TL;DR

SoftBank ups OpenAI stake to $32B; Meta seeks $29B for AI data centers, eyes PlayAI buy; NVIDIA acquires CentML.

Highlights

• SoftBank raises its OpenAI investment to $32B, signaling long-term commitment and potential IPO interest1.
• Meta Platforms, Inc. Class A Common Stock seeks $29B in private credit for AI data centers3, in advanced talks to acquire PlayAI (AI voice startup), and recently invested $14.3B in Scale AI29.
• NVIDIA acquires Toronto-based AI startup CentML to bolster its AI infrastructure capabilities2.
• Elon Musk’s xAI to launch Grok 4 AI model in early July, skipping Grok 3.5 due to a performance leap; Grok 4 to be integrated into Tesla’s Optimus robot6.
• Neuralink to begin human trials of its Blindsight vision-restoring implant within 6–12 months; seven humans already implanted with the Telepathy chip7.
• Redwood Materials deploys a 12 MW microgrid using 805 retired EV batteries to power an AI data center, targeting 20 GWh of second-life storage by 20285.
• Revolut acquires Cetelem Argentina from BNP Paribas, securing its first Argentine banking license and expanding its LatAm presence4.
• Germany requests Apple Inc. and Google remove Chinese AI app DeepSeek over data privacy concerns; follows similar bans in Italy and the Netherlands10.
• Denmark proposes copyrighting personal likeness to address AI deepfakes, with potential for broader EU adoption12.
• Xiaomi’s YU7 electric SUV receives 289,000 orders in one hour, intensifying competition with Tesla in China14.
• RTL Group acquires Sky Deutschland for up to €527M, expanding its streaming and sports content footprint in Germany15.
• Google launches Doppl, an AI-powered clothing try-on app, as part of its generative AI retail initiatives11.

Commentary

AI infrastructure and foundational model investment are dominating private markets, with SoftBank’s $32B commitment to OpenAI1 and Meta ’s $29B private credit push for data centers3 highlighting the scale of capital now required to compete. Meta ’s ongoing acquisition and hiring spree—targeting voice AI (PlayAI)2, data providers (Scale AI)29, and top talent9—reflects a trend of large strategics consolidating key assets, which could drive up valuations for growth-stage AI startups and increase M&A activity.

NVIDIA’s acquisition of CentML2 and Redwood Materials’ launch of a large-scale second-life battery microgrid for AI data centers5 signal growing investor focus on the physical infrastructure and energy demands behind AI. Startups enabling more efficient compute or sustainable power for AI workloads may see increased interest from both strategics and financial investors as the sector’s needs evolve.

On the regulatory front, Germany’s move against DeepSeek and Denmark’s deepfake copyright proposal underscore rising compliance hurdles for AI and data-driven startups, especially those with cross-border operations or exposure to China1012. These developments may influence exit timelines and due diligence requirements, particularly for companies operating in or selling to the EU.

Fintech and consumer tech continue to globalize, with Revolut’s acquisition in Argentina4 and Xiaomi’s rapid EV order intake in China14 illustrating how venture-backed challengers are scaling across markets and verticals. RTL’s acquisition of Sky Deutschland15 and Google ’s Doppl app launch11 point to ongoing consolidation and experimentation in streaming and retail, respectively.

VC investors should remain alert to the pace of AI infrastructure buildout, shifting regulatory landscapes, and the potential for further large-scale exits or M&A in AI, fintech, and mobility.