[1/10 - 1/16] Notable Large-Scale Funding for Overseas Startups

From January 10th to 16th, 2026, large rounds remained active, with robotics, defense tech, and AI at the center. This week, Skild AI, which develops a "robot brain," stood out with $1.4B, followed by AI chips, brain-computer interfaces, voice AI, AI for manufacturing, and even "media x crypto assets."

Below, we have organized all the companies that appeared (including those tied for the same amount) in a way that can be followed even without specialized knowledge.

1. Overview of this week's top 10 (including ties)

First, let's quickly check "what, how much, and what the company does."

• Skild AI ($1.4B): Developing a general-purpose "brain"—a foundation model—to operate any robot. Valuation over $14B.

• Etched ($500M): AI-specific semiconductors (specialized chips), reported at a $5B valuation scale.

• Merge Labs ($252M): A BCI (brain-computer interface) co-founded by Sam Altman. Reported that OpenAI is the largest investor.

• Mirador Therapeutics ($250M): Precision medicine for immune-inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Over $650M total raised in Series B.

• Onebrief ($200M): Software for planning and collaborative editing of military operations. Acquired Battle Road Digital.

• Beast Industries ($200M): Bitmine invested in MrBeast's (Jimmy Donaldson) business entity.

• JetZero ($175M): Developing blended-wing aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. Series B.

• Deepgram ($130M): Voice AI API. Valuation of $1.3B, acquired OfOne.

• Defense Unicorns ($136M): Software delivery for national security. Valuation over $1B.

• Mytra ($120M): Industrial robots for warehouses and supply chains. Series C.

• Tulip ($120M): DX/AI tools for manufacturing sites. Led by Mitsubishi Electric with a valuation of $1.3B.

2. In robotics, capital is gathering around "general-purpose brains" rather than "machines"

The biggest company this week, Skild AI, is not promoting the robot itself, but a "general-purpose Skild Brain." The announcement emphasized the direction of "handling everything with the same brain," from household tasks to harsh environments, with a valuation of over $14B.
The investors' bet here is clear. In other words,
"The winning path for robots = not the difference in hardware, but foundation models that adapt to the real world."

Even in the same "field," Mytra is aiming for the automation of warehouse operations, raising $120M in Series C. Logistics is an area where KPIs (processing capacity, dwell time, labor costs) are easy to see, making it easier for adoption to progress.

3. The next main battlefield for AI: Computing (chips) x Input/Output (brain/voice)

Etched has reportedly raised $500M for AI chips, with a valuation of around $5B.
The story is about trying to win against the "GPU dominance" with chips optimized for specific workloads.

Meanwhile, the "input/output" side is also growing significantly. Merge Labs raised $252M for BCI, and OpenAI also explained its participation by stating that "BCI is a new frontier." The point in the text that "the more directly a person can express their intent, the more powerful the technology becomes" is exactly the perspective of an input revolution.

Furthermore, audio. Deepgram raised $130M (at a $1.3B valuation) and acquired OfOne, which is strong in drive-thrus and similar areas. Reuters also introduced the CEO's comment that "demand for voice integration into digital products is increasing."

4. Bio continues to see large funding in "Immuno-inflammation x Precision Medicine"

Mirador Therapeutics secured $250M in a Series B round, bringing its total funding to over $650M since its founding (March 2024).
Immuno-inflammation and fibrosis are areas with large patient populations, but it is difficult to segment targets (who it will be effective for). This is the context in which "Precision Medicine" and financial strength are what matter.

5. Defense tech is shifting from "equipment" to "decision-making OS / software supply chains"

Onebrief announced a $200M Series D and the acquisition of Battle Road Digital simultaneously. Reuters reported on the goal of bringing planning, wargaming, simulation, and live decision support into a "single integrated system."
Defense Unicorns also reached a valuation of over $1B with its $136M Series B. It provides the foundation (delivery) to get national security "mission software" delivered faster and more securely.

In short, the decisive factor in defense is shifting from "the weapons themselves" to "the speed and security of software updates."

6. An exception that is actually symbolic: "MrBeast x Ethereum" also makes the top 10

Beast Industries (MrBeast's business entity) received a $200M investment from Bitmine Immersion Technologies. The PR also explicitly states it as an "equity investment in Beast Industries."
At first glance, it seems "unconventional," but it overlaps with the trend of massive creator economies expanding into finance, payments, and communities. The fact that it made the top 10 is a sign that "tech capital has begun to see 'IP x Finance' as the next growth frontier."

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