The world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, with new developments and investments being announced every week. From record-breaking funding rounds to the introduction of new AI models, the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely to have a significant impact on various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and education.
OpenAI Secures Record $40 Billion Funding Round
OpenAI is reportedly close to finalizing an all-time record funding round of $40 billion, according to Bloomberg News. The round is being led by Japanese investment giant and is the largest on record, according to data from Pitchbook. It would value OpenAI at $300 billion, double its last valuation from October 2024. OpenAI recorded $3.7 billion in revenue for 2024 and expects top line to hit $12.7 billion in 2025 and $29.4 billion the following year. The funding will be used to further develop OpenAI's technology and expand its operations.
EU Invests $1.4 Billion in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills
The European Commission will invest 1.3 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills through the Digital Europe Programme for 2025 to 2027. The investment aims to secure European tech sovereignty by investing in advanced technologies and improving digital competences. The funding will be used to support the development of AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills, and to enhance the EU's competitiveness in the global tech industry.
Domestic AI Startups Strive to Clinch More Market Share
Several domestic AI startups in Vietnam are endeavouring to gain market share in a booming industry. Vietnamese startup Filum AI has mobilized $1 million from funds such as Nextrans, VinVentures, TheVentures, and several strategic investors. The investment will be used to further accelerate the development of advanced AI products, particularly AI Agents, to help businesses optimize costs, improve customer experience quality, and operate more efficiently. The Vietnamese government has implemented numerous policies to accelerate digital technology adoption and has included AI as one of the key pillars of national technology development.
Tether Diversifies Portfolio with Investment in Media and AI
Tether, the dominant force in the stablecoin market, is aggressively diversifying its investment portfolio, expanding its reach into media and artificial intelligence. Tether has announced a strategic investment in Be Water, an innovative Italian media company specializing in content production and distribution. The investment underscores Tether's diversification strategy, which has also included investments in AI and agricultural companies.
Academics and Startups Clash over Superhuman AI
Startups and academics are clashing over whether superhuman AI is really 'coming into view'. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said he sees artificial general intelligence 'coming into view', but others are more skeptical. The debate highlights the ongoing discussion about the potential risks and benefits of advanced AI systems.
New Billionaires Emerging from AI Boom
The artificial intelligence boom has created a new generation of billionaires, with 15 founders amassing stakes worth a cumulative $38 billion. The ranks of AI billionaires are poised to swell, with at least another 14 individuals with collective holdings worth $33 billion expected to be added to the group. The AI boom has also minted new billionaires, including the founders of companies such as Anysphere, Anthropic, and CoreWeave.
Google AI Features Coming to Pixel Watch
New Google AI features may be coming to the Pixel Watch imminently, with signs already appearing on actual smartwatches. The features are expected to include the use of Gemini, Google's AI model, to enhance the watch's quick replies feature. The integration of AI into the Pixel Watch could make it more useful and vital, with potential features including the ability to realize the user's location and cross-reference with their calendar.
Takeaway
- The AI industry is experiencing rapid growth, with new developments and investments being announced every week.
- OpenAI has secured a record $40 billion funding round, valuing the company at $300 billion.
- The EU is investing $1.4 billion in artificial intelligence and digital skills to secure European tech sovereignty.
- Domestic AI startups in Vietnam are gaining market share, with Filum AI mobilizing $1 million in funding.
- Tether is diversifying its portfolio with investments in media and AI companies.
- The debate over superhuman AI continues, with some experts skeptical about its potential.
- A new generation of billionaires is emerging from the AI boom, with 15 founders amassing stakes worth $38 billion.
- Google AI features may be coming to the Pixel Watch, enhancing its quick replies feature with the use of Gemini.
Sources
- This Week in AI: OpenAI, State Laws and Google Gemini
- EU to Invest $1.4 Billion in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Digital Skills
- Domestic AI startups strive to clinch more market share
- Tether Diversifies Portfolio, Adding Media to AI, Agriculture Plays
- Startups and academics clash over whether superhuman AI is really 'coming into view'
- The New Billionaires of the AI Boom
- EU to invest $1.4 billion in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital skills
- As ChatGPT Ghibli-style portraits flood internet, OpenAI announces rate limits to manage load; here are some alternatives
- New Google AI Features May Be Coming To Pixel Watch Imminently