Transportation Startups Announce New Funding

Based on positive feedback from last week, I'll be continuing a new weekly section highlighting startup financing rounds. I would love to hear more of your thoughts.

Staying active: Despite a bleak outlook for the transportation industry, four startups recently announced new funding.

• Last week, self-driving software startup Helm.ai raised a $13 million seed round.
• On Monday, ride-hailing startup Via announced $400 million in funding and said it would focus on software for public transit agencies.
• Tuesday, industrial autonomous vehicle manufacturer Seegrid announced $25 million in funding.
• Yesterday, Phantom AI announced a $22 million Series A. The startup develops advanced driver assistance systems for auto suppliers.

All in the genes: At the beginning of March, Boston-based Akouos raised $105 million in Series B funding to develop gene therapy treatments focused on restoring/preserving hearing. And last week, Castle Creek Biosciences, a late-stage gene therapy startup, announced $75 million in equity and debt financing.

One that makes sense right now: Strivr, a Palo Alto startup that makes VR training software, announced Tuesday it's raised a $30 million Series B.