The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Aug 2026

Vals AI builds an AI evaluation platform that works with domain experts to convert real-world workflows into rigorous benchmarks and then creates automated grading systems to assess final work products to expert standards. The company positions its product around expert-designed evaluation and benchmarking rather than model training. As of the reported financing, Vals AI raised $40 million in a Series A at a $400 million valuation. Existing investors 8VC, Pear VC, and Bloomberg participated in the round alongside new backers Hudson River Trading and NextLadder Ventures, with Andreessen Horowitz leading. The articles do not report revenue, user counts, or specific go-to-market metrics, nor do they disclose explicit use-of-proceeds details.

Participated · Series B · Jun 2026

Forage builds modern payment infrastructure to enable retailers and platforms to accept government benefits such as SNAP, WIC, HSA, and FSA, and operates a consumer app that lets low-income families check EBT balances, discover savings, and earn rewards. Its payments technology is live at over 100,000 stores across all 50 states and is used by national retailers like Dollar General, Gopuff, and Save A Lot, as well as online platforms including DoorDash and Uber Eats. The company says it has facilitated tens of millions of grocery orders for millions of American families and grew payments volume 13x over the last year. Forage launched its consumer app in late 2025, which has been downloaded over 100,000 times, and the company aims to reach one million low-income families via the app by the end of 2026. The firm positions itself as the only USDA-approved third-party payment processor that combines modern software with dedicated service to help retailers through authorization and launch. Forage is based in San Francisco.

Led · Seed · May 2026

Founded by attorney and access-to-justice advocate Noella Sudbury, Rasa Legal operates a legal technology platform that simplifies criminal record sealing and expungement. Since launching its platform in 2022, the company has helped more than 30,000 people access their criminal records and has successfully cleared over 5,000 records. Rasa currently offers services in Pennsylvania, Utah, and Arizona and plans continued nationwide expansion. The company positions itself as mission-driven and affordable, using a combined legal and technology approach to increase access to record-clearing. The recent seed investment is intended to fund scaling and broader geographic rollout; no revenue or valuation figures were disclosed in the announcement.