4 Key Trends to Watch: Deepgram, Kickfin, Mullein Leaf, and Microinverters

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Navigating the dynamic landscape of startup fundraising can be challenging, but staying ahead of the curve can give you the edge you need. In today’s fast-paced world, trending topics can significantly influence investor interest and funding opportunities.

In this edition, we explore four Trending Topics for future Fundraising. These emerging trends have the potential to create fundraising momentum, attract investors, and propel your startup to new heights. Leveraging these trends showcases your adaptability and positions your startup as a forward-thinking player in the industry.

Let's explore these trending opportunities and how to harness their power to secure the funding you need to thrive.

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Trend #1: Deepgram - AI-Powered Voice Tech for the Next Generation

Deepgram is an AI-powered API that helps developers create speech-to-text and text-to-speech tools. Their standout feature is pairing TTS with LLMs to build real-time conversational agents—with ultra-realistic voices and latency under 250 ms.

The company’s transcription engine is just as impressive: it can process an hour of audio in under 30 seconds with a word error rate of 8.4%. Deepgram reports that their model is 30% more accurate than other leading voice AI systems, and up to 5x more cost-effective.

Deepgram has raised nearly $86M to date.

What’s Next Deepgram is part of the AI Voice Generators meta trend. These tools are rapidly reshaping customer service, content creation, and digital training. The market is expected to reach over $20B by 2030. Startups like Lovo AI, PlayHT, WellSaid Labs, and Speechify are all pushing innovation in this space with hundreds of language options, voice cloning, and high-precision editing tools.

Trend #2: Kickfin - Instant Digital Tipping for the Hospitality Industry

Kickfin is a tip management platform that lets restaurant managers input and instantly distribute tips to staff—direct to bank accounts, with no transfer fees. The software integrates with major POS systems like Toast and Aloha, and includes tools like automatic tip pool calculators.

Since launching in 2017, Kickfin has helped process over $2B in tip payouts and raised $11M in funding.

What’s Next Kickfin is part of the Digital Tipping Software meta trend. As tipping moves away from cash, platforms like TipHaus, 7Shifts, and Canary Technologies are emerging to support transparent, fast, and fair digital tip management. Research shows digital tips tend to be 11–15% higher than cash ones, and this added transparency is reshaping employee experience in the service industry.

Trend #3: Mullein Leaf - Ancient Remedy Meets Modern Wellness

Mullein Leaf comes from a common North American plant long used to support respiratory health. Today, it’s gaining attention as a natural lung detox solution, often consumed as tea, oil, capsules, or tinctures.

Studies show mullein has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. One top-selling mullein product generates over $578K per month on Amazon.

What’s Next Mullein Leaf is part of the Lung Detoxing meta trend. Online interest in “lung detox” has increased 1.5x over the last two years, especially on TikTok where wellness influencers promote natural recovery post-illness or smoking. Other high-revenue lung detox products like capsules, gummies, and teas are also trending.

Trend #4: Microinverters - Unlocking More Power From Home Solar Systems

Microinverters convert solar panel energy into AC electricity on a panel-by-panel basis—unlike string inverters, which limit output to the lowest-performing panel. Though microinverters cost more upfront, they produce up to 20% more energy and come with longer warranties.

The global market for microinverters is projected to hit nearly $5B in 2024.

What’s Next Microinverters are part of the Solar Efficiency Solutions meta trend. As solar adoption rises, innovations like bifacial panels, solar tracking systems, and perovskite tandem cells are driving efficiency gains. Companies like Nextracker expect more than $2.8B in sales in FY25, underscoring the momentum behind optimizing residential solar tech.

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Last Week’s Poll Results 📈

Which Trend Excites You The Most?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Drunkdeer (3)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Three Ships Beauty (3)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ LFP Battery (4)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Bag Charms (8)

18 Votes