Granola's jump to a $1.5B valuation shows note-taking winners are those that convert transcripts into operational systems, not summaries.

Mirage's financing for Captions reflects demand for production-grade AI video workflows in marketing and creator operations.

Littlebird's raise highlights a new software layer that captures work context continuously and turns it into queryable memory.

Chicago's 2026 VC scene is quietly reactivating around industrial AI, B2B fintech, and healthcare — anchored by Pritzker, Hyde Park, and MATH Venture Partners.

Cloaked's financing shows privacy tooling can graduate from consumer feature set to enterprise-grade risk and identity layer.

Arc's new capital to move into commercial and defense boats suggests electric marine is entering a broader procurement cycle.