Expansion

Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service, partnering with Uber in Atlanta and Austin and initiating testing at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) with plans for paid rides. This move marks Waymo’s first California airport operation and builds upon its existing presence at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Waymo is also extending its ride-hailing service in other U.S. metropolitan areas and broadening its San Francisco Bay Area service. Analysts are monitoring regulatory hurdles and public perception as Waymo scales its autonomous vehicle technology.

Finnish quantum computing firm IQM secured $320 million in funding, achieving unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. The investment will support technology development, commercial expansion, and a new software platform to broaden quantum computing accessibility. IQM aims to compete with U.S. giants in the burgeoning quantum landscape and expand sales globally, having already sold 15 quantum computers, including its Radiance and Spark models. While an IPO isn’t immediate, IQM focuses on long-term growth and solidifying its position in the next generation of computing.

Allegiant Air announced on August 13, 2025, it’s expanding its network to Atlantic City, New Jersey, adding four new routes to Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Sanford and Punta Gorda. Flights begin in December 2025 and February 2026, with introductory one-way fares starting at $39. The expansion strengthens Allegiant’s leisure travel emphasis, providing affordable options for travelers. Allegiant has also extended its flight schedule through May 2026.

Mediterranean fast-casual chain CAVA has opened its first Michigan location in Canton, marking its entry into the 28th state. This opening reflects CAVA’s national expansion strategy, aiming for 1,000 locations by 2032. The brand offers customizable Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and dips, and emphasizes community engagement through initiatives like Community Day, benefiting local food banks. CAVA’s growth focuses on healthy, flavorful food catering to diverse consumers and broader health trends.

Xiaomi has launched its first physical store, “Xiaomi Home,” in Seoul, South Korea, marking a key expansion in its global retail strategy. Offering a range of products and after-sales support, the store mirrors its domestic counterparts. The company is incentivizing purchases with free delivery and installation services. This move, part of Xiaomi’s “New Retail” strategy, aims to expand internationally, with plans for 10,000 Mi Homes and a doubling of international revenue within the next few years.

Gree Electric’s “Dong Mingzhu Health Home” is rapidly expanding, with a new store opening in Shijiazhuang, bringing the total to 656, aiming for 3,000 by 2025. This growth underscores Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu’s influence, leveraging her brand recognition for direct consumer engagement. She highlighted her past contributions, emphasizing her role in leading Gree’s significant revenue growth and shareholder value creation.

Barksdale Resources plans an ambitious fall drill program at its Sunnyside project, aiming for a 67.5% ownership stake following promising spring drill results. The company’s focus is on copper mineralization, with potential to explore near-surface and deeper porphyry targets. Preliminary results confirmed copper, with the fall campaign seeking to quantify resources and satisfy earn-in requirements. Barksdale also recently moved to the OTCQB market.

XCF Global and Continual Renewable Ventures Pty. Ltd. signed a non-binding MOU to launch New Rise Australia, a platform for SAF and HVO production. The potential agreement includes an equity stake and license fees, leveraging XCF’s technology for the Australian market. This partnership supports XCF’s international expansion, with definitive agreements expected.

HIVE Digital Technologies has surpassed 11 EH/s in Bitcoin mining hashrate, achieving 11.4 EH/s, ahead of schedule. This success, driven by the completion of Phase 1 in Paraguay, reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable expansion. HIVE aims for 25 EH/s by Thanksgiving 2025 and is expanding its Paraguay site utilizing renewable energy. The company’s investments also support local communities through job creation and infrastructure development.

JD.com’s second Beijing JD Mall opened in Shuangjing, attracting crowds with government subsidies and promotions. The opening featured a display of founder Richard Liu’s original “three-foot counter,” evoking nostalgia and connecting with younger shoppers. The 50,000-square-meter mall, offering diverse products, is part of JD’s expansion, with new malls opening in other cities. The company plans to open 8-10 stores annually, focusing on high-tier and economically growing cities.