Ex-Google DeepMind founders raised $2B at $8B valuation in 12 months.

Reflection AI secured one of the largest open-source AI funding rounds ever. Brooklyn-based startup building superintelligent models to rival Meta's Llama.

• $2B Series B led by NVIDIA, B Capital, Citi
• Eric Schmidt's family office participated
• Total funding: $2.13B in just over 1 year

How they did it:
• Left with proven AI research credentials
• Positioned as open-source alternative to closed labs
• Built credible team from top AI institutions
• Attracted strategic investors needing open ecosystem
• Perfect timing: market wants AI democratization

Takeaway: Technical credibility + strategic positioning + timing = massive early funding.

https://techstartups.com/2025/10/09/top-startup-and-tech-funding-news-october-9-2025/

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