Pulse 2.0

McDonald’s Commits $8.5 Billion To NEXT Strategy And Targets Higher Margins And Restaurant Efficiency By 2030

AMD Reaches $1 Trillion Market Value As AI Demand Accelerates

DASH Dog Food Raises $1.5 Million Seed Round Led By Voltage Ventures To Expand Fresh-Frozen Dog Food

Island Raises $400 Million Series F At $6.4 Billion Valuation To Expand Enterprise AI Security Platform

Raymond James Expands AWS Partnership To Accelerate AI-Powered Financial Advisor Insights

Dvash Group And Hebrew University Partner To Launch $50 Million Deep-Tech Venture Capital Fund

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:23 PM

Dvash Group and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have announced a strategic partnership to establish a $50 million venture capital fund focused on deep technology, quantum computing, dual-use technologies, and cybersecurity. The independent fund will invest in startups originating from the university's research ecosystem, businesses founded by its alumni, and promising deep-tech companies across Israel's broader technology sector.

AstronauTx Receives Michael J. Fox Foundation Funding for Parkinson’s Research

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:19 PM

AstronauTx has received research funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to investigate whether improving restorative sleep could help slow processes associated with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s UK is funding a separate, complementary study with University College London (UCL) that AstronauTx will support. The announcement did not disclose the funding amounts.

Veremark Plans £6 Million Secondary Share Sale On London Stock Exchange At $100 Million Valuation

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:17 PM

Veremark, a London-founded workplace trust technology company, is preparing a £6 million secondary share sale on the London Stock Exchange's Private Securities Market, providing an opportunity for employees and early investors to sell shares without requiring the company to pursue an initial public offering. The transaction is associated with an enterprise valuation of $100 million and will be managed by Crowdcube, with Singer Capital Markets also participating as a registered auction agent.

University Of Michigan’s Erb Institute Receives $4.9 Million Grant For Sustainability Scholarships

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:11 PM

The University of Michigan's Erb Institute has received a $4.9 million grant from the Fred & Barbara Erb Family Foundation to expand scholarships for graduate students pursuing careers in sustainable business. Announced during the institute's 30th anniversary celebration, the gift will fund the new Erb Institute Legacy Scholarships for the next 10 years and launch a broader fundraising initiative intended to support the scholarship program permanently.

Maridea Wealth Management Expands Into Ohio With River Cities Financial Services And DFW Insurance, Bringing Platform To $2 Billion In Assets

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:07 PM

Maridea Wealth Management, a Brooklyn, New York-based registered investment advisor managing approximately $2 billion in assets, has announced that River Cities Financial Services and Dietz, Futrell & Walters Insurance (DFW Insurance) have joined its national platform.

AbbVie And Iambic Partner To Accelerate AI-Driven Drug Discovery In Immunology, Neuroscience And Oncology

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 3:06 PM

AbbVie and Iambic have entered into a multiyear collaboration to accelerate AI-driven drug discovery across immunology, neuroscience, and oncology. The partnership will combine Iambic's molecular superintelligence platform with AbbVie's drug discovery expertise to identify and develop small molecule therapies with first-in-class and best-in-class potential.

73 Strings Acquires Callisto To Expand Agentic AI Capabilities For Private Markets

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:55 PM

73 Strings, an AI-powered valuation and portfolio intelligence platform for alternative asset managers, has acquired Callisto, a Paris-based financial technology company specializing in agentic AI for private markets. The acquisition will accelerate 73 Strings' development of AI-powered investment workflows, including automated due diligence, financial data analysis, portfolio monitoring, and valuation simulations. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Japan Gold Secures Approximately C$50 Million In Committed Capital Through Solidcore Alliance And Financing

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:54 PM

Japan Gold has announced a strategic alliance with Solidcore Resources, alongside equity financings and a royalty transaction representing approximately C$50 million in combined committed capital. The arrangements include a C$35 million exploration commitment from Solidcore, approximately C$10.5 million in completed equity financings, and a planned US$3 million royalty sale to OR Royalties. The equity placements were completed at a 50% premium to Japan Gold's market share price at the time of the transaction.

Clean Energy Fuels Completes $30.7 Million Sale of RNG Tax Credits

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:52 PM

Clean Energy Fuels has completed the sale of $30.7 million in federal tax credits generated by seven of its renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities. The transaction represents the company's fourth successful monetization of tax credits associated with its RNG projects and includes a $26 million investment tax credit from its South Fork Dairy facility in Dimmit, Texas, the largest investment tax credit sale completed by the company to date.

PicoJool Raises $27.5 Million Series A Led by Socratic Partners

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:50 PM

PicoJool has raised $27.5 million in Series A funding to bring its optical connectivity products for AI infrastructure to market. Socratic Partners led the round, with participation from Hudson River Trading. Following an earlier $12 million seed round led by Playground Global, PicoJool has raised $39.5 million in total.

TEP Government Holdings Completes $450 Million Recapitalization of Government-Leased Property Portfolio

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:49 PM

Tanenbaum Equity Partners (TEP), a Dallas-based commercial real estate investment firm specializing in government-leased properties, has completed a recapitalization of TEP Government Holdings, its nationwide portfolio of 98 properties, resulting in a total portfolio value of approximately $450 million. The transaction combines senior debt from Centennial Bank, a preferred equity investment from Eagle Point Credit Management, and existing common equity controlled by TEP's principals.

Connect Ventures Raises $55 Million In First Close Of Fund V

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:17 PM

Connect Ventures, a London-based early-stage venture capital firm, has completed a $55 million first close for its fifth fund, targeting $80 million in total commitments. The new fund will continue backing European startups from their earliest stages, with an increased emphasis on founders whose technical expertise provides a foundation for developing differentiated products and businesses.

Simplistic Acquires Tiide Commerce To Expand Amazon And TikTok Shop Services

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:11 PM

Simplistic, a Denver-based agentic commerce consultancy and Shopify Plus Platinum Partner, has acquired Tiide Commerce, an Amazon and TikTok Shop growth agency, expanding its capabilities in marketplace management and digital commerce. The transaction closed on September 21, 2026, and represents Simplistic's first acquisition since receiving an investment from private equity firm Rallyday Partners.

Airtel Money Plans London IPO With IFC Cornerstone Commitment of Up to £67.2 Million

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 2:09 PM

Airtel Mobile Commerce, which operates as Airtel Money, has announced plans for an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange. The International Finance Corporation has agreed to a potential cornerstone investment of up to £67.2 million, or approximately $90 million, subject to the final offer price and other conditions.

Horizon Acquires LSA Portfolio Analytics, Expanding OCIO Services For Financial Advisors

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:58 PM

Horizon, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based wealth services firm, has completed its acquisition of LSA Portfolio Analytics, a Missouri-based provider of outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services. The transaction expands Horizon's investment consulting capabilities and adds a business serving more than 200 independent advisory firms nationwide. It also represents Horizon's third acquisition in the past 18 months, following its purchases of Anfield Capital Management and Centre Asset Management. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Lendistry Acquires Windsor Life Insurance Company

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:55 PM

Lendistry, a Los Angeles-based small business lender and grant administrator, has completed its acquisition of Windsor Life Insurance Company, marking its entry into life insurance carrier ownership. The transaction represents another step in Lendistry's multiyear strategy to develop a comprehensive financial services platform serving small business owners and underserved communities.

Main Capital Partners Agrees To Acquire Majority Stake in Confirma Software

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:52 PM

Main Capital Partners has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Confirma Software, a Nordic vertical software company, from U.S.-based private equity firm Abry Partners. The transaction will support Confirma's next phase of growth, including further expansion across the Nordic region, strategic acquisitions in selected European markets, and continued investment in its operational capabilities. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ONE Nuclear Completes Hennessy VII Merger With 5 GW Energy Development Portfolio

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:50 PM

ONE Nuclear Energy has completed its business combination with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII, creating a publicly traded company focused on developing advanced nuclear, natural gas, and battery storage infrastructure. The combined company, ONE Nuclear Energy Inc., expects its shares to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol ONEN on or about September 24, 2026. The transaction gives ONE Nuclear access to public capital markets as it advances approximately 5 gigawatts of energy generation capacity under development in Louisiana.

LPL Financial Onboards Jon Burnett, Dan Fowler, And Chad Carlile With $430 Million In Assets

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:48 PM

LPL Financial has expanded its independent advisor network with the addition of Jon Burnett, Dan Fowler, and Chad Carlile, three Texas-based financial advisors who collectively serve approximately $430 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets. The advisors join LPL from Raymond James and will operate through the company's broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and custodial platforms.

Blackstone Launches BXPM Fund Combining Private Equity, Infrastructure, Real Estate And Credit

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:46 PM

Blackstone has launched Blackstone Private Markets Fund (BXPM), a perpetual investment strategy designed to give eligible non-U.S. investors access to private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and private credit through a single allocation. The launch represents Blackstone's first multi-strategy product introduced through its recently established Blackstone Portfolio Solutions business and builds on the firm's $324 billion Private Wealth platform.

Granite Acquires Right Hat To Expand U.S. Digital Agency Operations

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:45 PM

Granite, a global independent digital agency, has acquired Right Hat, a U.S.-based branding and design agency specializing in professional services and business-to-business marketing. The transaction represents Granite's tenth acquisition since 2020 and its second North American acquisition in 2026, expanding its U.S. operations into Chicago and Washington, D.C., alongside its existing New York presence. Financial terms were not disclosed.

MVC Group Acquires Tailfin, Expanding Into Premium Bikepacking With Nearly €10 Million Revenue Business

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:43 PM

MVC Group, an Italian technical sports apparel company backed by private equity firm Equinox, has acquired Tailfin, a Bristol, United Kingdom-based manufacturer of premium bikepacking bags, racks, and cycling accessories. The acquisition adds a fast-growing equipment brand to MVC's portfolio, which includes Castelli, Sportful, Karpos, and Zoot. Tailfin generated nearly €10 million in revenue during 2025, following approximately 50% average annual growth over the previous five years. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

BigHat Biosciences Raises $75 Million Series C Co-Led By DFJ Growth And Premji Invest

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:35 PM

BigHat Biosciences, a San Mateo, California-based biotechnology company developing AI-designed protein therapeutics, has raised a $75 million Series C financing co-led by DFJ Growth and Premji Invest, bringing its total funding to $223 million. The financing will support the company's clinical-stage drug pipeline and the continued development of its autonomous AI platform for protein design.

Elroy Air Expands PIPE Financing To $175 Million With Lockheed Martin Ventures Participation

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:31 PM

Elroy Air, a San Francisco-based developer of autonomous heavy-cargo drones, has increased its private investment in public equity commitments to $175 million, with participation from Lockheed Martin Ventures and Inflection Point. Of the total commitments, $75 million has already been funded ahead of Elroy Air's planned business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. VII (NASDAQ: IPXG). The financing will support the expansion of manufacturing capacity and commercial deployment of the company's Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft.

Teamshares Secures $225 Million Preferred Equity Investment From T. Rowe Price To Fund Acquisitions

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:29 PM

Teamshares, a New York-based technology-enabled acquirer of small and midsize businesses, has secured a $225 million preferred equity investment from accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management. The financing will primarily fund additional acquisitions as Teamshares expands its portfolio of established businesses. The agreement also allows the company to issue up to an additional $75 million in preferred equity to other institutional investors, potentially increasing the financing to $300 million.

Continental To Sell mycar Tyre & Auto To Tuhu In A$403 Million Deal

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:28 PM

Continental has agreed to sell mycar Tyre & Auto, one of Australia's largest automotive service and repair chains, to Chinese automotive services company Tuhu in a transaction based on an enterprise value of A$403 million, equivalent to approximately €250 million. The proposed transaction includes mycar's network of approximately 280 stores and more than 1,600 employees across Australia. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Bird Secures $450 Million In Financing Led By JPMorgan, Capital One, And Citi

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 1:26 PM

Bird, a global communications technology company, has secured $450 million in financing led by J.P. Morgan, alongside Capital One, Citi, and other lenders. The financing will provide liquidity to existing shareholders while allowing Bird to remain privately held and independent, according to founder and CEO Robert Vis. Alongside the financing, Bird introduced Agentic Harness, a technology platform designed to give AI agents direct access to email, messaging, voice calling, and mobile connectivity infrastructure.

Royal Caribbean Group To Invest Approximately $3 Billion In Sandals And Beaches Resorts Partnership

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 12:20 PM

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership in the all-inclusive resort market, with Royal Caribbean Group set to acquire an equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion. The transaction values the investment at roughly a 10x forward EBITDA multiple and is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

Luceco Reports £142.6 Million In First-Half Revenue And Raises 2026 Profit Expectations

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 11:49 AM

Luceco, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of residential and commercial electrification products, reported £142.6 million in revenue for the first half of 2026, an increase of 13.4% from £125.7 million a year earlier. Adjusted operating profit increased 14.5% to £15.8 million, supported by substantial growth in its Energy Transition business and continued expansion across its core electrical product categories. Following the results, the company said it expects full-year 2026 adjusted operating profit to exceed market expectations.

Kingfisher Raises Full-Year Profit Guidance After First-Half Adjusted Profit Rises 9.9% To £404 Million

By Amit Chowdhry ● Today at 11:48 AM

Kingfisher, the international home improvement retailer behind B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and Brico Dépôt, reported £404 million in adjusted profit before tax for the first half of fiscal 2026/27, representing a 9.9% increase from £368 million a year earlier. Following the results, the company raised its full-year adjusted profit guidance to £595 million to £635 million, compared with its previous forecast of £565 million to £625 million.