Top Startup and Tech Funding News – January 12, 2025

It’s Monday, January 12, 2026, and we’re back with today’s top startup and tech funding news. Today’s funding landscape reflects the escalating demand for AI infrastructure, autonomous security, and next-generation therapeutics. From multi-cloud GPU orchestration to logic-gated oncology drugs, investors are funneling capital into platforms redefining how intelligence, defense, and healthcare operate at scale.

Enterprise infrastructure led the day with Tebra’s $250 million raise to embed AI across healthcare practices and Cast AI’s valuation surge as it launched OMNI Compute to unify GPU capacity across clouds. In defense and cybersecurity, Harmattan AI secured $200 million to bring AI autonomy to European warplanes, while Torq locked in $140 million to automate SOC workflows with agentic AI.

Biotech remained a magnet for mega-rounds, with AirNexis and MEDIPOST advancing transformative therapies in COPD and osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, VelaFi and Terra Industries signaled new momentum in stablecoin-powered financial rails and indigenous defense innovation across emerging markets.

Across verticals—from stem cell regeneration and AI-native security to seed-stage African defense tech—today’s rounds underscore strong conviction in infrastructure, autonomy, and platform-scale medicine.

Tech Funding News

Funding Highlights

• Tebra raises $250M to expand AI-driven healthcare platform
• Harmattan AI lands $200M Series B for autonomous defense software
• Torq secures $140M Series D to automate SOC operations
• Cast AI hits unicorn status with strategic investment to launch OMNI Compute
• AirNexis Therapeutics raises $200M Series A for dual-action COPD drug
• MEDIPOST raises $140M to advance stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis
• Kinaset Therapeutics grabs $103M Series B for inhaled asthma treatment
• Terra Industries emerges with $11.75M seed to build autonomous defense systems in Africa
• VelaFi raises $20M Series B for enterprise stablecoin payments
• Vibrant Therapeutics raises $61M to advance logic-gated cancer therapies

Investor Activity

Today’s rounds featured sovereign funds, strategic CVCs, defense OEMs, and global growth investors spanning Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The strong capital flow at every stage—from stealth seed to $200M+ Series A—highlights sustained investor appetite for infrastructure-heavy startups reshaping compute, security, and medicine.

Here’s the full breakdown of January 12’s most significant startup and tech fundings.

Tech Funding News

Tebra Raises $250M to Accelerate AI in Healthcare Practice Management

Newport Beach-based Tebra has secured $250 million in new financing to expand AI-driven automation across its platform for independent healthcare practices. Formed from the 2021 merger of Kareo and PatientPop, Tebra provides an all-in-one cloud system for practice management, electronic health records, patient engagement, and billing. The fresh capital will fund the development of AI features to streamline clinical documentation and administrative workflows, helping more than 140,000 providers save time and improve patient care.

This significant round – a mix of equity and structured financing – underscores investor confidence in Tebra’s market position and growth. With private practices under pressure to boost efficiency, Tebra’s integrated solution and new AI capabilities aim to give smaller providers a competitive edge. The company’s CEO says the funding will accelerate the rollout of AI tools such as automated note-taking and revenue-cycle support, further differentiating Tebra as a tech partner for the front and back offices of healthcare clinics.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Tebra (healthcare software platform, Newport Beach, CA)

• Investors: Led by Hildred Capital, with participation from existing backers including Montreux Growth Partners, Toba Capital, Transformation Capital, and a debt facility from J.P. Morgan

• Amount Raised: $250 million

• Total Raised: ~$387 million

• Funding Stage: Growth financing (Late-stage round)

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Harmattan AI Lands $200M in Series B Funding to Scale Autonomous Defense Software

French defense tech startup Harmattan AI has raised $200 million in a Series B round led by Dassault Aviation, vaulting the two-year-old company to unicorn status with a $1.4 billion valuation. Harmattan develops autonomous mission-system software for military aircraft and drones, aiming to bring AI-driven capabilities to fighter jets and defense systems. The investment follows strong validation from the French and UK defense ministries and includes a strategic partnership: Harmattan will help Dassault integrate AI into next-generation Rafale fighter jets and UAVs.

This late-stage funding – one of the largest in Europe’s defense sector – will accelerate product development and deployment of Harmattan’s AI-powered autonomy solutions. As NATO militaries prioritize advanced drones and smarter combat systems, Harmattan plans to expand manufacturing of its AI platforms for surveillance, electronic warfare, and drone interception. The startup’s rapid rise has drawn praise from French leaders, who touted the deal as critical to Europe’s technological sovereignty. With fresh capital and a major industry partner, Harmattan is positioned to challenge incumbent defense contractors by delivering cutting-edge “agentic AI” capabilities to allied armed forces.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Harmattan AI (defense autonomy software, Paris, France)

• Investors: Led by Dassault Aviation (strategic lead); joined by existing and new investors (undisclosed)

• Amount Raised: $200 million

• Total Raised: N/D (Series B round)

• Funding Stage: Series B

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Torq Secures $140M in Series D Funding to Automate Security Operations with AI

Israeli cybersecurity startup Torq has raised $140 million in Series D funding at a $1.2 billion valuation, cementing its status as a cybersecurity unicorn. The round was led by Merlin Ventures, a U.S.-based cyber-focused fund, with strong follow-on participation from Torq’s prior backers, including Evolution Equity Partners, Insight Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and others. Torq has pioneered an AI-driven security operations platform (AI SOC) that uses autonomous agents to investigate threats and orchestrate responses, helping enterprise security teams handle incidents with minimal manual effort.

Torq’s AI SOC platform has rapidly gained traction among Fortune 500 companies looking to ease the burden on overstretched security teams. The new funding will be used to accelerate Torq’s go-to-market in both commercial and government sectors, expand its product capabilities, and scale up hiring. CEO Ofer Smadari says the capital will help Torq “define and dominate” the emerging category of AI-automated security operations. With marquee customers like PepsiCo, Uber, and Virgin Atlantic already on board – and millions of security tasks being handled by Torq’s bots daily – the company is poised to become a leader in next-gen cyber defense, where autonomy and speed are paramount.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Torq (AI security automation platform, Tel Aviv, Israel)

• Investors: Led by Merlin Ventures; joined by Evolution Equity, Insight Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Notable Capital, Greenfield Partners, and others

• Amount Raised: $140 million

• Total Raised: ~$332 million

• Funding Stage: Series D

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Cast AI Hits Unicorn Status, Launches OMNI Compute for Cross-Cloud GPUs

Miami-based cloud infrastructure startup Cast AI announced a strategic funding round that propels its valuation above $1 billion as it launches a major new product, OMNI Compute. The funding – a strategic investment from Pacific Alliance Ventures (the venture arm of South Korea’s Shinsegae Group) – was undisclosed in amount but follows Cast AI’s $108M Series C last year, bringing the company’s total funding to over $180 million. Cast AI’s platform uses automation and machine learning to optimize cloud-native environments and cut costs. With OMNI Compute, Cast is extending that vision by enabling enterprises to seamlessly tap into GPU computing capacity across multiple cloud providers and regions, without modifying their code.

This funding and product launch come as demand for AI compute outstrips supply and companies seek more flexibility beyond single-cloud GPU offerings. OMNI Compute essentially creates a unified marketplace for GPU power: workloads can be deployed wherever capacity is available – even leveraging Oracle’s GPU fleet from within AWS or Azure environments – all orchestrated through Cast’s platform. The new capital will help Cast AI scale globally to meet rising demand for heterogeneous cloud infrastructure. By solving cloud lock-in and GPU shortages with an intelligent “cross-cloud” layer, Cast AI is positioning itself as a key enabler for AI deployment at scale. Shinsegae’s backing also signals confidence in Cast’s cloud automation approach, creating opportunities for expansion in Asia.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Cast AI (multi-cloud automation platform, Miami, FL)

• Investors: Pacific Alliance Ventures (Shinsegae Group) as strategic lead, with participation from existing backers (SoftBank Vision Fund 2, G2 Venture, etc.)

• Amount Raised: Undisclosed strategic investment (valuation > $1B)

• Total Raised: ~$180+ million

• Funding Stage: Strategic funding (post-Series C)

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

AirNexis Therapeutics Nabs $200M Series A for Dual-Action Lung Treatment

AirNexis Therapeutics, a Palo Alto-based biotech focused on respiratory disease, emerged from stealth with $200 million in Series A financing to advance a novel therapy for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The oversubscribed round was led by Frazier Life Sciences, with major participation from OrbiMed, SR One, Goldman Sachs’ life sciences arm, Longitude Capital, and Enavate Sciences, among others. AirNexis is developing AN-01, a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor drug that aims to both relax airways (bronchodilation) and reduce inflammation – a two-pronged approach for treating COPD.

This unusually large Series A will fund global Phase 2 clinical trials of AN-01 and expand AirNexis’s pipeline of pulmonary therapeutics. The company also announced it has in-licensed the lead compound from Haisco Pharmaceutical, indicating a fast path into mid-stage trials. CEO Maria Fardis (formerly of Kite Pharma) leads a team with deep expertise in pulmonary and drug development. Investors are betting that AirNexis’s dual-mechanism therapy could address persistent gaps in COPD care. With COPD affecting hundreds of millions worldwide and current treatments providing only partial relief, AirNexis’s funding underscores high hopes for a more effective solution in this large, unmet medical market.

Funding Details:

• Startup: AirNexis Therapeutics (biotech – pulmonary diseases, Palo Alto, CA)

• Investors: Led by Frazier Life Sciences; co-led/participation from OrbiMed, SR One, Goldman Sachs (Life Sciences), Longitude Capital, Enavate Sciences, and others

• Amount Raised: $200 million

• Total Raised: $200 million (Series A)

• Funding Stage: Series A

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

MEDIPOST Raises $140M to Advance Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis

MEDIPOST, a biotechnology company developing stem cell therapies for degenerative diseases, has raised $140 million in a new funding round to accelerate its lead program for knee osteoarthritis. Based in Cambridge, MA (with roots in South Korea), MEDIPOST is advancing an allogeneic (off-the-shelf) cell therapy derived from umbilical cord blood to repair knee cartilage damage. The growth equity round was led by Skylake Equity Partners and Crescendo Equity Partners, with participation from a major Korean growth fund, reflecting MEDIPOST’s global ties.

The infusion will fund MEDIPOST’s ongoing Phase III trial of its mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee cartilage lesions, scale up manufacturing, and expand the company’s U.S. operations. Osteoarthritis is an inflammation-driven condition affecting millions, and MEDIPOST’s regenerative approach could offer a disease-modifying solution beyond pain management. Led by CEO Edward Ahn, the company has built a proprietary stem cell platform and is one of the first to bring a cartilage regeneration cell therapy into late-stage testing. With $140M in hand, MEDIPOST aims to push its therapy toward regulatory approval and establish itself as a leader in regenerative medicine for orthopedic conditions.

Funding Details:

• Startup: MEDIPOST (regen med biotech – stem cell therapy, Cambridge, MA)

• Investors: Led by Skylake Equity Partners and Crescendo Equity Partners, with participation from a Korean growth equity fund (unnamed)

• Amount Raised: $140 million

• Total Raised: $140 million (external funding to date)

• Funding Stage: Late-stage private funding

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Kinaset Therapeutics Closed $103M in Series B Funding to Develop Inhaled Asthma Drug

Boston-based Kinaset Therapeutics closed a $103 million Series B round to accelerate clinical development of its inhalable treatment for severe asthma. RA Capital Management and Forge Life Science Partners led the round, which also included new investors EQT Life Sciences, Vivo Capital, Schroders Capital, Willett Advisors, and Pictet Ventures, alongside Kinaset’s earlier backers Atlas Venture, 5AM Ventures, and Gimv. The financing adds several high-profile biotech funds to Kinaset’s shareholder roster and will support advanced trials of the company’s lead drug, frevecitinib, a first-in-class inhaled pan-JAK inhibitor.

Frevecitinib is designed to deliver broad anti-inflammatory effects directly to the lungs while minimizing systemic side effects – a potential game-changer for hard-to-control asthma. With Phase 2 studies on the horizon, Kinaset will use the Series B proceeds to push frevecitinib through proof-of-concept in patients and to bolster its R&D pipeline. The raise also adds industry veterans to Kinaset’s board, reflecting the company’s progress. CEO Robert Clarke says the goal is to target severe respiratory inflammation. If successful, Kinaset’s inhaled therapy could offer a new option for patients who don’t respond to existing asthma biologics or inhaled steroids, a market worth billions annually.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Kinaset Therapeutics (biopharma – inhaled therapies, Boston, MA)

• Investors: Led by RA Capital and Forge Life Science Partners; new investors include EQT Life Sciences, Vivo Capital, Schroders Capital, Willett Advisors, Pictet, and others; existing investors Atlas Venture, 5AM Ventures, Gimv continued participation

• Amount Raised: $103 million

• Total Raised: N/D (multiple rounds)

• Funding Stage: Series B

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Terra Emerges with $11.75M Seed Round to Build Autonomous Defense Systems in Africa

Abuja-based Terra Industries has emerged from stealth with an $11.75 million seed funding round to build Africa’s first homegrown defense technology company. Founded by two Nigerian entrepreneurs in their early 20s, Terra is developing autonomous security systems – including long-range surveillance drones, ground robotics, and smart monitoring towers – to help African governments and businesses better respond to terrorism and infrastructural threats. The seed round was led by 8VC (the U.S. venture firm helmed by Joe Lonsdale), with participation from Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, and Nova Global. Several Africa-focused funds (Tofino Capital, Kaleo Ventures, DFS Lab) also joined, signaling regional support.

Terra’s ambitious goal is to create a “defense prime” in Africa that can design and deploy advanced security tech locally, rather than relying solely on foreign contractors. The startup’s engineering team includes former Nigerian military engineers and drone specialists, giving it rare domain expertise on the continent. With insurgencies and infrastructure attacks posing a major challenge to development in parts of Africa, Terra’s technology could fill a vital gap in surveillance and response capabilities. The company plans to use the funds to expand its product lineup (including developing maritime defense tech) and to pilot its systems with government partners. By leveraging Africa’s young tech talent and focusing on local defense needs, Terra aims to put cutting-edge security tools directly into the hands of African users.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Terra Industries (autonomous defense systems, Abuja, Nigeria)

• Investors: Led by 8VC (Joe Lonsdale); notable participants include Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Nova Global, plus Africa-focused funds Tofino Capital, Kaleo Ventures, and DFS Lab

• Amount Raised: $11.75 million

• Total Raised: ~$12.5 million (including prior pre-seed)

• Funding Stage: Seed (stealth emergence)

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

VelaFi Raises $20M Series B to Power Enterprise Stablecoin Payments

VelaFi, a Dallas-based fintech startup providing a stablecoin-based payments platform, has raised $20 million in Series B funding to expand its global financial infrastructure offering. The round was led by XVC and Ikuyo Ventures, with strategic participation from Alibaba Investment and Planetree, and follow-on investment from existing backer BAI Capital. VelaFi (a subsidiary of Galactic Holdings) operates an enterprise platform that enables businesses to use stablecoins for cross-border payments, treasury, and foreign exchange, with API integrations for on/off ramps and multi-currency support.

The new capital brings VelaFi’s total funding to over $40 million and will fuel growth across Latin America, the U.S., and Asia, where the company runs regulated entities. CEO Maggie Wu says the funds will be allocated to product development and regulatory compliance as VelaFi scales its network for corporate clients. With traditional cross-border payments often slow and costly, VelaFi’s stablecoin solutions enable near-instant, low-cost transactions pegged to fiat currencies. The platform’s focus on enterprise-grade security and compliance has attracted interest from multinational firms looking to streamline international payouts and treasury operations. As stablecoins gain traction in mainstream finance, VelaFi is positioning itself as a bridge between crypto liquidity and business banking needs.

Funding Details:

• Startup: VelaFi (stablecoin payments platform, Dallas, TX)

• Investors: Led by XVC and Ikuyo; joined by Alibaba Investment, Planetree, BAI Capital (existing), and other global investors

• Amount Raised: $20 million

• Total Raised: ~$ Forty million

• Funding Stage: Series B

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Vibrant Therapeutics Raises $61M to Advance Logic-Gated Cancer Therapies

Vibrant Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech with operations in Guangzhou, China, and Cambridge, MA, raised $61 million in new financing to propel its pipeline of “logic-gated” cancer therapeutics. The round welcomed strategic investor Pfizer Ventures and China’s Apricot Capital as new backers, alongside contributions from Bayland Capital, HSG, Northern Light Venture Capital, and First Principle Ventures. This financing brings Vibrant’s total raised to $100 million to date.

Vibrant is developing next-generation biologic drugs that activate only in specific tumor microenvironments – an approach that aims to improve efficacy while reducing side effects. Its lead program, VIB305, is a “masked” T-cell engager targeting EGFR-positive solid tumors, designed to activate T cells against cancer cells only when specific biochemical conditions are met in the tumor. The company recently won FDA clearance to begin clinical trials for VIB305, a milestone that likely catalyzed investor interest. With the new funds, Vibrant will advance multiple programs into the clinic and continue enhancing its proprietary computational/experimental platform for drug design. The startup also announced the appointment of Dr. Han Lee as co-CEO, strengthening its leadership for global development. The mix of U.S. and Asian investment in this round underscores Vibrant’s East-West strategy in biotech innovation, leveraging resources in both China and the U.S. to tackle solid tumor cancers with smarter, safer immunotherapies.

Funding Details:

• Startup: Vibrant Therapeutics (biotech – tumor microenvironment drugs, Guangzhou & Cambridge)

• Investors: Pfizer Ventures and Apricot Capital (new investors); joined by Bayland Capital, HSG, Northern Light Venture Capital, First Principle Venture, and others

• Amount Raised: $61 million

• Total Raised: $100 million

• Funding Stage: Series B/strategic financing

• Funding Date: January 12, 2026

Tech Funding Summary Table