Palantir cofounder shifts fund as Microsoft secures AI deal

BTCC Exchange, founded in 2011, is gearing up for its 15th anniversary in 2026 with significant expansion plans. In 2025, the exchange recorded $3.27 trillion in futures volume and $431 billion in spot trading volume. Its tokenized real-world asset trading also saw an 18-fold increase, reaching $22.7 billion in quarterly volume. For 2026, BTCC intends to introduce AI-powered trading features, expand its real-world asset offerings, and launch a new trading platform, serving over 11 million global users.

Billionaire Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, has fully shifted his hedge fund, Thiel Macro, into AI-focused companies, selling his Nvidia stock in Q3. His portfolio now consists entirely of Tesla (39%), Microsoft (34%), and Apple (27%). Thiel Macro outperformed the S&P 500 by 16 percentage points last year. Tesla is concentrating on self-driving technology and humanoid robots like Optimus, while Microsoft integrates AI into its software and cloud services such as Azure. Apple plans to enhance Siri's capabilities by utilizing Alphabet's Gemini models.

LiveKit, a company specializing in real-time AI voice and video applications, recently achieved a $1 billion valuation after securing $50 million in Series B funding led by Accel. LiveKit powers OpenAI's ChatGPT voice mode and serves major clients including xAI, Salesforce, and Tesla. Meanwhile, IBM is positioning itself as a strong AI investment, having stabilized its business under CEO Arvind Krishna with a focus on hybrid cloud and AI services. IBM recently agreed to acquire Confluent for $11 billion to boost its real-time data streaming for AI, contrasting with BigBear.ai's challenges since its market debut.

Intel's shares jumped 11.7% to $54.25 ahead of its Q4 earnings report, with analysts anticipating over 30% growth in data-center revenue to $4.43 billion. This comes amidst new legislative developments, as a proposed "AI Overwatch Act" in the US House could allow Congress to block AI chip exports, specifically targeting Nvidia's Blackwell chips and creating uncertainty for its access to the China market. In other AI-related news, Healthcare Triangle is acquiring AI customer experience assets from Spain-based Teyame AI for up to $50 million, expecting to add $38 million in new revenue.

The "pick-and-shovel" phase of AI is also seeing growth, with companies like Astera Labs, Iren, and Nokia providing essential support. Astera Labs, which develops hardware and software for AI data centers, saw a 104% revenue increase in Q3. Iren, a former Bitcoin miner, now rents its data centers for AI, securing a $9.7 billion deal with Microsoft. Nokia's stock rose 40% as it develops 6G wireless technology for future AI needs. Additionally, Cathie Wood's ARK Invest recently bought shares in Netflix and other AI-related companies like Tempus, WeRide, and Trimble, while Vanguard's VGT ETF offers a strong investment in American AI tech, including a 17.5% allocation to Nvidia.

Key Takeaways

  • BTCC Exchange plans to introduce AI-powered trading features and expand real-world asset offerings in 2026, following $3.7 trillion in total trading volume in 2025 and growing to 11 million users.
  • Peter Thiel's hedge fund, Thiel Macro, now invests 100% of its portfolio in Tesla (39%), Microsoft (34%), and Apple (27%), having sold all Nvidia stock.
  • Tesla is focusing on autonomous driving and humanoid robots like Optimus.
  • Microsoft integrates AI into its software and cloud services, and secured a $9.7 billion deal with Iren for AI data center capacity.
  • Apple intends to enhance Siri's capabilities by integrating Alphabet's Gemini models.
  • LiveKit, a real-time AI voice and video company, achieved a $1 billion valuation after raising $50 million in Series B funding, powering OpenAI's ChatGPT voice mode and serving clients like Tesla.
  • IBM is acquiring Confluent for $11 billion to strengthen its real-time data streaming for AI, positioning itself as a strong long-term AI investment.
  • Intel's stock rose significantly, with its data-center revenue expected to increase over 30% to $4.43 billion, while a proposed "AI Overwatch Act" could impact Nvidia's AI chip exports to China.
  • Healthcare Triangle is acquiring AI customer experience assets from Teyame AI for up to $50 million, projected to add $38 million in new revenue.
  • Vanguard's VGT ETF, with a 17.5% allocation to Nvidia, has delivered an average annual return of 22.6% over the past decade, outperforming the S&P 500.

BTCC Exchange Plans AI Tools and Asset Growth for 2026

BTCC Exchange, founded in 2011, is preparing for its 15th anniversary in 2026 with big plans. In 2025, the exchange saw $3.27 trillion in futures volume and $431 billion in spot trading volume. Its tokenized real-world asset trading grew significantly, reaching $22.7 billion in Q4. For 2026, BTCC will add AI-powered trading features and expand its real-world asset offerings. The company also plans to launch a new trading platform and serves over 11 million users globally.

BTCC Exchange Eyes AI and Real Assets for 2026 Growth

BTCC Exchange, which started in 2011, is getting ready for its 15th year in 2026. In 2025, the exchange handled $3.27 trillion in futures trades and $431 billion in spot trades. Its real-world asset trading grew from $1.2 billion to $22.7 billion in quarterly volume. For 2026, BTCC plans to add AI-powered trading tools and offer more real-world assets. Marcus Chen, a Product Manager, stated their focus is on building what traders need for future markets.

BTCC Exchange Celebrates 15 Years with AI and Asset Expansion

BTCC, the world's longest-serving cryptocurrency exchange, is nearing its 15th anniversary in 2026. In 2025, it saw $3.7 trillion in total trading volume and grew its user base to 11 million, a 60% increase. The exchange plans to focus on AI-powered trading tools and expand its real-world asset offerings in 2026. BTCC also maintained monthly Proof of Reserves and partnered with NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. as a global brand ambassador.

BTCC Exchange Eyes AI Innovations and Asset Growth for 2026

BTCC Exchange is approaching its 15th anniversary in 2026, showing strong growth in 2025 with $3.27 trillion in futures and $431 billion in spot trading. Its tokenized real-world asset trading saw an 18-fold increase. For 2026, BTCC plans to introduce AI-powered trading features and expand its real-world asset offerings. The exchange also partnered with NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. and received the Best Centralized Exchange award from BeInCrypto.

Peter Thiel Invests Fully in Tesla Microsoft Apple AI Stocks

Billionaire Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, sold his Nvidia stock in Q3. His hedge fund, Thiel Macro, now invests 100% of its portfolio in three AI companies: Tesla (39%), Microsoft (34%), and Apple (27%). Thiel Macro beat the S&P 500 by 16 percentage points last year. Tesla focuses on self-driving and humanoid robots like Optimus. Microsoft uses AI in its software and cloud services like Azure. Apple plans to boost Siri with Alphabet's Gemini models.

Peter Thiel Shifts All Investments to Three AI Companies

Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of Palantir Technologies, has sold his Nvidia stock. His hedge fund, Thiel Macro, now holds 100% of its investments in three AI-focused companies: Tesla, Microsoft, and Apple. Thiel Macro outperformed the S&P 500 by 16 percentage points last year. Tesla is focusing on autonomous driving and humanoid robots. Microsoft is integrating AI into its products and cloud services. Apple plans to use Alphabet's Gemini models to improve Siri.

LiveKit Voice AI Company Reaches 1 Billion Dollar Value

LiveKit, a company that creates software for real-time AI voice and video applications, has reached a $1 billion valuation. The company recently raised $50 million in Series B funding, led by Accel. LiveKit powers OpenAI's ChatGPT voice mode and serves major clients like xAI, Salesforce, and Tesla. Founders Russ d’Sa and David Zhao started the company in 2021, initially as an open-source project, before expanding to offer managed cloud services to businesses.

IBM Offers Stronger AI Investment Than BigBear.ai

BigBear.ai has faced challenges since its market debut, with revenue growth falling short of earlier predictions. The company relies heavily on government contracts and acquisitions like Pangiam and the planned Ask Sage. In contrast, IBM is seen as a better long-term investment in the AI sector. Under CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM stabilized its business and focused on hybrid cloud and AI services. IBM recently agreed to acquire Confluent for $11 billion to boost its real-time data streaming capabilities for AI.

Intel Stock Rises Before Earnings Amid New AI Chip Export Rules

Intel shares jumped 11.7% to $54.25 on Wednesday, ahead of its Q4 earnings report. Analysts expect Intel's data-center revenue to increase over 30% to $4.43 billion, boosted by investments from Nvidia, SoftBank, and the US government. Meanwhile, a new "AI Overwatch Act" bill in the US House could allow Congress to block AI chip exports, specifically targeting Nvidia's Blackwell chips. This news has created uncertainty for Nvidia's access to the China market, despite earlier approvals for its H200 chips.

Healthcare Triangle Buys AI Assets Expects 38 Million Revenue Boost

Healthcare Triangle HCTI signed a deal to buy AI customer experience assets from Spain-based Teyame AI. This acquisition aims to expand Healthcare Triangle's software services in Europe and Latin America. The deal, worth up to $50 million, is expected to add $38 million in new revenue and $5 million in earnings over the next year. The assets earned about $32 million in revenue in 2025. The transaction is set to close on January 29, 2026, pending shareholder approval.

Three Key Stocks Powering the AI Industry Behind the Scenes

The "pick-and-shovel" phase of AI is here, with companies providing essential support behind the scenes. Three stocks to watch are Astera Labs, Iren, and Nokia. Astera Labs creates hardware and software to speed up data flow in AI data centers, seeing a 104% revenue increase in Q3. Iren, originally a Bitcoin miner, now rents its powerful data centers for AI, securing a $9.7 billion deal with Microsoft. Nokia's stock rose 40% as it develops 6G wireless technology for future AI needs.

AI Customer Experience Company Toku Debuts Strong on SGX

Toku Ltd., a Singapore-based customer experience technology company, began trading on the Singapore Exchange's Catalist Board on January 22, 2026. This marked the first initial public offering of the year. Toku's shares opened at S$0.260 and closed at S$0.285, raising S$16.25 million in gross proceeds. The company, led by CEO Thomas Laboulle, offers a cloud-native platform that uses AI for customer interactions like voice, chat, and email. Toku plans to use the IPO funds to invest in its technology, expand its partnerships, and grow geographically.

Cathie Wood Buys Netflix and AI Stocks Sells Other Holdings

On January 21, Cathie Wood's ARK Invest made several stock changes. She bought 83,368 shares of Netflix through the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF. Wood also invested in other AI-related companies, including Tempus, WeRide, and Trimble. At the same time, she sold shares in Beam Therapeutics, GitLab, Pinterest, and Kratos Defense.

Vanguard VGT ETF Offers Strong Investment in American AI Tech

The Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF, known as VGT, offers a cost-effective way to invest in American big-tech and AI companies. Over the past 10 years, VGT has delivered an average annual return of 22.6%, outperforming the S&P 500 by 7.5% each year. This strong performance comes from its significant investments in semiconductor and AI leaders, including a 17.5% allocation to Nvidia. Despite its higher price-to-earnings ratio, VGT's strong return on equity and cash flow from its top holdings support its value.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

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