## **Hydrolix's Major Investment**  
Portland tech startup **Hydrolix** has announced a significant milestone, raising **$80 million** in fresh investment. This funding is crucial for the data management company as it aims to bolster its workforce and expand its reach across various online platforms.  
  
![Hydrolix](https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/v2/YI3KWUFBRBEU5BLPEQJLCPV4CI.jpg?auth=7323e3fabda78665dc39c4af04bcb1860963901e5e9a16310e555cfea695ea71&width=500&quality=90)  
*Hydrolix aims to make cloud computing more efficient.*  
  
## **Innovative Solutions for Data Management**  
Headquartered in the **Kiln coworking space** in Southeast Portland, Hydrolix specializes in helping companies manage vast amounts of online data. The company's technology is designed to **reduce costs** associated with accessing and searching digital information stored in data centers.  
  
With this substantial investment, Hydrolix is poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry, focusing on innovation and efficiency in data management.

Hydrolix said its technology helped manage the video stream of this year’s Super Bowl.

Hydrolix Secures $80 Million to Transform Data Management in Portland!

**The Emergence of Fintech in Mexico**  
Gerry Giacomán Colyer, with experience in start-ups and consultancy, identified a pressing issue: **controlling company spending** was a significant challenge. Along with his partner, Diego Iván García, they noticed that companies struggled with paperwork and outdated IT systems, especially across **Latin America’s borders**.  
  
**Seizing Opportunity**  
Recognizing a broader need beyond just high-growth start-ups, Giacomán Colyer states, “With the proper technology, we can achieve agility without sacrificing control.” The fintech landscape in Latin America is rapidly evolving, with **Brazil leading the way** in regulatory success, inspiring other nations like **Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina**.  
  
**Clara's Growth Journey**  
Their venture, **Clara**, which provides corporate credit cards and transaction monitoring software, experienced remarkable growth. From just 26 employees and $102,000 in revenue in its first year, Clara surged to **$28.3 million in revenue** and 340 employees by 2023, ranking as the second fastest-growing company in the Americas. Clara also became the **ninth Mexican unicorn**, joining other notable companies like Plata and Stori.  
  
![Paying with a Clara card](https://www.ft.com/__origami/service/image/v2/images/raw/https%3A%2F%2Fd1e00ek4ebabms.cloudfront.net%2Fproduction%2F1aa0bf84-e2e6-4d26-bc57-b4affe4f63b8.jpg?source=next-article&fit=scale-down&quality=highest&width=700&dpr=1)  
*Paying with a Clara card © Clara*  
  
**Regulatory Hurdles**  
Despite the promising growth, the **regulatory environment** remains a challenge. A law from 2018 aimed at supporting fintech has not adapted to the rapidly changing landscape, leaving regulators struggling to keep pace. Alvaro Vértiz from DGA Group notes, “They’re trying to manage a car that is at full speed.”  
  
**Financial Inclusion Issues**  
Many Mexicans still lack bank accounts, with over one-third of the population unbanked. Historical distrust towards banks, coupled with a significant informal economy, complicates the situation. Founders from **Plata** aim to enhance financial inclusion, believing in the potential of fintechs to shift the reliance on cash to digital solutions.  
  
**The Call for Legislative Updates**  
As the fintech sector evolves, there's a strong push for Mexico to update its 2018 legislation to foster a more flexible environment. Giacomán Colyer emphasizes the need for ongoing adaptation in the market, stating, “The evolution is happening. It’s a question of how much faster can it happen?”

The much-hyped sector has produced a stream of $1bn companies but regulation has failed to keep up with growth

Unveiling Mexico's Fintech Revolution: The Rise of Unicorns and Regulatory Challenges

### Major Funding for Manus AI
The **Chinese startup** behind **Manus AI** has successfully secured a **$75 million** funding round led by the **US venture firm Benchmark**. This significant investment has quintupled Manus AI's valuation to nearly **$500 million**. The company, known as **Butterfly Effect**, plans to use this capital to expand its services into **new markets** including the **US**, **Japan**, and the **Middle East**.

### Innovative AI Solutions
In March, Manus AI showcased a **general AI agent** capable of performing various tasks such as **screening resumes**, **creating travel itineraries**, and **analyzing stocks** based on simple commands. Notably, they claimed that their service outperformed **OpenAI's Deep Research** in several areas. This has attracted attention as numerous companies, including **ByteDance** and **Baidu**, are now developing their own competing AI platforms.

### Autonomous Technology
Manus co-founder and chief scientist **Ji Yichao** asserts that their product is **“truly autonomous.”** A viral video demonstration has generated significant interest, similar to the buzz created by **DeepSeek**, another Chinese startup that made headlines with its innovative yet affordable AI model. However, initial user feedback has been mixed, with some praising it as **groundbreaking**, while others feel it’s still **half-finished**.

### Competitive Pricing
To attract users, Manus has introduced a **subscription model** priced at **$39 per month**, with a premium option at **$199**. This pricing strategy aligns with offerings from **OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro**, but is viewed as aggressive given that the service is still in its **testing phase**.

### Previous Investments
Before this funding round, Manus AI raised over **$10 million** from various investors, including **Tencent Holdings Ltd.** and notable venture capital firms like **ZhenFund** and **HSG**, previously known as **Sequoia China**.

The Chinese startup behind Manus AI secured a round of financing led by US venture firm Benchmark, scoring capital to explore the use of artificial intelligence agents to replace everyday tasks.

Manus AI: The $500 Million Startup Revolutionizing Everyday Tasks with AI Technology

### 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

### Adam Neumann’s Flow Secures Major Funding

Former WeWork CEO **Adam Neumann** has successfully raised **over $100 million** for his proptech startup, **Flow**, boosting its valuation to approximately **$2.5 billion**. This significant funding round was reported by Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources familiar with the deal. Notably, existing investor **Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)** participated in this financing round.

### Future IPO Aspirations

In an interview, Neumann expressed confidence that **Flow** could potentially go public in the future, stating he was “sure” of the company’s prospects.

### Growth and Previous Funding

Flow, which specializes in **residential real estate** focused on rentals and co-living, had previously raised **$350 million from a16z** at a valuation of **$1 billion** back in 2022. This trajectory of growth has raised eyebrows, especially considering Neumann’s controversial history with WeWork, which once boasted a valuation of **$47 billion** before filing for **bankruptcy protection** in 2023. WeWork was ultimately acquired for **$450 million** by Yardi, a real estate group.

### Awaiting Comments

TechCrunch has reached out to both **Andreessen Horowitz** and **Flow** for further comments on this recent funding round.

Former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann has raised over $100 million in capital for his proptech startup, Flow, in a round that values that company at about $2.5

Adam Neumann's Flow Surges: $100M Raised, Valuation Doubles to $2.5B! What’s Next?

### 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!

### Overview of Revolut's Performance
**Revolut**, the **$45 billion** neobanking startup from the U.K., has reported a staggering **net profit of $1 billion (£790 million)** in 2024. This impressive figure comes as the company's customer base surged by **38%**, reaching **52.5 million** users. According to their [annual report](https://www.revolut.com/news/record_growth_and_diverse_product_offering_drive_revolut_to_1_4bn_profit_in_2024/), revenues also saw a remarkable **72% increase**, totaling **$4 billion (£3.1 billion)**.

### Strong Growth and Achievements
2024 marks the **fourth consecutive year** of profitability for Revolut. The net profit for this year more than **doubled** compared to **2023**, when it earned **$428 million**. Notably, the company has secured a **banking license** in the U.K., its largest market, which has contributed to its soaring valuation. Additionally, Revolut launched a new **crypto exchange**, [Revolut X](https://www.revolut.com/news/revolut_launches_revolut_x_a_stand_alone_crypto_trading_platform_for_experienced_traders/), which is expected to expand across multiple jurisdictions.

### Wealth Growth and Future Plans
Revolut's **Wealth group** has also shown tremendous growth, with revenues increasing by **298%** to **$647 million**. CEO and co-founder **Nik Storonsky** stated, "2024 was a landmark year for Revolut," emphasizing the deep engagement of new users with the company's services.

Looking ahead, Revolut aims to **launch banks in the U.K. and Mexico** and plans to **double its customer base to 100 million** by 2025. Despite facing challenges in the U.S. market, the company is optimistic about capitalizing on the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

### Funding and IPO Speculations
Reports suggest Revolut may be considering another share sale at a **$60 billion valuation**. However, the company remains non-committal regarding an **IPO**, focusing instead on executing its growth strategy and innovating for customers.

Revolut, the $45 billion neobanking startup founded in the U.K., may have put its IPO plans on ice, but its balance sheet is looking pretty hot. The

Hydrolix Secures $80 Million to Transform Data Management in Portland!

Summary:

Hydrolix's Major Investment

Innovative Solutions for Data Management

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Other Latest News

Unveiling Mexico's Fintech Revolution: The Rise of Unicorns and Regulatory Challenges

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Adam Neumann's Flow Surges: $100M Raised, Valuation Doubles to $2.5B! What’s Next?

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Adam Neumann's Flow Surges: $100M Raised, Valuation Doubles to $2.5B! What’s Next?

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Revolut's Remarkable Rise: $1 Billion Profit and 38% Customer Growth in 2024!