Battery Ventures has raised $3.25bn in fresh capital to invest in technology companies worldwide, as it doubles down on artificial intelligence and enterprise software opportunities.

The new vehicle, Battery Ventures XV, was oversubscribed and closed in a single round, marking one of the largest recent fundraisings in the tech-focused private equity and venture capital market.

The Boston- and San Francisco-headquartered firm said the fund will back businesses across the US, Europe and Israel, investing from seed and early-stage rounds through to growth equity and buyouts.

The raise follows a year of strong exits, with Battery announcing 15 exit events in 2025. Over the past five years, its funds have generated more than $10bn in liquidity, reflecting what the firm describes as its stage-diversified strategy.

Michael Brown, general partner at Battery, said the current technology cycle is being reshaped by AI. “AI is ushering in one of the most consequential eras in the history of technology,” he said. “We believe our global reach and long-standing focus on software and enterprise tech position us well to capitalise on this opportunity.”

Battery plans to invest the new capital across application software, infrastructure software, including data, AI, developer tools and cybersecurity, as well as industrial technology and life-science tools.

The firm operates from offices in Boston, San Francisco, Menlo Park, New York, London and Tel Aviv, with a collaborative research-led investment model spanning venture and buyout markets.

Jesse Feldman, a general partner leading Battery’s industrial tech and life-science tools practice, said the firm sees continued potential across both US and European markets. “We are highly selective investors focused on driving meaningful value in exceptional businesses,” he said, adding that capital would be deployed to support research and development, sales expansion and targeted acquisitions.

Battery has invested in more than 530 companies globally since inception, resulting in 73 IPOs and over 225 mergers and acquisitions. The firm has been active in Europe since 2005, completing more than 150 transactions across the UK and 12 other European countries.

Late last year, Battery moved into a new London office to anchor its European operations, signalling a long-term commitment to the region’s technology ecosystem.

The firm has also strengthened its leadership team, promoting Marcus Ryu, co-founder and former chief executive of Guidewire Software, to general partner, alongside internal promotions and the addition of Barak Schoster as partner in Tel Aviv.

With AI investment accelerating globally and competition intensifying among venture firms, Battery’s latest fund positions it to compete aggressively across both early-stage innovation and larger-scale technology buyouts in what it describes as a defining moment for the sector.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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Nintendo has released version 1.4.3 for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, addressing a persistent bug that prevented some players from earning a key collectible after defeating a formidable Black Hinox in Hyrule Castle, the company announced Monday.

The update, which rolled out globally on Feb. 17, 2026, for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, fixes an issue where the Black Hinox — a rare, one-eyed cyclops miniboss lurking in the depths beneath Hyrule Castle — would incorrectly display as “undefeated” even after players vanquished it. This glitch blocked completionists from obtaining the Hinox Monster Medal, a trophy essential for advancing the Monster Control Crew side adventure and unlocking cosmetic monster masks at the Tarrey Town theater.

“By downloading the update data, players will be able to obtain the Hinox Monster Medal,” Nintendo stated in its official patch notes, ensuring retroactive credit for those already affected. The changelog also notes that “several other issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience,” though specifics remain undisclosed — a common practice for minor stability tweaks.

The Black Hinox bug had frustrated dedicated explorers since at least mid-2025, with players reporting on forums like Reddit that the beast failed to register as defeated despite confirmed kills during quests in the castle’s subterranean library area. One Reddit user in April 2025 questioned its spawn, while others shared videos of despawning glitches in related caves. Social media sleuth OatmealDome highlighted the fix on X, posting official Japanese notes that mirrored the English version.

This patch arrives amid Nintendo’s yearlong celebration of the Zelda franchise’s 40th anniversary, marking the 1986 debut of The Legend of Zelda on the Famicom. Both Tears of the Kingdom and its predecessor Breath of the Wild received simultaneous updates, with the latter jumping to version 1.9.0. That patch adds Thai language support for Switch 2 (text-only, with English audio fallback) and general fixes, underscoring Nintendo’s commitment to its evergreen titles.

Since its May 2023 launch, Tears of the Kingdom has sold over 21 million copies worldwide, cementing its status as one of the best-selling Switch games and a critical darling with a 96/100 Metacritic score. Nintendo has supported it with 20+ patches, evolving from launch-day crashes to quality-of-life enhancements like amiibo unlocks for Sage figures (Sidon, Tulin, Yunobo, Riju) and Portuguese (Brazil) text revisions.

The update coincides with enhanced Switch 2 compatibility, including paid upgrades via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Players on original hardware need not upgrade to benefit from the fix, which applies universally.

Community response has been muted but positive, given the niche nature of the bug. On X, Spanish outlet TLoZeldaES noted the medal unlock, while ZELDCAST praised fixes across both games. Nintendo Life comments joked about the Thai addition (“It’s about Thai-me!”) and lamented lack of Wii U support, but many appreciated the free longevity boost: “Free updates = more stable horse games.”

To install, connect your console to the internet, highlight the game icon on the HOME Menu, press + or – , select “Software Update” > “Via the Internet.” Auto-updates are recommended for seamless delivery. Save data remains intact.

Nintendo’s ongoing tweaks reflect a philosophy of polish over abandonment, especially as rumors swirl of a new 3D Zelda for Switch 2. With Tears of the Kingdom‘s Ultrahand and Fuse mechanics still inspiring fan creations, this patch ensures every corner of Hyrule — even its darkest castles — yields its rewards.

The fix arrives just in time for anniversary events, including potential in-game bonuses tied to Switch News channels. As one X user quipped, “Now I can finally complete my monster collection without exploits.”

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Bangkok is intensifying measures to combat PM2.5 pollution amid weak air circulation. New restrictions target vehicle emissions and industrial oversight, while residents are encouraged to report pollution incidents.

Key Points

• Bangkok is ramping up efforts to tackle PM2.5 pollution amid weak air circulation, increasing dust accumulation risks. Improved ventilation is expected between February 18-21, but conditions may worsen again around February 22 and 25.
• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has introduced ten stricter measures focused on emissions and public health, including:
  • Reducing allowable black smoke from 30% to 15-20% and enhancing roadside inspections.
  • Closer monitoring of industrial emissions with Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems.
  • Plans to expand pollution control zones and coordinate efforts to reduce open burning.
• To protect residents, the city has upgraded its AirBKK system for better forecasting, installed air purifiers in schools, and may implement work-from-home arrangements during high pollution. Urban greening and dust barriers are also being enhanced to improve air quality.

Bangkok is intensifying efforts to curb PM2.5 pollution as weak air circulation this week raises the risk of dust accumulation, especially in the mornings. Ventilation is forecast to improve between February 18 and 21, then weaken again around Feb. 22 and 25, increasing the likelihood of renewed particle buildup.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out 10 stricter measures targeting both emission sources and public health protection. Vehicle controls include lowering the allowable black smoke threshold from 30 percent to 15–20 percent and tightening roadside inspections. Industrial facilities face closer oversight, including requirements for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems or stack filters. Authorities may expand pollution control zones when dust levels exceed standards, encourage regular engine oil changes for larger vehicles, and coordinate with neighboring provinces to curb open burning and cross-border pollution.

While overall dust readings this year are below last year’s levels, continued cooperation is considered essential. Residents are encouraged to report black smoke and burning incidents through the Traffy Fondue platform to support enforcement.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Vulnerable groups — children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease — face the greatest harm, as fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, driving inflammation and raising cardiovascular risk.

To reduce public exposure, the city has upgraded its AirBKK system to provide seven-day forecasts, allowing residents to plan ahead. Air purifiers have been installed in all classrooms at city-run schools, and work-from-home arrangements may be implemented when pollution worsens. Urban greening under the “One Million Trees” project and the installation of dust barriers in eastern Bangkok are also being expanded to help improve air quality.

Source : Bangkok Steps Up PM2.5 Controls Amid Dust Risk

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The Federal Aviation Administration is ordering airlines to certify their merit-based hiring practices as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against DEI programs.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the new policy on Friday, saying airlines that don’t formally commit to merit-based hiring will be subject to FAA investigation. President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to cancel DEI hiring programs early on in his return to the White House.

“When families board their aircraft, they should fly with confidence knowing the pilot behind the controls is the best of the best. The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like or their gender—they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job,” Duffy said in a statement.

“Safety drives everything we do, and this commonsense measure will increase transparency between passengers and airlines,” he added.

FEDERAL WATCHDOG URGES WHITE MEN TO REPORT POSSIBLE WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION; VANCE BOOSTS MESSAGE

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announces airlines must certify their merit-based hiring practices. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

Trump’s FAA mocked the direction the agency had taken under former President Joe Biden, calling the policies “absurd” and saying they “wasted time renaming cockpits to flight decks.”

Trump has moved to systematically dismantle DEI programs across the federal government, signing a pair of executive orders in his first days in office that directed agencies to identify and shut down DEI offices, terminate equity-focused grants and contracts, and throw out long-standing affirmative action requirements for federal contractors.

HEGSETH ENDING MILITARY EDUCATION TIES WITH HARVARD AMID TRUMP FEUD: ‘WE TRAIN WARRIORS, NOT WOKESTERS’

President Donald Trump signed executive orders cracking down on DEI programs. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The president targeted DEI at the FAA in particular following a tragic plane crash in the nation’s capital last year that saw a passenger plane collide with a U.S. military helicopter over the Potomac River.

“We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said. “Only the highest aptitude — you have to be the highest intellect — and psychologically superior people, were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers.”

A helicopter flies near the crash site on the Potomac River after an American Airlines plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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“We have to have our smartest people. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. What matters is intellect, talent. The word ‘talent.’ They have to be talented geniuses,” he continued. “We can’t have regular people doing that job. They won’t be able to do it.”

Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.