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European startup funding recorded its strongest quarter in four years, reaching $25 billion in the third quarter of 2026, a 77% year-over-year increase. Artificial intelligence companies accounted for 75% of the funding, while activity expanded beyond the United Kingdom to include Germany, France and other European markets.
Ryan Breslow is trying to rescue payments processing company Bolt through bridge financing of up to $27 million, including a personal contribution of $5 million and a provision requiring investors to participate to protect their stakes. The move comes after the company’s valuation fell from $11 billion to approximately $300 million and its headcount was reduced from 900 to roughly 60.