Garden Research: Weekly Recap #18
Mapping disease, reprogramming biology, and oracle level prediction of cybersecurity threats — meet the companies behind this week’s standout raises.
Hey Everyone,
Happy Thursday. For those who are new here, every week I deliver a recap of the activity in the US seed ecosystem, a full list of every completed round, and a deep dive into a company I find interesting. If you’re interested in following along, click below.
Last week, 46 companies raised Seed capital in the U.S. 🌱
Quick Stats 📈
Total Funding: $275M
Average Round: $6.5M
Highest Round: $50M
Lowest Round: $20k
Top Raisers 💰
Etiome
Etiome is building an AI-powered platform to map the progression of diseases and pinpoint intervention points at the earliest stages, aiming to transform early diagnosis and treatment discovery. By combining biological insights with predictive modeling, it seeks to interrupt disease trajectories before they escalate into severe conditions. Raised $50M in a round led by Flagship Pioneering.
Synthetic Design Lab
Synthetic Design Lab is developing next-generation therapeutics using advanced synthetic biology and AI to engineer precise, programmable treatments. The platform is designed to rapidly discover, optimize, and move therapies into the clinic, offering a faster path from concept to patient impact. Raised $20M in a round led by Playground Global and Godfrey Capital.
AuthMind
AuthMind provides an enterprise identity protection platform that deploys in minutes, using behavioral analytics and continuous monitoring to detect and block identity-based threats. Its solution offers rapid, comprehensive visibility into access patterns across hybrid environments, strengthening security with minimal operational lift. Raised $19.3M in a round led by Cheyenne Partners.
WorldClass Health
WorldClass Health operates one of the largest U.S. and global networks of medical Centers of Excellence, connecting employers and patients to top-tier providers for complex care. Its platform streamlines navigation, quality assurance, and outcomes tracking, improving access and reducing healthcare costs. Raised $18M in a round led by Transformation Capital and AlleyCorp.
Ravenna AI
Ravenna AI is developing an agent-based automation platform that integrates with enterprise systems to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and improve decision-making. Its solution leverages modular AI agents that can be customized for diverse business functions across industries. Raised $15M in a round led by Khosla Ventures, Founders' Co-op, and Madrona Venture Labs.
My Favorites 🕺
Augur - Raised $6.8M in a round led by General Advance
Augur Security is redefining cybersecurity with an AI-driven platform that proactively identifies and neutralizes threats before they materialize. By analyzing global internet infrastructure and employing behavioral modeling, Augur detects the early stages of cyberattack preparations—often weeks or months in advance—allowing organizations to fortify defenses preemptively. This predictive approach has enabled clients to avert significant incidents, such as the APT 29 supply chain attack on SolarWinds and the Darkside ransomware assault on Colonial Pipeline, by recognizing malicious infrastructure well before exploitation. With a remarkably low false positive rate of 0.007%, Augur's system delivers high-confidence intelligence that integrates seamlessly with existing security frameworks, including SIEMs and firewalls. In April 2025, the company secured $7 million in seed funding led by General Advance, aiming to enhance its platform's capabilities and expand its market reach.
Cluely - Raised $5M in a round led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures
Cluely is an AI-powered desktop assistant designed to provide real-time, context-aware support during virtual meetings, sales calls, and other professional interactions. By analyzing on-screen content and audio input, it delivers suggested responses through a hidden overlay, aiming to enhance user performance without detection. The platform has attracted attention for its controversial positioning, with its founders likening it to tools like calculators and spellcheckers in terms of augmenting human capability. Despite ethical debates and concerns over potential misuse, Cluely has garnered significant user interest and secured $5.3 million in seed funding co-led by Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures.
ALT Sports Data - Raised $5M in a round led by Eberg Capital
ALT Sports Data is a pioneering sports data company specializing in alternative and emerging sports. Their proprietary trading platform, PRTL, offers real-time odds and pricing, enabling sportsbooks to provide betting markets for sports like surfing, skateboarding, and motocross. By securing exclusive data rights with premier leagues, including Formula 1 and the X Games, ALT Sports Data fills a niche underserved by traditional data providers. Their affiliate platform, NXTbets, further enhances fan engagement by delivering tailored betting content. In April 2025, the company raised $5 million in a seed round co-led by Relay Ventures and Eberg Capital, aiming to expand their reach and redefine fan interaction in the sports betting landscape.
Inductive Robotics - Raising $2M in Pre-Seed
Inductive Robotics is transforming electric vehicle (EV) charging by deploying autonomous mobile robots that deliver power directly to parked vehicles, eliminating the need for fixed charging stations. Their system comprises a smart adapter for vehicles, mobile charging robots, and a docking station that manages power distribution and robot recharging. This infrastructure-light solution allows parking operators to quadruple their EV charging capacity without significant capital investment or dedicated EV-only spots. Operating on a subscription model, Inductive Robotics handles installation, maintenance, and support, offering a scalable and cost-effective charging solution. By decoupling charging from fixed infrastructure, they aim to accelerate EV adoption and make charging more accessible and convenient.
Matbook - Raised $750k of pre-seed funding from Seedstars International Ventures
MatBook is a technology-driven procurement platform revolutionizing the construction materials industry by offering a streamlined, AI-powered sourcing solution. The platform connects contractors and developers directly with vetted manufacturers, eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs. By leveraging artificial intelligence, MatBook provides real-time pricing, lead time predictions, and personalized supplier recommendations, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the procurement process. Additional features include integrated financing options and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), supporting sustainable and compliant building practices.
You can find the full list of startups that raised seed capital last week linked here
Seeya next week!