As the world becomes increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), the latest news in the tech industry is abuzz with developments that could shape the future of AI adoption and innovation. In this news brief, we'll explore some of the most significant stories that caught our attention.
Robotics Startup Figure AI Seeks Funding at $39.5 Billion Valuation
Robotics startup Figure AI is in talks to raise $1.5 billion in funding that would value the company at $39.5 billion. The startup counts German automaker BMW as a customer and is working on humanoid robots that could revolutionize industries such as logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.
"Massive Shift" Ahead for Car Dealers as AI Gains Traction
The car-buying process is evolving with AI, even as automakers pull back on digital experiences. Direct-to-consumer sales models are gaining popularity, with some automakers walking back on their plans to sell cars directly to customers. AI is expected to drive a "massive shift" in the next decade, with companies like Rivian and Lucid Motors leading the way.
Meta Dives Into the Undersea Cable Business
Meta has announced Project Warworth, an undersea cable system that aims to enhance global internet connectivity by linking five continents. The project will support the development of AI-driven applications and expand access to emerging technologies. The undersea cable will stretch over 50,000 kilometers and is expected to take years to complete.
OpenAI Board Rejects Musk's $97.4 Billion Offer
OpenAI has rejected a $97.4 billion bid from a consortium led by billionaire Elon Musk. The startup is not for sale, and the board has unanimously rejected Musk's latest attempt to disrupt his competition. OpenAI is seeking to secure more capital and stay ahead in the AI race.
Dell Stock Rises on Report of $5B AI Server Deal Talks With Elon Musk's xAI
Dell shares have risen following a report that the company is nearing a $5 billion AI server deal with Elon Musk's xAI. The deal would involve xAI potentially buying more than $5 billion of servers powered by Nvidia GB200 chips.
Venture Investors See DeepSeek Accelerating AI Market Growth
Venture investors see DeepSeek's innovations as a permanent shift in the economics of AI model training. While some investors were initially surprised by the news, most believe that improving economics will shift action in the venture industry away from building costly models and toward smaller models deployed for narrow use cases.
Key Takeaways
• Robotics startup Figure AI is in talks to raise $1.5 billion in funding at a $39.5 billion valuation.
• Direct-to-consumer sales models are gaining popularity in the automotive industry, driven by AI adoption.
• Meta's Project Warworth aims to enhance global internet connectivity and support AI-driven applications.
• OpenAI has rejected a $97.4 billion bid from a consortium led by Elon Musk.
• Dell is nearing a $5 billion AI server deal with Elon Musk's xAI.
• Venture investors see DeepSeek's innovations as a permanent shift in the economics of AI model training, driving growth in the AI market.
Sources
- Robotics startup Figure AI in talks for new funding at $39.5 billion valuation, source says
- "Massive shift" ahead for car dealers as AI gains traction
- Meta Dives Into the Undersea Cable Business
- OpenAI board rejects Musk's $97.4 billion offer
- 3 AI Software Stocks Set to Thrive in 2025
- Dell Stock Rises on Report of $5B AI Server Deal Talks With Elon Musk's xAI
- Major Aviation Merger: flyExclusive's $22M Strategic Takeover Reshapes Private Charter Market
- Safety Third Is the New Motto at Paris AI Action Summit
- Anthropic Says US Google Search Proposal Will Hurt AI Investment
- Venture investors see DeepSeek accelerating AI market growth