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David Olim explains how FootAR is reinventing the live sports experience through augmented reality

Stay Informed Get Industry News In Your Inbox… Sign Up Today Even when you’re right there in the stadium, it can be challenging to keep up to speed with everything going on in a football match as a spectator. Was that yellow card justified? How close was that shot on goal? Should that have been […]

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Even when you’re right there in the stadium, it can be challenging to keep up to speed with everything going on in a football match as a spectator.

Was that yellow card justified? How close was that shot on goal? Should that have been a penalty? These are all questions football fans will most likely have shouted out at one time or another.

But what if there was a way to get right into the action, as if you were standing on the football pitch itself, from the comfort of your own living room? 

That’s where FootAR comes in. This free app, available on iOS and Google Play, overlays real-time data such as player statistics and game analytics onto a digital recreation of the football pitch using augmented reality.

Fans can analyse the most significant moments in a live game from multiple angles and enjoy an accompanying audio commentary. It’s a social experience too, with users able to vote in polls and share their favourite match moments.

Since its launch last year, the app has seen considerable success and a healthy number of downloads. Two notable Portuguese media organisations, GMG (Jornal de Notícias) and SportsMultimedia (VSports), have even gone so far as to integrate it into their broadcast coverage.

The app, which has been developed with co-funding from Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), was also recently recognised with the “Best Application of the Year” award at the VRAR Expo in China, highlighting FootAR’s appeal to audiences worldwide.

David Olim, CEO of FootAR – which is part of the eGames Lab consortium, a unique cluster of over 22 Portuguese companies and organisations focused on games development and the creative industries – recently chatted to PocketGamer.biz about where the inspirations for FootAR came from, what the award win meant to them, and plans for the future. 



Pocketgamer.biz: What did winning “Best Application of the Year” at VRAR Expo China mean to you?

David Olim: Being recognised in the XR space is a strong endorsement of what we’ve built with FootAR. It reminded us that we’ve not just created something amazing, we’ve added value for fans and brought something fresh to the table. Quite literally, I’d argue, because we use the camera to place virtual objects.

“We set out not to distract from the game but to enhance it.”

David Olim

Getting this recognition from a competitive and tech-savvy market like China has also been a tremendous validation. It opens doors and shows that our product has global potential, helping us build key partnerships, attract local interest and better understand user behaviour in one of the world’s most advanced mobile ecosystems.

What helped FootAR stand out is how it naturally blends into the live sports viewing experience. We set out not to distract from the game but to enhance it.

Mixing real-time stats, interactive elements and personalised views over a live match created a unique synergy between viewer and content that has caught audiences’ attention commercially and professionally.

How has your membership as part of the eGames Lab consortium contributed to the success of FootAR?

Our affiliation with eGames Lab granted us access to some of the most brilliant minds in gaming and technology. Their expertise has helped us fine-tune our platform’s engagement mechanics, enabling us to create familiar yet innovative experiences for mobile users.

 It has also opened up collaboration opportunities that would otherwise have been unavailable. As leaders in the immersive reality vertical at eGames Lab, we must remain at the forefront of this technology, as this demonstrates that we are on the right path as a consortium.

What inspired you and your team to create FootAR?

We were inspired by how people consume sports today, especially younger audiences who expect more control, interaction and personalisation. We saw a gap between traditional broadcasting and modern fan behaviour, and designed FootAR to make watching sports more dynamic and participatory. 

For example, imagine you’re at the bar with your friends or have responsibilities that mean you can’t watch the match on TV for whatever reason.

When a team scores, FootAR sends a notification straight to your phone. When clicked, you get a visual representation of the player movements, ball trajectory, and more. With our AR feature, you can even reproject that moment from the match right in front of you.

What were some of your team’s biggest technical or design challenges while building FootAR?

One of the main challenges was designing a user interface that delivers rich, real-time data without cluttering or overwhelming the user’s environment.

“Casual fans use FootAR for quick and easy insights that make watching better without needing to do anything complicated. But hardcore fans go way deeper.”

David Olim

We had to devise ways to make live sports more exciting without taking people’s eyes off the action, while also considering that every user has different tastes. For example, we decided to include some humorous options to appeal to younger users, like the ability to substitute player avatars for panda-like characters. 

Casual fans use FootAR for quick and easy insights that make watching better without needing to do anything complicated.

But hardcore fans go way deeper. They often look at detailed stats, personalised views and interactive elements to analyse the game as it’s happening. Historical data is also vital for them as they use it for multiple purposes, including generating informed live bets. 

Ensuring consistent performance across different devices and network conditions was also important. But above all, we wanted to ensure that we created an exciting and intuitive experience with which fans of all ages want to engage.

Did you take any pointers from mobile games while designing FootAR? 

Implementing gamification features so the user feels part of the action instead of being passive is central to the FootAR experience.

Examples of this gamified environment can be found on the XR version of our platform, where minigames pop up at specific times, with the purpose of fans finding specific objects in the 3D environment that award points for a leaderboard. Those kinds of activations are crucial to engagement.

What are the wider opportunities for FootAR’s technology, like licensing it to sports organisations, media companies, or game developers?

FootAR’s technology has much potential, and not just for live sports broadcasts. In the media, for example, the fact that FootAR generates the environment based on data rather than relying directly on a broadcast means they can offer views from any live event without the need to acquire multi-million-dollar licences.

“FootAR’s technology has much potential, and not just for live sports broadcasts.”

David Olim

Also, integrating these interactions into the iGaming environment can help create an emotional connection with people who might not otherwise engage with certain events.

Considering the rapid evolution of AR/VR, what are the biggest commercial challenges and opportunities you anticipate in the next few years?

AR and VR are moving fast, which is great, but also a challenge because we need to ensure the tech is easy to use and appeals to everyone.

There are also fantastic opportunities to team up with different industries and develop fresh and thrilling ways for users to have new experiences.

 We’re passionate about creating solutions that can evolve and adapt as this fast-changing market keeps shifting and being improved by the ever-evolving hardware. It’s an exciting time to be in this space.

Finally, what’s next for FootAR ?

For one, we’re launching a special edition of FootAR tailored for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

We’ll collaborate with the biggest media in Portugal to enhance this tournament by generating a live 3D replica of the events available on the clients’ ecosystem, including online media and TV. We’re pretty excited to grow this interaction from specific tournaments to make this a new sports standard. 

We’re also exploring how FootAR can cover multiple sports alongside football. This is being made possible thanks to not only the environment we create as a business but also to the partnerships we have in place.

These include collaborating with the number one sports data platform provider, which guarantees we can deliver data safely and reliably to our user base.



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Best Fitness Tracker Bands to Stay Active and Motivated | Electronics News

A fitness tracker band is a simple, powerful way to stay on top of your health and daily activity. From tracking steps and heart rate to monitoring sleep and calories, these bands keep you informed and motivated throughout the day. Lightweight and comfortable, they blend seamlessly into your routine and style. Amazon offers a wide […]

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A fitness tracker band is a simple, powerful way to stay on top of your health and daily activity. From tracking steps and heart rate to monitoring sleep and calories, these bands keep you informed and motivated throughout the day. Lightweight and comfortable, they blend seamlessly into your routine and style. Amazon offers a wide range of fitness tracker bands with different features and designs, helping you reach your goals and enjoy a more active, healthier lifestyle.


Image Source: Amazon.com



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The Mi Smart Band 6 offers a vibrant AMOLED display and essential health tracking in a sleek, minimal design. Consider this if you want a budget-friendly fitness tracker packed with features and long battery life.

Key features:

  • 1.56-inch AMOLED screen gives sharp, colorful visuals with customizable watch faces
  • 30 fitness modes cover everything from walking to yoga with auto-detection on key workouts
  • Includes SpO2, heart rate, sleep, and women’s health tracking in one compact device
  • 5ATM water resistance makes it safe for swimming or shower use
  • Screen brightness outdoors can feel dim in harsh sunlight


Image Source: Amazon.com



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Samsung’s Fit3 combines sleek aesthetics with over 100 exercise modes and reliable battery performance. Choose this if you want a lightweight tracker that blends style and smart tracking effortlessly.

Key features:

  • Tracks 100+ workouts with automatic detection for popular activities like running and cycling
  • 13-day battery life ensures low maintenance with fast top-ups when needed
  • Sleep tracking is enhanced with guided breathing and sleep stage insights
  • Metal-finish body gives it a premium look while staying light on the wrist
  • Samsung Health app integration may feel limited on non-Samsung devices


Image Source: Amazon.com



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Huawei’s Band 10 introduces AI-powered insights with a clean, metallic design and impressive wellness tools. Go for this if you want an elegant tracker that supports emotional and physical health together.

Key features:

  • AI-powered fitness monitoring provides adaptive feedback based on real-time body data
  • Sleep tracking offers pro-level analysis including respiratory patterns and sleep scores
  • Emotional wellbeing assistant tracks stress and helps regulate mood through breathing cues
  • Fast charging gives a full day’s use in just 5 minutes of charge time
  • Some features may be restricted on iOS devices depending on app compatibility


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Order Now

Fitbit’s Inspire 3 focuses on overall wellness with heart rate tracking, mindfulness features, and a free 6-month premium plan. Choose this if you want deep health metrics paired with a trusted ecosystem.

Key features:

  • Continuous heart rate and SpO2 tracking support daily fitness and recovery insights
  • Premium plan unlocks guided programs, sleep scores, stress management, and more
  • Comfortable and durable band suited for all-day wear including during workouts or sleep
  • Smart notifications and reminders keep you connected without screen clutter
  • Full access to features requires app subscription after the free period ends

A fitness tracker band makes it easier to stay committed to your wellness journey, offering real-time feedback and helpful insights. With long battery life, sleek looks, and user-friendly apps, they fit perfectly into both busy and relaxed days. Amazon’s collection includes options for every budget and style preference. Explore their range and find a fitness tracker band that inspires you to move more, rest better, and take charge of your overall health every day.

Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.

 



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Japan Gaming Peripherals Market to Reach US$ 1.08 Billion

Japan’s Gaming Peripheral Industry Set for Significant Growth, Driven by Increasing Gaming Enthusiasm and Technological Advancements The Japan gaming peripherals market, valued at US$ 391.39 million in 2024, is projected to experience remarkable growth, reaching a market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033. This expansion represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of […]

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Japan Gaming Peripherals Market to Reach US$ 1.08 Billion

Japan’s Gaming Peripheral Industry Set for Significant Growth, Driven by Increasing Gaming Enthusiasm and Technological Advancements

The Japan gaming peripherals market, valued at US$ 391.39 million in 2024, is projected to experience remarkable growth, reaching a market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033. This expansion represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.83% from 2025 to 2033. The burgeoning popularity of gaming, the advancement of gaming technologies, and the rising demand for high-performance accessories are driving this dynamic shift in the industry.

Gain Crystal-Clear Market Overview: Get Your Copy: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

Key Factors Driving Growth in the Japan Gaming Peripherals Market

The gaming peripherals market in Japan is experiencing a surge in demand due to several factors that are reshaping the gaming experience. With the increasing number of gaming enthusiasts, especially among younger generations, and advancements in gaming technology, demand for peripherals such as gaming mice, keyboards, headsets, and controllers is at an all-time high.

Technological Advancements

One of the key drivers of growth in the Japanese gaming peripherals market is the constant evolution of gaming technologies. Innovations such as wireless connectivity, enhanced ergonomics, and customizable features are pushing the demand for next-generation peripherals. As the gaming community becomes more discerning about the quality and performance of their equipment, the market for high-tech gaming accessories is expanding rapidly.

Surging Popularity of Competitive Gaming and eSports

Competitive gaming and eSports have witnessed an exponential rise in Japan, contributing to the growing interest in high-performance gaming peripherals. With Japan being a hotspot for global eSports tournaments, the demand for specialized gaming gear, including professional-grade mice, keyboards, and controllers, is on the rise. The professional gaming scene is also influencing consumer preferences, with gamers seeking equipment that enhances their performance and provides a competitive edge.

Rising Disposable Income and Changing Consumer Preferences

Japan’s middle class, with increased disposable income, is a key factor driving the demand for gaming peripherals. As consumer preferences shift towards premium products, gamers are more inclined to invest in high-quality, durable, and advanced gaming accessories to enhance their overall experience.

Market Segmentation: Gaming Peripherals in Focus

The Japan gaming peripherals market can be segmented into several categories, each with its distinct demand drivers.

Gaming Mice: Precision and performance are paramount in gaming, making gaming mice one of the most in-demand peripherals. With advancements in optical sensor technology, customizable DPI settings, and ergonomic designs, gaming mice are expected to maintain a strong market share during the forecast period.

Gaming Keyboards: Mechanical keyboards, known for their tactile feedback and durability, are gaining popularity among gaming enthusiasts. The demand for customizable RGB lighting and programmable keys is also contributing to the growth of the gaming keyboard segment.

See What’s Inside: Detailed Market Sample Report: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

Gaming Headsets: As gaming becomes more immersive, high-quality sound systems are critical to the experience. Gaming headsets, equipped with surround sound, noise-canceling capabilities, and enhanced microphones, are becoming essential for both casual and competitive gamers.

Gaming Controllers: With the rise of console gaming and cloud gaming, controllers designed for superior comfort, responsiveness, and long-lasting durability are driving the market for gaming controllers.

Competitive Landscape and Key Market Players

The gaming peripherals market in Japan is highly competitive, with several global and local players dominating the market. Leading manufacturers such as Logitech, Razer, Corsair, SteelSeries, and HyperX are at the forefront, offering a wide range of products that cater to the evolving needs of gamers.

These companies are increasingly focusing on product innovation, user-centric designs, and customization options to capture a larger share of the market. Additionally, partnerships with gaming platforms, influencers, and eSports organizations are enabling these companies to expand their reach and solidify their position in the market.

Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges

Looking ahead, the Japan gaming peripherals market is poised for sustained growth. However, there are several challenges that industry players must address, such as the need for continuous innovation and the high level of competition in the space. Companies must remain agile, constantly evolving their product offerings to meet the needs of an increasingly tech-savvy and demanding gaming audience.

At the same time, the growing demand for gaming peripherals presents significant opportunities for market expansion. The rapid adoption of cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) is expected to further fuel the demand for specialized peripherals, creating new avenues for growth.

Conclusion

The Japan gaming peripherals market is undergoing a transformative period, driven by technological advancements, increasing gaming enthusiasm, and rising consumer demand for high-performance gaming accessories. With a projected market valuation of US$ 1,077.48 million by 2033, the industry is on track to experience significant growth in the coming years. As technological innovations continue to evolve, and the gaming community remains passionate and expansive, Japan’s gaming peripherals market holds great promise for both established and emerging industry players.

Discover In-Depth Market Insights: Sample Report Inside: –https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/japan-gaming-peripherals-market

About Astute Analytica:

Astute Analytica is a leading market research and consulting firm committed to providing organizations with actionable insights and data-driven strategies to thrive in dynamic markets. With a strong presence in both global and regional markets, we publish extensive industry reports, conduct targeted surveys, and offer custom consulting services tailored to meet specific client needs. Our expertise spans multiple sectors, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, manufacturing, energy, and more, making us a valuable partner for forward-thinking businesses.

Get in touch with us

Phone number: +18884296757

Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com

Visit our website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/

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Silicon Valley Startups Duped by Developer Who Faked Resume, Worked 4 Jobs Simultaneously

A Mumbai-based engineer who excelled in interviews reportedly held multiple Silicon Valley startup jobs at once, often disappearing after landing offers of up to $200K. Soham Parekh impressed on paper, but founders say most of his resume was fake. As TechCrunch reports, Soham Parekh, who reportedly aced technical interviews and was offered salaries of up […]

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A Mumbai-based engineer who excelled in interviews reportedly held multiple Silicon Valley startup jobs at once, often disappearing after landing offers of up to $200K. Soham Parekh impressed on paper, but founders say most of his resume was fake.

As TechCrunch reports, Soham Parekh, who reportedly aced technical interviews and was offered salaries of up to $200,000, became the center of a startup-world cautionary tale last week when Playground AI founder Suhail Doshi posted a viral warning: “There’s a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3–4 startups at the same time. He’s been preying on YC companies and more. Beware.”

As KRON4 reports, Doshi, who said he fired Parekh after just one week, called his resume “90% fake” and claimed he “made up constant lies,” including listing a master’s from Georgia Tech. The university told Fortune it has no record of his enrollment.

More than a dozen founders have since come forward with similar stories. At Antimetal, Parekh was reportedly the first engineering hire in 2022. “Really smart and likable,” said CEO Matt Parkhurst, but “we realized pretty quickly that he was working at multiple companies and let him go.”

At Create, Marcus Lowe said Parekh showed up once, pushed back his start date twice, and was eventually caught working for a competing startup while on Lowe’s payroll. When confronted, he ghosted.

As Fortune reports, Leaping AI co-founder Arkadiy Telegin nearly hired Parekh full time after a standout interview, offering $160K–$200K plus equity. “He really crushed my interview. I interviewed around 50 people in the prior two weeks before talking to him and he passed, by far, all of the people I interviewed,” he told Fortune. “He also was a very likeable person.”

Telegin went on to add that immediately upon being hired, Parekh started acting strangely and making excuses for why he wasn’t producing code, including drone strikes, floods, and electricity outages. He never signed a contract or sent an invoice.

In some cases, multiple Y Combinator startup founders realized after the fact they’d all been “dating the same guy,” as Telegin put it.  At least 10 companies hired and fired Parekh, and others say they rejected him after odd interview behavior or suspicious GitHub activity.

In a TBPN podcast interview, Parekh confirmed he had been working at several startups at once, sometimes up to 140 hours a week. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done,” he said. He cited financial hardship and claimed he genuinely cared about the mission of each company. Still, he admitted his actions took a toll and said, “That’s not something I endorse.”

Parekh recently announced on X that he’s now working exclusively at Darwin Studios, but both he and the CEO deleted the posts shortly after. In a statement to TechCrunch, Darwin’s founder called Parekh “an incredibly talented engineer” and said the team believed in his ability to help bring products to market.

Some see Parekh as a symptom of overemployment in remote tech culture. Others call him a scammer who’s burned founders, wasted time, and undermined trust in hiring. One developer tallied at least 10 confirmed jobs, eight rejected offers, and “likely many, many more.”

Whether Parekh’s next move is redemption or rebrand remains to be seen.

Image: RachaStock/Getty Images





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High-tech company makes key breakthrough that could revolutionize smartphones and EVs: ‘A pivotal commercial milestone’

Ampcera didn’t just put out another new product. As CEO Sumin Zhu, Ph.D, put it, “It’s a shift.” One that may change how devices like your phone and electric car hold their charge. Interesting Engineering reports that this U.S.-based company has begun commercial shipments of its nano-sulfide solid electrolyte powders. This may sound like a […]

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Ampcera didn’t just put out another new product. As CEO Sumin Zhu, Ph.D, put it, “It’s a shift.” One that may change how devices like your phone and electric car hold their charge.

Interesting Engineering reports that this U.S.-based company has begun commercial shipments of its nano-sulfide solid electrolyte powders. This may sound like a new energy sports drink, and it sort of is — but for your devices. 

These powders don’t splash around like battery liquid; they allow energy to flow through solids. In other words, the battery can run cooler, charge faster, and last a lot longer.

“A pivotal commercial milestone,” Zhu said, per Interesting Engineering. 

Ampcera itself reassured that the new materials offer “enhanced safety with 50% more energy compared to current lithium-ion batteries.”

This isn’t lab theory. Orders are in. Over 200 customers are already using the new materials in tests.

Most solid-state batteries still rely on liquids that can overheat or break down. 

This new material changes that. According to Interesting Engineering, Ampcera claims that its solid-state cells achieve an energy density of 400 Wh/kg and retain 80% of their capacity after fast charging. That’s like charging your phone before dinner and still having battery left the next week.

Fewer failures also mean fewer rare materials wasted. That cuts down on mining and reduces air and water pollution from material processing. 

“Enhanced safety with 50% more energy” isn’t just a promise — it’s already in use. A more stable battery design reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway — the kind of failure that leads to overheating or worse. For people in dense cities or sensitive environments, that reliability could mean fewer safety issues, lower insurance costs, and peace of mind.

It could also reshape how we power future tech. Think grid storage, electric delivery trucks, and even military-grade gear. Faster charging and dependable power systems affect everything from emergency response to aviation.

If supply chains cooperate, these next-gen batteries could start showing up within two years. Not splashy, but it’s the kind of upgrade, along with smart green tech like solar panels, that quietly makes things safer, faster, and cleaner to use.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


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At least 36 new tech unicorns were minted in 2025 so far

With AI igniting an investor frenzy, every month, more startups obtain unicorn status. Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch tracked down the VC-backed startups that became unicorns so far this year. While most are AI-related, a surprising number are focused in other industries like satellite space companies like Loft Orbital and blockchain-based trading site […]

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With AI igniting an investor frenzy, every month, more startups obtain unicorn status.

Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch tracked down the VC-backed startups that became unicorns so far this year. While most are AI-related, a surprising number are focused in other industries like satellite space companies like Loft Orbital and blockchain-based trading site Kalshi.  

This list will be updated throughout the year, so check back and see the latest powerhouse startups who are now worth over $1 billion.

June

Linear — $1.25 billion: This software development product management tool last raised an $82 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.25 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2019, has raised more than $130 million in funding to date from investors including Accel and Sequoia Capital. 

Gecko — $1.62 billion: This company makes data-gathering robotics that climb, crawl, swim, and fly. Founded in 2013, the company last raised a $121 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.6 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $340 million in funding to date from investors including Cox Enterprises and Drive Capital. 

Meter — $1.38 billion: This company, which offers managed Internet infrastructure service to enterprises, last raised a $170 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.38 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2015, has raised more than $250 in funding to date, from investors including General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Sam Atlaman, and Lachy Groom. 

Teamworks — This sports software company last raised a $247 million Series F, valuing the company at $1.25 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2006, has raised more than $400 million in funding to date from investors including Seaport Capital and General Catalyst.  

Thinking Machines — This AI research company, founded just last year by OpenAI alumn Mira Murati, raised a $2 billion seed round, valuing the company at $10 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company’s investors include a16z and Nvidia. 

Kalshi — $2 billion: The popular prediction markets company, founded in 2018, last raised an $185 million Series C, valuing the company at $2 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $290 million in funding to date, from investors including Sequoia and Global Founders Capital. 

Decagon — This customer service AI agent company, founded in 2023, last raised a $131 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.5 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $231 million in funding to date, from investors including a16z and Accel. 

May

Pathos — $1.6 billion: This drug development company, founded in 2020, last raised a $365 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.6 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $460 million to date from investors, including General Catalyst and Altimeter Capital Management. 

Statsig — $1.1 billion: This product development platform, founded in 2021, last raised an $100 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.1 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised around $153 million to date, from investors including Sequoia, Mardona, and ICONIQ Growth. 

SpreeAI — $1.5 billion: This shopping tech company last raised an undisclosed round, according to Pitchbook, that valued the company at $1.5 billion. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $20 million to date from investors including The Davidson Group. 

Function — $2.5 billion: This health tech company, founded in 2020, last raised a $200 million round, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. The company has raised more than $250 million in funding to date, from investors including a16z. 

Owner — $1 billion: This restaurant marketing software company, founded in 2018, last raised a $120 million Series C, valuing the company at $1 billion, per Pitchbook. The company has raised more than $180 million in funding to date, from investors including Headline, Redpoint Ventures, SaaStr Fund, and Meritech Capital. 

Awardco — $1 billion: This employee engagement platform last raised a $165 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion, per Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2012, has raised more than $230 million in funding to date, from investors including General Catalyst. 

April

Nourish — $1 billion: This dietitian tele-health company last raised a $70 million Series B, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $1 billion. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $100 million in funding to date from investors including Index Ventures and Thrive Capital. 

Chapter — $1.38 billion: This Medicare guide health tech company, founded in 2013, last raised a $75 million Series D, valuing it at $1.38 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company has raised $186 million in funding to date, with investors including XYZ Venture Capital and Narya. 

Threatlocker — $1.2 billion: This Orlando-based data protection company last raised a $60 million Series E, valuing the company at $1.2 billion, according to Pitchbook. The company, founded in 2017, has raised more than $200 million in funding to date, from investors including General Atlantic and StepStone Group. 
Cyberhaven — $1 billion: This data detection company last raised a $100 million Series D in April, according to Pitchbook, valuing the company at $1 billion. The company, launched in 2015, has raised more than $200 million in funding to date, with investors including Khlosa Ventrues and Redpoint Ventures.

March 

Fleetio — $1.5 billion: This Alabama-based startup creates software to help make fleet operations easier. It last raised a $454 million Series D at a $1.5 billion valuation, according to PitchBook. It was launched in 2012 and has raised $624 million in funding to date, with investors including Elephant and Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

The Bot Company — $2 billion: This robotics platform last raised a $150 million early-stage round, valuing it at $2 billion, according to PitchBook. The company, which was founded in 2024, has raised $300 million to date in funding. 

Celestial AI — $2.5 billion: The AI company raised a $250 million Series C led by Fidelity that valued the company at $2.5 billion, per Crunchbase. The company, based in California, was launched in 2020 and counts BlackRock and Engine Ventures as investors. It has raised more than $580 million in capital to date, per PitchBook. 

Underdog Fantasy — $1.3 billion: The sports gaming company last raised a $70 million Series C valuing the company at $1.3 billion, according to Crunchbase. The company, founded in 2020, has raised more than $100 million in capital to date, per PitchBook. Investors include Spark Capital. 

Build Ops — $1 billion: This software company last raised a $122.6 million Series C, valuing it at $1 billion. Build Ops, which was launched in 2018, has raised $273 million in total, according to PitchBook, with investors including Founders Fund and Fika Ventures. 

Insilico Medicine — $1 billion: The drug research company raised a $110 million Series E valuing the company at $1 billion, per Crunchbase. It launched in 2014, has raised more than $500 million to date in capital, and counts Lilly Ventures and Value Partners Group as investors. 

Olipop — $2 billion: This popular probiotic soda company last raised a $137.9 million Series C at a $1.96 billion valuation. It was founded in 2018 and has raised $243 million to date with investors including Scoop Ventures and J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners. 

Peregrine — $2.5 billion: This data analysis and integration platform, launched in 2017, last raised a $190 million Series C with a valuation of $2.5 billion. It has raised more than $250 million in funding to date, according to PitchBook, with investors including Sequoia and Fifth Down Capital. 

Assured — $1 billion: The AI company helps process claims and last raised a $23 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion. It was launched in 2019 and has raised a little more than $26 million to date, with investors including ICONIQ Capital and Kleiner Perkins. 

February 

Abridge — $2.8 billion: This medtech company, founded in 2018, last raised a $250 million Series D at a $2.75 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised more than $460 million to date in funding and counts Elad Gil and IVP as investors. 

OpenEvidence — $1 billion: This medtech company, founded in 2017, last raised a $75 million Series A at a $1 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised $135 million to date in funding and counts Sequoia Capital as an investor. 

Hightouch — $1.2 billion: The data platform, founded in 2018, last raised an $80 million Series C at a $1.2 billion valuation, per PitchBook. The company has raised $171 million to date in funding and counts Sapphire Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures as investors.

January

Kikoff — $1 billion: This personal finance platform last raised an undisclosed amount that valued it at $1 billion, according to PitchBook. The company, founded in 2019, has raised $42.5 million to date and counts Female Founders Fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and basketballer Steph Curry as investors. 

Netradyne — $1.35 billion: Founded in 2015, this computer vision startup raised a $90 million Series D valuing it at $1.35 billion, according to Crunchbase. The round was led by Point72 Ventures.

Hippocratic AI — $1.6 billion: This startup, founded in 2023, creates healthcare models. It raised a $141 million Series B, valuing it at $1.64 billion, according to Crunchbase. The round was led by Kleiner Perkins. 

Truveta — $1 billion: This genetic research company raised a $320 million round valuing it at $1 billion, according to Crunchbase. Founded in 2020, its investors include the CVCs from Microsoft and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. 

Clay — $1.25 billion: Founded in 2017, Clay is an AI sales platform. The company raised a $40 million Series B, valuing it at $1.25 billion, according to PitchBook. It has raised more than $100 million to date and counts Sequoia, First Round, Boldstar, and Box Group as investors.  

Mercor — $2 billion: This contract recruiting startup raised a $100 million Series B valuing it at $2 billion. The company, founded in 2022, counts Felicis, Menlo Ventures, Jack Dorsey, Peter Thiel, and Anthology Fund as investors. 

Loft Orbital — $1 billion: Founded in 2017, the satellite company raised a $170 million Series C valuing the company at $1 billion, according to Crunchbase. Investors in the round included Temasek and Tikehau Capital. 

This post was updated to reflect what Peregine does.



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This app is helping me unwind in new ways, and it might help you breathe your way to a better mood, too

I care and have thought a lot about the intersection between technology and mental health. That hasn’t always been the case, though. I owned my first smartphone at 15, did a computer science degree at 18, and landed a tech-related job at 21. But at no point did I consider how looking at a screen […]

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I care and have thought a lot about the intersection between technology and mental health. That hasn’t always been the case, though. I owned my first smartphone at 15, did a computer science degree at 18, and landed a tech-related job at 21. But at no point did I consider how looking at a screen was affecting me internally.

In recent years, that has changed. The world is more aware of the potential dangers of screen time and social media. It’s also something that I’ve thought more about as my children have gotten older. How do I shape, coach, and advise my children in these matters? It’s a question I keep coming back to.



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