... billion, intending to repurpose its data center network (originally built for cryptocurrency mining) for artificial intelligence needs. Interest in defense and aerospace technologies is also leading to significant deals. Europe is witnessing unprecedented growth in this segment: the German startup Helsing raised around €600 million in a funding round led by the Prima Materia fund (an investment company co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek), which increased Helsing's valuation to approximately €12 billion. As a result, Helsing ranks among ...

... cautiously optimistic. Record deals and successful IPOs instill confidence that the recent downturn has been overcome, yet the lessons of past years keep the market from excessive euphoria. Investors are now paying much closer attention to the quality of startup growth and their ability to build sustainable businesses, favoring companies with proven business models and near-profitability metrics. A significant influx of capital into AI, fintech, and cybersecurity sectors strengthens belief in the industry's continued ...

... worldwide—funds are seeking promising teams from San Francisco and Berlin to Dubai, Nairobi, and Mexico City. Middle East (MENA): startups in the region attracted ~$2.1 billion in the first half of 2025 (+134% year-on-year), with the largest contributions to growth coming from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Africa: in Africa, startups received ~$1.35 billion in funding in the first six months of 2025 (an increase of 78% compared to the previous year), with record amounts of funding recorded in Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya. Latin America: venture funding in the region increased ...

... mining company Core Scientific for $9 billion, intending to repurpose its data centers (originally built for crypto mining) for AI needs. Interest in defense and aerospace technologies is also leading to record deals. Europe is witnessing unprecedented growth in this segment: German startup Helsing raised around €600 million in a funding round led by the investment fund of Spotify’s founder, boosting the company's valuation to ~€12 billion. As a result, Helsing has entered the top five most highly valued young companies in ...

... deals and successful IPOs instill confidence that the low point of the recent downturn has been passed; however, lessons learned from previous years restrain the market from excessive euphoria. Investors are now much more attentive to the quality of startup growth and their ability to build sustainable businesses, preferring companies with validated business models and metrics close to profitability. A significant influx of capital into the fields of AI, fintech, and cybersecurity boosts confidence in the ...