Digital business models Archives | Page 436 of 571

Cerebras IPO faces further delays

Cerebras Systems’ plans for a public listing remain in limbo as a national security review by the US government continues to delay the AI chipmaker’s IPO.

The review, conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), is assessing a $335 million investment from Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42, which has faced scrutiny over its past ties to China.

While executives had hoped for a smoother process under President Trump, delays in filling key political positions have further complicated approval.

Without clarity on G42’s stake, investors remain cautious, making it difficult for Cerebras to move forward. The situation reflects a broader reality for Wall Street, as expectations of a more deal-friendly environment under Trump have yet to materialise.

Analysts suggest that instead of rolling back Biden-era policies, the administration is likely to maintain or even expand scrutiny on foreign investments, particularly those linked to China.

Instead of a setback, Cerebras remains optimistic that the deal will be approved, with plans to proceed with its IPO once clearance is granted.

The company, valued at $8 billion last year, has seen its worth nearly double since then. Meanwhile, G42 has distanced itself from Huawei and secured a national security agreement with the US in an effort to gain regulatory approval.

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Ticketmaster under fire for misleading Oasis ticket sales

Ticketmaster is facing scrutiny from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over concerns it may have breached consumer protection laws during the recent sale of Oasis reunion tour tickets.

The CMA launched an investigation after fans complained about steep prices and a lack of transparency.

The watchdog highlighted issues with Ticketmaster’s ‘platinum’ ticket labelling, which often carried price tags more than double the standard rate.

Despite the inflated costs, the tickets did not offer better seating or added benefits. Buyers were reportedly unaware of this, leading to confusion and frustration.

Another point of concern was Ticketmaster’s handling of standing room tickets. A lower-priced category was sold off early, leaving many fans in long online queues only to be met with pricier alternatives, with little explanation provided at the time of purchase.

The CMA is now working with Ticketmaster to ensure greater clarity for consumers moving forward. It expects the platform to make changes that will help fans make better-informed decisions when buying tickets in the future.

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AI physiotherapy service helps UK patients manage back pain

Lower back pain, one of the world’s leading causes of disability, has left hundreds of thousands of people in the UK stuck on long waiting lists for treatment. To address the crisis, the NHS is trialling a new solution: Flok Health, the first AI-powered physiotherapy clinic approved by the Care Quality Commission.

The app offers patients immediate access to personalised treatment plans through pre-recorded videos driven by artificial intelligence.

Created by former Olympic rower Finn Stevenson and tech expert Ric da Silva, Flok aims to treat straightforward cases that don’t require scans or hands-on intervention.

Patients interact with an AI-powered virtual physio, responding to questions that tailor the treatment pathway, with over a billion potential combinations. Unlike generative AI, Flok uses a more controlled system, eliminating the risk of fabricated medical advice.

The service has already launched in Scotland and is expanding across England, with ambitions to cover half the UK within a year. Flok is also adding treatment for conditions like hip and knee osteoarthritis, and women’s pelvic health.

While promising, the system depends on patients correctly following instructions, as the AI cannot monitor physical movements. Real physiotherapists are available to answer questions, but they do not provide live feedback during exercises.

Though effective for some, not all users find AI a perfect fit. Some, like the article’s author, prefer the hands-on guidance and posture corrections of human therapists.

Experts agree AI has potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, but caution that these tools must be rigorously evaluated, continuously monitored, and designed to support – not replace – clinical care.

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EU regulators to drop Apple probe after compliance changes

EU antitrust regulators are preparing to close their year-long investigation into Apple’s web browser options on iPhones.

The inquiry, launched under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), examined whether Apple’s design restricted users from easily switching to rival browsers or search engines.

Changes implemented by the company have addressed the concerns of the European Commission, leading regulators to conclude the case.

The probe, which began in March last year, was part of the EU’s broader effort to ensure fair competition in digital markets.

Apple made modifications to its browser settings to comply with the new regulations, avoiding potential fines or further legal action. These changes align with the goal of the European Union to prevent dominant technology firms from imposing unfair restrictions on users.

Regulators are expected to officially close the investigation soon, marking a significant step in enforcing the DMA. The outcome highlights the EU’s growing influence over global tech policies, compelling major companies like Apple to adjust their practices to meet stricter competition standards.

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DeepSeek launches V3 to challenge OpenAI

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has unveiled a major upgrade to its V3 large language model, intensifying the competition with US tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.

The new model, DeepSeek-V3-0324, is available via the AI development platform Hugging Face, showcasing significant advancements in reasoning and coding capabilities.

Benchmark tests have highlighted notable improvements in technical performance instead of its predecessor. DeepSeek, which has quickly gained recognition in the AI industry, continues to release competitive models, offering lower operational costs than many Western counterparts.

Following the V3 launch in December, DeepSeek also introduced its R1 model in January, further establishing its presence in the global AI market.

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DNA-testing firm 23andMe faces financial collapse

23andMe has filed for bankruptcy in the US after struggling with declining demand for its ancestry kits and a major data breach in 2023.

The firm, once valued at nearly $6 billion, has seen its market worth plummet, with shares dropping 50% to just 88 cents after co-founder Anne Wojcicki resigned as CEO. The company will continue operating during the sale process, securing $35 million in financing over the weekend.

Concerns have been raised about the fate of genetic data collected from customers, particularly as 23andMe has made multiple deals with pharmaceutical and biotech firms.

While the company insists the bankruptcy will not affect how data is managed, California’s attorney general has urged users to delete their information amid privacy concerns. Experts warn that while accounts can be deleted, some data may still exist in anonymised form.

The firm’s decline has been worsened by its inability to retain customers, as most users only purchase a kit once. The 2023 data breach, exposing the personal details of nearly 7 million users, further damaged its reputation, leading to a $30 million legal settlement.

Wojcicki, who had made several failed buyout attempts, has signalled her intention to bid again, but 23andMe has not disclosed any other potential buyers.

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Bitcoin giant Strategy plans another BTC shopping spree

Bitcoin-focused firm Strategy has announced a new $711 million preferred stock offering as part of its ongoing efforts to grow its massive BTC holdings. The shares, priced at $85 with a 10% coupon, are part of the company’s strategy to raise both equity and debt to fuel its treasury accumulation of Bitcoin.

The latest move follows Strategy’s smallest-ever BTC acquisition on 17 March, when it purchased 130 Bitcoin worth around $10.7 million. This brought its total stash to 499,226 BTC, valued at over $41.8 billion. Despite the modest scale of the recent buy, co-founder Michael Saylor has reaffirmed the company’s intention to aggressively raise further capital to keep adding to its reserves.

Earlier in March, Strategy launched its 8% Series A preferred stock programme, with plans to raise up to $21 billion for future Bitcoin purchases. The firm appears to be attracting investors with returns that outpace traditional bond yields, enticing them away from conventional debt markets.

While the company remains up roughly 26% on its Bitcoin investments overall, its shares have experienced sharp fluctuations, dropping 44% since their peak in late 2024. Nonetheless, a recent rebound saw shares rise to around $299 after dipping to $231. As part of the Nasdaq 100, Strategy is seeing increased exposure to both market gains and tech sector volatility.

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Former Cruise CEO Vogt’s Bot Company secures $150 million

Kyle Vogt’s new robotics startup, The Bot Company, has raised $150 million in a funding round led by Greenoaks, according to Reuters. Vogt, co-founder and former CEO of Cruise launched the company with Paril Jain, ex-Tesla AI tech leader, and former Cruise software engineer Luke Holoubek.

The startup, which aims to produce robots for household chores, raised its initial $150 million in May from notable investors including former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and Stripe executives Patrick and John Collison.

The latest funding round comes less than a year after Vogt founded The Bot Company, following his resignation as CEO of Cruise in October. Vogt left Cruise after an incident in which one of its autonomous vehicles hit a pedestrian.

The Bot Company’s focus on robotics for everyday tasks signals Vogt’s continued drive to innovate in the tech space following his departure from Cruise.

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India’s Gen AI market to drive data centre growth

India’s Generative AI sector is poised for rapid growth over the next five years, driving an increased demand for data centres, according to a report by ANAROCK.

The market size of Gen AI in India is projected to rise from USD 1.1 billion in 2025 to USD 6.4 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 42 per cent.

The surge will require advanced infrastructure, with data centres playing a key role in managing computing power, storage, and data processing needs.

As AI-driven applications become more sophisticated, data centre operators are adapting their strategies to accommodate rising infrastructure demands.

The push for real-time AI applications will also drive the need for edge data centres, particularly in Tier-II cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam, bringing computing closer to users and improving efficiency.

With the expansion of India’s data centre industry, there is a growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Operators are increasingly relying on renewable energy sources and adopting energy-efficient solutions to meet rising power demands while aligning with India’s sustainability goals.

Over the past decade, the sector has attracted over USD 6.5 billion in investments, benefiting from infrastructure status that facilitates easier project financing.

With continued interest from global investors, India’s data centre industry is set for exponential growth, playing a crucial role in the country’s digital transformation.

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US retailers resist price hikes amid tariff pressures

US retailers Walmart and Target are engaged in tense negotiations with suppliers over proposed price increases on a wide range of products.

Manufacturers argue that rising costs, driven by tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump, are making it difficult to maintain prices. Retailers, however, are pushing back to avoid losing market share and discouraging cost-conscious shoppers.

United States businesses such as Nordic Ware and Bogg Bag have seen production costs surge due to tariffs on aluminium and Chinese imports.

While some suppliers are attempting to raise prices, major retailers require a lengthy review process before accepting any increases.

Smaller manufacturers face the risk of having their products replaced with cheaper alternatives if they insist on higher prices.

Toymaker MGA Entertainment is among the firms negotiating price hikes with Walmart and Target, but retailers are resisting, citing concerns over strained consumers.

Some companies are absorbing losses to maintain shelf space, while others are seeking alternative production locations to reduce costs. The outcome of these pricing battles will determine how much shoppers ultimately pay for everyday goods.

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