From billion-dollar acquisitions to small business struggles and AI breakthroughs, here’s the week’s essential news shaping the US and Canadian economies.
1. Neuralink’s $650 Million Series E Pushes Brain-Computer Tech Forward
Elon Musk’s Neuralink raised a staggering $650 million in a Series E funding round, backed by top Silicon Valley investors. This investment marks a pivotal moment for brain-computer interface technology, aimed at revolutionizing how humans interact with machines. Neuralink’s advancements could have profound implications for healthcare, accessibility, and even consumer electronics, signaling growing investor confidence in neurotechnology’s commercial potential.
2. Impulse Space Secures $300 Million to Transform Satellite Mobility
Space-tech startup Impulse Space closed a $300 million late-stage funding round to scale its orbital transfer vehicles, which reposition satellites in space. This technology is critical for satellite longevity, in-orbit servicing, and the rapidly expanding commercial space sector. The round was led by Linse Capital and demonstrates robust investor appetite for space infrastructure and logistics.
3. Apple’s AI Strategy Anticipated to Lift Stock and Broader Market
Investors are closely watching Apple as CEO Tim Cook is expected to unveil a comprehensive AI strategy. With Apple’s stock under pressure, a convincing AI roadmap could not only boost Apple’s valuation but also set the tone for the broader tech market. The move is seen as crucial for Apple to remain competitive against AI-driven rivals and to unlock new revenue streams.
4. Small Businesses in Canada Hit Hard by US-Canada Trade War
A new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that four in five small businesses are suffering from the ongoing US-Canada trade war. Rising costs, a weaker Canadian dollar, and lower demand are among the top concerns. Many businesses are shifting focus to domestic and non-US markets, but only 3 in 10 feel confident in their strategies to offset trade impacts. The unpredictability of tariffs and economic uncertainty are making business planning increasingly difficult.
5. Disney and Universal Double Down on Theme Park Investments
Walt Disney and Universal Orlando are investing billions to expand their theme parks, signaling long-term confidence in the tourism and entertainment sectors. These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs and drive regional economic growth. The expansions also reflect a bet on the resilience of consumer demand for immersive experiences, even amid broader economic uncertainty.
6. Series B Startup Funding Remains Robust, Especially in Tech
From January to April 2025, there were 115 Series B funding rounds in North America, with an average deal size of $182.4 million. California led both in deal count and capital deployed, reflecting its dominance in tech and innovation. Semiconductors, IT services, and environmental services were the top-funded sectors, with some mega-rounds exceeding $800 million. This trend highlights sustained investor interest in scaling high-growth startups, particularly in AI, semiconductors, and green tech.
7. Stable Money Raises $20 Million to Democratize Fixed-Income Investing
Fintech startup Stable Money secured $20 million in Series B funding to expand its platform, which gives retail investors access to high-yield cash and fixed-income products. The funding will be used to enhance product offerings and scale operations, making traditionally exclusive investment opportunities more accessible to everyday investors. This reflects a broader trend of fintech startups targeting financial inclusion and transparency.
8. Wordsmith AI Gets $25 Million to Automate Legal Workflows
Legal tech startup Wordsmith AI raised $25 million in Series A funding led by Index Ventures. The company’s platform deploys AI agents to automate routine legal tasks, such as contract review and clause extraction, freeing up in-house legal teams for higher-value work. Clients like Deliveroo and Remote are already using the technology, underscoring the growing demand for AI-driven efficiency in corporate legal departments.
9. Converge Technology Solutions Acquired by H.I.G. Capital for $910 Million
US-based private equity firm H.I.G. Capital acquired Canadian IT and cloud solutions provider Converge Technology Solutions Corp. for $910 million. This cross-border deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the cloud and managed services space, as private equity firms seek to build scale and capture synergies in the digital transformation market.
10. Wall Street Analysts Remain Bullish on AI Leaders Like Nvidia and Salesforce
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, top Wall Street analysts continue to favor stocks such as Nvidia and Salesforce, citing their leadership in AI and cloud computing. These companies are seen as well-positioned to benefit from the next wave of enterprise technology adoption, with AI-driven products driving both revenue and profitability.
11. US Aviation Industry Faces Labor Shortages Amid Manufacturing Push
As policymakers push to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US, the aviation industry is grappling with a wave of retirements among skilled workers. The shortage of technicians and engineers threatens to slow aircraft production and maintenance, highlighting the need for workforce development and training programs to support industrial growth.
12. Canadian Small Businesses Shift Away from US Markets Amid Trade Tensions
Nearly half of Canadian small businesses no longer view the US as a reliable trading partner, and 32% have shifted to Canadian suppliers and markets. This strategic pivot is a direct response to trade war uncertainties and aims to reduce exposure to tariff-related disruptions. However, overall optimism remains low, with many business owners expressing concern about long-term viability.
13. Speedata Raises $44 Million to Rethink Data Processing Hardware
Israeli-American startup Speedata secured $44 million in Series B funding to develop next-generation data processing hardware. The company’s technology aims to accelerate analytics and AI workloads, addressing the growing demand for high-performance computing in enterprise and cloud environments. Investors include Walden Catalyst Ventures and 83North.
14. Zero Networks Raises $55 Million for Cybersecurity Innovation
Zero Networks, a cybersecurity startup with operations in the US and Israel, raised $55 million in Series B funding. The company focuses on protecting enterprises from internal threats by automating network segmentation and access controls. The funding will be used to expand product development and global sales efforts, reflecting the escalating importance of cybersecurity in the digital economy.
15. Antheia Secures $56 Million to Bioengineer Critical Drug Ingredients
Biotech startup Antheia raised $56 million in Series C funding to scale its platform for bioengineering pharmaceutical ingredients. The company’s technology enables more reliable and sustainable production of essential drugs, addressing supply chain risks and supporting the growing demand for advanced therapeutics.
16. Scalable Capital Raises $175 Million to Expand Retail Investing Platform
European fintech Scalable Capital closed a $175 million Series E round to expand its retail investing platform, with a focus on North American market entry. The funding will support product development, regulatory compliance, and customer acquisition, positioning Scalable Capital as a challenger to traditional wealth management firms.
17. MUBI Raises $100 Million to Grow Indie Film Streaming
Streaming platform MUBI secured $100 million to deepen its niche in global independent film. The investment will be used to acquire new content, expand distribution, and enhance user experience. As competition in streaming intensifies, MUBI’s focus on curation and indie cinema offers a differentiated value proposition.
18. Early-Stage AI and Fintech Startups Quietly Close Rounds
While mega-deals grabbed headlines, several early-stage startups in AI and fintech, such as Spense and Applied Computing, closed funding rounds to scale critical infrastructure. These deals highlight the vibrancy of the startup ecosystem beyond high-profile unicorns, with investors betting on the next generation of disruptive technologies.
19. US-Canada Trade War Drives Business Model Innovation
The unpredictability of tariffs and cross-border tensions has forced many North American businesses to rethink their models. Companies are investing in supply chain resilience, exploring alternative markets, and adopting digital tools to manage costs and maintain competitiveness. The trade war has also accelerated the adoption of automation and AI to offset rising labor and operational expenses.
20. Venture Capital Remains Focused on Real-World AI Applications
Major VCs, including Sequoia, Thrive Capital, and Index Ventures, are doubling down on startups developing practical AI solutions for industries like legal, healthcare, and finance. The emphasis is on platforms that deliver measurable ROI, such as legal AI agents, automated compliance tools, and AI-powered analytics. This strategic focus reflects a maturing AI market, where investors prioritize scalability and real-world impact over hype.
Final Note
The week of June 2–8, 2025, was marked by significant funding rounds, major acquisitions, and evolving strategies among North American businesses in response to economic uncertainty and technological disruption. From the resilience of small businesses facing trade challenges to the bold bets on AI, fintech, and space tech, the US and Canadian business landscapes are being reshaped by innovation, investment, and adaptation. As companies navigate headwinds and seize new opportunities, the coming months promise continued transformation across sectors.
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