Kleiner Perkins is a US venture capital firm that invests in technology companies across stages. Recent coverage has focused on its AI bets: partner Ilya Fushman discussed opportunities from frontier models like Anthropic to consumer agents, autonomous vehicles and robotics; the firm participated in Flapping Airplanes' $1 billion raise, is reportedly in talks to lead a round for ex-Anthropic researchers' startup Mirendil, and co-led Profound's $180 million Series D with Sequoia.
AI Research Startup Flapping Airplanes Raises $1B at $6B ValuationOne-year-old AI research startup Flapping Airplanes raised $1 billion at a $6 billion valuation, led by Index Ventures and Lux Capital, with Sequoia, Alphabet's GV and Kleiner Perkins participating. The company has yet to launch a commercial product, and its valuation has quadrupled.
Kleiner Perkins Bets on AI's Next Act, From Anthropic to WaymoKleiner Perkins partner Ilya Fushman says AI is still early in reshaping the economy, with opportunities from frontier models like Anthropic to consumer agents, autonomous vehicles and robotics. He sees physical AI as a source of future trillion-dollar companies and is more optimistic on IPOs and M&A.
Marine startups raise nearly $3B in a yearCrunchbase data shows marine-related startups raised nearly $3 billion in the past year, covering autonomous vessels, water robots, electric craft, and ocean data. Saronic led with a $1.75 billion Series D at a $9.25 billion valuation.
Ex-Anthropic Staffers' AI Startup in Talks to Raise at $5B ValuationMirendil, an AI startup founded by former Anthropic researchers, is in talks to raise a new round at a $5 billion valuation, with Kleiner Perkins in talks to lead and up to $1 billion in new capital.
Profound Raises $180M at $1.8B ValuationAI marketing startup Profound raised $180 million in a Series D at a $1.8 billion valuation, co-led by Sequoia Capital and Kleiner Perkins. The funding will support product and market expansion for AI-driven brand search and marketing.
The A.I. Daily