MiniMax, a prominent Chinese generative AI startup, made a strong debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on January 9, 2026. The company's shares more than doubled, soaring by 109% and closing at 345 Hong Kong dollars. Through its initial public offering, MiniMax successfully raised $619 million (HK$4.8 billion), which co-founder Yeyi Yun stated will fund research and development for its core AI models and support international expansion plans. This robust market entry underscores continued investor confidence in China's burgeoning AI sector. Meanwhile, major U.S. tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon are solidifying their positions as leading AI growth investments. Both companies are building crucial AI infrastructure, with Microsoft's Azure cloud services seeing a 40% revenue increase in fiscal Q1 and Amazon Web Services (AWS) sales growing 20.2% to $33.0 billion in Q3. These firms are heavily investing to meet the escalating demand for AI computing power, integrating AI tools into popular products like Microsoft's Copilot AI assistants for Office software. Despite Microsoft's strong cloud performance, its stock recently slipped due to lower-than-expected sales of AI PCs. Dell Technologies noted consumer confusion regarding AI features, as many current applications like ChatGPT function well on older Windows 10 PCs. Separately, Tesla continues to push boundaries in AI with its Cybercab robotaxi, currently undergoing testing in Austin, Texas, and the development of its Optimus humanoid robot, which Morgan Stanley projects could see demand for over 1 billion units. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) remains a pivotal player in the AI revolution, manufacturing high-performance chips for industry leaders such as Apple, Nvidia, and AMD. TSMC's unique foundry model allows it to support all AI companies without direct competition. Nvidia, a key innovator in AI chips, relies significantly on TSMC for its advanced GPUs, highlighting the chipmaker's indispensable role in meeting the growing global demand for AI technology. Billionaire hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb's firm, Third Point, has committed over 26% of its portfolio to five key AI stocks, reflecting a strong belief in the sector's future. His investments span hardware companies like Nvidia and TSMC, and facilitators such as Amazon and Microsoft, which provide essential cloud computing power. Loeb's strategy also includes Meta Platforms for emerging AI applications, underscoring the high demand for AI computing capacity in 2026. Beyond the tech giants, Viant, an advertising DSP, is making strides with its new autonomous AI tool called Outcomes. This tool has the potential to automate ad trading, possibly transforming the role of human traders and boosting customer growth. Viant shows strong financial health with 7% revenue growth in Q3 2025, positive cash flow, and no long-term debt, with analysts projecting a 17% upside for its stock. Further demonstrating robust investor confidence in the tech sector, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) successfully raised over $15 billion across five new funds on January 9, 2026. This includes $6.75 billion for a growth fund and $1.7 billion specifically allocated for an AI infrastructure fund. Despite a challenging fundraising environment for many VC firms, a16z's ability to secure significant capital highlights the continued strong interest in technology startups and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, bringing its total assets under management to over $90 billion.
Key Takeaways
- MiniMax, a Chinese generative AI startup, raised $619 million in its Hong Kong IPO on January 9, 2026, with its stock soaring 109% on debut.
- Microsoft and Amazon are key AI growth investments, with Microsoft Azure revenue up 40% and Amazon Web Services (AWS) sales up 20.2% to $33.0 billion in Q3.
- Microsoft's stock slipped due to lower-than-expected AI PC sales, as consumers find AI confusing and current applications run on older PCs.
- Tesla is advancing AI with its Cybercab robotaxi in Austin, Texas, and the Optimus humanoid robot, which Morgan Stanley predicts could see demand for over 1 billion units.
- TSMC is a crucial global chip maker, producing high-performance chips for Apple, Nvidia, and AMD, essential for AI applications.
- Nvidia, a leader in AI chips, heavily relies on TSMC for its advanced GPUs.
- Daniel Loeb's Third Point invested over 26% of its portfolio in five AI stocks, including Nvidia, TSMC, Amazon, and Microsoft, focusing on hardware and facilitators.
- Viant's new autonomous AI tool, Outcomes, could automate ad trading, with analysts projecting a 17% stock upside.
- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) raised over $15 billion across five new funds on January 9, 2026, including $1.7 billion for an AI infrastructure fund.
- Strong investor interest continues in Chinese AI companies and the broader AI sector, despite a challenging fundraising environment for some VC firms.
MiniMax AI Company Stock Jumps in Hong Kong Debut
MiniMax, a major Chinese generative AI startup, saw its stock price rise sharply on its first day of trading in Hong Kong on January 9, 2026. The company raised $619 million through its initial public offering. Co-founder Yeyi Yun stated that MiniMax plans to use this money for research and development of its core AI models. She also mentioned the company's plans to expand internationally.
AI Tiger MiniMax Stock Soars 109 Percent on Hong Kong Debut
MiniMax, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, saw its stock soar by 109% on its first day of trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Friday, January 9, 2026. The company's shares more than doubled, closing at 345 Hong Kong dollars. MiniMax raised HK$4.8 billion, or $619 million, in its initial public offering. This strong debut shows continued investor interest in Chinese AI companies.
Microsoft and Tesla Are Top AI Stocks for Long Term Growth
Microsoft and Tesla are two strong AI stocks recommended for long-term investment in January 2026. Microsoft integrates AI into its Azure cloud services and Office software, with its Copilot AI assistants boosting productivity. Microsoft Cloud revenue grew 26% year over year to $49 billion. Tesla is advancing in autonomous vehicles with its Cybercab robotaxi, which it is testing in Austin, Texas. The company also develops the Optimus humanoid robot, which Morgan Stanley predicts could see demand for over 1 billion units.
Amazon and Microsoft Lead as Strong AI Growth Investments
Amazon and Microsoft are highlighted as two strong AI growth stocks to consider buying now. Both companies are building the essential infrastructure for AI and adding AI tools to their existing popular products. Amazon's biggest AI opportunity lies in Amazon Web Services, which saw sales grow 20.2% to $33.0 billion in Q3. Microsoft's Azure cloud services also show strong momentum, with revenue increasing 40% year over year in fiscal Q1. Both tech giants are investing heavily to meet the accelerating demand for AI computing power.
TSMC Is a Key AI Stock for Future Technology Growth
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is a top global chip maker and a crucial player in the artificial intelligence revolution. TSMC makes high-performance chips for major tech companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD, which are essential for AI applications. Its unique business model means it helps all AI companies succeed without competing with them. Nvidia, a leader in AI chips, depends greatly on TSMC for its advanced GPUs. The company continues to invest in research and expand its facilities to meet the growing demand for AI technology.
Daniel Loeb Invests 26 Percent of Portfolio in Five AI Stocks
Billionaire hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb's firm, Third Point, has invested over 26% of its portfolio into five key AI stocks. These include hardware companies like Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which are vital for making AI chips. Amazon and Microsoft are also major holdings, acting as facilitators by providing cloud computing power for AI solutions. Lastly, Meta Platforms represents investments in AI applications, which are still emerging. Loeb's strategy focuses heavily on hardware and facilitators, recognizing the high demand for AI computing capacity in 2026.
MiniMax AI Company Stock Jumps Over 50 Percent on Debut
MiniMax, a Chinese company that develops large language models and rivals DeepSeek, saw its shares jump by over 50% on Friday. The company is part of a growing trend of Chinese artificial intelligence firms going public. This strong market debut highlights increasing investor interest in the country's AI sector.
Viant's AI Tool Outcomes Could Change Ad Trading Forever
Viant, a company known as DSP, shows strong financial health with 7% revenue growth and positive cash flow in Q3 2025. The company has no long-term debt and continues to buy back its own shares. Viant's new autonomous AI tool called Outcomes could greatly boost customer growth and increase profits. This tool has the potential to automate ad trading, possibly changing the role of human ad traders. Analysts see a 17% upside for Viant's stock, with a target price of $13.8.
Microsoft Stock Slips as AI PC Sales Fall Short of Expectations
Microsoft's stock has slipped because sales of AI PCs are lower than expected. Dell Technologies' head of product, Kevin Terwilliger, noted that consumers find AI confusing and are not buying new PCs just for AI features. Many current AI applications, like ChatGPT, also run well on older Windows 10 PCs. Microsoft plans to announce "major updates" to its Full Screen Experience, possibly at the Game Developers' Conference in March 2026. Wall Street analysts currently rate MSFT stock as a Strong Buy.
Andreessen Horowitz Raises 15 Billion Dollars for Tech Startups
Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, successfully raised over $15 billion across five new funds on January 9, 2026. This venture capital firm secured $6.75 billion for a growth fund and $1.7 billion specifically for an AI infrastructure fund. Another $1.12 billion will go towards national interests like defense and supply chain. Despite a slow fundraising environment for many VC firms, a16z continues to attract significant capital due to strong investor interest in technology startups and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. The firm now manages over $90 billion in assets.
Sources
- Chinese AI Firm MiniMax Soars in Hong Kong Trading Debut
- This āAI tigerā just made its market debut. The stock soared 109%.
- 2 Brilliant AI Stocks to Buy in January and Hold for the Long Term
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- Is TSMC the Best AI Stock to Buy in 2026?
- 26% of Billionaire Daniel Loeb's Portfolio Is in These 5 Genius AI Stocks That Could Soar in 2026
- DeepSeek rival MiniMax joins wave of Chinese AI companies going public
- Viant: Autonomous AI Bet Marking Possible End Of Human Ad Traders
- āAI Confuses Them More Than it Helpsā¦ā: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips as AI PC Sales Less Than Expected
- Andreessen Horowitz raises $15 billion across five funds for tech startup investments
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