Industrial Vanguard Newsletter Vol. 5

January 31, 2025

Introduction

This week, the spotlight is on DeepSeek and its potential implications. Is this another LK-99 moment, or are we witnessing China leveraging U.S. intellectual property to advance its technological edge? The latest developments suggest a mix of both. We analyze whether DeepSeek poses a significant challenge to Western AI dominance and what this means for global competition.

In addition to this, we explore major investments across industrial tech sectors, from AI-driven mineral exploration to fusion energy funding, supply chain advancements, and recycling innovations. Below is a breakdown of the key highlights across sectors.

Materials

  • Earth AI secures $20M to enhance AI-driven mineral exploration and drilling. Read more

  • MP Materials restores U.S. rare earth magnet production, a crucial step toward supply chain independence. Read more

  • Oxyle raises $16M to combat 'forever chemicals' contaminating water. Read more

Energy

  • ICIG Ventures invests in Octet Scientific Inc. to support advanced electrolyte solutions. Read more

  • Trump pledges a fast-track for AI data center power plants, with DeepSeek AI playing a role in influencing policy. Read more

  • Helion raises $425M to build a fusion reactor for Microsoft. Read more

  • Global investment in the energy transition surpassed $2 trillion for the first time in 2024. Read more

  • The fusion industry makes its case to the GOP as U.S. policymakers grapple with energy strategies. Read more

Manufacturing

  • Tariffs may lead to high costs, layoffs, and supplier bankruptcies, warns a leading automotive parts executive. Read more

  • Chinese investors eye Volkswagen’s excess German plants. Read more

  • Mexico introduces nearshoring incentives to promote regional integration. Read more

Supply Chain & Logistics

  • Tive raises $40M in Series C funding to enhance supply chain visibility. Read more

  • Kodiak achieves its first driverless truck deliveries for Atlas Energy. Read more

  • The Home Depot partners with DoorDash for last-mile delivery. Read more

Productization

  • How China’s DeepSeek outmaneuvered American AI companies. Read more

  • Explainer: What to know about China’s DeepSeek AI. Read more

  • Why DeepSeek won’t sink U.S. AI giants. Read more

  • Motif raises $46M to revolutionize the AEC software industry. Read more

  • SoftBank in talks to invest up to $25B in OpenAI. Read more

  • AI audio startup ElevenLabs triples valuation to $3.3B with a $180M Series C. Read more

Recycling

  • Recycle Track Systems secures financing to accelerate AI innovation and expand sustainable waste solutions in North America. Read more

Other Noteworthy News

  • Lockheed invests in weather drones to enhance forecasting capabilities. Read more

Fountainhead Fund

Stay tuned for more updates next week in Industrial Vanguard as we continue to bring you the latest trends, innovations, and insights shaping the industrial world. Happy 2025!

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.

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