Hello followers! Today, let’s dive into some of the most exciting developments in technology and startups. From big funding rounds to bold IPO moves, this week was packed with action and surprises.

In the startup world, confidence and uncertainty went hand in hand. Figma, the design software giant, filed for an IPO despite recent market jitters, even sending a cease-and-desist to its rival Lovable over the term ‘Dev Mode’. Meanwhile, UK founders voiced frustrations over funding disparities with Silicon Valley, raising only about $21.5 billion last year compared to $73.8 billion in the US. Sadly, some startups like the AI reading app Smashing shut down due to poor growth, and Indian EV ride-hailer BluSmart suspended services amid regulatory probes.

However, there are bright spots too. Bolt’s CEO Ryan Breslow unveiled a new ‘super app,’ aiming to revolutionize fintech. Rippling faces legal hurdles over a lawsuit involving Deel’s CEO, underscoring the ongoing legal battles in the industry. On the innovation front, OpenAI is eyeing a $3 billion purchase of Windsurf, a company competing in AI coding assistants.

Funding news revealed optimism, with Marshmallow raising $90 million to serve underserved drivers, and Hammerspace securing $100 million to manage unstructured data for giants like Meta. Chapter, a Medicare startup linked to notable VC figures, raised $75 million at a $1.5 billion valuation. Other startups like Phantom Neuro and Conifer secured funding to advance prosthetic control technology and electric hub motors, respectively. Arnergy expanded solar access in Nigeria with a $15 million Series B extension.

On the VC side, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund closed a $4.6 billion growth fund, signaling renewed market confidence. Industry Ventures CEO Hans Swildens discussed how VCs are creating liquidity despite the absence of IPOs, highlighting inventive strategies during these times.

This week also featured a detailed look at defense tech, AI innovations, and regulatory shifts, showing how diverse and resilient the tech ecosystem remains. With so many moving parts, it’s clear that the future is in full swing, and tech enthusiasts have much to look forward to.