**Bay Area Biotech Startup Closes**

A prominent biotech company in the Bay Area, which successfully raised **$66 million**, has unexpectedly shut down its operations. This decision has raised eyebrows within the industry, highlighting the **challenges** faced by startups, even those with significant funding.

### The Funding Journey

Despite its successful fundraising, the company struggled to maintain momentum. **Investors** were initially optimistic, but the market dynamics proved to be more challenging than anticipated.

### Industry Implications

This closure serves as a stark reminder of the volatility within the **biotech sector**. It emphasizes the need for startups to not only secure funding but also to navigate the complex landscape of product development and regulatory hurdles.

### Conclusion

As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the story of this biotech company underscores the importance of **sustainable business practices** and the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurial ventures.

Why a $66 Million Bay Area Biotech Startup Closed Its Doors: An Inside Look

### DeepSeek's Commitment to Open Source

**DeepSeek**, the **Hangzhou-based startup**, is taking a significant step towards **open-source technology** by announcing its commitment to release **five new code repositories**. This initiative comes as the company gains international attention in the competitive landscape of **artificial intelligence (AI)**.

In a recent post on **X**, DeepSeek revealed that starting next week, its **“tiny team”** dedicated to exploring **artificial general intelligence** will be **open-sourcing five repositories**, showcasing their **progress** with **full transparency**. 

### What is a Code Repository?

A **code repository** serves as a storage space for developers to view and contribute to software development. These repositories are often hosted on popular platforms like **Microsoft’s GitHub**. By making their **V3 and R1 models** open-source, DeepSeek allows anyone to use and modify these key assets, which has been crucial to the startup's **rapid growth** in recent months.

### The Philosophy Behind Open-Sourcing

DeepSeek emphasizes that being part of the **open-source community** means that **every line shared contributes to collective momentum** that accelerates innovation. They stated, **“Daily unlocks are coming soon,”** and added, **“No ivory towers – just pure garage-energy and community-driven innovation.”**

‘No ivory towers – just pure garage-energy,’ DeepSeek said in post on X committing to releasing new code starting next week.

DeepSeek Unveils Bold Move Toward Full Transparency with Five New Open-Source Repositories

## Overview
A Florida woman, **Charlie Javice**, the founder of **Frank**, a startup designed to simplify the financial aid application process for college students, is currently on trial for allegedly defrauding **JPMorgan Chase** in a **$175 million buyout** deal.  

## The Allegations
During the trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney **Rushmi Bhaskaran** accused Javice of committing a **"massive fraud"** by falsely claiming her company had over **four million customers**, while it only had around **400,000**. This deception allegedly occurred as the deal approached its closing in the summer of **2021**.  

## Defense Strategy
Javice's attorney, **Jose Baez**, argued that the criminal investigation was a result of **JPMorgan's buyer's remorse** after changes in federal regulations made the acquisition less appealing. Baez contended that the bank's only option to back out of the deal was to allege fraud.  

## Financial Implications
If found guilty, Javice could have earned up to **$45 million** through this fraudulent scheme. The prosecution indicated that **JPMorgan** had requested proof of the customer base shortly before the deal was finalized, emphasizing the tension between the **truth** and the potential financial windfall for Javice.  

## The Closing
As the case unfolds, it’s clear that the focus remains on whether Javice misled the bank to secure a buyout. While Baez defended her character and intentions, the court was reminded that the trial centers on her alleged fraudulent actions, not the bank's practices. 

**Note:** A spokesperson for **JPMorgan Chase** declined to comment on the ongoing trial.

A woman backed by wealthy advisers who built a company to make it easier for college students to apply for financial aid has gone on trial on criminal charges that she defrauded JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. in a $175 million buyout.

Fraud Allegations Rock Student Aid Startup: The Trial of Frank's Founder Charlie Javice

## Together AI's Remarkable Growth

Together AI, a pioneering startup in **artificial intelligence computing**, has made headlines by raising **$305 million** from prominent investors, including **General Catalyst** and **Saudi Arabia's Prosperity7 Ventures**. This funding round has catapulted the company's valuation to an impressive **$3.3 billion**, highlighting the **robust demand for AI** solutions in the corporate sector.

## Key Features of Together AI's Platform

The platform enables developers to access **open source AI models** and the necessary computing power to create innovative AI applications. According to CEO **Vipul Ved Prakash**, Together AI offers a comprehensive service that includes:
- **Data centers** and **computing clusters** powered by **Nvidia**
- Software layers and platform services that facilitate rapid deployment for customers

With this infrastructure, clients can quickly start their AI projects, reflecting the **surge in corporate interest** in AI technologies.

## Rapid Revenue Growth

Together AI's revenue trajectory has been remarkable, surpassing **$100 million in annualized revenue**, up from just **$30 million** in February 2024. This growth underscores the increasing reliance on AI in business operations.

## Access to Diverse AI Models

The platform provides access to over **200 open source models**, including those from **Meta Platforms Inc.** and **DeepSeek**. Prakash emphasizes the importance of transparency and open development in AI, stating, "This technology should be developed in the open, transparently. This is really a fundamental tool for humanity."

## Future Plans and Workforce Expansion

With its valuation skyrocketing from **$1.25 billion** in March 2024, Together AI plans to leverage the new funding to **double its workforce** of 160 by the end of **2025**. The startup is also set to deploy **Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs** in its data centers, enhancing its service capabilities.

![Together AI](https://example.com/together-ai-image.jpg)

(Bloomberg) -- Startup Together AI, which provides users access to artificial intelligence computing, has raised $305 million from investors in deal led by General Catalyst, bringing the valuation of the company to $3.3 billion — a signal that corporate demand for AI is still strong. Most Read from BloombergTrump to Halt NY Congestion Pricing by Terminating ApprovalAirbnb Billionaire Offers Pre-Fab Homes for LA Fire VictimsSorry, Kids: Disney’s New York Headquarters Is for Grown-UpsChild Migrant

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation Amidst Booming AI Demand

### The Shift in Silicon Valley Startups

In the past, tech start-ups relied heavily on securing **huge sums of money** to build large teams and scale rapidly. However, a new trend is emerging in **Silicon Valley** – the use of **artificial intelligence tools** to enhance productivity and foster success with **minimal manpower**.

![Gamma founder Grant Lee](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/02/19/multimedia/AI-STARTUP-Grant-tchw/AI-STARTUP-Grant-tchw-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)
*Gamma founder Grant Lee. The company is among a growing cohort of start-ups using A.I. to maximize efficiency.*

### A New Strategy for Success

**Grant Lee**, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and co-founder of Gamma, emphasizes this shift. Unlike traditional models that prioritize funding and expanding employee count, Gamma has adopted a strategy that leverages AI to boost productivity across various functions such as **customer service, marketing, and coding**. 

With only **28 employees**, Gamma has achieved **tens of millions** in annual recurring revenue and nearly **50 million users**, proving that profitability can be achieved without a massive workforce. 

### Rethinking the Old Playbook

Lee reflects on the previous generation of start-ups that believed **bigger was better**, often leading to inflated headcounts and delayed profitability. He notes, "If we were from the generation before, we would easily be at 200 employees. We get a chance to rethink that, basically rewrite the playbook." 

The evolving landscape of start-ups shows that with the right tools, **efficiency** and **profitability** can be achieved with **tiny teams**, marking a significant departure from the traditional Silicon Valley approach.

Tech start-ups typically raised huge sums to hire armies of workers and grow fast. Now artificial intelligence tools are making workers more productive and spurring tales of “tiny team” success.

How AI is Transforming Startups: The Rise of 'Tiny Teams' in Silicon Valley

### Together AI: A Rising Star in AI Computing

**Together AI**, a startup that provides access to **artificial intelligence computing**, has recently raised **$305 million** from investors led by **General Catalyst**. This funding round has catapulted the company's valuation to an impressive **$3.3 billion**, indicating a robust corporate demand for AI solutions.

### Strong Investor Support

Notable investors in this funding round include **Saudi Arabia's Prosperity7 Ventures**, **Salesforce Ventures**, **Nvidia Corp.**, **Kleiner Perkins**, **Emergence Capital**, and **Lux Capital**. This diverse backing underscores the growing confidence in Together AI's business model and its market potential.

### Empowering Developers with AI Tools

Together AI offers a platform that enables developers to access over **200 open source AI models**, including **Meta Platforms Inc.'s Llama** and models from the Chinese startup **DeepSeek**. The company's CEO, **Vipul Ved Prakash**, emphasized their commitment to providing an **end-to-end service** that encompasses **data centers**, **computing clusters from Nvidia**, and essential software layers. This integration allows customers to quickly initiate their AI projects.

### Rapid Growth Amid Rising Demand

As demand for AI solutions escalates, Together AI has reported a remarkable growth trajectory, achieving **over $100 million in annualized revenue**, a significant increase from just **$30 million** in early 2024. This growth reflects the startup's ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape.

### Plans for Expansion

With its latest valuation representing a significant leap from **$1.25 billion** in March 2024, Together AI intends to use the new funding to **double its workforce** of 160 by the end of 2025. This expansion aims to enhance their service capabilities and meet the increasing demand for AI technologies in various sectors.

### Innovative Technology Partnerships

Nvidia plays a crucial role not only as an investor but also as a partner. Together AI plans to deploy **Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs** in its data centers, further solidifying its technological foundation and enhancing its service offerings.

(Bloomberg) -- Startup Together AI, which provides users access to artificial intelligence computing, has raised $305 million from investors in deal led by General Catalyst, bringing the valuation of the company to $3.3 billion — a signal that corporate demand for AI is still strong. Most Read from BloombergTrump to Halt NY Congestion Pricing by Terminating ApprovalSorry, Kids: Disney’s New York Headquarters Is for Grown-UpsAirbnb Billionaire Offers Pre-Fab Homes for LA Fire VictimsChild Migrant

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation After Massive $305 Million Funding Round

### Introducing CTGT
Cyril Gorlla, a **23-year-old entrepreneur**, has made waves in the startup scene with his company, **CTGT**. This innovative startup enables enterprise companies to leverage an **off-the-shelf foundation model** tailored with their unique **brand voice** and **data**.

![Cyril Gorlla, CEO and cofounder of CTGT.](https://i.insider.com/67b615d26630eb10385cffe1?width=700)

### Impressive Funding Round
Recently, CTGT successfully raised **$7 million** in funding from prestigious investors, including **Google's Gradient Ventures** and **General Catalyst**. This funding is set to accelerate the company's growth and enhance its offerings in the AI domain.

### The Vision Behind CTGT
Cyril's vision is to empower enterprises by integrating advanced AI capabilities with their existing systems, making it easier for them to connect with their audience through customized solutions. By harnessing the power of AI, CTGT aims to redefine how businesses interact with their clients.

CTGT is poised to become a key player in the intersection of **AI** and **enterprise solutions**, and with the backing of influential investors, the future looks bright for this young entrepreneur.

Cyril Gorlla's startup, CTGT,  allows enterprise companies to take an off-the-shelf foundation model and imbue it with their brand voice and data.

Meet the 23-Year-Old Founder of CTGT: How He Raised $7 Million from Google's Gradient Ventures

## Breeze Liu's Ordeal
Breeze Liu’s online nightmare began with a shocking phone call in April 2020. At just 24 years old, she was informed by a college classmate that an **explicit video** of her was posted on [PornHub](https://www.wired.com/story/sticky-dilemmas-of-pornhub-next-chapter/) under the title **“Korean teen”**. This video, filmed without her consent when she was just 17, spiraled out of control, leading to its spread across various pornographic websites and the creation of **intimate deepfake videos**.

The emotional toll was immense, with Liu admitting, **“I honestly had to struggle with suicidal thoughts.”** 

## The Long Fight for Justice
Removing approximately **400 nonconsensual images and videos** from the internet became a daunting, multiyear task. Liu transitioned from a venture capitalist to an entrepreneur, founding her own company to combat digital abuse. However, her efforts to remove her own explicit content faced immense obstacles, particularly from **Microsoft**, which hosted many of the images on its Azure cloud services. Despite repeated requests, Microsoft allegedly delayed action until Liu confronted a high-ranking safety team member at a conference.

## The Struggles of Victims
Liu’s experience highlights the **complex challenges** faced by victims of intimate image abuse. The **lack of support** from major companies, along with legal barriers, often leaves victims feeling powerless and frustrated. Liu’s case was complicated further by her age at the time of the filming, making it difficult for organizations to assist her.

## A New Beginning with Alecto AI
After years of battling her past, Liu co-founded **Alecto AI**, a startup aimed at developing tools to help victims find and remove nonconsensual images online. With renewed determination, she sought help from various organizations, eventually collaborating with a French victim’s aid group, **Point de Contact**, which began to take action on her behalf in late 2023.

## Progress and Challenges
By early 2024, significant progress was made, with many URLs being taken down. However, **142 URLs** remained active on Microsoft’s services, and communication issues persisted. Liu’s case exemplifies the **inadequacies** in the current systems for addressing nonconsensual imagery.

## Legislative Efforts
Despite the challenges, Liu has continued to advocate for legislative change. In December 2024, a proposal she supported to enforce the removal of unwanted explicit images was introduced in the US Congress, indicating a potential shift towards better protections for victims.

Liu’s journey is a testament to the ongoing struggle against digital abuse and the pressing need for systemic change in how technology companies handle nonconsensual content.

Breeze Liu has been a prominent advocate for victims. But even she struggled to scrub nonconsensual intimate images and videos of herself from the web.

Why a $66 Million Bay Area Biotech Startup Closed Its Doors: An Inside Look

Summary:

The Funding Journey

Industry Implications

Conclusion

Comments

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

ListMyStartup.app

Other Latest News

DeepSeek Unveils Bold Move Toward Full Transparency with Five New Open-Source Repositories

Fraud Allegations Rock Student Aid Startup: The Trial of Frank's Founder Charlie Javice

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation Amidst Booming AI Demand

How AI is Transforming Startups: The Rise of 'Tiny Teams' in Silicon Valley

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation After Massive $305 Million Funding Round

Meet the 23-Year-Old Founder of CTGT: How He Raised $7 Million from Google's Gradient Ventures

The Battle Against Nonconsensual Content: Breeze Liu's Fight to Erase Her Past

Other Latest News

DeepSeek Unveils Bold Move Toward Full Transparency with Five New Open-Source Repositories

Fraud Allegations Rock Student Aid Startup: The Trial of Frank's Founder Charlie Javice

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation Amidst Booming AI Demand

How AI is Transforming Startups: The Rise of 'Tiny Teams' in Silicon Valley

Together AI Soars to $3.3 Billion Valuation After Massive $305 Million Funding Round

Meet the 23-Year-Old Founder of CTGT: How He Raised $7 Million from Google's Gradient Ventures

The Battle Against Nonconsensual Content: Breeze Liu's Fight to Erase Her Past