Good news from around Europe
Two college kids raise a $5.1 million pre-seed to build an AI social network in iMessage Series, a social networking app that’s grown popular on college campuses, announced a $5.1 million pre-seed round from some big names in tech. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/24/two-college-kids-raise-a-5-1-million-pre-seed-to-build-an-ai-social-network-in-imessage/
Cohere acquires, merges with Germany-based startup to create a ‘transatlantic AI powerhouse’ Cohere, the Canada-based AI company that makes AI tools for businesses in regulated industries, announced Friday it would merge with Aleph Alpha, a German company that also builds AI systems for businesses and governments. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/24/cohere-acquires-merges-with-german-based-startup-to-create-a-transatlantic-ai-powerhouse/
Palantir is reportedly helping the IRS investigate financial crimes The IRS has used Palantir’s software since at least 2018, The Intercept reports. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/24/palantir-is-reportedly-helping-the-irs-investigate-financial-crimes/
Steve Ballmer blasts founder he backed who pleaded guilty to fraud: ‘I was duped and feel silly’ Steve Ballmer wrote a fiery letter in the sentencing of disgraced founder Joseph Sanberg documenting all the harm that’s befalling him as an investor. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/24/steve-ballmer-blasts-founder-he-backed-who-pleaded-guilty-to-fraud-i-was-duped-and-feel-silly/
Meta’s loss is Thinking Machines’ gain Meta has been poaching talent from Thinking Machines Lab. But it’s a two-way street. Powered by WPeMatico https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/24/metas-loss-is-thinking-machines-gain/
Balderton adds serial entrepreneur Phil Chambers to its partnership Balderton today announces the appointment of Phil Chambers as Partner, where he will focus on early-stage investments. Chambers joins the firm after a 20+ year career as a founder, operator and angel investor in the European technology ecosystem, including roles in
Berlin-based VREY raises €3.3M to unlock shared-roof solar Berlin-based climatetech startup VREY has closed a €3.3 million seed funding round led by Rubio Impact Ventures, with participation from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and Kopa Ventures. The company enables property owners to deploy solar systems in multi-family buildings and supply the generated
TheStorage raises €3.6M to scale industrial thermal energy storage Cleantech company TheStorage, which develops industrial thermal energy storage solutions, has closed a €3.6 million seed funding round. The round was led by Voima Ventures, with participation from existing investors Superhero Capital and 2C Ventures, alongside new investor Momentum. The company
Legora snaps up Stockholm legal research startup Qura Swedish legal tech unicorn Legora has made its second acquisition in two months, snapping up a Swedish startup specialising in legal research, which has built a search engine for lawyers. Legora has acquired Qura, a 10-strong team which was founded in 2023,
Starling no plans to enter “massively overserved” US retail banking market Starling Bank has no plans to enter the “massively overserved” US retail banking market, but will focus its US expansion on its business-to-business offering instead, says its chief financial officer. The UK challenger bank is looking to establish