BusinessStartupsTechnology

Gaming Stock Light & Wonder Trading Below Peak Levels Amid Market Uncertainty

Financial analysts indicate Light & Wonder stock is trading approximately 32% below its 1-year peak. The gaming technology company’s recent performance has been affected by mixed earnings and plans to delist from NASDAQ.

Market Position and Valuation Metrics

Financial analysts are reportedly examining whether markets are underestimating the potential of Light & Wonder (LNW) stock, which sources indicate is currently trading approximately 32% lower than its 1-year peak. According to the analysis, the stock is also trading at a price-to-sales multiple that falls below its average from the past three years, suggesting potential undervaluation based on historical metrics.

BusinessStartupsTechnology

Lakestar Halts New Venture Fundraising, Shifts Focus to Existing Portfolio

Klaus Hommels, founder of Lakestar, announced the firm will not raise new generalist venture funds, instead concentrating on maximizing existing portfolio companies. The shift comes as European venture fundraising faces a significant decline, with funds raising only $8 billion this year compared to $27 billion in 2024.

Strategic Shift for European Venture Giant

Lakestar, one of Europe’s most prominent venture capital firms, has informed investors it will halt raising new generalist venture funds, according to reports. Founder Klaus Hommels stated in a letter to investors that future startup investments will primarily utilize his personal capital rather than institutional funds. The Zurich-based firm, which manages over $2 billion in assets, plans to focus on maximizing value from its existing portfolio companies.

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.

AIStartups

AI Startup Valuations Surge $1 Trillion Amid Investor Frenzy, Bubble Concerns Mount

Artificial intelligence startups have seen unprecedented valuation increases totaling nearly $1 trillion over the past year, according to financial analysis. Venture capital firms have directed two-thirds of their total investment toward AI companies, fueling both optimism about transformative technology and concerns about an inflating bubble in private markets.

Unprecedented AI Valuation Surge

Ten lossmaking artificial intelligence startup companies have gained close to $1 trillion in valuation over the past 12 months, according to reports from financial analysts. This unprecedented increase has intensified concerns about an inflating bubble in private markets that sources indicate could potentially spill over into the wider economy.