### A Growing Network of Support

In the heart of **San Francisco**, a house on a quiet street has become a hub for **Japanese entrepreneurs** on the West Coast. This space fosters a **mutual support network**, reminiscent of the strong communities seen among **Chinese** and **Indian** tech founders.  

### A Day in the Life of Innovation

Recently, around **10 startup founders** gathered around a long table, enjoying **Chinese cuisine** while engaging in meaningful discussions. Topics ranged from crafting a strong **company culture** to essential considerations when **hiring** talent.  

![Japanese startup founders share know-how at the Tech House in San Francisco](https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/https%3A%2F%2Fcms-image-bucket-production-ap-northeast-1-a7d2.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com%2Fimages%2F3%2F3%2F7%2F3%2F48813733-4-eng-GB%2FCropped-1735928519photo_SXM2024121500003816.jpg?width=780&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto)  
*Japanese startup founders share know-how at the Tech House in San Francisco. (Photo by Kosuke Shimizu)*

PALO ALTO, California -- A house on a residential street in San Francisco is at the center of a growing mutual support network among Japanese entrepre

Building Bridges: Japanese Founders Create a Silicon Valley Network Over Meals

### The Rise and Fall of Toptal

Imagine investing in **Nvidia** or **Facebook** before they became giants. For every success story, however, there are countless startups that fail, often surrounded by **drama** and **scandal**. This is the story of **Denis Grosz** and **Taso Du Val**, pivotal figures in the saga of **Toptal**.

**Toptal**, a startup founded by Du Val in 2010, aimed to connect talented software developers with companies in need of skilled labor. Grosz, a seasoned investor, saw potential in Toptal and invested **$1 million** in 2012, expecting a lucrative return. However, a **dispute** over equity spiraled into a legal battle that has captured attention.

### The Investment and the Dispute

Initially, Toptal thrived under Du Val's leadership, growing to over **600 employees** and generating more than **$200 million** in annual revenue by 2021. However, Grosz's loan agreement included a clause for converting the loan into equity, contingent on a capital raise that never occurred. Grosz claims he had a **handshake deal** with Du Val for equity, but Toptal's lack of further funding meant Du Val retained full control.

During court proceedings, Grosz expressed his belief that Du Val's assurances led him to expect equity. However, Du Val maintained that Grosz had no legal claim to ownership since the conditions for conversion were not met.

### The Alleged Scheme

In 2021, Du Val filed a lawsuit, alleging that Grosz initiated a **hostile takeover** plan against Toptal. This included creating a competing company called **Cavalry**, which aimed to weaken Toptal by poaching employees and launching a **media campaign** to discredit the startup. Du Val described the strategy as turning Toptal into a **'cancer patient'** to facilitate a buyout.

### Legal Fallout

A jury found Grosz's venture, **Mechanism Ventures**, liable for **$15 million** in punitive damages for its actions against Toptal, although this was later reduced to **$1.6 million**. Judge Hardesty noted the deliberate nature of the attack on Toptal, stating it aimed to bankrupt the company.

The legal battles continue as Grosz appeals the decision. Meanwhile, Toptal is pursuing additional legal action against a competitor, **Andela**, for allegedly poaching employees and misusing trade secrets. The saga of Toptal highlights the **risks** and **drama** inherent in the startup world, where ambition can quickly turn into conflict and legal strife.

Financial backer Denis Grosz thought he was going to generate big returns from his bet on a company called Toptal, until there was a dispute over equity. 

The Dark Side of Startup Success: How a $1 Million Bet Led to a Legal Showdown

## Jeff Bezos' Bold New Investments in AI Robotics

The billionaire Amazon founder, **Jeff Bezos**, is making headlines once again as he shifts his investment focus towards **artificial intelligence and robotics**. In an exciting turn of events, he recently co-led a **$22 million funding round** for **Swiss-Mile**, an innovative AI robotics startup based in Zurich that is developing robots resembling **headless dogs** with wheels, designed for efficient item delivery.

![Swiss-Mile Robots](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/677c11ca46aee5fb5f384fdf/IMG-5672-edit/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)
*Swiss-Mile, a startup that spun out of ETH Zurich in 2023, focuses on autonomous robots capable of navigating complex environments.*

This funding round was part of a larger strategy, as **Bezos** invested in **nine startups** in 2024, with **seven** being AI-focused. Notably, **Figure AI** and **Swiss-Mile** are at the forefront of AI robotics, a sector Bezos had not previously explored as a venture investor. 

During a pivotal conversation with Swiss-Mile’s co-founder **Marko Bjelonic**, Bezos demonstrated his deep understanding of technology, discussing topics like **reinforcement learning** and the physics necessary for robotics. This in-depth knowledge has made him a sought-after investor, providing startups with both capital and **credibility**.

Furthermore, Bezos’ investments align with his previous ventures in robotics, having backed various companies during his time as Amazon’s CEO. His current interest in **autonomous robotics** signifies a potential shift in the market, as experts believe it could lead to significant commercial breakthroughs. 

From practical applications in dangerous industries like mining to collaboration in **semi-structured environments** such as hospitals, the future of robotics appears promising. Bezos’ involvement in these startups not only offers financial backing but also strategic insights that could propel them to success.

In addition to robotics, Bezos has also shown interest in other sectors, investing in companies like **Perplexity AI** and **Tenstorrent**, a chip designer aiming to rival Nvidia. With a portfolio that spans **108 startups** since 1998, Bezos continues to leverage his wealth—over **$241 billion**—to influence the tech landscape. His approach combines astute business acumen with a focus on emerging technologies, ensuring he remains a key player in the investment world.

As the **autonomous robotics** industry evolves, the success of these investments remains to be seen. However, with Bezos at the helm, the odds seem favorable for groundbreaking advancements in AI and robotics.

The billionaire Amazon founder put early money into Airbnb and Uber. Now he’s placing bets on these AI robotics companies.

Jeff Bezos Makes Waves in AI Robotics: The Startups He Backed Last Year

A company that has worked closely with the UK government on artificial intelligence safety, the NHS, and education is also developing AI for **military drones**.  

### Faculty AI's Role in Defense  
The consultancy **Faculty AI** has experience developing and deploying AI models on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to a defense industry partner. Faculty has become one of the most active companies in the UK selling AI services. Unlike major players such as **OpenAI** or **Deepmind**, it does not create its own models but instead focuses on reselling existing models and consulting on their applications in government and industry.

### Controversial Background  
Faculty gained prominence after working on data analysis for the **Vote Leave** campaign during the **Brexit** vote. This led to significant government contracts, particularly during the pandemic, involving its CEO, **Marc Warner**, in government scientific advisory panels. Recently, they have been involved with the **UK government's AI Safety Institute (AISI)**, set up in 2023, to ensure AI safety standards are met.

### The Race for AI in Military Applications  
As governments globally race to understand the safety implications of AI, **weapons companies** are eager to integrate AI into drones for various applications, from **loyal wingmen** flying alongside fighter jets to **autonomous weapons** capable of striking without human intervention. Faculty is collaborating with **Hadean** to explore capabilities like subject identification and object tracking, though they have not confirmed involvement in weapons targeting.

### Ethical Concerns and Government Influence  
Faculty claims to adhere to rigorous ethical standards and has a decade of experience in AI safety, including efforts against child abuse and terrorism. However, there are growing concerns among experts and politicians regarding the ethical implications of autonomous military technologies. A House of Lords committee has called for treaties to clarify international humanitarian law regarding lethal drones, while the **Green party** has advocated for a complete ban on lethal autonomous weapons.

### Faculty's Government Contracts and Financial Standing  
Faculty has secured numerous contracts worth at least **£26.6 million** from various UK governmental departments, including the NHS and the Department for Education. Despite generating **£32 million** in sales, the company reported a loss of £4.4 million in the past financial year. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest arise from Faculty's dual role in government contracts and its work with the AISI.

### Conclusion  
As Faculty continues to influence UK government policy on AI safety, questions remain about its independence and the broader implications of its work in the military sector. Critics emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the rapidly evolving field of military AI technologies.

Exclusive: Concerns raised over role of Faculty AI, which has worked with NHS and government safety body

Behind the Scenes: How a UK AI Startup is Shaping Military Drone Technology

## AI Funding Reaches New Heights
Venture capitalists poured a staggering **$97 billion** into **artificial intelligence startups** in the US last year, marking a **new record**. This surge reflects a year full of multibillion-dollar investments in prominent firms like **Elon Musk’s xAI**, **OpenAI**, and **Anthropic**.

## The Share of AI in Startup Investments
According to new data from **PitchBook**, nearly **half** of the total **$209 billion** raised by US startups in 2024 was allocated to **AI companies**, showcasing a significant trend in investment focus.

## Overall Startup Funding Trends
Overall startup funding saw an increase of approximately **one-third** compared to 2023. However, venture capitalists (VCs) raised only **$76.1 billion** across **508 funds**, which is the lowest count since **2014** and the lowest amount since **2019**.

## The Bifurcation in Venture Capital
The data highlights a **bifurcation** in the venture capital landscape. While established firms and **buzzing startups** easily attract funding, many traditional startups, particularly in sectors like **enterprise software**, are struggling to secure investments at reasonable valuations. This reflects a **post-pandemic trend** affecting the industry.

## Startup Exits and Global Trends
A crucial metric for startup health, which includes **initial public offerings (IPOs)** and acquisitions, brought in **$149.2 billion** last year, nearly **$30 billion** more than in 2023. In contrast, startup funding outside the US faced challenges, with European funding dropping to **$61.6 billion** and Asian funding decreasing to **$75.9 billion** from previous highs.

![AI Startups](https://example.com/ai-startups-image.jpg)

(Bloomberg) -- Venture capitalists put $97 billion into artificial intelligence startups in the US last year — a new record in a year of multibillion-dollar megarounds for companies like Elon Musk’s xAI, OpenAI and Anthropic. Most Read from BloombergNYC’s Subway Violence Deters Drive to Bring Workers Back to OfficeCan American Drivers Learn to Love Roundabouts?Don’t Shrink the BusIs This Weird Dome the Future of Watching Sports?NYC Congestion Pricing Takes Effect After Years of DelaysThe AI-focu

Record-Breaking $97 Billion Investment in AI Startups: What It Means for the Future

### Toyota Explores Rocket Development

Toyota Motor is making waves in the aerospace sector by **investing 7 billion Japanese yen** (approximately **$44.4 million**) into **Interstellar Technologies**, a Japanese startup focused on developing launch vehicles for satellites. Chairman **Akio Toyoda** announced this initiative during a press conference at the **Consumer Electronics Show** in Las Vegas, emphasizing that the future of mobility should extend beyond traditional vehicles.

![Toyota's Rocket Ambitions](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107185031-1674823397968-gettyimages-1457390897-grk7383722.jpeg?v=1736203164&w=1858&h=1045&vtcrop=y)

Toyoda remarked, "There shouldn’t only be **one car company**" in the space race, indirectly referencing **Tesla** and its CEO **Elon Musk**, who also leads **SpaceX**. This move signals Toyota's ambition to diversify its portfolio and challenge competitors in the burgeoning space launch market.

### Interstellar Technologies Overview

Founded in **2013**, Interstellar Technologies has conducted **seven launches** of its suborbital MOMO rockets, reaching space for the first time in **2019**. Although the startup has yet to successfully deploy a satellite into orbit, it is working on larger rocket models, including the **ZERO** and **DECA** series, aimed at delivering spacecraft.

Toyota plans to leverage its extensive experience in **mass vehicle production** to assist in the rocket manufacturing process alongside Interstellar Technologies.

### Competing in the Japanese Launch Market

In this venture, Toyota is positioning itself against **Mitsubishi**, whose subsidiary, **Mitsubishi Heavy Industries**, has developed the **H3 series of rockets** for Japan's space agency, **JAXA**. The H3 rockets were designed to be competitively priced against **SpaceX's Falcon 9**, which currently dominates the global launch market.

### Woven City Initiative

In addition to its rocket plans, Toyota announced the completion of the first phase of **Woven City**, a prototype city at the base of **Mt. Fuji**. This innovative urban space aims to test and develop new technologies, including **autonomous vehicles**. The mission of Woven City is to serve as a **test course** rather than a profit-generating venture, inviting residents and inventors to collaborate on future technologies.

Toyota Motor is exploring the development and production of orbital rockets, Chair CEO Akio Toyoda said Monday.

Toyota's Bold Venture: $45 Million Investment in Rocket Technology to Compete in Space Industry

### A Year for Entrepreneurs on a Mission

**2025** is shaping up to be a pivotal year for entrepreneurs, especially those in **Kansas City**. Many startups on the rise are not only aiming for financial success but are also committed to creating a better future for various communities, including those focused on **biodiversity**, **mental health**, and **craftsmanship**. 

### 10 Startups to Watch

Startland News presents **10 emerging companies** that are expected to make the headlines in the coming months. These startups are challenging traditional norms and laying the groundwork for innovative solutions in diverse sectors. Below are the startups that made the list:

1. **[Good Oak](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-good-oak/)** - Boosting biodiversity in farming and transforming the agriculture industry.
2. **[Hilltop Technologies](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-hilltop-technologies)** - Focused on enhancing cybersecurity for small businesses with next-gen talent.
3. **[Icorium](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-icorium/)** - Tackling complex environmental challenges with local innovation.
4. **[LPOXY Therapeutics](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-lpoxy-therapeutics)** - Addressing gut infections with innovative solutions.
5. **[Marma](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-marma/)** - Prioritizing women’s nutrition with on-demand resources.
6. **[Noonan](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-noonan/)** - Revolutionizing the golf market with a digital caddie.
7. **[OLEO](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-oleo/)** - Launching a unique retail concept centered around craft coffee.
8. **[Raise Health](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-raise-health)** - Using AI to detect mental health issues early.
9. **[Scout](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-scout/)** - Innovating veterinary workflows to combat industry burnout.
10. **[Trially](https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/01/2025-startups-to-watch-trially/)** - Merging personal experiences with AI to enhance healthcare advancements.

### The Selection Process
This list is the result of a careful selection process that involved evaluating **60 nominations** from trusted advisors and community leaders. The editorial team narrowed it down through multiple rounds of review, focusing on **funding**, **product launches**, and other significant developments expected in the next year.

### Upcoming Events
Join us on **January 23** for a premiere event where you can meet these innovative startups and connect with the entrepreneurial community. This event will feature programming aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and a reception at the Opus event space.

![Taylor Wilmore interviewing a founder](https://www.startlandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taylor-Wilmore-STW25-interview-OLEO-166x300.png)
*Photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News*

Today Startland News is showcasing 10 emerging companies that editors believe will be among the most newsworthy in the coming months. It’s our 10th year making this list, and Kansas City entrepreneurs are showing no signs of slowing down.

Discover the 10 Kansas City Startups Set to Make Waves in 2025!

### America's Immigration Policies and India's Rise

America's **flawed immigration policies** have inadvertently harmed its own competitiveness, locking out the very talent that historically contributed to its economic and technological dominance. This has triggered a **reverse brain drain**, transforming India into a **global innovation powerhouse** while eroding America's leadership in entrepreneurship.

### Notable Returnee Entrepreneurs

Indian entrepreneurs who have returned from abroad are leading this transformation. For instance:
- **Sachin and Binny Bansal**, former Amazon employees, co-founded **Flipkart**.
- **Bhavish Aggarwal**, after his stint at Microsoft, created **Ola**, which has expanded into electric vehicles and AI.
- **Naveen Tewari**, a Harvard graduate, launched **InMobi**, a mobile advertising platform.
- **Deepinder Goyal**, after working at Bain & Company, founded **Zomato**.

These returnees have not only built successful companies but also created ecosystems that drive innovation and generate jobs, redefining India's role in the global economy.

### Research Insights

Recent research conducted by a team including **M H Bala Subrahmanya** from IISc and others surveyed **54 returnee entrepreneurs** and **55 domestic entrepreneurs** in Bengaluru's tech ecosystem. The study reveals:
- Returnees typically spent **six years** in developed countries, acquiring valuable education, work experience, and international networks.
- They possess **superior technological expertise**, extensive networks, and greater financial resources, enabling them to identify entrepreneurial opportunities and introduce **radically innovative** products.

### Challenges Faced by Returnees

Despite their advantages, returnees face significant challenges:
- Many struggle with the **'liability of foreignness'**, having been away from local markets for too long.
- They often lack familiarity with cultural norms and face bureaucratic hurdles, which can hinder their ability to exploit opportunities effectively.
- Over **48% of returnees** were novice entrepreneurs, compared to **34%** of their domestic counterparts.

### The Need for Supportive Ecosystems

The study emphasizes the importance of a **robust entrepreneurial ecosystem**. Without such support, even the most talented returnees may fail to realize their potential. To maximize the benefits of its vast diaspora, India must address systemic challenges and create a more business-friendly environment.

### Recommendations for Policymakers

Subrahmanya suggests urgent interventions, including:
- Establishing **dedicated returnee facilitation cells** to help navigate bureaucratic processes.
- Providing **financial and technical support** through grants and incubators.
- Fostering greater integration into domestic networks.

### Conclusion

By leveraging both international and domestic social capital, returnees can overcome initial hurdles and introduce innovative products. India has a unique opportunity to redefine its status as a **global innovation powerhouse** by welcoming back its diaspora and harnessing their ambitions for national progress.

By failing to retain the best and brightest - especially from India - the US has triggered a reverse brain drain that is transforming India into a global innovation powerhouse, while eroding America's leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship. This transformation is exemplified by Indian entrepreneurs who returned from abroad to build billion-dollar companies. Sachin and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees, co-founded Flipkart. Bhavish Aggarwal, after working at Microsoft, created Ola, which has since expanded into EVs, AI and RE.

Building Bridges: Japanese Founders Create a Silicon Valley Network Over Meals

Summary:

A Growing Network of Support

A Day in the Life of Innovation

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Record-Breaking $97 Billion Investment in AI Startups: What It Means for the Future

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