SpaceX merges with xAI in $1.25 trillion deal
Elon Musk's SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence company xAI in a merger valued at $1.25 trillion, consolidating his business interests ahead of a planned IPO later this year. The deal, which values SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion, aims to create a vertically-integrated innovation engine combining AI, space exploration, and media. Musk stated that the merger will facilitate the development of space-based data centers to meet the energy demands of AI, positioning the combined entity as the world's most valuable private company.
OpenAI accuses xAI of destroying evidence in lawsuit
OpenAI has accused Elon Musk's xAI of systematically destroying evidence in an antitrust lawsuit, claiming that xAI erased key internal communications just before filing suit, which has now merged allegations of misconduct with antitrust claims. In a court filing, OpenAI stated that xAI directed employees to use auto-deleting messaging tools, undermining their ability to present a defense. Meanwhile, a U.S. judge has indicated a possible dismissal of xAI's separate lawsuit against OpenAI, citing insufficient evidence.
Waymo secures $16 billion funding to expand robotaxi services
Waymo, Alphabet Inc.'s autonomous driving unit, has raised $16 billion in funding, achieving a valuation of $126 billion as it aims to expand its robotaxi services into over a dozen new cities, including international markets like London and Tokyo. The funding round was led by Dragoneer Investment Group, DST Global, and Sequoia Capital, among others, and will support vehicle procurement, operations, and safety assurance as the company scales its commercial operations amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
European Commission delays high-risk AI guidelines release
The European Commission has postponed the release of high-risk AI guidelines, citing the need to incorporate additional feedback before finalizing the rules. This delay comes as the European Parliament and the Council are in the final stages of implementing the AI Act, the world's first comprehensive regulation on artificial intelligence, which aims to ensure the safety and rights of EU citizens.
