Relearning the Cold-War and Creating 3-D Printed Houses, Fundings: Endua, SkyFI, EdgeAI Solutions
24 May 2023 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Founded: 2021
Key People: Founded by Paul Sernia, Ph.D
Elevator Pitch: Hydrogen-based power generators designed to store clean energy.
Funding: The company raised AUD 11.8 million of venture funding from Ampol, Melt Ventures, and 77 Ventures on May 23, 2023.
Founded: 2021
Key People: Co-founded by Luke Fischer and Bill Perkins
Elevator Pitch: An imagery platform designed to lower the barrier to entry for procuring custom satellite imagery.
Funding: The company raised $7 million of seed funding in a deal led by Balerion Space Ventures and Skylar Capital Management on May 22, 2023. J2 Ventures and Moving Capital also participated in the round.
Founded: 2020
Key People: Founded by Allan Dubeau
Elevator Pitch: A pipeline inspection robotics technology intended to accurately identify infrastructure issues.
Funding: The company raised $3.90 million of venture funding in the form of SAFE notes from undisclosed investors on May 19, 2023.
With Ban on Micron, China Escalates Microchip Clash With U.S.
The Chinese government has blocked Micron Technology's memory chips, signaling a growing divide between the two economic powers on tech policy.
China's swift and decisive action against Micron highlights its authoritarian rule and ability to enforce absolute bans, serving as a reprisal for the US government's moves to block Chinese chip makers' access to crucial tools.
The block creates an opportunity for Chinese chip makers to fill the gap in the industry, potentially leading to a wedge between the US and its allies who could capitalize on the business Micron might lose.
Icon, a startup in Austin, aims to disrupt the construction industry with 3D-printed homes.
The company has developed a giant 3D printer called Vulcan II that can construct entire small houses in 24 hours by stacking continuous beads of concrete.
3D-printed buildings could reduce construction costs by up to 50% and potentially eliminate hundreds of millions of tons of construction waste annually.
Icon faced challenges with the printer's functionality during its inaugural real-world printing, but the team continues to work on improving the technology.
Arms Flow 30% Faster to Ukraine as US Relearns Cold-War Skills
The U.S. military has increased the speed of delivering weapons to Ukraine by 30% compared to the start of Russia's invasion.
Improved efficiency in transportation, increased experience, and better operational forecasting have contributed to the faster deliveries.
The U.S. is relearning Cold War-era techniques for rapid deployment of troops and equipment to Europe to support its allies.
The U.S. has shipped or promised $38 billion worth of equipment and weapons to Ukraine, including artillery shells, trucks, and armored vehicles, bolstering Ukraine's munitions stockpiles and offensive capabilities.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our latest episode, we have guest Dr. Jennifer Rudolph sit down with General Partner Jeremy Hitchcock for an engaging conversation where Dr. Rudolph discusses her passion for Asian history and politics, her research on Taiwan's political identity, and shares critical insights into the complex US-China relationship from her latest book, The China Question.
