AI, Carbon Tech, and Proptech: Leading the Next Big Trends

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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 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 vLLM

Large Language Models (LLMs) are incredibly powerful but come with significant challenges, including high computational demands, latency issues, and limited scalability. To address these challenges, a team of UC Berkeley students developed vLLM (Virtual Large Language Model) in 2023—an open-source Python library designed to maximize the serving performance of LLMs.

The Problem: Inefficient Resource Usage

Traditional serving methods for LLMs are highly inefficient, leading to substantial memory waste. Approximately 60% to 80% of LLM memory is unused in conventional systems, creating significant bottlenecks and limiting performance.

The Solution: PagedAttention Algorithm

vLLM introduces an innovative memory management algorithm called PagedAttention, which minimizes memory waste to just 4%. By eliminating inefficiencies, this groundbreaking approach enables:

• 24x higher throughput, significantly improving LLM serving efficiency.

• Seamless compatibility with both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.

• Support for leading open-source LLMs, including those available on platforms like HuggingFace.

The library has garnered widespread attention in the developer community, achieving an impressive 31.7K stars on GitHub, reflecting its growing adoption and impact.

The Growing Demand for LLM Training Tools

vLLM is part of the LLM Training Tools meta trend—a rapidly expanding space fueled by the increasing adoption of large-scale AI models. Over the past year alone, search volume for “LLM training” has surged by 60%, highlighting the rising demand for tools that streamline model development and deployment.

Why LLM Training is Complex

Training large-scale LLMs requires massive datasets and computational power. Typical LLM training involves:

• Datasets exceeding 1TB in size.

• Hundreds of billions of parameters to configure and optimize.

• Multiple training phases, including data preparation, model configuration, and fine-tuning.

To meet this demand, several innovative startups are emerging to help enterprises develop, train, and fine-tune their own LLMs efficiently:

1. Cohere
   Cohere provides enterprises with customizable LLMs that can scale AI capabilities across SaaS, private cloud, or on-premise solutions. Their platform offers flexibility for businesses looking to integrate AI into their workflows.

2. Run:AI
   Run:AI delivers a powerful development platform that automates resource management and orchestration for LLM training. By streamlining these processes, Run:AI ensures efficient utilization of computing resources.

3. Unstructured AI
   Training LLMs often begins with unstructured, raw data. Unstructured AI transforms this unusable data into clean, structured formats suitable for LLM frameworks, ensuring high-quality input for optimal performance.

4. Pareto AI
   Pareto AI bridges the gap between LLM developers, prompt engineers, and data labelers. This platform helps enterprises build and fine-tune their LLMs by connecting them with skilled professionals for specific tasks.

The Future of LLM Performance and Training

As demand for efficient LLM deployment and training grows, tools like vLLM and the solutions offered by emerging startups will play a critical role in overcoming current limitations. By improving throughput, reducing resource waste, and simplifying training workflows, these innovations are paving the way for broader adoption of AI at scale.

Trend #2 Carbon Plated Shoes

Carbon-plated running shoes are revolutionizing both athletic performance and footwear fashion. These specialized shoes are engineered to provide a spring-like effect with each stride, propelling runners forward and enhancing efficiency.

How Carbon-Plated Shoes Work

The core innovation lies in the carbon fiber plate embedded within the shoe’s sole. This plate serves a dual purpose:

1. Stabilizing the cushioning foam, which prevents energy loss and maximizes responsiveness.

2. Creating a teeter-totter effect—as the front of the foot strikes the ground, the carbon plate generates upward momentum, lifting the back of the foot and propelling the runner forward.

The result? More momentum and reduced energy expenditure with every push-off.

Performance Benefits

Research indicates that carbon-plated shoes can improve running economy by 1% even in average runners. This marginal improvement can make a significant difference in endurance and race times.

Their impact has driven immense demand. For instance, when Adidas’ Evo 1 carbon-plated shoes launched, they sold out instantly. Resale prices skyrocketed to over $1,200, underscoring the shoes’ appeal among both athletes and collectors.

What’s Next: Carbon-Plated Shoes and the High-Tech Sneaker Trend

While carbon-plated shoes were initially designed for elite runners, their unique aesthetic and cutting-edge design have recently gained traction in the fashion world. This shift reflects a larger meta trend: High-Tech Sneakers for Non-Athletes.

Performance Footwear Meets High Fashion

The line between athletic performance and fashion continues to blur, with high-tech running shoes appearing on runways and city streets.

• Altra x ROA Collaboration: Altra and ROA, known for their trail-running expertise, teamed up to create a technical sneaker that debuted at Paris Fashion Week 2024, blending performance with luxury fashion appeal.

Trending Sneakers That Combine Fashion and Technology

1. Salomon XT-6
   Originally designed for trail running, the unisex Salomon XT-6 features a sleek design and a drawstring closure. Its rugged yet stylish appearance has made it a celebrity favorite, securing its place in streetwear culture.

2. On Cloud 5 by On
   Swiss brand On is renowned for its ultra-lightweight and responsive designs. Partnering with actress Zendaya, On is expanding its line of technical athletic shoes, combining performance innovation with mainstream appeal.

3. Puma Speedcat
   Initially crafted for racecar drivers, the Puma Speedcat brings retro flair to modern footwear. Its recent re-release has sparked renewed interest, blending motorsport heritage with contemporary fashion trends.

The Future of Performance-Driven Sneakers

Carbon-plated shoes represent a growing intersection of technology, performance, and style. As these innovations move beyond the track and trail, expect to see even more technical sneakers embraced in fashion circles and everyday wear. For brands, this trend signals an opportunity to cater to athletes, style enthusiasts, and collectors alike.

Trend #3 NZero

NZero: Real-Time Carbon Accounting Powered by AI

NZero is a cutting-edge carbon accounting startup that leverages AI and real-time data analysis to help organizations accurately measure and manage their carbon emissions. Designed for both public and private sectors, NZero’s platform offers detailed, hour-by-hour tracking to provide actionable insights for decarbonization strategies.

How NZero Works

NZero’s platform provides organizations with the tools to model emissions scenarios and determine which decarbonization initiatives will yield the best ROI. Its key features include:

1. Real-Time Emissions Tracking

   • NZero measures emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, covering direct emissions, purchased energy, and supply chain impacts.

   • Currently, the platform monitors an impressive 77 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions, showcasing its scalability and reach.

2. Rapid Emissions Profile
   For organizations lacking utility data, NZero offers a Rapid Emissions Profile, which generates a baseline carbon pollution benchmark. Instead of relying on third-party sources, real estate owners can input basic details like:

   • Building type, location, size, and other key attributes.
     NZero’s machine learning algorithms then predict:

   • Pollution levels

   • Compliance with climate standards

   • Potential regulatory fines

By automating emissions data collection and modeling, NZero eliminates manual processes and enables organizations to act quickly and confidently.

What’s Next: The Carbon Accounting Revolution

NZero is part of the rapidly emerging Carbon Accounting meta trend, driven by increasing regulatory pressures and climate commitments.

• Exploding Demand: Search volume for “carbon accounting” has grown 8X over the last five years, while searches for “carbon accounting software” have surged by 6,200%.

• Regulatory Push: As climate disclosure regulations tighten, 23 states and Washington D.C. have now adopted greenhouse gas reduction targets. Enterprises must implement systems to track and report emissions data accurately to:

  • Meet climate goals

  • Avoid regulatory fines

The overall carbon accounting market is forecasted to surpass $100 billion by 2032, positioning it as a critical growth sector.

Leading Startups in Carbon Accounting

Alongside NZero, several other innovative startups are transforming how businesses track and manage their carbon footprints:

1. Emitwise
   Emitwise helps companies measure and reduce their carbon emissions with real-time tracking and supply chain analytics.

2. Persefoni
   Persefoni provides an enterprise-grade carbon accounting platform designed to simplify compliance with climate disclosure regulations.

3. Greenly
   Greenly offers user-friendly tools for businesses of all sizes to monitor emissions, comply with standards, and implement sustainability initiatives.

The Path Ahead

As climate regulations intensify and enterprises prioritize decarbonization, tools like NZero are becoming indispensable. By delivering real-time, AI-powered insights, carbon accounting platforms enable organizations to take meaningful steps toward sustainability, compliance, and long-term ROI.

Trend #4 Baselane

Baselane is a comprehensive financial software platform designed to simplify and centralize the financial operations of property managers and landlords. By combining banking, accounting, insurance, and rent collection into a single tool, Baselane empowers users to manage rental properties more efficiently and profitably.

Key Features of Baselane

1. Integrated Financial Management

   • Property managers can set up operating accounts for individual properties and units, keeping finances organized and transparent.

2. Automated Rent Collection

   • Baselane automates rent payments with features like:

     • Tenant reminders to reduce late payments.

     • Recurring payments for hassle-free collections.

   • Growing demand for solutions like this is clear: Search volume for “rent payment app” has more than doubled in the past two years.

3. Competitive Banking Benefits

   • Deposits made to Baselane accounts can earn up to 3.56% APY, offering property owners a way to grow their funds while managing cash flow.

4. Scale and Adoption

   • Baselane’s platform now manages over 40,000 properties, highlighting its strong adoption among landlords and property managers.

What’s Next: The Rise of Property Management Tech

Baselane is part of the rapidly growing Property Management Tech meta trend, which addresses the increasing need for smarter, more efficient tools to manage rental properties.

Market Opportunity

• Rental Demand: Nearly 35% of all occupied housing units in the U.S. are rented, equating to over 45 million units.

• Property Management Sector: With more than 296,000 property management businesses in the U.S., the demand for technology-driven solutions is rising.

The Broader Proptech Landscape

Property management tools like Baselane are part of the proptech industry, which is projected to reach $32 billion by 2030. These solutions enable property managers to:

• Reduce overhead costs

• Streamline operations

• Maximize profitability

Other Trending Property Management Platforms

1. Innago
   A property management platform that simplifies rent collection, tenant screening, and lease management for small to mid-sized landlords.

2. RentRedi
   RentRedi offers tools for rent collection, tenant applications, and maintenance management, all within a user-friendly mobile interface.

3. Pandaloc
   Pandaloc focuses on automation, helping landlords manage properties with features like automated leasing workflows and financial tracking.

The Future of Property Management

With the growing demand for rental properties and increasing pressures on property managers to operate efficiently, platforms like Baselane are essential. By integrating financial tools, automating processes, and offering banking benefits, Baselane—and similar solutions—are shaping the future of property management tech, helping landlords scale their businesses with ease.

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