Together with

Good Morning,

VC Lerer Hippeau and Litquidity are bringing together an exclusive group of founders, backers, and operators for an evening of drinks, music, and light bites on Friday, August 22 in East Hampton, New York. Some invaluable conversations, especially if you're a founder. RSVP here.

Planful's latest survey reveals insights from finance leaders on the top priorities shaping finance transformation in 2025, including the use of AI, team consolidation, and more. It's a valuable read.

Let's dive in.

Before The Bell

As of 8/11/2025 market close.

Click here to learn more about the Litquidity portfolios and subscribe to the strategies on Autopilot.*

Markets

Earnings

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Prediction Markets

  • Trade your predictions on a range of events, only on Kalshi. Sign up with code LIT and get a $20 bonus when you trade $100.

Headline Roundup

A Message from Planful

You're being asked to guide strategy, deliver clarity, and drive growth—all while navigating nonstop change.

But are you getting the insights you need to lead with confidence?

In The Next Era of Finance: 2025 Global Finance Survey, 450+ finance leaders share what you've likely felt:

  • Your role is no longer just about numbers, it's about shaping the future.

  • AI is changing the game, and you need to stay ahead of it.

  • Planning is now a team sport: faster, smarter, and always on.

You don't need more noise — your team needs data that validates your instincts and fuels your next bold move. This isn't just a trends report. It's a blueprint for leaders like you to shift from reacting to redefining.

See how your peers are doing it and how you can, too.

Read the Survey

Deal Flow

M&A / Investments

VC

  • Rare-earth magnet startup Vulcan Elements raised a $65M round at a $250M valuation by Altimeter Capital

  • AI materials science startup Periodic Labs raised a $200M round at a $1.2B valuation led by a16z (TFN)

  • Aira, a clean energy tech company focused on heating, raised a $174M round led by Altor, Kallskär, Kinnevik, Lingotto, and Temasek (TFN)

  • beatBread, a music funding platform, raised $124M from Citi, Deciens Capital, Mucker Capital, and Advantage Capital (PULSE)

  • Indian generic drug startup Truemeds raised an $85M round at a $400M+ valuation, led by Accel (TC)

  • Softwear Automation, a startup building autonomous sewing technology, raised a $20M Series B-1 led by Danish fashion company BESTSELLER (PRN)

  • Novig, a peer-to-peer sports prediction market, raised an $18M Series A led by Forerunner (PRN)

  • Nigerian food delivery startup Chowdeck raised a $9M Series A led by Novastar Ventures (TC)

  • Cuttable, an AI creative agency, raised a $4.5M seed extension led by Square Peg (SAAS)

  • EDGX, a startup building AI-powered edge computers for satellites, raised a $2.6M seed round led by imec.istart future fund and the Flanders Future Tech Fund

IPO / Direct Listings / Issuances / Block Trades

SPAC

Debt

Bankruptcy / Restructuring / Distressed

Fundraising / Secondaries

Crypto Sum Snapshot

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Check out our Crypto Sum newsletter for the full stories on everything crypto!

Exec’s Picks

  • AI is no longer just disrupting workflows – it's redefining how entire industries operate. That was a key takeaway from Mizuho's 2025 Technology Conference in New York City which brought together over 60 leading technology companies and nearly 300 investors.

    Hear more.

  • There real marker of wealth that separates the 0.1% from the 1% is really just your mode of travel. Check out what WSJ has to say.

Finance & Startup Recruiting 💼

Litney Partners

If you're a junior banker looking for your next career move, check out our recruiting firm, Litney Partners. Established by Litquidity and Whitney Partners (the oldest purely financial services executive search and consulting firm), Litney Partners has placed strong candidates across leading firms spanning private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, growth equity, private credit, investment banking, and fintech. Head over to our website to drop your resume / create your profile and we'd love to get in touch!

We are able to move faster than most firms due to our paralleled reach, decades of industry expertise, and ability to attract top caliber candidates.

Next Play

If you're down bad, realizing finance isn't for you, and/or are curious to explore the world of startups (BizOps, chief of staff, strategic finance, etc.), fill out this form. Next Play reviews every submission and will reach out to schedule a 1:1 video call if they think they can be helpful as your own, personal startup matchmaker. They’ve grown their community to over 50k talented individuals and have strong relationships across the tech ecosystem.

Meme Cleanser

🛒 Merch Store: Visit our merch store to shop our latest apparel, shoes, bags, accessories and more. 

💵 Litquidity Ventures: Accredited investors & qualified purchasers within the Litquidity community can gain access to alternative investments such as venture, late-stage growth, and private equity through Litquidity Ventures. Interested? Fill out this form.

☎️ Book a call with Lit: Want to pick Litquidity's brain on business advice, insights, or just chat to say what's up? Buy his time here.

📧 Launch your own newsletter: Have great content ideas and looking to launch your own publication? We highly recommend Beehiiv to get started.

*DISCLAIMER: Investment advice provided by Autopilot Advisers, LLC ("Autopilot"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing carries risks, including loss of principal. As always, be smart out there. Litquidity is compensated to promote AutoPilot. Compensation details available upon request.