Google's $1B Bet on Anthropic, Stargate, and AI's $600B Boost to BRICS+
January 22, 2025 -
Daily AI Brief
Hi there,
In today's news, StackBlitz Inc. is eyeing a $700 million valuation, OpenAI boosts its lobbying efforts to $1.76 million for energy and security, and Perplexity introduces the Sonar API for AI search. And as you might have expected, Google and Anthropic are making headlines with a $1 billion investment plan.
Top stories
StackBlitz Inc. Eyes $700 Million Valuation
StackBlitz Inc. is in discussions to raise $83.5 million, aiming for a $700 million valuation, following the success of its AI tool Bolt.new. Read more
OpenAI Boosts Lobbying to $1.76M for Energy and Security
OpenAI has significantly increased its lobbying spending to $1.76 million in 2024, focusing on AI policy related to energy and national security in the U.S. Read more
Perplexity Introduces Sonar API for AI Search
Perplexity has launched Sonar, an API service designed for enterprises and developers to integrate AI search tools into their applications. The service offers a base version and a more advanced Sonar Pro for complex queries. Read more
Google to Invest Over $1 Billion in AI Startup Anthropic
Google plans to invest more than $1 billion in AI startup Anthropic, according to the Financial Times. This move is part of a larger funding effort valuing Anthropic at around $60 billion. Read more
Microsoft Ends Exclusive Cloud Deal with OpenAI
Microsoft has ended its exclusive cloud provider agreement with OpenAI, allowing the AI company to explore other service providers. This follows a new agreement granting Microsoft the right of first refusal on OpenAI's cloud needs, amid partnerships with SoftBank and Oracle for additional infrastructure. Read more
WEF Unveils AI Development Blueprint
The World Economic Forum has released a blueprint, developed with KPMG, to promote inclusivity in AI-driven growth, focusing on equitable access and infrastructure. Read more
OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle Launch AI Venture 'Stargate'
OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle are collaborating on a joint venture named 'Stargate', with plans to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure, starting with a $100 billion commitment for a data center in Texas. Read more
Scale AI CEO Urges U.S. AI Investment
Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang has published an open letter in The Washington Post, calling on the Trump administration to boost AI investment. The letter suggests steps to maintain U.S. leadership in AI against China. Read more
Other Stories
- McCourt Global and O'Leary Ventures Partner for AI Data Center in Canada
- Varonis to Acquire Apex Security for Up to $40 Million
- Edged Opens 24MW Data Center in Texas for AI
- Automation Anywhere Integrates AI into PwC India's Suite
- Sampo AI Raises $750,000 for E-Commerce Pricing
- Kaya AI Secures $5.3M Pre-Seed Funding
- Isomorphic Labs Plans AI Drug Trials in 2025
- Lebesgue Secures €2.9M for AI Marketing Platform
- Caseware Acquires Extractly.ai to Enhance Audit Solutions
- Generative AI to Boost BRICS+ Economies by $600 Billion by 2030
- Zynap Secures €5.7M for AI Cybercrime Prevention
- Google Supports Israel's Military with AI
- Element Six Unveils Copper Diamond Composite at Photonics West 2025
- Latent AI Reports Growth and Innovations in Edge AI
- ONAR Launches ONAR LABS and Cortex AI Platform
- Texas Lawmakers Propose AI Regulations for Health Insurance
- Percipio Health Secures $20M for AI Health Platform
- Biden Administration Enacts GPU Export Limits
- Huawei Challenges NVIDIA in China's AI Chip Market
- Harbr Data Partners with Databricks
- Vizgard Secures £1.5 Million Funding
- BCU Partners with AviaryAI for AI-Driven Member Services
- AI Startup Clay Secures $40M, Hits $1.3B Valuation
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