KuCoin to Co-Host World Laureates Summit, OpenAI CEO Eyes $50B in Middle East - Daily AI Brief #374

January 23, 2026 - Daily AI Brief
Hi there,

Welcome to today's AI Brief.

In today's edition, KuCoin is set to co-host the 2026 World Laureates Summit in Dubai, while Stoïk has raised €20 million to enhance its AI cyber risk solutions. OpenAI is seeking $50 billion in funding from the Middle East, and Neurophos has secured $110 million for its AI optical processors. Additionally, Google has launched free AI-powered SAT practice exams.

Further developments include OpenAI appointing Barret Zoph for enterprise AI sales, and ThetaRay naming Brad Levy as its new CEO. Anthropic has updated its interview test to counter AI cheating, and Google DeepMind has acquired a team from Hume AI. Stay informed with these and other stories in today's newsletter.
KuCoin to Co-Host 2026 World Laureates Summit in Dubai
The 2026 World Laureates Summit, co-hosted by KuCoin, will be held in Dubai, focusing on AI and blockchain's role in scientific advancement. Read more
Stoïk Raises €20 Million for AI Cyber Risk Solutions
Stoïk, a European insurtech, has secured €20 million in Series C funding to enhance its AI-driven cybersecurity solutions for companies with revenues up to €1 billion. Read more
OpenAI CEO Seeks $50 Billion from Middle East
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is in the UAE to discuss a $50 billion funding round with top investors, including sovereign wealth funds. Terms are still under negotiation. Read more
Neurophos Secures $110 Million for AI Optical Processors
Austin-based startup Neurophos has raised $110 million in a Series A funding round to develop optical processors aimed at enhancing AI inferencing tasks. Read more
Google Launches Free AI-Powered SAT Practice Exams
Google has introduced free SAT practice exams using its AI tool, Gemini, aiming to provide accessible test preparation for students. Read more
OpenAI Appoints Barret Zoph for Enterprise AI Sales
OpenAI has appointed Barret Zoph to lead its enterprise AI sales as the company seeks to recover market share lost to competitors like Anthropic and Google. Read more
ThetaRay Appoints New CEO Brad Levy
ThetaRay has appointed Brad Levy as its new CEO to lead the company's international expansion in AI financial crime compliance solutions. Levy takes over from Peter Reynolds, who is stepping down for family reasons. Read more
OpenAI's Global AI Education Initiative
OpenAI has launched the 'Education for Countries' initiative to integrate AI tools into national education systems. The program aims to collaborate with governments and universities to enhance learning and prepare students for future workforce demands. Read more
Anthropic Updates Interview Test to Prevent AI Cheating
Anthropic has revised its technical interview test to address the challenge of AI-assisted cheating, aiming to differentiate between human candidates and AI outputs. Read more
Google DeepMind Acquires Team from Hume AI
Google DeepMind has acquired CEO Alan Cowen and several engineers from the AI voice startup Hume AI to enhance its voice features. Hume AI will continue to offer its technology to other companies. Read more
Pennylane Secures €175 Million in Funding
Pennylane, a Paris-based accounting and financial management platform, has raised €175 million in a funding round led by TCV and Blackstone. The investment will support R&D in generative AI, localization for German regulations, and expansion of payment offerings. Read more
Neusoft and Cerence AI Partner for Automotive Cockpit Solutions
Neusoft Corporation and Cerence AI have announced a strategic partnership to develop AI-powered automotive cockpit solutions. The collaboration focuses on enhancing in-cabin interactions using voice AI technology. Read more
OpenEvidence Valuation Hits $12 Billion After Funding
OpenEvidence, a medical AI startup, has raised $250 million, doubling its valuation to $12 billion in three months. The company offers AI tools to U.S. physicians to improve clinical decision-making. Read more
Mews Raises $300 Million to Boost AI in Hospitality Tech
Mews has secured $300 million in a Series D funding round to enhance its AI capabilities in hospitality technology, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. Read more
DealHub.io Secures $100 Million for Expansion
On January 20, 2026, DealHub.io announced a $100 million funding round led by Riverwood Capital to support global expansion and development of its Agentic Revenue Hub. Read more
Ipsos to Invest €1.2 Billion in AI and Acquisitions
French market research firm Ipsos announces a €1.2 billion investment over five years to boost AI capabilities and pursue acquisitions, aiming to enhance growth. Read more
Robo.ai and The Ghazi Group Partner for AI Infrastructure
Robo.ai Inc. has entered a three-year agreement with The Ghazi Group to distribute AI infrastructure solutions in the MENA region and Southeast Asia, targeting over $100 million in revenue opportunities. Read more
Google AI Mode Accesses Gmail and Photos for Personalization
Google has introduced a new feature in its AI Mode called 'Personal Intelligence', which allows access to users' Gmail and Google Photos to deliver personalized responses. This feature is available to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., offering tailored itineraries and shopping recommendations. Read more

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