Latest news with #unicorn
Globe and Mail
19 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
AI Professionals University Announces Series B Funding Round at $50 Million Valuation, Targets Elite Investors in AI Sector
Orlando, FL - 2nd Jun, 2025 - AI Professionals University (AIPU), also known as AI Pro University, the world's fastest-growing AI education platform, is proud to announce the launch of its Series B funding round. The company is seeking to raise between $10 to $15 million at a $50 million valuation and is extending invitations exclusively to investors who have a proven track record of backing unicorn AI companies. Founded in 2024 by internet marketing and technology visionary Samuel Stewart Blake, AI Professionals University has become a force in the artificial intelligence education space, serving thousands of students with a cutting-edge curriculum, practical certifications, and an ever-evolving library of automation tools. In just over a year, AIPU has scaled rapidly, completing its first round of funding from private investors and now accelerating toward becoming a dominant player in AI training and certification. "This second round is not about capital alone — it's about aligning with visionaries who understand the future of AI and education," said founder and CEO Samuel Stewart Blake. "We're inviting partners who have successfully scaled unicorns in the AI sector because we believe AI education is the next great transformation in human productivity." The Vision Behind AI Professionals University AI Professionals University was built on the belief that artificial intelligence should be accessible to everyone — not just software engineers or Silicon Valley insiders. In 2025, the company surpassed 5,000 enrolled students, all served by a single, powerful certification program focused on AI and ChatGPT mastery, containing over 150 learning modules. AIPU's success rate stands at over 90%, with the vast majority of students completing the program and going on to apply their AI skills in their careers or businesses. The company's mission is to become the world's go-to destination for AI certification and ChatGPT certification — offering powerful education in a format that's fast, clear, and actionable. Series B Goals and Investor Outreach With the Series B raise now open, AI Professionals University is targeting elite investors. The team has contacted prestigious venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Andy Dunn of Red Swan Ventures and is in the process of scheduling meetings, among many other potential investor conversations. While AIPU has been approached by several interested parties, the company is taking a deliberate and selective approach to ensure alignment with its long-term vision. Out of the $10–$15 million being raised, $1 million will be reinvested directly into expanding the educational program, including new modules, interactive features, and certification tracks. An additional $2 million is earmarked for talent acquisition, with a goal to build a team of 50 employees, including at least 20 AI specialists dedicated to researching new tools and creating updated training for the AIPU student community. "We're not just scaling a platform — we're building an AI training ecosystem," said Blake. "This funding allows us to continue innovating while ensuring our students always get the most up-to-date and useful education possible." Backing from Internet Marketing Elite AIPU's growth has been supercharged by the involvement of one of the most respected investors in the internet marketing world. Though currently unnamed, this investor has provided capital and strategic insight, helping the company scale its reach, advertising effectiveness, and overall market presence. "In under 18 months, AI Professionals University has built something unique — it's not just another course platform, it's a full-stack AI education experience," said the investor. "There's massive potential for global impact here." Preparing for Global Reach AI Pro University is now planning its global expansion. The Series B funds will support the translation of the certification into multiple languages, as well as the development of its flagship mobile app, expected to launch on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by Q4 2025. "We're building the Coursera of AI," Blake said. "Except instead of six-month degrees, we give you results in a week." Results and Momentum In 2024 and 2025 combined, AIPU has: Gained 5,000+ enrolled students Released one high-impact ChatGPT certification program with 150+ modules Achieved a 90%+ success rate among students Built a thriving affiliate and educator community Maintained over 70% monthly member retention Their training covers ChatGPT mastery, AI automation agents, business tools, lead generation, ad copywriting, customer service AI, and more. With low entry barriers and highly practical content, AI Professionals University has quickly become the preferred choice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to adapt to the AI revolution. Staying Private and Purpose-Driven AI Professionals University is committed to remaining a private company. "We believe in maintaining autonomy so we can make decisions that serve our students — not shareholders," said Blake. "Going public isn't part of our roadmap. Our mission comes first." The long-term vision is to certify over 1 million students by 2027, making AIPU the global leader in hands-on AI certification and ChatGPT training. Join the Movement The Series B round is more than a fundraising initiative — it's an invitation to help shape the future of education. AI Pro University is calling on proven AI investors to partner in building a world where AI tools are not feared — they're mastered and used to create abundance. Interested investors with AI unicorn experience can contact kenneth@ About AI Professionals University Founded in 2024 by Samuel Stewart Blake, AI Professionals University (AIPU) — also known as AI Pro University — is the world's fastest-growing AI certification platform. With a mission to make AI accessible, the company offers expert-led training, powerful tools, and real-world certifications. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, AIPU currently serves over 5,000 students with one of the most comprehensive ChatGPT and AI certification programs on the market. Media Contact Company Name: AI Professionals University Contact Person: kenneth Gomez Email: Send Email Phone: +1 888-464-5168 Address: 5036 Dr Phillips Blvd, Unit #5224 City: Orlando State: FL 32819 Country: United States Website:
Finextra
a day ago
- Business
- Finextra
UK fintech Tide eyes unicorn status
Tide, the UK-based business banking fintech, is reportedly in talks about a funding deal that would make it the UK's next unicorn. 1 This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community. According to Sky News, Tide is in advanced talks with Apis Partners, a UK-based fintech investor, about a new funding deal that would see its valuation rise above $1bn. Apis has previously invested in UK fintechs such as digital wealth manager Moneybox and digital payments infrastructure provider Thunes, as well as a number of investments in India which is Tide's biggest market besides the UK. The fintech has more than 650,000 SME customers in both India and the UK.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
B.C. utility pole covered in positive messages created by mystery person wearing a unicorn mask
Adam finds out the mystery behind a utility pole showcasing artistic hearts that's connected to a unicorn cultivating kindness
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Billion-Dollar Ascent of Prateek Suri: From Delhi Grit to Pan-African Power
From bootstrapping a small software company in India to building one of Africa's most influential business empires, luck, resilience, and an unyielding vision have defined Suri's rise. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Born in Delhi, educated at Modern School, and later BITS Pilani, Dubai, Prateek Suri's journey to becoming Africa's youngest billionaire is nothing short of remarkable. From bootstrapping a small software company in India to building one of Africa's most influential business empires, luck, resilience, and an unyielding vision have defined his rise. Today, he is often portrayed as the richest Indian in Africa, the "Technology Tiger" of the continent, and the mastermind behind Maser, Africa's 7th unicorn. After college, with no capital but a mind full of ambition, Suri launched a software company in India. Software was the only business he could start without substantial investment. But business was in his blood—his father and grandfather were electronics entrepreneurs, and the pull of that legacy was too strong. Using his initial profits, he ventured into consumer electronics, aiming to bring affordability and accessibility to emerging markets. Then came the first great setback—regulatory upheavals and market instability in India wiped out much of his investment. Rather than give up, he pivoted, moving operations to Dubai, the business capital of the Gulf. It was here that fate played its hand. A large shipment of electronics in Dubai unexpectedly found its way to Africa. As Suri tracked the sale, he realized he had accidentally stumbled upon one of the world's most underserved but high-potential markets. Africa was hungry for quality, affordable consumer electronics, and Suri saw an opportunity that no one else did. Thus began his relentless push to democratize access to technology across Africa. Maser, his consumer electronics brand, became a household name. His venture didn't just grow—it exploded, turning into Africa's 7th unicorn, securing multi-billion-dollar valuations, and making Suri the youngest billionaire on the continent. By 2024, Maser caught the attention of global investors and other prominent Asian funds acquired a significant stake, pushing Suri's net worth to the north of US$1.4 billion. He didn't stop at electronics—his holding company, MDR Investments, began dominating mining, AI, infrastructure, and shipping. His ambition had outgrown Africa; he set his eyes on global market. From navigating the struggles of a regulatory upheaval in the Indian market to taking risks in an unknown continent, Prateek Suri's rise is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and vision. As his family office spreads its influence across global markets, one thing is certain: Prateek Suri is not just building companies—he's shaping industries. And just like luck played its part in his journey, it will take a far greater force to stop him now.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Who are Oliver & Alexander Kent-Brabham? Millionaire Marshmallow car insurance CEOs who began selling golf balls aged 12
BRIT twin entrepreneurs Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham founded Marshmallow in their 20s and initially ran it using free wi-fi out of a Virgin Active gym. The pioneering fintech insurance company was valued at around £1.5 billion in 2025 — here's everything you need to know. 2 Who are the Kent-Braham twins? Oliver and Alexander Kent-Braham co-founded Marshmallow — a pioneering car insurance fintech company that has achieved unicorn status. Fintechs are companies that rely primarily on technology and cloud services to provide financial services, rather than physical locations. And in the context of venture capital and startups, "unicorn status" refers to a private company valued at over $1 billion. Oliver and Alexander were featured in the 2025 Rich List, ranking seventh on the 40 Under 40 list with an estimated wealth of £704 million. The brothers were the biggest insurance climbers on the list, highlighting their rapid rise among the UK's wealthiest youngsters. Selling golf balls at 12 Oliver and Alexander began their entrepreneurial journey early, selling golf balls they retrieved from a lake by the age of 12. Educated at Reed's School in Surrey, where they were talented tennis players — even representing Great Britain at under-16 level — the twins eventually shifted their focus from sports to technology and finance — particularly fintech. They identified a significant gap in the UK insurance market — the difficult "riskier" groups such as young drivers, or those with low credit scores, face when trying to get affordable car insurance. In 2017, Oliver and Alexander founded Marshmallow alongside chief technology officer (CTO) David Goaté and industry veteran Tim Holliday, who's now the CEO of the company, The company was initially run from the lobby of a Virgin Active gym, where their vision of using advanced data science and technology to offer fairer pricing and coverage came to life. In 2021, Oliver told the BBC: "We were all members of Virgin Active gym. It had wi-fi, coffee and a location on The Strand!" He added: "If we were going to start again we would look to raise capital sooner, because before you raise capital you don't have the confidence to take the next step. 2 "It was literally Tim Holliday, David, Alexander and myself for nine months. Tim joined our company not taking a salary." Their next step was to raise capital to grow the business. Oliver said: "Venture capitalists hold the keys to starting new companies. "You have to have a mutual acquaintance to even speak to many funders and that needs to change," Marshmallow quickly grew, attracting over 100,000 users early on and expanding its team significantly. The company has gone on to raise substantial venture capital funding, including an $85 million (£63 million) Series B round in 2021, which valued it at $1.25 billion (930 million), before a $90 million (67 million) funding round in 2025 that nearly doubled its valuation to $2 billion (£1.5 billion). The Kent-Braham twins have become notable figures not only for their business success, but also for their role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the fintech and insurtech sectors, which have been often been viewed as traditionally conservative.
