Investors are increasingly prioritizing startups with unique, non-replicable assets, such as specialized semiconductor hardware and proprietary healthcare data. Recent funding rounds highlight a shift toward infrastructure that supports AI and high-performance computing, rather than just model development.
In the semiconductor sector, Hangzhou-based Puxi Optoelectronics secured a Series C round of several hundred million yuan to scale its gallium-oxide technology and high-temperature chips. Meanwhile, Shanghai-based Langxi Technology raised nearly RMB 200 million in a Pre-A+ round to expand production of silicon passive components for CPUs and GPUs.
In the healthcare space, U.S.-based Pilgrim raised $25 million in Seed funding at a $150 million valuation to develop its ARGUS airborne biological-threat detection system. Finland’s Kasvu Therapeutics closed a €30 million Series A round to advance its preclinical neuroplasticity drug candidate, KTX-0141, toward human trials.
Other notable deals include Iceland’s 50skills, which raised €5.3 million for AI-powered HR workflows, and Switzerland’s Prevision Medicine, which secured $5.4 million for oncology research. Italy’s Clastix raised €2.9 million for Kubernetes infrastructure, while Japan’s AIONA obtained ¥140 million for industrial-design AI.
