This Week in Unicorn Companies | Key Deals and Moves

Wayve is reportedly raising $2 billion from Microsoft and SoftBank, which could value the company at approximately $8 billion. Founded by Alex Kendall, Amar Shah, and Jeff Hawke, the company develops cutting-edge artificial intelligence for autonomous vehicles and embodied intelligence. Wayve’s technology focuses on creating a general-purpose AI driving brain capable of learning and adapting to real-world environments through end-to-end deep learning.

Vantaca joined the unicorn club after a minority growth investment of over $300 million led by Cove Hill Partners, bringing the company's valuation to more than $1 billion. Led by CEO Ben Currin, the Wilmington-based company offers an AI-first community association management platform that automates complex operational workflows for management companies and homeowners nationwide.

Deel raised $300 million in a new funding round, pushing its valuation to $17.3 billion. Founded by Alex Bouaziz, Ofer Simon, and Shuo Wang, Deel provides a global payroll and HR platform that helps businesses hire, pay, and manage remote employees in 150+ countries. Backed by investors like Ribbit Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Coatue, Deel plans to use the funds to fuel acquisitions, expand native payroll infrastructure, and deepen AI-driven HR innovation.

Oura completed a $900 million funding round, bringing its valuation to $11 billion. The round was led by Fidelity, with participation from Iconiq, Whale Rock, and Atreides. Founded by Markku Koskela, Kari Kivelä, and Petteri Lahtela, Oura is the maker of the smart ring that tracks sleep, body temperature, and activity.

Zepto raised $450 million in its latest funding round, achieving a $7 billion valuation. The round was led by CalPERS, with backing from General Catalyst, Goodwater Capital, and Lightspeed. Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is a quick-commerce platform that delivers groceries and essentials in under 10 minutes.

Beta Technologies is seeking to raise $825 million in an initial public offering, targeting a valuation of approximately $7.2 billion. Founded in 2017 by Kyle Clark, the Vermont-based aerospace startup designs electric aircraft, advanced propulsion systems, and nationwide charging infrastructure for the next era of aviation.