### **In Brief**  
Posted:  
**8:06 AM PST · February 7, 2025**  
  
![Ilya Sutskever](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ilyausutskever-GettyImages.jpg?w=1024)  
**Image Credits:** JACK GUEZ/AFP / Getty Images  
  
**Safe Superintelligence**, the AI startup founded by former OpenAI chief scientist **Ilya Sutskever**, is reportedly in talks to raise funding at a valuation of **“at least” $20 billion**, according to **Reuters**.  
  
While the exact amount Safe Superintelligence aims to secure remains unclear, it could be significant. This new valuation figure represents **4x the $5 billion valuation** the company had last September.  
  
Little is known about Safe Superintelligence’s projects. The company, which includes ex-OpenAI researcher **Daniel Levy** and former Apple AI projects lead **Daniel Gross** on its founding team, has raised **$1 billion** so far. Notable existing investors comprise **Sequoia Capital**, **Andreessen Horowitz**, and **DST Global**.  
  
Sutskever is highly regarded in the AI and tech community, known for his contributions to significant AI advancements at OpenAI, including the technical foundation that facilitated the development of **ChatGPT**.

The startup founded by ex-OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever is reportedly in talks to raise funding at a valuation of "at least" $20 billion.

Ilya Sutskever's Startup Set to Soar: $20 Billion Valuation Talks Underway!

## Applications Now Open for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy

Applications are now open for a **10-week accelerator program** designed for startups that are innovating in the **energy sector**. This initiative is aimed at fostering **AI-driven solutions** that enhance grid resiliency and optimize existing energy assets.

![AI for Energy Accelerator](https://storage.googleapis.com/gweb-uniblog-publish-prod/images/SanaOuji1152-hi.max-244x184.format-webp.webp)

**Sana Ouji**  
Senior Lead, Strategic Energy Partnerships

Today, startups are leveraging **AI** to reshape the future of energy, developing products that improve grid stability and accelerate system planning. To support these visionary companies, we're excited to launch the **Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy**, with cohorts commencing this year in **North America** and **Europe**.

### Program Highlights
This **equity-free program** provides:
- **10 weeks of intensive mentorship** and technical support for startups integrating AI into their core energy products.
- Collaboration opportunities with a cohort of exceptional founders and engagement with leaders from Google and the energy sector.
- Access to **cutting-edge AI tools** and workshops covering various themes:
  - **Solutions for utilities, grid operators, and energy developers**: Technologies for optimizing grid operations and enhancing data access.
  - **Demand flexibility solutions for end-users**: Focused on advancing demand response and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
  - **Industrial energy efficiency solutions**: Innovations in battery optimization and utility tariff analysis.

You can apply for the **North America cohort** [here](https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/ai-for-energy/north-america). Stay tuned for updates on the **Europe cohort**, which will open in summer 2025. The hybrid programming for both cohorts will run from **September to November**.

Learn more about the first-ever Google for Startups Accelerator: AI for Energy.

Unlocking the Future of Energy: Join the Google for Startups Accelerator Program!

### **Mistral's Unique Position in the AI Landscape**  
In the face of **deteriorating relations between the United States and the European Union**, French startup **Mistral** is emerging as a key player in the **artificial intelligence (AI)** sector. This shift may actually **benefit** Mistral, positioning it favorably in a market dominated by American and Chinese competitors.  
![Arthur Mensch, French CEO of Mistral AI](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1280,quality=80,format=auto/content-assets/images/20250308_WBP504.jpg)  
*Photograph: Getty Images*  
### **A Growing AI Ecosystem in Europe**  
As international tensions rise, Mistral is capitalizing on the opportunity to attract talent and investment that may shy away from more politically volatile regions. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Europe’s AI landscape is becoming increasingly competitive.  
Mistral's ability to leverage its **European identity** may prove advantageous as it navigates the complexities of the AI industry.  
### **Conclusion**  
While the geopolitical climate presents challenges, it also opens doors for startups like Mistral to flourish and redefine the future of AI.

Not being American or Chinese may now be a help, not a hindrance | Business

Mistral: How Europe's Top AI Startup is Thriving Amid Global Tensions

### 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!'

### A New Beginning in Mental Health

After three impactful years at the controversial virtual mental health company **Cerebral**, **David Mou** is embarking on a new journey. He has partnered with **Tom Insel**, a former leader at the **National Institute of Mental Health**, to launch a venture aimed at reforming the mental health landscape.

### The Vision Behind the Venture

Mou and Insel, both seasoned psychiatrists, are determined to tackle the **skewed incentives** that have led many mental health companies astray. Insel expresses his **frustration** with the current state of digital mental health, emphasizing the **untapped potential** it holds for public health.

### A Call for Standards

To navigate the **“wild west”** of digital mental health, they propose the establishment of a framework akin to the **FDA’s regulations** for safety and efficacy. Their insights align with the calls from researchers and organizations like the **Peterson Health Technology Institute**, advocating for digital health services to demonstrate tangible health outcomes that justify their costs.

![STAT+](https://www.statnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/stat_plus_hero_new-2048x502.png)

After a stint at virtual mental health company Cerebral, David Mou is teaming up with Tom Insel to launch a new venture.

Ilya Sutskever's Startup Set to Soar: $20 Billion Valuation Talks Underway!

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