Series A Funding: Issue 03

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Welcome to Series A Funding — your definitive source for all things Series A. Whether you're a founder gearing up for your next raise, an investor scouting the next breakout startup, or simply fascinated by early-stage innovation, this newsletter is built for you. Each issue brings curated insights, funding announcements, exclusive interviews, and trend analysis from the frontlines of startup growth. The journey from seed to scale starts here — and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.

🚀 Series A Spotlight

🔬 Here are five companies that announced Series A funding rounds during the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025:

• Chipiron
  A Paris-based deep tech company developing low-cost MRI systems to make medical imaging more accessible.
  Funding: €14.9 million (approximately $16 million)
  Investors: Led by Blast, with participation from the EIC Fund, iXcore, France2030, EIC Accelerator, and Bpifrance.

• Blooming Health
  A New York-based platform enhancing social services and healthcare coordination for older adults through digital engagement tools.
  Funding: $26 million
  Investors: Led by Insight Partners, with participation from Afore Capital, Crossbeam Venture Partners, and Metrodora Ventures.

• Field Materials
  A Charlotte, NC-based startup offering an AI-driven platform for procuring construction materials and equipment.
  Funding: $10.5 million
  Investors: Led by Navitas Capital, with participation from Blumberg Capital, DivcoWest Ventures, S16vc, and Superseed Ventures.

• Replenysh
  A Costa Mesa, CA-based company building a software-powered supply chain network for circular materials, aiming to reshape how America sources recycled materials.
  Funding: $8 million
  Investors: Led by M13, with participation from Incite, Kindred Ventures, and Floodgate.

• Peek
  A New York-based company providing a platform for booking and managing experiences and activities, catering to the tourism and leisure industry.
  Funding: $5 million
  Investors: Details of the investors were not disclosed in the available sources.

🔍 Trends to Watch

Trends to watch in Series A funding reveal how startups and VCs are navigating a shifting economic and technological landscape. Here are the top trends:

🔍 1. AI-First Startups Dominate

• Series A rounds are heavily skewed toward AI-native companies—not just those using AI, but building core products around it (e.g., AI agents, copilots, infrastructure).

• Investors prefer domain-specific AI (e.g., healthcare, legal, supply chain) with clear monetization paths.

🌍 2. Vertical SaaS Gains Steam

• Solutions tailored to specific industries (e.g., construction, eldercare, manufacturing) are seeing stronger interest.

• VCs see lower CAC (customer acquisition cost) and higher retention in verticalized platforms.

📈 3. Bigger Rounds, Fewer Deals

• Average Series A round sizes have increased (often $10M–$20M), but deal volume is down.

• Investors are backing fewer but stronger startups, requiring clearer product-market fit and traction (e.g., $1M+ ARR, sticky usage).

🔄 4. Capital Efficiency is Crucial

• Startups that prove they can scale responsibly without burning cash are favored.

• There’s growing emphasis on unit economics, not just growth-at-all-costs.

💰 5. Founders with Repeat or Technical Backgrounds

• First-time founders are facing tougher scrutiny.

• VCs favor repeat founders or technical experts with deep domain knowledge, particularly in hard tech and regulated industries.

🌱 6. Sustainability & Circular Economy Startups

• Climate tech and circular supply chain ventures are receiving more Series A support, especially with government co-funding and ESG-aligned LPs.

💸 7. Corporate VC and Strategic Investors Increasingly Active

• Series A rounds now frequently include corporate investors offering strategic distribution or integration pathways, not just capital.

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll continue to track the most impactful Series A funding rounds shaping the future of innovation.

🔥 In Case You Missed It…

Funding Roundup

• Ascertain Raises $10M in Series A Funding

• Toku Raises $48M Series A

• Field Medical Raises $40M in Series Funding

🏆 Startup of the Week

Startup of the Week: Chipiron

Overview:

Chipiron, a Paris-based deep tech startup, is revolutionizing medical imaging by developing compact, affordable MRI systems. Their mission is to democratize access to MRI technology, making it as ubiquitous as X-rays.

Funding Details:

• Amount Raised: €14.9 million (approximately $16 million) in Series A funding.

• Investors: The round was led by Blast, with participation from the EIC Fund, iXcore, France2030, EIC Accelerator, and Bpifrance.

Technology Highlights:

• Ultra-Low Magnetic Field MRI: Chipiron's MRI systems operate at ultra-low magnetic fields (<10 mT), eliminating the need for shielded rooms and reducing infrastructure costs.

• Quantum SQUID Detection: Utilizes a patented low-Tc SQUID volume gradiometer, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and enabling open-environment imaging.

• AI Noise Cancellation: Incorporates advanced AI algorithms for active noise cancellation, improving image clarity.

• Portability: The devices are lightweight, movable by a single person, and can operate from a standard electrical

Impact and Vision:

Chipiron aims to address the limitations of traditional MRI systems, which are often expensive, bulky, and inaccessible to many healthcare facilities. By offering a cost-effective and portable solution, they plan to expand MRI accessibility to clinics, rural hospitals, and mobile units, particularly benefiting underserved

Future Plans:

• 2025: Completion of clinical-grade image quality prototypes.

• 2026: Initiation of hospital-based clinical trials and opening of U.S. offices in Boston, MA.

• 2027: Submission for FDA 510(k) clearance, aiming for widespread

Chipiron's innovative approach positions them to transform the landscape of medical imaging, making MRI diagnostics more accessible and affordable worldwide.

Did You Know? Unusual Fact: The Term “Series A” Doesn’t Actually Mean It’s the Startup’s First Funding Round

Many assume Series A is a company’s first round of funding — but most startups raise a “pre-seed” and/or “seed” round before reaching Series A. The “A” simply signifies the first priced equity round with institutional investors, where shares are sold at a formally negotiated valuation.

Even more interesting:
Some companies, like WhatsApp and Notion, skipped traditional Series A timelines or delayed raising institutional money for years — focusing instead on product-market fit and growth, flipping the script on startup norms.

Till next time,

The SeriesAFunding.com Team