13 Startups from Y Combinator Demo Day to Watch Closely

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 45 seconds

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Quick Read: Y Combinator’s Demo Day showcased promising startups from its latest cohort, with AI-driven solutions dominating the spotlight across industries from clinical trials to airport logistics.

Y Combinator kicked off its highly anticipated two-day Demo Day event, showcasing the latest batch of startups from its S24 cohort. As expected, AI-driven innovations took center stage, with startups applying artificial intelligence to diverse sectors such as estate planning, clinical trials, and customs clearance. Notably absent were traditional fintech and web3 companies that once dominated previous YC cohorts. Instead, a range of futuristic AI applications stood out, showing the direction tech is heading.

Here are 13 standout startups from Day 1 of Demo Day, many of which are leveraging AI to solve critical issues:

1. Azalea Robotics Corporation – Automates baggage handling at airports using robotics.
This startup’s solution could revolutionize airport operations by replacing dangerous manual labor with robots.

2. Baseline AI – Automates clinical trial documentation with AI.
By speeding up clinical trials, Baseline AI aims to reduce costs and accelerate the development of new treatments.

3. Elayne – AI-powered estate planning and settlements.
Elayne makes estate planning more accessible, using AI to simplify what can be a complex and emotional process.

4. Hamming AI – Automated testing for AI voice agents.
With customer service AI booming, Hamming AI helps ensure these systems are functioning optimally.

5. Lumen Orbit – Data centers in space powered by solar energy.
A futuristic approach to cloud storage, harnessing the sun’s power to drive data centers.

6. Ontra Mobility – Helps cities optimize public transit.
Ontra Mobility provides smarter solutions to improve city transit, addressing growing urban population needs.

7. Passage – AI-assisted customs clearance.
Passage eases the complex process of getting goods through customs with AI, a valuable tool for logistics companies.

8. Promi – AI-driven price optimization for e-commerce.
Promi uses real-time data to help businesses offer dynamic discounts, enhancing customer engagement.

9. RetroFix AI – TurboTax for government building rebates.
RetroFix helps unlock government rebates for contractors, promoting sustainable building practices.

10. SchemeFlow – Automates government approvals for construction projects.
SchemeFlow uses AI to drastically reduce the time it takes for construction companies to obtain technical approvals.

11. Simplex – Creates synthetic datasets for vision models.
By providing quality data, Simplex helps AI companies avoid legal issues related to unauthorized data scraping.

12. Spaceium Inc. – A network of in-space refueling stations.
As the space industry expands, Spaceium’s refueling stations are set to support the growing demand for in-space operations.

13. Village Labs – Helps companies transition to employee ownership.
Village Labs empowers businesses to become employee-owned, fostering wealth creation and mutual benefits.

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Inicio AI Raises £2.6M in Seed Round to Scale AI-Powered Financial Platform

Inicio AI, a Coventry-based fintech innovator, has raised £2.6 million in seed funding to fuel growth and roll out its FCA-regulated consumer affordability platform.

The funding round was supported by a consortium of high-profile investors, including Rigby Group, Morgan Stanley, Haatch Ventures, Angel Academe, Mint Ventures, and a number of individual angel investors. It also includes a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital.

The raise follows Inicio AI’s recent win at Birmingham Tech Week’s OneToWin pitch competition, where it earned recognition for Budgie AI, its intelligent virtual agent designed to help individuals better manage their finances.

The funds will be used to scale the company’s operations, including the launch of the UK’s first FCA-regulated specialist consumer affordability passporting service. This innovation will allow consumers to share verified affordability data with third parties, streamlining financial assessments across sectors.

The company also plans to grow its West Midlands headquarters, adding new talent in tech and data roles to support ongoing development.

Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI, commented:

“This investment, alongside our OneToWin recognition, represents a major milestone. It enables us to enhance our technology, scale our impact, and help more people take control of their financial future while improving efficiency for lenders.”

The WMCO, jointly launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Pension Fund, aims to back high-growth SMEs driving innovation and economic growth in the region through matched equity investment of up to £1 million.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said:

“Inicio AI is a fantastic example of regional innovation. With the right investment and support, local companies like this can launch groundbreaking solutions that improve lives and grow our economy.”

Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and Fund Principal of WMCO, added:

“Inicio AI’s cutting-edge approach to affordability assessments is reshaping how the financial sector operates. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

By Anushka Malhotra

16 Apr

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