Startups to Watch: December
Every month, we track recently funded tech companies. From pre-seed to far beyond. We list the early stage companies that catch our attention in this monthly series. Think AI, SaaS, Crypto, and Tech solving real problems we think people care about. No fluff, just bold innovation and moonshot projects.
GEMESYS
GEMESYS builds next-gen hardware for AI, combining cutting-edge design with Internet of Things integration. As the demand for AI optimization grows, GEMESYS's focus on hardware places it at the forefront of the industry, enabling scalable and efficient AI deployments. In November the company has raised €8.6M in pre-seed funding.
Website: https://gemesys.tech/team/
Founders: Dennis Michaelis, Moritz Schmidt, Enver Solan, Daniel Krüger
Pond
Pond aims to build foundational models for blockchain tech, bringing the scale and utility of AI to the decentralized world. If they succeed, they’ll eliminate much of the inefficiency in blockchain protocols, making it a cornerstone for the next wave of Web3. Combining blockchain with AI is where things get truly disruptive.
Website: https://cryptopond.xyz/
Founders: Dylan Zhang, Bill Shi
Groov
Groov creates embedded B2B finance tools powered by AI. As businesses seek seamless financial integration, Groov’s tailored APIs are a perfect gateway to automating operations and enhancing cash flow management.
Website: https://www.wearegroov.io/
Founders: Mark Hazzard, Rakesh Jena
Akave
Akave’s mission to put humanity’s datasets on-chain is nothing short of visionary. Imagine a world where every dataset can be securely stored, tracked, and accessed with blockchain security. If they pull it off, they’ll create a global infrastructure for data transparency, unlocking entirely new markets in AI training, data resale, and more.
Website: https://www.akave.ai/
Founders: Stefaan Vervaet, Daniel León, Angelo Schalley
Usual Labs
Usual Labs is creating a financial playbook for everyday people using DeFi. It’s like the Robinhood of decentralized finance but way more powerful. By simplifying complex crypto mechanics, they’re opening up a whole new audience to Web3. The next crypto bull run could have them at the center of retail adoption.
Website: https://usual.money/
Founders: Pierre Person, Hugo Sallé de Chou,
That’s it for this month’s picks. These are the startups we’re betting on to make waves and shape the future.
Is there a company that should be featured next month? Suggestions are always welcome, since we’re always on the lookout for the next big thing.
Post seed companies
New York Shipping Exchange
NYSHEX is revolutionizing global shipping by providing a digital infrastructure that unites shippers, carriers, and forwarders. Their platform ensures reliable and efficient shipping through enforceable freight contracts, addressing the industry's long-standing inefficiencies. By restoring trust and reliability, NYSHEX is transforming the logistics space, making global trade more predictable and efficient.
Website: nyshex.com
Founders: Gordon Downes, Andrew Sisto, and Mark Michaels
Halcyon
Halcyon is tackling the pervasive threat of ransomware with a proactive approach. Their platform not only prevents ransomware attacks but also ensures rapid recovery without relying on backups. By integrating seamlessly into existing security stacks, Halcyon provides a robust defense against ransomware, minimizing business downtime and eliminating the need to pay ransoms.
Website: http://www.halcyon.ai/
Founders: Jon Miller,
Rox
Rox is enhancing sales productivity by deploying AI-powered agent swarms that automate tasks such as research, engagement, and monitoring. This allows sales teams to focus on building relationships and closing deals, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness in securing and growing essential customers.
Website: https://rox.com/
Founders: Ishan Mukherjee
Class8
Class8 is redefining transportation and logistics with innovative solutions that streamline operations and enhance efficiency. Their rebranding from FleetOps signifies a commitment to advancing the industry, offering tools that address the evolving needs of logistics professionals.
Investment: Raised $7.5M in seed funding
Investors: Archetype, Coinbase Ventures, Near Foundation and others
Investment: Raised $3.5M in pre-seed funding
Investors: Blockchange Ventures, Protocol Labs, Lightshift, and Blockchainbuilder
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