#AI

SoftBank Group shares dropped over 11% following a U.S. tech sell-off driven by profit-taking. Despite strong year-to-date gains and CEO Masayoshi Son’s optimistic AI vision, investor sentiment is cautious due to high-risk investments. This downturn impacted other Asian tech giants like TSMC and Foxconn, reflecting global market volatility and a focus on short-term momentum.

Supabase has secured $500 million in funding at a $10.5 billion valuation, doubling its worth since its last round. This substantial investment highlights strong investor confidence in AI development infrastructure, with Supabase’s PostgreSQL-based platform proving crucial for AI-assisted coding and application scaling. The company is challenging established database providers and plans to use the funds to further fuel AI development.

Despite strong quarterly results and optimistic guidance, CrowdStrike, Broadcom, and Palo Alto Networks experienced post-earnings stock dips. This is attributed to heightened investor focus on AI growth stories and elevated expectations from recent tech rallies. Analysts remain largely positive, increasing price targets. The declines are seen as market consolidation and a reaction to unmet trading expectations, rather than a reflection of deteriorating fundamentals, with AI reinforcing the critical need for cybersecurity. Long-term investors are advised to view these pullbacks as potential opportunities.

Bitcoin faces significant downward pressure due to a faltering narrative and liquidity rotation into dynamic assets like semiconductors and SpaceX. Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing record net outflows, while regulatory clarity dims. MicroStrategy’s first Bitcoin sale in two years unsettled investors, triggering long liquidations. The market is closely watching for MicroStrategy’s next move, with analysts predicting a potential return to buying to stabilize sentiment. Despite current challenges, the four-year cycle suggests a potential bottom in late October.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has been invited to testify before the Senate Banking Committee regarding the company’s significant business ties with China. Lawmakers are concerned that advanced U.S. AI chips could be used by China for military purposes, impacting national security. The hearing will also address U.S. export controls and Nvidia’s role in the global AI landscape, reflecting bipartisan and bicameral scrutiny of U.S. tech engagement with China.

Meta has launched Business Agent, an AI-powered tool for automating conversational commerce within its messaging apps. It enables businesses to handle transactions and customer support with minimal human intervention across Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. This native integration streamlines the checkout process and reduces cart abandonment by keeping customers within the app. The agent acts as an “infinite team,” offering personalized recommendations and learning from interactions. It also allows businesses to reduce dependency on third-party platforms, though careful data management and escalation protocols are crucial.

CrowdStrike exceeded Q1 earnings and revenue estimates, with revenue up 26% year-over-year. The company announced a four-for-one stock split and reported a significant net income improvement. CEO George Kurtz attributed growth to an “AI inflection point,” highlighting AI detection and response as a key driver. CrowdStrike is investing in AI capabilities and acquisitions to address evolving cyber threats, with a positive outlook and raised fiscal 2027 forecast.

CrowdStrike exceeded expectations with strong Q1 FY27 results and optimistic guidance, yet its stock fell over 11%. The company announced a 4-for-1 stock split. Analysts maintain a “hold-equivalent” rating, raising the price target to $750. AI is seen as a growth catalyst for cybersecurity, driving demand for security solutions as enterprises deploy AI. Cybersecurity is now a strategic enabler for AI adoption and business velocity.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is actively engaging with US lawmakers in Washington D.C. to discuss artificial intelligence policy, following President Trump’s executive order on AI development. Altman’s meetings with key administration officials and congressional leaders aim to shape AI regulation. He supports a balanced approach promoting U.S. leadership through innovation and safety, emphasizing responsible AI development and public accountability. OpenAI advocates for thoughtful regulation and rigorous safety standards, transparently engaging in policy discussions.

Uber is cutting 23% of its People division staff, including recruitment and HR, to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This move, led by new President Jill Hazelbaker, aims to create a more connected and modern organization. While not directly attributed to AI, the cuts occur as Uber invests heavily in AI tools and explores their potential for automation and scaling, reflecting a broader tech industry trend.