The venture capital landscape kicked off the new year with a resounding declaration of confidence, as the week spanning January 10th to 16th, 2026, witnessed a flurry of substantial funding rounds. This period underscored a robust appetite for innovation, particularly in deep tech sectors poised to redefine industries and national capabilities. Robotics, defense technology, and artificial intelligence continued their ascent as magnets for significant capital, joined by pioneering efforts in biotech, brain-computer interfaces, sustainable aerospace, and even the burgeoning creator economy. The sheer volume and size of these deals signal a dynamic market where investors are eager to back startups addressing complex challenges with groundbreaking solutions. As 2026 unfolds, the continued flow of nine-figure investments suggests that the pace of technological advancement, fueled by venture capital, is not just holding steady but accelerating, setting the stage for transformative breakthroughs across multiple domains. For those tracking the pulse of the startup world, especially the coveted $100 million-plus venture deals to U.S.-based companies, Crunchbase’s Megadeals Board remains an indispensable resource, while this weekly feature offers a curated glimpse into the highest echelons of startup financing.

The past week’s activity was nothing short of brisk, led by an colossal $1.4 billion financing round for Skild AI, a developer of what many are calling a "robot brain." Beyond this headline-grabbing deal, substantial investments flowed into critical areas such as advanced AI chips, cutting-edge brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), sophisticated defense technology solutions, innovative biotech ventures, and the future of sustainable air travel. This diverse array of funded companies highlights a strategic pivot in venture capital towards technologies that promise not only commercial success but also significant societal and economic impact, ranging from automating mundane tasks to enhancing national security and prolonging human health.

1. Skild AI, $1.4B, robotics: Pittsburgh-based Skild AI, a company at the forefront of robotics innovation, secured an astounding $1.4 billion in its latest funding round. This massive investment catapults its valuation to over $14 billion, tripling its previous assessment in a mere seven months. Skild AI is pioneering an "omni-bodied" brain, a revolutionary concept designed to enable any robot to perform virtually any task, offering unparalleled versatility and adaptability across diverse applications. This technology holds the promise of unlocking a new era of robotics, moving beyond specialized machines to general-purpose robotic agents capable of learning and adapting. The financing was spearheaded by SoftBank Group, a global investment giant with a storied history of backing transformative robotics companies, underscoring the strategic importance and immense potential seen in Skild AI’s vision. Their previous Series B, closed just over half a year prior, had already valued the company at a hefty $4.5 billion, making this latest round a testament to the rapid progress and market confidence in Skild AI’s trajectory. This investment solidifies Pittsburgh’s growing reputation as a global hub for robotics research and development, attracting top talent and capital.

2. Etched.ai, $500M, AI and semiconductors: In a move that sent ripples through the AI hardware sector, Silicon Valley-based Etched.ai reportedly secured $500 million in new funding. This substantial injection of capital is dedicated to advancing the company’s ambitious mission: developing specialized chips optimized for AI superintelligence. Unlike general-purpose GPUs, Etched.ai’s chips are designed from the ground up to handle the unique computational demands of next-generation AI models, promising unprecedented efficiency and performance. The financing round, led by Stripes, reportedly valued the company at $5 billion, signaling intense investor belief in the need for specialized hardware to fuel the ongoing AI revolution. As AI models continue to grow in complexity and computational appetite, the demand for more efficient and powerful processing units becomes increasingly critical. Etched.ai’s emergence as a significant player in this space positions it as a potential challenger in a market currently dominated by established giants, highlighting the ongoing innovation and fierce competition in the race for AI supremacy.

3. Merge Labs, $252M, brain-computer interfaces: San Francisco-based Merge Labs, a startup co-founded by influential tech figure Sam Altman, made headlines with a reported $252 million seed round. This extraordinary sum for an early-stage company underscores the immense excitement and speculative investment surrounding brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Merge Labs is focused on developing BCIs that promise high-bandwidth interaction with the human brain, designed to seamlessly integrate with advanced AI systems. The potential applications are vast and transformative, ranging from enhancing human cognitive abilities and treating neurological disorders to creating entirely new paradigms for human-computer interaction. Notably, OpenAI, where Altman serves as CEO, was reported to be the largest backer, suggesting a strategic alignment with OpenAI’s broader vision for artificial general intelligence and human-AI collaboration. This investment signifies a bold leap into the future of human augmentation and interaction with AI, raising both immense promise and complex ethical questions about the future of consciousness and intelligence.

4. Mirador Therapeutics, $250M, biotech: San Diego-based Mirador Therapeutics, a precision medicine startup, announced the successful close of a $250 million Series B funding round. The company is dedicated to developing targeted therapies for immune-mediated inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, conditions that affect millions globally and often lack effective, long-term treatments. Mirador’s approach leverages advanced biological insights and patient stratification to deliver therapies precisely where they are needed, minimizing side effects and maximizing efficacy. This significant capital infusion brings the total funds raised by Mirador to over $650 million since its launch in March 2024, demonstrating robust investor confidence in its scientific platform and pipeline. The speed and scale of funding for Mirador highlight the capital-intensive nature of biotech development, but also the immense potential for breakthrough treatments that can profoundly improve patients’ lives. San Diego continues to solidify its reputation as a vibrant hub for life sciences, attracting top talent and significant investment in the biotech sector.

5. (tied) Onebrief, $200M, defense tech: Defense tech startup Onebrief, based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, secured an additional $200 million in funding, further cementing its position in the rapidly evolving national security landscape. The Series D round was co-led by prominent venture capital firms Battery Ventures and Sapphire Ventures. Onebrief specializes in developing AI-driven collaborative and planning software specifically tailored for military operations. This technology aims to enhance decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and improve strategic planning for defense forces by leveraging artificial intelligence to process complex data and simulate scenarios. Concurrent with this funding, Onebrief reportedly acquired Battle Road Digital, a small battle simulation company. This strategic acquisition suggests a move towards integrating advanced simulation capabilities into Onebrief’s offerings, providing more comprehensive tools for military readiness and operational planning. The substantial investment in Onebrief reflects the growing trend of private capital flowing into defense technology, seeking to modernize military capabilities with agile, software-driven solutions that outpace traditional defense contractors.

6. (tied) Beast Industries, $200M, media: In a fascinating convergence of digital entertainment and traditional finance, Beast Industries – the entertainment and consumer products empire founded by YouTube phenomenon Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast – announced a $200 million equity investment. This significant capital injection came from Bitmine Immersion Technologies, an Ethereum treasury company. The investment underscores the explosive growth and increasing financial sophistication of the creator economy, where individual creators are evolving into formidable media conglomerates. Greenville, South Carolina-based Beast Industries encompasses a range of ventures, including MrBeast Burger and Feastables, demonstrating a successful pivot from digital content creation to tangible consumer products and experiences. The involvement of Bitmine Immersion Technologies, a company with roots in the cryptocurrency space, highlights the innovative ways capital is being deployed across diverse sectors, bridging the gap between emerging digital wealth and mainstream entertainment brands. This round validates the immense commercial power and brand equity built by top-tier digital creators.

7. JetZero, $175M, aerospace: Long Beach, California-based JetZero, a company dedicated to revolutionizing air travel, successfully raised $175 million in Series B financing. The round was led by B Capital, a firm known for backing transformative technology companies. JetZero is focused on developing next-generation aircraft designs that promise significantly higher fuel efficiency and drastically lower carbon emissions compared to existing commercial airliners. Their innovative approach, likely involving blended wing body concepts, aims to address the urgent global demand for more sustainable aviation solutions. Founded in 2020, JetZero has set an ambitious goal of entering commercial service in the early 2030s. This substantial investment reflects the industry’s commitment to decarbonizing air travel and the increasing investor confidence in disruptive aerospace technologies. As environmental concerns escalate, companies like JetZero are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation, attracting significant capital to accelerate their development timelines.

8. Deepgram, $143M, voice AI: Deepgram, a San Francisco-based API platform for voice AI, announced a robust Series C funding round of $130 million, led by AVP, which valued the company at an impressive $1.3 billion. This valuation underscores the burgeoning market for advanced voice AI solutions and Deepgram’s position as a leader in providing developers with powerful tools for speech-to-text, natural language understanding, and voice synthesis. The company’s platform is designed to allow businesses to integrate highly accurate and scalable voice AI capabilities into their applications, from customer service automation to transcription services. In a strategic move to expand its market reach and product offerings, Deepgram also announced the acquisition of OfOne, an AI voice platform specifically tailored for the restaurant and drive-thru industries. This acquisition highlights Deepgram’s intent to apply its core technology to specialized vertical markets, where voice AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, further solidifying its competitive advantage in the rapidly expanding voice technology landscape.

9. Defense Unicorns, $136M, defense tech: Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Defense Unicorns secured $136 million in a Series B round led by Bain Capital Tech Opportunities. The company is a crucial player in modernizing national security mission systems by providing cutting-edge software delivery solutions. Defense Unicorns specializes in bringing agile development, DevOps practices, and cloud-native architectures to complex defense programs, addressing the traditional challenges of slow procurement cycles and outdated IT infrastructure within the national security apparatus. Their expertise helps government agencies and military branches accelerate the deployment of critical software, improve system resilience, and enhance operational effectiveness in an increasingly digital battlespace. This significant investment from a major private equity firm like Bain Capital reflects the growing recognition of software’s pivotal role in modern defense and the strategic importance of companies that can bridge the gap between commercial tech innovation and the unique requirements of national security. Colorado Springs, with its strong military presence, provides a strategic backdrop for such an enterprise.

10. (tied) Mytra, $120M, robotics: Mytra, a Brisbane, California-based developer of industrial robotics technology, successfully raised $120 million in a Series C funding round led by Avenir. Founded in 2022, Mytra is at the forefront of automating warehouse operations, a sector experiencing immense growth driven by the e-commerce boom and persistent labor shortages. The company’s innovative robotics solutions are designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput in logistics and fulfillment centers, addressing critical bottlenecks in the supply chain. While the specific types of robots (e.g., autonomous mobile robots, robotic arms for picking) were not detailed, their focus on industrial applications for warehouses points to solutions that can handle tasks from material transport to complex item manipulation. This latest funding brings Mytra’s total capital raised to nearly $200 million to date, according to Crunchbase data, underscoring the strong investor confidence in the long-term demand for warehouse automation and Mytra’s ability to deliver scalable and effective robotic solutions.

11. (tied) Tulip Interfaces, $120M, AI for manufacturers: Boston-based Tulip Interfaces announced securing $120 million in Series D funding, with a notable investment from Mitsubishi Electric. Tulip Interfaces is a pioneering developer of AI-enabled tools specifically designed for manufacturers, empowering them to digitize their production processes and significantly improve operational efficiency. Their platform allows manufacturers to build apps without code, connecting workers, machines, and data to create a real-time, data-driven operational picture. This facilitates improvements in areas such as quality control, predictive maintenance, worker guidance, and overall production optimization, aligning perfectly with the principles of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. The strategic backing from Mitsubishi Electric, a global leader in manufacturing and industrial automation, is particularly significant. It not only provides substantial capital but also validates Tulip’s technology through a partnership with an industry giant, potentially opening doors for broader adoption and integration within complex industrial ecosystems worldwide.

Methodology:
This comprehensive overview tracked the largest announced funding rounds within the Crunchbase database that were secured by U.S.-based companies during the period of January 10th to 16th, 2026. While Crunchbase strives for real-time accuracy, a slight time lag may occur as some rounds are officially reported later in the week.

Cross-Cutting Themes and Analysis:
The funding landscape of the past week presents several compelling trends. The dominance of deep tech — particularly robotics, defense tech, and AI — is undeniable. These sectors, often characterized by high R&D costs and long development cycles, continue to attract significant capital, suggesting investors are betting on foundational technologies that promise long-term disruption and value creation. Skild AI’s massive round and rapid valuation increase highlight an accelerated pace of innovation and market acceptance in robotics, moving beyond niche applications towards more general-purpose intelligence. Similarly, Etched.ai’s success in specialized AI chips and Merge Labs’ audacious seed round for BCIs point to a belief that current AI hardware and human-computer interfaces are merely scratching the surface of their potential.

Defense technology, with Onebrief and Defense Unicorns securing substantial rounds, signals a continued modernization effort within national security, driven by private sector agility and AI capabilities. These investments underscore a strategic shift towards leveraging cutting-edge software and data analytics to enhance military operations and cybersecurity. The biotech sector, exemplified by Mirador Therapeutics, shows no signs of slowing down, with precision medicine continuing to draw substantial investment, indicating a sustained focus on personalized and effective therapeutic solutions.

Beyond the deep tech, the $200 million investment in Beast Industries showcases the maturation and financial power of the creator economy. It demonstrates how individual influence can be leveraged to build formidable consumer brands, attracting institutional capital from diverse sources, including the crypto world. JetZero’s funding underscores the global imperative for sustainable solutions, with significant capital flowing into green aerospace technologies. Lastly, the strategic acquisitions (Deepgram acquiring OfOne, Onebrief acquiring Battle Road Digital) embedded within these funding rounds highlight a trend towards consolidation and strategic expansion, where companies are not just raising capital but also strategically augmenting their capabilities and market share.

Geographically, while Silicon Valley remains a powerhouse for AI and semiconductors, other hubs like Pittsburgh (robotics), San Diego (biotech), Boston (manufacturing AI), and Colorado Springs (defense tech) are clearly emerging as specialized centers of excellence, attracting capital and talent. The sheer scale of these rounds, particularly the exceptionally large seed round for Merge Labs, indicates that investors are willing to make big bets early on in truly disruptive technologies. This suggests a continued environment of high-risk, high-reward investing, where the potential for transformative impact justifies significant capital deployment.

Conclusion:
The week of January 10-16, 2026, served as a powerful testament to the enduring dynamism and strategic focus of the U.S. venture capital market. With billions poured into groundbreaking startups across robotics, defense tech, AI, biotech, and sustainable aerospace, the investment landscape is clearly prioritizing innovation that addresses both commercial opportunities and critical global challenges. These megadeals are not merely financial transactions; they are votes of confidence in the teams, technologies, and visions that promise to shape the future. As we progress further into 2026, the consistent flow of such significant funding rounds suggests an exciting era of rapid technological advancement and market evolution lies ahead. Stay up to date with these recent funding rounds, acquisitions, and more with the Crunchbase Daily, your essential guide to the pulse of the startup ecosystem.