A to Z Country Specific Entrepreneurship Stories
A — Australia
- Deep-tech momentum: Forbes AU profiled 23 Australian deep-tech startups to watch (AI, biotech, climate), underscoring the research–commercialization pipeline.
- Capital uptick in QLD: Deal counts and capital deployed hit post-correction highs in FY25, led by climate tech and enterprise software.
- Edtech win: Sydney’s Ripyl took “Best Startup” at EDUtech 2025.
B — Brazil
- Entrepreneurship expo: Expo Empreendedor ran July 25–26 in São Paulo, spotlighting MSMEs and e-commerce founders.
- Ecosystem notes: Fresh lists of Brazil edtech investors (Jul 2025) circulated as local capital networks broaden.
C — Canada
- Community & capital: Startupfest (Montréal, July 9–11) anchored founder deal-making and pitch tracks.
C — China
- Incubation push: XbotPark launched the Mingyue Lake Hard-Tech Entrepreneurship Competition (RMB 330k prizes; supply-chain access) on July 19.
- Regional funding picture: Asia H1’25 startup funding hit multiyear lows; China’s slump weighed on totals (with a slight Q2 lift).
E — European Union (bloc)
- Policy temperature-check: EU survey (July release) shows startups/scale-ups expect growth but mostly <10% annually; 46% plan to hire.
I — India
- IPO summer: Meesho filed confidentially for a 2025 IPO (July 3). Broader India pipeline poised for a record IPO year, with high-profile tech/consumer names lining up.
- D2C to markets: Wakefit filed DRHP July 1; coverage of its planned ₹468 cr raise and OFS emerged mid-July.
- Dealflow snapshots: Weekly trackers showed July rounds across AI (Kluisz.ai), fintech (EduFund), EV mobility (EVeez), and more.
- New startup policy (2025): Targets 10,000 jobs and women-led entrepreneurship; positioning Goa as a “creative capital.”
- E — Entrepreneur News Magazine (India / Global) Led by 19-year-old Akshita Verma, Entrepreneur News Magazine launched its July–September 2025 edition spotlighting founders like Priya & Mohit Gadhiya (Raja Rani Coaching), and global visionaries such as Labubu’s Kasing Lung, podcast sensation Bobbi Althoff, and storyteller Steven Bartlett. This young media venture is amplifying purpose-driven founder stories across creative domains.
I — Italy
- Josip Grabovac, a Croatian fashion entrepreneur based in Milan, founded the Milan Fashion Department to support Balkan talent. In July 2025, his incubator fosters emerging brands, emphasizing inclusivity and professional development in the global fashion industry.
K — Kenya (and Africa, selected)
- Continental pulse: Africa funding remained concentrated in “Big Four” (KE, NG, ZA, EG) with emerging markets rising; July weeklies highlighted ABH finalists and cohort selections.
- Voice-powered AI for SMBs – Dukawalla – A research prototype deployed in Nairobi, Dukawalla brings generative-AI voice interfaces to small businesses for data-driven decision-making—bridging tech access gaps.
M — Madgascar
- Greentsika (Madagascar) Gaetan Rajaofera founded a waste-management social enterprise in Tuléar that formalized the informal sector, improving livelihoods while cleaning up the city—melding social impact with entrepreneurship.
N — Nigeria
- Hammed Kayode Alabi (Nigeria) A social entrepreneur in edtech, Alabi’s Skill2Rural platform has empowered over 8,500 underserved youths across Africa. In July 2025, he was named University of Edinburgh Alumni of the Year for his contributions.
P — Paraguay
- Carmen Paredes, a young Paraguayan entrepreneur, was selected from over 300 global applicants to pitch at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of the Exponeur Academy. In July 2025, her inclusion among 70 young founders under 35 from 45 countries showcases her transformative vision, representing Paraguay on a global stage.
P — Peru
- Fernanda Reaño, founder of FerKnot Event Group, curates extraordinary weddings and events in Miami and Peru. In July 2025, her FuXion franchise promotes organic, nutraceutical hydration drinks globally, blending her event planning expertise with wellness advocacy to create a lasting legacy.
S — Singapore (and ASEAN, selected)
- Founder pipeline: NUS Enterprise Summer Programme ran July 7–18, feeding students into the local startup scene; broader July programming across Singapore kept ecosystems buzzing.
S — Slovakia
- Slovak-born entrepreneur Juraj Gago, co-founder of Simplicity, continues making waves with his AI-driven urban navigation app “Charlie AI,” used across major US cities. Gago also runs Perry Talents, an accelerator in Slovakia. He raised around $15 million in funding, attracting luminaries such as Stephen Curry and others.
T — Tanzania
- SmartDarasa Co-founders Elias Elisante and Kusiluka Justice created STEM learning tools for schools lacking labs. Their digital + physical “smart card” solution delivers hands-on education affordably—bootstrapped, now backed by grants.
T — Turkey
- Akın Babayiğit, co-founder of Tripledot Studios, is recognized for his work in mobile gaming. In June 2025, Tripledot acquired AppLovin’s mobile game portfolio for $800 million, and by July, Babayiğit’s influence as a “magician of mobile games” continues to grow, with Tripledot attracting 25 million daily users through addictive smartphone games like solitaire. His advisory role in over 30 gaming companies underscores his global impact.
U — United Arab Emirates
- Aiham Bader, founder and CEO of BENO, has transformed luxury hospitality in Dubai by offering exotic cars, yachts, helicopters, private aviation, and desert experiences. BENO stands out by owning and operating its assets, ensuring quality and consistency for crypto leaders, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals. In July 2025, Bader’s leadership continues to position BENO as a premier luxury gateway, redefining elite experiences in the Middle East.
- Dr. Rashid Al Farooq, CEO of Speedy Comics ME and Pop Con ME, introduced Japanese anime voiceover actors to the Middle East, fostering cultural exchange. In July 2025, his work as a Peace Ambassador and mentor at Abu Dhabi SME Hub continues to shape entertainment and entrepreneurship.
U — United Kingdom
- Ecosystem debate: FT letter argued the UK has innovation depth (AI/fintech/science) but cultural/regulatory frictions hinder scaling—renewed July policy conversation.
- 19-year-old Tanya Mehta used her gap year to launch Papaya, a startup offering zero-waste meal plans aimed at alleviating menstrual pain. The venture—powered by her experience with PCOS—gathered a 200-person waiting list and won a Google Health Tech prize after joining the Kickstart Global accelerator.
- Philip Belamant (South Africa → UK) Co-founder of fintech unicorn Zilch, Belamant transformed personal hardship—he was denied a credit card due to a lack of UK credit history—into a business model. Zilch offers interest-free “buy now, pay later” services, has over 5 million users, £110 million revenue in 2024, and is expanding with a physical Visa card despite regulatory shifts. ([FT UK story])
- Layla Kaur’s YogaHaus and Build With Layla ventures merge wellness and business strategy. In July 2025, her London-based yoga brand promotes South Asian teachers and sustainable products, while her consultancy empowers global wellness entrepreneurs.
U — United States
- Mega-rounds: July’s largest US rounds (compiled early Aug) show continued late-stage appetite even as diligence tightens.
- AI & entrepreneurship: Commentary framed AI as enabling millions of sustainable small businesses, not just unicorns—capturing the month’s founder zeitgeist.
- Arta Finance Former Google exec Caesar Sengupta, now CEO and co-founder of Arta Finance, emphasizes the power of “stillness” over relentless hustle. Sengupta advises entrepreneurs to cultivate inner clarity—a mindfulness approach he believes is integral for long-term innovation and resilience.
- 19-year-old Nathaneo Johnson, founder of Series, got a head start with $3.1 million in pre-seed funding in early 2025. His AI-powered social networking platform was engineered to “engineer serendipity”—matching users to valuable connections like mentors and co-founders, rather than promoting vanity metrics.
- A notable update as of July 2025: Ankur Jain, founder of Bilt Rewards, just completed a new funding round—co-led by General Catalyst and GID—raising $250 million, taking the company’s valuation to $10.75 billion. Bilt is a rental rewards platform that modernizes how renters get value from their monthly payments.
- Entrepreneur.com shared a stirring founder story titled “Beyond Our Wildest Dreams”, chronicling a scrappy startup that raised over $39 million to save small businesses “facing an extinction event.” This is a testament to purpose-driven problem solving worth celebrating.
- Spun off from Rivian Automotive in March 2025, Also, Inc. focuses on designing lightweight electric vehicles for micromobility. By July 2025, the company is gaining attention for its innovative approach to urban transportation, addressing sustainability and congestion challenges in the U.S. startup ecosystem.
- Holy Stitch – Mr. Dash, a San Francisco-based entrepreneur, operates Holy Stitch, a social entrepreneurship venture teaching youth about business and community engagement. Highlighted at a San Francisco County meeting on July 4, 2025, Dash’s work empowers the next generation through practical education.
- Kerri Kasem, a former radio and TV personality, launched FACEM by Kasem, an award-winning anti-aging skincare line. In July 2025, her biohacking-inspired products gain traction, reflecting her commitment to wellness and transparency, shaped by her battle with Lyme disease.
A to Z Global & Regional Entrepreneurship and Startup news
Global
- Seed Investors (Global) Business Insider’s “Seed 100” list highlights the top early-stage investors of 2025—including Naval Ravikant and Sam Altman—who are crucial in powering bold founder visions across industries like fintech, healthcare, AI, defense, and blockchain.
- Women in VC (Global) Another supporting ecosystem angle: Business Insider’s “Seed 40” highlights top women early-stage investors of 2025, including Aileen Lee and Laura Rippy. Many are ex-founders themselves, now fuelling inclusive and innovative startup growth.
- Educate.io (Iman Gadzhi, Global) Iman Gadzhi’s Educate.io and Monetise platforms empower aspiring entrepreneurs through online education and personal branding tools. In July 2025, his focus on ethical practices and philanthropy, including building schools in Nepal and supporting South African education, continues to inspire a new generation of digital entrepreneurs.
Africa — Founder Journeys & Social Innovation
- Jo Obot & Gather Ventures
Launching a climate-focused fund for female-led startups across Africa, backed by Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, Jo Obot drives inclusive, resilient entrepreneurship targeting environmental impact and women’s asset ownership.
Latin America — Fintech & Chemical Innovation
- Daniela Blanco (Venezuela / USA)
Co-founder & CEO of Sunthetics, Blanco leads a materials startup that replaces fossil-fuel-based chemical reactions with AI-optimized, electricity-driven electrochemistry—blending sustainability and profitability.
- Clara (Mexico / LATAM)
Founded in 2020 by Gerry Giacomán and Diego García Escobedo, this fintech unicorn provides corporate cards and expense tracking solutions across Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. In 2025, it raised another $80 million.
- Carlos García Ottati (Venezuela / Mexico)
Founder and CEO of Kavak, the first unicorn startup from Mexico. Ottati, a serial entrepreneur, built the venture-centric, tech-automotive company into a regional champion.
Southeast Asia — Ecosystem Builders & IPO Watch
- Startup Alumni Ecosystem (SEA)
Second-generation founders from giants like Grab, Lazada, Sea, and Gojek are now launching over 1,000 new startups across Southeast Asia. These alumni bring operational know-how, networks, and capital, reshaping the innovation landscape across fintech, AI, and e-commerce.
- Carro (Singapore)
Southeast Asia’s largest used-car marketplace, Carro is gearing up for a U.S. IPO in 2026, with a valuation north of $3 billion. It offers end-to-end vehicle services and is projected to hit $100M* EBITDA by March 2026.
- DealStreetAsia Highlights (Indonesia region)
- B2B platform GudangAda is exploring shutdown and return of capital to investors.
- Ex-Ula co-founder Nipun Mehra is pivoting into an AI-enabled back-office support venture.
- Indonesian chain Kopi Kenangan sees partial stake exits by investors. All indicate evolving founder strategies in challenging markets.
A To Z Entrepreneurial and Startup Stories across various Sectors
1. AI & Robotics (Global)
- Uma (Paris, robotics): Founded by a Hugging Face principal research scientist, this stealth startup is raising $40 million to build a full-stack industrial and commercial robotics solution. The move reflects surging investor interest in robotics, with over $16 billion raised globally in 2025 so far.
- Cognition (USA, AI coding): Raised $500 million, valuing at ~$9.8 billion. Its AI tool, “Devin”, acts as an autonomous software engineer used by enterprises like Goldman Sachs, Nubank, and Bilt.
- Upstage (South Korea, AI LLMs): Released Solar Pro 2, a new AI model outperforming giants like GPT-4.1 with just 30B parameters using “Depth-Up Scaling.” Targeting clients such as Intel and global insurers with government-backed AI infrastructure (~$70B support).
2. AI in Creative and Compliance Tools
- LeadStory (Global): Raised $2.75M to launch an AI-powered video search platform that answers queries via fact-checked video clips rather than text—collaborating with Samsung TV Plus and Mercedes in automotive infotainment.
- Hypernatural (USA): A $9.2M seed-round AI video generator making professional-quality videos from text using a library of over 2 million AI stock clips. Over 1 million users already onboarded.
3. AI & Healthcare / Life Sciences
- Harrison.ai (Australia): Raised a $112M Series C to scale its AI-driven medical diagnostics platform. Deployed in 1,000+ healthcare facilities, the startup supports radiology and pathology with workflow and early diagnosis tools.
- SpatialX (UK): Spinout leveraging AI in spatial biology to improve cancer diagnostics via its Orca™ platform. Partnerships include UPMC and Emory; focuses on pathology precision and personalized medicine.
4. AI & Infrastructure / Industrial IoT
- BrightAI (USA): Raised $51M Series A (total $78M) to deploy AI systems across power, water, and manufacturing infrastructure, using drones, wearables, and sensors to shift from reactive to predictive maintenance (~$100M in revenue).
5. EdTech, Synthetic Data & Frontier AI
- MedInSynth (India): Creates synthetic healthcare data using AI to solve privacy constraints. Helped accelerate AI research with lifelike, privacy-respecting healthcare datasets.
- CodexMind (USA): Delivers autonomous AI “agents” that manage workflows—like customer support and supply chain alerts. Raised $45M in Series A and serves 200+ enterprise clients.
- PromptLayer (UK): AI observability platform akin to “Datadog for prompt engineering.” With 50,000+ stars on GitHub, it’s emerging as infrastructure for AI deployments.
- Auralens (Israel): Built a real-time, edge AI hearing assistant blending neuroscience with AI. Gaining traction with commercial rollout set for mid-2025 across Asia and Europe.
6. Voice AI & Conversational AI
- SoundHound (Amelia 7.0) (USA): Launched a new conversational AI platform, reported 217% YoY revenue growth, and expanded through partnerships with Allina Health and AVANT Communications to serve industries like retail and healthcare.
7. Biotech & Deep Tech
- MNDL Bio (Israel): AI-driven synthetic biology startup optimizing protein production via gene design. Raised ~$2M and positioned to transform biotech, foodtech, and pharma timelines.
- Axelera AI (Netherlands): Developing edge AI chips for robots, drones, cars, and medical devices. Received a €61.6M grant for its Titania AI chip under Europe’s DARE project’s €200M funding.
A to Z Entrepreneurship General Trends and Key Themes
* AI Integration: Artificial intelligence continues to be a dominant force in entrepreneurship. Startups are leveraging AI for everything from automating operations to creating personalized customer experiences.
* Sustainability and Green Technology: There is a strong emphasis on “eco-founders” and businesses with a clear purpose beyond profit. Startups focused on sustainable practices, clean energy, and waste reduction are attracting significant investment and attention.
* Community-Driven Branding: Entrepreneurs are moving away from traditional advertising models, instead building trust and brand loyalty through transparent, story-driven, and community-focused marketing.
* Fintech Innovation: The financial technology sector is seeing continued disruption, with new startups focused on making money management more accessible, secure, and efficient for individuals and businesses.
* Digital Transformation: Businesses are increasingly utilizing technology to streamline their services. This is particularly evident in sectors like home services, where platforms are being developed to help small businesses manage their operations more effectively.
Notable Global Entrepreneurship and Startup news highlights
• Capgemini acquired IT and analytics firm WNS for $3.3 billion to strengthen its AI capabilities in July 2025.
• Everlab raised $10 million in seed funding to scale its AI-powered preventive healthcare platform.
• India saw significant startup ecosystem activity including a $400 crore exit by SocialPilot, $211 million in startup funding, and new initiatives such as the Goa Startup Accelerator and a rolling call for quantum startups.
• The Global Startup Summit took place on July 5, 2025, in New Delhi, featuring discussions on MSMEs and startup growth.
• OpenAI and SoftBank announced plans to build a compact data center by the end of 2025 to support AI projects.
• Taiwan advanced cross-border startup collaboration with the US through events and funding access.
• Thinking Machines, led by Mira Murati, raised $2 billion at a $10 billion valuation for autonomous AI systems development.
• WaveX extended its AI startup challenge deadline to July 30, promoting language translation solutions.
SRC:
ChatGPT
Gemini
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
