Tech companies are making big moves in AI, driving growth and attracting investment. Cisco's stock is up, fueled by over $1 billion in AI-related infrastructure orders from cloud giants like Meta. Celestica is expanding its edge AI networking gear with products like the ES1500 switch, targeting smart campuses. Meanwhile, Chinese AI chip startup Biren Technology secured $207 million in funding and is planning a Hong Kong IPO, aiming to capture a large share of the local GPU market by 2027. Genpact is detailing its 'AI-first' strategy at an investor day, while UBS suggests continued investment in tech stocks, highlighting the early stages of AI adoption and the benefits seen by companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Google Ventures is investing in Metaview's AI hiring platform, which uses AI to analyze job interviews, and Klutch AI launched with $8 million to bring AI agents to construction teams. UBS also increased its price target for Meta, acknowledging its AI potential after the release of Llama 4 and a $14.9 billion investment in Scale AI. Google AI Pro now offers an annual subscription for $199.99, providing a cost-saving alternative to its monthly plan.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco's AI-related infrastructure orders exceeded $1 billion, driven by demand from companies like Meta.
- Celestica is expanding its edge AI networking products with the ES1500 switch.
- Biren Technology, a Chinese AI chip startup, raised $207 million and plans a Hong Kong IPO.
- Genpact is presenting its 'AI-first' strategy at an investor day.
- UBS recommends continued investment in tech stocks, citing the early stages of AI adoption.
- Google Ventures invested $35 million in Metaview's AI hiring platform.
- Klutch AI launched with $8 million in seed funding for AI agents in construction.
- Meta's price target was increased by UBS due to its AI advancements, including Llama 4.
- Meta invested $14.9 billion in Scale AI.
- Google AI Pro offers an annual subscription for $199.99, saving users money compared to the monthly plan.
Cisco stock hits new high amid AI growth
Cisco Systems stock reached a 52-week high, driven by its focus on AI and strong financial results. AI-related infrastructure orders exceeded $1 billion this year, with major cloud computing companies like Meta contributing. Cisco's networking product orders are also growing, and its acquisition of Splunk is proving beneficial. The company launched new security products, adding over 370 new customers. Analysts expect continued earnings growth for Cisco in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
Celestica expands edge AI networking gear for growth
Celestica Inc. is expanding its networking products for edge AI, introducing the ES1500 switch with fast port speeds for smart campuses and industrial sites. The new switch supports up to 48 ports with 2.5 gigabit ethernet and is designed for space-constrained environments. Celestica's focus on innovation and AI advancements is expected to boost its Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment. Competitors like Flex Ltd. and Jabil Inc. are also focusing on AI and cloud solutions. Celestica's stock has significantly outperformed the industry over the past year.
China's Biren raises funds for AI chips, eyes Hong Kong IPO
Chinese AI chip startup Biren Technology has raised about 1.5 billion yuan ($207 million) and plans to list in Hong Kong. This comes as China aims to create its own chip industry amid U.S. export restrictions. The funding round was led by state-linked investors. Biren, founded in 2019, faced challenges after being added to the U.S. 'Entity List,' but its products are used in several intelligent computing centers. Investment bank Morgan Stanley predicts Chinese GPU makers could capture 70% of their local market by 2027.
Genpact details AI strategy at investor day
Genpact is hosting an investor day to present its 'AI-first' strategy. The company will share its plans for using artificial intelligence across its business. Investors and analysts will learn about Genpact's AI initiatives, investments, and expected results. The event is an opportunity for Genpact to show its long-term growth strategy and commitment to technology innovation.
UBS says tech stocks still have room to grow
UBS suggests investors should continue investing in tech stocks, even with the Nasdaq 100 at record highs. They believe AI adoption is still in early stages and will drive further growth in the tech sector. AI use is steadily increasing across industries. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are already seeing significant benefits from AI. UBS predicts AI adoption will continue to rise, leading to further monetization for tech companies.
Google invests in Metaview's AI hiring platform
Google Ventures led a $35 million investment in Metaview, a London-based AI company. Metaview's platform uses AI to analyze job interviews and provide insights. The AI tools aim to make hiring more objective and consistent. Metaview's tools include an AI notetaker, chatbot, and job post generator. The company claims to have recorded over three million interviews and is used by companies like Sony and Deliveroo.
Klutch AI launches with $8M for construction AI agents
Klutch AI has launched with $8 million in seed funding to bring AI to construction teams. The company's AI agents automate tasks like permit review, jobsite documentation, and vendor coordination. Klutch aims to reduce manual work and improve project outcomes. Key offerings include Archie AI, Bob AI, Petra AI, and Hailey AI. The AI agents pull jobsite updates from photos, texts, calls, and emails.
Meta gets price target boost amid AI advancements
UBS increased its price target for Meta Platforms, recognizing its potential in artificial intelligence. Despite recent strategic shifts, Meta is expected to lead in monetizing AI products. Meta released its Llama 4 AI model and invested $14.9 billion in Scale AI. CEO Mark Zuckerberg outlined five areas for AI growth including advertising and social media. Meta's stock has been performing well, with a 22% increase in 2025.
Google AI Pro offers annual plan to save money
Google AI Pro now offers an annual subscription option for $199.99, saving users money compared to the monthly plan. The annual plan is equivalent to getting two months for free. ChatGPT does not currently offer an annual subscription option. Google also offers Gemini Ultra for $249.99 per month. Both Gemini and ChatGPT have free versions with limited features.
Sources
- Cisco Hits 52-Week High: Can AI Focus Further Drive the Stock?
- CLS Expands Networking Portfolio for Edge AI: Will it Drive Growth?
- China AI chip firm Biren raises new funds, plans Hong Kong IPO, say sources
- Genpact hosts investor day to outline AI-first strategy By Investing.com
- Why the tech trade has more room to run even as the Nasdaq 100 hovers at all-time highs
- Google Ventures leads £25.5m investment in British AI firm
- Klutch AI Emerges from Stealth with $8M Seed to Bring Intelligent AI Agents to Construction Teams
- Meta Wins Price Target Hike Amid Artificial Intelligence Shake-up
- Google AI Pro's new annual subscription brings you big savings – here's how it compares to ChatGPT