Investment

Meta has reversed its decision to shut down Horizon Worlds on VR headsets, opting to keep the platform accessible for existing games to support its fan base. While this signals continued VR investment, Meta is shifting its development focus predominantly to the mobile app, utilizing the new Horizon Engine for improved performance. The company acknowledges the dedicated VR user base, despite the platform’s prior struggles with mainstream adoption.

Uber plans to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian to deploy up to 50,000 robotaxis globally by 2031. The deal includes procuring 10,000 autonomous Rivian R2 vehicles, with an option for an additional 40,000. This strategic partnership, with an initial $300 million investment, aims to accelerate robotaxi adoption, with initial city launches planned for 2028.

AI investment is shifting focus from broad enthusiasm to essential data center infrastructure. Investors are prioritizing companies with substantial computing power and facilities, as highlighted by Goldman Sachs’ “flight to quality.” AI workloads will significantly boost data center capacity and energy demand, with infrastructure limitations now shaping AI strategy and geographical site selection. This pragmatic phase emphasizes foundational hardware and energy solutions over experimental software.

Nvidia is investing $2 billion in AI cloud company Nebius Group to accelerate AI infrastructure development. The partnership will focus on AI infrastructure, fleet management, and AI factories, granting Nebius early access to Nvidia’s computing platforms. Nebius aims to scale its AI cloud capacity to over five gigawatts by 2030, supported by Nvidia’s cutting-edge technology. This investment is part of Nvidia’s broader strategy to bolster AI development across the sector.

Oracle has invested approximately $2 billion in TikTok’s U.S. joint venture, holding a 15% stake. This investment stems from a 2024 national security law mandating ByteDance divest TikTok’s U.S. operations. Oracle also houses TikTok’s U.S. user data and serves as its security provider, monitoring operations. Despite operational glitches attributed to Oracle data centers, the partnership signifies Oracle’s dual role as investor and critical operational partner in navigating regulatory and geopolitical landscapes.

Coreweave, a provider of AI infrastructure renting Nvidia chips, is aggressively expanding despite a stock dip. CEO Mike Intrator sees a “once in a generation moment” for AI capacity demand, justifying massive investments, including a projected $30-35 billion in 2026. While this debt-fueled expansion raises profitability concerns, Intrator highlights a significant reduction in the company’s cost of capital. Analysts anticipate stock volatility as investors weigh Coreweave’s ambitious strategy against market uncertainties.

Stocks fell Friday due to inflation concerns and AI disruption fears. However, massive new investments in AI infrastructure, like OpenAI’s $110 billion funding round, fuel optimism for a new industrial revolution. While some fear job losses, others see AI as a catalyst for productivity and economic expansion. Falling Treasury yields and strong AI server demand, exemplified by Dell’s performance, further support a bullish outlook for the tech sector.

AI’s rise is challenging the dominance of traditional software. Investors fear AI will automate tasks, reducing demand for enterprise software licenses, leading to significant stock drops for companies like Salesforce and Adobe. While some predict over half of current software could be replaced, others believe specialized and data-rich companies are more resilient. Giants like Google and OpenAI face challenges in developing enterprise-class software, potentially offering a buffer for established providers. The market’s sell-off is driven by existential questions about software’s business model, not just valuation.

Thrive Capital has reportedly invested $1 billion in OpenAI at a $285 billion valuation, reinforcing its status as a key backer. This is separate from OpenAI’s ongoing, potentially $100+ billion funding round aiming for an $800 billion valuation, in which Thrive is also expected to participate. OpenAI also acquired a stake in Thrive Holdings. The large funding round, expected to involve Nvidia, SoftBank, and Amazon early on, highlights immense confidence in AI’s future.

Pratt & Whitney is investing $200 million to expand its Columbus, Georgia, manufacturing operations. This includes a seventh isothermal forging press to boost production of critical engine parts by 30% for commercial and military programs like the GTF and F135 engines. This follows a recent $70 million expansion for GTF engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The company has invested over $1 billion in Columbus since 2008, underscoring its commitment to ramping up industrial capacity.