5 Interesting Startup Deals You May Have Missed In July: Universal Flu Vaccine Candidate, AI Legal Matchmaker And Seeing Underground
This monthly update highlights five startup funding deals that might have escaped your attention. The startups featured cover a broad spectrum, from a biotech company working on a universal flu vaccine to an AI-based legal matchmaking platform and a firm mapping underground infrastructure. Here’s what legal professionals should know.
Exodigo Raises $96M Series B to Map Underground Utilities
Excavation risks can lead to costly delays and legal disputes, especially when underground utilities are involved. Exodigo’s technology combines AI, 3D imaging, and advanced sensors to visualize underground infrastructure before construction begins. This helps reduce surprise utility strikes, minimize project delays, and avoid budget overruns.
The company serves over 50 transit agencies and utility companies worldwide, including well-known clients like Amtrak and the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Its recent $96 million Series B round was oversubscribed and co-led by Zeev Ventures and Greenfield Partners, with participation from other investors.
For legal teams involved in construction, real estate, or municipal projects, tools like Exodigo’s can mitigate liability and help ensure compliance with safety regulations. Understanding such technologies can also inform contract clauses and risk assessments.
Centivax Secures $45M to Develop a Universal Flu Vaccine
Centivax, a biotech startup based in South San Francisco, raised $45 million to advance its mRNA-based universal flu vaccine candidate. Unlike seasonal flu vaccines, a universal vaccine could provide long-lasting protection against multiple flu strains, potentially reducing annual healthcare burdens.
This development is significant for occupational health and legal professionals advising healthcare providers or employers on vaccination policies. It also raises questions about regulatory pathways, as mRNA technology remains under scrutiny despite its successes.
The company added Dr. Emilio Emini, former CEO of the Gates Medical Research Institute, to its board, signaling strong expertise backing.
IdentifAI Raises €5M to Combat AI Deepfakes
AI’s growth has introduced challenges in verifying authenticity, particularly with deepfake content. Milan-based IdentifAI secured €5 million to enhance its platform that detects AI-generated or manipulated images, audio, and video with high accuracy.
This tool is highly relevant for legal practitioners dealing with evidence verification, digital forensics, or intellectual property disputes. As courts increasingly encounter AI-manipulated content, having reliable detection methods becomes vital.
Retirable Raises $10M to Support Retirement Financial Planning
Retirable aims to provide accessible financial planning for retirees and near-retirees, a demographic often underserved by traditional wealth management firms. With 70% of its clients never having worked with a retirement planner, Retirable offers fiduciary advice on tax strategies, Social Security, Medicare, and more.
For legal professionals advising clients on estate planning, elder law, or retirement-related issues, awareness of platforms like Retirable can help in recommending comprehensive financial solutions. The startup has doubled its assets under management to $175 million and recently closed a $10 million Series A round.
OpenLaw Raises $3.5M to Match Clients with Solo and Small-Firm Attorneys Using AI
Finding affordable legal help remains a challenge for many. San Francisco-based OpenLaw raised $3.5 million in seed funding for its AI-powered platform that connects clients with vetted solo and small-firm lawyers. Unlike platforms focusing on business law, OpenLaw targets individuals with diverse legal needs.
The intake process takes just a few hours, significantly reducing the time and effort clients spend searching for suitable representation. For attorneys, OpenLaw offers efficient lead generation and lowers client acquisition costs.
Since launching last year, OpenLaw has facilitated over 1,000 client-attorney connections and onboarded more than 130 lawyers. This platform could be an important tool for lawyers seeking to expand their client base without heavy marketing expenses.
Legal professionals interested in AI applications in their field might explore resources on AI and legal tech at Complete AI Training.
Your membership also unlocks:
