META ACQUISITION
China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB Robotics
China has blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, disrupting the Japanese group’s AI-powered robotics expansion. The intervention highlights Beijing’s growing scrutiny of cross-border deals involving strategically important technologies.
AMD forecasts fourth-quarter revenue above estimates on strong AI chip demand
Advanced Micro Devices estimates its fourth-quarter revenue will hit about $17 billion, driven primarily by robust demand for AI chips. Although the company's forecast for adjusted gross margin stands at 55%, it falls slightly short of analyst expectations. A remarkable 97% year-on-year increase in data-centre revenue showcases AMD's growth. However, the company currently faces challenges in sourcing high-bandwidth memory, essential for its AI processors.
SaaS firm Capillary’s AI platform drives new customer wins, revenue grows 51%
Capillary’s aiRA (AI-powered Research Assistant) is an AI agent for enterprise brands that helps connect customer data across platforms and identifies opportunities to acquire, convert, retain and reactivate customers. It also executes campaigns through existing marketing tools, with human approval. It works with data from platforms such as Salesforce, Snowflake, Databricks, Google Ads and Meta, according to the investor presentation.
Dashverse shuts DashReels, seeks $40 million for AI push
The Bengaluru and San Franciscobased startup is pitching its businessto-business software platform, Frameo AI, to prospective investors as it moves away from acquiring and monetising viewers through its own app. The proposed fundraise is at an early stage, the people said.
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
AI giants' funding ambitions test Wall Street's appetite for risk
The heavyweights of the AI industry are facing a reckoning on Wall Street, reflecting concerns over who will bear the cost of the artificial intelligence buildout that has fueled much of this year's stock market gains.
- Go To Page 1
Jio Platforms' post-IPO playbook: What's ahead for No. 2 of Dalal Street?
Reliance Jio Platforms made a blockbuster stock market debut, listing at a 21.4% premium and reaching a $131.5 billion valuation. After India's biggest IPO, investors are watching Jio's next growth engines: tariff hikes, broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, cloud services and stronger cash flows. Can Akash Ambani turn Jio's digital ambitions into sustained earnings and long-term shareholder returns?
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
Cognizant eyes Sarvam stake; Ather aims for higher market share
Happy Wednesday! Cognizant has held discussions to invest in homegrown AI startup Sarvam. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Meta eyes record $95 billion equity raise to fund AI expansion
The Facebook parent has launched public offerings worth about $35 billion in common and preferred stock, and said it also plans to launch a separate at-the-market share sale program worth up to $60 billion.
Meta to create non-voting shares to fund AI expansion, retain Zuckerberg’s control
Meta Platforms plans to introduce publicly traded non-voting Class C shares to fund AI investments, acquisitions and employee compensation while preserving Mark Zuckerberg’s voting control. The proposed one-for-one share distribution is expected to begin trading in January 2027.
Meet Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed, two Egyptian founders who built a text-to-speech tool; their voice AI startup was later acquired by Meta
Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed are the founders of PlayAI. Both of them Egyptian entrepreneurs who had previously worked at Dubai-based classifieds platform Dubizzle. The idea for starting the company came when they got frustrated by limited access to regional content in audio formats. The aim was to make written content more available through speech technology.
Explained: Why is Meta creating a new class of non-voting shares amid its AI growth?
Meta plans to create a new class of publicly traded non-voting stock, known as Class C shares, and distribute one Class C share for each existing Class A and Class B share - effectively splitting its stock two-for-one. The new shares are expected to begin trading in January 2027.
Mark Zuckerberg, worth $240 billion, threatens to leave California over 5% billionaire tax as Meta creates new Class C shares to keep him in state
Mark Zuckerberg has threatened to leave California if the state introduces a proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax. In response, Meta has approved a new class of nonvoting Class C shares that would allow the Facebook co-founder to raise money to pay a potential tax bill without losing control of the company. The new stock arrangement also comes with an eight-year commitment from Zuckerberg to remain a California resident.
Meta’s bigger budget, Tesla’s smaller one leave Wall Street uneasy
Investors question how Meta will fund its AI push and whether Tesla’s smaller budget can deliver Musk’s ambitions.
Mark Zuckerberg makes deal with Meta to help him pay billionaire tax if it passes
Mark Zuckerberg has made a deal to manage potential tax liabilities from a proposed wealth tax in California. The tax would impose a one-time 5 percent charge on billionaires' net worth. Zuckerberg's agreement allows him to maintain ownership of Meta while selling non-voting shares to finance his tax obligations. Proponents argue the tax ensures the rich contribute fairly to state revenues.
How Elon Musk’s $3.5 trillion Tesla–SpaceX merger could rewrite the rules of his business empire and shift who holds the power
In an ambitious move, Elon Musk is contemplating merging Tesla with SpaceX, a deal poised at roughly $3.5 trillion. Public sentiment appears favorable, yet no official contract has been signed. Teams of independent evaluators will scrutinize the merger plan to assure shareholder fairness. Should this merge succeed, it could significantly enhance Musk's sway in business decisions, though regulatory obstacles and shareholder needs could complicate the pathway ahead.
Meta stock price: Why are Meta shares down today? Facebook, Instagram parent may witness USD 50 billion wipe out from company's market value despite strong quarterly revenue
Meta share price: Facebook, Instagram parent is spending heavily to support its AI plans, with an expected annual capital expenditure forecast between $135 billion and $145 billion.
Meta falls as investors balance Muse growth with rising AI costs
Shares of Meta Platforms fell about 3% in premarket trading on Thursday, as investors weighed the benefits of the company's fast-growing AI agent business against the mounting costs of funding its ambitious AI expansion.
Meta falls as investors balance Muse growth with rising AI costs
Shares of Meta Platforms declined in premarket trading as investors evaluated costs against growth in the AI sector and faced legal hurdles. Despite reporting higher-than-expected quarterly revenue, the company is under pressure from a $25 billion data-privacy ruling. Meta's aggressive investment in AI includes a forecasted annual capital expenditure of up to $145 billion. A significant free cash flow deficit also reflects the costs incurred in its expansion strategy.
Cash-strapped China targets offshore wealth with new tax
China has introduced a 20 percent tax on dividends and interest from offshore trusts to combat a fiscal deficit. Wealthy citizens must settle these taxes by Thursday within a 90-day transition period. This measure aims to reclaim billions of dollars held overseas and bolster the economy amidst ongoing financial challenges. Officials emphasize the importance of these taxes in keeping capital within China for technological advancement.
Meta strikes deal to keep Mark Zuckerberg in California after wealth tax concerns
By Carlos Me- Meta Platforms has struck a deal with Mark Zuckerberg to keep him living in California after the CEO warned he was considering leaving the state that houses the
Meta stock: Facebook, Instagram parent stock price rises after tech giant announces new types of shares. All you may want to know
Meta posted diluted earnings per share of $3.83 in the quarter, a figure that would have been $7.40, had it not been for a $9.89 billion charge related to the August settlement.
Meta raises AI spending forecast to $145 billion, plans new share issue; Q3 revenue beats estimates
Meta raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $135 billion-$145 billion to accelerate AI expansion and announced plans for non-voting shares, while reporting stronger revenue amid mounting legal challenges and intensifying competition.
Skydance bets big on AI-driven content
Paramount Skydance has completed its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery for $110 billion. The company plans to focus on reducing costs through technology rather than employee layoffs. Skydance now owns an extensive range of film, TV, and news organizations, including HBO Max and CNN. The merger comes amid increasing competition from tech giants like Netflix and Amazon.
Apple names Meta veteran Scott Tucker as litigation chief in legal team shake-up
Apple has hired former Meta litigation chief Scott Tucker as vice president of global litigation and financial services, strengthening its legal leadership amid mounting antitrust, patent and other lawsuits. The appointment is part of a broader reorganisation under General Counsel Jennifer Newstead, as the iPhone maker faces legal setbacks threatening its services business.
Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan pay $57 million for 16,000-square-foot Gothic-style Strancally Castle in Ireland’s County Waterford
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan recently acquired Strancally Castle in County Waterford for over €51 million. This purchase is the highest price paid for a residential property in Ireland this year. The couple's acquisition of the estate follows 25 years of restoration work by the previous owners. Local representatives welcomed the news, hoping it will boost the region's profile.
Fintech funding rises 14% to $2.2 billion in Jan-Sep; deal count falls 41%: Tracxn
Funding in the first nine months of 2025 stood at USD 1.9 billion. The number of rounds dropped to 153 from 260 a year ago, the data intelligence platform said in a report.
US President Donald Trump buys $1 million-plus stakes in Meta, Microsoft, McDonald’s; adds SpaceX debt
Donald Trump invested over $1 million in stocks of several major companies during August. Notable purchases included Meta Platforms, McDonald's, Microsoft, and space-related debt from SpaceX. His investment activities encompass trading in shares of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices, key players in the AI sector. Trump's financial dealings during his presidency have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Load More
