Exclusive: OpenAI taps Google in unprecedented cloud deal despite AI rivalry, sources say

Spanish AI startup Multiverse Computing raised $217M in Series B funding led by Bullhound Capital to revolutionize AI efficiency. Their CompactifAI tool uses quantum-inspired tensor networks to compress AI models by up to 95% while maintaining accuracy, reducing energy use and costs by up to 80%. The technology works with leading LLM architectures and increases inference speed by 50-80%. The funding raises the company's valuation to over $500M.

Brainlab, a German medical technology company, is planning an IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to raise up to €200 million. The company aims to expand into new clinical fields and enhance its digital health platform. Known for software supporting surgeries and tumor radiation therapies, Brainlab serves about 4,000 healthcare institutions across 120 countries. In the first half of fiscal 2024/25, it reported €239 million in revenue with a 22.4% operating profit margin. Founder Stefan Vilsmeier recently stepped down from daily operations but remains a long-term investor. Major banks including Berenberg and Deutsche Bank are managing the IPO, which will be conducted on Frankfurt's regulated Prime Standard market.

TotalEnergies has partnered with French startup Mistral AI to accelerate AI integration in energy innovation, focusing on low-carbon solutions. The collaboration includes a joint innovation lab combining expertise from both organizations to develop digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, support renewable energy development, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance customer experience. A key initiative involves creating an AI assistant for TotalEnergies' research team to support development of next-generation energy solutions with minimal environmental impact.

OpenAI is seeking a $40 billion funding round, engaging with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Indian investors like Reliance Industries. These discussions occur as Saudi Arabia increases its AI investments through initiatives like HUMAIN. The fundraising effort highlights the shifting geography of AI development, with emerging global hubs and unprecedented capital flows reshaping the competitive landscape. If successful, this massive investment would significantly enhance OpenAI's research and deployment capabilities in the rapidly evolving AI sector.