AI
Tech: Photonic Fabric™
🔸 Vivace Closes $35M in Series D for Cancer Drug Development
Vivace Therapeutics secured Series D funding led by RA Capital Management, with participation from Cenova Capital and Canaan Partners. The company is advancing VT3989, a TEAD inhibitor targeting the Hippo pathway for mesothelioma treatment. The drug is progressing toward Phase III trials.
Deal: Series D
Region: USA
Industry: Biotech, Pharma
Sector: Cancer Drug Development
Tech: TEAD Inhibitors, Hippo Pathway
🔸 iSpace Secures Series D Funding for Reusable Rocket Development
Beijing-based iSpace secured Series D financing worth “several hundred million yuan” (100 million yuan = $13.8 million) led by Sichuan Tianfu Xinyun Digital Economy Development Fund. The company is developing its reusable Hyperbola-3 rocket, targeting a first orbital launch with sea recovery in December. The funding will support R&D and factory expansion.
Deal: Series D
Region: China
Industry: SpaceTech
Sector: Reusable Rocket Development
Tech: Methane-Liquid Oxygen Propulsion
🔸 Insilico Medicine Raises $110M to Advance AI Drug Discovery
Hong Kong-based Insilico Medicine secured Series E funding led by Value Partners. The company develops AI-powered drug discovery tools and humanoid lab robots to automate laboratory tasks. The funding will support clinical trials and further AI model enhancements.
Deal: Series E
Region: Hong Kong
Industry: Biotech, AI
Sector: AI Drug Discovery, Lab Automation
Tech: Generative AI for Drug Design
🔸 Anduril Secures $642M U.S. Marine Corps Counter-Drone Contract
California-based Anduril secured a $642M contract to provide counter-drone systems for the U.S. Marine Corps. The company will deploy its AI-powered detection and neutralization systems, including kinetic interceptors and electronic warfare defenses, across U.S. military installations.
Deal: Government Contract
Region: USA
Industry: DefenseTech
Sector: Counter-Drone Systems
Tech: AI-Powered UAV Defense
🔸 StimOxyGen Raises £1.5M to Tackle Aggressive Cancers
Ulster University spinout StimOxyGen secured funding from DSW Ventures, QUBIS, and Clarendon’s Co-Fund NI. The company is developing a therapy that enhances tumor oxygenation to improve cancer treatment effectiveness, particularly for pancreatic cancer.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: UK
Industry: MedTech, Biotech
Sector: Oncology, Tumor Oxygenation
Tech: Hypoxia-Targeted Cancer Therapy
🌋 Fervo Energy Plans IPO; 💻 Quantum Computing Breaks Funding Records; 🤖 AI-Powered Robot Unicorn Emerges; ⚛️ The Race for Nuclear Propulsion & More | Deep Tech Briefing #52
In Today's Briefing
- The Big Idea – Quantum computing smashes funding records as investors double down on the sector.
- The Key Updates – AI-driven automation reshapes industries, fusion-powered propulsion inches closer to reality, nuclear energy sees major strategic moves, and next-gen geothermal makes a bold bet on scalability. Meanwhile, the solar industry is undergoing a silent but radical shift—one that could reshape its entire future.
-Breakthroughs and Discoveries – Advances in materials science could redefine hydrogen energy economics, while quantum error correction takes a critical leap forward. AI is accelerating molecular engineering, and researchers push the boundaries of next-gen imaging, computing, and energy storage.
-Deep Tech Power Plays – Governments step up in deep tech: the UK moves on lab-grown food, U.S. energy leaders call for stability, and South Korea launches a quantum strategy to stay in the race.
🔸 Aramco Invests in Ucaneo’s Direct Air Capture Technology
Berlin-based Ucaneo secured an undisclosed investment from Aramco Ventures to accelerate the development of Germany’s largest Direct Air Capture (DAC) demonstration plant, set to launch in 2026. The company’s patented technology uses renewable energy-driven electrochemistry to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, supporting global decarbonization efforts while enabling sustainable CO₂ utilization for industrial applications.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Germany, Europe
Industry: Climate Tech
Sector: Carbon Capture
Tech: Direct Air Capture (DAC), Electrochemistry
🔸 Beta Bugs Secures £2.1M Investment to Boost Growth
Scottish insect genetics firm Beta Bugs secured funding led by Tricapital Agents, with participation from Scottish Enterprise. The company specializes in Black Soldier Fly genetics to enhance insect farming efficiency, supporting sustainable animal feed production. The investment will accelerate production scale-up and expand its breeding program.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Scotland, UK
Industry: AgTech
Sector: Insect Genetics, Alternative Proteins
Tech: Black Soldier Fly Breeding
🔸 Cano-ela Raises €1.6M to Transform Canola Seeds into Plant-Based Ingredients
Netherlands-based Cano-ela secured funding from Oost NL, Value Factory Ventures, and Ecoseed. The company develops plant-based ingredients from underutilized canola seeds, providing a sustainable alternative to refined food ingredients. The funding will support production scale-up and market entry.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Netherlands, Europe
Industry: FoodTech
Sector: Plant-Based Ingredients
Tech: Canola Processing Innovation
🔸 AmpereHour Energy Raises $5M to Expand Energy Storage Solutions
Mumbai-based AmpereHour Energy secured funding led by Avaana Capital, with participation from UC Impower and angel investors. The company develops battery energy storage systems for power grids and businesses, integrating its proprietary Elina energy management software. The funding will support manufacturing expansion, R&D, and product development.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: India
Industry: EnergyTech
Sector: Battery Energy Storage
Tech: Smart Energy Management
🔸 Reshape Energy Secures €5M to Electrify European Buildings
Munich-based Reshape Energy raised funding from Vireo Ventures, PostScriptum Ventures, and industry insiders. The company provides an all-in-one energy optimization platform to reduce costs and improve efficiency in commercial buildings. The funds will support acquisitions, technology enhancement, and market expansion in Germany and Europe.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Germany, Europe
Industry: EnergyTech
Sector: Building Energy Services
Tech: Energy-as-a-Service
🔸 Lila Sciences Raises $200M to Develop Scientific Superintelligence
Boston-based Lila Sciences secured Seed funding led by Flagship Pioneering, alongside General Catalyst, ARK Venture Fund, and others. The startup is building an AI platform to autonomously design and run experiments across life sciences. The investment will support AI model advancements and integration with autonomous labs.
Deal: Seed
Region: USA
Industry: AI, Biotech
Sector: Life Sciences Automation
Tech: AI-Driven Scientific Discovery
🔸 M-FLY Raises €1.19M to Advance UAV Laser Guidance
M-FLY secured funding from angel investors and defense-focused funds. The company develops EW-resistant laser guidance systems for UAVs and air defense applications. The investment will support product finalization, AI integration, and mass production preparation.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Ukraine, Europe
Industry: Defense
Sector: UAV & Military Technology
Tech: AI-Powered Laser Guidance Systems
🔸 IonQ Raises $372M Through Share Sale to Fuel Quantum Expansion
U.S.-based IonQ raised $372M via an at-the-market equity offering program (ATM Program). The quantum computing firm will use the funds to strengthen its position in quantum networking and computing. The raise follows acquisitions of ID Quantique and Qubitekk, expanding IonQ’s quantum ecosystem.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: USA
Industry: Quantum Computing
Sector: Quantum Networking, Computing
Tech: Trapped Ion Quantum Processors
🔸 Valo Therapeutics Secures €19M to Advance PeptiCRAd Cancer Immunotherapy
Helsinki-based Valo Therapeutics secured €19M from Indaco Venture Partners, CDP Venture Capital, and others. The company’s PeptiCRAd platform enhances oncolytic viruses to activate systemic anti-tumor T-cell immunity. The funds will support Phase 1B trials in Italy, Australia, and Germany.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Finland, Europe
Industry: Biotech, Cancer Immunotherapy
Sector: Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Tech: PeptiCRAd Platform
How Corporate Development Teams Assess Potential Acquisitions of Deep Tech Startups | Deep Tech Catalyst
For many founders, M&A represents the ultimate milestone—the cornerstone exit strategy to envision from day one. It’s a chance to scale, unlock liquidity, and integrate into a larger corporate ecosystem. But what does it take to catch the attention of corporate acquirers? And how can startups position themselves for a strategic, high-value exit?
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of corporate development and M&A strategy, uncovering the key factors that drive acquisition decisions, with a focus on examples from warehouse robotics. With insights from Jun Kim, Corporate Development Director at Zebra Technologies, we explore:
- How corporations assess potential acquisitions.
- The critical financial and operational metrics that make startups attractive targets.
- Common M&A pitfalls that can derail a deal—and how to avoid them.
Whether you’re a founder actively defining your exit strategy through an acquisition, a VC looking to position portfolio companies for acquisition, or an investment banker facilitating deals, this episode provides a valuable overview of how to approach corporate M&A successfully.
🔸 Deep Blue Aerospace Raises $68.9M for Reusable Rocket Development
China’s Deep Blue Aerospace secured nearly 500M yuan ($68.9M) from Taian Yuanwang New Energy Fund. The investment will accelerate the launch of its Nebula-1 rocket in mid-2025 and support the development of Nebula-2, a larger reusable launch vehicle targeting 2026.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: China
Industry: SpaceTech
Sector: Reusable Launch Vehicles
Tech: Kerosene-Liquid Oxygen Propulsion
🔸 Reverion Secures €19.5M to Scale High-Efficiency Power Plants
Munich-based Reverion received €19.5M from the European Innovation Fund to scale its reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC) power plants. The company’s flexible energy system achieves up to 80% electrical efficiency and captures CO₂ from biogas. The funds will expand its Eresing production facility to meet rising demand.
Deal: Undisclosed
Region: Germany
Industry: EnergyTech
Sector: Decarbonization, Energy Storage
Tech: Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOC)
Venture Capital
🔹 Volkswagen-Backed Leitmotif Launches $300M Decarbonization Fund
New venture firm Leitmotif has raised a $300M fund from Volkswagen Group as its sole LP, targeting decarbonization startups in the U.S. and Europe. Founded by former VW M&A head Jens Wiese and ex-Venrock partner Matt Trevithick, Leitmotif has already invested in companies like Redwood Materials and Stoke Space.
🔹 Equator Closes $55M Fund for Early-Stage Climate Tech Startups in Africa
Equator has raised a $55M first fund to support African climate tech startups tackling sustainability challenges. Backed by DFIs such as British International Investment (BII), Proparco, and IFC, as well as foundations and endowments like the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (funded by IKEA, Rockefeller, and Jeff Bezos’ Earth Fund) and the Shell Foundation, the fund aims to invest in 15-18 companies working in energy, agriculture, and mobility.
🔹 Big Idea Ventures Closes VC Food Fund on $53M and Plans Quick Follow-Up
Big Idea Ventures has closed a $53M food-focused VC fund, despite a pullback in corporate commitments. The firm, led by ex-Tyson Ventures executive Tom Mastrobuoni, plans a rapid follow-up fund to continue backing startups addressing long-term food system challenges.
🔹 Aligned Climate Capital Closes $85M Fund to Boost Clean Energy Startups
Aligned Climate Capital has closed its second venture fund at $85M, doubling the size of its first. Backed by Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, ACF2 focuses on scaling proven clean energy solutions, investing in companies across renewable energy, infrastructure, and electric mobility.
🔹 Vento Announces €75M Fund II To Back Bold Italian Founders
Italy’s most active early-stage VC, Vento, has launched a €75M second fund to back Italian founders globally. Supported by Exor, Vento has already invested in 100 startups, including Bee, JetHR, and Qomodo. Fund II aims to back 375 startups over the next five years, reinforcing Vento’s role in building Italy’s tech ecosystem.
🔹 Qbeat Launches $100M Fund to Fuel Israel’s Quantum Computing Ecosystem
Tech veterans Dr. Dorit Dor, Maya Racine Netser, and Joab Rosenberg have launched Qbeat, a $100M venture fund investing in early-stage quantum startups in Israel and beyond. The fund aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization in the emerging quantum computing space.
🔹 National Grid Partners Allocates $100M to AI Startups to Modernize Energy Infrastructure
National Grid Partners has committed $100M to AI startups optimizing energy infrastructure. With investments in companies like Amperon and AiDash, NGP aims to enhance grid efficiency, predictive maintenance, and underground infrastructure mapping as part of a broader $400B industry push toward modernization.