Welcome to the August edition of our startup digest!
This month, we dive into exciting developments from the startup world, showcasing innovations that are shaping the future. From Ukraine’s big pitch for the Startup World Cup to groundbreaking tech in nanotech and AI, we’re bringing you the latest trends and milestones. Get inspired and stay ahead with these fresh updates and opportunities.
Pitch for $1M: Ukraine’s startup world cup kicks off
Sigma Software Labs, EIT Community RIS Hub Ukraine, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine are launching the Ukrainian Regional Competition for STARTUP WORLD CUP 2024 to represent Ukraine in San Francisco and pitch for $1,000,000 in investments. Applications are open! For details and to apply, click here.
Precision Hackathon: 22 innovators pitch defence tech ideas
Labs’ Investment Director Daria Yaniieva spoke at the Precision Hackathon, where Defence Builder was one of the key partners. The event gathered more than 400 registrations and 220+ personal visitors, where Ukrainian innovators presented advanced solutions for security and defence forces. The highlights are here.
Datrics’ ai tool hits top 5 on product hunt
Datrics, a Ukrainian startup offering a no-code platform for building and deploying machine learning models, has been ranked as the #5 Product of the Day on Product Hunt with their AI Analyst Builder. Read more here.
EU invests €7B in military tech: what’s new?
The war in Ukraine has led Europe to prioritize defence and military technology. The European Commission plans to invest over €7 billion in defence innovations over the next seven years, with €1.1 billion allocated for this year alone. Read more about the investment in the defence sector.
Unicorn founders: diverse and determined, says new study
A study by Defiance Capital shows that unicorn founders — those leading companies worth over $1 billion — are often diverse, with 70% being “underdogs” like immigrants or women. Many hold degrees from top global universities, and 17% are female. Key traits of successful founders include a lack of a “plan B,” a “chip on the shoulder,” and strong self-belief. Read about the unicorn mindset here.
European Startups Harness Nanotech Power
European startups are making waves with nanotechnology: Poly-Dtech in France enhances disease detection with fluorescent nanoparticles, Nanosci in Poland develops advanced air purification systems, and Nium in the UK creates eco-friendly ammonia production. This innovation is paving the way for breakthroughs across various industries. Click to read.
AI Boosts Global Startup Funding by 16%
Global startup funding surged 16% in Q2, with a remarkable boost in mega-rounds, driven primarily by the AI sector. AI investments doubled from the previous quarter, reaching $24 billion and making up 30% of all funding. For more insights, listen to an episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast. Catch the full discussion on our podcast.
Let’s continue to push the boundaries and make a big impact on the startup scene! Our joint energy and creativity are what drive us forward, so let’s stay motivated and continue to make a difference.
