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Newsletter Edition #1234: Tractian Becomes A Unicorn, Kevel Raises $52M Series D

Two Southeast-based tech companies raised Series D rounds this week. One based in Atlanta is now a unicorn startup in the physical AI space. The other, based in North Carolina, has built out a commerce media platform used by some of the largest global brands.

We dive into the latest funding news, plus more from across the region's tech scene.

Our top stories right now:

Plus, keep on scrolling to get the scoop on a startup to coming out of stealth in the aerospace industry.

This edition of Hypepotamus is brought to you by CallRail.

The Big Headline: Igor Marinelli left the Bay Area for Atlanta to get closer to engineering talent and industrial customers for his company. Now that company, Tractian, is the city’s latest unicorn. A $130 million Series D puts the physical AI company at a $1.4 billion valuation.

Startup To Watch: Algae might seem like an unlikely addition to your office’s HVAC system. Atlanta startup VerdeTerra sees it as a way to tackle indoor air pollution and reduce energy use. The ATDC company is starting with a home air purifier, but founder Mark Snyder has a bigger goal: changing how commercial buildings manage the air we breathe. More on VerdeTerra here.

University News: Eli Landers struggled to find fellow entrepreneurs at Vanderbilt. Now he’s building a startup that builds startups. Campus Venture Studio’s first cohort is underway, with students building physical AI and security startups ahead of a December demo day. Next on the agenda: connecting with the Southeast’s tech community...and potentially taking the model to other campuses. Get to know Campus Venture Studio here.