AISoftwareStartups

Norwegian AI Startup Riff Secures $16M Series A to Expand Vibe Coding Platform

Norwegian startup Riff has secured $16 million in Series A funding to expand its vibe coding platform that enables businesses to create AI applications without extensive coding knowledge. The funding round was led by Northzone with participation from several European investors. The company reports strong customer retention rates as it launches its expanded AI product suite.

Major Funding Round for Norwegian AI Startup

Oslo-based technology company Riff, formerly known as Databutton, has reportedly secured $16 million in Series A funding according to recent announcements. The investment round was led by venture capital firm Northzone with participation from Norwegian investors Skyfall Ventures and Sondo Capital, Finnish Maki.vc, Berlin-based Global Founders Capital, and Illusian, the family office of Supercell founder Ilkka Paananen. This latest funding brings the company’s total capital raised to $21 million.

AIInnovationSoftware

Meta Policy Change Forces OpenAI to Discontinue WhatsApp ChatGPT Service in 2026

OpenAI’s innovative 1-800-ChatGPT service on WhatsApp will be permanently disabled on January 15, 2026, according to company announcements. The decision comes after Meta implemented policy changes affecting third-party AI services on its messaging platform. This move impacts approximately 50 million users who currently access ChatGPT through simple calls and messages.

OpenAI’s WhatsApp ChatGPT Service Faces Imminent Shutdown

OpenAI has announced that its popular 1-800-ChatGPT service on WhatsApp will be discontinued effective January 15, 2026, according to reports from the company’s official blog. The shutdown comes as a result of policy changes implemented by Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, which will restrict certain third-party services on the messaging platform.

AISemiconductorsStartups

ChipAgents Secures $21M Series A to Advance AI-Powered Semiconductor Design Platform

ChipAgents has reportedly secured $21 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-driven chip design platform. The startup claims its technology accelerates verification processes and has attracted 50 semiconductor companies as customers while adding industry veterans to its advisory board.

Major Funding Round for AI Chip Design Innovation

AI chip design startup ChipAgents has reportedly raised $21 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round, according to recent company announcements. The investment saw participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Micron, MediaTek, and Ericsson, alongside several unnamed semiconductor companies, sources indicate.

AICybersecurityStartups

European Cybersecurity Startups Race to Combat Deepfake Fraud Epidemic as Losses Top €1.3 Billion

Deepfake-related fraud losses have exceeded €1.3 billion across Europe, with €860 million stolen in 2025 alone according to new research. European cybersecurity startups are raising significant funding to develop detection technologies as new EU regulations target AI-powered deception.

Deepfake Fraud Reaches Crisis Levels

European cybersecurity startups are accelerating development of deepfake detection technologies as reported losses linked to synthetic media fraud have surpassed €1.3 billion, according to a recent study by Dutch cybersecurity firm Surfshark. Sources indicate that €860 million was stolen in 2025 alone, representing a €500 million year-on-year increase as AI-powered deception becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible.

AIBusinessInnovation

AI Startup’s Demo Reveals Potential Transformation in Investment Banking Roles

An exclusive demo of Hebbia’s AI platform reveals how investment banking roles may transform. The startup’s tools are reportedly streamlining tedious financial analysis work that traditionally required extensive manual effort. Industry observers suggest this could fundamentally change how bankers approach their daily tasks.

The AI Revolution Comes to Wall Street

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform investment banking, according to recent reports, with startups developing tools that could significantly alter how financial professionals work. One such company, Hebbia, recently demonstrated its AI platform to industry observers, providing a glimpse into what investment bankers’ jobs might start to look like in the near future.