U.S. aviation startup Skyryse has crossed the billion-dollar mark after closing a $300 million Series C round, which values it at $1.15 billion. The round was led by Autopilot Ventures, with backing from returning investor Fidelity Management & Research Company, […]
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Alphabet just made its biggest bet yet on autonomous driving, and the market is paying attention. Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car unit, said Monday it raised a $16 billion funding round that values the company at $126 billion post-money, a sharp […]
The post Alphabet’s Waymo raises $16B at $126B valuation as robotaxi expansion accelerates first appeared on Tech Startups.
Health plans are buried under rising medical costs, tighter oversight, and a claims process that quietly burns through hundreds of billions of dollars each year. A growing number are betting that AI can help—if it doesn’t create new risk in […]
The post Alaffia Health raises $55M Series B to cut health plan claims waste with agentic AI first appeared on Tech Startups.
AI has changed how software gets built, shipped, and attacked — all at once. The gap between when a vulnerability is disclosed and when it is exploited is shrinking, and security teams are running out of time to react. That […]
The post RapidFort raises $42M Series A to eliminate software supply chain vulnerabilities at machine speed first appeared on Tech Startups.
It’s Monday, February 2, 2026, and we’re back with today’s top startup and tech funding news. Today’s financings reflect mounting investor momentum around autonomous systems, stablecoin infrastructure, and embodied AI. As AI-native platforms expand from cloud to robotics and financial […]
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Over the years, TechStartups has published dozens of articles on how to find business ideas, validate markets, and avoid common mistakes before launching a new product. We’ve covered frameworks, playbooks, and checklists meant to help founders get started on the […]
The post The One Question You Must Answer Before You Start a Business first appeared on Tech Startups.
BlueFive Capital has quietly locked in one of the largest new tech-focused funds to emerge from the Gulf this year. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered alternative investment firm said it has closed its Onyx Fund I at $3 billion, setting its sights […]
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GrubMarket just closed another major funding round, and this one comes with a clear signal: the company is scaling from strength, not necessity. The AI-focused food tech company announced today that it has raised around $50 million in Series H […]
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Oracle is preparing one of the largest capital raises ever attempted by a software company, lining up as much as $50 billion in debt and equity to keep pace with demand for its cloud infrastructure. The plan, disclosed Sunday, lays […]
The post Oracle moves to raise $50B via debt and equity for massive AI data center expansion amid AI spending scrutiny first appeared on Tech Startups.
Exciting things are happening in Benzie County, as it joins the ranks of Jersey County, Pinellas County, Jackson County, and Kittitas County, in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, and North Carolina. These counties are stepping up their game by upgrading their tourism infrastructure to cater to the growing demand for both international and domestic tourists. This huge boost in tourism investment is set to transform the landscape, making these destinations more accessible and attractive to travelers from all around the globe. From beachfront renovations to new trail developments, these counties are sparing no expense in ensuring that visitors have the best possible experience.
With the global tourism industry rebounding post-pandemic, these upgrades couldn’t come at a better time. Pinellas County’s lodging tax revenues are funding major improvements, while Jackson County is expanding its outdoor recreation facilities. Benzie County, in particular, is making a splash with trail paving and visitor center renovations, while Kittitas County is boosting accessibility through better transportation options. The investments being made across these counties are set to provide unforgettable experiences and welcome more international and domestic tourists than ever before. Read on to discover what makes these exciting updates truly transformative!
Counties across the United States are breaking barriers, supercharging tourism, and turning their dreams into reality with bold new infrastructure projects. From beach restoration in the Gulf Coast to the revival of outdoor trails in Michigan, these counties are positioning themselves as the next big tourism hotspots. With federal funding pouring in, local governments are using innovative strategies to create lasting, tourism-driven growth. These counties aren’t just upgrading infrastructure — they’re changing the future of travel for millions of tourists.
| County / Region | Project / Funding Type | Amount | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzie County, Michigan | Trail infrastructure grants for Betsie Valley Trail improvements; includes paving miles of trail & accessibility enhancements | $491,000 in grant applications approved (plus match) | Local county board approved applications to MI DNR Trust Fund & DNR Passport Program for trail upgrades. |
| Benzie County, Michigan (Elberta) | Waterfront park development & beach‑to‑beach connectivity | $5.3 million grant (Land & Water Conservation Fund) | Village of Elberta awarded grant to develop waterfront park near Betsie Bay. |
| Jersey County, Illinois | Byway Discovery Center construction — visitor orientation & tourism centre | $10 million | State Capital Bill grant and county participation for a tourism centre at Piasa Harbor. |
| Pinellas County, Florida | Tourism tax allocation for infrastructure including beach renourishment, marina upgrades, capital projects | $127 million+ beach renourishment in 2025 | County funded multi‑million beach restoration via tourism tax revenue; ongoing tourism infrastructure planning. |
| Jackson County, North Carolina | Capital project allocation for tourism development (county TDA) | Approximately $1,000,000 in 2025–26 budget | Draft county tourism budget indicates dedicated capital funds. |
| Various Texas Counties | Local park and outdoor recreation improvements via competitive TPWC grants | Portion of $21.2 million statewide allocation | Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission distributed record grants to parks across 50 sites, many in county parks. |
| San Juan County, Washington | Lodging tax grant program (tourism facilities & events) | Program active with grants for facility improvements | County lodging tax funds support facilities/events enhancing tourism infrastructure. (San Juan County) |
| Manistee County, Michigan | Trail connector project linking communities and recreation nodes | $1.75 million grant project | Multi‑mile trail project funded via partners and EDA support—benefits broader tourism usage. |
| Kittitas County, Washington | Tourism strategic planning resolution | Plan adopted supporting tourism infrastructure alignment with local needs | Strategic plan sets priorities for county tourism infrastructure capacity. |
In Harrison County, Mississippi, the future of tourism is looking brighter than ever. With a $50 million beach restoration project backed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this county is redefining coastal tourism. The restoration will widen and reinforce the shoreline, creating safer, more accessible beaches for visitors. Along with this, outdoor recreation facilities, pedestrian access points, and visitor centres are receiving significant upgrades, ensuring that tourists have a top-tier experience.
Thanks to federal tourism funding through the American Rescue Plan and the EDA Travel and Tourism Program, the Gulf Coast is preparing to host more visitors and generate millions in revenue. This is a game-changer for local businesses, creating an economic boom that will ripple through the entire region. The message is clear: tourism is the future, and Harrison County is leading the charge. (Home.treasury.gov)
In Benzie County, Michigan, the Betsie Valley Trail is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $491,000 federal grant. This multi-use trail will be widened, paved, and made accessible to all, ensuring that tourists can enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the stunning landscape. These enhancements will draw in thousands of tourists looking for a top-notch outdoor experience.
The investment in Benzie County’s outdoor infrastructure isn’t just about trails — it’s about creating a comprehensive tourism experience. Local parks, waterfront areas, and event spaces are also being improved to accommodate the growing demand for eco-tourism. With these changes, Benzie County is positioning itself as the go-to destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan.
In Florida, counties like Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Brevard are using lodging tax revenue to fuel tourism growth. These taxes are directly funding new tourism infrastructure projects, such as beachfront park upgrades, marina developments, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. For example, Hillsborough County, home to the vibrant Tampa Bay area, is reinvesting in its waterfront and local events, all thanks to tourism-generated funds.
With $127 million earmarked for beach renourishment projects and capital improvements, Florida is showing the world how lodging taxes can create sustainable tourism that benefits everyone. The result? More tourists, more jobs, and a stronger economy. This strategy is changing the tourism landscape and proving that local investments can have global impacts.
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service, which connects key destinations like New Orleans and Mobile, is a tourism game-changer for coastal counties. The service is drawing more visitors to areas like Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, and Biloxi, helping these counties tap into the booming tourism market. Gulfport’s economy is growing, thanks to increased rail traffic, making it easier than ever for tourists to visit the Gulf Coast.
With the revival of this rail service, coastal counties are capitalizing on an untapped market, attracting tourists who prefer rail travel over flying. This isn’t just about convenience — it’s about creating new tourism opportunities, from beachfront attractions to historical sites, and local businesses are already seeing the benefits. The Amtrak revival is making the Gulf Coast one of the most accessible and exciting destinations in the U.S. (En.wikipedia.org)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is pouring billions of dollars into transportation projects that will directly benefit tourism. Counties like Harrison and Benzie are already using federal funding to improve accessibility to key tourist destinations. Whether it’s scenic byways, multi-use trails, or highway access to national parks, these projects are designed to boost tourism by improving transportation routes.
With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure projects, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping counties create a connected, accessible, and tourism-ready America. The result? A tourism revolution that will see more tourists, more local spending, and long-term economic growth. This law is transforming the way counties think about tourism infrastructure. (Naco.org)
The U.S. is on the brink of a tourism transformation, and counties are at the forefront of this change. Federal grants, lodging taxes, and transportation improvements are all playing a critical role in creating a tourism-friendly America. Some key takeaways include:
Counties are rethinking what it means to invest in tourism, and the results are transforming the landscape. More tourists mean more revenue, and more revenue means more jobs, better amenities, and stronger local economies. These investments are not just short-term solutions — they are long-term strategies that will redefine the U.S. tourism experience for generations to come.
The post Benzie Joins Jersey, Pinellas, Jackson, Kittitas and More US Counties in Michigan, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina Upgrading Tourism Infrastructure To Welcome More International and Domestic Tourists, New Update What is Good To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
It’s Thursday, January 29, 2026, and we’re back with today’s top startup and tech funding news. Today’s deals reflect deepening investor commitment to AI cloud infrastructure, chiplet interconnects, fintech orchestration, and scalable biotech. As competition accelerates in AI and advanced […]
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Vennre, a wealth creation platform enabling HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet) to access private market opportunities, today announced the successful close of its Pre-Series A funding round, raising USD 9.6 million through a hybrid equity and debt structure.
The round was co-led by Vision Ventures and anb seed Fund, with participation from Sanabil 500, Ace & Co, Plus VC, and strategic individual investors from the private banking, technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
This investment reflects growing confidence from leading regional VCs and strategic backers in Vennre’s mission to democratize access to curated private investments for high income retail investors. By bypassing traditional gatekeepers, Vennre offers a transparent, Shariah-compliant solution previously available only to institutions and ultra-wealthy participants.
Founded by Ziad Mabsout, Anas Halabi and Abdulrahman AlMalik, Vennre has also reached two operational milestones: the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim AlMojel as Chairman of its Saudi board and surpassing USD 40 million in transaction value across its platform – clear evidence of growing market traction and investor trust.
Ziad Mabsout, CEO and Co-Founder of Vennre, said: “A generation of ambitious professionals across the region has earned success but has not been given the tools required to compound it. This funding is not just another round — it is a clear endorsement from leading institutions that a large, long-underserved HENRY segment is ready for a better wealth-building experience. We are building for long-term wealth creation, not one-off transactions — starting with curated and vetted private investment opportunities and expanding into a full wealth journey built on discipline, trust, and alignment. This round allows us to raise the bar for what private wealth platforms in the region should deliver.”
Khalid S. Alghamdi, CEO of anb capital, added: “We are pleased to co-lead Vennre’s Pre-Series A through the anb seed Fund. Private markets globally already manage more than USD 14 trillion in assets, yet individual investors account for less than 5% of that exposure. Vennre directly addresses this imbalance by offering Shariah-compliant access to a segment long excluded from these opportunities. Having already facilitated over USD 40 million in transactions, Vennre is proving that high-income Saudis are ready to engage with private markets at scale — fully aligned with Vision 2030’s mandate to broaden capital markets participation.”
Kais Al-Essa, Founding Partner and CEO of Vision Ventures, said: “We are glad to co-lead Vennre’s Pre-Series A and excited to support such an amazing founding team. We’re always ready to back founders who use technology to make people’s lives easier and give them access to opportunities that were not available to them before. Vennre enables access to high quality investment opportunities in real estate, private equity, venture capital and private credit. These four asset classes were previously available to a select few. Democratizing such access is one of our investment goals at Vision Ventures as it enables generational wealth creation and empowers everyone to access vetted income generating and high return investments, in line with Saudi Arabia’s financial sector development plan and fintech momentum.”
Looking ahead, Vennre plans to deploy this capital to grow its client network, launch new platform features, and deepen its Saudi presence in line with ongoing financial sector liberalization and fintech momentum.
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