Crunchbase vs Melius Research

The Crunchbase Unicorn Board Tops 1,900 Companies In October, With 34 Companies Joining — Half Under 4 Years Old

In October 2026, 34 companies joined the Crunchbase Unicorn Board, adding over $96 billion in value and $14.8 billion in total funding, bringing the total to a record 1,900 private companies, including over 1,000 U.S.-based unicorns. Half of the new unicorns are less than 4 years old, with nine achieving unicorn status via seed or Series A rounds, reflecting the rapid pace of the AI cycle. Leading industries included frontier labs, agentic AI, aerospace, and semiconductors, with the U.S. contributing 23 companies, followed by China and Korea with three each. Notable new unicorns include TypeSafe AI ($7.5B valuation), Manus AI ($4B), and Axiom Solutions International, with top investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and General Catalyst backing the cohort.

• 34 companies joined the Crunchbase Unicorn Board in October 2026, adding over $96 billion in value and $14.8 billion in funding.
• The board reached a record 1,900 private companies, including over 1,000 U.S.-based unicorns.
• Half of the new unicorns are under 4 years old; nine achieved unicorn status via seed or Series A rounds.

Dropbox Plans $350M AI Infrastructure Deal With Tigris Buy, Its Biggest Acquisition Yet

Dropbox has announced plans to acquire Tigris Data for $350 million in a transaction the company told Crunchbase News would mark its largest acquisition since its founding in 2007.

China’s Largest Startup Deal Ever Lifts Global Venture Funding To $59B In October

According to Crunchbase data, global venture funding in October reached $59 billion, marking a 45% increase year-over-year. The surge was primarily driven by China's DeepSeek, which secured a historic $15.9 billion funding round at a $90 billion valuation, the largest venture deal ever for a Chinese tech company. Overall, capital remained highly concentrated, with AI-driven companies securing 66% of the global total and seven billion-dollar rounds representing over 40% of all invested capital.

• Global venture funding totaled $59 billion in October 2026, climbing 45% compared to October 2025.
• DeepSeek raised $15.9 billion at a $90 billion valuation, setting the record for the largest private funding round by a Chinese tech company.
• Companies based in the U.S. and China raised $28 billion and $20.6 billion, respectively, during October.

Apple's iPhone Duo Shows Strong Preorder Demand, Boosts Growth Outlook

Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, is showing extremely strong early demand following its preorder launch, validating Jim Cramer's bullish prediction. Morgan Stanley reports record global preorder lead times, with the earliest delivery dates for some models more than three months out, the longest in the last 10 years. This demand is seen as a key catalyst for Apple's growth, with Melius Research estimating over 15 million units could be sold in fiscal 2027, generating roughly $40 billion in revenue. The analyst notes that the strong Duo demand may also help iPhone 18 sales. Apple's stock has surpassed a $5 trillion market cap for the first time, and the company is expected to report earnings on November 2.

• Apple's iPhone Duo preorders started Friday, with strong demand indicated by long shipping delays.
• Morgan Stanley reported the global 14-week average preorder lead time is a record, the longest of any iPhone model in 10 years.
• Melius Research estimates Apple could sell at least 15 million Duo units in fiscal 2027, generating about $40 billion in revenue.

Intel could hit $200 per share in two years, says Melius analyst

Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes has set a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying about 70% upside from the previous close, but sees the stock reaching as high as $200 per share within two years. Reitzes bases his bullish outlook on potential foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, and strong server CPU pricing and AI PC mix that could drive product earnings above $4. He also notes a Reuters report that Intel is considering a deal to help SK Hynix manufacture memory chips in the U.S., potentially leasing part of its Ohio facility. Intel shares have gained roughly 300% over the past 12 months, and the stock was up more than 4% on the day. The analyst's view contrasts with consensus, as only 15 of 50 analysts rate it a buy.

• Melius Research has a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying ~70% upside.
• Analyst Ben Reitzes sees Intel trading as high as $200 per share in the next two years.
• Intel could rally on foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, per analyst.