Founders are sharing stories of VCs using dual-valuation funding rounds to inflate headline figures, masking lower actual entry prices. Sequoia is named, with a partner defending the practice as market reality.
Blue Origin has launched a new employee stock plan. This aims to boost morale and make benefits competitive with SpaceX. The new plan allows payouts during external funding rounds and tender offers. This offers employees a chance to realize value from their vested options. The company is also focused on its New Glenn rocket and lunar lander projects.
Startups across the Middle East and North Africa secured over $29 million in funding over the past week, with deals spanning AI, fintech, gaming, and digital infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's Signit raised $15M series A, Oman's Fascano closed $10M, Egypt's Sinai.ai got $1.45M pre-seed, and UAE's Ray raised $1.2M seed. Austria's Speedinvest launched a MEA-focused fund backed by Mubadala and Qatar Investment Authority, while VAST Data raised $1B at a $30B valuation.
The new funding rounds are expected to be completed in the next six months, but the firm has already begun deploying some of the new capital, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The new funding rounds are expected to be completed in the next six months, but the firm has already begun deploying some of the new capital, according to a person familiar with the matter.
