News/Partnerships
Jared Kushner founds AI consulting startup Brain Co. with $30M funding
Jared Kushner has cofounded Brain Co., an AI consulting startup that helps large corporations and governments implement artificial intelligence solutions across their operations. The company emerged from stealth with $30 million in Series A funding and has already secured deals with major clients including Sotheby's and Warburg Pincus, positioning itself to capitalize on the widespread struggle businesses face when trying to deploy AI effectively. The founding team: Kushner partnered with prominent tech investor Elad Gil and former Mexican foreign minister Luis Videgaray to launch the San Francisco-based startup in 2024. The company has around 40 employees and maintains a strategic...
read Sep 10, 2025The Wire(s): Baltimore’s new AI lab tackles 27% internet gap in East Baltimore
Baltimore has launched an AI Computer Resource Lab at the Greenmount Recreation Center through a partnership with Intel and NWN, an AI-powered technology modernization company. The initiative targets underserved youth and seniors in East Baltimore, where over 27% of households lack internet access and 22% of adults don't have a high school diploma, positioning the lab as a critical resource for bridging digital equity gaps in an increasingly AI-driven economy. What you should know: The lab provides Intel-based AI PCs and hands-on learning experiences designed to build AI literacy among community members who traditionally lack access to advanced technology. Mayor...
read Sep 9, 2025CoreWeave launches $1B+ venture fund to back AI startups
CoreWeave, a cloud infrastructure company specializing in AI workloads, has launched a venture capital arm called CoreWeave Ventures to invest in AI-focused startups. The announcement sent the company's stock surging 4.67% as investors see the move as a strategic expansion that could create a pipeline benefiting both earnings and future demand for computing power. What you should know: CoreWeave Ventures offers startups a comprehensive package beyond traditional funding, combining capital investment with technical resources and market access. The venture arm provides direct capital investment, compute for equity arrangements, and access to CoreWeave's AI-optimized cloud and production-grade testing clusters. Startups also...
read Sep 9, 2025Microsoft plays the field, plans to add Anthropic’s Claude to Copilot features
Microsoft reportedly plans to start using Anthropic's Claude models to power some Copilot features in Office 365 applications, marking a potential shift away from its exclusive reliance on OpenAI technology. The move suggests growing tensions between Microsoft and OpenAI as the companies navigate disputes over OpenAI's restructuring plans, while also highlighting Microsoft's assessment that Claude 4 Sonnet outperforms competing models in specific use cases. What you should know: Microsoft currently uses OpenAI's technology to power most AI features in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, but plans to announce the integration of Anthropic models "in the coming weeks."• The company will...
read Sep 9, 2025New tech, old world: Helsing and ARX partner to develop AI-powered defense systems for Europe
Helsing, an AI defense company, and ARX Robotics, a specialist in unmanned ground systems, have announced a strategic partnership to develop AI-based reconnaissance and strike systems for European defence forces. The collaboration aims to digitize and network land domain operations using artificial intelligence, drawing on battle-tested technologies from Ukraine to give European armed forces a technological advantage on the battlefield. What you should know: The partnership focuses on transforming Europe's fragmented and analog land warfare capabilities into a connected, AI-driven network. The companies will jointly develop reconnaissance and strike systems that enable armed forces to "act faster, more precisely, more...
read Sep 9, 2025Eli Lilly launches TuneLab, sharing $1B AI drug discovery platform with biotech partners
Eli Lilly has launched TuneLab, an AI-powered platform that provides biotech companies access to drug discovery models trained on over $1 billion worth of the pharmaceutical giant's proprietary research data. The platform aims to democratize AI capabilities in drug development, allowing smaller companies to leverage the same advanced tools used by Lilly's scientists while contributing their own data to enhance the system. Why this matters: The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly turning to AI to accelerate drug discovery and reduce costs, with analysts projecting AI-related R&D spending to reach $30-40 billion by 2040 as companies seek faster, cheaper alternatives to traditional...
read Sep 9, 2025Heads up! NASA’s AI gives satellite operators 24-hour warning for solar storms
NASA's Frontier Development Lab has successfully used artificial intelligence to predict disruptive solar events up to 24 hours in advance, working with commercial partner KX Systems to adapt financial market analytics software for space weather forecasting. This breakthrough could help satellite operators prepare for solar activity that causes both stunning auroras and potentially damaging disruptions to GPS and other space-based infrastructure. How it works: The collaboration leveraged KX Systems' kdb+, a data analytics software typically used to track rapid financial market shifts, to analyze space weather patterns. Researchers imported multiple datasets monitoring the ionosphere (the upper layer of Earth's atmosphere),...
read Sep 9, 2025Dutch ASML invests $1.5B in French Mistral AI, becomes largest shareholder
ASML, the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker, will invest 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in French artificial intelligence startup Mistral AI, securing an 11% stake and becoming the company's main shareholder. The strategic investment also includes a partnership to integrate Mistral's AI models across ASML's product portfolio and grants ASML a seat on Mistral's strategic committee. Why this matters: The deal represents one of the largest corporate investments in a European AI startup, signaling ASML's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its semiconductor manufacturing equipment business while strengthening Europe's position in the global AI race. Key details: ASML's investment makes it...
read Sep 9, 2025Cisco launches AI-powered data fabric to unify enterprise analytics
Cisco has launched an AI-driven data fabric powered by Splunk, designed to help enterprises unify and analyze distributed business and machine data. The new architecture, unveiled at Splunk .conf25 in Boston, integrates the Cisco Data Fabric with Splunk Federated Search for Snowflake to enable AI-powered insights from machine-generated telemetry across multiple platforms. What you should know: The Cisco Data Fabric creates a unified framework that connects disparate data sources for comprehensive analytics and AI applications. Built using Splunk Enterprise and Splunk Cloud Platform capabilities, the fabric federates data from cloud, on-premises, and platforms like Snowflake and Splunk Indexes. The system...
read Sep 8, 2025Microsoft signs $17.4B AI infrastructure deal with Nebius Group
Nebius Group has signed a $17.4 billion deal to provide Microsoft with GPU infrastructure capacity over five years, marking one of the largest AI infrastructure partnerships to date. The agreement underscores the massive capital investments tech giants are making to secure computing power for generative AI development, with Nebius shares surging 33% in after-hours trading following the announcement. What you should know: This represents a significant strategic partnership between Microsoft and Nebius, an AI infrastructure specialist formerly known as Yandex's international business.• The five-year agreement is valued at $17.4 billion, positioning it among the largest AI infrastructure deals in the...
read Sep 5, 2025Vivrelle’s red carpet welcomes “Ella” AI stylist that combines borrowing, styling and shopping
Vivrelle has launched "Ella AI," an artificial intelligence stylist for its luxury accessories membership platform, developed in partnership with fashion retailers REVOLVE and FWRD. The AI tool creates a unified shopping experience by combining borrowing, resale, and traditional retail on a single platform, allowing customers to get outfit recommendations for specific occasions and purchase items seamlessly. How it works: Ella AI provides personalized styling recommendations based on specific occasions and requirements, then enables direct purchasing. Users can request outfits for particular events, such as "outfits for a girls' night in Miami," and the AI refines suggestions based on additional details...
read Sep 5, 2025Atlassian acquires Arc browser maker for $610M to build AI work browser
Atlassian has acquired The Browser Company, maker of the Arc and Dia web browsers, for $610 million to build an AI-powered browser specifically designed for knowledge workers. The acquisition positions Atlassian, the software company behind workplace tools like Trello and Jira, to compete in the rapidly evolving browser market where companies are racing to integrate generative AI into web browsing experiences. What you should know: Atlassian plans to upgrade Dia into a specialized browser that uses agentic AI to help knowledge workers navigate and retrieve information more efficiently. The new browser will transform traditional tabs into "icons enriched with context,"...
read Sep 5, 2025Everyday low-skill upskilling: OpenAI and Walmart partner to train 10M people in AI by 2030
OpenAI has partnered with Walmart to launch an expanded certification program through its OpenAI Academy, aiming to train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030. The initiative comes as studies show AI-savvy workers command higher pay and productivity, positioning both companies to address the growing demand for AI literacy in the workforce. What you should know: OpenAI's Academy has already connected over 2 million people with AI learning resources and will now offer formal certifications across different skill levels. The certifications will range "from the basics of using AI at work all the way up to AI-custom jobs and...
read Sep 5, 2025OpenAI promotes LinkedIn-style job platform to certify 10M Americans by 2030
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed plans to launch a LinkedIn-style job platform alongside an AI certification program, announcing the initiative during a high-profile White House tech dinner. The move represents a significant expansion into workforce development that could directly compete with LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft—OpenAI's largest investor—creating potential tension between the AI company and its key partner. What you should know: OpenAI's new Jobs Platform will use large language models to match employers with AI-literate candidates across skill levels. The platform will launch next year and cater to companies seeking talent with AI expertise, from entry-level skills...
read Sep 4, 2025NSF launches national AI research operations center to scale pilot
The National Science Foundation has launched a solicitation for proposals to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC), a community-based initiative designed to create a comprehensive management framework for national AI research infrastructure. This represents a critical step in transitioning the successful NAIRR Pilot program into a sustainable, scalable national resource that could significantly accelerate AI research capabilities across the United States. What you should know: The NAIRR-OC will serve as the organizational backbone for America's national AI research infrastructure, building on the foundation established by the current pilot program.• The center will develop overarching frameworks, management...
read Sep 4, 2025Leaning into lean: Smarsh cuts support staff from 20 to 5 with Salesforce AI agents
Smarsh, a compliance and surveillance technology company serving over 6,200 customers including 18 of the top 20 global banks, has deployed Salesforce's Agentforce platform to power AI agents for customer support. The deployment represents a strategic shift for the company, which specializes in creating AI agents for compliance monitoring but is now leveraging Salesforce's expertise to enhance customer service operations while achieving significant efficiency gains. What you should know: Smarsh has implemented multiple AI agents through Salesforce Agentforce to automate various customer service functions, starting with knowledge base creation and expanding to customer-facing support. The company replaced its traditional customer-facing...
read Sep 4, 2025OPTEL acquires Vanguard Robotics to expand pharma automation beyond traceability
OPTEL Group has acquired Vanguard Robotics, a specialist in collaborative robot automation for pharmaceutical end-of-line operations. The strategic acquisition expands OPTEL's capabilities beyond its core traceability and supply chain solutions, positioning the company as a comprehensive automation partner for pharmaceutical manufacturers facing labor shortages and demanding regulatory requirements. Why this matters: The pharmaceutical industry is grappling with an aging workforce and shrinking labor pool, driving urgent demand for automation solutions that can deliver ROI within one to two years while maintaining strict compliance standards. What you should know: Vanguard Robotics brings specialized expertise in collaborative robotics tailored specifically for regulated...
read Sep 4, 2025Atlassian acquires Arc browser maker for $610M to build AI work browser
Atlassian is acquiring The Browser Company, maker of the Arc browser and upcoming AI-focused Dia browser, for $610 million in an all-cash deal expected to close by the end of 2025. The acquisition positions Atlassian, owner of productivity tools like Jira and Trello, to expand beyond its current software portfolio into the emerging AI-powered browser market, with plans to accelerate Dia's development as "the AI browser for work." Key details: The Browser Company will maintain operational independence while building out Dia, which launched in private beta in June. Co-founders Josh Miller and Hursh Agrawal will remain as CEO and CTO,...
read Sep 4, 2025Synthesia’s Express-2 creates hyperrealistic AI avatars in just 1 hour
Synthesia has unveiled Express-2, its latest AI avatar technology that creates hyperrealistic digital clones with more natural movements, expressive voices, and improved accent preservation. The advancement marks a significant leap toward AI avatars that are nearly indistinguishable from real humans, with the company planning to introduce interactive capabilities that will allow these digital clones to engage in real-time conversations. What you should know: The new Express-2 model represents a dramatic improvement over previous AI avatar technology, addressing many of the uncanny valley issues that plagued earlier versions. Previous avatars suffered from jerky movements, accent slippage, and mismatched facial expressions that...
read Sep 4, 2025Apple partners with Google to power AI search for Siri in 2026
Apple is developing an AI-powered search engine tool called "World Knowledge Answers" that will integrate into Siri and launch as early as spring 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The search engine will be powered by Google's AI technology through a new partnership agreement, potentially giving Apple's struggling AI efforts the boost they need to compete with ChatGPT and other AI search tools. What you should know: The new search engine aims to transform Siri into a more capable AI assistant that can answer complex internet queries using multiple content types. The tool will handle text, photos, videos, and "local...
read Sep 4, 2025OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1B to boost ChatGPT development
OpenAI has acquired product development startup Statsig for $1.1 billion, marking one of the company's largest acquisitions to date as it continues expanding ChatGPT's capabilities. The deal brings Statsig's A/B testing and real-time data analysis platform directly into OpenAI's operations, while Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji will join OpenAI as technology chief for the applications unit. What you should know: Statsig specializes in experimentation platforms that power A/B testing, feature flagging, and real-time decision-making for major companies. The Seattle-based startup was already working alongside OpenAI to test features and integrate real-time data into daily operations before the acquisition. "As part of...
read Sep 3, 2025Apple tests Google’s Gemini AI for Siri upgrade
Apple and Google have reached a formal agreement for Apple to evaluate and test Google's Gemini AI model to potentially power an upgraded version of Siri currently in development. The deal comes as Apple works to modernize its voice assistant for the AI era while also developing an AI-powered search feature called "World Knowledge Answers" targeted for release next year. What you should know: Apple is testing multiple AI models for Siri's upgrade, including its own models alongside options from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. The formal agreement with Google allows Apple to evaluate Gemini specifically for the voice assistant project,...
read Sep 3, 2025NSF launches national AI research center to scale America’s computing power
The U.S. National Science Foundation announced a new solicitation to establish the National AI Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC), marking a pivotal transition from the successful NAIRR pilot program to a sustainable national AI research infrastructure. This initiative directly supports the White House's AI Action Plan and aims to expand access to critical AI resources for researchers and educators across the country, addressing a significant gap in computational tools needed for AI innovation and training. What you should know: The NAIRR-OC represents a strategic investment in scaling America's AI research capabilities through a community-based operational framework. The solicitation invites proposals...
read Sep 3, 2025PayPal offers 430M users free $200 Perplexity AI browser trial
PayPal and Venmo users in the U.S. and select global markets will receive early access to Perplexity's new AI-powered Comet browser through a free 12-month trial of the startup's Pro subscription, worth $200 annually. This partnership gives the Nvidia-backed AI search company access to PayPal's 430 million users while positioning PayPal's new subscriptions hub as a gateway for premium digital services. What you should know: The collaboration marks one of the first major offerings in PayPal's newly launched subscriptions management hub, which helps users track and manage recurring payments. Users can sign up for Perplexity Pro directly through the PayPal...
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