AI and Tech News: Meta's Success, Startup Down Rounds, and U.S. Tracking AI Chip Shipments

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26d ago 3:37

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Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.Meta had a strong second quarter, with significant revenue growth and surpassing analyst expectations. The company's core advertising business remains robust, fueled by heavy investments in artificial intelligence. Mark Zuckerberg's increased AI spending has paid off, contributing to Meta's financial success. The company's focus on delivering present results, rather than promising future success, has been well-received by investors. Meta's recent success marks a departure from previous concerns about losses and the pivot to the Metaverse. Investors have shown confidence in Meta's AI investments and financial performance, signaling a shift in sentiment towards the company. Meta's emphasis on short-form video content like Reels and increased ad load optimizations have driven impression growth and increased ad inventory. The company has transitioned from being a social network to focusing on delivering superintelligence, aligning with industry trends and remaining competitive. Meta's new mission of empowering individuals through personalized content has contributed to its continued success and adaptability in the evolving market landscape..Startup down rounds are at a 10-year high in 2025, with 15.9% of venture-backed deals being down rounds. This trend is a result of the soaring valuations of the early 2020s coming back down to earth. Many major IPO listings in Q2 hit the public markets below their peak valuations, including companies like MNTN, Circle, Hinge, and Chime. Despite this trend, AI startups continue to be valued at a premium, with some hitting eye-popping valuation levels. The IPO market is seen as being back on track, with venture-backed startups generating $67 billion in exit value in the US. However, there are still many unicorns yet to make their public debut, limiting distributions back to VC firms and their LPs. The text also provides information on recent venture deals, private equity acquisitions, exits, and people movements in the industry..The U.S. has been secretly tracking AI chip shipments to prevent them from ending up in China, using tracking devices in select shipments under investigation. New York has sued Zelle, alleging widespread fraud enabled by the payment platform's security vulnerabilities. There are currently 498 AI unicorns valued at $2.7 trillion, with a boom in company valuations leading to substantial paydays for founders, investors, and executives. The tech industry is experiencing a surge in AI investments, with more billionaires emerging from AI companies. Other tech news includes Kodak facing possible closure, Perplexity fundraising at a $20 billion valuation, and Apple's reported plans for new smart home devices. Pony AI is on track to meet its goal of having 1,000 robotaxis on the road by the end of the year..The text discusses a potential issue with Trump's export deal with Nvidia and AMD, citing concerns that it may be unconstitutional. The article also highlights the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin, with low expectations for any significant outcomes. Additionally, the text mentions the impact of new tariffs on America's national debt and the potential implications of the export clause in the U.S. Constitution. The article also covers various news stories, including Trump warning Putin of "severe consequences" prior to their meeting, a bullish IPO for a crypto exchange, and the challenges companies face in realizing significant bottom-line impacts from AI investments. Finally, the text provides updates on market movements and includes watercooler topics such as Binance's Yi He being dubbed the most powerful woman in crypto and Ray Dalio's early finan

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