AI Startups Draw Cross-Border Funding as Multiple Rounds Close

New York-based travel technology firm Fora raised $60 million in a Series D round, reaching a post-money valuation of $1 billion, Ventureburn reported. The round was led by Forerunner and Tactile Ventures, with participation from Thrive Capital, Insight Partners, Heartcore Capital, PLUS Capital, BlackPines Capital Partners, Tribeca Venture Partners, and comedian Amy Schumer through the PLUS Capital collective. The financing brings Fora's total funding to $138.5 million. The company said it will improve its AI platform, move into new areas of travel and expand into overseas markets. Fora's platform combines AI automation with human travel advisors, handling tasks such as researching destinations, sorting suppliers and building itineraries.

Whale

Whale raised an additional $40 million in a Series C extension, bringing its total Series C funding to $100 million, according to Ventureburn. The extension was led by CMB International and SMBC Asia Rising Fund, with participation from Krungsri Finnovate, Singtel Innov8, Hyundai Motor Group and Charisma Partners. Earlier backers included Bosch Ventures, MTR Lab, MDI Ventures, Gentree Fund and Linear Capital. Founded by Jerry Ye, Whale develops an AI operating system built around a proprietary Business World Model that interprets data from cameras, sensors and audio devices to automate physical business environments. The company said it plans to grow in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Syntetica

Paris-based deep-tech company Syntetica raised €26.1 million ($30 million) in a Series A round to fund its first commercial demonstration facility, developed in partnership with Michelin, EU-Startups reported. The round was led by the Ecotechnologies 2 fund, managed on behalf of the French government by Bpifrance, with participation from SWEN Capital Partners, lululemon, MAS Holdings, existing investor EQT Ventures, the European Innovation Council, and family offices linked to Peugeot, Etam and Indorama Ventures' largest shareholder. Founded in 2023 by Marco Bertone and Louis Monsigny, Syntetica has developed a process to recycle both Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 from mixed textile waste. Bertone said the funding allows the company to move from breakthrough chemistry to industrial reality and accelerate the shift toward more circular materials, according to EU-Startups.