# Deel raised $300 million in Series E funding at a $17.3 billion valuation.

*fintech · news · 2025-10-16 · TechStartups.com*

## Key points

- Zepto raised $400 million led by CalPERS to expand quick-commerce and aims for an IPO.
- Deel secured $300 million Series E at a $17.3 billion valuation despite ongoing litigation with Rippling.
- Chari became the first Moroccan venture-backed fintech to obtain a national license from Bank Al-Maghrib.
- Adcytherix closed a €105 million Series A to file for its lead cancer drug by end of 2025.
- Upgrade's $165 million pre-IPO round values the fintech at $7.3 billion, up 21.7% from prior.

**Companies:** Deel, Upgrade, Zepto, Basis Theory, Brook.ai, Adcytherix, Chari, Woz, Avid, Second Nature, Engagesoft, OneLayer
**Countries:** United States, India, France, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Japan

[Read the full story on TechStartups.com](https://techstartups.com/2025/10/16/top-startup-and-tech-funding-news-october-16-2025/)

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