AI That Remembers, Milk That Foams, Journals That Heal

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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: Plaud AI – Hands-Free Productivity Through Voice

Plaud AI is bringing a new wave of convenience to voice capture with its AI-powered recording tools. Its flagship product, the Plaud Note, is a slim, magnetic-backed device that clips onto your phone and records calls, meetings, and voice memos. The real power lies in the software—users get real-time transcription, AI-generated summaries, mind maps, and action items, all synced directly to an app.

The startup’s second product, the NotePin, offers the same smart functionality in a much smaller, wearable form. Since launching in 2021, Plaud AI has attracted over 500,000 users. The device currently brings in $580K/month on Amazon and offers both free and pro subscription tiers.

Plaud AI is part of the fast-growing AI Transcription meta trend, where search volume has surged over 250% in the last two years. Tools like Otter.ai, MeetGeek, Sonix AI, and Fireflies AI are revolutionizing productivity across virtual meetings and workplace collaboration—offering searchable transcripts, voice insights, and near-instant results. As more teams embrace remote work and asynchronous communication, voice-to-text AI is quickly becoming a daily utility.

Trend #2: Sproud Milk – Plant-Based Perfection for Coffee Lovers

Sproud Milk is carving out a niche in the alt-dairy world by leaning into sustainability and specialty coffee. Made from yellow split peas, this Swedish startup’s milk is low in sugar but high in protein—and designed to foam beautifully in espresso drinks. Their barista blend has become especially popular in cafes and among coffee aficionados.

Sproud now exports to 30 countries and became the first food brand to earn ISO 26000 sustainability verification. The startup has five milk variants and continues to expand its global footprint.

Sproud is riding the wave of the Barista Milk meta trend, which is redefining plant-based dairy through a specialty coffee lens. Barista milks typically feature higher fat content and improved frothing ability, and new entrants like Táche (pistachio) and Bored Cow (fermented whey) are helping push the category beyond soy and oat. In 2025 and beyond, expect more innovation in texture, sustainability, and alt-dairy functionality—especially as baristas and consumers demand milks that both taste and perform like dairy.

Trend #3: Tranexamic Acid Serum – The Brightening Breakout Star

Tranexamic acid serum is quickly becoming a staple in skincare routines targeting uneven skin tone. Derived from the amino acid lysine, tranexamic acid inhibits melanin production and reduces redness—making it ideal for treating melasma, dark spots, and post-acne discoloration.

Most serums contain 2–5% concentrations and are often paired with ingredients like niacinamide for enhanced brightening. Search interest in “tranexamic acid skincare” has doubled over the past two years as consumers seek non-irritating alternatives to traditional chemical exfoliants.

This surge ties directly into the Hyperpigmentation Serums meta trend, a fast-rising segment powered by social media and skincare influencers. With over 110M views on TikTok’s #darkspotserum, consumers are exploring ingredients like azelaic, kojic, mandelic, and glycolic acid—each offering different routes to clearer, more even-toned skin. Expect continued product innovation and strong market demand as brightening solutions become core components of everyday skincare routines.

Trend #4: Junk Journaling – A Creative Rebellion Against Digital Life

Junk journaling is a personalized, hands-on scrapbooking trend rooted in self-expression and analog creativity. Journalers typically start with a notebook or repurposed book and fill it with meaningful “junk”—everything from old receipts and ticket stubs to magazine cutouts, dried flowers, and handwritten notes. It’s less about perfection and more about memory, mindfulness, and emotional connection.

On TikTok, junk journaling videos routinely pull in millions of views. Many users say the hobby helps them reduce stress, reconnect with their offline lives, and express themselves without pressure.

This creative outlet is part of the broader Hands-On Hobbies meta trend, which is seeing a resurgence in arts and crafts like crochet, tufting, and air-dry clay sculpting. As screen fatigue grows and people seek mindful escapes, these tactile hobbies are becoming digital detox tools—and increasingly, revenue-generating content categories. Platforms are beginning to embrace and monetize DIY creators in new ways, making hobbies like junk journaling a crossover between wellness, art, and entrepreneurship.

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Last Week’s Poll Results 📈

Which Trend Excites You The Most?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Deepgram (1)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Kickfin (3)

🟩🟩⬜️⬜️⬜️ Mullein Leaf (5)

🟩🟩⬜️⬜️⬜️Microinverters (5)

14 Votes