Experienced biotech executive joins board to support RBL’s venture creation and growth strategy

HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 — RBL LLC, a pioneering biotech venture creation studio dedicated to rapidly building companies based on breakthrough medical technologies from Rice University, announced the appointment of James Watson to its board of directors. Watson, an operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a seasoned executive in the life sciences sector, brings to RBL LLC extensive experience in business strategy, corporate development and venture-backed company building, strengthening the organization’s mission to accelerate lifesaving therapies from lab to clinic.

“The appointment of James Watson to our board reflects a powerful endorsement of RBL’s model and potential,” said Paul Wotton, RBL’s managing partner. “James has occupied high-level positions across the full life cycle of biotech innovation, from company formation and financing to the construction of valuable partnerships in this field. His insights into market dynamics and his ability to drive successful outcomes for emerging ventures such as ours will be critical as we continue to grow.”

“James’ leadership spans both operational roles within biotech companies and strategic roles at one of the world’s top venture firms,” said Omid Veiseh, Rice professor of bioengineering and managing partner of RBL. “His ability to bridge science and business, along with his track record in corporate development, aligns perfectly with RBL’s mission to translate Rice University’s biomedical breakthroughs into high-impact startups.”

“RBL is approaching company creation in an innovative and differentiated way, with a positive impact that is starting to be seen across the broader Houston life sciences community,” Watson said. “RBL has distinguished itself through its efficient approach to company formation, identifying substantive technologies with clear clinical applications and establishing focused enterprises to advance them. I was also particularly drawn to the strategic positioning of the studio in Houston, where it operates at the intersection of world-class academic research, clinical scale and entrepreneurial rigor, all fundamental components of building a successful scientific venture.”

Watson is currently serving as operating partner on the Bio + Health team at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads business and corporate development for the firm’s life sciences portfolio. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he held executive positions at numerous biotech companies, including Carmot Therapeutics, where as chief business officer, he was head of strategy, finance and corporate development. At Carmot, Watson led the raising of over $200 million for the company’s pipeline and discovery platform and built business development relationships that significantly contributed to Carmot’s $2.7 billion acquisition by Roche. Notably, he also served as chief business officer and president ICT at Sigilon Therapeutics, where he led a $485 million cell therapies partnership with Lilly. Earlier in his career, Watson served as CEO of merchant banking at Burrill & Company, a life sciences investment bank, and held leadership roles at Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Incyte, Chemdex, The Wilkerson Group and Eli Lilly. He earned an MBA from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Portsmouth.

Watson will join existing board members Wotton, Veiseh, Rima Chakrabarti, John Jaggers, Devyn Smith and Paul Cherukuri, an accomplished group of leaders with deep expertise in biotech innovation, clinical translation and venture building who together provide strategic guidance to help drive RBL’s continued growth and success.

About RBL LLC:

RBL LLC is a pioneering biotech venture creation studio based in Houston that is dedicated to accelerating the development of breakthrough medical technologies and therapies through company formation. RBL provides entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators with infrastructure, financial support and strategic guidance as well as access to laboratory space and shared resources in the Texas Medical Center Helix Park. For more information, please visit https://www.rbl-llc.com/.

Media Contact:

Russo Partners
David Schull or Liz Phillips
(347) 956-7697
[email protected]
[email protected]

SOURCE RBL LLC

Ubyx is founded by 30-Year Payments Veteran to Build Global Stablecoin Acceptance Network

NEW YORK, June 17, 2025 — Ubyx, the stablecoin clearing system that enables regulated banks and fintechs to redeem stablecoins at face value, today announced its $10M seed round led by Galaxy Ventures with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund, VanEck, Mirana Ventures, LayerZero, Paxos, Boku, Payoneer, and Monerium.

Ubyx is designed to deliver stablecoin ubiquity, meaning global acceptance of many stablecoins. Participating issuers include: Paxos, Ripple, Agora, Transfero, Monerium, GMO Trust, BiLira, Juno (a Bitso company), Brale, Minteo, Tokenised GBP, Avenia, Agant, AllUnity, and Eurodollar.

The stablecoin market structure today has barriers to mass adoption. The paradigm of on/off-ramping into/out of the crypto world is a bottleneck for users. Each stablecoin issuer has to build their own distribution network, at great cost. Corporates and banks cannot currently hold stablecoins on their balance sheets as cash equivalents.

Ubyx addresses these issues and expands the market by providing a clearing system for stablecoins, connecting multiple issuers with multiple receiving institutions, allowing redemption of stablecoins for fiat at par value into existing bank and fintech accounts.

By solving market fragmentation, standardising redemption to support cash-equivalent accounting treatment, and aligning economic incentives, Ubyx will usher in the stablecoin epoch, as described in the recently published whitepaper.

Ubyx Key Features:

• Global acceptance: Issuers access a mutual redemption network with a common rulebook.
• Cash equivalence and singleness of money: Stablecoins can be deposited at par value.
• Promotes regulated off-ramps: Redemption through regulated channels with AML, KYC, fraud, and sanctions screening.
• Extends trusted relationships: Banks and fintechs establish a foothold in digital assets.

“Stablecoins become ubiquitous when there is a shared acceptance network, just like cards. Traditional banks and fintechs should provide wallets to accept a wide range of regulated stablecoins on many public-permissionless blockchains.” said Mike Giampapa, General Partner of Galaxy Ventures.

Shan Aggarwal, Vice President of Corporate and Business Development at Coinbase Ventures said, “Just like the internet changed how we communicate, stablecoins on public networks will change how we pay. Ubyx is a critical piece of the stack that will help make stablecoin acceptance universal.”

Bridget Harris, Associate at Founders Fund said, “As regulation solidifies and stablecoins proliferate, a clearing system is needed to make all of these assets interoperable and fungible. We’re proud to be backing Ubyx as they build the infrastructure to make stablecoins accepted globally.”

Ubyx Founder and CEO, Tony McLaughlin said, “Ubyx represents the coming of age of stablecoins as the industry self-organises to deliver stablecoin ubiquity. Ubyx enables a pluralistic market structure with multiple issuers, multiple blockchains and multiple currencies in a global, interoperable network. The future of payments is stablecoin native.”

Ubyx facilitates widespread TradFi adoption of public blockchain infrastructure, and will support multiple chains including: Aptos, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Canton, Concordium, Hedera, Polygon, Solana, Starknet, Stellar, Sui, XDC, XRP Ledger, and ZKsync.

Scaling partners will provide TradFi players with wallets, blockchain analytics and other technology enablers. Launch partners include: Axelar, BitGo, Chainalysis, Chavanette Advisors, Copper, Dfns, Digital Asset, Fireblocks, GK8 by Galaxy, IntellectEU, Kaleido, LayerZero, Silence Labs, Taurus, TRM Labs, Utila, Zodia Custody, and Zuehlke.

Live operation is planned for Q4 2025, with currency expansion and progressive decentralization of governance and technology to follow. The Ubyx Association is open to industry participants, regulators, and other stakeholders to form stablecoin strategies, connect with partners, and prepare for the stablecoin epoch.

About Ubyx
Ubyx was founded to facilitate stablecoin ubiquity, connecting multiple issuers with multiple receiving institutions in a common settlement environment that allows redemption of stablecoins at par value and supports the singleness of money.

For more information, please visit https://www.ubyx.xyz

For press enquiries, please contact [email protected]

SOURCE Ubyx Inc.

MIAMI, June 17, 2025 — Arkay Beverages, the global pioneer in alcohol-free spirits, is officially opening its latest investment round, seeking to raise $150 million USD at a $1.5 billion valuation. This funding will accelerate Arkay’s mission to dominate the booming zero-proof beverage market worldwide.

Founded in 2011 by visionary entrepreneur Reynald Vito Grattagliano, Arkay was the first company to develop and commercialize a true alcohol-free whisky alternative. Since then, the company has revolutionized the non-alcoholic space with a complete range of zero-proof spirits and ready-to-drink mocktails. Arkay sold over 10 million bottles in 2024 and is now present in more than 35 countries.

In a major potential development, one of Japan’s largest spirits companies is currently in advanced discussions to acquire a 10% equity stake in Arkay for $150 million, validating Arkay’s leadership in the global alcohol-free revolution. This partnership would provide significant strategic access to the Asian market and reinforce Arkay’s positioning at the top of the category.

Arkay is currently inviting accredited investors to participate in this growth opportunity through the purchase of Class B shares as part of a private placement. A detailed Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) is being finalized and will be made available shortly to qualified investors only.

“Arkay is not just a beverage brand — it’s a movement,” said Grattagliano. “We are redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. Our goal is to offer the world a healthier, safer, and smarter way to socialize without compromising on taste or style.”

The capital raised will fund:

• Global marketing and brand campaigns
• Expansion into key markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
• Launch of innovative new product lines, including functional and adaptogenic drinks
• Strategic partnerships with leading hospitality and retail groups
• Inventory scale-up to meet rapidly growing demand

The timing of this raise aligns with strong consumer trends. The non-alcoholic spirits category is expected to surpass $240 billion by 2035, fueled by rising health consciousness, younger generations turning away from alcohol, and global regulatory shifts.

Arkay’s unique patented formula, combined with its cost-efficient production model and first-mover advantage, positions it as the category leader in zero-proof innovation.

For Accredited Investors Only:
To request access to the PPM or express interest in purchasing Class B shares, please contact:
Reynald Vito Grattagliano
Founder & Chairman
[email protected]
www.arkaybeverages.com

SOURCE Arkay Beverages

Existing investors provide funding to finish international RESPONDER-HF trial 

TEWKSBURY, Mass., June 17, 2025 — Corvia Medical, Inc, a company dedicated to transforming the treatment of heart failure, today announced the successful closure of a $55 million funding round from the company’s existing investment syndicate of Third Rock Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, AccelMed, Lumira Ventures, and two strategic investors.

The funds will be used to complete the ongoing RESPONDER-HF trial, a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled, confirmatory trial of the Corvia^® Atrial Shunt currently underway at more than 65 institutions on three continents. The study is expected to generate the final supportive clinical data required for FDA approval of the shunt as a breakthrough treatment for heart failure with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF).

“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our longstanding investors as we advance toward FDA submission of the Corvia Atrial Shunt,” said George Fazio, CEO of Corvia Medical. “Their commitment furthers our mission to bring this transformative heart failure treatment to millions of patients worldwide.”

Paul LaViolette, Board Chair of Corvia Medical, added, “We firmly believe Corvia has the potential to fundamentally alter the landscape of heart failure treatment, and our investors share that vision. With these resources, we are well-equipped to drive the company through the approval process and introduce this groundbreaking therapy to the market.”

About heart failure (HF) and the Corvia Atrial Shunt

More than 26 million people worldwide have HF, and the majority have HFpEF, making it the largest unmet clinical need in cardiovascular medicine. The Corvia Atrial Shunt is designed to reduce elevated left atrial pressure (LAP), the primary contributor to HF symptoms, by creating a passage between the left and right atria, reducing HF events and improving quality of life. The Corvia Atrial Shunt was granted Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA in 2019. For information regarding RESPONDER-HF study eligibility, please visit https://treatmyheartfailure.com.

About Corvia Medical, Inc.

Corvia Medical, Inc. is revolutionizing the treatment of heart failure through novel transcatheter cardiovascular devices. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Tewksbury, MA, privately-held Corvia is dedicated to transforming the standard of care for heart failure treatment, enabling patients to reclaim their lives. Visit https://corviamedical.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Ensz
+1 978-654-6120
[email protected]

SOURCE Corvia Medical, Inc.

TOKYO, June 16, 2025 — Following the successful launch of its inaugural program, JETRO and Coolwater Capital are proud to announce Cohort 2 of the Emerging Fund Manager Accelerator. This initiative aims to equip Japan’s next generation of venture capitalists with the tools and global perspective needed to build institutional-grade, globally competitive funds.

The first cohort saw 17 GPs selected from hundreds of applicants across Japan, collectively targeting over $500M in fundraising. Highlights included in-depth training from leading U.S. VCs, a 125-person Japan Innovation Summit in San Francisco, and in-person visits to Tier 1 VC firms—marking a breakthrough in cross-border knowledge sharing.

“We saw real traction—new fund launches, global LP engagement, and deep peer connections,” said Winter Mead, Founder & CEO of Coolwater Capital. “Cohort 2 is about scaling that impact and deepening the infrastructure for Japan’s VC future.”

JETRO echoed this sentiment:

“The results of Cohort 1 proved Japan’s potential on the global VC stage,” said Tatsuhiko Shiono, Director of JETRO Startup. “We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Coolwater and help more fund managers go global.”

What’s New in Cohort 2:

• Enhanced 1:1 fundraising and brand coaching
• Expanded shared services (LP strategy, IR, positioning)
• More localized support with hybrid delivery
• New podcast and content community for alumni

Key Dates:

• Applications open: June 11, 2025
• Deadline to apply: July 16, 2025
• Program launch: September 9–11 in Tokyo, followed by weekly virtual modules
• Capstone: Coolwater Investor Summit, November 17–19 in New York

The 3-month accelerator includes 8 modules plus networking events, office hours, and meetups. All programming is in English, with support for both in-person and online participation.

Who Should Apply:

Emerging VC managers, ex-founders, corporate spinouts, tech executives, and institutional investors with bold, Japan-focused investment theses.

About Coolwater Capital
Founded in San Francisco, Coolwater has supported over 300 emerging funds globally, helping raise $5B+ and back more than 8,400 startups.

About JETRO
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government agency committed to promoting innovation and supporting global trade and investment.

SOURCE Coolwater Capital

DENVER, June 16, 2025 — Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has awarded Liberty Schools J-4 School District a total of $1.9M in funding as part of a State initiative to support geothermal HVAC projects across Colorado.

Funding from CEO was made available through three sources; The Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP); The Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO); and The Public Buildings Electrification Grant (PBEG). The district received funding from all three sources.

GEGP and GETCO funding is specifically designated for HVAC renovations that utilize geothermal technology. The awarded PBEG funds will support the cost of transitioning from fossil fuels to high-efficiency electric heat pumps that will serve as the building’s primary heat source.

Liberty School District selected Millig Design Build as their comprehensive turnkey service provider. Millig will be responsible for the complete project cycle; including initial design development, full-scale implementation of the geothermal HVAC systems, and ongoing post-construction support.

“Partnering with Millig Design Build from the onset of this project has been seamless and the best decision for our district” said Rhonda Puckett, Liberty’s Superintendent, “Millig was instrumental in securing nearly $2M in grant funding through the Colorado Energy Office. Millig guided Liberty School District through every step of the process, and we truly could not have done any of this without them. It’s clear that Millig understands the unique needs of our district and has truly invested in our school and our vision for a sustainable future.”

Liberty School’s facilities currently include several failing systems that require immediate attention. These include a completely failed gymnasium’s heating unit and an outdated hydronic system. Additionally, the absence of both a cooling system and a ventilation system raises concerns about the comfort, health, and safety standards within the building.

“Unfortunately, hydronic heating systems in these older school buildings were not designed for adequate cooling or ventilation, a challenge Liberty School District has faced for many years,” said Aaron Tilden, PE, Senior Project Developer, Millig Design Build. “We are proud to be selected as their turnkey service provider for this crucial initiative. It is time to bring this facility into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art ground-source HVAC system that will help provide a healthy, safe, and comfortable learning environment.”

The Millig team performed a thorough facility analysis and is moving forward with plans to install a new Ground-Coupled Variable Refrigerant Flow system which will provide energy-efficient heating and cooling, while Energy Recovery Ventilators will ensure optimal indoor air quality and a new Packaged Rooftop Unit for the gymnasium will address the previous heating unit failure.

The project will be completed in two phases, all construction is scheduled to be completed by Fall of 2025.

About Millig Design Build
Millig Design Build is an integrated engineering, design, and construction firm specializing in turnkey facility improvements that address energy efficiency, building health and safety, and core infrastructure needs. We serve clients nationwide from four strategic offices in Kansas; Colorado; Oregon; and Washington; For more information, visit milligdb.com

Media Contact Information:
Veronica Guerrero | [email protected]

SOURCE Millig Design Build

SHANGHAI, June 16, 2025 — Med-Fine Capital, a VC firm focused on investing in early-stage healthcare innovation in China, has announced successful close of its second USD fund. The fund will continue investing in cutting-edge biotech startups and supporting next-gen healthcare related technologies.

Investor Confidence Despite Market Challenges

This successful fundraising comes at a pivotal moment, as China’s biotech investment market undergoes a period of adjustment. Jack Zhou, Managing Partner of Med-Fine Capital, stated, “In the current environment, the continued trust and support from our investors are particularly valuable. It is not only a recognition of our past performance and professional capabilities, but also a strong endorsement of our commitment to Med-Fine’s global development strategy.”

Med-Fine Capital remains optimistic about the future:

1.  China’s Rising Innovation Strength: From 2015 to 2024, the number of innovative drugs from China receiving first-time global approval increased from 3 to 39, a 12-fold rise, elevating China from the 3^rd to 2^nd place worldwide. Simultaneously, Chinese biotech companies have accelerated global expansion through cross-border BD transactions, reaching a total transaction value of USD 63.5 billion in 2024 (up 22.59% YoY), with 24 mega-deals (over USD 1 billion each) totaling USD 43 billion, nearly 20% of the global total.

2.  Rebound of the Hong Kong Capital Market: In May 2025, IPO proceeds in the Hong Kong stock market reached HKD 55.8 billion, the highest since March 2021. Year-to-date fundraising has reached HKD 77.4 billion, nearly 90% of the 2024 full-year total. The Hang Seng Tech Index rose by 14.9%, significantly outperforming other major global markets.

3.  Exceptional Investment Capability: The Med-Fine Capital team combines deep industry knowledge, a strong global network, and proven investment capabilities.

A Decade of Focus on Early-Stage Innovation

In the past decade, Med-Fine Capital has consistently focused on the Chinese biotech innovation ecosystem, guided by its investment philosophy of discovering early-stage opportunities and helping them grow. The firm has invested in more than 60 innovative startups so far. This newly raised fund is Med-Fine’s second USD fund, marking its establishment and steady growth in the USD investment market. LPs include global renowned FOF, Hong Kong financial institutions, Singaporean family offices, and corporations in the healthcare sector.

Backing Startups with a Global Edge

“Med-Fine Capital’s investment team possesses strong industry expertise and connections, in addition to a wealth of global experience and perspective,” said Dr. Vince Deng, Partner and Head of Biotech Investment at Med-Fine Capital. “Our focus areas include oncology, autoimmune, metabolic and CNS diseases, where we invest in globally competitive and differentiated innovation. We actively support promising Chinese biotech companies to go global, helping them in all important aspects including R&D, clinical development, and regulatory affairs during their global expansion.”

Med-Fine Capital’s approach is not only about early and precise investment. It emphasizes on deep and hands-on support to entrepreneurs to achieve exceptional return. Staying true to a “begin with the end in mind” philosophy, the firm works backward from market demand and exit possibilities to shape company development. “Med-Fine pays special attention to co-founding new ventures with serial entrepreneurs and selecting highly promising directions and assets in the right time and fashion, to reduce investment risk and create maximum return. We have already co-founded and invested in several highly promising biotech companies through the above-mentioned investment philosophy and approach in this USD fund, including Allink Biotherapeutics and VelaVigo. Most of them have already secured one or more arounds of follow-on funding led by top-tier investors. These outcomes strengthen our confidence and encourage us to keep doing what we have done again and again,” added Dr. Vince Deng.

Long-Term Partners, Global Vision

Mr. Jack Zhou emphasizes, “Med-Fine Capital is dedicated to investing in globally competitive pipeline assets. We are not just capital providers but aim to be long-term strategic partners to our portfolio companies. Our goal is to build a research-driven investment system rooted in clinical value and technological innovation, with global market value in mind and meeting unmet medical needs as the end game. We continuously strengthen our core competencies in cross-border resource integration and cross market cycle value investment to help patients globally living a better life.”

About Med-Fine Capital

Med-Fine Capital specializes in investment in healthcare and life sciences. The management team boasts a global perspective, deep industry expertise, extensive resources, and professional investment experience. Med-Fine manages several RMB and USD funds, focusing on early-stage value discovery in biotech, device, diagnostics, digital health and healthcare services. To date, Med-Fine has invested in more than 60 companies, including Mabworks, Eccogene, Zion, LYNK, Pharma Legacy, MagAssist, Alebund, Allorion, ImmVira, Degron, Allink and Castalysis.

SOURCE Med-Fine Capital

$130 million in new funding will fuel investment in JunieAI: enterprise-grade AI for private markets GPs

SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2025 — Juniper Square, the pioneer of connected fund software and services for private markets, today announced it closed its Series D round and secured $130 million in new funding led by Ribbit Capital, with significant strategic investment from Fifth Wall, and additional participation from Redpoint Ventures, HighSage Ventures, Blue Owl Capital and others.

Juniper Square will use the capital to accelerate investment in JunieAI—the first enterprise-grade AI built specifically for the needs of private markets GPs. JunieAI combines the power of modern large language models (LLMs) with critical enabling components—Juniper Square’s fund system of record for GPs and LPs, a scaled data model, comprehensive workflows coupled with managed services, industry integrations, and robust measures for security, control, and permissioning—to help GPs move faster, work smarter, and operate more efficiently.

As an agentic AI platform, JunieAI provides:

• Agents supporting the work of investor relations, fund administration, portfolio management, and investment decisions
• Model-agnostic orchestration across agents, tools, workflows, and systems
• Precision tools for the accuracy demands of accounting and reporting, fused with the ease of use and power of generative AI
• Secure, enterprise-grade permissioning and control
• Deep domain expertise in private markets
• AI workflows wrapped with full service solutions
• Unified structured and unstructured data—including from emails and documents
• Seamless integration with existing GP tools
• Fine-grained agent governance, empowering GPs to define how AI agents behave, respond, and defer across use cases

“The private markets are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation driven by two tsunamis of change: the rise of the retail investor and the breakthrough potential of AI,” says Alex Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder at Juniper Square. “Our mission is to equip GPs with the technology and services they need to thrive in this new era. With JunieAI, we’re helping our customers stay ahead—turning disruption into opportunity across every facet of work inside of the modern GP.”

“Juniper Square is uniquely positioned to lead the private markets into the AI era,” says Nick Shalek, General Partner at Ribbit Capital. “Few companies have the combination of enterprise-grade trust, enabling infrastructure, deep domain expertise, and structured data at scale that Juniper Square brings to bear. With JunieAI, they’re harnessing these strengths to build AI solutions that are purpose-built for private markets—not just bolted on. We’re thrilled to support Juniper Square as it sets the standard for how this industry will evolve.”

This fundraise follows a period of rapid growth for Juniper Square including >100% 3-year CAGR in its fund administration business, which today manages over 2,000 fund entities globally across an extensive range of strategies and complex fund structures. Growth has been especially strong in the private equity and venture capital verticals, which now represent four of the five largest customers by revenue. In May, Juniper Square expanded into Luxembourg, unlocking integrated fund administration and efficient cross-border operations for private markets GPs at a global scale.

“Juniper Square stands out as a frontrunner to lead the private markets as the world moves toward an AI-driven future,” says Jay Maher, Global Chief Operating Officer at H.I.G. Capital. “Juniper Square’s focus on AI innovation will deliver transformative benefits across the industry—empowering organizations to better serve investors and drive long-term growth.”

Over the past decade, Juniper Square has built the connected infrastructure that powers private markets, helping make the industry more efficient, transparent, and accessible. With retail investors reshaping the landscape and the market on track to exceed $60 trillion within a decade, GPs need innovations like JunieAI to keep pace and capture new opportunities.

We invite you to join Alex Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder, and Brandon Rembe, Chief Solutions Officer, for a Virtual Keynote on June 23 at 9:00 a.m. PT where they’ll share more about JunieAI and Juniper Square’s vision for private markets AI innovation – register here.

More information about Juniper Square and JunieAI can be found here.

About Juniper Square
Juniper Square is transforming the private markets investing experience with a full range of modern, connected fund software and services. More than 2,000 private markets GPs rely on Juniper Square to support their fundraising, reporting, fund administration, treasury, compliance, and business intelligence needs across more than 40,000 funds, 600,000 LP accounts, and $1 trillion of LP capital.

SOURCE Juniper Square

NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 — In a $185 billion U.S. apparel e-commerce industry saturated with choice and friction, Alta is crafting a brand new AI-native shopping experience by empowering shoppers with a personalized styling companion.

Alta announced today it has raised $11 million in seed funding to build the next generation of personal shopping and styling—powered by AI.

The round was led by Menlo Ventures with participation from Aglaé Ventures (an investment firm  backed by the Arnault family), Benchstrength Ventures, Conviction, Phenomenal Ventures, and a notable group of celebrity stylists, consumer tech founders, and AI experts, including Tony Xu, Karlie Kloss, Jasmine Tookes, Meredith Koop, Keltie Knight, Gabriel Whaley, Zita D’Hauteville, Kelvin Beachum Jr., Amjad Masad, Jenny Fleiss, and Manish Chandra. Menlo Ventures Partner Amy Wu is joining the board.

Alta’s core product is an AI stylist and personal shopper that creates shopping and outfit recommendations based on a user’s closet, lifestyle, budget, occasion, and weather. The app leverages over a dozen proprietary multimodal generative AI models, all trained in-house on fashion data. In addition to personalized outfit curations and shopping suggestions, users can try-on recommended outfits on their virtual avatar—including mixing and matching shoppable items with their own closet items. Alta’s virtual dressing room offers users an immersive and novel retail experience.

“We built Alta to make personal style effortless and fun—with an AI that truly understands you,” said founder Jenny Wang. More recently, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (the CFDA) announced a partnership with Alta.

“For years, personalized styling was a luxury reserved for the rarest occasions. Alta is breaking that mold with AI models that can decode fashion and understand personal taste at scale,” said Amy Wu, Partner at Menlo Ventures. “We were looking to work with a founder who could bridge deep technical expertise with an intuitive grasp of fashion and consumer behavior. Jenny Wang is exactly that. We’re thrilled to back her and join Alta’s journey to reimagine how people shop and dress.”

Alta’s mission is simple: to help everyone look and feel their best. The funding will accelerate Alta’s product development, expand its AI capabilities, and grow its team across engineering and operations.  For more information, visit altadaily.com, follow @alta on Instagram, or download the Alta app from the App Store.

For Media Inquiries:
[email protected]

SOURCE Alta Daily