Month: October 2025

BusinessStartups

Deel Secures $300 Million Funding, Cofounders’ Wealth Surges Amid Rivalry with Rippling

Deel has raised $300 million from top investors, elevating its valuation above Rippling’s for the first time since 2022. The funding increases cofounders’ fortunes, though Rippling’s Parker Conrad remains wealthier. Ongoing lawsuits between the HR software giants add complexity to their competition.

Funding Round Elevates Deel’s Market Position

HR software startup Deel has reportedly secured $300 million in new funding from Ribbit Capital, Coatue, and Andreessen Horowitz, according to recent reports. This investment has pushed the company’s valuation to $17.3 billion, surpassing rival Rippling for the first time since 2022. Sources indicate that the deal has significantly increased the net worth of Deel’s cofounders, Alex Bouaziz and Shuo Wang, by an estimated $500 million each.

by Priya Kapoor
EconomyTrade

China’s Economic Growth Moderates to 4.8% Amid Trade Pressures and Domestic Challenges

China’s economy expanded at a 4.8% annual rate in Q3, the slowest pace in a year, as trade tensions and domestic demand issues weigh on growth. Despite export diversification and strong electric vehicle sales, property sector declines and consumer spending remain concerns.

Economic Growth Moderates in Third Quarter

China’s economy grew at an annual rate of 4.8% in the third quarter, representing the slowest pace of expansion in a year, according to government reports released Monday. The Chinese economy showed clear signs of cooling from the previous quarter’s 5.2% growth rate, with analysts suggesting trade tensions and domestic demand weaknesses as primary contributing factors.

by Priya Kapoor
BusinessMining

Cleveland-Cliffs Explores Rare Earth Mining Venture, Shares Surge on Strategic Shift

Cleveland-Cliffs is reportedly investigating rare earth mining opportunities at sites in Michigan and Minnesota. The steelmaker’s shares jumped approximately 17% following the announcement. This strategic move could support U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals.

Strategic Expansion into Critical Minerals

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., a major American steel mill operator, is reportedly exploring the development of a rare earth mining business, according to statements from company leadership. CEO Lourenco Goncalves informed investors Monday that geological surveys at two company-owned sites in Michigan and Minnesota have revealed indications of rare earth elements, sources indicate.

by Samuel Kim
AIStartups

AI-Powered Advertising Platform AdsGency Secures $12M Seed Funding to Automate Multi-Channel Campaigns

San Francisco startup AdsGency has raised $12 million in seed funding to develop its AI-powered advertising automation platform. The company aims to extend Meta’s vision of fully automated advertising to multiple digital platforms including Google and TikTok.

AI Advertising Platform Attracts Major Investment

San Francisco-based startup AdsGency has reportedly secured $12 million in seed funding to advance its artificial intelligence-driven advertising platform, according to recent reports. The funding round was led by XYZ Venture Capital with participation from Streamlined Ventures, HF0, and Hat-Trick Capital.

by Samuel Kim