UNICORN EXITS HIT 2021 PEAK AS 13 STARTUPS REACH $1B+
■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE
Q2 marked the highest number of $1 billion-plus venture-backed startup exits since 2021, with thirteen companies achieving unicorn valuations through acquisitions or IPOs. This signals a recovery in high-value exit activity after a prolonged market slowdown.
■ MORE FROM THE STARTUPS DESK
Walden Robotics, a Massachusetts-based humanoid robot company spun out of Toyota's research division, has emerged from stealth with approximately $300 million in seed funding. The round values the startup at $1.1 billion.
Miles Wang, an OpenAI researcher focused on AI-accelerated scientific discovery, is departing the company to start a new AI drug discovery venture. The startup is in talks to raise $200 million at a $2 billion valuation.
Hadrius, an NYC-based fintech startup, secured $22 million in Series A funding led by CRV with backing from Y Combinator. The company provides AI-native compliance software for financial services firms.
InstaLILY, an enterprise automation startup, has raised $60 million in Series B funding led by Energize Capital, bringing its total funding to nearly $100 million.