October 16, 2025

finance  
OpenAI, Apple Partner on AI Chips, Palantir Eyes $1T Valuation

The artificial intelligence sector continues to see significant investment and strategic partnerships, with a focus on both foundational technology and specialized applications. Israeli startup Corbel has secured $6.7 million in seed funding to modernize industrial equipment sales using AI, aiming to replace outdated manual processes with an AI-powered operating system. Meanwhile, Broadcom is collaborating with OpenAI on custom AI accelerators, signaling a move to challenge Nvidia's dominance in AI chips, and is reportedly working with Apple on similar technology. Nvidia itself remains a central player, with its AI accelerators being a key component in the Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF, which has shown strong performance. Super Micro Computer's stock is surging due to high demand for AI infrastructure, with the company launching new data center solutions. Amphenol, a supplier of connectors and cables for the AI industry, has been upgraded by Bank of America, which anticipates sustained triple-digit AI revenue growth through 2026. On the software front, Palantir Technologies is projected by Wedbush Securities to potentially reach a $1 trillion market value within two to three years, driven by its AI software platform, particularly in the commercial sector. C3.ai's stock has seen a rebound amid AI optimism, despite recent financial challenges, as it focuses on partnerships and its enterprise AI application market. Nordic IT provider Atea reported a 14.4% increase in gross sales, with a strategic focus on AI and defense. In specialized AI applications, Paygentic has raised $2 million for its AI billing solutions designed for startups with fluctuating usage, and MatrixSpace has raised $20 million for its portable AI radar technology for counter-drone systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Corbel raised $6.7 million in seed funding to develop an AI operating system for industrial equipment sales.
  • Broadcom is partnering with OpenAI to develop custom AI accelerators and is reportedly working with Apple on similar technology.
  • Palantir Technologies could reach a $1 trillion market valuation within two to three years, driven by its AI software platform.
  • Atea reported a 14.4% increase in gross sales, with a strategic focus on AI and defense.
  • Paygentic secured $2 million in pre-seed funding for AI billing solutions that adapt to fluctuating usage.
  • C3.ai's stock rebounded 8.2% amid renewed AI optimism and focus on enterprise AI applications.
  • The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF, with Nvidia as its largest holding, has returned 52% year-to-date.
  • Super Micro Computer's stock is surging due to high demand for AI infrastructure and new data center solutions.
  • Amphenol, an AI industry supplier, received a 'buy' upgrade from Bank of America, projecting triple-digit AI revenue growth through 2026.
  • MatrixSpace raised $20 million for its portable AI radar technology used in counter-drone systems.

Corbel raises $6.7M for AI to transform industrial equipment sales

Corbel, an Israeli startup, has raised $6.7 million in Seed funding to modernize the sale of industrial equipment using AI. The company aims to replace outdated systems like manual quoting and PDF workflows with an AI-powered operating system. This technology helps manufacturers better understand customer data and offer personalized solutions at scale. The funding will support team expansion, AI development, and wider deployment of their platform, which has already processed $60 million in quoting volume.

Corbel secures $6.7M to modernize industrial equipment sales with AI

Israeli startup Corbel has raised $6.7 million in seed funding to update the sales process for industrial equipment using AI. The company targets the trillion-dollar manufacturing market, where many still use manual data entry and outdated tools like PDFs for quoting. Corbel's platform turns scattered product data into AI-driven intelligence, enabling faster quotes, better equipment matching, and integrated financing. This funding will help Corbel grow its teams and enhance its AI capabilities.

Corbel lands $6.7M Seed funding for AI-driven industrial sales platform

Corbel, an AI operating system for industrial equipment makers, announced $6.7 million in Seed funding led by Ibex Investors. The company aims to revolutionize equipment sales with its AI-native platform, which streamlines quoting, enhances customer engagement, and boosts revenue. This new capital will accelerate product development, expand sales and marketing efforts, and further improve Corbel's AI technology. Investors believe Corbel's innovative platform addresses a critical market need.

Broadcom partners with OpenAI for AI chips, challenging Nvidia

Broadcom has partnered with OpenAI to develop custom AI accelerators, aiming to supply 10 gigawatts of power for AI systems. The company already creates custom AI chips for Alphabet, Meta, and ByteDance, and is reportedly working with Apple. While Nvidia is expected to maintain its lead in AI accelerators, Broadcom's market share is projected to grow. However, Broadcom's stock is considered expensive compared to Nvidia's, which has a strong ecosystem and lower total cost of ownership.

Wall Street sees Palantir hitting $1 trillion valuation with AI growth

Analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities predicts Palantir Technologies could reach a $1 trillion market value within two to three years, suggesting a 135% potential upside. Palantir's AI software platform is driving growth, especially in its commercial sector, which is expected to expand significantly. While the company currently earns most revenue from government agencies, its AI leadership is attracting more commercial clients. However, Palantir's high valuation is a concern for some analysts.

Atea reports 14.4% sales growth, focusing on AI and defense

Atea, a Nordic IT provider, announced a 14.4% increase in gross sales for Q2 2025, reaching NOK 16.8 billion. The company is strategically focusing on growth areas like defense, IT security, AI, and the upcoming Windows 10 end-of-life cycle. Software sales led the growth, with significant contributions from Denmark and the Baltics. Atea expects continued solid performance for the rest of 2025, driven by increased defense spending and AI opportunities.

Paygentic raises $2M for AI billing solutions

Paygentic has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding to develop flexible billing solutions for AI-native startups. The company addresses the challenge of traditional fixed monthly billing models for AI products with fluctuating usage. Their platform offers integrated billing, payments, and merchant-of-record capabilities, allowing AI businesses to charge based on usage, outcomes, or hybrid models. This funding will help scale the team, expand product development, and strengthen infrastructure.

C3.ai stock rebounds 8% amid AI optimism

C3.ai shares rose 8.2% following a recent three-month decline, as optimism returned to the tech sector and hopes for easing U.S.-China trade tensions grew. Despite recent revenue drops and wider losses, the company is focusing on strong partnerships and a large addressable market for enterprise AI applications. C3.ai is also implementing new go-to-market strategies and leadership changes to improve execution and accelerate adoption globally.

Roundhill AI ETF offers exposure to Nvidia and other AI leaders

The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF provides investors with exposure to leading AI companies, including its largest holding, Nvidia. This ETF has significantly outperformed the S&P 500, returning 52% year-to-date. It holds 43 stocks focused on AI platforms, infrastructure, and software, with top holdings also including Alphabet, Oracle, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms. The ETF offers a concentrated portfolio for those seeking to invest in the AI revolution.

Super Micro Computer stock surges on AI demand

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock is seeing renewed interest due to high demand for AI infrastructure, fueled by companies like Nvidia and Tesla. The company recently launched a new business line offering complete data center building blocks, simplifying the setup process for organizations. Analysts forecast significant growth in upcoming quarters, with expected acceleration in both earnings and sales. SMCI stock is showing signs of a strong rebound, aiming for a fresh buy point.

Bank of America upgrades Amphenol, citing AI growth potential

Bank of America has upgraded Amphenol, a supplier of electrical connectors and cables for the AI industry, to 'buy' with a raised price target. The analyst projects sustained triple-digit AI revenue growth for Amphenol into 2026, driven by increased AI rack volume and data center construction. Despite potential shifts in Nvidia's future systems, Amphenol is expected to see higher component value per rack. The upgrade also considers Amphenol's strong M&A activity and mid-teen organic growth.

MatrixSpace raises $20M for portable AI radar counter-drone tech

MatrixSpace, a leader in portable AI-enhanced radar for counter-drone systems, has completed a $20 million Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $58 million. The round was co-led by OTB Ventures and The Raptor Group, with new investor L3Harris also participating. MatrixSpace's technology provides affordable, AI-powered situational awareness in all conditions for civil and defense applications. This funding will support growth and solidify its leadership in counter-UAS solutions.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Startups Funding Seed Funding Industrial Equipment Sales Transformation AI Operating System Manufacturing Data Analysis Personalization AI Accelerators AI Chips Partnerships Nvidia OpenAI Broadcom Market Valuation AI Growth Palantir Software Platform Commercial Sector Government Contracts Sales Growth IT Services Defense IT Security Billing Solutions AI-Native Startups Usage-Based Billing Enterprise AI Stock Rebound ETFs Generative AI Technology ETF AI Infrastructure Data Centers AI Demand Electrical Connectors Cables AI Revenue Radar Technology Counter-Drone Systems Situational Awareness Civil Applications Defense Applications