Pony.ai’s IPO Plans, Zepto’s $100M Funding, and Lightmatter’s $400M Raise

In this episode, we explore Pony.ai's imminent IPO filing in the US, potentially raising $300 million and signaling confidence in self-driving technology. We also discuss Zepto's advanced talks for a $100 million investment, marking its third funding round in six months, and the implications for the Indian quick commerce market. Additionally, we cover Lightmatter's impressive $400 million Series D funding, boosting its valuation to $4.4 billion, and its innovative approach to AI data centers. Finally, we highlight Yellow Card's $33 million raise to pivot towards B2B in Africa's crypto landscape, showcasing the resilience and potential of startups in emerging markets.

Sources:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/self-driving-startup-pony-ai-070750729.html
https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/17/zepto-eyes-100m-from-indian-offices-in-third-funding-in-6-months/
https://news.crunchbase.com/ai/photonic-startup-lightmatter-venture-round-unicorn/
https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/16/african-crypto-startup-yellow-card-raises-33m-led-by-blockchain-capital-to-scale-its-b2b-pivot/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:45) Self-Driving Startup Pony.ai Said to Plan to Publicly File for US IPO This Week
(00:03:42) Zepto eyes $100M from Indian offices in third funding in 6 months
(00:06:39) Photonic Startup Lightmatter Raises $400M Amid Data Center Frenzy; Hits $4.4B Valuation
(00:09:09) African crypto startup Yellow Card raises $33M led by Blockchain Capital to scale its B2B pivot