$300M+ in AI Funding This Week: OX Security, Orca AI, NewLimit Lead the Pack
While others read about AI news, you'll know exactly what to do about it
Today’s Briefing:
In today's newsletter:
OX Security secures $60M for vulnerability scanning
Hugging Face releases free agentic AI tool
Amazon develops Project Kiro for coding
Reddit tightens verification against AI bots
FutureHouse previews AI for biology discovery
Plus: Day 1 of our 3-Day Guide to Coding with ChatGPT
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Markets
Major Investments & Developments
OX Security lands $60M to scan for vulnerabilities in code, following their previous $34M funding round. The investment will accelerate development of their software supply chain security platform. Read more
Cursor reportedly raising funds at $9B valuation from Thrive, a16z, and Accel. The AI-powered coding tool continues to attract major investor interest. Read more
Relevance AI raises $24M Series B to help build teams of AI agents, with plans to make agent creation accessible to non-technical users. Read more
NewLimit raises $130M to develop age-reversing therapies, co-founded by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Read more
Unblocked secures $20M for its AI assistant that helps developers understand legacy codebases. Read more
Orca AI pulls in $72.5M for its autonomous shipping platform, boosted by defense contracts and Starlink integration. Read more
Product Launches & Partnerships
Hugging Face releases a free agentic AI tool similar to OpenAI's Operator, bringing agentic capabilities to a wider audience. Read more
Amazon develops Project Kiro, an AI-powered tool for real-time code generation. The project is reportedly designed to accelerate AWS application development. Read more
Reddit will tighten verification to keep out human-like AI bots, following a recent incident involving AI bots detected by University of Zurich researchers. Read more
Google debuts updated Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model ahead of I/O developer conference. Read more
Google introduces "Simplify" feature for iOS that uses AI to make dense text easier to understand. Read more
Particle brings its AI-powered news reader to the web, expanding beyond its mobile app. Read more
FutureHouse previews an AI tool for data-driven biology discovery, potentially accelerating research in the life sciences. Read more
Pinterest updates visual search with more AI-powered features. Read more
Deep Dive: OX Security's $60M Funding
OX Security has secured $60 million in fresh funding to enhance its platform for scanning code vulnerabilities. Founded in 2022, the company initially debuted with $34M in funding to reinvent software supply chain security. SiliconANGLE
The company previously received a strategic investment from IBM Ventures to boost their software supply chain security capabilities. PR Newswire
This latest funding round comes as software supply chain attacks have increased dramatically, with high-profile incidents highlighting the need for improved security scanning and vulnerability detection in the development pipeline.
OX Security's platform provides complete visibility of the software supply chain, from code to cloud, detecting vulnerabilities and preventing attacks before they happen. OX Security
Anthropic Updates
Anthropic launches program to support scientific research, providing researchers with access to Claude models for advancing scientific discovery. Read more
Apple and Anthropic partner on AI coding platform (5 days ago). Apple is developing a new version of Xcode powered by Anthropic's Claude Sonnet model, currently planned for internal use. This continues Apple's strategy of partnering with multiple AI companies. Read more
Nvidia and Anthropic clash over AI chip restrictions (1 week ago). Nvidia responded sharply to Anthropic's support for tighter U.S. chip export controls to China, with a spokesperson stating "America cannot manipulate regulators to capture victory in AI." Read more
Google adopts Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (April 9, 2025). Google announced support for Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) in its Gemini models and SDK. This follows OpenAI's adoption, establishing MCP as an emerging industry standard. Read more
Anthropic introduces "Research" feature and Google Workspace integration (3 weeks ago). Anthropic announced "Research," a new Claude feature that conducts multiple searches building on previous ones, now integrated with Google Workspace apps. Read more
Analysis
Today's developments highlight the accelerating pace of investment in AI technologies across diverse sectors. From OX Security's focus on code vulnerability detection to NewLimit's ambitious age-reversing therapies, we're seeing significant capital flowing into both practical enterprise applications and moonshot innovations.
The release of Hugging Face's free agentic AI tool represents an important step in democratizing advanced AI capabilities, potentially challenging OpenAI's dominance in this emerging space. Meanwhile, Amazon's reported Project Kiro development signals increasing competition in the AI-assisted coding market, where tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor have already made significant inroads.
Worth watching: Reddit's move to tighten verification against AI bots highlights growing concerns about AI-generated content on social platforms. As models become increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing between human and AI-generated content will present ongoing challenges for platforms and users alike. The clash between Nvidia and Anthropic over chip export restrictions also underscores the complex geopolitical dimensions of AI development and deployment.
Recommended Reading
The State of AI in 2025 - McKinsey Read more
Summary: McKinsey's comprehensive analysis explores how AI adoption has transformed across industries in 2025, with particular focus on the democratization of advanced AI capabilities. The report highlights how smaller organizations now leverage powerful AI tools that were previously accessible only to tech giants, and examines the economic impact of widespread AI integration. For executives, the most valuable insights come from case studies showing how companies have overcome implementation challenges to achieve measurable ROI. The analysis also addresses regulatory developments affecting AI deployment and provides a framework for responsible AI governance that balances innovation with ethical considerations and compliance requirements.
Build with AI: A 3-Day Guide to Coding with ChatGPT
Day 1: Setting the Foundation
Build with AI: A 3-Day Guide to Coding with ChatGPT Part 1: Foundation & Project Setup
In this three-part guide, we'll build a File Renamer tool using ChatGPT and Python—without requiring previous coding experience. We'll focus on practical applications that serve no-code users, developers, and creative professionals alike.
Project Overview: File Renamer We're building a tool that transforms disorganized filenames (like "IMG_3298423.jpg") into consistent, structured formats (like "2024-05-clientname-header.jpg"). This utility has universal application across industries, provides immediate workflow improvements, and can be easily adapted for specific needs while teaching fundamental programming concepts.
Audience Relevance: No-code builders can apply this approach to extend platforms like Webflow or Bubble. Developers can use AI to scaffold code faster, reducing repetitive tasks. Agency professionals can create custom utilities for client deliverables. Founders can implement internal tools without dedicated development resources.
Day 1 Tasks
Setup Your Environment Create a free Replit.com account and start a Python project. This browser-based code editor requires no installation and provides everything needed for our project.
Configure ChatGPT with Context Using the "Custom Instructions" feature, provide context about your experience level and industry. Request step-by-step explanations with commented code that explains concepts clearly without oversimplification.
Define the Project Structure Ask ChatGPT to outline a Python File Renamer tool that can scan directories and apply consistent naming patterns. The structure should include directory scanning functionality, pattern-based renaming logic, error handling, and a simple user interface.
Key Technical Concepts Even without coding experience, understanding files and directories, string manipulation, user input processing, and error handling will help you navigate this project.
Next Installment: Core Implementation In Part 2, we'll implement the actual file scanning and renaming functions, with detailed explanations of how each component works.
Featured Prompt
File Renamer Project Setup
I need assistance planning a Python File Renamer for my [workflow type] that handles [file types]. Please provide recommendations for: Project Structure (essential libraries and components), Core Functions (directory scanning, pattern generation, safe renaming), Error Prevention (validation and backups), and User Interface (command-line options). For each area, explain which approach would be most effective for my use case, including limitations and alternatives. Additionally, describe how this tool could specifically benefit my work in [your industry] with example naming patterns.Tools
SunAI - AI-powered content creation platform with advanced text generation capabilities. Ideal for marketers and content creators needing high-quality, original content.
Readio - Text-to-speech platform that converts written content into natural-sounding audio. Perfect for accessibility and content consumption on-the-go.
Writegenic - AI writing assistant specializing in long-form content creation. Great for bloggers and authors seeking to overcome writer's block.
LovArt - AI art generator creating personalized artwork based on text prompts. Perfect for designers and creatives needing visual inspiration.
ImageToAny - Image conversion tool powered by AI that transforms images between formats while preserving quality. Essential for designers working across platforms.
Prompts.ai - Library of optimized prompts for various AI models. Valuable for maximizing AI tool performance across different use cases.
DeepCoder - AI-powered code generation and optimization tool. Excellent for developers looking to automate repetitive coding tasks.
Overloop - AI-enhanced sales automation platform for personalized outreach. Perfect for sales teams needing to scale personalized communication.
"Right now, people talk about being an AI company... It'll be unthinkable not to have intelligence integrated into every product and service."
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
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