Caseflood.ai, a San Francisco, CA-based human-assisted AI intake team for law firms, raised $3,2M in funding.

Backers included Acquisition.com, Y Combinator, Rebel Fund, Four Cities Capital, Elevation Capital, Amino Capital, Valia Ventures, Pioneer Fund, and angels like Kulveer Taggar, Will Drevno, Ben Bryant, and German Royal family, the Sayn-Wittgensteins.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Led by CEO Ethan Hilton, Caseflood.ai is a human-assisted legal AI intake team designed to autonomously sign retainers for law firms, combining advanced voice AI with experienced human closers to dramatically increase conversion rates and revenue. Its 24/7 AI voice agent, Luna, can hold 30+ minute conversations, handle inbound and outbound calls, send SMS follow-ups, book paid consultations, and perform receptionist duties, while outperforming traditional staff by booking consultations 30% more effectively.

​source; FinSMEs

From left to right Eyal Fisher (CTO), Michael Gladishev (VP R&D), Ely Abramovitch (CEO). Credit Ella Barak

Legion, a NYC-based browser-native AI Security Operations Center (SOC) platform, emerged from stealth with $38M in Seed and Series A funding.

​The round was led by Coatue, with participation from Accel and Picture Capital (co-leads on the earlier seed round), along with angel investors from leading tech companies, including Google, Crowdstrike, and Wiz.

Founded in 2024 by security veterans Ely Abramovitch (CEO), Michael Gladishev (VP R&D), alumni of Microsoft, and Eyal Fisher (CTO), AI founder and expert, Legion introduces a browser extension AI SOC companion that turns in-house expertise into scalable automation. It trains within the organization, observing the team’s investigations, learns their patterns, and helping the system improve them. Then, it automates them at their own pace, at any scale, and without requiring any integrations or APIs.

​The platform uses vision models and a lightweight browser extension to record analyst workflows, capturing both light and complex investigation patterns and the decision-making processes of top-performing analysts. It then shows teams the workflows it learned and helps optimize them. With permission, Legion investigates and responds to threats 24/7 using existing tools, either with human-in-the-loop or completely autonomously.

It scales a team’s expertise without adding headcount. The platform doesn’t require APIs, no custom playbooks, no disruptive integrations, and it can be up in minutes. It works with any browser-accessible platform, including SIEMs, threat intel tools, email platforms, and internal, homegrown systems.

Legion is already driving security operations for Fortune 500 enterprises across finance, healthcare, and energy.

source; FinSMEs

Momentum underscores Motive’s role in advancing global fleet safety and operational excellence

SAN FRANCISCO--Motive, the AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform for the physical economy, announced today that it raised $150 million in a new funding round led by Kleiner Perkins, with participation from both existing investors and new investor AllianceBernstein. This additional capital will enable Motive to accelerate growth by further expanding its AI capabilities, scaling internationally, and sustaining momentum with enterprise customers.

As part of this round, Ilya Fushman, Partner at Kleiner Perkins, has rejoined Motive’s Board of Directors. A long-time believer in the company’s mission and trajectory, Fushman led Motive’s Series A in 2015 and backed the company again in its Series F in 2022.

“Motive has solidified itself as a clear leader in bringing advanced AI to the physical economy,” said Fushman. “The company’s growth trajectory is a testament to the value it delivers to customers. We are proud to continue our partnership as Motive enters its next phase of global scale.”

“We continue to execute against a bold mission to empower the people who run physical operations with AI to make their work safer and more productive,” said Shoaib Makani, CEO and Co-founder of Motive. “This funding allows us to extend our AI leadership, enter new markets, and expand our teams to support the world’s largest and most complex operations.”

Funding will advance Motive’s AI roadmap and expand automation across its Integrated Operations Platform

With this funding, Motive will expand its AI capabilities to enhance every aspect of physical operations, including driver safety, which already helps organizations reduce collisions by up to 80%; service verification; preventive maintenance; fraud detection; and automated coaching. These developments are assisting customers to streamline repetitive tasks, improve safety, and increase productivity.
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Motive expands go-to-market (GTM) efforts to meet rising enterprise demand in North America and around the world

Motive serves nearly 100,000 customers and 1.3 million drivers across industries such as transportation and logistics, construction, oil and gas, utilities and telecoms, food and beverage, agriculture, the public sector, and more—including global leaders such as FedEx Freight, Cintas, KONE, Davey Tree, ABM, and CRH. Since 2024, Motive has more than doubled its ARR from customers spending over $100,000, driven by the addition of hundreds of new enterprise customers and industry-leading net revenue retention of more than 130%.

Driven by strong global demand for its AI-powered platform, Motive is expanding its GTM operations and investing in R&D, customer success and support, and tailored capabilities to support large, worldwide organizations. The company is gaining momentum across North America, with rapid growth in Mexico and Canada. It is set to launch in the UK in early August to meet rising demand for driver safety and fleet sustainability solutions. This new funding will further accelerate R&D expansion in India, building on Motive’s early 2025 hiring initiative.

For more information, visit gomotive.com

About Motive
Motive empowers the people who run physical operations with tools to make their work safer, more productive, and more profitable. For the first time, safety, operations, and finance teams can manage their workers, vehicles, equipment, and fleet-related spend in a single system. Motive serves nearly 100,000 customers from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises such as Halliburton, KONE, Komatsu, NBC Universal, and Maersk across a wide range of industries, including transportation and logistics, construction, energy, field service, manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage, retail, waste services, and the public sector.
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Visit gomotive.com to learn more.

Its next phase of growth continues to focus on e-commerce, while also exploring potential opportunities in high-end retail. Selective placements in luxury settings are part of the company’s long-term vision. Product-wise, Saint Sass is preparing to launch a broader lingerie and lifestyle collection, designed for the woman’s daily life.
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With projected 2025 revenue of $10M, the company has already built traction across Europe and the US, already its largest market, with minimal CAC and high customer retention, empowered by digital marketing, values-led campaigns and celebrity endorsements (from Madonna, Paris Hilton, Kendall Jenner).

Dropzone AI, a Seattle, WA-based provider of AI SOC analysts, raised $37M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Theory Ventures with participation from Madrona, Decibel Ventures, Pioneer Square Labs, and IQT.

The company intends to use the funds to:

• amplify its global footprint to meet surging demands by growing sales, marketing, and customer-success teams, so more security teams can better protect and enable their businesses without large increases in headcount or budget;
• accelerate the creation of additional specialized, autonomous AI agents for manual security tasks;
• extend its roster of ecosystem partnerships and technical integrations, ensuring its solutions can work with security teams of all sizes, tool stacks, and maturity to boost operational efficiency, sharpen threat detection, and drive stronger ROI;

Led by CEO and Founder Edward Wu, Dropzone AI weaponizes LLMs for cyber defenders, equipping them with armies of AI agents so that they can overmatch attackers. With its autonomously handling routine Tier 1 alert triage, organizations can spend less time on reactive security and more time on proactive security.

The Dropzone AI SOC Analyst replicates the techniques of elite analysts and is used by more than 100 organizations, including Mysten Labs, Pipe, UiPath, and Zapier.

by Manny Larcher

In 1994, 'Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?' was published posthumously, telling the remarkable story of Reginald F. Lewis—Harvard Law graduate, business pioneer, and one of the first African American billionaires. Decades later, the impact of his life continues to grow—and now, it's headed to the big screen.

A New Chapter Begins: Reginald F. Lewis Biopic in the Works

In 2022, it was announced that MACRO, Charles D. King's production company, had teamed up with Franklin Leonard (founder of The Black List) to develop a feature film based on Lewis's life. Titled after the book, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?, the biopic will bring his journey to global audiences. This move is not just a celebration of Lewis's accomplishments but also a cultural moment, shedding light on a trailblazer who shattered ceilings in an era where few imagined it was possible.

Lewis's life and philosophy remain profoundly relevant in today's conversations around race, wealth, equity, and opportunity.

Here are five updated lessons his story teaches us now more than ever:

1. You Don't Have to Wait for Permission
Lewis never waited for an invitation to enter the room—he built his own. He pursued law when few Black students were admitted to elite schools. He conquered Wall Street when virtually no one who looked like him held such power. The takeaway? Stop waiting to be validated. Be so good they can't ignore you—and then bet on yourself.

"Keep going, no matter what. The world makes way for those who know where they are going." – Reginald F. Lewis

2. Control Is Better Than Fame
Lewis wasn't seeking celebrity status—he wanted ownership. His $985 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International wasn't just a financial feat; it was a bold assertion of Black excellence and autonomy in the global business world. Today, we see a growing number of creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators echoing this path: owning your story, platform, and outcome.

3. Representation in Power Is the Real Game-Changer
In corporate boardrooms where he was often the only Black executive, Lewis didn't just "fit in"—he led. His story continues to challenge today's organizations to rethink who gets access to leadership roles. With the biopic on the horizon, his legacy will inspire a new generation to push past tokenism and demand real equity.

4. Balance Ambition With Health and Humanity
Lewis was a fierce competitor, but his story also highlights the personal costs of unrelenting ambition, including the toll it took on his health before his untimely passing at the age of 50. In today's hustle culture, his life reminds us that sustainability matters. Success should not come at the expense of wellness, relationships, or purpose.

5. Legacy Is Bigger Than Wealth—It's Impact
​Lewis didn't just break records—he broke barriers. His influence lives on through the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, scholarships, business programs, and now, a forthcoming movie that will educate and inspire millions. As wealth inequality and opportunity gaps widen, Lewis's life reminds us that legacy is measured not just in dollars, but in doors opened for others.

'Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?' isn't just a biography—it's a blueprint. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, a corporate climber, or an activist, Lewis's journey holds tools, truths, and motivation for your path.
The writing, co-authored by Blair S. Walker, combines business strategy with intimate reflection, making it a profoundly human story. It challenges racial and economic stereotypes while demonstrating that excellence is not defined by background, but by vision, preparation, and relentless belief.

With the biopic in development, Reginald F. Lewis's story is entering a new era. His legacy isn't just about the past—it's about what's possible now!

by Manny Larcher

Ballin AI, the sports technology startup founded by former collegiate athlete Nyla Pollard, has officially closed a $500,000 angel funding round, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize the athlete recruiting experience.

Nyla Pollard’s success in securing this round is not only a testament to her leadership and vision but also a breakthrough moment that reflects the growing recognition of underrepresented innovators in sports and technology. Her journey highlights the importance of fostering ecosystems that support diverse founders with innovative ideas.

This raise is especially significant given the broader funding landscape in the United States, where less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black women founders. ​

The company is developing cutting-edge tools to accelerate recruiting, making it faster, smarter, and data-driven for both athletes and coaches. By combining automation and AI, Ballin AI aims to eliminate outdated and inefficient systems in sports recruitment, replacing them with a platform rooted in transparency, performance analytics, and opportunity equity.

The angel round includes investment from an impressive group of early believers:

• Slauson & Co.
• Oregon Sports Angels
• ACT House
• FBomb Angels Investment Club

These partners bring not only capital but also a deep commitment to the company's vision of empowering student-athletes and enhancing how coaches discover and evaluate talent.

Ballin AI is already gaining traction within the sports tech ecosystem, and this new capital will fuel product development, user growth, and strategic partnerships across the U.S.

To learn more about Ballin AI, visit www.ballin.ai

by Manny Larcher, CEO Colaeb
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The entertainment industry is transforming, and a game-changing alliance is here to accelerate its evolution. YourInfoDaily.com—the hub for music, film, and culture—and Colaeb.com—the premier platform bridging entrepreneurs and creatives—are joining forces. Together, they bring a combined reach of over 1 million annual impressions, exclusive real-world events, and a powerhouse network of over 1,000 business leaders and Fortune 500 brands.

Why This Collaboration is Timely

Today’s audiences demand authenticity, innovation, and immersive experiences, while brands seek fresh ways to connect with culture. At the same time, independent creators need stronger pathways to funding, distribution, and high-impact partnerships.

YourInfoDaily.com and Colaeb.com are merging their strengths to:
✅ Supercharge Talent – Giving rising artists, filmmakers, and innovators direct access to massive audiences and industry decision-makers.
✅ Elevate Brands – Helping companies tap into cutting-edge creativity and culturally relevant storytelling through strategic collaborations.
✅ Fuel Disruption – Connecting visionaries across entertainment, tech, and business to spark the next wave of industry-shifting ideas.

The Power of Two Growing Brands

By combining YourInfoDaily.com’s growing media influence with Colaeb.com’s entrepreneurial network, this partnership creates unmatched opportunities, including:

• Exclusive showcases where brands discover and partner with the next generation of hitmakers.
• High-impact networking between artists, executives, and innovators at invite-only events.
• Content that drives careers forward—from in-depth features to branded storytelling campaigns.

What’s Coming Next?

This is only the beginning. Watch for:

🎤 Industry Mixers & Pitch Events – Where deals get made and collaborations ignite, Colaeb 2025 Innovation Conference takes place December 2025.

🎬 Original Content Series – Spotlighting the creators and brands shaping culture’s future.
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💡 Resource Hubs – Equipping artists and companies with tools to thrive in the new creative economy.

The takeaway?
Whether you’re an artist, brand leader, or entrepreneur, this alliance opens doors. Now’s the time to step in.

Ready to be part of the movement?
📌 Follow @YourInfoDaily & @Colaeb for updates.
📌 Want to explore partnerships? Get in touch today, email me at [email protected]

by Manny Larcher

Over the years, I've worn many hats—founder, consultant, investor, mentor, and operator—but if there's one constant that has guided me through every chapter of my journey, it's this: personal growth is the foundation for creating value in the world. Everything else—business wins, capital raises, strategic partnerships, even exits—flows from that inner alignment.

Today, as I lead Colaeb, which recently launched its first Accelerator (with no charges and no equity dilution), serve in venture capital, and support early-stage founders across various industries, my focus is singular: developing myself and creating opportunities for others. And that's the only sustainable path to long-term impact.

From Hustle to Alignment
In the early stages of my career, like many entrepreneurs, I chased results. I was focused on moving fast, getting press, scaling up. That drive helped me exit a venture-backed startup in 2017 and cofound Stopwatch Creative, a consulting firm that guided multiple companies to exits of seven, eight, and even nine figures.

But something shifted after that.

I realized that real fulfillment didn't come from accolades or deal flow—it came from how I showed up each day. Was I aligned with my purpose? Was I contributing to others? Was I growing?
Those questions led me down the path of deep personal development, and eventually, to launching Colaeb—a platform built not to scale ego, but to scale connection.

Colaeb Was Never About Me

Colaeb (short for "Collaborate and Elevate") was born during the pandemic, not as a product of ambition, but as a response to disconnection.

I wanted to build something that helped people connect—clients seeking partners, founders seeking capital, and individuals navigating change. What started as a simple event and curated network has grown into a global platform supporting thousands of multi-passionate professionals and businesses.

But more than anything, Colaeb became a mirror of my mission: to create meaningful, intentional opportunities for others to thrive. And that's something I'll never outsource.

Venture with Vision

In 2022, I joined a venture capital firm with a legacy spanning over two decades. It was an opportunity to bridge two worlds I care deeply about: early-stage innovation and deep community relationships.

But even in venture, my philosophy didn't change. I was focused on finding real people building real things—especially those who historically had less access to capital, support, or networks. And I wanted to be more than a check—I wanted to be a mirror, a coach, a connector, and a partner in growth.

Becoming vs. Arriving

There's this illusion in entrepreneurship that once you hit a milestone—raise a round, land a big client, exit a company—you'll finally feel whole.

But I've learned that growth is not about arrival. It's about becoming.

That's why I invest in becoming a better listener, leader, and learner every day. I meditate. I read. I travel. I unplug. I mentor. I reflect. Through that process, I show up with clarity for my team, my partners, and my community, because the most powerful opportunity we can give others is the example of someone living with integrity, purpose, and presence.

Right now, I'm only focused on two things:

1. Personal development – the daily commitment to evolving into the best version of myself.
2. Creating opportunities for others – through Colaeb, through venture, through mentorship, and through every conversation I'm blessed to have.

If you're someone trying to navigate your path, know this: you don't have to figure it out alone.
If you're ready to level up your journey and build a career or company on your terms, check out the Colaeb Accelerator—a free, no-equity-dilution program designed to help multi-passionate individuals gain clarity, structure, and traction. Whether you're refining your pitch, launching a new service, or building a scalable brand, the Accelerator provides you with the tools, community, and guidance to grow.

About the brand:
Colaeb is a business growth platform founded in 2020 that connects entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and nonprofits to essential resources, including new customers, capital, top talent, and brand amplification. The company offers a smart network that streamlines access to funding, hiring, and marketing opportunities, helping businesses of all sizes accelerate their growth. Colaeb's platform is designed for quick onboarding and provides tailored support through its accelerator, annual conferences, and networking events. By fostering a collaborative environment, Colaeb empowers members to achieve their business goals efficiently and effectively.

Ideal Customer Profile:
Colaeb serves entrepreneurs, startups, established businesses, corporations, and nonprofits seeking to grow their organizations by finding new customers, raising capital, hiring talent, and expanding their brand presence. Its customers are driven individuals and teams looking for actionable resources and a supportive network to help them scale and succeed.

Brand Point Of View:
We believe that every business, regardless of size or stage, deserves direct access to the resources and connections needed to thrive. Traditional cold outbound methods are outdated, and we are committed to providing a more intelligent, more effective network that translates ambition into tangible results. Our mission is to foster a community where collaboration, innovation, and growth are accessible to all.

Learn more today on colaeb.com