Microsoft, OpenAI $40B Investment, DeepSeek Chip Delay

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son aims to position the company as the leading platform for 'artificial super intelligence' within the next 10 years, drawing comparisons to Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. To achieve this, SoftBank is making significant investments in AI, including the $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere and a potential $40 billion investment in OpenAI, bringing their total investment in OpenAI to $32 billion since Autumn 2024. Meanwhile, the development of DeepSeek's DeepSeek-R2 AI model is facing delays due to US export restrictions on NVIDIA's H20 chips, impacting access to advanced AI hardware. DeepSeek previously used 50,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs, including 30,000 H20s, to train its R1 model. In the financial sector, Trustly's Kathryn McCall emphasizes the need for 'bounded autonomy' with internal controls and human oversight for AI agents executing financial transactions, recommending measures like isolated containers and kill switches. Simultaneously, a financial advisor has launched a new AI investment platform, while Bitmart has introduced X Insight, an AI tool that analyzes social media activity on X to provide crypto trading signals. AI is also making strides in healthcare, as demonstrated by doctors at Columbia University using AI to identify healthy sperm for an infertile couple, leading to successful conception after 18 years. In the media industry, a recent report indicates a 9.9% decrease in advertising and PR jobs due to automated ad buying tools, though managerial roles are expected to grow. Iran has launched 'Iran Digital,' a free AI training program for two million junior high students and one thousand teachers, focusing on AI education. Meta's WhatsApp has introduced Message Summaries using AI, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hired AI researchers from OpenAI. Experts are also considering the necessity of specific AI insurance policies as AI becomes more prevalent, with clients seeking clear AI coverage. Microsoft is opening an AI co-innovation lab in Wisconsin focused on manufacturing. OpenAI and Microsoft are in discussions about contract terms related to artificial general intelligence.

Key Takeaways

  • SoftBank aims to be the leading platform for 'artificial super intelligence' in 10 years, investing heavily in AI, including a potential $40 billion in OpenAI.
  • DeepSeek's DeepSeek-R2 AI model is delayed due to US export restrictions on NVIDIA's H20 chips.
  • Trustly advocates for 'bounded autonomy' with internal controls for AI agents in finance, including kill switches for high-value transactions.
  • A financial advisor has launched a new AI investment platform.
  • Bitmart has launched X Insight, an AI tool for crypto trading that analyzes social media activity on X.
  • AI aided doctors at Columbia University in finding healthy sperm for an infertile couple, resulting in conception.
  • The media industry has seen a 9.9% decrease in advertising and PR jobs due to AI, but managerial roles are expected to grow.
  • Iran has launched 'Iran Digital,' an AI training program for two million students and one thousand teachers.
  • Experts are considering the need for specific AI insurance policies as AI becomes more common.
  • Meta's WhatsApp has introduced Message Summaries using AI, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has hired AI researchers from OpenAI.

SoftBank plans to lead in artificial super intelligence platforms

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son wants his company to be the top platform for 'artificial super intelligence' in the next 10 years. He compares this goal to the success of companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. SoftBank is investing heavily in AI, including acquiring Ampere for $6.5 billion and investing up to $40 billion in OpenAI. Son regrets not investing in OpenAI earlier, with their total investment now at $32 billion since Autumn 2024. SoftBank sold its Nvidia stake in 2019 before AI became popular.

SoftBank aims to dominate artificial super intelligence platform market

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced plans for the company to become the leading platform provider for 'artificial super intelligence' within 10 years. Son wants SoftBank to be like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google in the AI world. SoftBank is investing heavily in AI, including acquiring Ampere for $6.5 billion and potentially investing $40 billion in OpenAI. SoftBank's total investment in OpenAI is now $32 billion since Autumn 2024, and Son wishes they had invested sooner. SoftBank sold its stake in Nvidia in 2019 before the AI boom.

AI agents in finance need corporate controls says Trustly

Autonomous AI agents are changing financial services, but raise concerns about privacy and security. Kathryn McCall from Trustly suggests 'bounded autonomy' with internal controls and human oversight. Companies should ensure AI systems have transparency and ethical rules from the start. AI agents can now execute financial transactions, increasing risks. McCall recommends isolated containers and kill switches for AI actions, especially for high-value transactions. She believes companies must be responsible and anticipate issues, as regulations are still developing.

Financial advisor launches new AI investment platform

An advisor has created a new AI investment platform. More details are available through Financial Investment News (FIN) and GRLM, LLC.

AI helps find sperm for infertile man in hours

A couple had a baby after 18 years of infertility thanks to AI. Doctors at Columbia University used AI to find healthy sperm in a man with very low sperm count. The AI analyzed millions of images from a semen sample in hours, which usually takes days. This quick search allowed them to extract sperm and fertilize an egg. This is the first known use of this AI technology for conception.

AI is changing media jobs new report shows

A new report suggests AI is changing the media industry. The number of jobs in advertising and PR has decreased by 9.9% in the last year. Automated ad buying tools are putting pressure on advertising sales roles. However, managerial roles are expected to grow. Experts say roles needing strategic thinking and client relationships will still need humans. People in campaign management should learn AI tools to stay relevant.

Bitmart launches AI tool for crypto trading

Bitmart has launched X Insight, an AI platform that analyzes social media activity on X to provide crypto traders with real-time trading signals.

US chip rules delay DeepSeek AI model

The development of DeepSeek's DeepSeek-R2 AI model is delayed because of US export restrictions on NVIDIA's H20 chips. These restrictions limit China's access to advanced AI hardware. DeepSeek used 50,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs, including 30,000 H20s, to train its R1 model. The H20 shortage also affects the use of the existing DeepSeek-R1 model. DeepSeek CEO Wenfeng Liang is not happy with the R2 model's current performance.

Iran focuses on AI in schools with new program

Iran has launched the first phase of 'Iran Digital,' a free AI training program for two million junior high students and one thousand teachers. Students will learn AI and work on projects after completing introductory courses. Officials say teaching AI will boost digital skills and prepare students for future jobs. The program includes incentives like competitions and prizes to motivate students and teachers. UNESCO emphasizes that AI in schools should support teachers and students, not replace them.

Will AI need its own insurance policy experts wonder

Experts are wondering if AI will need its own insurance policy, similar to how cyber insurance evolved. Many businesses use AI, but few are confident in managing the risks. AI risks are often covered by general liability or E&O policies now. However, as AI becomes more common, insurers may need specific policies. Clients are asking for clear AI coverage in their insurance. Insurers will need to understand how well companies manage AI risks to decide if standalone AI coverage is needed.

Meta hires OpenAI researchers for AI work

Meta's WhatsApp has introduced Message Summaries, which uses AI to summarize unread messages privately. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hired three AI researchers from OpenAI to help with superintelligence projects. UBS raised Meta's price target, noting the company benefits from AI demand. OpenAI and Microsoft are discussing contract terms related to when OpenAI's systems reach artificial general intelligence. Microsoft is also opening an AI co-innovation lab in Wisconsin focused on manufacturing.

Sources

SoftBank Masayoshi Son Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) OpenAI Nvidia AI investment AI in finance Autonomous AI agents Trustly AI risk management AI ethics AI investment platform AI in healthcare AI in fertility treatment AI in media AI and job displacement AI in advertising Bitmart AI in crypto trading DeepSeek AI US chip restrictions NVIDIA H20 AI model development AI in education Iran Digital AI training program UNESCO AI insurance AI risk Meta WhatsApp Message Summaries Mark Zuckerberg Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Microsoft AI co-innovation lab