Plus VC Targets 40 Startup Deals in 2026 as Saudi Pipeline Grows

Bitcoin is experiencing a significant downturn, marking its first yearly decoupling from stocks, as profit-taking by long-term holders contributes to the ongoing crypto pullback. Aya Kantorovich, co-CEO of August, discussed these trends and her predictions for 2026 on Bloomberg Tech.

Polymarket is facing challenges as traders have placed over $59 million in bets on whether the company will launch its US platform by year-end. This situation highlights the inherent uncertainties in prediction markets, which are designed to resolve ambiguity but are now grappling with it themselves.

Tonda Ros, the creator of the critically acclaimed game 'Blue Prince,' has announced that he is still working on one more significant update for the game, addressing various questions from fans and critics alike. This update is anticipated to enhance the gaming experience and potentially introduce new features that have been highly requested by the community.

Parloa, a German startup focused on artificial intelligence for customer service, is reportedly seeking to raise $200 million in a new funding round, which could significantly enhance its valuation since May. This move reflects the company's ambition to expand its operations and improve its market position.

Andrew Puzder, the US Ambassador to the EU, has expressed concerns that European Union regulations are hindering the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe. He argues that these regulations are not aligned with the continent's economic interests and are obstructing necessary investments in the AI sector. Puzder shared these views during an interview on Bloomberg TV's 'The Pulse' with Francine Lacqua.

OpenAI's video generator, Sora, has seen a decline in enthusiasm following an initial surge of interest, as reported by Ellen Huet in Bloomberg Technology. The initial creative burst has not sustained user engagement, leading to concerns about the platform's long-term viability.

Wall Street is preparing to lend substantial amounts to major players in artificial intelligence while simultaneously seeking ways to mitigate risks associated with potential market bubbles fueled by this financing. The focus is on balancing investment opportunities with financial prudence in a rapidly evolving sector.

Billionaire footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a stake in Perplexity AI Inc., marking a significant investment in the technology sector for the Portuguese star. This move highlights Ronaldo's interest in diversifying his portfolio beyond sports and entertainment.