Startup Flash Report

STARTUP FLASH - October 14, 2025

Reflection AI Secures $2B Series B to Lead Open-Source Superintelligence Race

TOP 3 STORIES:
1. Reflection AI raises $2 billion Series B to build open-source superintelligent AI. This unprecedented funding round, led by NVIDIA and major global investors, positions Reflection AI as a formidable open-source alternative to closed AI labs, accelerating the pace of transparent, community-driven AI innovation. Founders in AI and adjacent sectors should note the growing investor appetite for open, scalable platforms and the competitive advantage of transparency in model development[1].

2. Stoke Space lands $510 million Series D to advance fully reusable rockets. With nearly $1 billion in total funding, Stoke Space is set to disrupt the satellite and defense launch market by enabling rapid, low-cost, medium-lift launches through its reusable Nova rocket. Space tech founders and deeptech entrepreneurs can expect increased investor interest in hardware innovation and sustainability-focused aerospace solutions[1].

3. Supabase secures $100 million Series E at $5 billion valuation to scale open-source backend infrastructure. Supabase’s rapid growth and new capital will fuel expansion of AI-assisted developer tools and global infrastructure, reinforcing the trend toward open-source, developer-first platforms that challenge incumbents like Firebase. Early-stage SaaS and infrastructure founders should recognize the market’s demand for open, flexible, and enterprise-ready developer tools[1].

Flash Insight:
Open-source and infrastructure startups are commanding record-breaking rounds, signaling a shift in venture capital toward platforms that empower broad developer ecosystems and prioritize transparency. The surge in deeptech and space funding highlights a renewed appetite for capital-intensive, high-impact innovation, while the continued rise of open-source alternatives underscores the value of community-driven growth. For founders, today’s market rewards bold technical vision, scalable infrastructure, and business models that align with both enterprise needs and developer autonomy.

---

Sources:

[1] https://techstartups.com/2025/10/10/top-startup-and-tech-funding-news-roundup-week-ending-october-10-2025/