Microsoft has been active in the #AI sector lately. First, both Microsoft and Apple announced they were leaving OpenAI's board, citing improved governance at the startup. Shortly after, news emerged that the U.K. would investigate Microsoft's relationship with Inflection AI, despite Microsoft's claim that it was not an acquisition but merely hiring the startup's co-founders, most of its staff, and licensing its #tech. This investigation will continue through the summer. Meanwhile, #Microsoft saw a win in June when the EU Commission dropped its probe into the company's relationship with #OpenAI. Despite these developments, Microsoft's AI activities, including a recent $40 million #investment in AI startup Armada through its venture arm #M12, continue to face scrutiny. The tech giant's deepening involvement in AI might lead to more legal challenges.

Saronic, an #autonomous surface vessel maker, secured $175 million in Series B #funding at a $1 #billion valuation, led by Andreessen Horowitz, making it the latest unicorn in the #defense #tech sector. Additional investors include 8VC, Caffeinated Capital, Elad Gil, and NightDragon. The Austin, Texas-based startup, founded in 2022, designs and manufactures water surface #drones for the U.S. Navy and has raised $245 million to date. This funding comes shortly after Germany-based Helsing raised $489 million, led by General Catalyst, at a $5.4 billion valuation. Helsing develops #AI software to enhance weapons capabilities in drones and jets and improve battlefield decision-making. With these new rounds, global venture funding in defense tech has surpassed $1 billion this year, according to Crunchbase.

In June, four new U.S.-based #unicorns joined the Crunchbase board, marking the lowest monthly addition this year. Interestingly, none are dedicated #AI companies. #Cybersecurity Huntress: Based in Maryland, Huntress specializes in cybersecurity for small and mid-sized businesses. It raised $150 million in a Series D led by Kleiner Perkins, Meritech Capital Partners, and Sapphire Ventures, reaching a valuation of $1.5 billion. #Sales & #Marketing Creatio: This Boston-based company offers a no-code platform for CRM and enterprise solutions. It secured $200 million in funding led by Sapphire Ventures, with a valuation of $1.2 billion. #Media & #Entertainment Create Music Group: Located in Los Angeles, Create Music Group helps artists collect royalties from YouTube and other social platforms. It received $165 million in growth funding from private equity firm Flexpoint Ford, valuing it at $1 billion. #Biotechnology BillionToOne: A Silicon Valley-based diagnostics company specializing in genetic testing. It raised $130 million in a Series D led by PremjiInvest, with a valuation of $1 billion.