Good morning ☀️, leader of the next generation.

Sometimes we give technology too much credit or too much blame.

The truth is, it’s a tool. How we use it is what matters.

Used with purpose, it helps us see more clearly, build faster, and express ourselves in new ways.

It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about creating something real.

WHAT'S AT STAKE TODAY ⚡

1. 💰🤖 VCs discuss why most consumer AI startups still lack staying power
2. 🐔✨ Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere
3. 🎥🔥 Adobe Firefly now supports prompt-based video editing, adds more third-party models
4. 🚗👨‍⚕️ Uber Eats alum lands $14M seed from a16z to fix WhatsApp chaos for LatAm's doctors
5. 🚨🖼️ OpenAI continues on its 'code red' warpath with new image generation model
6. 👓👂 Meta's AI glasses can now help you hear conversations better

Databricks secures massive funding round, skipping IPO for private capital

Databricks raises $4B at $134B valuation as its AI business heats up

While the IPO market shows signs of recovery, some companies are choosing to remain private and raise capital without public market scrutiny. Databricks exemplifies this trend, having just completed a massive $4 billion Series L funding round that values the data intelligence company at $134 billion—a remarkable 34% increase from its $100 billion valuation just three months ago.

This latest fundraise marks Databricks' third major venture round in less than a year, highlighting the company's aggressive growth strategy as it capitalizes on the AI revolution. The timing reflects strong investor confidence in the company's ability to help enterprises leverage data for artificial intelligence applications.

The company has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of data management and AI development through several key products. Its Lakebase database for AI agents, built on the open-source Postgres platform following a $1 billion acquisition of startup Neon, targets corporate developers working on AI projects. Additionally, the Agent Bricks platform enables businesses to build and deploy AI agents that can access their proprietary data.

Databricks has also forged significant partnerships with leading AI companies, securing deals worth hundreds of millions with Anthropic and OpenAI to integrate their models into enterprise products. These strategic alliances strengthen the company's position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The financial performance backing this valuation is impressive. Databricks reported run-rate revenue exceeding $4.8 billion, representing 55% year-over-year growth. Notably, more than $1 billion of this revenue stems from AI-specific products, demonstrating the success of the company's AI-focused strategy.

"The parallel rise of vibe coding and generative AI is accelerating the development of data-intelligent applications in the enterprise," the company stated. The new capital will support customers in building AI applications and agents using their proprietary data, leveraging Databricks' comprehensive platform stack.

CEO and co-founder Ali Ghodsi emphasized the transformative nature of current market conditions: "Enterprises are rapidly reimagining how they build intelligent applications, and the convergence of generative AI with new coding paradigms is opening the door to entirely new workloads."

The funding round attracted a prestigious roster of investors, with Insight Partners, Fidelity, and J.P. Morgan Asset Management leading the investment. The participant list reads like a who's who of investment firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, BlackRock, Blackstone, Coatue, GIC, MGX, NEA, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Robinhood Ventures, T. Rowe Price Associates, Temasek, Thrive Capital, and Winslow Capital.

Beyond product development, Databricks plans to use the fresh capital for significant global expansion. The company intends to add thousands of new positions across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, while also recruiting additional AI researchers to strengthen its technical capabilities.

The Series L designation itself is noteworthy—such late-stage rounds are relatively uncommon, but Databricks' ability to consistently raise funds at increasing valuations (up from $60 billion a year ago) underscores investor enthusiasm for companies positioned at the nexus of data and AI.

This funding strategy allows Databricks to maintain operational flexibility while avoiding the regulatory requirements and market volatility associated with public companies. As enterprises continue investing heavily in AI transformation, Databricks appears well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market while remaining privately held.

AI biotech startup secures major funding for drug discovery platform

OpenAI-backed biotech firm Chai Discovery raises $130M Series B at $1.3B valuation

Chai Discovery, an OpenAI-backed biotech startup, secured $130 million in Series B funding at a $1.3 billion valuation. Led by General Catalyst and Oak HC/FT, the round brings total funding to over $225 million.

The 2024-founded company develops AI models for drug discovery, specifically predicting molecular interactions. CEO Josh Meier, a former OpenAI researcher, says their latest Chai 2 model significantly improves success rates in designing custom antibodies from scratch, targeting previously unreachable therapeutic challenges.

🎙️ NEW EPISODE DROP:

Inventing the Future with Pablos Holman

I sat down with Pablos Holman — hacker, inventor, futurist, and founder of Deep Future — for one of the most mind-expanding conversations I’ve ever had.

We talked about using AI to solve real problems, what most entrepreneurs get completely wrong, and how Pablos has spent his career inventing the tools of tomorrow — from laser-powered mosquito killers to nuclear reactors powered by waste.

If you care about the future, technology, or building what others say is impossible — this episode is for you.

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Google launches CC, an AI assistant that manages productivity through email.

⚡ You’re Smart. Strategic. Intentional. So Let’s Be Real:
Where Are You Holding Back— On Purpose?

Every smart operator has something they’re intentionally avoiding.

Not because they’re lazy — but because it’s risky, unknown, or just... a bit *uncomfortable*.

So what’s that thing for you?
That one decision, move, or experiment you know would push you forward — but you’ve been choosing not to do it.

Tell us — and we’ll share a tactical POV or tool to help you rethink it.
No fluff. Just momentum.

🎬 How to Use AI Agents to Build High-Converting Video Ads

Build once. Scale everywhere. In just minutes.

What if: Instead of spending weeks scripting, editing, and testing ads… you could build 10 variations of a high-converting video in 15 minutes — with agents handling the voiceover, visuals, call-to-action, and even the hook testing?

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Why This Changes Everything for Founders 🧠

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🎁 Bonus for Attendees:

• ✅ AI Agent Template for Ad Generation
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• ✅ Entry to win a Free AI Strategy Audit