Startup Funding Surges in AI, Crypto, and Space Tech
**Tech & Startup Funding News – January 22, 2026**
Here’s a quick look at today’s biggest startup and tech funding highlights. Investors are pouring money into next-gen AI, crypto, fintech, cloud infrastructure, and even space tech. The focus is clear: companies that turn smart ideas into real-world systems are winning big. Whether it’s AI chips, tokenized finance, or tools for car dealerships, the latest funding rounds show strong support for platforms ready to scale fast.
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### AI & Cloud Infrastructure Get Major Boost
**Inferact Raises $150M for Faster AI Inference**
Inferact, the company behind the open-source vLLM project, just raised $150 million to speed up how large language models (LLMs) run in real-world apps. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Lightspeed Venture Partners, this funding values Inferact at $800 million. Their tech makes it cheaper and faster to use AI models in production, which is a huge need for cloud providers like AWS. The money will go toward building out its platform and scaling up with enterprise clients.
**Keywords:** AI inference, vLLM, LLM deployment, cloud AI, machine learning, Inferact funding
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**Neurophos Lands $110M to Build Light-Based AI Chips**
Neurophos, an Austin startup from Duke University, raised $110 million to build energy-efficient AI chips using light instead of electricity. Their optical processors promise ultra-fast machine learning with lower power use. Major backers include Bill Gates’s Gates Frontier, Microsoft’s M12, and Bosch Ventures. This funding helps Neurophos push forward with its cutting-edge chip design for the next wave of AI hardware.
**Keywords:** photonic chips, AI hardware, optical computing, low-power AI, Neurophos funding
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**Railway Secures $100M for Developer-Friendly AI Cloud Tools**
Railway, another Austin-based startup, raised $100 million to grow its cloud platform made for developers working on AI. The platform helps manage infrastructure like networking and billing for machine learning workloads. With AI model sizes exploding, Railway aims to fix the bottlenecks that slow them down. The money will be used to add new products and support hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud setups.
**Keywords:** AI cloud infrastructure, developer tools, machine learning scaling, Railway platform
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### Fintech & Crypto Infrastructure on the Rise
**Superstate Gets $82.5M to Tokenize Regulated Securities**
London-based Superstate raised $82.5 million to expand its platform that turns traditional stocks and bonds into blockchain-based assets. Big firms like Bain Capital Crypto and Haun Ventures joined the round. Superstate already manages over $1.1 billion in tokenized U.S. Treasuries and is now building tools for public companies to issue stocks on Ethereum and Solana. This shows growing interest in real-world asset tokenization.
**Keywords:** tokenized securities, blockchain finance, digital assets, crypto infrastructure
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**Zebedee Raises $40M to Power Bitcoin Payments in Games**
New Jersey’s Zebedee brought in $40 million to grow its Bitcoin payment system for video games. Players can earn and spend Bitcoin through in-game rewards and purchases. The round was led by Blockstream Capital and highlights how crypto is getting more embedded in virtual economies. Zebedee already processes billions in transactions and plans to expand into more gaming platforms.
**Keywords:** crypto gaming, Bitcoin payments, Web3 gaming, Zebedee funding
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**UangCermat Raises $26.4M for Digital Lending in Indonesia**
Indonesian fintech UangCermat raised $6.4 million in equity and secured a $20 million credit facility to offer payroll-linked loans to blue-collar workers. The company uses both digital tools and local agents to reach underserved communities. The funding will grow their loan portfolio and fintech platform for banks and microfinance institutions.
**Keywords:** phygital fintech, payroll loans, financial inclusion Indonesia, UangCermat lending
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### Vertical SaaS & Real Estate Tech See Growth
**Cambio Raises $18M to Modernize Commercial Real Estate Data**
Cambio, a San Francisco startup using AI for real estate investment analysis, secured $18 million. Their software reads messy data like PDFs and spreadsheets to generate instant insights for property investors. This replaces months of manual work and targets the $20 trillion U.S. commercial real estate market. Investors include Maverick Ventures and Y Combinator.
**Keywords:** real estate AI, CRE analytics, property investment tools, Cambio funding
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**Mia Labs Gets $20M to Automate Car Dealerships**
Austin-based Mia Labs raised $20 million to help car dealerships automate tasks like scheduling and lead tracking using conversational AI. Think of it as a digital assistant that handles repetitive sales and service tasks. With over 1 million customer interactions processed already, the company plans to expand features and grow its team.
**Keywords:** automotive SaaS, dealership automation, AI customer service, Mia Labs
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### Space & Biotech Innovation Attract Big Bets
**D-Orbit Secures $53M to Build Space Data Centers**
Italian space tech company D-Orbit raised $53 million to launch satellites that act like data centers in orbit. These satellites handle data processing and provide network services from space—a key need for governments and companies wanting edge computing from orbit. This funding supports D-Orbit’s plan to expand its satellite fleet by 2028.
**Keywords:** space infrastructure, satellite data centers, orbital computing, D-Orbit investment
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**Corxel Raises $287M for Oral Weight-Loss Drug**
Corxel Pharmaceuticals scored a massive $287 million Series D1 round to advance its oral GLP-1 drug for obesity treatment. Unlike current injectables like Ozempic or Wegovy, Corxel’s pill form could make weight-loss drugs easier to take. Backers include SR One (GSK’s venture arm), RA Capital, and RTW Investments. Clinical trials are underway globally.
**Keywords:** GLP-1 therapy, obesity treatment pill, biotech funding, Corxel drug development
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### Summary
January 22’s funding activity shows investors are focusing on scalable platforms in AI infrastructure, crypto rails, fintech innovation, and next-gen biotech. From light-based chips to Bitcoin gaming payouts and tokenized securities on blockchain—this cycle favors execution-ready teams building real systems with deep tech advantages.
**Top Themes:**
– Scalable AI inference platforms
– Energy-efficient hardware (photonic chips)
– Blockchain-backed finance
– Real-world use of crypto in games
– SaaS tools for vertical markets
– Space data networks
– Biotech solutions for global health
Stay tuned as we continue tracking the top startup funding news across cloud compute, artificial intelligence, decentralized finance, and beyond.
Top 10 FIU-Registered Crypto Exchanges in India 2026
**Top FIU-Registered Crypto Exchanges in India (2026): A Simple Guide for Safe and Legal Crypto Investing**
As of January 2026, India’s crypto space has grown fast but under tight regulations. If you’re investing in crypto, using an FIU-registered exchange isn’t just smart—it’s the law. The Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND) now oversees nearly 50 platforms to make sure they follow rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This helps keep the system clean and safe for everyone.
Here’s a simple guide to the best and safest crypto exchanges in India that are FIU-registered.
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### 1. **SunCrypto**
SunCrypto leads the pack in 2026 for security, simplicity, and strong support for Indian users.
– **Security First:** SunCrypto protects your data with encryption and stores funds in insured cold wallets worth up to $150 million.
– **Safe Bank Verification:** It uses a ₹1 deposit to confirm your bank account matches your ID.
– **Video KYC & Face Detection:** You blink or smile to prove you’re real, blocking fake accounts.
– **Location Checks:** Blocks logins from risky or foreign locations.
– **24/7 Human Support:** Get help anytime in English or Hindi—no chatbots only!
– **Quick Banking:** Indian bank support makes deposits and withdrawals fast.
– **Full Compliance:** Follows strict KYC and AML checks to stop fraud.
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### 2. **CoinDCX**
CoinDCX is popular among both beginner and advanced traders.
– **High-Level Security:** Seven-layer security system.
– **Proof of Reserve Audits:** Regular audits prove your funds are safe.
– **Advanced Trading:** Offers up to 100x leverage, spot, margin, and futures trading.
– **Extra Features:** “CoinDCX Pro” for charting, “Earn” feature for interest on idle assets.
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### 3. **WazirX**
WazirX has been a big name in Indian crypto since the early days.
– **P2P Trading Leader:** First in India to offer Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin trading.
– **Secure Systems:** Uses blockchain tech and multi-signature wallets.
– **Easy KYC:** Fast onboarding with biometrics.
– **High Liquidity:** Great for fast trades with big volumes.
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### 4. **ZebPay**
One of the oldest and most trusted exchanges in India, especially for long-term investors.
– **Cold Storage:** Keeps 98% of crypto offline for safety.
– **Bitcoin SIPs:** Automate Bitcoin or Ethereum buys weekly or monthly.
– **Focused on Investors:** Best for people who want to grow wealth slowly and safely.
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### 5. **Mudrex**
Mudrex treats crypto like investing in mutual funds.
– **Coin Sets:** Invest in theme-based crypto baskets like AI, DeFi, or Web3.
– **Global Compliance:** Registered in India, EU, and Italy.
– **Bank-Level Security:** Uses AES-256 encryption.
– **Easy Taxes:** Get automated tax reports via KoinX.
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### 6. **CoinSwitch**
CoinSwitch is beginner-friendly and mobile-first.
– **Start with ₹100:** Great for new users who want to try crypto without big risk.
– **Advanced Trading Tools:** “CoinSwitch PRO” gives more control for experienced users.
– **Help When You Need It:** “CoinSwitch Cares” helps recover from transaction mistakes.
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### 7. **Unocoin**
India’s first crypto exchange, built for everyday use.
– **Crypto Loans:** Borrow money without selling your Bitcoin.
– **Bitcoin SIP Plans:** Invest small amounts regularly to build long-term wealth.
– **Fast Transfers:** Supports the Bitcoin Lightning Network for quick payments.
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### 8. **Delta Exchange**
Best in India for serious traders looking at crypto derivatives.
– **Futures & Options Trading:** Trade complex strategies like calls and puts with ease.
– **Strategy Tools:** Use built-in tools like ‘Strategy Builder’ and ‘Basket Orders’.
– **INR Support:** Automatically converts crypto into INR—no need for USDT.
– **Tax Made Easy:** INR-based trades simplify tax filing.
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### 9. **Pi42**
A homegrown platform focused on Futures & Options trading in INR.
– **INR Margins:** No TDS on trades since profits are settled directly in INR.
– **Low Entry Point:** Start trading with as little as ₹10.
– **Strict Compliance:** Fully FIU registered with investor-friendly features.
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### 10. **Giottus**
Perfect for users who prefer local languages and guided investing.
– **Trade in Your Language:** Offers support in multiple Indian languages.
– **Crypto Baskets & Rewards:** Get high-yield rewards on top cryptocurrencies.
– **Cold Storage Partnered with BitGo:** Trusted institutional-grade security.
– **Expert Trading Signals:** Get real-time tips inside the app through ‘Giottus Signals’.
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### Why FIU Registration Matters
Using an FIU-registered crypto exchange means you’re fully compliant with Indian laws. These platforms automatically manage the required 1% TDS on your trades and ensure your investment activity is reported correctly to tax authorities. It protects your funds, reduces risk, and keeps you legally safe while you explore the world of digital assets.
If you’re over 18 and ready to invest smartly in crypto, always pick an FIU-approved platform like SunCrypto or others listed above.
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**Name**: SunCrypto
**Contact Email**: help@suncrypto.in
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**Note**: Crypto and NFTs are not regulated in India and carry risk. Always do your own research before investing. This guide does not offer financial advice.
BlockchainFX Presale: Trade All Assets in One App
Ever watched the crypto market dip and thought, “There has to be an easier way to get in early without jumping between five different apps”? That’s exactly the kind of problem BlockchainFX ($BFX) is trying to solve.
### What Is BlockchainFX ($BFX)?
BlockchainFX is a new crypto project aiming to be the all-in-one trading app for global markets. It combines crypto, forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and bonds into a single platform. With over 500 assets available, users can switch between markets instantly—no more juggling different wallets, brokers, or apps.
The goal is simple: make trading less stressful and more efficient. Many traders lose money not because of bad decisions, but because of delays and friction between platforms. BlockchainFX wants to fix that by creating a unified space where everything is in one place.
### Key Launch Details: Mark Your Calendar for January 31
The big news? The BlockchainFX trading platform goes live on January 31. From day one, users will be able to deposit and withdraw using major cryptocurrencies and start trading across hundreds of assets.
For investors, this launch date is important. A working product gives credibility and real momentum—not just hype. It shows the team is serious and moving from ideas to execution.
### Daily Rewards: Earn BFX and USDT Without Constant Trading
One of the standout features of BlockchainFX is its dual rewards system. Users can earn both BFX tokens and USDT daily just by staking—no need to trade constantly. Up to 70% of trading fees collected on the platform are given back to the community.
This makes BlockchainFX appealing even to passive holders. If you prefer to hold instead of trade every day, you can still earn a steady return based on the platform’s overall activity.
### Strong Tokenomics: Low Entry Price and Limited Supply
The $BFX token is built on Ethereum with a total supply of 3.5 billion tokens. The presale price is currently $0.031, but the target listing price is $0.05. That’s a big value gap early investors are aiming to capture.
More than $12.89 million has already been raised in the presale. Unsold tokens will be burned, and liquidity will be locked after launch—moves that help build trust and reduce token supply, which can support price growth.
There’s also a special bonus code—APP50—that gives you 50% more tokens instantly when you buy during the presale.
### Other Projects in the Presale Space
While BlockchainFX stands out for its trading app vision, there are other crypto presales happening right now:
– **DeepSnitch AI**: An AI-focused project targeting automation and insights for users. These types of tokens are popular when they show real utility, not just buzzwords.
– **SUBBD**: A creator economy project designed around subscriptions and content monetization. It’s all about community engagement and keeping creators active.
– **Bitcoin Hyper**: Built around Bitcoin themes but aiming for higher returns by offering something new—possibly scalability or faster payments.
Each of these projects has its own angle, but BlockchainFX offers a clearer utility with its live platform launch and reward system.
### Why Early Buyers Like the BlockchainFX Presale
There are two main reasons why people are excited about $BFX:
1. **Real-World Utility**: The app solves a real problem—messy trading across multiple platforms. A clean interface that handles everything in one place is easy to understand and attractive to all types of investors.
2. **Incentives That Work**: Daily rewards in BFX and USDT make it rewarding to hold the token. Plus, burning unsold tokens and locking liquidity shows that the team cares about long-term value and reducing supply.
Together, these factors make waiting feel risky. Getting in early could mean catching momentum before prices rise after launch.
### Conclusion: Is BlockchainFX the Best Crypto Presale Right Now?
DeepSnitch AI, SUBBD, and Bitcoin Hyper offer different options depending on what kind of project you like. But if you’re looking for a presale with clear utility, a working product coming soon, strong incentives, and a chance to get in before a potential price jump—BlockchainFX might be your best bet.
Use code **APP50** during presale to get 50% more tokens instantly. The earlier you move, the better your position when the app goes live on January 31.
### Learn More:
Website: https://blockchainfx.com/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/BlockchainFXcom
Telegram Chat: https://t.me/blockchainfx_chat
Crypto Set to Reshape Global Finance by 2026
Crypto is set to become a key part of the global economy by 2026. Ripple’s president, Monica Long, says the industry is moving into its “production era,” where the focus shifts from hype to real-world use. This means crypto will start powering everyday financial systems and business operations.
One big area of growth is stablecoins—digital currencies that are tied to traditional money like the US dollar. In 2025, stablecoins saw massive growth, hitting $310 billion in market value and processing $33 trillion in transactions. That’s nearly one-third of all crypto transactions. Big names like Visa, Stripe, YouTube, and Western Union are already using stablecoins for faster and cheaper payments.
Monica Long believes 2026 will be the year stablecoins become the backbone of global payments. Instead of being an alternative payment method, they’ll be built directly into financial systems. Businesses will use them to move money instantly, improve cash flow, and manage funds more efficiently.
Ripple has jumped into this trend with its own stablecoin, RLUSD. It quickly reached over $1 billion on Ethereum and offers features like yield generation—helping users earn while holding it.
Crypto’s reach will also expand into major institutions in 2026. In 2025, big companies began taking crypto more seriously. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs performed well, and a Coinbase survey found that 60% of Fortune 500 companies are working on blockchain projects. Around 200 public companies now hold Bitcoin in their reserves.
Looking ahead, Long expects institutional use of crypto to grow fast. She says more banks and financial institutions will adopt blockchain for settlement processes. This could shift 5–10% of capital market settlements onto blockchain networks, improving speed and transparency. Regulatory support and stablecoin adoption by major players will drive this change.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a big role. As AI merges with blockchain tech, businesses can automate financial tasks like liquidity management and margin calls. Asset managers will use AI to manage tokenized assets and stablecoins more effectively.
To keep these systems secure and private, new technologies like zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) will be essential. Ripple is already developing ZKP tools for the XRP Ledger to ensure data privacy on-chain.
All signs point to 2026 as the year crypto becomes deeply embedded in global finance. It won’t just be about trading—it will be part of how money moves around the world.
Currently, XRP is trading at around $1.90, showing a slight dip as the overall crypto market cap falls by nearly 2%, sitting just above $3 trillion.
Galaxy Digital to Launch $100M Crypto Hedge Fund in 2026
Galaxy Digital, the crypto-focused financial firm led by billionaire Mike Novogratz, is getting ready to launch a brand-new $100 million hedge fund in early 2026. This move shows that big investors like family offices and wealthy individuals are still very interested in managed investment strategies tied to the crypto and fintech sectors.
**New Hedge Fund Targets Crypto Volatility**
The upcoming hedge fund will use a “long-short” strategy. This means it can make money whether prices go up or down by betting on both winners and losers in the market. Around 30% of the fund’s investments will go directly into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The other 70% will focus on stocks of traditional financial companies and fintech firms—especially those closely tied to the growth of digital assets, new regulations, and modern payment technologies.
This setup isn’t just about riding the wave of rising crypto prices. Instead, it’s built to benefit from the ups and downs in the market, taking advantage of unpredictable price swings and changes in regulation.
**Experienced Management and Strategic Backing**
The hedge fund will be managed by Joe Armao, a senior portfolio manager at Galaxy Digital. It will also be part of Galaxy’s larger $17 billion digital asset management platform. Galaxy is putting its own money into the fund as well, showing strong belief in the strategy—though the exact amount isn’t being shared yet.
If this fund performs well and market conditions stay favorable, Galaxy may open it up for more investment beyond the initial $100 million.
**Why Now? The Big Picture Behind the Launch**
Galaxy sees several reasons why 2026 could be a good year for this type of active investment approach:
– The U.S. Federal Reserve might cut interest rates, which would make it easier to borrow and invest.
– More big institutions are showing interest in digital assets like crypto.
– Governments are starting to create clearer rules for crypto and fintech companies, which helps reduce uncertainty.
This new hedge fund is part of Galaxy’s bigger plan to grow beyond just crypto. In late 2025, they also invested $460 million into artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, showing they’re focused on merging tech and finance for future opportunities.
**Built for Volatility, Not Just Price Growth**
Instead of hoping that crypto prices will just keep going up, this new fund is designed to make money from the market’s wild swings. That’s a big shift—it shows that major investors are now treating crypto more like a mature market than just a risky bet.
As digital assets and traditional finance continue to blend together, Galaxy is positioning itself to benefit from both sides—especially as more turbulence hits the market. This strategy shows a long-term vision that goes beyond short-term hype.