Wonderful raises $550M, Mykhailo Fedorov's new defencetech investment fund, and Londoners can now hail AVs (with safety drivers)

This week, over 50 significant tech funding deals worth more than €4.6 billion were tracked, alongside additional 10 exits, mergers and acquisitions across Europe. For those who prefer email updates, a newsletter version is available for a more comprehensive take on these developments.

One noteworthy investment is the $550 million raised by AI startup Wonderful, bringing its valuation to an impressive $5 billion. Additionally, Mykhailo Fedorov, a former Ukraine defence minister, is set to launch a new defense technology investment fund.

British Business Bank has committed to providing up to £46 million in funding for Zinc's new deeptech fund, while Uplift Ventures has launched a €100 million fund to back European deeptech startups. Furthermore, Cummins has joined Emerald Technology Ventures as a limited partner to support industrial innovation.

Meanwhile, in other important news, European tech funding saw a 63% decrease in August as dealmaking slowed. Londoners can now hail Wayve autonomous vehicles through Uber, while the Netherlands has been identified as the top-funded tech hub in H1 2026.

Lastly, recommended reads and listens include insights on maintaining human cognition in the age of AI, AIRMo's focus on methane leaks, and the scientist-founder's innovative approach to making language learning more engaging. Additionally, European tech startups to keep an eye on include Instarc, Cleean, Rightcharge, Stellar Alpina, and Hiasynth.