TL;DR

OpenAI acquires io for $6.5B AI hardware push; Circle files $6.7B NYSE IPO; Neuralink raises $600M at $9B.

Highlights

• OpenAI acquires Jony Ive’s io startup for $6.5B to launch AI hardware device in 2026, targeting 100M units 1.
• Circle files for NYSE IPO at $6.7B valuation, offering 24M shares; ARK Invest and major banks backing 2.
• Neuralink raises $600M at $9B valuation, five patients implanted, receives FDA “breakthrough” status 3.
• Salesforce to acquire Informatica for $8B to enhance enterprise AI/data integration; deal expected to close in FY2027 5.
• TPG and Blackstone bid $16B to take Hologic private, marking one of the largest health tech LBOs this year 4.
• NYC pension system sells $5B in private equity stakes to Blackstone amid 35% drop in PE fundraising 6.
• Quadria Capital closes $1.07B fund for Asian healthcare; Cathay Innovation raises €1B for European AI startups 7.
• OnlyFans explores $8B sale or IPO; strong profitability draws interest from multiple buyers 8.
• SharpLink Gaming raises $425M led by Consensys to adopt Ethereum as treasury asset; stock surges 420% 9.
• Trump Media & Technology Group raises $2.5B for Bitcoin treasury, joining public companies adding crypto to balance sheets 10.
• Strive Asset Management raises $750M (option to $1.5B) for Bitcoin treasury, targeting $7.9B in Mt. Gox claims, and plans public merger 11.
• CoreWeave shares surge nearly 200% in May ahead of Nvidia earnings; options activity intensifies 15.

Commentary

Today’s news reflects continued momentum in AI, crypto, and healthcare, with both strategic M&A and major fundraising shaping the landscape. OpenAI’s $6.5B acquisition of Jony Ive’s io startup signals a significant move into AI hardware, with ambitions to produce 100 million units of a new device by 2026 1. This push into hardware by a leading AI player may drive increased venture activity in adjacent hardware, supply chain, and interface startups, and could influence valuations for early-stage companies in the AI device ecosystem.

On the capital markets front, Circle’s NYSE IPO filing at a $6.7B valuation, backed by major financial institutions and ARK Invest, highlights sustained institutional appetite for digital asset infrastructure 2. Meanwhile, Neuralink’s $600M round at a $9B valuation—following FDA breakthrough status and five successful human implants—demonstrates strong investor confidence in neurotechnology and regulated medtech, which could support further deal flow in advanced healthtech 3.

Private equity and secondary market activity remain robust despite fundraising headwinds. TPG and Blackstone ’s $16B bid for Hologic , and Blackstone ’s $5B acquisition of NYC pension PE stakes, underscore continued demand for scaled health tech and discounted secondary positions 46. For VCs, this may create opportunities for growth-stage exits and discounted portfolio entry points, especially as LPs seek liquidity.

The surge in crypto-treasury strategies—SharpLink, Trump Media, and Strive collectively raising over $3B to add Bitcoin and Ethereum to balance sheets—signals growing institutionalization of crypto assets 910. This trend could drive further innovation in treasury management and crypto infrastructure, opening new exit pathways for fintech and blockchain startups 11.

Strong fundraising by Quadria Capital ($1.07B for Asian healthcare) and Cathay Innovation (€1B for European AI) points to robust cross-border capital flows, especially in AI, health, and fintech 7. Public market volatility—exemplified by CoreWeave’s 200% rally and OnlyFans’ $8B sale/IPO talks—remains a key consideration for venture-backed exit timing 815.