**Top Startup and Tech Funding News – Tuesday, January 26, 2026**

Today’s startup and tech funding highlights show a strong investor focus on core technologies like AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced defense systems, and industrial innovation. Investors are backing companies building the foundation for smarter, more secure, and scalable digital platforms.

Let’s break down the biggest funding rounds and what they mean for the future of AI, fintech, aerospace, crypto, and clean energy.

—

**Ricursive Intelligence – $300M Series A for AI-Powered Chip Design**

AI hardware startup Ricursive Intelligence raised $300 million at a $4 billion valuation. Founded by former DeepMind researchers, the Palo Alto-based company is building a platform that uses AI to design faster, more efficient computer chips. Their technology creates a feedback loop where AI models help improve chip design—and better chips then power smarter AI.

This massive funding round comes just weeks after their $35 million seed round. Backers include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Nvidia’s NVentures, Sequoia Capital, and DST Global. With the global chip shortage ongoing, Ricursive’s work could speed up innovation in AI hardware.

**Keywords:** AI chip design, semiconductor innovation, Ricursive Intelligence, AI hardware funding

—

**Upwind – $250M Series B for Cloud Runtime Security**

San Francisco-based Upwind raised $250 million to boost its runtime-first cloud security platform. Their system protects cloud apps while they’re running—crucial as companies use real-time AI workloads in the cloud.

The round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners with backing from Salesforce Ventures and others. This brings their total funding to $430 million. Upwind plans to grow fast as demand rises for secure, cloud-native environments in the age of generative AI.

**Keywords:** cloud security funding, CNAPP, runtime threat detection, Upwind cybersecurity

—

**Synthesia – $200M Series E for AI Video Creation**

London’s Synthesia secured $200 million to grow its AI video platform. The tool lets businesses create realistic videos from text using digital avatars—no camera or actors needed. Big corporations use it for training, marketing, and internal communication.

Google Ventures led the round, joined by Accel, Kleiner Perkins, NEA, and Nvidia’s NVentures. Synthesia now serves many Fortune 100 companies and plans to expand features as demand for AI-generated content explodes.

**Keywords:** AI video platform, Synthesia funding, generative media tools

—

**JetZero – $175M Series B for Fuel-Efficient Aircraft**

California startup JetZero raised $175 million to develop a new type of aircraft with a blended-wing body that uses less fuel. Their prototype could fly by 2027 and cut aerodynamic drag by 30% compared to traditional planes.

The round was led by B Capital with support from Northrop Grumman and United Airlines’ venture arm. JetZero has already received over $1 billion in contracts and grants, including a $235 million deal with the U.S. Air Force.

**Keywords:** JetZero aircraft funding, blended-wing planes, sustainable aviation

—

**Standard Nuclear – $140M Series A for Advanced Nuclear Fuel**

San Diego’s Standard Nuclear closed a $140 million round to scale its production of HALEU nuclear fuel using TRISO particle tech. This specialized fuel is needed for next-gen reactors used in energy, defense, and space.

Investors include Decisive Point, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. The company plans to produce over two metric tons annually by mid-2026 across U.S. sites to meet growing demand.

**Keywords:** HALEU fuel production, nuclear energy startup, TRISO particles

—

**Neurophos – $110M Series A for Optical AI Chips**

Austin-based Neurophos raised $110 million to develop optical processors that use light instead of electricity to perform AI tasks. These chips promise much faster performance with lower power usage.

Gates Frontier led the round with backing from Microsoft’s M12, Bosch Ventures, and others. The funding will help Neurophos complete its “Lifter Lite” metasurface chip and prep it for data center use.

**Keywords:** photonics chips, optical AI processors, Neurophos funding

—

**Cyclic Materials – $75M Series C for Rare Earth Recycling**

Cyclic Materials raised $75 million to expand its rare earth recycling operations in North America and Europe. The company recovers valuable elements like neodymium and dysprosium from old electronics and magnets—used in EVs, wind turbines, and defense tech.

The process is eco-friendly and helps reduce reliance on overseas mining. T. Rowe Price Associates led the round. Cyclic aims to build more local recycling plants to support supply chains for AI hardware and clean energy.

**Keywords:** rare earth recycling, critical minerals supply chain, Cyclic Materials

—

**Zocks – $45M Series B for AI in Wealth Management**

Zocks raised $45 million to grow its AI assistant platform for financial advisors. The tool listens to client meetings and automates tasks like creating proposals or tracking follow-ups—saving advisors hours every week.

Lightspeed Venture Partners and QED Investors led the round. Zocks plans to add smart features that spot financial planning gaps across entire client lists and suggest next steps automatically.

**Keywords:** wealth tech AI, financial advisor tools, Zocks funding

—

**Grid Aero – $20M Series A for Autonomous Cargo Planes**

Aerospace startup Grid Aero raised $20 million to build autonomous cargo aircraft that can fly long distances without pilots or advanced runways. Their goal is to serve military and emergency logistics needs where traditional transport isn’t possible.

Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital co-led the round. The company will use the funds to begin testing with military partners. Grid Aero’s uncrewed planes could become key players in “contested logistics.”

**Keywords:** autonomous cargo aircraft, Grid Aero funding, drone logistics

—

**Project Eleven – $20M Series A for Quantum-Resistant Crypto Security**

Crypto security startup Project Eleven secured $20 million to help blockchain networks prepare for the future threat of quantum computers. They’re building tools to upgrade networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum to quantum-safe cryptography before it becomes critical.

Castle Island Ventures led the round alongside Coinbase Ventures and others. The company will expand its testing environments and migration software to support secure transitions over time.

**Keywords:** post-quantum crypto security, blockchain encryption upgrade, Project Eleven

—

Today’s funding news shows investors are putting big money behind startups building deep-tech platforms—from chips and cloud security to clean energy and autonomous systems. As industries prepare for an AI-driven future, these startups are laying the groundwork across infrastructure, defense, finance, and enterprise tools.