The week in New York technology, read and picked by hand. No algorithm, nothing in here because someone paid for it.
Tuesday · · 3 minute read
Mecka AI reportedly discussing $500M round
Mecka AI, a startup focused on training humanoid robots, is reportedly nearing a new funding round. The deal, led by Sequoia Capital, would value the company at about $500 million. This follows a $60 million round announced just three months ago.
The company collects and analyses human motion data to train humanoid robots and other robotics. It pays individuals to record everyday tasks using body sensors and smartphones. This work addresses a recognised shortage of physical-world data, identified as a primary bottleneck for general-purpose robots. Co-founder Josh Gao told Fortune that Mecka was projecting an annual run rate of $100 million by the end of 2026. The terms of the current deal are not final and could still change.
Reported by StrictlyVC, 2026-09-15
Profound raises $180 million at $1.8 billion for AI search visibility
Profound, a marketing software company, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $180 million in Series D funding. The round values the company at $1.8 billion. This funding follows a $96 million Series C round less than seven months ago. Sequoia and Kleiner Perkins led the investment, with existing investors Lightspeed Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, and South Park Commons also participating.
Profound develops marketing software designed to help brands appear in AI search results. The company, launched two years ago, assists businesses in understanding how AI helps consumers discover their products. It operates within the growing field of generative engine optimisation and answer engine optimisation, where companies seek to surface their offerings in AI systems customers increasingly use for search. Profound reports its revenue has increased three times in the last six months. It now serves over 1,000 enterprise customers, including Comcast, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Walmart.
Reported by StrictlyVC, 2026-09-15
US venture market sees $18.1 billion in August funding
The US venture market recorded $18.1 billion across 333 deals in August 2026, marking a 123% year-over-year surge. This growth was driven by significant funding rounds, such as River AI’s $1.1 billion Series A and Base Power’s $1.0 billion Series D. Investments in defense, clean energy, and AI infrastructure also contributed to the total.
Reported by AlleyWatch, 2026-09-16
Augmentir launches new intent-driven AI interfaces
Augmentir, the AI-native connected frontline worker platform, has launched two new intent-driven AI interfaces. These are named Augie Command Center and Augie Procedure Studio. The new interfaces replace traditional software navigation, allowing users to interact with the platform through natural language.
Reported by Lerer Hippeau, 2026-09-16
Robinhood engineers charged with insider trading
US prosecutors have brought charges against two engineers employed by Robinhood. The charges allege insider trading activity concerning crypto-linked perpetual futures.
Reported by Opening Bell Daily, 2026-09-16
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jensen Huang lobby Trump administration
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, and David Sacks are lobbying the Trump administration for lighter AI regulation. They oppose proposals for an AI industry-funded regulatory agency. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advocates for greater oversight, the light-touch regulatory camp has so far prevailed in daily discussions among senior Trump administration officials.
Reported by MTS, 2026-09-17
Bending Spoons co-founder stepped down as CPO for a better candidate
Matteo Danieli, a co-founder, has stepped down as Chief Product Officer. He moved to the role of VP of Product after a product manager, who joined the company later, was deemed a better candidate for the CPO position. Danieli stated this change was necessary for organisational effectiveness.
Reported by Molly O’Shea, 2026-09-20
AI-powered system helps founders build investor lists
A new system, featuring a "Claude Code engine" and a scoring system, has been introduced to improve fundraising outreach. It scores investors on "Fit," "Recency," and "Reach." The system employs a four-layer process, including curated lists, scraping, enrichment, and verification, to generate more effective investor targets.
Reported by The VC Corner, 2026-09-20
Ryan Orbuch proposes Natural General Intelligence for planet data
Lowercarbon partner Ryan Orbuch advocates for collecting more planetary data and integrating it into a Natural General Intelligence (NGI) model. He proposes this method, akin to biological models for complex data, could enhance humanity’s understanding of the planet and aid intervention efforts.
Reported by Not Boring, 2026-09-18
Editor’s note
Self regulation seems to be the current AI race. Social media self regulation failed miserably and continues to do so, but onerous regulation that the Chinese won’t sign up to seems like shooting ourselves in the foot… answers on a postcard please.
