### In Brief

Posted: 12:58 PM PDT · April 10, 2025

![Mira Murati](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1258711804.jpg?w=1024)
*Image Credits: Getty Images*

**Thinking Machines Lab**, the new AI startup founded by ex-OpenAI CTO **Mira Murati**, is reportedly attempting to close one of the largest seed funding rounds in history, aiming for a staggering **$2 billion**. According to **Business Insider**, this ambitious funding round, if successful, would value the company at **“at least” $10 billion**.

Despite being a new entrant that has recently emerged from stealth mode, Thinking Machines Lab currently lacks a product or revenue. However, what it does possess is a team of **high-profile AI researchers** that is likely attracting investor interest. 

Notably, **Bob McGrew**, former chief research officer at OpenAI, and **Alec Radford**, a key researcher behind many of OpenAI's transformative innovations, have recently joined the startup as advisers. 

Thinking Machines Lab aims to create AI systems that are **“more widely understood, customizable, and generally capable”** than existing technologies, positioning itself as a formidable player in the AI landscape.

Thinking Machines Lab, the new AI startup from ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, is reportedly attempting to close one of the largest seed rounds in history.

Mira Murati's Ambitious AI Startup Eyes a Groundbreaking $2 Billion Seed Round

### 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.

Unveiling Black Forest Labs: The AI Startup Set to Revolutionize Image Generation

### Transforming Teaching with AI
Kira Learning, co-founded by **AI pioneer Andrew Ng**, has unveiled a groundbreaking set of **AI agents** designed to help teachers **personalize their teaching approaches**. These innovative tools aim to enhance the educational experience by providing tailored support to both teachers and students.

![AI researcher Andrew Ng chairs Kira Learning.](https://i.insider.com/68095c2bc6ad288d147efb34?width=700)

### The Vision Behind Kira Learning
Andrew Ng believes that **artificial intelligence** holds the key to revolutionizing education. By integrating AI into the classroom, Kira Learning seeks to create a more **adaptive learning environment** where every student can thrive. The AI agents are designed to analyze individual student needs and assist teachers in crafting personalized lesson plans.

### Key Features of Kira Learning's AI Agents
- **Personalized Learning**: The AI agents assess student performance and adapt learning materials accordingly.
- **Teacher Support**: They provide real-time insights that help educators make informed decisions about their teaching strategies.
- **Scalability**: The technology can be implemented in various educational settings, making it accessible to a wide range of institutions.

Kira Learning's approach signifies a **major shift** in the educational landscape, leveraging AI to enhance **student engagement** and **learning outcomes**.

Kira Learning unveiled a new set of AI agents that will help teachers personalize their approach. 

Revolutionizing Education: Andrew Ng's AI Agents at Kira Learning

Last year was monumental for the **AI industry** in the U.S. and beyond, with **49 startups** raising funding rounds worth **$100 million** or more in 2024. Companies like **OpenAI** and **Nexthop AI** have already set the stage for 2025, continuing the momentum with impressive funding rounds.

## April

- **SandboxAQ** closed a **$450 million Series E round** valued at **$5.7 billion**, attracting investors like **Nvidia** and **Google**.
- **Runway**, known for its AI media production models, raised **$308 million** in a Series D round, pushing its valuation to **$3 billion**. 

## March

- **OpenAI** raised a staggering **$40 billion**, valuing the company at **$300 billion**—the round was led by **SoftBank**.
- **Nexthop AI** secured **$110 million** in a Series A round, with backing from **Lightspeed Venture Partners**.
- **Insilico Medicine** raised **$110 million** for its AI-driven drug discovery platform, reaching a valuation of **$1 billion**.
- **Celestial AI** raised **$250 million**, valued at **$2.5 billion**, to innovate AI infrastructure.
- **Reflection.Ai** raised **$130 million** for its superintelligent systems, now valued at **$580 million**.
- **Turing** closed a **$111 million** Series E round, pushing its valuation to **$2.2 billion**.
- **Shield AI** raised **$240 million**, valued at **$5.3 billion**, focusing on AI defense tech.
- **Anthropic** raised **$3.5 billion**, reaching a valuation of **$61.5 billion**.

## February

- **Together AI** raised **$305 million**, reaching a valuation of **$3.3 billion**.
- **Lambda** raised **$480 million**, valuing the startup at nearly **$2.5 billion**.
- **Abridge** secured **$250 million** for its patient-clinician transcription platform, valued at **$2.75 billion**.
- **Eudia** raised **$105 million** in a Series A round for its AI legal tech innovation.
- **EnCharge AI** raised **$100 million** to accelerate AI using analog chips.
- **Harvey** raised **$300 million**, valuing the company at **$3 billion**.

## January

- **ElevenLabs** raised **$180 million**, reaching a valuation of **$3.3 billion**.
- **Hippocratic AI** raised **$141 million**, valuing the company at over **$1.6 billion**.

*This piece was updated on April 23 to include more deals.*

U.S.-based AI startups continue to rake in venture funding with multiple companies already raising impressive rounds in 2025.

Discover the 19 US AI Startups Making Waves with $100M+ Funding in 2025!

### Chainguard's Unique Remote Work Strategy

![Chainguard's Nashville Retreat](https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nashville-Summit-team-photo_Feb-2025-630x421.jpg)
*Chainguard hosts two company-wide retreats per year, including this one in Nashville. (Chainguard Photo)*

Chainguard has **more than 350 employees** and recently **raised $356 million** at a staggering **$3.5 billion valuation**, all without a single physical office. This **cybersecurity startup** is setting a new standard for scaling without the traditional need for office space.

CEO and co-founder **Dan Lorenc** emphasizes the practicality of a fully remote model, especially in accessing a wider talent pool. “We can hire people wherever they are,” he states, highlighting the importance of niche knowledge in various programming languages and ecosystems.

### The Benefits of a Remote Workforce

A recent report indicates that only **5% of U.S. companies** operate fully remote, making Chainguard an outlier. The flexibility allows the company to attract top talent from around the globe, similar to other flexible work advocates like **Zillow Group**.

Chainguard supports its remote employees with a **monthly stipend** for coworking spaces and provides **$1,750** for home office setups.

### Building Company Culture

Despite the challenges of maintaining culture in a rapidly growing remote team, Chainguard organizes **biannual destination summits** for team bonding and collaboration. These gatherings offer opportunities to hear from leadership, investors, and customers. Lorenc also hosts weekly “**ask me anything**” sessions focused on core company values, fostering a strong sense of community.

### Communication and Structure

Effective communication is crucial for remote work success. According to Lorenc, while structure in meetings is necessary, it’s equally important to avoid excessive meetings that could hinder productivity. 

Other startups like **Statsig** have adopted different models, opting for a **five-days-per-week in-office policy**. This highlights the diverse strategies in the tech industry, proving that success can come from various approaches.

Related Articles:
- [Cybersecurity startup Chainguard lands $356M at $3.5B valuation, up from $1.1B a year ago](https://www.geekwire.com/2025/cybersecurity-startup-chainguard-lands-356m-now-valued-at-3-5b/)
- [Remote, hybrid, or fully in-office? Tech companies find their footing with different approaches](https://www.geekwire.com/2024/remote-hybrid-or-fully-in-office-tech-companies-find-their-footing-with-different-approaches/)

Chainguard hosts two company-wide retreats per year, including this one in Nashville. (Chainguard Photo) Chainguard has more than 350 employees, just

How Chainguard Built a $3.5B Cybersecurity Powerhouse Without an Office

## Small Business Administration Reports Growth in Manufacturing Loans

Small businesses are experiencing a **remarkable increase** in approvals for **manufacturing loans** this year, as highlighted by data from the **U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)**. This surge is a significant indicator of the **revitalization of American manufacturing**.

### Key SBA Programs

The SBA's flagship program, the **7(a) business loan**, provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to:
- Buy real estate
- Purchase machinery
- Obtain furniture and supplies  
It guarantees up to **85% of loans** of $150,000 or less, and **75% for loans** above that amount.

### Impressive Growth Statistics

Recent data reveals that **74% more business owners** were approved for **7(a) manufacturing loans** during the first 90 days of President **Donald Trump’s administration** compared to the same period under **President Joe Biden** in 2021. From **January 20 to April 17**, the SBA has approved over **1,120 7(a) manufacturing loans**, totaling **$677 million**—a significant increase from fewer than **650 loans** amounting to **$497 million** in 2021.

### Insights from SBA Administrator

SBA Administrator **Kelly Loeffler** stated, "**Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging** — a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back."

### Made in America Manufacturing Initiative

The SBA recently launched its **Made in America Manufacturing Initiative**, aiming to cut **$100 billion worth of regulations** for manufacturers and create a skilled workforce for manufacturing jobs. 

### Supporting Policies

To support this initiative, Trump is advocating for **tax cuts**, **deregulation**, and trade policies, including **tariffs** of up to **145% on imports from China** and a blanket **10% tariff** for other countries until July. As of now, Trump has indicated he might consider **lowering tariffs** on China.

### Small Business Impact

According to the SBA's **Office of Advocacy**, about **98% of American manufacturers** are classified as small businesses, employing **4.8 million U.S. workers**. The SBA also provides additional financing options, including **504 loans** up to **$5.5 million** and **microloans** up to **$50,000**.

Small businesses are getting approved for manufacturing loans in greater numbers this year, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Surge in Small Business Loans: SBA Reports Record Growth in Manufacturing Approvals

### Chainguard Secures Major Investment

Chainguard, a rising star in the **cybersecurity** sector, has successfully raised **$356 million** in a Series D funding round, elevating its valuation from **$1.1 billion** to an impressive **$3.5 billion**. This round was co-led by **Kleiner Perkins** and existing investor **IVP**.

![Chainguard Founders](https://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-8.20.13%E2%80%AFAM-630x629.png)
*Chainguard founders, from top left, clockwise: CEO Dan Lorenc, CPO Kim Lewandowski, CTO Matt Moore, and distinguished engineer Ville Aikas. (Chainguard Photos)*

Founded in **2021**, Chainguard is dedicated to securing the **software supply chain**, a crucial aspect of modern software production. The company assists organizations in safeguarding their **open source software** and provides tools for managing **container images**, essential components of cloud-based applications. With over **150 customers** including notable names like **ANZ Bank**, **Canva**, **GitLab**, and **Hewlett Packard Enterprise**, Chainguard is making waves in the industry.

### Rapid Growth and Future Plans

Chainguard reported a **7X increase** in annual recurring revenue, reaching **$40 million** in fiscal year **2025**, with ambitions to surpass **$100 million** in ARR by fiscal year **2026**. CEO **Dan Lorenc** emphasized the security challenges posed by open source software, stating, "**Open source is everywhere**, and the security problems with it present enough risk that people can’t ignore it."

Despite being headquartered in **Kirkland, Washington**, Chainguard operates entirely **remotely**, employing over **350 staff**. Lorenc, alongside co-founders **Ville Aikas**, **Matt Moore**, and **Kim Lewandowski**, aims to redefine the standards of open source software security.

In a recent **LinkedIn** post, Lorenc expressed that the new funding will expedite their mission to be the **trusted source for open source**, acknowledging that traditional methods of managing open source software are no longer viable.

### Investors and Support

The Series D round also saw participation from **Salesforce Ventures** and **Datadog Ventures**, alongside returning investors such as **Sequoia**, **Spark**, **Amplify**, **Redpoint**, **Lightspeed**, **Mantis**, and **Kerrest & Co**.

Chainguard founders, from top left, clockwise: CEO Dan Lorenc, CPO Kim Lewandowski, CTO Matt Moore, and distinguished engineer Ville Aikas. (Chainguard

Mira Murati's Ambitious AI Startup Eyes a Groundbreaking $2 Billion Seed Round

Summary:

In Brief

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