Zap Energy, a fusion energy startup based in Everett, Washington, recently announced the successful completion of a Series D funding round, raising $130 million to propel the development of a commercial fusion power plant. The company's unique approach to fusion, termed sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch, aims to revolutionize fusion energy generation by eliminating the need for large superconducting magnets and lasers, making the system cheaper, more compact, and scalable. The new funds will be utilized to further advance Zap Energy's fusion technology and accelerate progress towards commercial fusion power. A major milestone achieved by Zap Energy is the launch of Century, a high-rep-rate fusion test platform that has showcased promising results. Century has successfully conducted over 1,000 consecutive plasmas in a chamber lined with liquid metal, demonstrating the viability of fusion power plant-relevant technologies. The company's CEO, Benj Conway, emphasized the importance of a parallel approach to achieving commercial fusion within a relevant timescale. Zap's fusion technology has attracted significant attention and support, with the recent funding round led by Soros Fund Management LLC and joined by various new and existing investors. The strong financial backing highlights the industry's confidence in Zap Energy's innovative fusion solutions and their potential to transform the energy landscape. Through collaborations with government programs like the U.S. Department of Energy's Fusion Development Program, Zap Energy is driving towards a future of clean, abundant energy production without carbon emissions.