TechCheck

Despite the hype around generative AI, the funding environment for startups and VCs remains tight according to Pitchbook data. Softbank though is bucking that trend with a new investment in a Japanese robotics startup, just weeks after promising to go back on the offensive. Plus, shares of Alibaba soared today after China hit Ant Group with a nearly $1 billion fine, signaling an end to its era of tech crackdowns, allowing the company and private enterprises in the country more broadly to revive growth.  

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Gig economy stocks like Uber and DoorDash hit session lows after saying they're suing New York City over a law that raises delivery workers' minimum wage to $17.96/hour, nearly tripling their base pay. But it changes the calculus as investors continue to look to the apps for profitability. Plus, as the U.S. gets tough in the tech fight against China, Amazon could be caught in the middle. Biden administration cloud restrictions could hurt AWS, while Chinese e-commerce sites like Pinduoduo’s Temu and Shein are also quietly making inroads with American consumers.  

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s tenure has been characterized by greater fiscal discipline, and now he’s reportedly looking to streaming as a way to cut costs – taking a hard look at the finances of producing pricey original like “Rings of Power” and “Citadel” despite mixed ratings. Plus, Chinese companies have been exploiting loopholes in the U.S. export ban on chips – including by renting access to high-end chips and their compute power through cloud companies like Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure. A new Biden administration restriction could curb that. 

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AI startups saw a funding explosion this year, with more than 20 generative AI unicorns now in the landscape, according to Pitchbook data. OpenAI backer and Inflection AI co-founder Reid Hoffman discussed what’s next for these startups, and whether they’ll be able to outlast the megacaps. 

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In this special report, CNBC's Diedre Bosa discusses money flowing into AI, the lack of tech IPO's and the downstream impact on Bay Area real estate.

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AI startup Typeface announced today it raised $100 million at a $1 billion valuation. It’s the latest in a string of new AI unicorns – a bright spot amid a wider slowdown in startup funding. Plus, the FTC is gearing up for its biggest suit against Amazon yet, according to Bloomberg. What it could mean for Amazon’s already razor-thin e-commerce margins. 

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There's a race between the U.S. and China to find AI winners at the earliest stages, and so far the U.S. has been way ahead. But China is quickly closing the gap, with Chinese AI venture dealmaking at more than 70% that of U.S. this year - and we're only halfway through. Plus, where are the tech IPOs? Despite the AI hype, new AI unicorns seemingly daily, and investors unable to get enough of the few companies that are already public, tech IPOs have remained on the sidelines - and big names don't look ready to test the waters anytime soon. 

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Data is the new gold in the generative AI race - and companies want to harness the power of their own data instead of giving it to ChatGPT or another software application. That idea may be behind a flurry of recent deals in the AI space. Plus, a panel of AI experts at the Aspen Ideas Festival, including Google DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim, weigh in on whether they’re worried about how AI will impact misinformation in upcoming elections. 

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Analysts have been warning of increased concentration in mega-cap tech for a while, with little impact on those names. Is it time now for a pullback? Plus, UBS downgraded Alphabet today to neutral from buy, saying the stock has limited upside and that it may not be the best way to capitalize on the AI wave.

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Suppliers are now able to apply for funding under the Chips Act after the Biden administration broadened the companies that are eligible, 11 months after it became law. Plus, the CEO of Forge Global, a secondary marketplace where insiders can buy and sell shares of private companies, says AI names are still hard to buy.  

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