OpenAI acquires Hiro Finance while Microsoft deploys Nvidia GPUs

Key Takeaways

• Hyundai Motor Group and DEEPX are collaborating to develop a generative AI computing platform for robots and vehicles using DEEPX's low-power, 2-nanometer chips for on-device processing.
• DEEPX is preparing for an IPO in South Korea, seeking over 600 billion won in funding.
• Datadog Inc. stock surged 8.49% on April 15, 2026, driven by strong demand for its cloud-monitoring services and new AI products like Bits AI Security Analyst.
• Datadog reported $3.43 billion in revenue for 2025, with 55% of its customers using four or more products.
• OpenAI acquired AI-powered personal finance startup Hiro Finance, integrating its team to expand an "AI personal CFO" vision, noting ChatGPT's role in accessible financial guidance.
• OpenAI shifted its data center strategy, choosing to rent compute services from Microsoft, which will deploy thousands of Nvidia Rubin GPUs at Nscale's Narvik campus.
• The Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF, launched in October 2024, holds approximately $112 million in assets and faces concerns about its timing in the AI investment market.
• XMax Inc. reported a 73% increase in net sales for fiscal year 2025 and is expanding into AI by establishing XMax AI Inc.
• US businesses, including EQI and KPMG, are utilizing generative AI to manage complex tariff regulations, process data, and identify potential refunds.
• Analysts are bullish on Western Digital Corporation, citing increased demand for memory and storage driven by AI applications and data center expansion.

Hyundai and DEEPX partner on generative AI robots

South Korean AI chip startup DEEPX is teaming up with Hyundai Motor Group to create a new computing platform for robots that use generative AI. This platform will feature DEEPX's second-generation low-power chips, designed for efficient on-device AI processing. These chips are expected to help robots learn from experiences and operate without constant cloud connection, potentially preventing overheating. The partnership is part of Hyundai's effort to build a strong network of computing partners. DEEPX is also preparing for an IPO in South Korea.

Hyundai and DEEPX collaborate on AI-powered robots

South Korean AI chip startup DEEPX is expanding its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to develop a computing platform for generative AI robots. The collaboration will use DEEPX's low-power chips, enabling robots to process AI tasks directly on the device. These chips, made with advanced 2-nanometer technology, are designed for efficiency and reduced energy use. CEO Lokwon Kim stated the chips will allow robots to learn from experience. DEEPX is seeking over 600 billion won in funding before a potential IPO in South Korea.

DEEPX chips to power Hyundai's AI robotics future

South Korean AI chipmaker DEEPX is strengthening its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group to develop generative AI robots and vehicles. This collaboration focuses on a computing platform using DEEPX's low-power chips for on-device AI processing. The goal is to create machines that can understand their surroundings and make decisions without constant internet access, improving speed and energy efficiency. This move aligns with the industry's shift towards edge AI for robotics and mobility applications. DEEPX is also planning for manufacturing and fundraising, aiming for an IPO.

Datadog stock surges on AI products and analyst upgrades

Datadog Inc. stock saw an 8.49% increase on April 15, 2026, driven by strong demand for its cloud-monitoring services and positive analyst ratings. Benchmark initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $150 price target, citing Datadog's AI-powered platform. Guggenheim upgraded the stock to Buy with a $175 target, predicting 27% revenue growth in 2026. Datadog recently launched its Bits AI Security Analyst, which significantly reduces investigation times for security teams. The company also introduced Datadog Experiments for product and business analytics, aiming to increase its market share.

Mizuho cuts Datadog price target but remains optimistic

Mizuho analyst Gregg Moskowitz lowered his price target for Datadog (DDOG) to $145 from $170 but maintained an Outperform rating. This adjustment is a routine Q1 preview adjustment, as channel checks show strong AI adoption and generally good cloud consumption data. While cybersecurity demand was mixed, the company's unified cloud observability and security platform continues to show strong product adoption. Datadog reported $3.43 billion in revenue for 2025, with 55% of customers using four or more products. The stock faces a valuation test with a high P/E ratio, making its May 7 earnings report crucial.

Xtrackers AI ETF faces timing concerns

The Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF, launched in October 2024, is facing scrutiny for potentially being late to the AI investment trend. While AI is a growing theme, this ETF entered the market as concerns about an AI bubble were rising, unlike earlier competitors like the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF launched in 2018. The Xtrackers ETF has an expense ratio of 0.35% and holds approximately $112 million in assets, which is considered small compared to larger ETFs in the space. Investors are advised to watch its performance and growth before investing, as smaller ETFs face a higher risk of closure.

Investors cautiously return to beaten-down software stocks

Following significant declines due to fears that artificial intelligence might make them obsolete, software stocks are seeing renewed interest from investors. Wall Street has previously been cautious about calling a bottom in this sector. However, a recent bounce has encouraged some investors to return, hoping that the worst of the downturn may be over for these companies.

XMax Inc. reports strong revenue growth and AI expansion

XMax Inc., formerly Nova LifeStyle, Inc., announced a 73% increase in net sales for fiscal year 2025, reaching $16.7 million. The company reduced its net loss to $(3.4) million and increased its cash reserves to $6.7 million. XMax is strategically expanding into artificial intelligence by establishing a subsidiary, XMax AI Inc., and partnering with CLOUD ALLIANCE INC. CEO Xiaohua Lu stated this AI transition is crucial for long-term growth, alongside strengthening their core furniture business. The company's sales growth was primarily driven by the Hong Kong market.

AI helps US businesses navigate tariff complexities

US businesses are using generative AI to manage the complexities of tariffs, which have created significant challenges over the past year. Companies like EQI and advisory firms like KPMG are employing AI to process vast amounts of data, track tariff changes, and model supply chain scenarios. AI tools can rapidly classify goods and identify potential tariff refunds, saving weeks of work compared to manual processes. This technology helps businesses adapt to changing rules and make faster sourcing decisions, though human critical thinking remains essential for final decisions.

OpenAI acquires personal finance startup Hiro

OpenAI has acquired Hiro Finance, an artificial intelligence-powered personal finance startup. Hiro's team will join OpenAI, aiming to expand its vision of an 'AI personal CFO.' Founder Ethan Bloch stated that AI, like ChatGPT, is making personalized financial guidance more accessible. Hiro will shut down its operations on April 20, with all data erased by May 13. This acquisition follows OpenAI's earlier purchase of personal finance app Roi. Experts note that while AI has financial expertise, it lacks fiduciary duty, meaning no obligation to act in a client's best interest.

Analysts bullish on Western Digital amid AI demand

Analysts are positive on Western Digital Corporation (WDC) due to increased demand for AI applications boosting memory and storage needs. Bernstein upgraded WDC to Outperform with a $340 price target, citing its strong position in flash and HDD storage. Morgan Stanley reiterated an Overweight rating, highlighting the company's potential to benefit from data center expansion. Despite competition, Western Digital's diverse product portfolio and partnerships are seen as key advantages. The growing need for high-capacity storage driven by AI is expected to fuel significant growth for the company.

OpenAI shifts Norway data center plans to Microsoft

OpenAI has withdrawn from its plan to directly rent compute capacity from a new data center in Norway run by Nscale. Instead, Microsoft will utilize the capacity, and OpenAI will rent compute services from Microsoft. This decision aligns with OpenAI's efforts to manage spending as it potentially prepares for an IPO. OpenAI had previously announced a significant $250 billion contract for services from Microsoft's Azure cloud division. Nscale confirmed Microsoft's expanded agreement at the Narvik campus, which includes deploying thousands of Nvidia Rubin GPUs.

Sources

• Korean AI chip startup DEEPX, Hyundai work on robots powered by generative AI
• Hyundai partners DEEPX for AI-powered robots
• How DEEPX chips could change Hyundai’s push into AI robotics
• Datadog Stock Draws Bullish Targets As AI Products Ramp
• Datadog's Price Target Trimmed by Mizuho: Can This AI Monitoring Leader Deliver in Q1?
• Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF: Is This ETF Late to the Party?
• Wall Street goes bottom fishing in beaten-down software stocks
• XMax Inc. Reports 73% Revenue Growth and Strategic Expansion into Artificial Intelligence for Fiscal Year 2025
• AI helps US businesses manage Supreme Court tariff impacts
• OpenAI Buys Personal Finance Platform Hiro
• Analysts Positive on Western Digital (WDC) as AI Boosts Memory Demand
• OpenAI pulls back from Stargate Norway data center deal as Microsoft takes over