Qualcomm backs SpotDraft to scale on-device contract AI with valuation doubling toward 0M

Qualcomm backs SpotDraft to scale on-device contract AI with valuation doubling toward $400M

As demand grows for privacy-first enterprise AI that can run without sending sensitive data to the cloud, SpotDraft has raised $8 million from Qualcomm Ventures in a strategic Series B extension to scale its on-device contract review tech for regulated legal workflows. The extension values SpotDraft at around $380 million, the startup told TechCrunch, nearly…

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A timeline of the US semiconductor market in 2025

A timeline of the US semiconductor market in 2025

Last year was a tumultuous one for the U.S. semiconductor industry.   From leadership changes at legacy companies to continuously changing dialogue around AI chip export controls, a lot has happened. If the first few weeks of 2026, which saw new chip tariffs and international semiconductor deals, are any indicator — this year will be as unexpected as the last.   But before we…

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Here are the 55 US AI startups that have raised 0M or more in 2025

Here are the 55 US AI startups that have raised $100M or more in 2025

The AI industry entered 2025 with strong momentum.  There were 49 startups that raised funding rounds worth $100 million or more in 2024, per our count at TechCrunch; three companies raised more than one “mega-round,” and seven companies raised rounds that were $1 billion in size or larger.  The industry didn’t slow down in 2025. While less companies raised rounds larger than $1 billion, four — Anthropic raised…

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Investors predict AI is coming for labor in 2026 

Investors predict AI is coming for labor in 2026 

Concerns about how AI will affect workers continue to rise in lockstep with the pace of advancements and new products promising automation and efficiency. Evidence suggests that fear is warranted. A November MIT study found an estimated 11.7% of jobs could already be automated using AI. Surveys have shown employers are already eliminating entry-level jobs…

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