### Meet Helsing, Europe’s Defence-Tech Unicorn  
In the **1980s**, economist **Robert Solow** famously noted that the computer age was evident everywhere, except in productivity statistics. Today, a similar observation can be made regarding the **revolution in military affairs**. While the conflict in **Ukraine** showcases advancements in military technology, the **European defence industry** remains stagnant compared to the **United States**, which has produced three defence-tech unicorns, including **SpaceX**.  
In contrast, Europe has just one such company: **Germany’s Helsing**.  
Helsing is poised to disrupt the European arms industry, challenging the status quo and potentially leading the way towards modernization in defence technology.  

![Helsing](image_url_placeholder)

Meet Helsing, Europe’s defence-tech unicorn | Business

Can Helsing Be the Game-Changer in Europe's Arms Industry?

### CuspAI's Ambitious Mission
CuspAI, a **U.K. startup** based in **Cambridge**, is on a quest to leverage **AI technology** to discover innovative chemicals and materials aimed at tackling **climate change**. Recently, the company has made headlines by recruiting two renowned **AI pioneers**, Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, to its **advisory board**.

### Who Are the AI 'Godfathers'?
- **Geoffrey Hinton**: A former Google AI researcher and co-recipient of the **Nobel Prize in Physics**, Hinton is a key figure in the development of artificial neural networks.
- **Yann LeCun**: Serving as the chief AI scientist at **Meta**, LeCun is another heavyweight in AI, known for his foundational contributions to the field.

Both scientists are excited to support CuspAI’s mission to find materials that can enhance **environmental sustainability**, including advancements in **carbon capture**, **water purification**, and the development of **energy-efficient technologies**.

### Expanding the Team
In addition to these luminaries, CuspAI has brought on board **Kristin Persson**, a materials science researcher from the **University of California, Berkeley**, and **Verity Harding**, a former Google DeepMind public policy head. This strategic hiring strategy has allowed CuspAI to amass a formidable team of experts.

### Innovative Vision for Material Discovery
CuspAI aims to create **AI foundation models** that function similarly to today’s large language models but are tailored for chemistry. The ultimate goal? To enable researchers to input desired material properties in plain English and receive a **chemical recipe** in return.

### Progress and Collaborations
Currently, the startup employs a combination of models to optimize potential materials and is in partnership with **Meta’s Fundamental AI Research (FAIR)** on a project focused on **carbon dioxide capture**. They are also prototyping novel materials with a specialty chemicals company.

### A Sustainable Business Model
CuspAI's business model revolves around partnering with commercial entities to produce and test AI-generated compounds, retaining a share of the **intellectual property** rights for future revenue through **licensing and royalties**.

### Funding and Growth
The company is rapidly expanding its footprint with offices in **Cambridge**, **Edinburgh**, **Amsterdam**, and **Berlin**. In June, CuspAI successfully raised **$30 million** in seed funding, aiming to further its innovative efforts in material discovery.

The company is building AI models to find new materials that can help combat climate change.

Meet CuspAI: The UK Startup Revolutionizing Material Discovery with AI 'Godfathers' on Board

### Navigating Climate Risks in Real Estate
As European regulators increase demands for businesses to evaluate and disclose **climate risks**, real estate owners are navigating an increasingly complicated landscape. **Telescope**, a Norwegian proptech startup, is stepping in to help the real estate sector transform sustainability risk from a mere compliance requirement into a **strategic advantage**.

### Major Seed Funding for Expansion
Recently, Telescope announced it has raised **€3.7 million in Seed funding** to broaden its impact. Co-founder and CEO **Gustav Haaland** highlighted that while many companies monitor climate risks such as flooding and fire susceptibility, managing these sustainability challenges is often both complex and time-consuming.

> "In every conversation I have, real estate owners tell me the same thing – they’re drowning in ESG reports, consultant slide decks, and EU acronyms, yet they’re still asking: ‘What does this actually mean for my buildings?’ We’re not here to add more paperwork. Unlike existing solutions, Telescope turns sustainability from an abstract compliance risk into tangible, financially driven decisions."

### Innovative SaaS Platform
Telescope has developed a **SaaS platform** that allows real estate companies to manage sustainability risks in an efficient and cost-effective manner. By simply entering property addresses, users can onboard their real estate assets, and the platform will gather necessary geographical data to assess physical climate risks.

### Addressing Biodiversity Concerns
In addition to monitoring climate risks, the platform also tracks **biodiversity**. As Haaland noted, biodiversity risk is becoming a critical aspect of sustainability discussions in real estate. The platform can help assess the impact of property development on local ecosystems, which is essential as governments impose strict regulations to protect natural habitats.

> "Many real estate firms hold large land banks, but they often lack insight into how much of their land is actually buildable under environmental constraints. Our technology aggregates data on red-listed species, vulnerable habitats, and protected areas."

### Evolving with Sustainability Regulations
Telescope’s platform also features energy monitoring and a comprehensive transition plan for moving towards sustainability, which includes targets and steps to mitigate environmental impacts.

> "A major challenge is ensuring that collected data leads to action. Traditionally, companies performed high-level assessments without enough detail to drive meaningful change. Our platform increases granularity by using national data providers in addition to broad global data."

### Growth and Future Plans
Founded in 2022, Telescope has quickly gained traction, serving some of Norway's largest real estate firms. The company is now expanding to **Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands**, aiming to attract financiers and investors in the real estate sector. The funding round was led by **Scale Capital** and **Dreamcraft Ventures**, with additional participation from **Curiosity VC** and **OBOS Oppstart**.

> "Their momentum in Norway – closing multiple Tier 1 customers in record time – signals a massive opportunity to redefine how the industry approaches climate risk," says Joachim Schelde from Scale Capital.

### Unique Positioning in a Crowded Market
As the market is filled with generic sustainability tools, Telescope distinguishes itself with a focused approach on real estate, enabling property owners to make financially impactful decisions while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. With fresh capital and proven results, Telescope is set to help property owners across Europe turn climate readiness into a **strategic strength**.

*Lead image: Telescope. Photo: Christoffer Jellum.*

Telescope’s platform enables property owners to protect asset values, access green financing, and meet regulatory requirements.

Unlocking Real Estate Value: How Telescope's €3.7M Seed Funding is Transforming Climate Risk into Strategic Advantage

### Darwinbox's Ambitious Expansion
**Darwinbox**, an Indian startup specializing in a **SaaS platform** for hiring, onboarding, and employee administration, has successfully raised **$140 million** in funding. This capital is aimed at challenging major players like **Rippling** and **Deel** as the company seeks to broaden its reach, particularly in the **U.S. market**.

### Funding Details
The funding round was co-led by **KKR** and **Partners Group** and includes both primary and secondary share sales. Notable investors in Darwinbox include tech giants like **Microsoft**, **Salesforce**, and **Sequoia**. To date, the startup has raised a total of approximately **$270 million**.

### Market Position and Growth
Darwinbox's valuation has reportedly reached around **$950 million**, marking a significant step for the company, which is now eyeing a competitive landscape dominated by companies valued at **$12 billion to $13 billion**. Despite its smaller size, Darwinbox is recognized as a noteworthy contender in the HR-tech space.

### A New Wave of Enterprise Startups
Emerging from India and Southeast Asia, Darwinbox is part of a **new wave of enterprise startups** that showcases the region's evolving technology ecosystem. The trend has been described as the **“SaaS-ification of Asia”**, with significant investment flowing into the market.

### International Growth Strategy
With **60% of its revenue** generated from outside India, Darwinbox is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the U.S., where it has over **1,000 enterprise customers** managing the HR needs of **more than 3 million employees**. Co-founder **Jayant Paleti** has relocated to Texas to capitalize on this opportunity.

### Comprehensive HR Solutions
Darwinbox offers an **all-in-one HR solution**, addressing various aspects of employee management, from recruitment to payroll. Paleti emphasizes the company’s goal to serve as the **system of record for HR**, with plans to integrate more **AI** capabilities into its platform.

### Investor Confidence
**Partners Group's** investment of **$75 million** reflects confidence in Darwinbox's potential to disrupt the HR market. The firm's MD noted the startup’s ability to localize its offerings as a key strength in competing against larger global players.

Darwinbox, an Indian startup building a SaaS platform for hiring, onboarding and employee administration, has raised $140 million to take on the likes of

Darwinbox Secures $140M to Challenge HR Giants Deel and Rippling

### Anduril Industries Takes a Bold Approach to Recruitment

**Anduril Industries**, a controversial **California-based defense startup**, is making waves with its unconventional recruitment advertisements in **Boston**. The ads, strategically placed in **South Station** and along the **Red Line subway**, prominently feature the phrase **"Don't work at Anduril.com"** in massive, graffiti-style letters. 

![Anduril Recruitment Ad](https://bostonglobe-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SIG4OSICD4CW7ZYZHQVXAAVETU.JPEG?auth=a4702e9b5ac7a13811087ed3e7d52f7d0c378783d528ef23c3dae44a08c2b68d&amp;width=1440)

The campaign, launched in February, aims to attract a specific segment of the workforce by promoting the company’s **culture of hard, mission-driven work** and **vocal support for American troops**. According to **Jeff Miller**, the company’s vice president of marketing, **“Anduril is not for everyone. That’s the point.”** 

### Targeting Tech Giants and Universities

The ads are displayed near major tech hubs and institutions, including **Harvard** and **MIT**. **Anduril's** military projects include cutting-edge technology like **autonomous drones** and an AI system named **Lattice**, designed to monitor battlefields with advanced sensors and cameras.

Currently, Anduril has over **40 open positions** in the Boston area, with an office established near **Fenway Park** since 2020. The company expanded its footprint in **Lexington** after acquiring **Copious Imaging** in 2021.

### A Nationwide Campaign

The **“Don’t work at Anduril”** campaign has also spread to **Seattle** and **Atlanta**, leveraging **LinkedIn ads** and even producing a short film featuring a fictional disgruntled employee. 

Founded in 2017 by **Palmer Luckey**, known for creating **Oculus VR**, Anduril emerged during a time when many tech firms distanced themselves from defense contracts. Luckey stated, **“You need people like me who are sick in that way and who don’t lose any sleep making tools of violence in order to preserve freedom.”**

Anduril Industries wants ads to bypass "soulless corporate recruiting.”

Why a California Startup is Telling Boston Engineers: 'Don't Work Here!'

## Former Cerebral CEO Launches AdvocateMH

David Mou, the former CEO of the troubled mental health startup **Cerebral**, is stepping back into the ring with his new project, **AdvocateMH**. This mental health company has garnered **seed funding from Morningside**, aiming to address the ongoing challenges in mental health care.

![Cerebral's Dr. David Mou](https://i.insider.com/67c718a069253ccddf983331?width=700)

AdvocateMH is focused on creating innovative solutions to improve mental health services. Mou's previous experience with Cerebral, despite its controversies, has equipped him with valuable insights into what needs to change in the mental health landscape.

With a growing demand for mental health resources, AdvocateMH seeks to leverage technology and personalized care strategies to better serve patients. This venture reflects Mou's commitment to making a positive impact in an industry that is increasingly recognized for its importance.

As mental health continues to be a pressing issue, startups like AdvocateMH are crucial in driving the necessary changes and improving accessibility to effective treatment options.

Former Cerebral CEO David Mou is launching a mental health startup called AdvocateMH with seed funding from Morningside.

David Mou's New Venture: AdvocateMH Aims to Transform Mental Health Care

### Wayve's Rapid Growth in Autonomous Tech

**ADAS and autonomous tech developer Wayve** is making strides by launching operations in **Germany** to support its **AI-centric driving research**. 

In **2024**, the company secured a staggering **$1.05 billion in funding**, drawing investments from **Uber** and other notable backers. Instead of launching its own fleet of modified cars, Wayve aims to provide its **vehicle-agnostic technology** to automotive suppliers and manufacturers.

### A Unique Approach to Autonomous Driving

Unlike many competitors, Wayve does not depend on detailed 3D maps. This **AI-driven approach** differentiates it in the autonomous driving landscape, where the common belief is that **more sensors equal better performance**.

### Expanding Horizons

With a newly opened **on-road testing hub in Baden-Württemberg, Germany**, Wayve is set to refine its **L2+ ADAS software** in a diverse environment. Co-founder and CEO **Alex Kendall** expressed enthusiasm for this expansion, stating that **Germany's automotive expertise** provides an ideal backdrop for accelerating their technology's development.

### Cost-Effective Solutions

Wayve's strategy includes a **limited number of sensors** like radar and lidar, designed to keep **hardware costs low**, especially as robotaxis typically carry expensive equipment. Their AI trains on real-world data, utilizing a generative AI model called **GAIA-1**, which allows the generation of **photorealistic 3D worlds** for cost-effective testing.

### Future Vision

Wayve's long-term vision does not involve managing a fleet of robotaxis. Instead, they focus on selling their technology to automotive suppliers. **Uber's investment** in Wayve underscores their belief in this innovative approach, with CEO **Dara Khosrowshahi** highlighting its potential for creating **shared, electric, and autonomous vehicles**.

### The Road Ahead

While the autonomous vehicle industry faces substantial expectations for AI to solve various challenges, the journey to widespread adoption of robotaxis remains complex. The question of whether robotaxis will become commonplace in the US by **2030** remains open, with **human drivers** still expected to dominate ride-hailing services for the foreseeable future.

![Wayve Ford Mustangs](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/wayve-2-67c7184e620ac.jpg?resize=980:)
*Image Credit: Wayve*

UK-based Wayve is gaining ground as automakers hold great expectations for AI. But it doesn’t plan to manage robotaxi fleets.

Wayve: The UK Startup Revolutionizing Autonomous Driving with AI Expansion in Germany

### The Best Startup Employers in America 2025

The **2025 ranking** of America’s best startup employers showcases companies that excel in both **innovation** and **employee wellbeing**. Among the top contenders is **Lunar Energy**, a clean energy startup that has made significant strides since its founding in **2020**. 

![Lunar Energy Team](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67c5d0dcbb4c1ecb055606e8/Lunar-Energy-photo-of-employees-working-on-computers/0x0.jpg?cropX1=707&cropX2=3769&cropY1=172&cropY2=1809)
*Inside the lab at Lunar Energy’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, where collaboration is key.*  

Lunar Energy stands out for its **thoughtful hiring practices**. According to **Ed Franklin**, head of people, they prioritize quality over speed in recruitment. Employees are encouraged to share their opinions through regular **Ask Me Anything (AMA)** sessions and anonymous feedback forums, fostering a culture where **employee sentiment** is valued.  

### Notable Rankings

Lunar Energy ranked **No. 4** on the list, which was created in collaboration with **Statista**. To qualify, companies needed to have over **50 employees**, be founded between **2015 and 2022**, and be independent businesses. They were evaluated based on **reputation**, **employee satisfaction**, and **growth**.

Several companies made impressive gains this year, such as **Cribl** (No. 1), a data management company, and **Hightouch** (No. 3), a customer data platform.

### Company Culture and Employee Engagement

Employees at **Anthropic**, ranked **No. 7**, benefit from strong support systems, including generous paid leave and a culture that emphasizes both technical and ethical discussions in AI development. **Hannah Pritchett**, head of people at Anthropic, emphasizes the importance of aligning their mission with employee values.

**Mill**, ranked **No. 11**, creatively integrates its product—an innovative food composter—into daily operations, enhancing employee engagement and bonding through shared experiences. 

### Conclusion

The **2025 list** not only highlights the top startups but also reflects a broader trend of companies recognizing the importance of **employee wellbeing** and **collaboration** in driving innovation. For the full list of America’s Best Startup Employers, [click here](https://www.forbes.com/lists/americas-best-startup-employers/).

The companies on this year's ranking of the best startup employers in the U.S. are prioritizing both innovation and employee wellbeing. 

Can Helsing Be the Game-Changer in Europe's Arms Industry?

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Meet Helsing, Europe’s Defence-Tech Unicorn

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