September 17, 2025

finance  
Apple AI Devices, Nvidia $4.3B Investment, Meta Stock Rises

The artificial intelligence sector continues to see significant investment and strategic moves from major players and emerging companies alike. UK-based Nothing has secured $200 million in Series C funding, reaching a $1.3 billion valuation, to develop AI-native devices, aiming to challenge established giants like Apple and Samsung with personalized operating systems and unique hardware designs. Meanwhile, AI sales tech startup Hyperbound has raised $15 million to enhance its AI-powered sales practice platform, which has already achieved over $1 million in monthly recurring revenue. In the realm of AI infrastructure, Nvidia has invested $4.3 billion in six AI stocks, with a substantial portion going to AI cloud platform provider CoreWeave. The demand for data center construction is also fueling a boom in industrial outdoor storage, attracting billions in investment from firms like J.P. Morgan Chase and Blackstone. Airia has raised $100 million to bolster its enterprise AI security and orchestration platform, while Saudi Arabia is reportedly in talks with Blackstone and BlackRock for a potential $10 billion AI partnership focused on data centers and infrastructure. BigBear.ai has secured a $50 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for AI and data analytics solutions. On the public market, Meta Platforms stock shows a gain ahead of its Connect 2025 conference, where AI and the metaverse are expected to be central themes. Rezolve AI PLC also sees its stock surge due to institutional investment and partnerships with Microsoft and Google.

Key Takeaways

  • Nothing has raised $200 million at a $1.3 billion valuation to develop AI-native devices, aiming to compete with Apple and Samsung.
  • AI sales tech startup Hyperbound secured $15 million, bringing its total funding to $18.3 million, and has surpassed $1 million in monthly recurring revenue.
  • Nvidia invested $4.3 billion in six AI stocks, with CoreWeave, an AI cloud platform provider, receiving approximately $3.96 billion.
  • The AI boom is driving demand for industrial outdoor storage (IOS) lots, attracting over $4.7 billion in institutional investment since 2021.
  • Airia has raised $100 million for its enterprise AI security and orchestration platform.
  • Saudi Arabia is in early talks with Blackstone and BlackRock for a potential $10 billion AI partnership.
  • BigBear.ai won a $50 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for AI and data analytics solutions.
  • Meta Platforms stock is trading higher ahead of its Connect 2025 conference, with AI and the metaverse as expected key topics.
  • Rezolve AI PLC stock surged due to institutional investment from Citadel and BlackRock, and partnerships with Microsoft and Google.
  • Nothing has achieved over $1 billion in cumulative sales and plans to launch its first AI-native devices in 2026.

Nothing raises $200M for AI hardware platform

London-based tech startup Nothing, founded by Carl Pei, has secured $200 million in Series C funding, valuing the company at $1.3 billion. This funding will accelerate the development and launch of its first AI-native devices, planned for 2026. The company aims to create personalized operating systems and interfaces, moving beyond smartphones to include wearables, smart glasses, and even robots. Nothing has achieved over $1 billion in cumulative sales and plans a community funding round for its supporters.

UK's Nothing raises $200M to challenge Apple and Samsung with AI devices

UK smartphone maker Nothing has raised $200 million at a $1.3 billion valuation to develop artificial intelligence devices. Founder Carl Pei stated the company achieved $500 million in sales last year, a 150% increase, and has sold 7 million devices to date. The new funding will support the creation of AI-native devices, aiming to compete with major players like Apple and Samsung. Nothing is known for its distinctive hardware and user interface design, appealing to design-conscious consumers.

Nothing secures $200M for next-gen AI devices

Smartphone maker Nothing has raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the company at $1.3 billion. The funds will be used to develop next-generation AI-native devices, starting with phones, watches, and audio products, and potentially expanding to smart glasses, robots, and electric vehicles. Co-founder Carl Pei believes hardware must evolve with AI, envisioning personalized operating systems for each user. The company aims to create a new category of AI-driven consumer electronics.

Nothing closes $200M funding round for AI-first devices

Consumer electronics startup Nothing has closed a $200 million Series C funding round led by Tiger Global, reaching a $1.3 billion valuation. The company, founded by Carl Pei, plans to launch AI-first devices next year. This funding will support their vision of creating personalized AI experiences and operating systems. Nothing has achieved over $1 billion in total sales and holds a 2% market share in India, its largest market.

Nothing raises $200M for AI product integration

London-based maker Nothing has raised $200 million at a $1.3 billion valuation, with Tiger Global leading the investment. The company plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its products, starting with smartphones and audio devices, and expanding to smart glasses and robots in the future. Founded by Carl Pei, Nothing has shipped millions of devices and surpassed $1 billion in total sales since its 2020 launch.

Nothing secures $200M for AI-native products

UK-based smartphone maker Nothing has reportedly raised $200 million, valuing the company at $1.3 billion. This funding will accelerate product innovation and investment in artificial intelligence-native products, with the first AI-native devices expected next year. Co-founder Carl Pei believes a new class of AI-native devices will emerge alongside smartphones, driven by the need for devices that capture more user context. Nothing is known for its unique semi-transparent design and "glyph interface."

AI sales tech startup Hyperbound raises $15M

AI sales tech startup Hyperbound has raised $15 million in a new funding round, bringing its total funding to $18.3 million. The company's platform helps sales teams practice customer interactions using AI roleplays and call scoring. Founded in January 2024, Hyperbound has already surpassed $1 million in monthly recurring revenue and serves clients like Autodesk and Bloomberg. The new capital will be used to enhance product features and acquire more enterprise customers.

AI sales tech startup Hyperbound raises $15M

AI sales tech startup Hyperbound has raised $15 million, bringing its total funding to $18.3 million. The platform helps sales teams practice calls and improve performance with AI features like call scoring and multilingual support. Founded in January 2024 by Sriharsha Guduguntla and Atul Raghunathan, the company has achieved over $1 million in monthly recurring revenue. The funds will support product development and customer acquisition.

Meta stock gains ahead of AI conference

Meta Platforms stock is showing a gain of 0.64%, trading at $769.62. The stock is in a buy range following a rebound from its 50-day moving average. A possible flat base is forming with an entry point of 766.30. Meta has a strong Composite Rating of 97 out of 99 and ranks 49th out of 197 in its industry group. The company is preparing for its Connect 2025 conference, where AI and the metaverse are expected to be key topics.

Nvidia invests $4.3B in six AI stocks, CoreWeave leads

Nvidia has invested $4.3 billion in six artificial intelligence stocks as of the end of Q2 2025. The portfolio includes Applied Digital, Arm Holdings, CoreWeave, Nebius Group, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and WeRide. CoreWeave, an AI cloud platform provider, represents Nvidia's largest investment at approximately $3.96 billion and stands out for its valuation and growth prospects, despite not yet being profitable. Analysts project strong earnings growth for CoreWeave in 2026.

Rezolve AI stock surges on partnerships and institutional investment

Rezolve AI PLC (RZLV) stock is up 12.05%, driven by significant market developments. Institutional investors like Citadel and BlackRock now own over 10% of the company, signaling strong confidence. Rezolve AI has also formed key partnerships with Microsoft and Google, and its inclusion in the Russell indexes has increased investor interest. Despite some unusual financial figures, the company's strategic moves and market optimism are fueling its stock performance.

AI boom drives demand for industrial outdoor storage

The artificial intelligence boom is significantly increasing demand for industrial outdoor storage (IOS) lots, which are used to store equipment for data center construction. Major firms like J.P. Morgan Chase and Blackstone are investing billions in acquiring these properties. Since 2021, institutional investors have poured over $4.7 billion into the IOS sector, a sharp increase from previous years. Rents for these lots have jumped 123% since 2020, making it an attractive investment despite zoning challenges.

Airia secures $100M for enterprise AI security

Airia, an enterprise AI security and orchestration platform, has secured $100 million in funding, with co-founder John Marshall personally investing $100 million. The company aims to help organizations safely deploy and scale AI, addressing risks and fragmented deployments. Founded in 2024, Airia has already gained over 300 enterprise customers and 150 employees globally. The funding will accelerate innovation in AI governance, security, and orchestration.

Saudi Arabia eyes $10B AI partnership with Blackstone, BlackRock

Saudi Arabia's new AI company, Humain, is in early talks with private equity firms like Blackstone and BlackRock for a potential multi-billion dollar partnership. The collaboration aims to invest heavily in data centers and related infrastructure to support the kingdom's AI goals. Humain, backed by the Public Investment Fund, has begun constructing its first data centers and plans to procure semiconductors from US chipmakers. This partnership highlights the region's significant role in funding the capital-intensive AI sector.

BigBear.ai wins $50M DoD contract for AI solutions

BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (BBAI) shares rose 7.5% after the company announced a new $50 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, involves providing artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions. BigBear.ai, a provider of AI-powered decision intelligence, also received a nomination for a 2025 AI Excellence Award. The company's stock has seen significant gains year-to-date.

Sources

AI hardware AI devices funding startup consumer electronics smartphones wearables smart glasses robots operating systems personalized AI AI security AI governance AI orchestration AI cloud platform AI solutions data analytics decision intelligence AI sales tech AI roleplays call scoring AI partnerships institutional investment metaverse AI stocks semiconductors data centers industrial outdoor storage AI investment