### The Vision Behind SplxAI
Croatian startup **SplxAI** is founded on the principle that it’s better to be **safe than sorry** when it comes to artificial intelligence. Their innovative approach focuses on identifying and addressing **AI security vulnerabilities**, making systems more robust and reliable.

### Funding Success
Recently, SplxAI successfully raised **$7 million** in funding, showcasing the demand for enhanced AI security solutions. The pitch deck they utilized for this funding round is a testament to their strategic vision and the potential of their technology.

![SplxAI Pitch Deck](https://i.insider.com/6802d923a466d2b74ab3a4e6?width=700)

**Figure:** SplxAI tests for AI security vulnerabilities and edits system prompts to be safer. This is a slide from its pitch deck, which has helped it raise $7 million so far.

### Key Features of the Pitch Deck
The pitch deck highlights several core features of SplxAI’s technology, including:
- **Vulnerability Testing:** Rigorous testing for security vulnerabilities in AI systems.
- **Prompt Editing:** Adjusting system prompts to enhance safety and reliability.

This strategic approach not only appeals to investors but also addresses a critical need in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Croatian startup Splx operates on the idea that its better to be safe than sorry when it comes to AI.  Here's the pitch deck it used to land funding.

How SplxAI Secured $7 Million to Safeguard AI: Inside Their Pitch Deck

### Liven Up Your Video Meetings with Airtime

**Evernote founder Phil Libin** is shaking up the world of video communications with his latest venture, **Airtime**. Originally launched as **mmhmm** during the pandemic in 2020, this innovative video toolkit has been redesigned to enhance your online meeting experience.

#### Introducing Airtime's New Tools

On Thursday, Airtime introduced two exciting tools:
- **Airtime Creator**: This presentation tool allows you to engage your audience by presenting slides while appearing on screen alongside them. Up to **10 people** can join you on screen, making meetings more interactive and memorable.
- **Airtime Camera**: This virtual camera helps you look polished during video calls, letting you customize your background, add logos, and even react with visuals or GIFs to stand out in meetings.

![Airtime Creator](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Airtime-Creator1_Presentation.jpg?w=680)

With Airtime Creator, you can customize your presentations, focusing on your presence rather than just the slides. This tool is designed to make online meetings more engaging and professional, addressing common issues like casual attire and unappealing backgrounds.

![Airtime Camera](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Airtime-Camera_Looks-Gallery_No-Logo.jpg?w=680)

#### A Fresh Brand Identity

Alongside the launch of these tools, mmhmm has officially rebranded to **Airtime**. Existing users will notice the app's name and icon change during their next update, with both new tools included at no extra charge initially.

#### Pricing and Availability

The **Airtime Camera** will be free until **August 1**, after which it will be available for a **one-time fee of $20**. The **Airtime Creator** tool comes with a **$10 monthly subscription**, complete with a free trial.

Airtime is backed by notable investors including **Sequoia Capital** and **SoftBank Vision Fund**, having previously raised **$100 million** to fuel its growth. 

Start transforming your online meetings with Airtime and experience the difference in engagement and professionalism!

Evernote founder Phil Libin is ready to liven up your video meetings. The entrepreneur's video startup, mmhmm, launched in 2020 amid the pandemic, on

Transform Your Video Meetings with Airtime: The New Era from Evernote's Founder

### Flex Acquires Maza for $40 Million

**Flex**, a startup specializing in personal finance software for business owners, has made a significant move by acquiring **Maza**, a finance app tailored for Spanish speakers in the U.S., for **$40 million**. This acquisition reflects the growing trend of **mergers and acquisitions** in the fintech sector.

### The Intersection of Missions

At first glance, the union of Flex and Maza may seem unusual. Flex provides a comprehensive app for business owners to manage their finances, while Maza initially focused on helping Spanish-speaking consumers with services like opening bank accounts and obtaining debit cards. However, Maza discovered that many of its users were actually small business owners, prompting a shift towards **business software** for its clientele.

Maza reported an impressive **290% year-over-year revenue growth** in 2024 and reached a customer base of **250,000**.

### A Strategic Union

Flex recognized the potential in Maza's user base, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance its service offerings. Zaid Rahman, Flex's CEO, noted that both companies were targeting the same user demographic—**business owners with consumer needs**. This realization led to the decision to merge rather than develop competing products.

Maza will now be rebranded as **Flex Consumer**, with its founders taking on executive roles within the newly formed entity. Both companies aim to accelerate their **shared roadmap** by combining resources.

### Funding and Growth

Maza's pivot towards serving small businesses was supported by a **$15 million Series A funding** round in 2024, led by Wellington and including participation from notable investors like **Andreessen Horowitz**. Since its inception in 2022, Maza has raised a total of **$24 million**, while Flex has secured **$45 million** and a significant credit facility.

### The Fintech Landscape

The fintech sector has witnessed a surge in M&A activity, with **191 global transactions** in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone. This trend highlights the increasing consolidation within the industry, as seen with other recent acquisitions such as Pipe's purchase of Glean.ai.

**Mary Ann Azevedo**, a seasoned business reporter, covers this evolving landscape, shedding light on the implications of such strategic moves in the fintech space.

Flex, a startup that offers personal finance software for business owners, has acquired Maza, a finance app aimed at Spanish speakers in the U.S., for $40

Flex's $40M Acquisition of Maza: A Game Changer in Fintech M&A

### Founders, Your Moment is Now: Apply for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200

Founders, the **battlefield** is open! The **Startup Battlefield 200** at **TechCrunch Disrupt 2025** is now accepting applications for startups to compete in the ultimate pitch showdown in front of over **10,000 tech leaders** from around the globe.

![TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Startup-Battlefield-200-contestant_Disrupt-2024.jpg?w=1024)
*Image Credits: Kimberly White / Getty Images*

This is **no ordinary pitch**; it's a fight for **visibility, capital, and legacy**. If your startup has the fire, now is the time to step into the spotlight. [**Apply now**](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/startup-battlefield/?promo=post_sb200applications_04242025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=sb200applications&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc).

### Enter the Arena: Submit Your Application
Thousands will apply, **200 will be chosen**, and **20 will pitch onstage**. Only **one** will claim the **crown** and win a **$100,000 equity-free prize**.

Want to rise above the noise? Move fast. [**Apply early**](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/startup-battlefield/?promo=post_sb200applications_04242025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=sb200applications&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc).

### Startup Battlefield Benefits Include:
- Free **3-day exhibit space** at Disrupt
- **4 complimentary tickets**
- Placement in the **Disrupt app**
- **Press list access**
- Quality **leads**
- Access to **investor-led masterclasses**
- A shot to pitch on the **biggest global stage** in tech
- And more — [**get the details here**](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/startup-battlefield/?promo=post_sb200applications_04242025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=sb200applications&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc).

This is the launchpad for legends: **Trello, Mint, Getaround, Dropbox, Discord**, and thousands more began their battles here.

### What It Takes to Join the Battle
We’re scouting **pre-Series A startups** with MVPs and massive potential. Bootstrapped or backed, if your startup is bold, you’re in the fight. Some capital-intensive **Series A** companies may also qualify.

### Make Your First Move
Gear up for the **startup battle of the year**. Applications close **June 9**. Step up. Stand out. [**Apply today**](https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/startup-battlefield/?promo=post_sb200applications_04242025&utm_campaign=disrupt2025&utm_content=sb200applications&utm_medium=post&utm_source=tc).

Apply your startup to enter the Startup Battlefield 200 pitch competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in October 27-29 in San Francisco. Deadline is June 9.

Seize the Opportunity: Join the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025!

### Cafu: The Fuel Delivery Innovator in Dubai

**Cafu**, a pioneering **fuel delivery service** based in Dubai, is venturing into uncharted territory as it seeks to raise funds through its **first-ever stake sale**. Founded in **2018** by a member of a prominent Emirati merchant family, Cafu has made a name for itself with its **blue-green trucks** that deliver fuel directly to customers at competitive prices, matching those at traditional petrol stations.

### Exploring New Avenues

Currently, Cafu is collaborating with **Lazard Ltd.** to facilitate this stake sale, although discussions are still in their early stages with no definitive outcomes yet. Both Cafu and Lazard have opted not to provide comments on the matter.

### Expanding Its Offerings

Apart from fuel delivery, Cafu has diversified its services to include **mobile car washes**, **battery replacements**, and **electric vehicle recharging**. The company also caters to the marine sector by offering fuel delivery for boats at select marinas in Dubai. Notably, Cafu has extended its operations beyond the UAE, reaching markets in **Canada**.

### Business Model Evolution

In a significant shift, Cafu recently announced a new fee structure for its fuel deliveries, which it describes as a necessary adjustment to maintain service quality. 

### Ownership and Financial Insights

The company is owned by the family of founder **Rashid Al Ghurair**, but details regarding its financial status remain scarce. Al Ghurair is also known for a conglomerate that spans various sectors, including **food**, **resources**, and **construction**.

### Challenges Ahead

A Cafu executive previously indicated that **financing** remains a significant challenge, especially given the company's cautious approach to equity fundraising. For Lazard, securing this mandate would represent a strategic move into the Middle Eastern market, which has seen competition from established firms like **Rothschild & Co.** and **Moelis & Co.**.

Dubai-based Cafu, a fuel-delivery service, is looking to raise funds by selling a stake in the business for the first time, according to people familiar with the matter.

Cafu's Game-Changer: Dubai's Fuel Delivery Startup Eyes First Stake Sale!

### The Bold Claims of Infinite Reality

**Florida-based** Infinite Reality has made headlines by claiming to have raised **over $3 billion** from a mysterious unnamed investor, positioning itself as a major player in the tech industry. However, the reality behind these claims appears to be much more complex.

In **February**, CEO **John Acunto** delivered a dramatic speech, asserting that the company was on its way to becoming a **$50 to $100 billion** giant. Yet, this ambition is overshadowed by ongoing **lawsuits** from creditors and a **federal investigation** by the SEC concerning compliance issues.

### Questionable Financials

The company’s valuation has skyrocketed to **$15.5 billion**, based on its latest acquisitions and reported revenues. However, with only **$75 million** in revenue expected for 2024, this valuation raises eyebrows, as it translates to a staggering **200 times its revenue**—far exceeding even the hottest AI startups.

![John Acunto, CEO of Infinite Reality](https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/68098f7050c1fc33127cfe4d/Headshot-of-Infinite-Reality-cofounder-and-CEO-John-Acunto/0x0.jpg?height=1059&width=711&fit=bounds)
*"Getting to where we are now is something I would probably never do again," says John Acunto.*

### The Investor Mystery

The **$3 billion investment** is touted as one of the largest of the year but has only been linked to one anonymous investor. This lack of transparency has led to skepticism within the industry, with many insiders claiming they had never heard of Infinite Reality prior to this announcement.

### A History of Controversy

Acunto himself has a controversial background, with a history of lawsuits and **unpaid bills** spanning over two decades. His claims of academic credentials have also been called into question, as neither the University of Florida nor Harvard can verify his degrees.

### The Acquisition Strategy

Infinite Reality has been aggressively acquiring various startups, including the **Drone Racing League** and others, but most of its revenue stems from these acquisitions rather than organic growth. The company’s strategy raises concerns about its **financial sustainability** and operational viability.

### Ongoing Legal Troubles

Infinite Reality is currently facing multiple lawsuits related to **nonpayment**, with claims totaling millions. The company’s cash flow issues have been acknowledged by its representatives, yet they assert that these challenges are typical for startups.

### The Future of Infinite Reality

While the recent funding rounds may seem promising, the overall narrative surrounding Infinite Reality is clouded by uncertainty and skepticism. As the SEC continues its investigation, the legitimacy of the company’s claims remains in question. 

**Infinite Reality is not just a startup; it's a case study in the complexities of modern funding and valuation in the tech world.**

This tech outfit says it raised more than $3 billion from one unnamed investor in one of the biggest funding rounds of the year. Not all is as it seems.        

Is Infinite Reality's $15 Billion Valuation a Mirage? Unpacking the $3 Billion Mystery Investment

### Reshoring Critical Industries
Geopolitical pressures are driving a significant demand to **reshore**—rebuilding critical industry infrastructure and bringing back businesses that had relocated to cheaper countries. This shift, however, presents challenges, especially in **precision manufacturing**, as many Western nations are not equipped to meet current production demands.

### Isembard's Innovative Solution
**Isembard**, a British startup, aims to tackle these challenges by establishing a network of factories across various Western locations. According to CEO **Alexander Fitzgerald**, their first factory began operations in London in January, already capable of responding to requests for **high-precision parts**. The company targets businesses that typically rely on manufacturers to produce key components on their behalf.

### Streamlined Production Process
Fitzgerald explains their process: “If you're creating an **uncrewed aerial system**, like a drone, you send us a design in a 3D file. We provide a quote and then manufacture the part from the required material, sometimes even handling final assembly.” Isembard strives for **economies of scale** with a proprietary software layer, **MasonOS**, that connects and powers its facilities.

### Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
This model is not fundamentally different from outsourcing to factories in Asia; however, it aligns with the rising demand for **local**, **resilient**, and **greener** supply chains. Fitzgerald notes that British legacy suppliers may struggle to keep up with this reshoring trend due to fragmented supply chains and outdated factories.

### Funding and Market Strategy
Isembard recently secured a **£7 million seed round** (approximately **$9 million**) led by **Notion Capital**, with participation from various investors. Their go-to-market strategy primarily focuses on **aerospace**, **defense**, and **energy** sectors, with initial traction observed from defense and fast-growing startups.

### A Distributed Factory Model
With just **12 employees**, Isembard has chosen a less capital-intensive route compared to U.S.-based automation startups. Fitzgerald emphasizes the advantages of a **distributed factory model** over large, centralized factories, leveraging smaller units with a unified operating model and technology.

### The Role of MasonOS
MasonOS powers Isembard’s operations, handling everything from quoting and estimating to supply chain management and core manufacturing processes. Fitzgerald criticizes current industry practices as outdated, often relying on paper-based systems or software developed decades ago.

### A Nod to Engineering Heritage
The company’s name honors **Isambard Kingdom Brunel**, a key figure in the Industrial Revolution, reflecting its engineering-focused ethos. Isembard aims to solve industrialization challenges not only in the U.K. but also potentially in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, embodying a spirit of **patriotism** and innovation to help revitalize the West’s industrial landscape.

Geopolitical pressures are accelerating a demand in many countries and regions to reshore -- that is, to redevelop critical industry infrastructure, and

Isembard Secures $9M to Revolutionize Local Manufacturing Amid Geopolitical Shifts

### The Rise of Black Forest Labs

At the Swiss conference Start Summit in March, **Robin Rombach**, cofounder of **Black Forest Labs**, found himself at the center of attention, showcasing a startup that is rapidly becoming one of **Europe's most-discussed AI companies**. Emerging from stealth in **August 2024**, the company has already set new standards in **AI-powered image generation** with its suite of text-to-image models.

In its debut month, Black Forest Labs raised a staggering **$31 million seed round** from prominent US venture capitalists, including **General Catalyst** and **Andreessen Horowitz**, and even struck a deal with **Elon Musk**. Despite the excitement, the company remains **low-profile**, avoiding excessive publicity.

### Rombach's Journey

Rombach, a physicist with a PhD in computer science, is recognized as a pioneer in **text-to-image models**. His journey began in a resource-limited lab, striving to compete against giants like **Google** and **Nvidia**. This ambition led to the development of **latent generative models**, which efficiently compress image details.

### The Stability AI Exodus

After moving to the **Ludwig Maximilian University** in Munich and later taking a leadership role at **Stability AI**, Rombach contributed to the launch of **Stable Diffusion**. However, following a tumultuous year at Stability, marked by leadership changes and operational issues, Rombach left, joining forces with former colleagues to establish Black Forest Labs.

### A Growing Team and Ambitious Goals

Black Forest Labs, based in **Freiburg**, Germany, now boasts a team of **30 employees**, many of whom are former Stability staff. The company is actively hiring and aims to expand its operations internationally, including plans for an office in **San Francisco**.

### Innovative Offerings and Partnerships

The startup has released several versions of its AI models, with two being open-sourced. Its **Flux models** have gained significant traction, accounting for nearly **40% of messages** sent to AI models since January 2024. Black Forest Labs has also partnered with **xAI** to power Musk's **Grok** chatbot, though this partnership has faced scrutiny.

### Looking Ahead

With plans to venture into **text-to-video** technology and expectations of a **$200 million funding round**, Black Forest Labs is on track to achieve unicorn status within its first year. The competition in the AI space remains fierce, but this startup is poised to lead with its innovative approaches and strategic partnerships.

![Rombach presents latent space models](https://images.sifted.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/23133021/maxresdefault.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=3840)

### Key Takeaways
- **Black Forest Labs** is rapidly gaining recognition in AI, especially in **image generation**.
- Co-founder **Robin Rombach** is a key figure in the development of **text-to-image models**.
- The company raised **$31 million** in seed funding and has plans for significant growth.
- **Flux models** from Black Forest Labs are topping download charts and gaining popularity.
- Future plans include expanding to **San Francisco** and developing **text-to-video** models.

Black Forest Labs emerged from stealth last summer and is fast becoming one of Europe’s most-talked-about AI companies.

How SplxAI Secured $7 Million to Safeguard AI: Inside Their Pitch Deck

Summary:

The Vision Behind SplxAI

Funding Success

Key Features of the Pitch Deck

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