Tonight in Palo Alto, industry leaders will discuss the future of deep tech at the final StrictlyVC event of 2025, showcasing innovations that may be difficult to grasp at present.
Marquis, a fintech company, has experienced a significant data breach due to a ransomware attack, exposing sensitive information from hundreds of thousands of banking customers across multiple US institutions.
The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $800 million in grants to support the development of small nuclear reactors, with projects set to kick off in Tennessee and Michigan.
Anthropic, an AI startup, is preparing for its IPO, which could launch as early as 2026, signaling growing confidence and interest in AI investment.
AWS is enhancing its suite of tools for custom large language models, making it easier for businesses to create tailored AI solutions with the upcoming features in its Amazon Bedrock and SageMaker platforms.
OpenAI is making significant strides in promoting AI transparency and safety by testing "confessions" in language models, designed to improve the honesty and reliability of AI outputs.
The People-First AI Fund by OpenAI has awarded $40.5M in unrestricted grants to over 200 nonprofits, aiming to support community innovation and promote equitable AI usage.
Collaborations are on the rise, with significant partnerships like OpenAI and Accenture enhancing enterprise AI capabilities and OpenAI's stake in Thrive Holdings intended to accelerate AI adoption in various industries.
New initiatives are emerging in mental health research with OpenAI granting funds to explore the intersection of AI and mental health, aiming to leverage AI for safety and well-being.
OpenAI is actively engaging with governments and public sectors globally, launching initiatives such as OpenAI for Education and OpenAI for Government to enhance AI's integration into curricula and federal services while ensuring responsible usage and governance.
Ukraine is intensifying its efforts to disrupt Russia's economy through strikes aimed at its shadow fleet, with uncertain long-term effects on the conflict.
China is seeking to boost its global influence while the U.S. appears to be pulling back from international engagements, evidenced by Beijing's aggressive posturing after recent trade disputes.
The U.K. is loosening bank capital requirements for the first time since the financial crisis, signaling a potential shift in its economic strategy, alongside a contentious budget unveiling new tax hikes.
Signs of a cooling labor market in the U.S. are emerging as private employers cut 32,000 jobs in November, raising concerns about the impacts of economic uncertainty on small businesses.
EU leaders are proposing new measures to raise funds from Russian assets to support Ukraine, alongside plans to monitor and secure raw materials amid escalating tensions with China.
House Democrats have released disturbing photographs and videos from Jeffrey Epstein's private island to ensure transparency in their investigation and pressure the Trump administration for the release of related documents.
Apple's App Store has experienced a notable spending slowdown in November, prompting concerns from analysts about a decline in demand across major markets.
A significant decline in private employment in the U.S. has been reported, with 32,000 job losses in November following previous gains, indicating potential economic challenges ahead.
Tensions are rising globally, with the Trump administration signaling military action against countries involved in drug trafficking while the European Commission prepares strategies to fund Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
Natural gas futures in the U.S. surged due to expectations of a polar vortex bringing severe cold weather, marking the highest prices since 2022, amidst ongoing fluctuations in the energy market.
Bitcoin experienced a substantial rally, posting its strongest daily gain since May, which has analysts predicting a possible surge towards $107,000, driven by renewed investor sentiment and increased trading activity.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued warnings to several ETF issuers attempting to leverage their offerings with high multiples, indicating increased regulatory scrutiny in the crypto investment space.
Polymarket, a prediction platform, is now operational in the U.S. after receiving regulatory approval, allowing users to partake in betting on various event contracts, thereby expanding the utility of cryptocurrencies in alternative finance.
As crypto markets reevaluate, Bitcoin has been settling significant volumes comparable to traditional payment networks, although the majority of transactions are occurring in wholesale markets rather than at the consumer level.
The growing integration of traditional finance with digital assets is being emphasized by BlackRock executives, who claim that tokenization has the potential to transform global market structures, fostering increased adoption and interest in cryptocurrencies among institutional investors.
The coworking industry is experiencing a shift as digital nomadism continues to grow, with many individuals seeking warm weather destinations for remote work opportunities.
Safety concerns in major European cities are prompting travelers to reconsider locations and favor countries identified as safer options for 2026.
New transportation developments, such as high-speed trains and new routes, are enhancing travel connectivity across Europe, making it easier for coworkers and digital nomads to navigate their journeys.
Chancellor states have observed a rise in investor visas and electronic travel authorizations, indicating a push towards attracting international talent and tourism.
Regulatory changes and visa complexities, such as increased fees and stricter requirements for US-based travelers, are creating challenges for potential workers and students in the global mobility landscape.