### Introduction
Orchid Security has made headlines by emerging from stealth mode with an impressive **$36 million seed funding** round led by **Team8** and **Intel Capital**. This significant financial backing is set to propel the startup into the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

### Funding Details
The **seed round** showcases the confidence investors have in Orchid Security's innovative approach to cybersecurity. With the backing of notable investors like **Team8** and **Intel Capital**, Orchid aims to develop groundbreaking solutions that address the evolving challenges in the cybersecurity space.

### Future Prospects
With this funding, Orchid Security plans to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach. The investment will allow the company to innovate and potentially redefine the standards in cybersecurity, making it a startup to watch in the coming years.

### Conclusion
As Orchid Security steps into the spotlight, the tech community eagerly anticipates its next moves in the cybersecurity arena. The combination of robust funding and a talented team positions them well for success.

Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.

Orchid Security Secures $36M Seed Round to Revolutionize Cybersecurity

## Taiwan's New Silicon Valley Hub
Taiwan has officially opened a new office in **Palo Alto**, a key city in **Silicon Valley**, aimed at enhancing the global visibility of Taiwanese tech startups. The initiative, known as the **'Startup Island Taiwan Silicon Valley hub'**, is located at **299 California Avenue**.

### Objectives of the Hub
The main focus of this hub is to **support startups and innovators** by providing:
- **Professional consulting**
- **Co-working spaces**
- **Community platforms**

This is the **second overseas startup hub** established by the National Development Council, following a similar launch in Tokyo last September.

![Taiwan Startup Hub Launch](https://www.taipeitimes.com/images/2025/01/15/P01-250115-602.jpg)
*National Development Council Minister Paul Liu speaks at the launch of a start-up hub in Palo Alto, California.*

### Launch Event Highlights
The launch event saw participation from Taiwanese startups, local businesses, and venture capitalists, where Minister **Paul Liu** emphasized the hub’s role in showcasing Taiwan’s **semiconductor** and **AI** strengths while connecting startups with **global opportunities**.

### Growth and Aspirations
The hub aims to nurture over **100 startups** this year and attract **2,000 talented individuals** back to Taiwan. Liu highlighted Taiwan’s significant position in the global tech landscape, noting its **90% market share** in semiconductors and **AI servers**.

Despite a **40% decline** in global startup funding last year, Taiwan’s funding rose by **10%**, reaching a record **NT$2.8 billion** (approximately **US$84.9 million**). Additionally, **Nvidia** announced plans to establish its **Asia headquarters** in Taipei, promising around **2,500 jobs**.

### Bridging Taiwan and the US
Dennis Liu, the director of the US hub, mentioned that the site aims to serve as a **bridge between Taiwan and the US**, showcasing Taiwan’s technological capabilities. **Steven Su**, CEO of Taiwanese startup **Ubestream Inc**, praised the hubs in Palo Alto and Tokyo, calling them a **great blessing** for local startups, while urging the government to offer financial support to ease the burden of high overseas rents on new ventures.

Bringing Taiwan to the World and the World to Taiwan

Taiwan Launches Dynamic Startup Hub in Silicon Valley to Empower Innovators

### The Rise and Fall of Bench Accounting

**Bench Accounting**, a Canadian startup, became notable after its co-founder **Ian Crosby** publicly detailed his ousting from the company. This article delves into the complex dynamics that led to his departure, exploring the tensions between founders and boards in the startup ecosystem.

![Bench Accounting](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffc72082b-c579-4a44-9bb3-3feedc084293_1174x752.png)

### The Context of Departure
On **December 27, 2024**, Crosby expressed his sadness over the shutdown of Bench on social media, suggesting that replacing a founder rarely results in success. His post gained significant traction, with millions viewing it and sparking conversations about founder treatment.

### Internal Struggles
Despite Crosby's public narrative, internal sources indicate that he had lost the confidence of key executives, leading to a letter requesting an investigation into his conduct. Board members were frustrated with the company's trajectory and cash burn of approximately **$1.5 million per month**, prompting discussions about leadership changes.

### Decision to Oust
In **December 2021**, the board, which included representatives from major venture capital firms, decided drastic action was needed. They met with Crosby, suggesting he could either help find a new leader or consider selling the company. Following this meeting, executives sent a letter outlining complaints against him, including accusations of bullying.

### Aftermath and Reflection
Crosby stepped down, and the board did not pursue an investigation afterward. The situation raises questions about the balance of power between founders and their boards, especially when financial performance is lacking. While Crosby's management style was criticized, the article suggests that simply replacing a founder does not guarantee success.

This nuanced story reflects the challenges faced by startups, particularly during moments of financial strain and cultural scrutiny.

I've got the story behind Ian Crosby's departure from Bench

The Untold Saga of Bench Accounting: Founder Ousted Amid Controversy and Cash Burn

## The Loneliness Epidemic and Entrepreneurial Solutions

A **growing number of startups** are addressing the **loneliness epidemic**, offering innovative solutions to foster connections. This trend has emerged as a response to a societal issue that has reached critical levels, with **founders and entrepreneurs** stepping up to create platforms that facilitate human interaction.

## Radha Agrawal's Vision

One notable figure in this movement is **Radha Agrawal**, who launched the **Belong Center**, a nonprofit aimed at combating loneliness. Agrawal believes that **belonging** is a fundamental human need, and her journey is rooted in a lifelong desire to connect. She founded various initiatives, including **Daybreaker**, a sober dance party movement, and her latest venture, **Wow It’s Now**, which combines adventure travel with social impact.

![Agrawal in Antarctica](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/45e/8c0/91cefc58acfee0f63fe35151fc131c1ba8-LONELINESS.rhorizontal.w1100.jpg)

## Innovative Approaches to Connection

Agrawal's **Belong Circles** are designed to create intimate conversations among strangers. These guided discussions aim to transform superficial interactions into meaningful connections. The success of these circles has implications for a wider audience, as they represent a shift in how we approach social engagement.

## The Role of Technology

While some startups leverage technology to connect people, others, like Agrawal’s initiatives, focus on **in-person interactions**. For example, **Timeleft**, an app developed by entrepreneur **Maxime Barbier**, pairs strangers for dinner dates, promoting organic connections through shared experiences. 

## Combatting Loneliness as a Chronic Issue

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a **chronic disease**, with various factors contributing to its rise, including technology, social media, and lifestyle changes. Companies like **Meeno** and **Peoplehood** are tackling this issue by teaching essential social skills and facilitating community gatherings.

## The Future of Community Engagement

Agrawal envisions a future where **Belong Center** can expand its reach, creating a comprehensive database for community connections and organizing events across the country. Her goal is to normalize conversations about loneliness and encourage individuals to seek out connections without the stigma.

## Conclusion

The fight against loneliness represents a significant opportunity for **startups** and innovators. By fostering environments that promote connection and understanding, these new ventures aim to create a more **connected and compassionate society**. As Agrawal puts it, “Only one in two people bleed, but every single human feels lonely.”

A bunch of new start-ups are hyping the loneliness epidemic and are, of course, happy to offer solutions.

The Loneliness Epidemic: How Startups Are Tackling Isolation and Building Connections

![Hiatt Enterprises](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736814468432.jpeg)

**StartUp Hutch**

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — **Hiatt Enterprises**, the parent company of **All Pro Plumbing, Heating & Air**, has secured a **$50,000 loan** from the **StartUp Hutch Fund**, in partnership with **Peoples Bank and Trust**, to fuel their expansion into **South Hutchinson**.

After acquiring **All Pro Plumbing, Heating & Air**, Bob and Sara Hiatt have moved the business to South Hutchinson. The funding will be used for **building acquisition and improvements**. Currently, the company employs **11 individuals** and aims to solidify its presence in the community while continuing to provide essential plumbing, heating, and air services.

> “We are thrilled to partner with the Hiatts as they continue to provide high-demand services in **Reno County** and the surrounding area,” said **Jackson Swearer**, Executive Director at StartUp Hutch. “Our mission is to support local businesses as they grow and create opportunities for future generations.”

**StartUp Hutch** serves as **Reno County’s hub** for entrepreneurship, offering resources, guidance, and connections to help local entrepreneurs launch, operate, and scale their businesses.

Entrepreneurs seeking funding and support to realize their business aspirations can turn to StartUp Hutch for guidance. For more information on funding opportunities or to access a variety of resources, contact **Mario Hawkins**, Entrepreneur Navigator at **620-665-4901** or **mario@startuphutch.com**.


                        
                        Hiatt Enterprises
                    StartUp HutchHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hiatt Enterprises, t

Hiatt Enterprises Expands with $50,000 Boost from StartUp Hutch Fund

### Qventus Raises $105 Million from KKR

Qventus, an innovative **health AI startup**, has successfully raised **$105 million** in Series D funding led by **KKR**, a prominent private equity firm. This significant investment will bolster Qventus's mission to enhance operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

![Mudit Garg, CEO and cofounder of Qventus](https://i.insider.com/678428fd8951662c9f1fcd67?width=700)
*Image: Mudit Garg, CEO and cofounder of Qventus.*

### Transforming Surgical Readiness

The funding will primarily support Qventus’s **AI operational assistant**, designed to streamline the process of preparing patients for surgery. This technology is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting times, making surgical procedures more efficient.

### Future Implications

With this latest round of funding, Qventus is poised to further innovate and expand its offerings in the healthcare sector, potentially impacting how hospitals manage operational workflows and patient care.

### About Qventus

Founded to leverage **artificial intelligence** in healthcare, Qventus aims to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by hospitals today. The company's solutions focus on enhancing decision-making processes and optimizing resource allocation in clinical environments.

Qventus grabbed Series D funding from private equity giant KKR for its AI operational assistant that gets patients ready for surgery.

Qventus Secures $105 Million in Series D Funding: A Game Changer for Health AI

A fledgling **French AI startup**, **Bioptimus**, has successfully raised **$41 million** to develop an innovative foundational AI model aimed specifically at biological applications. This initiative comes in the wake of the global fascination with tools like **OpenAI’s ChatGPT**, which excels in natural language processing. Bioptimus seeks to adapt this generative AI concept to the biological realm, tackling unique challenges associated with sensitive clinical training data that is often not publicly accessible.

### The Vision Behind Bioptimus
Bioptimus co-founder and CEO **Jean-Philippe Vert** emphasizes the importance of understanding biology through raw data, from molecules to entire organisms. This approach will empower scientists and researchers to simulate biological systems, allowing them to **predict disease outcomes** and develop more effective therapies. Vert describes their technology as akin to **ChatGPT**, but instead of generating text, it focuses on simulating biological processes.

### A Flourishing AI Ecosystem in France
France is rapidly becoming a **hotbed for AI startups**, with a significant influx of funding in the generative AI sector. Notable fundraising rounds include **Mistral AI**'s **$640 million** and **H**’s **$220 million**. Bioptimus, founded only last year, has already raised a total of **$76 million**, showcasing the current AI hype and the impressive backgrounds of its co-founders, including leaders with experience at **Amazon** and **Google**.

### Leveraging Existing Resources
Bioptimus's origins are closely tied to **Owkin**, a French unicorn focused on AI in drug discovery. Instead of creating a division within Owkin, Bioptimus was established as a separate entity to focus on foundational models. This strategic decision allows for more effective resource allocation in terms of data volume, computing power, and data diversity.

### Recent Milestones and Future Goals
The startup recently launched **H-Optimus-0**, an **open-source foundation model** for pathology, trained on millions of images to assist in disease research and diagnosis. With the new funding, Bioptimus plans to enhance its AI platform by incorporating a wider range of data sources across various therapeutic areas. The company is also preparing to unveil a new **multi-modal foundation model** that spans the entire biological spectrum, promising to unlock opportunities across multiple industries, including **medical**, **biotech**, and **cosmetics**.

### Investment and Support
The latest funding round was led by **Cathay Innovation**, with contributions from various partners such as **Sofinnova Partners** and **Bpifrance**. This financial backing will enable Bioptimus to continue its ambitious mission to revolutionize biological research and healthcare.

Fledgling French AI startup Bioptimus has raised $41 million to develop a foundational AI model for biology.

Bioptimus Secures $41M to Create the 'GPT for Biology' and Transform Healthcare

# Barcelona: The Surprising New Hotspot for Spyware Startups

Barcelona has emerged as an **unexpected hub for spyware startups**, driven by its **affordable cost of living** and appealing **quality of life**. This vibrant startup ecosystem is not only thriving in technology but also in the controversial field of **surveillance technologies**.

## A Mysterious Recruitment Experience

In late 2023, an Israeli security researcher shared a peculiar recruitment experience with **Palm Beach Networks**, a company claiming to operate in **offensive security**. The recruitment process was shrouded in **secrecy**, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the organization. Employees were reluctant to disclose their identities, and the CTO assured him that they only worked with **legitimate customers**.

## Why Barcelona?

Despite its past involvement in scandals related to spyware use by government officials, Barcelona's **similarity to Israel** in culture, **favorable tax benefits**, and **pleasant weather** have attracted several spyware firms. This influx places the **spyware issue** on Europe's doorstep, posing significant challenges to the region's relationship with surveillance technology.

## Growing Concerns

Experts warn that the rise of spyware companies in a major European city is concerning. **Natalia Krapiva**, from Access Now, noted that these businesses often correlate with **corruption and abuse of power**. In light of Spain's history with tools like **Pegasus**, it's crucial for citizens and policymakers to scrutinize these companies closely.

## The Spyware Ecosystem

Apart from Palm Beach Networks, other companies like **Paradigm Shift** and **Epsilon** are capitalizing on Barcelona's advantages. The city is home to over **500 cybersecurity firms** employing more than **10,000 people**, marking a **50% growth** in the sector over the past five years.

## The Shift of Israeli Researchers

In recent years, Israeli researchers have moved to Barcelona due to **restrictive regulations** in Israel regarding spyware exports. This trend has shifted many operations abroad, making Barcelona a new focal point for these technologies.

![View of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/barcelona-skyline.jpg?w=1280)

## A Stealthy Industry

While companies like **Palm Beach Networks** have avoided public allegations of human rights abuses, their history of changing names raises questions about their **transparency**. The recent **dissolution** of Palm Beach Networks and its ties to other entities highlight the **complexity** of the industry.

The **Israeli researcher** ultimately declined the job offer, citing concerns about the company's **lack of transparency** and the potential fallout from working in such a controversial field. 

By fostering a culture of innovation, Barcelona is balancing the delicate line between thriving startup ecosystems and the ethical implications of surveillance technology.

Barcelona's mix of affordable cost of living and quality of life has helped create a vibrant startup community — and become a hotbed for the creation of surveillance technologies.

Orchid Security Secures $36M Seed Round to Revolutionize Cybersecurity

Summary:

Introduction

Funding Details

Future Prospects

Conclusion

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Other Latest News

Taiwan Launches Dynamic Startup Hub in Silicon Valley to Empower Innovators

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The Loneliness Epidemic: How Startups Are Tackling Isolation and Building Connections

Hiatt Enterprises Expands with $50,000 Boost from StartUp Hutch Fund

Qventus Secures $105 Million in Series D Funding: A Game Changer for Health AI

Bioptimus Secures $41M to Create the 'GPT for Biology' and Transform Healthcare

Barcelona: The Surprising New Hotspot for Spyware Startups

Other Latest News

Taiwan Launches Dynamic Startup Hub in Silicon Valley to Empower Innovators

The Untold Saga of Bench Accounting: Founder Ousted Amid Controversy and Cash Burn

The Loneliness Epidemic: How Startups Are Tackling Isolation and Building Connections

Hiatt Enterprises Expands with $50,000 Boost from StartUp Hutch Fund

Qventus Secures $105 Million in Series D Funding: A Game Changer for Health AI

Bioptimus Secures $41M to Create the 'GPT for Biology' and Transform Healthcare

Barcelona: The Surprising New Hotspot for Spyware Startups