The MoneyMakers newsroom

Latest edition 2 Oct 2026

Business & startup news, page 21

The latest on emerging businesses, funding, acquisitions, AI and automation.

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2 Oct 2026 · MoneyMakers

Illustration of an unmarked ledger binder beside a computer keyboard.

Acquisitions & ownership· News

Advent agrees to buy majority stake in Mexican software provider CONTPAQi

Advent International announced an agreement on October 1, 2026 to acquire a majority stake in CONTPAQi. The Mexican business-software provider reports more than 1.2 million businesses using its products and more than 6,000 distributors. Co-founder René Torres is to retain a significant minority stake. The acquisition remains subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals; financial terms were not disclosed.

2 Oct 2026 · MoneyMakers

Illustration of an unmarked travel suitcase with a search-shaped handle.

Business automation· News

Airbnb introduces US-first AI trip search, expands local services and plans host pricing tools

Airbnb's September 30 fall update introduces natural-language and voice search starting in the US, alongside location-limited services. Its Help Center says AI Search mode is restricted to users with access and currently works in English on desktop or laptop browsers. Baby-gear rentals are planned for November and new host pricing controls for later this fall.

30 Sept 2026 · MoneyMakers

Illustration of a movable office workstation suggesting wireless connectivity.

Industry AI· News

Hana Financial Group begins operating private 5G office network across 16 headquarters floors

SK Telecom says a private 5G smart office is beginning operation as Hana Financial Group's affiliates move into its Cheongna headquarters. The network spans 16 floors and is intended to serve about 3,000 employees across 10 affiliates. Samsung Electronics supplied the private-network equipment. The companies expect more flexible workspace use, but have not reported measured savings.

29 Sept 2026 · MoneyMakers

Editorial illustration of an unmarked sealed pharmaceutical vial.

Acquisitions & ownership· News

Webster affiliate agrees to buy Lifecore for $6.28 a share, with up to $160 million contingent

Lifecore Biomedical announced a definitive agreement on September 28, 2026, for an affiliate of Webster Equity Partners to acquire it. Common shareholders would receive $6.28 per share in cash if the deal closes. Common and preferred holders could receive up to $160 million more through performance-based contingent value rights; those payments are not assured.

28 Sept 2026 · MoneyMakers

Editorial illustration of an unmarked cell-culture vessel on a laboratory workbench.

Funding & fundraising· News

Link Cell Therapies adds $30 million to Series A, taking round to $90 million

Link Cell Therapies says it added $30 million to its previously announced $60 million Series A, bringing the round to $90 million. The company says it plans to use the increment for additional experimental CAR-T programs and reports the start of dosing in a kidney-cancer study. Its announcement does not disclose a valuation or the investors' individual contributions.

28 Sept 2026 · MoneyMakers

Business & startup news, page 21

News

Relay announces $36 million financing led by customer International Paper

SoftBank completes DigitalBridge acquisition at $16 per common share; preferred shares remain outstanding

Advent agrees to buy majority stake in Mexican software provider CONTPAQi

Blackfuel reports over $250 million in customer agreements as Barcelona AI cluster awaits service

Kuro announces €10 million seed round to expand construction AI for contractors

Harbinger says FedEx ordered 2,000 electric trucks worth over $300 million

Cotierra’s €2.6 million round targets commercial coffee biochar deployments

Airbnb introduces US-first AI trip search, expands local services and plans host pricing tools

Kahua announces Bain Capital minority investment at valuation above $1 billion

TransDigm completes approximately $1.066 billion cash purchase of IGP-backed Prince & Izant

TCBS details Kiro use beyond engineering, reports nearly 25% shorter delivery time

Hertha Metals announces $133.65 million Series A close with $65 million in U.S. government equity

Hana Financial Group begins operating private 5G office network across 16 headquarters floors

Leica Biosystems completes StatLab purchase from Linden and Audax

Webster affiliate agrees to buy Lifecore for $6.28 a share, with up to $160 million contingent

Fifth Ocean and Tartan announce CPR investment; founder Kelly Greene to retain stake

TechCrunch reports Quartermaster closed $140 million financing, including $40 million in debt

Link Cell Therapies adds $30 million to Series A, taking round to $90 million

Fresenius Medical Care plans China dialysis exits and expects €110 million charge

Kodiak reports intervention-free Dallas–Houston deliveries, with observer still aboard