Venture Capital

NPR: $113 Million In Charitable Gifts Led By Connie Ballmer Bolsters Digital Future Amid Funding Cuts

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

National Public Radio announced it has received $113 million in charitable donations, led by an $80 million contribution from philanthropist Connie Ballmer, alongside an additional $33 million gift from an anonymous donor.

Sideline Group: $155 Million Debut Fund Targets ‘Offline’ Economy Across Consumer, Sports, And Experiences

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Sideline Group announced the close of its debut fund, raising $155 million in committed capital to invest in what it describes as the “offline” economy, focusing on physical experiences and community-driven businesses.

Phonely: $16 Million Raised For AI-Powered Voice Agent Platform To Transform Business Phone Calls

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Phonely announced it has raised $16 million in Series A funding, bringing its total capital raised to $19 million. The round was led by Base10 Partners, with participation from Y Combinator and several enterprise customers including Etech Global Services, TSA Group, and Engage CX.

Ondas: $10 Million Order Secured For AI-Powered Border Demining Program

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Ondas Inc. announced that its subsidiary, 4M Defense, has received a $10 million initial order as part of a broader $50 million demining program tied to Israel’s eastern border security initiative. The award is linked to a larger $1.7 billion infrastructure effort led by the Israeli Ministry of Defense to develop a new border barrier and supporting systems.

Aspire Biopharma: $21 Million Private Placement Closed To Support DCS Acquisition And Growth Strategy

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Aspire Biopharma Holdings announced the closing of the second and final tranche of its previously announced private placement, bringing total gross proceeds to $21.0 million before fees and expenses. The financing strengthens the company’s balance sheet and supports its broader strategy to expand both its pharmaceutical delivery platform and potential acquisition efforts.

McKesson: $1.25 Billion Investment From Apollo Funds Values Medical-Surgical Solutions At $13 Billion

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

McKesson Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with funds managed by affiliates of Apollo, under which Apollo Funds will acquire a minority ownership interest in McKesson’s Medical-Surgical Solutions business. The deal marks a key step in McKesson’s broader strategy to separate the unit ahead of a planned initial public offering.

Vertical Aerospace: $850 Million Financing Package Closed To Support eVTOL Certification Roadmap

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Vertical Aerospace announced it has executed and closed the remaining components of a comprehensive financing package totaling up to $850 million, strengthening its capital position as it advances toward electric aircraft certification.

Expo: $45 Million Raised For Developer Platform Expansion And AI-Powered App Creation

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Expo announced it has raised a $45 million Series B round led by Georgian, alongside additional partners, as the company accelerates its roadmap to expand app development capabilities and invest in AI-driven tooling.

Traza: $2.1 Million Raised To Automate Procurement And Supply Chain Operations With AI Workers

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Traza, an AI-native platform focused on automating procurement and supply chain operations for large manufacturers and construction companies, announced it has raised $2.1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Base10 Partners, with participation from K Fund, Andreessen Horowitz scouts, Clara Ventures, Masia Ventures, and angel investors.

Walker & Dunlop: $1.72 Billion Financing Arranged For Starwood Capital Housing Portfolio

By Amit Chowdhry ● Apr 20, 2026

Walker & Dunlop announced it has arranged $1.719 billion in financing to refinance a large multifamily housing portfolio owned by Starwood Capital Group.