Eclipse

In partnership with the US Army and RTX, we conducted a successful test flight of an advanced solid rocket motor. In this program, we went from concept and design to firing and flight on the range in just under four months, which is lightning fast. This is a key milestone for the rapid development of affordable and precise munitions. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gx6G_PfK

Instrumental Inc. is redefining electrification manufacturing with AI by helping customers reduce warranty and service costs, save engineering time, and increase first-pass yield. See how SolarEdge Technologies, a global leader in renewable energy, leverages Instrumental’s AI to proactively catch defects, pinpoint root causes, and drive improvements while delivering top-tier quality products worldwide: https://bit.ly/4gH7zGx

The $225B global freight forwarding industry operates mostly with little or no technology. Across the globe, over 100,000 different companies are charged with coordinating the dozens of tasks it takes to get goods from point A to point B. They are at the mercy of countless problems that can disrupt the supply chain, from port strikes to geopolitical tensions to the basic challenge of keeping up with shifting consumer demands. They need help. Enter Starboard, which is building the operating platform for global trade. We’re thrilled to announce Eclipse’s seed investment in the company, which will help freight forwarders get in front of problems. Starboard is already seeing great traction with customers because it is led by a team that’s been in their shoes. With founders Sumeet T. (who previously worked at Flexport and Maersk) and Junyu Yang (who brings 15+ years in AI/ML experience) at the helm, we’re excited to see Starboard transform this critical physical industry. More on today's news from Eclipse Partner Kaitlyn Glancy: https://bit.ly/3BnJIgj

Capstan Medical is on a mission to save the lives of millions of people with heart disease. To change the outlook for the #1 cause of death in the U.S., Capstan is taking a revolutionary approach: by merging surgical robotics, catheter-based technology, and next-generation implants to treat structural heart disease in a dramatically less invasive way. Capstan’s passionate team is devoted to creating a brighter future for millions. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, they are actively seeking talented individuals to join their team. Open roles include:   Senior or Staff Clinical Development Engineer: https://bit.ly/4isVern Staff or Principal Robotics Control Engineer: https://bit.ly/3BtPEEo Senior Software Engineer: https://bit.ly/3BrUUIF   You can apply for these roles and view Capstan’s other open careers here: https://bit.ly/4isbwAC 

Nvidia GPUs may be the brains behind much of today’s cloud-based AI boom, but Cerebras Systems is building an alternative platform around its technology, which packs 57 times more transistors into its CS-3 AI accelerator compared to GPUs. The company was recently recognized in Fast Company's 7 Next Big Things in Computing, Chips, and Foundational Technology list for "putting the super in supercomputer." For more: https://bit.ly/49AV8d9

It takes a rare combination of grit, determination, and unparalleled talent to attempt to change the treatment outlook for the #1 cause of death in America. That combination is exactly what Capstan Medical has under one roof, and that’s why the company has made incredible progress towards their goal to drastically improve outcomes for heart valve disease treatment with surgical robotics. Led by the legendary Dan Wallace and Maggie Nixon, Capstan has made major milestones with their first-of-its-kind, minimally invasive surgical device. Capstan is now primed for the next phase of testing, and Eclipse is proud to continue our partnership with the team by leading the company’s $110 million Series C round.  With this new funding, Capstan will continue growing the team and expand clinical and development work leading to upcoming pivotal trials. More than seven million people in the U.S. alone currently have heart valve disease, which is a complex condition that affects both the mitral valve and tricuspid valve – and for which few effective treatments exist. But because of Capstan, the future looks much brighter for patients. More on today's news from Fierce Biotech: https://bit.ly/3ZzybSS

The new U.S. administration plans to implement prohibitively high tariffs on Chinese exports and 20% tariffs across the board elsewhere. In 2018, similar tariffs drove brands to shift final assemblies to other regions, including greater Asia and Mexico. Join Instrumental Inc.’s webinar on 12/11 to learn lessons from 2018, strategies for managing tariffs, and recommendations for Operations leaders preparing for 2025. Register here: https://bit.ly/49slii6

In the future, everything that floats could be electric. That’s the mission of Arc, and they are well on their way to achieving that goal. Since launching in 2021, Arc has quickly established itself as the right team to transform the $432B marine transport industry. In just three years, Arc has introduced two consumer boats (Arc One and Art Sport), and they definitely aren't stopping there. This kind of rapid-fire progress gives the Eclipse team the confidence to believe Arc's innovations — spanning battery design, firmware, and infotainment — could even help accelerate the transformation of other sectors some day. Great to see this team’s hard work recognized in Fast Company’s list of the next big things in transportation tech! #electric #EV #boats #marine #marinetransport

For startups navigating strategic partnerships, the stakes are incredibly high — one deal can tie up resources, shape your product development, and determine your overall trajectory. This is amplified for startups in physical sectors, where these critical alliances are often a catalyst. At the same time, the large incumbents you partner with have far less to lose if the collaboration doesn’t work out. This power imbalance can make negotiations feel like an all-or-nothing game.  So what can you do to ensure the alliance you are forming is mutually beneficial? Eclipse partners Lior Susan and Jiten Behl outline the three fundamental questions founders should ask when approaching strategic partnerships: 1. Are you ready to embrace the complexity of the giant company you’ll partner with? - Make sure your goals align with their strategic priorities. 2. How will you equip your internal champions?  - Large corporations conduct extensive due diligence. Arm your board with the relevant data points needed to convincingly advocate for you. 3. Why should they bet on you? - Make sure you can clearly demonstrate your differentiators, such as unique IP, market insight, or speed. More details (including real-world examples from companies like Rivian, Cerebras Systems, and Bright Machines) can be found in the full post, linked in the comments.

Amazing (and highly deserved) recognition for Wayve! As true pioneers of Embodied AI, Wayve has taken a unique route to developing self-driving technology: an AI "brain" that enables AVs to understand and navigate any environment. They've come so far since 2017, and we are excited for the road ahead! #AV #autonomousdriving #AI #robots