Dear {{First_Name|Friend}},
As the third week of December unfolds, Physical AI accelerates with Medra raising $52 million in Series A funding to build autonomous laboratories for drug discovery, while ALM Ventures launches a $100 million fund for humanoid robots and embodied AI, and 1X Technologies partners with EQT to deploy up to 10,000 NEO humanoid robots across portfolio companies between 2026 and 2030.
Data centers dominate global infrastructure investment as Brookfield and Qatar's QAI establish a $20 billion joint venture targeting up to $100 billion in total AI data center investments, while Microsoft pledges $17.5 billion over four years for cloud and AI expansion in India, Amazon commits $35 billion through 2030 for AWS infrastructure in the region, and SoftBank explores a $50 billion acquisition of Switch to bolster its AI infrastructure push.
Mobility and energy transition surge simultaneously, with Stellantis partnering with Bolt to deploy Level 4 autonomous vehicles across Europe beginning in 2026 and Rivian unveiling an Autonomy+ subscription service launching early 2026, while Fervo Energy raises $462 million for enhanced geothermal systems, Blue Current closes $80 million for silicon solid-state batteries with Amazon as lead investor, and Samsung SDI secures a $1.36 billion energy storage contract pivoting EV battery production to power data centers.
Stay sharp,
Vitaly Golomb
Managing Partner
Mavka Capital
Physical AI
1. Medra Raises $52M Series A
Medra secures $52 million Series A to scale autonomous labs and partner with Genentech on early-stage drug development.
2. ALM Ventures Launches $100M Fund I
ALM Ventures debuts $100 million inaugural fund focused on humanoid robots and spatial AI with ten portfolio companies already in the fold.
3. 1X Technologies Partners with EQT for 10,000 Humanoid Robots
Norwegian robotics firm 1X announces massive deployment of 10,000 NEO robots across EQT's portfolio for warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics by 2030.
4. AlphaVest and AMC Corporation Complete Merger
AMC Robotics completes SPAC merger, begins trading on Nasdaq under ticker AMCI with $10 million+ to commercialize AI-powered warehouse robots.
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Data Centers
1. Brookfield and Qatar Investment Authority Form $20B AI Infrastructure JV
Brookfield and Qatar's Qai launch $20 billion joint venture targeting up to $100 billion total investment in global AI data center buildout.
2. Microsoft Announces $17.5B AI Infrastructure Investment in India
CEO Satya Nadella pledges $17.5 billion over four years for cloud and AI data centers, including new hyperscale region in Hyderabad.
3. SoftBank Explores $50B Acquisition of Switch
SoftBank reportedly in talks to acquire Switch Inc. for ~$50 billion as part of Masayoshi Son's AI infrastructure consolidation strategy.
4. Amazon Pledges $35B for India Cloud & AI Through 2030
Amazon commits over $35 billion by 2030 to scale AWS data centers and AI capabilities, directly competing with Microsoft's India expansion.
Mobility
1. Eve Air Mobility Secures $40M from BNDES for eVTOL Development
Embraer's Eve Air Mobility lands $40 million loan from Brazilian development bank to advance eVTOL aircraft certification.
2. Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Level 4 Autonomous Fleet
Stellantis teams with mobility platform Bolt to deploy Level 4 autonomous vehicles across Europe starting 2026 testing.
3. Spinny Lines Up $160M Series G to Acquire GoMechanic
Used-car unicorn Spinny raises $160 million Series G to acquire car service startup GoMechanic in $1.8 billion combined entity.
4. Rivian Announces AI and Autonomy Ambitions
Rivian unveils custom AI chips and $49.99/month Autonomy+ subscription service, promising hands-free driving across 3.5 million US road miles by early 2026.
Energy Transition
1. Blue Current Raises $80M+ Led by Amazon for Silicon Battery Tech
Blue Current closes $80 million+ Series D extension led by Amazon to commercialize silicon solid-state batteries for EVs and grid storage.
2. Fervo Energy Secures $462M for Next-Gen Geothermal
Fervo Energy raises record $462 million Series E to scale enhanced geothermal systems with backing from Google and Mitsubishi.
4. Samsung SDI Signs $1.36B US Battery Deal for Energy Storage Systems
Samsung SDI's US unit lands $1.36 billion energy storage contract, shifting EV battery production lines to power backup systems for data center demand surge.
3. ZincFive Raises $30M for Nickel-Zinc Batteries
ZincFive closes oversubscribed $30 million Series F to scale nickel-zinc battery production for high-power data center applications.
