By Ryan Prete, Jan 11, 2024
As the private market takes on a new year of opportunity, Linqto’s content team has compiled a list of 12 of our portfolio companies that offer distinctive opportunities based on four investment categories that we’ve identified as potential themes for 2024.
This vanguard subset represents companies at the leading edge of harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) across their solutions. Recognizing AI’s potential early on, these companies have integrated predictive capabilities ranging from data analytics to autonomous systems to customer recommendations. Their commitment to AI is driven by a vision to yield promising results, such as optimized operations, new product development, and enhanced decision-making. As AI adoption grows across industries, these companies find themselves in a position to potentially leverage AI for impactful innovation. They are seen as pioneering examples of what can be achieved when emergent technologies are embraced. These companies provide valuable models for realizing competitive advantages through strategic future-proofing. However, it is important for investors to understand that while these companies show potential, the outcomes of their AI initiatives are not guaranteed. The rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and the fluidity of market dynamics introduce uncertainties that could impact their success. The ability of these companies to continue compounding their AI capabilities as technology progresses is an ambitious goal, one that carries both potential rewards and inherent risks.
Company Overview: Founded in San Francisco in 2017, Alchemy is a blockchain infrastructure company that offers a comprehensive suite of developer tools, including APIs, node services, developer dashboards, and analytics. These tools simplify the process of building decentralized applications (dApps) by handling complex blockchain infrastructure tasks.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Wide User Base and Application Diversity: Powers millions of users and thousands of dApps across sectors such as DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and the metaverse, with notable customers like OpenSea, NBA Top Shot, and Crypto.com.
AI-Powered Developer Tools:
Blockchain Data Analysis: Uses AI to analyze blockchain data for trends, market predictions, and insights, aiding developers and investors in informed decision-making.
Expansion into Various Industries: Beyond scientific research, Alchemy has ventured into finance, manufacturing, and entertainment, demonstrating adaptability and potential for widespread adoption.
Smart Contract Analysis: Automatically identifies potential security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in smart contracts.
Real-time Transaction Monitoring: Provides insights into transaction status and potential issues.
Personalized Recommendations: Offers tailored tool and resource suggestions based on a developer’s specific needs and projects.
Leadership: Co-founders Nikil Viswanathan (CEO) and Joe Lau(CTO) bring a wealth of experience from their previous roles at Google, Microsoft, and FacebookPinterest, and Linkedin, contributing to Alchemy’s innovative approach and market growth.
Market Impact: Alchemy’s integration of AI into its blockchain infrastructure tools is a strategic move that has bolstered its position in the blockchain sector. While this showcases the company’s innovative approach in supporting dApp development and providing insights, it’s important to understand that the blockchain sector is highly competitive and rapidly evolving, which could impact the company’s future performance.
Key Takeaway: Alchemy offers a unique investment opportunity high-growth, high-risk AI and blockchain landscape. Its strong market presence,technological innovations, and diverse industry applications positions it well for future success, though potential investors should be mindful of the inherent challenges and uncertainties in this rapidly evolving field.
Company Overview: Founded in 2014 in New York City, Chainalysis is a leading blockchain analytics company that provides data, software, services, and research to various stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, exchanges, and insurance companies.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
AI-Driven Blockchain Analysis: Engaged in utilizing AI to bring transparency and trust to the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem; this approach aids in investigations, compliance, and risk management.
Machine Learning Models: Analyzes massive datasets of transactions to identify suspicious patterns and potentially illegal activity.
Risk Scoring: Assigns risk scores to entities and transactions based on AI-driven analyses, facilitating informed decision-making.
Predictive Analytics: Employs AI models to anticipate potential criminal activity, empowering proactive prevention efforts.
Insight Generation: Leverages AI in reports and data products to provide insights into DeFi, NFTs, and other blockchain sectors.
AI-Powered Oracles: Explores the integration of AI oracles to provide dApps with secure and reliable access to real-world data through blockchain technology.
Leadership: Michael Gronager and Jonathan Levin are the co-founders of Chainalysis. Gronager (CEO) formerly managed big data projects for scientists throughout the digital assets sector. Prior to Chainalysis, he was COO and co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken.
Market Impact: Chainalysis’s integration of AI capabilities significantly enhances its effectiveness and accuracy in blockchain analysis. The company plays a vital role in combating crime, streamlining compliance, generating market insights, and exploring future applications, reinforcing its position as a leader in the field.
Key Takeaway: Chainalysis’s deep integration of AI into its services underscores its commitment to innovation and positions it as an influential entity in shaping the future of blockchain analytics and cryptocurrency regulation.
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Company Overview: Founded in 2013, Seattle-based Motive serves the fleet management sector, working over 120,000 customers across various industries, including trucking, construction, agriculture, and field services.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
AI Dashcams: Uses computer vision to detect and alert unsafe driving behaviors such as distracted driving, cell phone use, speeding, and fatigue, providing real-time alerts and video evidence.
Personalized Risk Scores: AI algorithms analyze driver data to generate individual risk scores for targeted coaching and risk management.
AI-Powered Routing: Optimizes routes based on real-time traffic, weather, and vehicle factors, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Fraud Detection: Identifies suspicious activities and irregularities in data to prevent fraudulent insurance claims or fuel card misuse.
AI-Powered Supply Chain Optimization: Aims to integrate AI with real-time data from trucking and logistics operations to further streamline supply chain and logistics processes, including predictive analytics for weather and road conditions.
Leadership: Shoaib Makani is the CEO and co-founder of Motive. Makani started his career at Google, and prior to co-founding Motive, led investments in consumer and enterprise technology companies at Khosla Ventures.
Market Impact: Motive increasing integration of AI into their solutions sets the company apart in the fleet management space. Its commitment to leveraging AI for safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation operations is evident in its comprehensive offerings and forward-looking initiatives.
Key Takeaway: Motive’s pursuit of AI-powered solutions in fleet management and supply chain optimization positions it as a leader in transforming transportation operations, offering notable benefits to its employees, customers, and the broader logistics industry.
Company Overview: Dune Analytics is a web3 analytics and blockchain technology platform launched in 2018 in Norway. It is dedicated to making blockchain data accessible and empowering individuals to explore, analyze, and share insights about crypto projects and protocols.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
User-Friendly Interface: Facilitates easy exploration and analysis of blockchain data through a platform accessible to a wide range of users.
Community-Driven Insights: Encourages users to utilize structured query language (SQL) for data analysis and share insights, fostering a collaborative environment.
AI-Powered Tools:
Natural Language Search and Query Explanations: Introduced in 2023, this tool provides users with simplified explanations of complex SQL queries.
AI-Powered Recommendations: Offers personalized dashboard and query suggestions based on user’s browsing history and preferences.
Leadership: Co-founded by Fredrik Haga (CEO) and Mats Olsen (CTO), their leadership has steered the company towards meaningful advancements in blockchain analytics.
Market Impact: The interdependence of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology sectors has positioned Dune Analytics favorably for AI adoption. The company has been proactive in integrating AI tools, enhancing user experience and data comprehension. Future potential includes AI-assisted data modeling and market analysis, expanding their suite of tools and capabilities.
Key Takeaway: Dune Analytics goes beyond mere trading and token price data. With ongoing AI integration, the company stands poised to add more sophisticated tools to its repertoire, further solidifying its role as a leader in blockchain analytics .
Learn more about Dune Analytics
This subset of companies represents emerging innovators developing potentially transformative platforms. Leveraging proprietary technologies, they have already demonstrated promising capabilities and gained market traction. While the full extent of their future impact remains unfolding, their novel approaches command attention as they continue maturing their offerings. We view them as emblematic of the potential changes advanced innovations might catalyze across industries, acknowledging, however, that such transformations are not certain and depend on a range of factors including market acceptance and technological development. Though the specifics differ, the thread of solving complex problems with new tech-driven solutions ties these innovators together into a compelling cohort to monitor in the years ahead. Their continued progress will be telling as to how disruptions take root.
Company Overview: Carbon is a leader in 3D printing, renowned for its innovative Digital Light Synthesis (DLS™) technology. Based in Redwood City, California, it serves customers across 17 countries.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
DLS™ Technology: Revolutionizes 3D printing with a method that cures entire layers of resin at once, enabling faster production and smoother finishes.
High-Performance Materials: Offers a range of proprietary resins with exceptional properties for various industrial applications.
Scalable Platform: Provides different printer models to cater to diverse production scales, alongside a software platform that allows for customization and integration with other tools.
Global Reach: Serving customers globally, Carbon demonstrates its market influence and adaptability in the evolving world of digital manufacturing.
Leadership: At Carbon, the leadership structure includes Craig Carlson and Philip Desimone, who are key members of Carbon’s Office of the CEO. Craig Carlson, who also recently served as Carbon’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), previously held a significant role as the Vice President of Software and Electrical Integration at Tesla. Philip Desimone, before his current role at Carbon, co-founded Buystand, an e-commerce company, where he was the Vice President of Business Development. Ellen Kullman, currently serving as Carbon’s Executive Chair, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Prior to her current position, she held the titles of President and CEO at Carbon, guiding the company through key stages of its development.
Market Impact: Carbon can be considered a disruptive innovator not just because of the company’s advanced technology, but also its impact on the entire manufacturing landscape. Here’s a couple other reasons:
Breaking the Time Barrier: Traditional 3D printing builds parts layer by layer, a slow and laborious process. Carbon’s DLS technology cures entire layers of resin at once, resulting in production times up to 100x faster. This significantly reduces prototyping and production cycles, leading to faster product development and go-to-market strategies.
Unleashing Design Freedom: The versatility of Carbon’s materials opens up new design possibilities, allowing engineers and designers to push the boundaries of what’s achievable with 3D printing. This fosters innovation and leads to lighter, stronger, and more optimized product designs.
Open-source Software: Unlike many 3D printing companies, Carbon provides open-source software for their platform. This allows users to customize their printing process, integrate with other design and manufacturing tools, and even develop their own resins and applications. This democratizes access to the technology and fosters a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
Key Takeaway: Carbon has raised over $600 million from more than 45 investors and has reached a $2.8 billion valuation, making the company a pillar of the global 3D printing market, which is expected to reach $51.8 billion by 2026, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Company Overview: Zipline, the manufacturer and operator of the world’s largest automated on-demand autonomous drone delivery system, was one of Linqto’s most popular portfolio companies in 2023. Zipline operates on three continents, completes a delivery every 90 seconds, and reduces delivery emissions by up to 97% compared to traditional methods.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Global Distribution Centers: Zipline operates distribution centers in the U.S., Rwanda, Ghana, Japan, the United States, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Kenya showcasing a significant global presence and capability. Weatherproof Delivery Systems: Advanced systems enabling reliable deliveries in various weather conditions
Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring: Ensures precise and efficient autonomous drone delivery operations.
Proprietary Fixed-Wing Drones: Specialized drones facilitate rapid and efficient deliveries, particularly vital for hospitals and health centers in remote areas.
Efficient Terrain Navigation: Drones navigate challenging terrains like mountains and rivers, reaching areas underserved by conventional logistics.
Decentralized Healthcare Accessibility: Drone hubs require minimal infrastructure, promoting rapid deployment and healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
Leadership: Keller Rinaudo Cliffton and Keenan Wyrobek are Zipline’s co-founders. Clifton, who serves as Zipline’s CEO, previously founded Romotive, a small robotics company, before establishing Zipline in 2014. Wyrobek serves as Zipline’s CTO.
Market Impact: Zipline is an example of a disruptive innovator not just in the logistics and transportation scene, but also in broader spheres like healthcare and disaster relief. Here’s how they’re shaking things up:
Conquering the Terrain: Traditional delivery methods struggle in remote areas with challenging terrain or limited infrastructure. Zipline’s drones effortlessly navigate mountains, rivers, and other obstacles, reaching those previously underserved by conventional logistics.
Decentralizing Infrastructure: Zipline’s drone hubs and networks require minimal infrastructure compared to traditional medical facilities, making them easier to deploy and sustain in remote areas, leading to decentralized healthcare accessibility.
Streamlining Emergency Response: In emergencies, drone delivery can deliver life-saving medication and equipment within minutes, significantly improving response times and potentially saving countless lives.
Lowering the Footprint: Zipline’s hubs require minimal physical infrastructure and land use compared to traditional distribution centers, further minimizing their environmental footprint.
Key Takeaway: Zipline was prominently featured in the news throughout 2023, notably with its $330 million Series F fundraising round in April. The company also appeared in a Bloomberg segment in November, where CEO Keller Cliffton discussed Zipline’s future goals, its approach to competing Amazon’s proposed delivery drones, and other key topics.
Additionally, in 2023, Zipline achieved a milestone by receiving U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization for commercial deliveries beyond visual line of sight without visual observers. The company announced a new partnership with Mendocino Farms for food delivery services, began collaborating with the Cleveland Clinic to deliver certain medications directly to patients’ homes using drones, and introduced its P2 delivery drones that autonomously dock and recharge.
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This dynamic duo represents emerging innovators developing proprietary platforms with potential to markedly shake up established industries. Having attained proofpoints around their groundbreaking technologies and amassed strong financial backing, these two demand attention. Though still on the earlier side of their growth journeys, their tangible traction warrants notice within rapidly-transforming sectors. With sturdy support from investors and strategic partners, such companies can continuously adapt their offerings to address evolving market needs. Of course, their eventual impact has yet to unfold fully. But the focused nature of their ambitions aligned with agility to respond to ever-shifting conditions makes their continued progress an engaging trend to monitor. We view them as indicative of the forthcoming wave of advancement in their respective technology domains.
Company Overview: Impossible Foods is on the mission to create realistic and sustainable plant-based alternatives to conventional meat, seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of animal agriculture. The company is best known for their Impossible Burger.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Proprietary Heme Technology: Mimics the taste and texture of meat using plant-based ingredients, with a focus on sustainability and health.
Diverse Product Range: Offers plant-based burgers, sausages, nuggets, and ground meat, catering to various culinary preferences.
Global Distribution: Available in grocery stores and restaurants across multiple continents, contributing to the growing alternative meat market.
Leadership: Stanford University Professor Dr. Patrick O. Brown founded Impossible Foods in 2011, bringing together a team of scientists to recreate a new alternative to meat, fish, and dairy products. Peter McGuinness currently serves as the company’s CEO McGuinness previously served as president and COO of Chobani.
Market Impact: Impossible Foods has racked up institutional investors, with over 100 venture capital and private equity firms currently backing the company to the tune of over $2 billion in fundraising. Impossible Foods is available in over 25,000 grocery stores and has distribution deals with 40,000 restaurants on three different continents to sell Impossible products. With the alternative meat market projected to reach $140 billion in value over the next decade,
Impossible Foods is a primed candidate for significant growth in 2024. Let’s explore some additional reasons why the company could see its productivity balloon this year:
Increased Distribution and Accessibility: Impossible Foods is actively expanding its distribution network, reaching new restaurants, grocery stores, and even vending machines. This wider availability will undoubtedly boost sales and brand recognition.
New Product Launches and Global Expansion: They are constantly innovating and introducing new products like their plant-based chicken nuggets and ground sausage, catering to diverse consumer preferences and expanding their target audience. With existing operations in North America and Asia, and plans to enter new markets like Europe and the Middle East, Impossible Foods is aiming for a truly global footprint. This will unlock massive growth potential beyond its current market reach.
Sustainability Push: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices. Impossible Foods’ focus on sustainable production methods and reducing the environmental footprint of animal agriculture resonates with this growing movement and can attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Key Takeaway: By leveraging scientific innovation, such as the use of heme from soy plants to mimic the flavor of meat, Impossible Foods is able to offer a sustainable and potentially healthier option that reduces the strain on the environment.Their products are available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.K.
Learn more about Impossible Foods
Company Overview: Cerebras Systems builds the world’s fastest AI supercomputers optimized for complex tasks. At the core is their breakthrough Wafer-Scale Engine (WSE) – a single massive chip containing hundreds of thousands of processing cores that avoids bottlenecks of traditional designs. This enables exceptional performance within a compact system, dramatically advancing AI research and applications across industries.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Wafer-Scale Engine: Massive single chip with 100K+ cores eliminates bottlenecks, vastly accelerating AI workloads.
CS-2 Supercomputer: Delivers 100x performance of legacy servers for AI research, housed in a single compact 19-inch rack.
Transformational Capabilities: Enables previously impossible AI breakthroughs in areas like natural language, protein folding and drug discovery.
Versatile AI Solutions: Also tailored for specialized needs in finance, manufacturing, entertainment industries beyond core research.
Leadership: Andrew Feldman (CEO), Jean-Philippe Fricker, Michael James, Gary Lauterbach, and Sean Lie are the co-founders of Cerebras. Prior to Cerebras, Feldman co-founded and was CEO of SeaMicro, a pioneer of energy-efficient, high-bandwidth microservers.
Market Impact: Cerebras made headlines in 2023 following a MarketWatch profile, which said Cerebras had made the largest, fastest chip ever to compete with Nvidia–the AI giant that surpassed a $1 trillion market capitalization in 2023.
Alongside amassing over $700 million in fundraising from nearly 60 institutional investors, and surpassing a $4 billion valuation, according to PitchBook, Cerebras is poised for growth in 2024 for a number of reasons:
Continued Refinement of Wafer-Scale Engine: Cerebras is constantly improving its WSE technology, boosting performance and efficiency while lowering production costs. This makes their supercomputers more accessible and attractive to a wider range of users.
Expansion into New Markets: Cerebras is venturing beyond scientific research, targeting industries like finance, manufacturing, and entertainment with specialized AI solutions tailored to their needs. This diversifies their client base and unlocks new revenue streams.
Soaring AI Market: The AI market is projected to surpass the $2 trillion valuation figure by 2030 as AI technology continues to influence all corners of the global economy, creating an especially fertile ground for Cerebras’ powerful AI hardware solutions.
Key Takeaway: Cerebras consistently made headlines consistently in 2023. Earlier this year, the company announced the development of a wafer-scale engine featuring 2.6 trillion transistors and 850,000 cores, on a 8.5 inch wide silicon wafer. This achievement has been recognized as creating one of the largest and fastest-ever computer chips ever, specifically dedicated to AI. To date, Cerebras has secured over $720 million in funding from nearly 60 investors.
This final group represents companies that have established themselves within their respective sectors. Having reached key milestones at this stage, they have developed sturdy foundations and carved out notable market positions. With solid backers onboard, these companies are well-supported in the next phase of maturation, whatever shape that may take. Though early on, their progress has put them on promising trajectories within their industries. We see this particular combination of stability and support as a compelling setup at this juncture, as they continue on their growth journeys in the years ahead.
Company Overview: Rippling is a leader in the high-growth HR tech sector, an industry expected to surpass a $32 billion market value by 2030. Founded in 2016 and serving several thousand customers with a global team of over 2,400, Rippling recently opened its EU headquarters in Dublin.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Comprehensive HR Solutions: Delivers a full suite of HR services including onboarding, payroll, employee lifecycle management, benefits administration, and talent management.
Full IT Cloud Capabilities: Offers complete IT management encompassing device deployment, software provisioning, security services, and inventory management.
Data-Driven Automation: Leverages automation, analytics and integration across HR and IT functions to drive greater efficiency, insights, and productivity.
Industry-Leading Platform: Named to top company lists in 2023 by Y Combinator, CNBC, and PC Magazine and also holds numerous partnerships, including with Carta and Ramp.
Leadership: Parker Conrad serves as Rippling’s CEO. Prior to starting Rippling, he was the co-founder and CEO of Zenefits, an HR software company.
Market Impact: For businesses, Rippling simplifies and centralizes HR, IT, and finance operations, assisting clients in achieving increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved employee experience. The company’s success reinforces the trend of cloud-based business solutions, potentially changing how businesses operate and manage their resources. Further, Rippling’s reliance on data analysis and automation contributes to the broader trend of data-driven decision making and automation in business processes.
Rippling has raised over $700 million from over 50 investors, including Coatue Management, Sequoia Capital, Soma Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Empede Capital Partners, and others, reaching a $11.75 billion valuation following its $500 million Series E close this past March.
Key Takeaway: Rippling’s market impact is still evolving, but its innovative approach, significant funding, and focus on streamlining business operations position it to potentially disrupt traditional HR, IT, and finance solutions.
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Company Overview: Founded in 2015, Astranis is a dedicated geostationary (GEO) satellite communications provider aiming to connect underserved regions with affordable, high-quality solutions.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Small, Low-Cost Satellites: Uses smaller, customizable satellites to cost-effectively target rural and remote areas that lack internet access.
Software-Defined Radios: Leverages cutting-edge software-defined radios within satellites to enable flexibility and adaptability for customers.
Private Satellite Solutions: Owns and operates satellites to provide individualized bandwidth services, ensuring superior connectivity and quality for specific customer needs from governments to corporations.
Leadership: Astranis was co-founded by John Genmark and Ryan McLinko. Genmark serves as the company’s CEO and is also the co-founder of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. McLinko serves as Astranis’s CTO and previously a spacecraft engineer at Planet Labs, an Earth imaging company.
Market Impact: Astranis’s dedicated satellite model opens doors for specialized applications in government, enterprise, and even maritime and air travel, potentially disrupting the traditional GEO landscape. The company recently announced a number of milestones, including:
In November, Astranis announced it would build a second MicroGEO broadband satellite for Orbits Corp, the Philippine-based satellite service provider. Both satellites will be a part of Astranis’s planned 2024 launch missions.
The company recently announced a partnership with APCO Networks in Mexico to launch two satellites dedicated to the country in 2024; a part of Astranis’s mission to connect five million Mexican residents to broadband internet.
Also in 2023, Astranis announced it had signed a new contract for the U.S. government, wherein a demo will establish a secure communications link between remote locations in the U.S., leveraging the power of Astranis’s software-defined radio.
Key Takeaway: There is a considerable digital divide for global internet access, with four billion people still lacking reliable broadband internet access. In the U.S. alone, 42 million people–roughly 13% of the population–are without access to high-speed internet. Internet services need to be accessible by both emerging and developed markets. Astranis’s technology is actively working to bridge this extensive gap.
Company Overview: The Jersey City, N.J.-based fintech company DriveWealth is known for many accomplishments, notably the company’s title as a pioneer of fractional equities trading. The company’s mission is to democratize investing globally through cutting-edge technology.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Fractional Equities Trading: Renowned for pioneering fractional share trading, making it possible for a broader audience to participate in the stock market.
Global Reach and Partnerships: Collaborates with over 100 global partners including Block’s CashApp, Moneylion, Revolut, Stake, Digit, and Navy Federal, significantly expanding its reach and influence in the fintech sector.
Embedded Finance Technology: Utilizes API-based technology to offer emerging investors embedded experiences, providing seamless access to financial markets.
Strategic Positioning in Fintech: Has raised over $800 million in funding, affirming its strong position and potential for growth in the dynamic fintech landscape.
Leadership: Michael Blaugrund serves as the company’s CEO. Prior to joining DriveWealth, Blaugrund served at the New York Stock Exchange’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing strategy and operations of the NYSE Group’s five equity exchanges and two options exchanges.
Market Impact: Last year, Axios reported that DriveWealth had strengthened its dynamic leadership team in a number of ways, elevating Michael Blaugrund as CEO and hiring Jason Pizzorusso as Global CFO. At the closing of its latest funding round, DriveWealth had reached a $3.7 billion valuation, according to PitchBook. In this context, we’ll examine additional factors that might position the company for potential growth and strategic developments in the market:
Positive Public Market Sentiment: Recent success of other fintech companies including Block and Affirm demonstrate strong investor appetite for disruptive players in the financial services landscape.
Booming Fintech Sector: The fintech industry is experiencing sustained growth, with investors eager to back innovative companies in this space. DriveWealth’s unique technology and focus on democratizing access to investing align well with this trend.
Strategic Partnerships: DriveWealth’s collaborations with various platforms like Revolut and Toss Securities broaden their user base and provide additional avenues for revenue generation. These partnerships could enhance their credibility and attractiveness for a public offering.
Key Takeaway: Rising demand for investment opportunities coupled with a tech-savvy generation creates a potential fertile ground for DriveWealth’s fractional share and embedded finance solutions; as the company works to empower individuals with smaller capital to invest in traditionally high-barrier assets, promoting financial inclusion and democratizing wealth creation.
Company Overview: Founded in 2016 in Houston, Axiom Space is the leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure. The company operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station–a permanent commercial destination in low-Earth orbit that will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home.
Innovative Edge and Key Features:
Commercial Space Station Development: Developing Axiom Station as a commercial destination in low-Earth orbit for sustainable human growth off the planet.
Life Science Research Capabilities: Building up capabilities in Stem Cell Research, 3D Bioprinting, Aging Research, Bone Osteoporosis Research, and Cloud Seeding, distinguishing Axiom from competitors.
Advanced Research and Development: Partnering with NASA for long-term contracts, including a $1.26 billion deal to provide Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit missions.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with various commercial partners and entities, contributing extensively to space exploration and technology development.
Leadership: Axiom was co-founded by Michael Suffredini and Dr. Kam Ghaffarian. Suffredini, who serves as President and CEO, was formerly NASA’s International Space Station Program Manager. Serving as Axiom’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Ghaffarian previously founded Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc., which rose to become NASA’s second-largest engineering services contractor.
Market Impact: Axiom Space dominated headlines within the space exploration sector in 2023, as the company announced it had partnered with Amazon Web Services and migrated its terrestrial IT infrastructure to the platform, inked a deal with the UK Space Agency to pursue a commercially sponsored mission that could send four U.K. astronauts to orbit; and announced a collaboration with Prada on NASA’s lunar spacesuits for the Artemis III mission.
In late 2023, Axiom Space landed an additional $460 million in funding from a consortium of investors, including Ericsenz Capital, Neventa Capital, Aegida Investments, MyAsiaVC, Inertia Ventures, and others, bringing its fundraising totals to over $600 million.
Key Takeaway: In addition to robust institutional support and dynamic partnerships, Axiom Space is a leader in the rapidly emerging space exploration and aerospace industry, a vertical that holds both staunch public and private interest.
As we conclude our exploration of Linqto’s diverse and dynamic portfolio for 2024, it’s evident that these companies, spanning various developmental stages and investment themes, demonstrate the vibrancy and innovation within the private market. From leveraging AI to reshape industries to pioneering novel platforms and scaling existing operations, these companies offer a glimpse into the potential shifts in the technological and business landscapes.
However, it’s imperative for investors to approach these opportunities with an informed perspective. The nature of private market investments inherently includes challenges such as limited liquidity and the potential requirement for long-term capital commitment. The path to liquidity can be complex, and the success of these ventures is not guaranteed, influenced by a multitude of factors including market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.
In providing this guide, our aim is to offer valuable insights into the investment journey within Linqto’s portfolio, while also emphasizing the importance of due diligence and a balanced approach to risk assessment. As we continue to monitor these companies, we invite our members to stay engaged with our blog for the latest insights and updates on global market trends, always keeping in mind the balance between potential rewards and inherent risks in the private market.
This material, provided by Linqto, is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or any form of professional guidance. Before making any investment decision, especially in the dynamic field of private markets, it is recommended that you seek advice from professional advisors. The information contained herein does not imply endorsement of any third parties or investment opportunities mentioned. Our market views and investment insights are subject to change and may not always reflect the most current developments. No assumption should be made regarding the profitability of any securities, sectors, or markets discussed. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and investing in private markets involves unique risks, including the potential for loss. Historical and hypothetical performance figures are provided to illustrate possible market behaviors and should not be relied upon as predictions of future performance.
Ryan is a financial writer for Linqto, known for his original blog content, articles, and other works. He previously worked as a financial writer at PitchBook Data, where he covered private equity, and as a reporter for Bloomberg in Washington D.C.,where he reported on tax policy. Ryan has also reported on cybersecurity policy for Inside Washington Publishers. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Axios, Yahoo News, and Reuters. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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