Meta seeks $29 billion from private capital firms for AI data centres: Financial Times

Meta Platforms is seeking $29 billion from private capital firms to fund US AI data centres, aiming to raise $3 billion in equity and $26 billion in debt. The move supports Meta's intensified AI push, amid rising competition with OpenAI and Google and growing demand for high-performance computing infrastructure.

OpenAI turns to Google's AI chips to power its products: The Information

OpenAI has begun renting Google’s TPUs via Google Cloud, marking its first major use of non-Nvidia chips. This move aims to cut inference costs and reduce reliance on Microsoft. However, Google, an OpenAI competitor in the AI race, is not renting its most powerful TPUs to its rival.

Meta and OpenAI Intensify AI Race Amidst Strategic Shifts and Investments

The Pulse

The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with major players like Meta and OpenAI making significant moves to secure their positions. As competition heats up, the implications for economic growth, job markets, and ethical considerations become increasingly pronounced.

How it's happening

Meta is seeking $29 billion from private capital to bolster its AI data centers, while OpenAI has begun utilizing Googles TPUs to reduce costs. These strategies reflect a broader trend of tech giants investing heavily in AI infrastructure and talent amidst fierce competition.

Key takeaways

• Meta's $29 billion funding push highlights the escalating demand for AI infrastructure.
• OpenAI's shift to Googles TPUs marks a significant departure from Nvidia reliance.
• Venture capital investments in AI surged by 550% since 2022, indicating robust market interest.
• Microsoft faces delays in its AI chip production, trailing competitors like Amazon and Google.
• Regulatory actions are anticipated as governments respond to the AI growth race.

Notable actions

Meta's aggressive recruitment and investment strategies, including a $14.3 billion stake in Scale AI, signal its commitment to AI leadership. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is preparing executive orders to enhance energy supply for AI, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes involved.

Alibaba unveils latest AI service for images in push for users

The Hangzhou-based company introduced Qwen VLo, part of a series of AI services under the company’s Qwen brand. The new model is an upgrade from Qwen2.5-VL and is now able to generate text-to-image and image-to-image results. It also has a technology called progressive generation, meaning users can see the process as an image is created.

The AI frenzy is escalating. Again.

Silicon Valley witnesses a surge in AI investments. Tech giants like Meta and Amazon are heavily investing in data centers and AI talent. Meta offers huge signing bonuses to AI researchers. Venture capitalists increase AI investments by 550% since 2022. Companies acquire startups for their talent. Apple is also exploring AI opportunities.

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