Overview
- SoftBank said it completed a $22.5 billion final tranche to OpenAI on Dec. 26, fulfilling a roughly $41 billion commitment and taking its stake to about 11%, with funding that included an Arm‑backed loan and use of its $11.5 billion credit line.
- Independent reports described the last tranche clearing last week, wrapping a multi‑stage package that further cements OpenAI’s status as one of the most valuable private tech companies.
- Nvidia is in advanced talks to acquire Israel’s AI21 Labs for up to $3 billion, with interest focused on the startup’s roughly 200‑person research team, according to Calcalist.
- Nvidia outlined a major Israel expansion with a new R&D campus planned for Kiryat Tivon near Haifa that could house up to 10,000 employees, with construction targeted to start in 2027 and first occupancy in 2031.
- Apple is reportedly preparing a spring 2026 Siri overhaul expected to use Google’s Gemini model, alongside leadership shifts that signal a partnership‑led approach to AI.