Sources: Forge Global, a leading platform for trading stakes in private startups, is exploring a sale, after its stock fell 90% since its 2021 IPO (Financial Times)

Meta's stock has taken a hit following a significant tax charge and rising costs associated with artificial intelligence. Despite reporting a strong quarterly revenue of $51.24 billion, which is a 26% increase year-over-year and surpasses expectations, the financial strain from taxes and AI investments has raised concerns among investors. This situation highlights the challenges tech companies face as they balance growth with increasing operational costs, making it a critical moment for Meta as it navigates these financial hurdles.

Recent reports of three guest deaths at Disney World within a month have raised serious safety concerns, bringing the total number of fatalities at the resort to 68 since its opening. While these incidents have alarmed visitors and sparked discussions about safety measures, Disney's stock has shown resilience, remaining relatively unaffected by the tragic events. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between entertainment and safety in theme parks, making it a critical issue for both the company and its guests.

Fiserv's stock has taken a dramatic hit, plummeting 44% and wiping out $30 billion in market value. This sharp decline is attributed to slowing growth, increasing legal issues, and the recent exit of the CEO, which has left investors feeling uneasy. The situation highlights the volatility in the stock market and the impact of leadership changes on investor confidence.

In the third quarter, tech giants Google, Meta, and Microsoft collectively invested nearly $80 billion in AI infrastructure, raising questions about their ability to convert this significant capital expenditure into profitable income. This massive investment highlights the competitive landscape of AI development and the ongoing race among these companies to lead in this transformative technology. As they navigate this financial commitment, the market is keenly observing how these investments will impact their future earnings and the broader tech industry.

Walmart's PhonePe has successfully raised $600 million from General Atlantic, boosting its valuation to $14.5 billion as it gears up for an IPO. This significant funding round highlights the growing confidence in India's digital payments sector and PhonePe's potential to lead in this space. As the company prepares for its public offering, this investment not only strengthens its financial position but also signals a robust future for digital finance in India.

OpenAI is reportedly gearing up for one of the largest initial public offerings in history, with a staggering valuation of $1 trillion. This potential IPO is significant not only for OpenAI but also for the tech industry as a whole, as it could set new benchmarks for future tech valuations and investments. The move reflects growing confidence in AI technologies and their market potential, which could attract more investors and drive innovation.

Cognizant is gearing up for an IPO in India, a move that signals confidence in the market and the company's growth potential. This is significant as it not only reflects the company's strong position but also highlights the increasing interest in tech firms going public in India. With a generous salary offer for freshers, Cognizant is also attracting new talent, which could further bolster its operations and innovation.

Thermo Fisher has announced its acquisition of Clario, a drug trial software maker, for $9.4 billion in an all-cash deal expected to finalize by mid-2026. This acquisition is significant as it enhances Thermo Fisher's capabilities in the life sciences sector, allowing them to offer more comprehensive solutions in drug development and clinical trials. The move reflects the growing importance of technology in healthcare and could lead to improved efficiencies in drug testing processes.

Exciting news for tech enthusiasts! The Mixed Reality Link and Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, allowing users to harness the full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 on mixed reality headsets. This development is significant as it enhances productivity and offers a new way to interact with digital environments, making work more immersive and engaging.

ScaleAI is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence, showcasing how enterprise leaders are effectively leveraging generative and agentic AI technologies. This progress is crucial as it highlights the potential for businesses to enhance their operations and innovate, ultimately driving growth and efficiency in various sectors.

Delta Sharing is experiencing remarkable growth, boasting a 300% increase year-over-year. This surge highlights the platform's effectiveness in facilitating data sharing across organizations, making it a vital tool for businesses looking to enhance their analytics capabilities. As more companies adopt this technology, it signifies a shift towards more collaborative and data-driven decision-making processes.

The recent partnership between Databricks and Palantir is already making waves, with over 100 customers leveraging their combined strengths to transform their businesses. This collaboration not only enhances data analytics capabilities but also empowers organizations to make more informed decisions, driving innovation and efficiency. It's exciting to see how these companies are shaping the future of business through their strategic alliance.

WhatsApp is enhancing its security features by allowing users to utilize passkeys for their backups. This update is significant as it adds an extra layer of protection for personal data, making it harder for unauthorized access. With cyber threats on the rise, this move reflects WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe.

The article highlights the significance of standard-cell architecture in adaptable ASIC designs, emphasizing its benefits such as being fully testable and foundry-portable. This innovation is crucial for developers looking to create flexible and reliable hardware solutions without hidden risks, making it a game-changer in the semiconductor industry.