Google Unveils AI Futures Fund to Propel Next-Gen Startups

Hey folks, Stay ahead with the latest in AI—let’s dive in!

WHAT YOU’LL READ TODAY

Google Unveils AI Futures Fund to Propel Next-Gen Startups

Perplexity AI Rockets to $14B Valuation with $500M Funding Boost

Perplexity AI Secures $500M, Valuation Soars to $14B

Stargate Stalls: $100B AI Megaproject Hits Tariff Turbulence

Saudi Arabia Unveils 'Humain' to Spearhead AI Revolution

Top AI Tools You Should Know

Prompt Inspiration

Google Unveils AI Futures Fund to Propel Next-Gen Startups

Google has launched the AI Futures Fund, a new initiative aimed at supporting startups developing innovative AI solutions. The program offers early-stage companies access to Google DeepMind's advanced models like Gemini, Imagen, and Veo, along with technical expertise, cloud credits, and potential equity investment. Early participants include Toonsutra, an Indian digital comic platform enhancing accessibility through AI-driven translation, and Viggle, an AI-powered meme creation tool. This fund underscores Google's commitment to fostering responsible AI development and accelerating groundbreaking ideas. Read more

Perplexity AI Rockets to $14B Valuation with $500M Funding Boost

AI search startup Perplexity AI is finalizing a $500 million funding round led by Accel, elevating its valuation to $14 billion—a significant leap from $9 billion just six months prior. Known for its AI-powered "answer engine" that delivers direct, cited responses, Perplexity is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to Google. The new capital will support the development of its upcoming agentic browser, Comet, and further expansion of its user base, which currently stands at 30 million. Backed by prominent investors like Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and SoftBank, Perplexity's rapid growth underscores the escalating competition in AI-driven search technologies. Read more

Perplexity AI Secures $500M, Valuation Soars to $14B

AI search startup Perplexity AI has closed a $500 million funding round led by Accel, boosting its valuation to $14 billion—up from $9 billion just six months prior. The San Francisco-based company, known for its AI-powered “answer engine” that delivers cited responses instead of traditional search links, plans to use the funds to develop its upcoming agentic browser, Comet, and expand its user base, which currently stands at 30 million. Backed by notable investors like Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and SoftBank, Perplexity is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to Google in the evolving AI-driven search landscape.  Read more

Stargate Stalls: $100B AI Megaproject Hits Tariff Turbulence

OpenAI and SoftBank's ambitious $100 billion Stargate initiative—aimed at constructing cutting-edge AI data centers—has encountered significant delays. Trade tensions and U.S. tariffs on essential components like server racks and chips have disrupted financing discussions with major investors, including JPMorgan and Apollo Global Management. While the Abilene, Texas site, developed by Oracle, progresses, the broader project's future remains uncertain. 

Despite the setbacks, SoftBank has dedicated a specialized team within its Vision Fund to focus on Stargate, underscoring its commitment to AI infrastructure. However, with rising concerns about overcapacity and escalating costs, the project's trajectory is under scrutiny. The outcome of Stargate could significantly influence the U.S.'s position in the global AI landscape.

Saudi Arabia Unveils 'Humain' to Spearhead AI Revolution

Saudi Arabia has launched a new state-backed artificial intelligence company named Humain, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and led by former Aramco Digital CEO Tareq Amin. Established under the $940 billion Public Investment Fund, Humain aims to develop and manage AI technologies, including next-generation data centers, AI infrastructure, cloud capabilities, and advanced AI models. The initiative aligns with the kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy beyond oil and position itself as a global hub for AI and digital innovation. 

Humain's launch coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh and a U.S.-Saudi investment forum attended by tech leaders such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman. During the event, Humain announced a strategic partnership with U.S. chipmaker Nvidia to bolster Saudi Arabia's AI capabilities. Nvidia will provide advanced platforms and expertise to help develop AI services, GPU cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, furthering the kingdom's ambitions to become a leader in AI technology.

• Hostinger Horizons rolls out AI-powered web apps and websites—includes hosting, email, and more.

• Cuco leverages AI to track user behavior and compile feedback, turning it into actionable insights.

• HyperEnhancer is an AI-driven tool designed to improve and restore image quality effortlessly.

Use this prompt to receive a comprehensive strategy for translating and localizing your advertising materials—ensuring they connect and resonate with audiences across global markets.