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July 15.2025
3 Minutes Read

Former Sequoia Partner Matt Miller Raises $355M for Evantic Fund

Matt Miller raises $355M for new VC fund, confident man seated

Matt Miller’s Strategic Leap into Venture Capital

Former Sequoia partner Matt Miller has successfully raised $355 million for his new venture capital firm, Evantic. Remarkably, Sequoia is backing this fund, underscoring the company's belief in Miller’s vision. After spending 12 years at Sequoia, Miller’s departure was driven by a desire to create a fund that focuses on the innovative founders of Europe while maintaining a bridge across the Atlantic.

Understanding Evantic’s Focus Areas

While Evantic has a strong European focus, it also plans to invest in B2B companies at both Series B and growth stages globally. This dual strategy reflects the growing interconnectedness of the tech landscape, where brands are no longer confined to geographic limitations. From London, where Miller relocated from California in 2021, he aims to leverage the burgeoning startup scene across Europe and beyond.

The Tension Behind Miller’s Departure

Miller's exit from Sequoia was reportedly complicated, with tensions surrounding a power struggle involving board dynamics at Klarna, a significant portfolio company. Despite the controversial backdrop, Miller’s new fund has hit strong fundraising milestones that exceed initial expectations—originally targeting $300 million, but now possibly reaching $400 million in total commitments, with Sequoia participating as a limited partner.

The Role of Sequoia and Future Industry Dynamics

Sequoia's backing indicates a strong vote of confidence in Miller's capability to lead Evantic, albeit their comment on his departure remains silent. The decision to support Miller reinforces Sequoia's longstanding strategy of cultivating renowned talent in the venture capital arena. As the tech industry continues to evolve, partnerships like these may shape future dynamics, especially as firms balance traditional values with innovative approaches.

Potential Insights for the Tech Community

The fundraising success of Evantic can serve as a blueprint for emerging fund managers in the tech industry. Highlights include targeting a broad investment scope, developing strong geographical networks, and maintaining adaptability in diverse market landscapes.

A Future-Forward Approach to Venture Capital

The clear aim for Evantic is not just about financial returns, but also about nurturing founders who are pioneering advancements in technology. For investors and startups alike, this could signal a renewed focus on holistically supporting founders, one that aligns with the growth of sustainable and impactful business ventures.

Setting a New Course in Fund Management

While traditional venture capital models emphasize rapid returns, Evantic’s distinctive approach could pave the way for a road less traveled in terms of fostering long-term success in burgeoning fields such as AI, fintech, and health technology. The global tech ecosystem is ever-changing, and the nurturing of international founders speaks volumes about Mills' commitment to diversity and placemakers in the industry.

Conclusion: The Future is Now for Tech Investment

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the launch of Evantic and its ambitious goals marks a pivotal moment in venture capital. For those interested in the latest tech news and insights, monitoring Evantic's journey and investments will be vital as it embarks on its mission to identify and support groundbreaking innovations that can reshape the future.

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08.30.2025

Don't Miss the AI Sessions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Insights You Need

Update Exploring the AI Frontier at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 The TechCrunch Disrupt event is poised to be a game-changer in the technology landscape, providing a platform where the brightest minds converge to discuss innovations and trends shaping the future. Scheduled for October 27–29, 2025, at San Francisco’s Moscone West, this year’s spotlight is on artificial intelligence (AI)—a theme reflected prominently in the sessions sponsored by Greenfield Partners and JetBrains. Unveiling the Future of AI The opening session on October 27, titled “Who’s Defining AI’s Future in 2025? The AI Disruptors 60 Unveiled”, will highlight an essential aspect of the AI sector: the startups at the forefront of innovation. The unveiling of the AI Disruptors 60, a curated list of early- and growth-stage companies, promises a deep dive into how these businesses are transforming AI applications and infrastructure. Key figures in the panel include investors and founders who will engage in discussions about scaling and defining breakthroughs in AI technology. Rethinking Developers' Interaction with AI On October 28, another session led by Kirill Skrygan, CEO of JetBrains, aims to reshape the narrative around AI in software development. The session, “Vibe coding? Cute. Now let’s get real and talk about AI built for developers,” asserts that while speed in coding can be attractive, the quality of code remains paramount. As industries evolve, this perspective encourages developers to utilize AI not only for increased output but also for enhancing reliability and precision in their projects. The Role of Partnerships in Innovating AI Partnerships like those between TechCrunch, JetBrains, and Greenfield are crucial in encouraging healthy discourse about technology’s trajectory. These collaborations create opportunities to spotlight businesses that are not just participating but actively reshaping the AI landscape. Their joint efforts reflect a growing recognition that the AI economy requires an array of players—from bright startups to established tech firms—each contributing unique insights and strategies. Why Attendance is Essential As the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt approaches, the event remains more relevant than ever. With speakers from Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, and Sequoia Capital slated to contribute their insights, attendees can expect discussions filled with practical and actionable takeaways. For anyone invested in tech—be it entrepreneurs, developers, or investors—the event offers invaluable insights that could shape their business strategies for the future. The Broader Context: AI's Place in Today's Economy The increased focus on AI at TechCrunch Disrupt underscores a global trend where organizations are exploring how AI can enhance operational efficiencies and drive innovation across various sectors. As businesses race to integrate AI, understanding the landscapes revealed at Disrupt could provide key insights into the direction of future tech advancements. Closing Thoughts: A Tech Era Redefined by AI In a rapidly changing tech environment, attending events like TechCrunch Disrupt is not just about staying updated; it's about being part of the conversation that shapes the future. The insights gained here can inform decisions, foster connections, and inspire creativity in the face of technological advancements. As we look forward to the discussions around AI and its implications for the future, it’s clear that TechCrunch Disrupt is a must-attend. Make sure to secure your ticket and join the conversation that will help define technology's next chapter.

08.30.2025

Meta’s Partnership with Scale AI: Signs of Trouble and Future Insights

Update Cracks Forming in Meta’s Ambitious Partnership with Scale AI Meta’s $14.3 Billion Gamble In June 2025, tech giant Meta made headlines by investing a staggering $14.3 billion in Scale AI, a data-labeling company known for its pioneering role in AI support. This partnership brought notable talents including Scale AI's CEO Alexandr Wang to the forefront of Meta’s ambitious Superintelligence Labs (MSL). However, a mere two months into this partnership, early signs of discord are emerging. Shifting Sands at Scale AI Recent reports indicate that Ruben Mayer, former Senior VP of GenAI Product and Operations at Scale AI, is no longer with Meta. His departure raises eyebrows, especially given the high stakes involved. Mayer held significant experience, spending five years with Scale AI before transitioning to Meta. While he attributed his exit to personal matters, the timing suggests a brewing tension that goes beyond individual career paths. The Competitive Landscape Intensifies As trouble brews within the partnership, Meta’s approach to data labeling is also evolving. Instead of relying entirely on Scale AI, MSL has started to collaborate with competitors like Mercor and Surge. This multi-vendor strategy is not uncommon in AI development; however, it becomes particularly intriguing considering the large investment Meta made in Scale AI. Why Quality Data Matters The crux of the matter lies in the evolving demands for high-quality data to train advanced AI models. AI strategies now call for data labeled not only accurately but also precisely by domain experts—be it doctors or engineers. Scale AI's initial business model relied on crowdsourcing methods with a broad but less specialized workforce. It raises the question: Can Scale AI adapt quickly enough to maintain its worth considering Meta's vast investment? Perceptions from the Inside The landscape at Meta appears divided, with researchers in MSL expressing preferences towards alternative data vendors. Competitors like Surge and Mercor are increasingly seen as potential go-to sources for reliable data, challenging Scale AI's position. This sentiment has implications not only for the partnership but also for how AI research evolves in a rapidly changing landscape. Your Insights: Navigating the Future of AI Understanding the intricacies of partnerships in the tech industry can provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The dissolution of a major partnership—especially one involving high-profile figures and vast investments—serves as a reminder of the shifting alliances and preferences within technology sectors. Future Considerations for Meta and Scale AI In light of current developments, questions abound regarding the future of the Meta-Scale AI collaboration. Could this partnership withstand the pressures of competition, or will it fracture under the weight of unmet expectations? Observers in the tech and investment communities must remain vigilant, as the outcomes will undoubtedly resonate across the industry. Final Thoughts: A Call to Watch and Learn As Meta recalibrates its strategies around data labeling and relationships with key AI vendors, staying informed about these developments will be crucial. The twists and turns of this story offer a glimpse into the operational and strategic challenges companies face in the growing field of artificial intelligence. In a tech environment characterized by rapid advancements and shifting partnerships, being proactive about understanding these changes will position stakeholders to better navigate the future of the industry.

08.30.2025

Taco Bell's AI Dilemma: Navigating the Future of Drive-Through Service

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