Some startups and investors are more risk-averse than others

Startups showed risk variability: WeTransfer layoffs, Neurode's innovations, substantial fundraises by Formo, and regulatory challenges.

: This week highlighted the diverse approaches to risk among startups. Major events included significant layoffs at WeTransfer by Bending Spoons and Neurode's advancements in ADHD treatment. Key fundraises involved Formo’s $61 million and Neat's €50 million. Regulatory challenges in the U.S. also surfaced, emphasizing the importance of compliance.

This week underscored the variability in risk-taking across the startup ecosystem. Bending Spoons, based in Italy, is laying off 75% of WeTransfer's staff, following similar patterns at Evernote, Filmic, and Meetup. Meanwhile, Neurode in Sydney is pioneering an ADHD treatment headband and aims for FDA approval.

Significant fundraises were announced, including Berlin's Formo with a $61 million Series B to expand its dairy-free cheese production. Frankfurt's Qualifyze raised $54 million to enhance its supply chain analytics for pharmaceutical firms, and Paris-based Neat secured €50 million to grow its embedded insurance offerings.

Additionally, London VC firm Atomico raised $1.24 billion across two funds focusing on Series A to pre-IPO investments. Challenges also emerged as U.S. startups face state-level legal complexities, highlighting the necessity of compliance measures such as software and legal expertise.

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