Startups Weekly: AI Deals, Lawsuits, and Acquisitions

This week’s edition of Startups Weekly highlights key developments at the intersection of technology, law, and startup growth. From acquisitions to ongoing legal battles, the startup ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly.

AI and data security firm Rubrik acquired Predibase, a company specializing in fine-tuning AI models. Predibase had raised $28 million in venture funding. While financial terms were not disclosed, reports suggest the deal was significant. The move is expected to enhance Rubrik’s efforts in deploying AI agents at scale.

In the fintech sector, German startup Kadmos, known for its salary payment platform tailored for seafaring workers, was acquired by Japanese shipping giant NYK Line. Kadmos had previously secured $38 million in funding. The acquisition signals NYK Line’s push into digital financial services and maritime fintech innovation.

Meanwhile, AI music startup Suno disclosed it had acquired WavTool, a browser-based AI digital audio workstation. Although the acquisition occurred months ago, the announcement comes amid fresh copyright litigation, raising questions about timing and strategy.

On the legal front, Getty Images has dropped its main lawsuit against Stability AI, the company behind the AI image generator Stable Diffusion. However, the legal battle is far from over, with other cases proceeding in both the U.S. and the U.K.

These developments underscore the intense activity within the tech startup world, where mergers, acquisitions, and legal challenges are reshaping industries ranging from cybersecurity to AI-generated media. As 2025 progresses, the intersection of tech innovation and regulation remains a critical space to watch.