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We got hacked.

Yep, you read that right. We got hacked. A month+ offline and plenty of emails to Gmail later… we’re back!

Last time we hit your inbox, drones were flying GPS-free and 20-year-olds were building weapons of mass destruction. Yep, you also read that right. What the f*ck is going on with the world?

In case you forgot: The FOMO Report breaks down the craziest recent startup news, wins, fails all in a quick, easy-to-read summary. Plus a cheeky meme break and a startup idea that might just make you a millionaire (no guarantees tho).

Let’s get into this issue.

Heron Power: Solid-State Grid Boxes ⚡
($38M Raised)

Founded: 2024 by Drew Baglino
Backers: Capricorn, Breakthrough Energy, Energy Impact Partners, Gigascale, Valor, JB Straubel, Zach Kirkhorn

You know those big green boxes on the street that help move electricity around? They’re called transformers. Problem is they’re huge, outdated, and there’s a worldwide shortage. No transformers = no new solar farms, EV chargers, or battery systems. Heron’s new version is smaller, cheaper, and can handle modern energy. It also installs way faster meaning fewer delays and more clean energy coming online. First installs are set for 2027 and major energy players are already on board.

Why It Matters:
Without these upgrades, entire energy projects are stuck waiting years. Heron’s boxes could speed up the whole transition.

Buildots: Hard-Hat Cameras Track Everything 👷‍♂️
($45M Raised)

Founded: 2018 by Roy Danon, Aviv Leibovici & Yakir Sudry
Backers: Qumra Capital, OG Ventures, TLV Partners, Poalim Equity, Future Energy Ventures, Viola Growth

Construction sites still run on gut feel and scattered reports. Buildots straps a 360° camera to the manager’s helmet and turns the footage into a full site dashboard. Managers can track what’s built, what’s behind, and what’s about to go wrong. The AI can even forecast delays before they happen. Intel and 50+ other firms are already using it and Buildots is now expanding hard in North America.

Why It Matters:
Construction delays cost billions. This lets managers catch problems early — and actually finish on time.

 🔥 MEME BREAK 🔥

Horizon3.ai: Hack Yourself First 🛡️
($100M Raise in Progress)

Founded: 2019 by Snehal Antani & Anthony Pillitiere
Backers: NEA (lead), at least $73M closed so far

Most companies only test their security once a year. But hackers? they attack constantly. Horizon3 built bots that attack your systems 24/7, spot real weaknesses, and tell you how to fix them fast. They just got clearance to sell to U.S. federal agencies, are growing 100%+ per year, and pulling ~$30M in revenue. In a world of AI-powered cyberattacks, this kind of “always-on defense” is becoming a must-have.

Why It Matters:
Companies can’t afford to be caught off guard. Horizon3’s bots help them stay one step ahead.

Litehaus: Uber for Homebuilding 🏠
(€1.46M Raised)

Founded: 2024 by Thibault & Simi Launay
Backers: Cornerstone VC, Explorer Fund, Claster Group, Pascal Levy

Thibault and Simi tried building their dream house. The result? 14 months late, massive budget overruns, pure chaos. So they built Litehaus. A platform that connects landowners with modular builders, architects, and contractors, and tracks the entire project in real time. Why modular? It’s 30% cheaper, 40% faster, and 60% greener than old-school building. Litehaus is starting in Europe but already eyeing the U.S. next.

Why It Matters:
Housing is broken across Europe. A faster, cheaper, greener way to build? Massive demand and room to scale.

💡 Startup Idea of the Week: Refund Racer 🏎️

Ever tried getting a refund from an airline, hotel, or shady online store? It’s a nightmare. Refund Racer uses AI to scan your inbox, find refund opportunities, auto-fill claims, chase them up and even handle chargebacks. You keep a % of whatever it recovers.

Why It Works:
Billions in refunds go unclaimed because people give up. Automate it, take a cut and watch it go viral (“this AI got me $482 back in 3 clicks”).

Verdict:
Someone builds this, lands a Stripe deal, sells for $30M+.

Soooo… what are you waiting for?

📢 One Last Thing!

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Thanks for reading.

See you next week. Same time. Same place.

— The FOMO Report