Several companies are making significant moves in the AI space. SoftBank is increasing its investment in Nvidia, reaching $3 billion, and also investing in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and Oracle, signaling a focus on AI hardware and infrastructure. They are monetizing Vision Fund exits to fund these investments. Nvidia's stock is rising ahead of its earnings report on August 27, with investors anticipating insights into AI demand; the company is also reportedly in talks to invest in AI storage company Vast Data, potentially valuing it at $30 billion. In other news, OpenAI has experienced rapid growth, adding 200 million weekly users in just four months, putting ChatGPT on track to reach 700 million weekly active users. They also recently secured $8.3 billion in funding and are set to release their new o4 model. Microsoft is also heavily investing in AI, with $30 billion in Q1 2025 alone. Elsewhere, August, a legal AI startup founded by Columbia University graduates, secured $7 million in seed funding to develop AI tools for midsize law firms, planning to expand its team. Siam Kidd will lead Oblong's $1 billion decentralized AI investment strategy, focusing on Bittensor's AI subnet ecosystem. Applied Digital is seeing increased investor confidence as it transforms into an AI infrastructure provider. Symbotic, an automation technology company using AI, has seen its stock nearly triple in value this year. However, Lee Chun-seok, a former Kakao executive, is under investigation for stock trading irregularities related to government AI policy initiatives. The UN forecasts the AI market will reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, with Evercore ISI arguing this growth is based on real productivity gains.
Key Takeaways
- SoftBank has increased its Nvidia investment to $3 billion, focusing on AI hardware and infrastructure.
- Nvidia's stock is rising before its August 27 earnings report, and the company may invest in Vast Data at a $30 billion valuation.
- OpenAI added 200 million weekly users in four months, with ChatGPT nearing 700 million weekly active users, and secured $8.3 billion in funding.
- Microsoft invested $30 billion in AI in Q1 2025.
- August, a legal AI startup, raised $7 million in seed funding to develop AI tools for law firms.
- Siam Kidd will lead Oblong's $1 billion AI investment strategy, focusing on decentralized AI.
- Applied Digital is experiencing increased investor confidence as it shifts to AI infrastructure.
- Symbotic's stock has nearly tripled in value this year due to its AI-powered automation technology.
- Lee Chun-seok is under investigation for stock trading irregularities related to AI policy information.
- The AI market is projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, driven by productivity gains.
SoftBank triples Nvidia investment to $3B amid AI hardware push
SoftBank is increasing its focus on AI hardware by tripling its investment in Nvidia to $3 billion. They also invested $330 million in Taiwan Semiconductor. This move aligns with SoftBank's strategy to build an AI hub, using Arm architecture. They monetized about $2 billion from Vision Fund exits to fund these hardware investments. SoftBank aims to dominate both AI infrastructure and software.
SoftBank increases Nvidia and TSMC stakes focusing on AI hardware
SoftBank is investing more in Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co as part of Masayoshi Son's focus on AI hardware. By March 2025, SoftBank's Nvidia stake rose to $3 billion, up from $1 billion. They also bought about $330 million in TSMC shares. SoftBank's Vision Fund has sold almost $2 billion in assets in the first half of 2025. Son aims to build a portfolio around Arm Holdings to catch up in the AI race.
SoftBank boosts Nvidia stake to $3B amid AI investment surge
SoftBank is increasing its investments in AI by boosting its Nvidia stake to $3 billion. They are also adding shares of TSMC and Oracle. This reflects Masayoshi Son's focus on AI infrastructure. SoftBank's Vision Fund is rebalancing its portfolio to prioritize high-value tech assets. They are also planning partnerships for a $500 billion OpenAI data center and a $1 trillion AI hub in Arizona.
Legal AI startup August secures $7M seed funding
August, a legal AI startup, has raised $7 million in seed funding. The funding round was led by New Enterprise Associates and Pear VC. Multiple law schools and angel investors also participated. August develops AI tools for midsize law firms.
Columbia grads' AI startup August raises $7M for law firms
August, an AI startup created by Columbia University graduates, raised $7 million in seed funding. The company targets midsize law firms. August's AI helps lawyers by automating paperwork, freeing them for important work. The startup was founded in 2023 by Rutvik Rau, Thomas Bueler-Faudree, and Joseph Parker. August plans to increase its team from 12 to 25-30 employees by the end of the year.
AI investments to fuel $4.8T bull market by 2033
AI investments are expected to drive a sustained bull market reaching $4.8 trillion by 2033. Evercore ISI argues that AI's growth is based on real productivity gains. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs in 2025 due to AI. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, with $30 billion in Q1 2025 alone. The UN forecasts the AI market will reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, concentrated in major economies.
Lee Chun-seok faces inquiry over AI policy stock trades
Lee Chun-seok, a former Kakao executive, is being investigated for stock trading irregularities. The investigation is related to his involvement in government AI policy initiatives. He is accused of using non-public information about AI policies for profitable stock trades. Financial authorities are reviewing his trading records for suspicious activity. The investigation could impact regulations on information disclosure in the AI sector.
Nvidia stock rises before AI earnings report on August 27
Nvidia stock increased to $177 after a dip last week. Investors are waiting for Nvidia's earnings report on August 27 for insights on AI. Upcoming earnings from Advanced Micro Devices and Super Micro Computer may also show AI processor demand. Nvidia is reportedly in talks to invest in AI storage company Vast Data, potentially valuing it at $30 billion. Broadcom and AMD also saw gains, showing confidence in the AI supply chain.
Siam Kidd to lead Oblong's $1B AI investment strategy
Siam Kidd, a crypto expert, will lead Oblong's $1 billion decentralized AI investment push. He will head the Strategic Advisory Committee to expand Oblong's AI investments. Kidd is the CIO of DSV Fund, focused on Bittensor ($TAO). He will help Oblong invest in Bittensor's AI subnet ecosystem. Oblong aims to provide investors access to open-source intelligence through decentralized AI.
Applied Digital sees bullish bets amid AI shift
Applied Digital is seeing a surge in bullish options activity. This signals growing investor confidence in the company. Applied Digital is transforming into an AI infrastructure provider.
OpenAI gains 200 million weekly users in just 4 months
OpenAI has added 200 million weekly users in four months. ChatGPT is on track to reach 700 million weekly active users. This is up from 500 million at the end of March. OpenAI is also set to release its new o4 model. The company recently concluded a funding round, securing $8.3 billion.
AI stock Symbotic nearly triples in value this year
Symbotic stock hit a new 52-week high on August 5. The stock has a strong "Buy" signal. Shares have increased over 170% in the past year. Symbotic is an automation technology company using AI-powered robots and software. Analysts are bullish on the stock, projecting revenue and earnings growth.
Sources
- SoftBank Focuses on AI Hardware: Triples Nvidia Stake to $3 Bn, Invests $330 Mn in TSMC
- SoftBank Builds Nvidia, TSMC Stakes Under Son’s Focus on AI Gear
- SoftBank triples Nvidia stake to $3B as AI bets gain momentum
- Legal AI Startup August Announces $7 Million in Seed Funding, With Law School Investment
- AI startup by Columbia graduates raises $7 million to target midsize law firms
- AI Investments Fuel Sustained Bull Market to $4.8T by 2033
- Lee Chun-seok faces scrutiny over stock trades linked to AI policy connections
- Nvidia Stock Climb Ahead of AI Earnings Wave as Vast Data Deal Brews
- Crypto Expert Siam Kidd to Drive Oblong's $1B Decentralized AI Investment Push
- Applied Digital: Why a Surge in Bullish Bets Signals a New Era
- OpenAI Adds 200 Million Weekly Users in 4 Months
- This AI Stock Has Nearly Tripled in the Last Year
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