Explore how Thermal Batteries, Shield AI, Biodance Collagen Masks, and Fervo Energy are driving breakthroughs in energy, defense, beauty, and renewables.

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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: Thermal Batteries

Thermal batteries are an innovative energy storage technology that converts electricity into heat, storing that heat for future use. This process typically involves heating materials like bricks, salt, or sand to high temperatures, allowing them to act as thermal reservoirs. When electricity is needed, the stored heat is converted back into power or used directly in industrial processes.

For instance, some thermal battery systems can achieve and sustain temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees Celsius for several days, making them particularly valuable for heat-intensive applications. Currently, the primary use of thermal batteries is in industrial sectors that require consistent high-temperature energy. However, their potential extends beyond industrial uses, with future applications on the main power grid as a promising avenue for renewable energy storage.

Market Trends and Growth

The thermal battery industry has seen significant investment and interest. Over the past year, venture capital funding for thermal battery startups surpassed $309 million, marking a more than 100% increase compared to the previous year. Among these startups, Antora Energy has garnered notable attention, with the company's search volume more than doubled in the last two years.

The Future of Thermal Batteries

Thermal batteries are part of a larger meta-trend focused on renewable energy storage. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent, robust storage systems are critical for ensuring consistent and reliable energy supply.

Recent data highlights the growing demand for energy storage solutions:

• In Q1 2024, 993 MW of grid-scale storage systems were installed, reflecting an 84% year-over-year increase.

• Projections indicate that by 2030, the capacity of large-scale battery storage will reach 98 GW, a staggering leap from just 1 GW in 2019.

Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate renewable energy storage. However, concerns about their sustainability, cost, and safety are driving the exploration of alternative solutions. Emerging technologies such as liquified green hydrogen, iron-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and thermal batteries are gaining traction as viable options for addressing these challenges.

With their scalability and efficiency, thermal batteries could play a pivotal role in transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid. As research and investment advance, their potential applications and impact will likely expand significantly.

Trend #2: Shield AI

Shield AI is a cutting-edge aerospace startup specializing in artificial intelligence tools for military applications. The company’s flagship innovation is a combat-ready, fully autonomous pilot capable of controlling aircraft without relying on GPS or human communication—a groundbreaking achievement in autonomous aviation technology.

The AI system developed by Shield AI is versatile and robust, capable of piloting various aircraft types, including fighter jets, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and indoor drones. This advanced capability positions Shield AI as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of AI-powered defense technologies.

Recent Achievements and Contracts

Shield AI’s technology has already gained significant traction with military and defense organizations. The U.S. Coast Guard recently awarded the company a $198 million contract to integrate its VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) systems into operations, underscoring the government’s confidence in its capabilities.

Financially, Shield AI is also making waves. The company’s latest funding round raised $300 million, bringing its total funding to $500 million and valuing it at $2.8 billion. Shield AI has announced plans to expand the reach of its AI pilot technology, aiming to integrate it into nine different types of aircraft shortly. Additionally, the company is exploring partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to scale further and deploy its technology across a broader spectrum of military and commercial aviation platforms.

The Future of AI Pilots

Shield AI is part of the broader AI Military Pilots meta trend, reshaping the future of defense and aerospace industries. Interest in AI pilot technology has surged, with search volume for "AI pilots" increasing by over 300% in the past two years.

The adoption of AI-powered systems in defense is accelerating. The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to deploy 1,000 AI-powered unmanned aircraft by 2028, reflecting the military’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance operational capabilities. As of mid-2024, venture capital investment in defense technology had surpassed $9 billion, emphasizing the sector’s rapid growth and innovation.

Other Players in the AI Pilot Space

Shield AI is not alone in advancing AI-powered solutions for military and defense applications. Several other startups are making strides in this space:

• Anduril Industries: Known for autonomous weapons systems, Anduril provides AI-powered VTOLs, autonomous aerial vehicles, and underwater drones to clients in 10 countries, including the U.S. and Ukraine.

• Applied Intuition: A leader in autonomous vehicle software, the company now focuses on developing, training, and testing AI systems for aerospace applications.

• Scale AI: Specializes in AI-driven data solutions, offering tools for military surveillance, intelligence, and autonomous vehicles.

• Beacon AI: Offers an AI copilot solution that enhances aircraft operations by optimizing safety, efficiency, and route planning.

What’s Next?

The development and deployment of AI-powered pilots represent a pivotal shift in modern defense strategies. As concerns over human safety, efficiency, and operational cost drive innovation, technologies like Shield AI’s autonomous pilot systems are poised to transform both military and potentially commercial aviation. With growing interest, substantial funding, and increasing adoption by government and defense organizations, the future of AI pilots is taking off at an unprecedented pace.

Trend #3: Collagen Mask

Collagen masks are gel-based facial treatments designed to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These masks leverage the power of collagen, the body’s most abundant protein, which plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. However, collagen levels naturally decline at up to 1.5% per year due to aging, environmental pollutants, and sun exposure, leading to visible signs of aging.

Collagen masks are formulated with specialized types of collagen that are easily absorbed by the skin, offering targeted rejuvenation. In addition to collagen, these masks often include complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which boosts hydration, and niacinamide, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.

A Viral Skincare Phenomenon

Viral social media trends primarily drive the surge in popularity of collagen masks. One standout product is the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, which has captured the attention of millions on TikTok. The hashtag #biodancecollagenmask has been used in over 2,831 videos, with influencers and users showcasing its benefits.

This virality translates into significant commercial success. The Biodance collagen mask generates an estimated $1 million monthly sales on Amazon, highlighting its strong consumer demand.

The Rise of Overnight Beauty Treatments

Collagen masks are part of the broader Overnight Beauty Treatments meta trend, focusing on products designed for extended wear during sleep. This category is fueled by millions of social media posts showcasing the benefits of overnight skincare and haircare solutions. TikTok, in particular, has played a pivotal role in turning these treatments into viral sensations.

Other examples of trending overnight beauty products include:

• Wrinkle Patches: Adhesive or silicone-based patches are applied to the face overnight to prevent wrinkles and promote smoother skin.

• Overnight Exfoliating Treatments: Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), these treatments work overnight to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.

• Heatless Curlers: Silk-covered foam rods designed to create curls without heat. Worn like a headband, users can wake up with styled hair.

What’s Next?

The popularity of collagen masks and similar products reflects a growing consumer interest in convenient, effective beauty treatments. As social media platforms amplify user experiences and reviews, the market for overnight beauty solutions is expected to grow. With their blend of scientific innovation and viral appeal, Collagen masks will likely remain a key player in this evolving trend.

Trend #4: Fervo Energy

Fervo Energy is a pioneering geothermal energy startup leveraging cutting-edge directional drilling technology to revolutionize the renewable energy sector. By adapting techniques initially developed for the oil and gas industry, Fervo Energy can drill horizontally, creating multiple geothermal wells from a single location. This approach maximizes efficiency and reduces the overall environmental footprint of geothermal energy production.

Each geothermal well costs approximately $4.8 million to drill. Fervo plans to sell the resulting energy at a competitive rate of $100 per megawatt hour, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative in the renewable energy market. The company’s vision and innovation have attracted substantial investment, with $244 million raised in venture capital funding in early 2024.

How Geothermal Energy Works

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s natural heat to generate electricity. The process involves pumping cold water deep underground, heated by the Earth’s internal temperature. The resulting steam is used to power turbines, producing clean, renewable energy. This technology offers a reliable energy source, unaffected by weather conditions, and has the potential to play a significant role in decarbonizing the energy grid.

The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that geothermal energy could power over 65 million homes in the United States, highlighting its vast untapped potential. Currently, geothermal energy production is concentrated in eight U.S. states, but advancements like Fervo Energy’s directional drilling technology could expand its reach nationwide.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

Fervo Energy is at the forefront of the Geothermal Energy Systems meta-trend, gaining momentum as governments and private sectors seek sustainable energy alternatives. Key trends and projections in this space include:

• Cost Competitiveness: The DOE predicts that by 2030, the cost of geothermal energy will drop to approximately $60 per megawatt hour, making it comparable to solar and wind power.

• Significant Growth: Geothermal energy production in the U.S. is expected to increase twentyfold by 2050, driven by technological advancements and supportive policies.

• Global Impact: Geothermal energy is already a major contributor to clean energy in countries like Iceland, New Zealand, and Kenya, providing significant portions of the energy mix.

The Road Ahead for Fervo Energy

Fervo Energy’s innovations could unlock new possibilities for geothermal energy, making it a more accessible and scalable solution for renewable power generation. The company is poised to play a key role in the transition to a sustainable energy future by reducing costs and improving efficiency. As global demand for clean energy grows, Fervo Energy’s approach offers a promising path to harnessing the Earth’s geothermal resources on a larger scale.

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