### Vapi's Ambitious Vision
Vapi is pioneering an **infrastructure tool** designed for developers to create **AI voice agents**. This innovative startup has successfully raised a **$20 million Series A** funding round from **Bessemer**.

### The Future of AI Agents
Venture capitalists are predicting that **AI agents** will become a significant market by **2025**. Vapi's pitch deck, which we provide an exclusive look at, played a crucial role in securing this funding.

![Vapi employees](https://i.insider.com/67740a9f9de00e389eb3fb30?width=700)

### Exclusive Insights
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. If you're curious about the strategies that led to this successful fundraising, you can explore the details further.

### The Pitch Deck
Vapi's pitch deck showcased their **unique value proposition** and their roadmap for future development. The images below highlight key moments from their presentation:

![Slide 1](https://i.insider.com/67507874ef9a5d904789d876?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp)
![Slide 2](https://i.insider.com/67507874e45a68623a27bf32?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp)
![Slide 3](https://i.insider.com/67507879e45a68623a27bf39?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp)
![Slide 4](https://i.insider.com/67507875ef9a5d904789d878?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp)
![Slide 5](https://i.insider.com/67507876ef9a5d904789d879?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp)

And many more slides that illustrate their vision and market strategy.

Vapi, which is building an infrastructure tool for developers to create AI voice agents, just raised a $20 million Series A from Bessemer.

Inside Vapi's $20 Million Series A Fundraise: The Pitch Deck That Captivated Investors

### Keisuke Honda's Ambitious Venture

**Keisuke Honda**, the renowned retired soccer star from Japan, has successfully raised **15.3 billion yen** (approximately **$98 million**) for his startup fund as of Friday. This significant financial boost comes as Honda partners with **SBI Holding**, a prominent player in the financial sector, to seek out promising Japanese startups, particularly those that can achieve **'decacorn'** status.

![Keisuke Honda and SBI](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%2F9%2F9%2F6%2F8%2F48808699-3-eng-GB%2FCropped-173583233709de13fc-373f-4ca7-944a-2c8a313ad836.jpg?width=780&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto)
*Image source: Nikkei*

### Fund Goals and Partnerships

Honda's **X&KSK fund** was launched in **2024** with the ambitious goal of raising **15 billion yen** by the end of that year. The fund has already secured **Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.** as its anchor investor, highlighting its potential to reshape the landscape of Japanese startups.


TOKYO -- A fund established by Japanese retired soccer star Keisuke Honda has raised 15.3 billion yen ($98 million) as of Friday, as it forms a partne

Keisuke Honda's Startup Fund Hits $98 Million: A Game Changer for Japanese Startups

![Sony Ventures](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6776ea97a75c9eb2d474b909/Sony-Ventures/960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

### Key Trends in Climate Tech Investment
According to the **2024 Carbon & Emissions Tech Report** from *PitchBook*, **climate tech deals surged by 37.9% in Q1**. Notably, infrastructure, industry, and renewable battery deals have become highly sought after, with **median pre-money valuations increasing**.

However, a December **PWC report** indicates that over the past year, capital flows and transaction volumes have declined, dipping below 2019 levels. Interestingly, energy-related startups captured **nearly 35%** of climate tech funding in the first three quarters of 2024, up from **30%** in 2023.

### Corporate Investment Dynamics
Austin Noronha, **Managing Director-US of Sony Ventures**, highlights that climate tech is one of the **most attractive sectors for corporate venture capital (CVC)** investments. He notes the presence of a vibrant ecosystem of dedicated climate tech funds, particularly at the Seed and Series A stages. The collaboration with corporate backers can significantly enhance the portfolio companies' market acceleration and scaling.

### The Role of Deep Tech Funds
There is an increasing trend of **generalist deep tech funds** investing in climate tech startups due to the **large addressable market** and diversification opportunities within sectors like semiconductors and AI.

### Advancements in Large Language Models
**Large foundational models** are moving beyond digital content and into physical applications, which are particularly appealing for climate tech investments. These models can enhance **R&D cycles**, allowing for quicker iterations and cost reductions in developing new technologies, such as innovative battery chemistries and plant-based food alternatives.

### Innovations in Biomaterials
The evolution of **biomaterials** presents realistic alternatives to traditional petroleum-based options. For instance, **Cruz Foam**, a Sony Innovation Fund portfolio company, has developed a fully compostable packaging material, making significant strides in manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

### Energy Demand and Efficiency
The energy sector faces immense challenges due to aging infrastructure. Investments in **high-performance computing** and **AI technologies** are crucial for optimizing energy delivery and efficiency. Companies that develop solutions to enhance energy usage will gain a **competitive advantage**.

**Notable Sony Ventures Portfolio Companies:**
- **Flower**: A Swedish startup offering automated energy trading and optimization.
- **elleThermo**: A Japanese startup converting heat from semiconductor components into electric power.

Climate tech is one of the technology sectors that attracts the highest proportion of corporate (CVC) investments.

Unlocking the Future: How Climate Tech Investments are Shaping Our Planet's Destiny

### Rembrand Secures $23 Million in Series A Funding

Virtual product placement startup **Rembrand** has successfully raised **$23 million** in a Series A funding round. This investment aims to enhance its **generative AI** capabilities and develop innovative business models. The funding round was led by **super{set}**, with participation from **The Trade Desk**, **Naver D2SF**, and existing investors including **BOLD** (L’Oréal’s corporate venture fund) and **Greycroft**. In total, Rembrand has raised **$31 million** since its inception.

### Innovative Technology for Product Placement

Rembrand’s cutting-edge technology utilizes AI to analyze video frames from creators’ **YouTube** and **TikTok** videos, identifying optimal opportunities for product placements. Unlike traditional generative AI that relies on text or images, Rembrand’s system scans each frame, pinpointing ideal locations for products—be it on a table, shelf, or wall.

With this funding, Rembrand plans to extend its expertise beyond social media into **connected TV** and **movies**. CEO **Omar Tawakol** revealed that the startup is collaborating with a production studio focused on travel and cooking shows, although the studio's name remains undisclosed.

### Automating Product Placement

The technology automates the traditionally labor-intensive process of product placement, making it easier to identify suitable locations within each frame. Tawakol emphasized the traditional challenges, stating that getting a product into a movie often requires negotiations years in advance. Rembrand’s technology allows for **virtual placements** in post-production, enabling different products to be shown to different audiences. For example, viewers in France might see a **Perrier**, while those in New York see a **Pepsi**.

### AI Studio for Creators

Rembrand is set to launch its **AI Studio** for all creators in the upcoming quarter. This platform, which has been in beta, allows creators to seamlessly incorporate virtual products into their videos, while brands can manage creator partnerships directly. Rembrand operates on a **cost-per-impression** model for marketers, while creators are compensated based on **CPMs** (cost per thousand impressions).

Additionally, Rembrand plans to generate revenue by licensing its technology to brands, allowing them to leverage their existing relationships with creators for campaigns instead of relying solely on CPM placements. The startup also aims to introduce new tools that enable creators to interact with virtual products, extending beyond static placements in videos.

Product placements are coming to connected TV and movies.

Discover How Rembrand's $23 Million Funding is Transforming Virtual Product Placement with AI

## Apheris: Pioneers in Life Sciences Data Collaboration

Berlin-based startup **Apheris**, a leader in **federated computing technology**, has successfully closed a **€20.1 million Series A funding round**. This significant capital will enhance the startup's mission to create **secure and collaborative data networks** for the **life sciences sector**.

The funding round was spearheaded by prominent **European DeepTech investors** including **OTB Ventures** and **eCAPITAL**, alongside existing backers like **Octopus Ventures** and **Heal Capital**.

**Robin Röhm**, CEO of Apheris, expressed excitement about the new partnerships, stating, _“With their help, Apheris will unlock the potential of AI and machine learning for the life science industry by solving its critical bottleneck: access to large and diverse data.”_

## The Technology Behind Apheris
Founded in **2019**, Apheris focuses on **federated computing technology**, allowing organizations to access data securely and privately without transferring sensitive information. Their **Compute Gateway** is designed to facilitate **AI model training** while addressing regulatory and commercial sensitivities. This innovative approach has already attracted major players in the pharmaceutical industry, including **Roche** and **Johnson & Johnson**.

By promoting data collaboration while protecting **intellectual property** and **privacy**, Apheris is tapping into a market valued at over **€29 billion**. The startup addresses a pressing issue, as **97% of healthcare data** remains unused due to concerns over data sharing and trust.

## Future Developments
The new funding will empower Apheris to scale operations, support foundational AI models, and expand its network of biopharmaceutical clients. This includes hosting advanced models for **protein-complex prediction**, surpassing current state-of-the-art performance by leveraging previously inaccessible data.

Post-fundraise, Apheris aims to enhance its end-to-end functionalities around critical life sciences use cases, facilitating collaborative model training that promises significant performance improvements. The expertise of its investors, particularly in **cybersecurity**, will bolster Apheris' position as a secure solution for life sciences data networks.

**Marcin Hejka**, Co-Founder and General Partner at OTB Ventures, highlighted Apheris’ potential, stating, _“Apheris is pioneering the future of distributed data infrastructure, enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of their AI/ML workloads while keeping sensitive raw data secure.”_

**Hannes Schill**, Managing Partner at eCAPITAL, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of secure data collaboration in healthcare. Apheris aims to establish the largest **secure life sciences data network** by the end of **2025**, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of **AI-driven healthcare solutions**.

Berlin-based startup Apheris, a computing company powering data networks, has successfully closed a Series A funding round, bringing its total capital

Apheris Secures €20.1 Million to Revolutionize Life Sciences Data Collaboration

### France's AI Landscape
France is at a crossroads in its journey to becoming a **global AI powerhouse**. Despite recent **slowing momentum**, the nation possesses **exceptional technical skills** and a **growing entrepreneurial culture** that could propel it into the forefront of the AI sector.

### Technical Expertise
With a rich pool of **talented professionals** and **innovative startups**, France is well-equipped to harness the potential of AI technologies. The **government's support** for research and development further enhances its capabilities.

### Entrepreneurial Spirit
A burgeoning **entrepreneurial culture** is emerging across the country, encouraging **innovation** and **collaboration**. This environment fosters the growth of **startups** that are crucial for advancing AI solutions and applications.

### Conclusion
As France navigates its path forward, the combination of its **technical expertise** and **entrepreneurial spirit** positions it well to make significant strides in the **global AI landscape**.

Momentum has been slowing but the country boasts enviable technical skills and a burgeoning entrepreurial culture

Is France Poised to Lead the Global AI Revolution?

## The AI Funding Landscape in 2024

**Artificial intelligence** has taken the venture capital world by storm in 2024, with numerous startups securing **nine- and ten-figure funding** rounds. To make it onto this prestigious list, a company had to raise **over $1 billion** in a single funding round. Here’s a breakdown of the largest funding deals this year:

### 1. [Databricks](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/databricks), $10B
**Databricks** raised a staggering **$10 billion**, bringing its valuation to **$62 billion**. This marks the largest venture capital raise of 2024, representing a **44% increase** from its previous valuation. The funding was led by **Thrive Capital**, with other notable investors including **Andreessen Horowitz** and **GIC**. The funds will be used for developing new **AI products**, **acquisitions**, and **international expansion**.

### 2. [OpenAI](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/openai), $6.6B
In a closely watched funding round, **OpenAI** secured **$6.6 billion** at a post-money valuation of **$157 billion**. Led by **Thrive Capital**, this round included investments from **Microsoft**, **Nvidia**, and **SoftBank**, making OpenAI one of the most valuable private companies globally. The funding structure allows investors to reclaim their investment if the company doesn’t meet certain milestones.

### 3. (tied) [xAI](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/xai), $6B
**xAI**, founded by **Elon Musk**, raised **$6 billion** in May and another **$6 billion** in November, valuing the company at **$50 billion**. Investors included **Valor Equity Partners** and **Andreessen Horowitz**. The startup aims to compete directly with ChatGPT through its product, **Grok**.

### 5. [Waymo](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/waymo), $5.6B
The autonomous vehicle company **Waymo**, spun out of Google, received a **$5.6 billion** investment from **Alphabet**, raising its valuation to over **$45 billion**. This was Waymo's first funding round since 2021.

### 6. [Anthropic](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/anthropic), $4B
**Amazon** invested **$4 billion** into **Anthropic**, a competitor to ChatGPT, which utilizes **AI assistant Claude**. This brought Amazon’s total investment in Anthropic to **$8 billion**.

### 7. (tied) [Anduril Industries](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/anduril-industries), $1.5B
**Anduril Industries** matched its record for the largest defense tech round with a **$1.5 billion** Series F funding, valuing the company at **$14 billion**.

### 9. (tied) [CoreWeave](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/coreweave/), $1.1B
In May, **CoreWeave** raised **$1.1 billion**, valuing the AI cloud infrastructure startup at **$19 billion**, a significant increase from its previous valuation of **$7 billion**.

### 9. (tied) [Wayve](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/wayve-9739), $1.1B
London-based **Wayve** raised **$1.1 billion** in a funding round led by **SoftBank**, marking a notable investment for a British startup.

### Other Noteworthy Rounds
Several AI startups also raised **$1 billion** this year, including **Moonshot AI**, **Safe Superintelligence**, **Scale AI**, and **Xaira Therapeutics**.

![AI Funding Overview](https://news.crunchbase.com/wp-content/uploads/Forecast-AI.jpg)  
*Illustration: [Dom Guzman](https://www.domguzman.com/)*

Artificial intelligence dominated the venture landscape last year. That’s especially clear when you consider how many startups in the industry raised nine- or even 10-figure funding rounds in 2024.

Unveiling 2024's Biggest AI Startup Funding Deals: Who's Leading the Charge?

### Introduction
Indian insurtech **Roadzen** has joined forces with **Simple Energy**, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and a global reinsurer to deliver **extended warranties** for their electric scooters. This collaboration aims to enhance the customer experience by integrating warranty services directly into the **Simple Energy app**.

### The Partnership
The partnership enables a seamless **warranty and claims process** through the Simple Energy app. The global reinsurer involved provides the necessary **underwriting capacity** and manages the claims settlement, ensuring a smooth experience for customers.

![Roadzen’s solution is crafted to tackle the underwriting challenges associated with electric vehicles.](https://www.lifeinsuranceinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/ROADZEN-shutterstock_1520081591.jpg)
*Credit: nrqemi / Shutterstock.*

### About Simple Energy
Simple Energy is recognized for its **electric scooter** known as the **Simple One**. The company is dedicated to developing **EV components**, focusing on creating **long-lasting batteries** to enhance the driving experience compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE). Their manufacturing operations are based in **Tamil Nadu, India**.

### Roadzen's AI-Powered Solutions
As the program administrator, Roadzen utilizes an **AI-powered technology platform** to optimize the entire process from purchase to claims for Simple Energy customers. This platform efficiently handles:
- **Policy pricing and issuance**
- **Premium collection**
- **Real-time claims processing** across various currencies

### Executive Insights
Simple Energy CEO **Suhas Rajkumar** stated that this collaboration allows them to provide a **seamless, future-ready warranty solution**, enhancing customer satisfaction with integrated services at their fingertips. Roadzen CEO **Rohan Malhotra** emphasized the importance of using **AI technology** to streamline processes, offering peace of mind to customers in the rapidly evolving EV market.


Roadzen teamed up with EV company Simple Energy and a global reinsurer to offer extended warranties for electric scooters.

Inside Vapi's $20 Million Series A Fundraise: The Pitch Deck That Captivated Investors

Summary:

Vapi's Ambitious Vision

The Future of AI Agents

Exclusive Insights

The Pitch Deck

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Keisuke Honda's Startup Fund Hits $98 Million: A Game Changer for Japanese Startups

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Apheris Secures €20.1 Million to Revolutionize Life Sciences Data Collaboration

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Apheris Secures €20.1 Million to Revolutionize Life Sciences Data Collaboration

Is France Poised to Lead the Global AI Revolution?

Unveiling 2024's Biggest AI Startup Funding Deals: Who's Leading the Charge?

Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Ownership: Roadzen and Simple Energy's Game-Changing Warranty Partnership