Industrial Vanguard Newsletter Vol. 10

Introduction

This week highlights advancements in sustainable materials, battery technologies, and supply chain transformations. Investment in AI and automation continues to grow, impacting manufacturing and logistics. Fusion energy sees significant funding, and new policies affect trade and industrial strategies. Startups in recycling and biodefense are gaining traction, while AI-driven productization tools are reshaping industries.

Materials

• WWF and Tapestry back new $10 million fund for forest-safe leather – A new initiative aims to support sustainable leather production, reducing deforestation and environmental impact. Read more

• Cambium is building an AI that helps turn waste wood into usable lumber – AI-driven technology optimizes wood recycling, improving efficiency and sustainability. Read more

• Nitricity Raises $10M in Funding – A startup developing climate-friendly fertilizer production secures funding to scale its technology. Read more

Energy

• LG Energy Solution to Begin Mass Production of LFP Batteries in Michigan – LG is ramping up production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to meet growing EV demand. Read more

• Amprius Expands in UAS Market with New SiCore™ Battery Purchase Order – Amprius strengthens its presence in the unmanned aerial systems market with advanced battery technology. Read more

• VIE Technologies Secures $15 Million Series A Led by Energy Impact Partners – The company advances smart energy solutions with major funding. Read more

• Moonwatt secures $8.3M to dial up solar’s staying power with sodium-ion storage – A next-gen battery storage startup raises funds to enhance renewable energy reliability. Read more

• Resource Innovations and The Mobility House Tapped to Lead Massachusetts Statewide Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Demonstration Program – A large-scale V2X program is launched to enhance grid resilience. Read more

• Steady Energy Raises €22M in Funding – A startup focused on innovative nuclear energy solutions secures investment for development. Read more

• Renaissance Fusion raises €32M to radically simplify complex fusion reactors – A breakthrough in fusion reactor design receives major investment for commercialization. Read more

• Mote Raises $7M Funding in First Close of Series A – A carbon removal company secures funding to accelerate its efforts in sustainable energy. Read more

Manufacturing

• Humanoid Robots Finally Get Real Jobs – AI-powered humanoid robots are being deployed in manufacturing and logistics. Read more

• In Shipbuilding, the U.S. Is Tiny and Rusty – The decline of the American shipbuilding industry and potential strategies for revival. Read more

• Honda to produce next Civic in Indiana, not Mexico – U.S. tariffs influence automaker production decisions. Read more

• TSMC to invest $100B in US manufacturing – A massive semiconductor investment reshapes U.S. chip production. Read more

• Trump, Chip Maker TSMC Announce $100 Billion Investment in U.S. – High-profile semiconductor investment aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Read more

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Track One Car Part’s Journey Through the U.S., Canada and Mexico—Before Tariffs – An in-depth look at the cross-border supply chain before new tariffs take effect. Read more

• Autonomous Ship Developer Closes $600M Funding Round; Valued at $4B – Major investment in autonomous maritime logistics drives the industry forward. Read more

• BlackRock Strikes Deal for Panama Ports After U.S. Pressure – A $23 billion investment reshapes global shipping logistics. Read more

Recycling

• Highstock Raises $5.5M in Seed Funding – A startup focused on waste stream efficiency secures early-stage investment. Read more

Other

• This Scientist Left OpenAI Last Year. His Startup Is Already Worth $30 Billion – An AI industry veteran launches a high-value startup. Read more

• Paul Kwan: VCs are overlooking biodefense – A venture capitalist highlights opportunities in the biodefense sector. Read more

• Trump’s Crypto Advisers Weigh Paths to a National Stockpile – Policy discussions explore cryptocurrency reserves. Read more

• US CHIPS Act office lays off about a third of its staff, sources say – Significant reductions in government support for the semiconductor industry. Read more

• Washington Signals Plans to Open Private Funds to More Investors – Policymakers consider expanding access to private investment funds. Read more

About the Fountainhead Fund

The Fountainhead Fund is a venture capital fund dedicated to investing in the most promising startups and technologies in the industrial sector. From cutting-edge advancements in materials to transformative energy solutions, we actively seek opportunities to fund and support the innovations that are shaping the future of industry.

www.fountainheadfund.com

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