Last week, we told you that Pittsburgh experienced a dip in venture capital during the second quarter of 2024. Well, Skild AI recently proved that Q3 will look very different: While the region's startups brought in just $74 million from April to June, Skild quadrupled that with its $300 million raise earlier this month.
Keep reading for the details. Plus, we highlight Garfield-based STEAM education center Assemble and debunk misinformation surrounding American Glass Research.
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Skild AI raked in a $300 million Series A earlier this month, with some big names participating in the round. The AI robotics startup upped its valuation to $1.5 billion – unicorn status – with the new money.
Plus, learn about Duolingo acquiring Hobbes for its motion design, KEF Robotics scoring a $1 million grant from the Air Force and more Money Moves.
Assemble bills itself as a space to generate and share ideas. It’s a place for fun events and workshops to help kindle interest in science, technology, engineering, art and math, known as STEAM.
Because minorities, people of color, women and other marginalized groups are often boxed out of STEAM, Assemble wants to bridge that gap early and open doors for Pittsburghers.
“There’s a lot of creativity that happens that isn’t being welcomed into these spaces,” executive director Nina Barbuto said. “If we’re not doing something about it, we’re accepting it.”
• Last month, we took a closer look at the successful marketing stunt that is Duolingo's taco restaurant. For local journalist Noelle Mateer, a recent visit to Duo's Taqueria sparks the question: What have the people of Pittsburgh actually gotten from this level of tech investment? [Technical.ly/The Baffler]
• Healthtech startup Korion will compete for $1 million against 11 international startups through the Hult Prize global accelerator program. [Hult Prize Foundation]
• Cytoagents CEO Teresa Whalen appeared on local news segment Our Region's Business to discuss the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance. [WPXI]
• 412 Ability Tech showcased more than 25 organizations innovating in assistive tech at a recent event. Products included 3D printers, adaptive instruments and more. [Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle]
• NASA ended its VIPER project, a water-seeking moon rover it's been working on with North Shore-based Astrobotic. Launch delays and rising costs terminated the mission, but the agency said it would still work with Astrobotic on its Griffin moon lander — just without the rover. [NASA]
• Picklesburgh kicks off today and runs all weekend long. My personal favorites? Pickle pizza and a dill Bloody Mary. If you work or live downtown, be prepared for lots of traffic and road closures. [CBS]
Leveraging AI to create the “Berkie” bot is just one reason Joe Pasquale loves working at the innovative commercial real estate org.
🗓️ On the Calendar
• GetWITit Pittsburgh is hosting an IT Leadership Panel at Two Frays Brewing on July 22. Speakers include professionals from Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, TruSummit Solutions, Viatris and BNY Mellon. [Details here]
• Finally participate in the pickleball craze with YoungTechPGH's Picnic and Pickleball event at Schenley on July 24. [Learn more]
• Job hunt and network at the Latin American Career Conference. The evening event takes place on July 24 at the University of Pittsburgh. [Sign up]
• Join Black Tech Nation for a chill rooftop kickback downtown on July 25. [Register]
• Apply for the LifeX Accelerator program by August 5. The three-month, early-stage venture program focuses on digital health, medical devices and therapeutics startups. [Apply now]
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