Glue

Augustus is building the global dollar bank. Moving dollars across borders still runs on correspondent banking, a chain of intermediaries that is slow, opaque, and expensive. Augustus replaces it with programmable USD and EUR accounts, direct clearing and settlement, and an AI-native core banking platform built from scratch. The moat is the license. Augustus holds OCC conditional approval for a US national bank charter, which is rare and very hard to replicate, and euro clearing is live today for customers including Kraken. $180M Series B at a $1B valuation, led by Tiger Global with QED, plus operators from Nubank, Ramp, Circle, Revolut, and Coinbase. Fewer than 50 people, in NYC and Berlin.

The company Grid aims to help hard-working Americans by giving back the money they overpay in taxes today. The extra cash from overpaid taxes can be used for a home upgrade, to brighten the holidays, or to treat oneself. Grid has already helped thousands of people get a little closer to their dreams. Grid says it is just getting started.

Zoe is the modern wealth planning platform that enables clients to work with trusted advisors nationwide. It aims to make wealth creation tailored and convenient through innovative technology and exceptional client service. Zoe positions itself to serve clients seeking service, stewardship, and solutions once accessible only to the ultrawealthy. Zoe vets advisors through a rigorous Vetting Process and grants a Seal of Approval to those who pass, building an advisor network of only the most qualified aligned-interest professionals in the country. Zoe’s Wealth Planners are independent in their belief that there can be a better way to work with people, navigate their financial lives, and grow wealth. Backed by $16.3 million in funding from SoftBank and by top operators at JP Morgan, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Uber, and DoorDash, Zoe’s ecosystem is carefully curated to offer personal, conscientious guidance to grow wealth.