Industrial Vanguard Newsletter Vol. 19

The global industrial landscape continues to evolve rapidly. In the U.S., the administration is accelerating efforts to secure domestic sources of critical minerals, advancing both terrestrial and deep-sea mining initiatives. Meanwhile, the private sector is responding with funding rounds focused on magnet alternatives and low-carbon mineral technologies. In energy and mobility, mixed signals emerge: breakthroughs in solid-state batteries stand alongside major exits from the EV charging sector. Across manufacturing, automation and AI are reshaping efficiency and global production footprints. And in the venture world, capital is pouring into decarbonization, AI infrastructure, and industrial reshoring despite a challenging IPO environment.

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🔗 The Road Ahead: Innovation, Investment, and the Next Era of Mobility

Materials

• Trump signs order to boost deep-sea mining, fast-tracking U.S. critical mineral independence. Read More

• 10 new critical mineral projects added to federal fast-track permitting dashboard. Read More

• Exterra Carbon Solutions raises $20M to turn mining waste into low-carbon minerals. Read More

• Alta Resource Technologies expands funding to scale protein-based critical mineral tech. Read More

• New research highlights a method for rare-earth-free magnets with high strength and efficiency. Read More

Energy

• Stellantis and Factorial Energy reach milestone in solid-state battery development Read More

• LG exits EV charger business amid demand and pricing pressure Read More

• Bezos-backed General Fusion seeks new investors as layoffs begin Read More

Design & Development

• Electric motors designed to reduce China dependence gain traction Read More

• AI agents are evolving to collaborate—companies urged to adapt Read More

• CHAOS Industries raises $275M Series C for defense tech innovation Read More

• VSORA secures $46M to launch high-performance AI inference chip Read More

• StackAI raises $16M to develop enterprise AI agents for specialized roles Read More

• Eyeo raises €15M to advance color-splitting imaging sensor technology Read More

Manufacturing

• Toyota commits additional $88M to West Virginia plant upgrade Read More

• Magna CEO discusses industry volatility and EV transformation Read More

• IPercept secures €5M to boost predictive maintenance AI for industry Read More

• Emerging production hubs in Mexico and Asia reshape global car sourcing Read More

Recycling

• LG Energy Solution and Derichebourg form battery recycling JV Read More

• Ace Green Recycling inks supply deal for Texas facility Read More

Markets, Policy, & Venture Capital

• Mystery financier intervenes in Canoo asset sale Read More

• Ara Partners closes $800M fund for decarbonizing industrial assets Read More

• AI Fund secures $190M to launch early-stage startups Read More

• China’s auto chip reliance highlighted amid trade tensions Read More

• LatAm talent network Revelo sees U.S. demand surge fueled by AI Read More

• $15K Chinese EV SUV underscores U.S.-China auto rivalry Read More

• JetBlue exits venture investing amid ongoing financial pressure Read More

• Warren Buffett to remain Berkshire Hathaway chairman Read More

• Cybersecurity IPOs stall amid market caution Read More

• OpenAI pivots to public benefit corporation structure Read More

• JPMorgan disbands Capital Connect VC platform but stays committed to innovation Read More

• AI Fund closes $190M second fund Read More

• Greek VC firm locks €75M for new fund amid regional tech boom Read More

• Bosch Ventures launches €250M sixth fund Read More

• Europe opens doors to U.S. science talent amid domestic cuts Read More