Singapore-based Video Rebirth, founded by Tencent AI veteran Liu Wei to develop AI video generation models, raised a $50M seed from Qiming, ActozSoft, and more (Bloomberg)

A former Tencent AI leader has successfully raised $50 million for a new startup aimed at creating a competitor to OpenAI's Sora. This venture marks an exciting development in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.

The FTSE 100 has had an impressive run in 2025, but the upcoming Autumn Budget poses a significant risk to its gains. Investors are concerned that potential changes in fiscal policy could disrupt the market's momentum, making it crucial to monitor how these developments unfold.

Commonwealth Bank is facing backlash after being awarded its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments from 2019 to 2024. While ANZ has refunded nearly $48 million, CommBank has only compensated $25 million to Indigenous customers and has turned down the rest. This situation highlights the disparity in how banks treat their customers, especially those in vulnerable positions, raising questions about corporate responsibility and ethics.

Australia has made a significant leap in technology by opening the world's first commercial quantum diamond factory in Melbourne, backed by $31 million in government funding. This facility by Quantum Brilliance is set to produce lab-grown diamonds specifically for room-temperature quantum computers, paving the way for advancements in specialized manufacturing and technology insurance. This development not only positions Australia as a leader in quantum technology but also opens up new avenues for innovation and economic growth.

If you're an LLM engineer, you'll want to check out these five free must-read books that delve into essential topics like theory, systems, linguistics, interpretability, and security. These resources are invaluable for enhancing your understanding and skills in the rapidly evolving field of large language models, making them a great addition to your professional toolkit.

The Databricks Free Edition Hackathon is an exciting opportunity for developers and students to showcase their creativity in data and AI. By providing free access to powerful tools, Databricks is fostering innovation and collaboration worldwide. This initiative not only empowers participants to explore new ideas but also highlights the potential of data-driven solutions in various industries, making it a significant event for the tech community.

Walmart has kicked off the holiday shopping season by unveiling its early Black Friday deals for 2025, showcasing a variety of discounts on popular items like TVs and headphones. This is significant as it gives shoppers a head start on their holiday shopping, allowing them to snag great deals before the rush. With more than 20 sales already live, customers can expect to find substantial savings, making it an exciting time for bargain hunters.