SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2026 — GrubMarket, the AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food technology and eCommerce companies globally, announced today that it has raised around $50 million in Series H financing from Future Food Fund, Portfolia Funds, Liberty Street Funds, RD Heritage Group, Flume Ventures, MY Securities, and other unnamed participants. This significantly up round values GrubMarket at a pre-money valuation of $4.5 billion.

This investment round follows a series of major milestones for the company. In June 2025, GrubMarket made its largest acquisition in history, acquiring Coast Citrus, a major provider of tropical produce in the U.S. In July 2025, GrubMarket launched the first-ever Inventory Management AI Agent for the food supply chain industry, which streamlines and automates critical inventory workflows. In September 2025, GrubMarket released the Reporting AI Agent, which automates AI-powered business analysis on custom schedules. In April 2025, the company acquired Delta Fresh Produce, a major produce distributor in Arizona. Furthermore, GrubMarket acquired Procurant, a leading Software-as-a-Service eCommerce and trading platform for the fresh produce industry, which facilitates $5.5 billion in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) annually for over 850 customers across 14 countries.

“GrubMarket has experienced an incredible acceleration in growth over the last 12 months and continues to stand out as the largest private food technology company in the United States. Since we have a self-sustaining business model, this funding round was not a necessity; rather, we saw it as an opportunity to align our company’s valuation with the new level of scale and strength that we have achieved with our eCommerce business growth, our AI-powered tech innovations, and the significant ongoing value we generate for the industry,” said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket. “This Series H funding will turbocharge our AI software and business growth, and extend our eCommerce reach globally. We will increase our investment in people, financial infrastructure, technology, and acquisitions. Above all, we will continue to operate a self-sustaining business as the foundation of this company.”

As the only Enterprise AI solutions provider for the American food supply chain, a first mover in the tech-enabled B2B food eCommerce space, and a pioneer offering cutting-edge, AI-powered software-as-a-service solutions, GrubMarket uses technology to fundamentally transform the American and global food supply chain. GrubMarket was named to the prestigious CNBC Disruptor 50 list for three consecutive years, in 2023, 2024 and 2025 (No. 20).  In April 2025, GrubMarket was named “Inventory Management Solution Provider of the Year” by RetailTech Breakthrough Awards. In November 2025, GrubMarket was selected the winner of the 2025 “Sustainability in the Food Industry Award” by The Shelby Report. Today, GrubMarket operates in all 50 U.S. States and has a global presence in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain, with plans to expand further across the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world. The company does business in over 70 countries globally.

GrubMarket’s Sustainable California initiative has been actively running since 2023, serving as a multi-faceted, company-wide initiative with a mission to preserve California’s farming environment, empower farmers, and reinvigorate the state’s fragile agricultural ecosystem. Since its inception, this initiative has promoted organic farming practices, supported reforestation, and distributed innovative technologies to support a more resilient and sustainable food system. Sustainable California has sponsored the successful planting of over hundreds of thousands of trees in diverse regions throughout the state; supported California farmers seeking organic certification; and contributed efforts towards protecting the State’s natural habitats, watersheds, and farmlands to ensure future agricultural prosperity. GrubMarket’s Sustainable California initiative for 2025 included partnering with One Tree Planted to plant over 100,000 trees in the Sierra Nevada region, which was severely damaged by the 2013 Rim Fire; providing California farmers with free access to GrubMarket’s AI-powered software for the duration of the year; and partnering with CCOF to continue its sponsorship of 10 socially disadvantaged farmers in California to complete the organic transition program and certification process.

“Portfolia is proud to be a long-time investor in Mike Xu and the GrubMarket team, through multiple funds.  Mike is a brilliant, strategic and persistent executive.  The team’s continued execution success validates our conviction in Mike’s leadership and in GrubMarket’s ability to redefine how food moves to our tables. We are thrilled to continue backing their vision to modernize food supply chains,” said Trish Costello, CEO & Founder of Portfolia Funds.

“As the venture arm of a company that operates a major online platform for fresh produce in Japan, we understand how hard it is to build a long-lasting business at scale, and we are impressed by GrubMarket’s strong execution and profitable growth trajectory. We are excited to support the company’s expansion and help accelerate its next phase of global growth,” said Hiro Hasegawa, Venture Partner of Future Food Fund.

Forward-Looking Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “strive,” “will” or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Examples of forward-looking statements in this announcement include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our disclosure concerning the Company’s operations, cash flows, and financial position.

For Media Inquiries:

GrubMarket Media Team
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE GrubMarket

Firm exceeds $300 million target with Fund V; expands its base of limited partners; announces promotions of Dennis McWilliams and Omar Khalil to Managing Directors

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2, 2026 — Santé Ventures, a leading early-stage healthcare and life sciences investment firm, today announced the close of its fifth fund with $330 million in committed capital, exceeding its $300 million target. Fund V will continue the firm’s focus on investing in innovative biotechnology, medical technology, and digitally enabled healthcare companies addressing significant unmet medical needs. This marks Santé’s largest fund to date and reflects a growing and increasingly diversified investor base.

“Fund V represents a continuation of our mission to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs driving breakthrough science and transformative healthcare solutions,” said Kevin Lalande, Founding Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Santé. “We are deeply grateful for the support of our limited partners, who share our conviction that innovation at the intersection of science, medicine, and technology can fundamentally improve patient outcomes.”

Since its founding in 2006, Santé Ventures has established a strong track record of identifying, building, and supporting companies that deliver meaningful advances across the healthcare landscape. The firm has served as lead venture investor in numerous successful exits, including Laminar (Johnson & Johnson), Farapulse (Boston Scientific), AbVitro (Bristol Myers Squibb), and Explorys (IBM Corp), among others.

Fund V will follow Santé’s established approach of thematic investing, rigorous scientific diligence, and hands-on company creation. The firm will continue to focus on early-stage opportunities with the potential to fundamentally improve patient care, particularly in areas characterized by clinical complexity, capital inefficiency, or outdated care delivery models. The close of Fund V also reflects an expansion of Santé’s limited partner base across both domestic and international markets, further validating the firm’s long-term strategy and performance.

In conjunction with the close of Fund V, Santé also announced the promotion of Dennis McWilliams and Omar Khalil to Managing Directors. Both have played integral roles in shaping the firm’s investment strategy and supporting portfolio company development.

“Dennis and Omar have been instrumental to our success and embody the collaborative, science-driven approach that defines Santé,” said Lalande. “Their leadership meaningfully strengthens our ability to partner with world-class founders and build companies that make a lasting impact on healthcare.”

About Santé Ventures
Founded in 2006, Santé Ventures is a specialized healthcare and life sciences investment firm with over $1 billion in capital under management. The firm invests in early-stage companies developing innovative new medical technologies, biotechnologies, and digitally enabled healthcare services. Recent Santé successes include Laminar (Johnson & Johnson), Farapulse (Boston Scientific), Healthcare Highways – CerpassRx (Nomi Health), Claret Medical (Boston Scientific), TVA Medical (Becton Dickinson), Millipede Medical (Boston Scientific), Molecular Templates (MTEM), AbVitro (Bristol Myers Squibb), and Explorys (IBM Corp). Santé invests nationally and has offices in Austin, TX and Boston, MA. For more information, please visit www.sante.com.

Media Contacts
Santé Ventures Press and Community Relations
[email protected]
512.721.1200

Ryan Walker, R.J. Walker & Co.
[email protected]

SOURCE Santé Ventures

NEW YORK and PARIS, Feb. 2, 2026 — Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC, led by New York–based investor Joseph Hernandez, today announced that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire JACADI Paris, the iconic Paris-based children’s fashion brand renowned for its heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless French elegance.

Founded in Paris, JACADI Paris is recognized globally as one of the most prestigious children’s brands, with a legacy built on tradition, refinement, and exceptional quality. For generations, the brand has dressed children of royalty, heads of state, and families around the world who value classic French style and enduring craftsmanship.

Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC is committed to preserving the brand’s French spirit, heritage, and identity. The firm intends to maintain JACADI Paris’s operations and workforce in France, recognizing that the employees and artisans based there are central to what has made the brand exceptional for decades.

“JACADI Paris is a generational brand that represents the very highest standards of class, tradition, and craftsmanship,” said Joseph Hernandez, Founder of Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC. “We are deeply honored by the opportunity for potential stewardship of this iconic French maison. Our intention is to protect its heritage, preserve its French roots, and support the talented teams in France who have made JACADI Paris what it is today. We look forward to finalizing the transaction in the coming weeks.”

Cédric Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer of JACADI Paris, said: “We are very pleased by the potential of this transaction and the opportunities it may create for JACADI Paris’s continued growth. We see strong potential for expansion in North America, while maintaining our deep commitment to our customers across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Demand for French-made children’s apparel remains strong around the world, and we are proud of the trust families place in JACADI Paris. We would be excited to partner with Joseph Hernandez and Blue Water Venture Partners as we expand the brand and build on its global success with our teams and partners.”

Entering into this Letter of Intent reflects Blue Water Venture Partners’ strategy of investing in iconic, globally recognized brands with enduring cultural relevance and long-term growth potential.

The parties anticipate closing in the coming weeks.

About Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC

Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC is a global investment firm led by New York–based investor Joseph Hernandez, focused on acquiring and growing high-quality businesses across consumer brands, luxury, healthcare, and strategic industries, with a long-term, stewardship-oriented investment approach.

For further information on Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC, visit: https://www.bluewaterventurepartners.net/

About JACADI Paris

Founded in Paris, JACADI Paris is a world-renowned children’s fashion house celebrated for its timeless designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to French elegance. JACADI Paris has 293 points of sale worldwide (stores and websites).

For further information on Jacadi, visit: https://www.jacadi.com/

CONTACT:

Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC
Stephanie Mercier
[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Water Venture Partners, LLC

BENGALURU, India, Jan. 28, 2026 — Bengaluru-based aerospace components manufacturer JJG Aero has secured $30 million in Series B funding from Norwest. The capital will be deployed primarily to build and add capacity at its upcoming facility in North Bangalore, drive further vertical integration, and support other strategic initiatives. This round brings the total funding raised to $42 million and includes the $12 million Series A led by CX Partners in April 2024.

Established in 2008, JJG Aero specializes in manufacturing high-precision machined components with in-house special process finishing capabilities, serving the aircraft systems and engines segment. The company also operates a subsidiary that serves auto component and industrial segments. JJG Aero’s client roster includes American and European OEMs and Tier-1 vendors such as Collins Aerospace, Safran, GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Woodward, and Liebherr.

“The last five years have witnessed exponential growth for companies such as ours that possess the capabilities, processes, compliance standards, and customer relationships to meet global aerospace demand. The opportunity is immense. From having two small one-acre sites, we are now building a massive Unit 3 on a 10-acre site with further backward and forward integration, and space to expand into adjacencies at the opportune time,” said Anuj Jhunjhunwala, CEO of JJG Aero. “The aerospace supply chain is facing an all-time high demand from aircraft manufacturers, which legacy vendors in the Western world are struggling to meet. With our strengths and value proposition, we see ourselves as a key player for precision-machined components in the aerospace ecosystem. India has emerged as an attractive destination for sourcing components and parts by global leaders, and we are excited to be selected by so many marquee clients as a strategic growth vendor.”

“We are thrilled to invest in JJG Aero, our first investment in this segment. JJG Aero has demonstrated remarkable growth, with a CAGR of 35% over the last three years. This investment will enable JJG Aero not only to continue its growth trajectory through capacity addition but also to upgrade the quality of earnings by focusing on higher value-added components,” said Shiv Chaudhary, Managing Director at Norwest. “Indian businesses have a proven ability to provide high-quality products and services as an outsourcing partner to customers around the world. With strong industry tailwinds, we believe that aero-parts and component manufacturing is emerging as an important segment in India’s manufacturing outsourcing story. We believe JJG Aero is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and further solidify its presence in the market.”

From simple 2-axis to complex 5-axis machining, JJG Aero offers a comprehensive range of manufacturing services, complemented by over 30 NADCAP-approved special processes, including electroplating, anodizing, paint, and NDT. The company also performs mechanical assemblies, testing, and other value-added services to its esteemed client base.

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as the sole transaction advisor on the deal.

About JJG Aero

Established in 2008, JJG Aero is a Bengaluru-based aerospace components manufacturer specializing in high-precision machined components with in-house special process finishing capabilities for the aircraft systems and engines segment. The company offers comprehensive manufacturing services from simple 2-axis to complex 5-axis machining, complemented by over 30 NADCAP-approved special processes, including electroplating, anodizing, paint, and NDT. JJG Aero serves a prestigious roster of American and European OEMs and Tier-1 vendors, including Collins Aerospace, Safran, GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Woodward, and Liebherr. With a CAGR of 35% over the last three years, the company is expanding its capabilities through a new 200,000 sq ft facility on 10 acres in North Bangalore, targeting ₹1,000 Crore in annual revenue by 2032-33. JJG Aero also operates a subsidiary serving auto component and industrial segments. For more information, visit www.jjgmachining.com

About Norwest

Norwest is a global venture and growth equity investment firm managing more than $15.5 billion in capital. Since its inception, Norwest has invested in more than 700 companies and currently partners with more than 250 companies in its venture and growth equity portfolio. The firm invests in early- to late-stage businesses across key sectors with a focus on enterprise, healthcare and consumer. The Norwest team offers a deep network of connections, extensive operating experience, and a wide range of impactful services to help CEOs and founders scale their businesses. Norwest has offices in Menlo Park and San Francisco, Calif.; Mumbai, India; and Tel Aviv, Israel. In India, Norwest has a successful history in partnering with innovative companies across Financials, Industrials, Technology, Internet, Healthcare & Pharma and Consumer sectors. Some of the firm’s most notable investments in India include Swiggy, Sila, Regency Health, Amagi, Infinx, and Veritas Finance. For more information, please visit www.norwest.com.

SOURCE JJG Aero

• Alex Tzoukas joins Epikast’s Board of Directors
• Epikast co-founded by biotechnology luminary Dr. Stelios Papadopoulos

NEW YORK and ATHENS, Greece, Jan. 30, 2026 — Kos Biotechnology Partners (“Kos”), a global life sciences investment firm, today announced the closing of a financing round in Epikast, a premier provider of technology-enabled commercial and clinical services for the biopharmaceutical industry. This transaction marks the first investment from Kos’ inaugural fund, which is focused on a broad range of investment stages, including the seeding and scaling of high-impact life sciences platforms.

Kos led the round with significant participation from a syndicate of new and existing investors. In conjunction with the financing, Alex Tzoukas, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Kos, will join Epikast’s Board of Directors.

The capital infusion will enhance Epikast’s proprietary technology platform and the scaling of its specialized service teams. Epikast bridges the gap between high-level medical expertise and cost-efficient operations by leveraging its Greece-based operational hub to serve global biopharmaceutical clients.

Alex Tzoukas, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Kos Biotechnology Partners commented: “Epikast represents an exciting investment for our new fund. The company has developed a differentiated, tech-enabled pharma services model that addresses a clear inefficiency in how biopharma companies engage with healthcare providers and patients. We are pleased to lead this round and support the company as it scales.”

Dr. Stelios Papadopoulos, Chairman of Epikast, added: “We are pleased to welcome Kos Biotechnology Partners as lead investor in this round. Kos brings deep sector expertise and a strong connection to both the US and Greek innovation ecosystems, which aligns well with Epikast’s operating model. Alex’s addition to the board adds valuable perspective as we enter the next phase of growth.”

Dr. Simos Simeonidis, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Kos Biotechnology Partners commented: “We are pleased to partner with Stelios and his team at Epikast with the first investment from our fund. Alex’s deep background as a life sciences investor, investment banker, and operator will further enhance the strong expertise already present on Epikast’s Board.”

Dr. Vangelis Vergetis, CEO of Epikast, concluded: “This financing reinforces Epikast’s strong momentum. We place a premium on partnering with individuals who bring deep expertise and strong judgment. Alex Tzoukas, Simos Simeonidis, and Nikos Kostaras exemplify that and will be valuable partners as we advance our next phase.”

About Epikast

Epikast is a technology-enabled biopharmaceutical services company headquartered in New York with core operations in Athens, Greece. The company provides a comprehensive suite of remote commercial, medical, market access, and patient support services. By combining highly trained medical professionals with a proprietary technology stack, Epikast delivers high-quality engagement and data-driven insights to biopharma clients at a significantly optimized cost structure. It currently partners with several global top 10 pharma companies and smaller biotechnology companies as they commercialize their products in the US and Europe.

About Kos Biotechnology Partners

Kos Biotechnology Partners is a global investment firm founded in 2025 by Dr. Simos Simeonidis and Alex Tzoukas, with a focus on identifying, supporting, and scaling innovative, high-potential opportunities in the life sciences sector. With the launch of its inaugural fund, Kos partners with experienced management teams to build enduring products, services, and platforms through strategic capital, deep operational expertise, and a long-term perspective on value creation.

Media Contacts: [email protected], [email protected]

SOURCE Kos Biotechnology Partners

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2026 — Raken, the leading field-first construction management platform, today announced the strategic expansion of its Board of Directors. Joining the board are Ron Antevy and Robert E. Knowling Jr.—two technology industry veterans who bring deep operational and leadership experience to Raken.

Ron Antevy is a recognized technology business leader in enterprise software. He grew and led e-Builder Inc., which was sold to Trimble for $500 million in 2018. Antevy then launched Trimble Ventures, a $200 million corporate venture fund investing in innovative companies that align with Trimble’s mission. He is the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding leadership, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and currently manages Antevy Capital.

Robert E. Knowling Jr. has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications and technology sectors, leading companies through high growth and organizational turnarounds. Knowling is Chairman of Eagles Landing Partners and currently serves on the boards of K12, Rite Aid Corporation, Citrix Systems, Inc., and Stream.

“We are pleased to welcome Ron and Robert to Raken’s board,” said Ty Kalklosch, CEO of Raken. “Their experience scaling and managing companies will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand the roadmap of our field management platform to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.”

About Raken
Raken is the leading field-first construction management platform. Our easy-to-use app is built to streamline all critical field workflows, from daily reports to time and production tracking, resource scheduling, safety management, RFIs, and more. Real-time information flows from field to office, so teams stay aligned, data becomes more reliable, and decision making improves. Raken’s simple mobile experience, powerful integrations, and industry-leading support help contractors save time and money, reduce risk, and keep projects on track. For more information, visit https://www.rakenapp.com/

SOURCE Raken

Series D round led by Eclipse and 1789 Capital accelerates capacity expansion and strengthens domestic industrial resilience

DEVENS, Mass., Jan. 30, 2026 — VulcanForms, the company building the first fully integrated digital metal manufacturing platform in the United States, announced the close of an oversubscribed $220 million financing round led by Eclipse and 1789 Capital, with participation from Washington Harbour, Fontinalis, IEQ Capital, and others. The financing reflects growing demand for secure domestic production of next-generation metal products and reinforces VulcanForms’ role in strengthening critical American advanced manufacturing capability.

Today’s metal manufacturing supply chains are highly fragmented, with production spread across multiple vendors, facilities, and geographies. This introduces unnecessary cost, waste, and cycle time at every handoff. As geopolitical tension, trade disruption, and industrial policy reshape global manufacturing, this legacy model is proving increasingly inefficient and difficult to scale. VulcanForms is addressing this challenge by consolidating complex, multi-step supply chains into fully integrated, domestic digital factories designed for production-grade manufacturing at scale.

The capital supports the expansion of VulcanForms’ fully integrated manufacturing facilities. These facilities combine advanced metal additive manufacturing technologies, precision machining, automation, inspection, and proprietary AI-enabled software into a single end-to-end workflow. By compressing this supply chain into one integrated production system, VulcanForms reduces complexity, minimizes waste, lowers total system cost, and delivers finished, high-performance products at production scale with consistent quality and fully integrated, secure supply chains. The investment also enables continued execution of the company’s technology roadmap and R&D programs that strengthen the platform, advance the company’s materials portfolio, and support future capacity expansion.

Proven Adoption Across Critical Sectors

VulcanForms has moved from development into scaled industrial production while securing large multi-billion commercial programs across numerous market verticals including medical devices, consumer products, aerospace, defense, and industrial segments. These programs validate VulcanForms’ ability to deliver production-grade metal products at scale and show that organizations are shifting mission critical manufacturing back to the United States when a reliable and high-performance domestic supplier is available.

“American manufacturers need a domestic alternative that can compete with global production at scale with superior speed and precision,” said Kevin Kassekert, CEO of VulcanForms. “This financing enables us to meet surging demand and expand our role as a critical partner to companies rebuilding resilient domestic supply chains.”

VulcanForms operates a fully integrated digital metal manufacturing platform that unifies advanced metal production technologies, precision machining, automation, and proprietary software into one workflow. This integrated approach improves quality, repeatability, and lead-time predictability and strengthens domestic sourcing for mission critical components. As industries from aerospace to healthcare work to reduce foreign dependencies and accelerate innovation cycles, VulcanForms is providing the industrial capability required for the next era of American manufacturing.

“1789 Capital is thrilled to support VulcanForms, a company revitalizing America’s industrial strength and sharply reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers,” said Omeed Malik, President of 1789 Capital. “By restoring high-skilled manufacturing jobs to American soil, VulcanForms is helping to drive the next great chapter of American prosperity.”

“Rebuilding America’s industrial capacity requires bold engineering and the ability to manufacture at scale, and VulcanForms has proven it can deliver both,” said Greg Reichow, Partner at Eclipse. “Their platform brings production of mission critical components back onshore with unmatched precision, speed, and reliability. Eclipse is proud to back a team that is delivering real industrial output today while shaping the future of American manufacturing.”

About VulcanForms

VulcanForms develops advanced digital metal manufacturing technology and deploys fully integrated production facilities in the United States. These facilities unify metal additive manufacturing, precision machining, automation, inspection, and proprietary software into one end-to-end platform. By combining technology development with vertically integrated manufacturing, VulcanForms enables American companies to produce complex, high performance metal components at scale with consistent quality, competitive economics, and secure domestic supply chains. For more information, visit www.vulcanforms.com.

About Eclipse

With approximately $5 billion in assets under management, Eclipse is a team of operators and investors partnering with exceptional companies from ideation to all stages of growth, unlocking solutions to age-old physical industry problems through the intersection of bits and atoms and the rise of physical AI. For more information, visit www.eclipse.capital.

About 1789 Capital

With approximately $2 billion in assets under management, 1789 Capital is an investment firm that focuses on providing financing to companies in the Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Growth (“EIG”) economy, which is driving the next era of American prosperity. For more information, visit www.1789capital.vc.

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE VulcanForms

Why robotics companies need different ecosystems than SaaS, and how Cybernetix has built one

BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2026 — Robotics is enjoying its golden age. Hardware costs are plummeting, automation demand is surging, and trillion-dollar markets are emerging, but the ecosystems meant to support these burgeoning companies are still designed for software. Cybernetix Ventures has refined a model: a hyperfocus on the robotics industry plus synchronized activation mobilizes an entire ecosystem in one week. Now in its fourth year, Robotics Invest returns May 26-27, 2026, anchoring the second annual Robotics Tech Week from May 26-29.

Robotics Invest: Built for Relevance

At the heart of Robotics Tech Week is Robotics Invest, which has earned its reputation as the industry’s most impactful robotics gathering by design. Capped at 300 attendees—primarily C-suite founders, early and late stage investors, and corporate decision-makers—the event attracts robotics leaders who understand the unique challenges of building hardware-intensive companies. Past speakers include Marc Raibert (Boston Dynamics), Brad Porter (Cobot), Peter Wurman (Amazon Robotics), Kristina Nilsson (JP Morgan), Duncan Turner (SOSV), Milo Werner (The Engine), Stella Yoo (Evercore), among others.

The results speak for themselves: founders have secured their lead investors, closed partnerships, and saved months of work through high-caliber introductions.

Robotics Tech Week: Industry Alignment at Scale

Robotics Tech Week extends beyond Robotics Invest to activate the full ecosystem—students, operators, companies, policymakers, researchers—all focused on robotics.

“We’re building connective tissue across investors, corporates, universities, clusters, and founders so the next generation of robotics companies has a stronger foundation,” said Fady Saad, Founder and General Partner, Cybernetix Ventures. “Robotics companies face challenges other founders don’t. What we’re proving is that industry focus plus synchronization unlocks momentum that would take years to build organically.”

Why This Moment Matters

Robotics Tech Week coincides with a16z’s TechWeek Boston debut, bringing broader attention to the city’s robotics innovation ecosystem—and further validation for Boston’s approach.

“Boston has always been a robotics capital,” said Mark Martin, Co-founder and General Partner, Cybernetix Ventures. “Robotics Tech Week activates that foundation deliberately. As other cities watch to see if the model can be scaled and toured globally, we’re hyperfocused on delivering value for the industry—and so many here share the same mission of advancing intelligent machines.”

How to Participate

Applications for Robotics Invest 2026 will open soon. Attendance is capped at 300, with past events activating a waitlist. Organizations can submit Robotics Tech Week events at roboticstechweek.com. For updates, visit roboticsinvest.com or follow Robotics Invest on LinkedIn.

About Cybernetix Ventures

Cybernetix Ventures is a leading venture capital firm focused on early-stage robotics and physical AI. Headquartered in Boston, the firm is led by robotics experts Fady Saad and Mark Martin, who have 50 years of combined robotics technologies, operating, and investing experience. Cybernetix invests in purpose-built teams and industry-critical opportunities across North America and Europe. Sectors include: advanced manufacturing, logistics, construction, healthcare, agriculture, and energy infrastructure.

SOURCE Cybernetix Ventures

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 30, 2026 — Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (“BEN”) (Nasdaq: BNAI), a provider of secure, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions, today announced the receipt of $818,302.70 in cash proceeds from warrant exercises, the repayment of legacy debt, and the execution of a $1.518 million private placement, further strengthening the Company’s balance sheet and financial flexibility.

The warrant exercises were completed for cash and consisted of:

• 19,750 shares exercised at $25.00 per share, generating $493,750 in gross proceeds;
• 8,202 shares exercised at $37.00 per share, generating $303,474 in gross proceeds;
• 5,701 shares exercised at $3.70 per share, generating $21,078.70 in gross proceeds.

In addition, during January 2026, BEN repaid $640,332.46 in outstanding loans, including $630,332.46 related to loans with Hana Bank, South Korea, thereby satisfying the Company’s liabilities under the Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 3, 2023, through January 30, 2026.

Separately, BEN entered into a securities purchase agreement for a $1.518 million private placement with Ben Capital Fund I, LLC, priced at $63.25 per share, representing an issuance of 24,000 shares of common stock. The investment will be funded in three equal installments of $506,000, with closings scheduled for January 30, February 25, and March 25, 2026. The transaction includes no warrant coverage and was priced at a premium to the Company’s January 29, 2026 closing price.

“This week reflects continued execution against our financial strategy,” said Tyler Luck, Chief Executive Officer of Brand Engagement Network. “The combination of warrant exercises, debt repayment, and a premium-priced private placement strengthens our balance sheet and positions BEN to move forward with focus and flexibility as we execute on our business objectives.”

The securities described herein were offered and sold in private transactions pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

About Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNAI)
Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (“BEN”) is a provider of secure, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions that enable natural conversations, workflow automation, and real-world execution across text, voice, and avatar-based experiences. Designed for regulated and high-impact industries, BEN delivers highly personalized, multimodal AI within secure, closed-loop environments to help organizations modernize operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement. BEN’s platform is powered by proprietary technology, including its Engagement Language Model (ELM™), with governance, compliance, and reliability embedded by design. For more information, please visit www.brandengagementnetwork.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Additional information regarding these risks is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

BEN Investor Relations: [email protected]

BEN Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (BEN)