Rounded Weekly – Weekly Edition: 25 May 2024
The weekly edition of Rounded Weekly for the week commencing 20 May 2024. A round-up of the top 10 closed startup rounds for the week.
Happy Saturday! 😴
Welcome to the first weekly edition of Rounded Weekly since I soft launched the new version. Hope that the daily edition has been useful over the past couple of days. There’s no news in the weekly edition, since there’s too much that goes on in a week to highlight just a few snippets. Plus, you already have the top stories for each day, so I don’t want to regurgitate them. But why have the weekly edition then? Because this gives a more zoomed out look at this week’s venture trends. Which is exactly what we’re here for.
If you’ve been enjoying the daily edition so far, please do share it with friends, colleagues, and strangers on the internet that you talk to. And, as always, please drop any feedback to me personally or in the comments. If there’s something I could be doing better, I want to know (and do it!).
If you’re new around here, my intention of Rounded Weekly is to bring you the hottest rounds closed weekly (and now with a daily edition). Think of it as a personal Crunchbase, but for the rounds you actually care about. I want to make sure you’re as in the loop as possible, whether it’s for watercooler talk, identifying market trends, or just staying in the know.
The top 10 list for this week…
1. Alibaba Group
Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt
Amount Raised: $4.436 Billion USD
Alibaba Group is a global leader in e-commerce, technology, and internet services. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, Alibaba has revolutionized the way people buy and sell goods online. The company's diverse portfolio includes e-commerce platforms, cloud computing, digital media, and financial services. Alibaba is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering businesses worldwide.
Something I like about them: Alibaba's commitment to innovation and supporting small businesses is truly impressive. Their platforms provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach global markets, driving economic growth and inclusion.
2. Swisscom
Funding Type: Debt Financing
Amount Raised: $4 Billion USD
Swisscom is Switzerland's leading telecommunications provider and one of the most sustainable companies in the industry. Established in 1998, Swisscom offers a wide range of services, including mobile communications, internet, and digital TV. The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality, secure, and innovative solutions to its customers, both in Switzerland and internationally.
Something I like about them: Swisscom's dedication to sustainability and innovation in telecommunications is commendable. Their efforts to provide secure and reliable services contribute significantly to the digital transformation of businesses and communities.
3. Vanke
Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt
Amount Raised: $2.82 Billion USD
Vanke is a major real estate developer in China, known for its extensive residential and commercial projects. Founded in 1984, Vanke has grown to become one of the largest real estate companies in the world, focusing on urban development and sustainability. The company is committed to creating high-quality living environments and innovative urban spaces that meet the needs of modern society.
Something I like about them: Vanke's emphasis on sustainability in urban development is noteworthy. Their projects aim to create not just buildings but thriving communities, integrating green spaces and environmentally friendly practices.
4. JD.com
Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt
Amount Raised: $1.75 Billion USD
JD.com is one of China's largest e-commerce companies, providing a wide range of products, including electronics, apparel, and home goods. Founded in 1998, JD.com is known for its advanced logistics network, which enables fast and reliable delivery services. The company is also a leader in the application of artificial intelligence and big data to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Something I like about them: JD.com's investment in logistics and technology sets them apart in the e-commerce industry. Their ability to provide fast and efficient delivery services significantly enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Recurrent Energy
Funding Type: Debt Financing
Amount Raised: $1.41 Billion USD
Recurrent Energy is a leading developer of solar energy projects in North America. Founded in 2006, the company focuses on providing clean, renewable energy solutions to utilities and businesses. Recurrent Energy's projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Something I like about them: Recurrent Energy's commitment to renewable energy is crucial in the fight against climate change. Their projects not only provide clean energy but also help reduce the carbon footprint of the communities they serve.
6. Verkor
Funding Type: Venture - Series Unknown
Amount Raised: $1.4 Billion USD
Verkor is a French company specializing in the production of low-carbon batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Founded in 2020, Verkor aims to accelerate the energy transition by developing high-performance battery cells with a focus on sustainability. Their innovative approach combines advanced manufacturing techniques with strong partnerships in the automotive and energy sectors.
Something I like about them: Verkor's commitment to sustainability and their focus on reducing the carbon footprint of battery production is commendable. Their efforts are crucial in the global push towards cleaner energy solutions.
7. Gray TV
Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt
Amount Raised: $1.25 Billion USD
Gray TV is a television broadcast company that owns and operates stations across the United States. Founded in 1897, Gray TV provides local news, weather, and sports coverage to its viewers. The company is committed to delivering high-quality content and maintaining strong connections with the communities it serves.
Something I like about them: Gray TV's dedication to local journalism and community engagement is inspiring. Their focus on providing reliable news and information helps keep communities informed and connected.
8. CHS (Community Health Systems)
Funding Type: Post-IPO Debt
Amount Raised: $1.125 Billion USD
CHS is one of the largest publicly traded hospital companies in the United States. Founded in 1985, CHS operates a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing a wide range of medical services to communities across the country. The company is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare.
Something I like about them: CHS's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare is vital for community well-being. Their extensive network of facilities ensures that patients receive the care they need, regardless of their location.
9. Bell
Funding Type: Debt Financing
Amount Raised: $1.1 Billion USD
Bell is a Canadian telecommunications and media company that provides a wide range of services, including internet, television, and wireless communications. Founded in 1880, Bell is committed to innovation and excellence in service delivery. The company plays a significant role in connecting people and businesses across Canada.
Something I like about them: Bell's dedication to technological innovation and quality service delivery is impressive. Their efforts to connect communities and enhance communication capabilities contribute significantly to Canada's digital infrastructure.
10. Scale AI
Funding Type: Series F
Amount Raised: $1 Billion USD
Scale AI is a technology company that provides data annotation and machine learning infrastructure to accelerate AI development. Founded in 2016, Scale AI partners with leading companies in various industries to help them build and deploy AI models. The company's platform supports a wide range of applications, from autonomous vehicles to natural language processing.
Something I like about them: Scale AI's innovative platform is crucial for advancing AI technology. Their ability to provide high-quality data and infrastructure enables companies to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions effectively.
That's my selection of the top 10 rounds from the entire week. In this week, we see some of the biggest names in tech make an appearance. Lots of these rounds are massive, so I hope this gives a good look at what’s been hot this week. Congratulations to all the teams behind these startups for their achievements! Be sure to check out their websites if you want to learn more. And to keep updated on the rounds, make sure you’re subscribed to Rounded Weekly.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter/X @connorjewiss, so you don’t miss any updates, news, or insights. I hope you’ll stick with the newsletter now that I’ve worked out exactly what I want it to be.
See you on Monday 👋