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LehLah, a fast-growing creator-led content commerce platform, has raised INR 12.5 crore in a seed funding round led by Gruhas, co-founded by Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai. This strategic investment underscores the rising significance of content-driven commerce in the digital era. The fresh funds will be utilized to enhance product development, strengthen brand visibility, and expand the company’s team.

LehLah’s Vision for the Future of Commerce

Commenting on the investment, Nikhil Kamath highlighted the evolving landscape of shopping habits. “Shopping today isn’t just about products—it’s about trust, influence, and community. People don’t want to be sold to; they want recommendations from those they relate to. The future of commerce may belong to platforms that empower individuals to monetize their influence while making discovery and purchasing seamless. Only time will truly tell.”

LehLah’s founder, Ashna Ruia, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Gruhas. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter with the backing of Gruhas, who share our vision for transforming the creator economy. This support enables us to amplify our mission of empowering creators to build thriving businesses around their passions. As we continue to innovate and scale, we are inspired by the opportunity to redefine the intersection of creativity, commerce, and community, with key partners like Nikhil Kamath by our side.”

How LehLah is Revolutionizing Content Commerce

LehLah is a content commerce platform designed to help creators monetize their influence by sharing affiliate links for curated product recommendations. It bridges the gap between influencers and brand partners, converting authentic content into a sustainable revenue stream. By offering a seamless shopping experience, LehLah not only enhances user engagement but also drives sales and boosts brand conversions.

Rapid Growth and Strategic Partnerships

Since its inception, LehLah has witnessed exponential growth, collaborating with leading e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, Meesho, Flipkart, and Nykaa, along with popular D2C brands like Libas and Foxtale. These partnerships have fueled a remarkable 46% month-on-month increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and facilitated the creation of over 700,000 content pieces through its vast creator network.

LehLah’s successful funding round highlights the growing impact of content-driven commerce in today’s digital ecosystem. With the support of Gruhas and industry leaders like Nikhil Kamath, LehLah is well-positioned to reshape the future of influencer-led shopping, unlocking new monetization opportunities for creators while enhancing the overall e-commerce experience.

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Qualcomm has acquired the generative AI division of VinAI, a leading AI research company based in Hanoi, for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move reinforces Qualcomm’s commitment to advancing AI technologies and expanding its presence in the AI tooling sector.

Founded in 2019 by former DeepMind research scientist Hung Bui, VinAI specializes in developing generative AI solutions, including computer vision algorithms and language models. The company is backed by VinGroup, a prominent Vietnamese conglomerate, and focuses on AI-powered automotive products such as in-cabin monitoring, security, and smart parking systems.

Jilei Hou, Qualcomm’s senior vice president of engineering, highlighted the importance of the acquisition in a press release: “This acquisition underscores our commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to R&D that makes us the driving force behind the next wave of AI innovation. By bringing in high-caliber talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”

VinAI’s generative AI expertise will be integrated into Qualcomm’s existing product ecosystem, enhancing its software and chip solutions for smartphones, PCs, and automotive applications. CEO Hung Bui expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “Our team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work.”

Bui, who currently serves as VinAI’s CEO, will officially join Qualcomm upon completion of the acquisition.

This marks Qualcomm’s second AI-focused acquisition in 2025, following its purchase of Edge Impulse, a German AI and IoT company, in early March. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has emphasized the growing importance of edge AI—technology that enables AI processing directly on devices without relying on data centers—as a key driver for Qualcomm’s future growth.

With this latest acquisition, Qualcomm is positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation, further solidifying its role in shaping the next generation of AI-driven technologies.

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OpenAI is gearing up to release its first open-weight language model with enhanced reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This marks the company’s first such release since GPT-2, according to CEO Sam Altman.

What is an open-weight language model?

An open-weight language model allows public access to its trained parameters, or weights, enabling developers to fine-tune and analyze the model for specialized applications. Unlike open-source models, which provide access to the entire source code, training data, and methodologies, open-weight models offer limited but valuable accessibility.

OpenAI’s Developer Engagement Plan

OpenAI plans to collaborate with developers to refine the usability of its open-weight language model. Altman announced via X (formerly Twitter) that the company will host a series of developer events to gather feedback and test early prototypes.

The first event is scheduled to take place in San Francisco within a few weeks, with additional sessions planned across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Strategic Vision and Market Adaptation

Earlier this year, Altman emphasized OpenAI’s commitment to streamlining its AI offerings, outlining a structured roadmap for the latest advancements. The company aims to enhance AI accessibility while maintaining robust performance.

Furthermore, OpenAI, backed by Microsoft must transition to a for-profit model by the end of the year. This move is essential to securing the full $40 billion funding led by SoftBank Group (9984.T), as reported by an insider.

The transition to an open-weight model signals a major shift in OpenAI’s approach, fostering innovation within the developer community. It also underscores the need for significant capital investment to drive cutting-edge AI developments.

With OpenAI at the forefront of AI evolution, the release of an open-weight language model could redefine how businesses and developers harness artificial intelligence for diverse applications.

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OpenAI has achieved another milestone by securing a massive $40 billion funding round, spearheaded by SoftBank. This latest investment catapults OpenAI’s valuation to an astonishing $300 billion, marking the largest funding round for a private tech company in history.

A Strategic Funding Structure

As per reports, OpenAI will receive an initial $10 billion, with the remaining $30 billion contingent upon its conversion into a for-profit entity by year-end. If this transition does not materialize, the company risks forfeiting 25% of the investment.

This funding influx follows OpenAI’s recent announcement of Stargate, a groundbreaking $500 billion joint venture backed by SoftBank, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi-based fund MGX. The project aims to develop large-scale AI data centers over the next four years, reinforcing OpenAI’s mission to lead the artificial intelligence revolution.

OpenAI’s Rapid Expansion and Innovations

The AI giant continues to push boundaries with record-breaking user growth and innovative features. CEO Sam Altman recently revealed that OpenAI amassed 1 million users in a single hour, largely attributed to the viral success of the Images in ChatGPT feature, which enables the creation of Studio Ghibli-style AI art.

Additionally, OpenAI plans to launch a powerful new open-weight language model with enhanced reasoning capabilities in the coming months. This announcement solidifies OpenAI’s commitment to advancing AI technology and meeting the increasing global demand for intelligent systems.

Financial Growth Amidst High Cash Burn

Despite its rapid expansion, OpenAI continues to operate at a substantial cash burn. Bloomberg reports that OpenAI projects $12.7 billion in revenue this year, a staggering increase from its $3.7 billion annualized revenue last year. However, profitability remains a long-term goal, with cash flow positivity expected by 2029, when revenue is projected to hit $125 billion.

The Future of OpenAI and AGI

OpenAI remains dedicated to developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity. Achieving this ambitious goal requires vast computing resources, energy, and global infrastructure. The latest funding round is a crucial step toward realizing this vision.

As OpenAI continues its ascent in the AI industry, its strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and financial backing position it as a dominant force shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Stay tuned for further developments as OpenAI pioneers groundbreaking innovations in the AI landscape.

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The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, and DeepSeek, a rising Chinese AI startup, is making waves with its latest model—DeepSeek-V3-0324. Now available on Hugging Face, this upgrade strengthens its position as a serious competitor to OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Anthropic’s Claude 2, offering comparable intelligence at a lower cost.

DeepSeek-V3-0324: What’s New?

DeepSeek’s newest model, released in March 2024, builds on the success of its predecessors:

  • DeepSeek-V3 (December 2023)—The foundational model
  • DeepSeek-R1 (January 2024) – A research-focused variant

According to company benchmarks, V3-0324 shows significant improvements in:
Logical reasoning—better problem-solving in complex scenarios
Coding proficiency – Enhanced ability to generate and debug code
Cost efficiency—delivers near-GPT-4 performance at a fraction of the price

Why This Matters for AI Development

While incremental upgrades in reasoning and coding may not seem groundbreaking, DeepSeek’s rapid progress is noteworthy. The company, founded just last year, is advancing at an unprecedented pace, challenging established players like OpenAI and Google.

DeepSeek vs. OpenAI & Anthropic: The Cost Advantage

One of DeepSeek’s biggest selling points is affordability. Training AI models is notoriously expensive, with OpenAI and Google relying on massive cloud infrastructure (like Microsoft’s Azure partnership with OpenAI).

But DeepSeek claims its models offer
 Comparable performance to GPT-4 and Claude 2
 Lower operational costs—making AI more accessible to businesses
No reliance on Big Tech partnerships – Reducing vendor lock-in risks

This could disrupt the AI market, as companies seek high-performance AI without the premium price tag.

The Rise of Chinese AI & Geopolitical Tensions

The U.S. has long dominated AI innovation, but Chinese startups like DeepSeek are changing the game. With breakthroughs emerging from Shenzhen and Hangzhou, the global AI race is heating up.

However, geopolitical concerns have led some U.S. policymakers to push for restrictions on DeepSeek, citing security risks. This highlights the growing influence of China’s AI sector and its potential to reshape the industry.

What’s Next for AI?

While DeepSeek-V3-0324 may not immediately replace GPT-4 in everyday use, it signals a crucial shift:

  • AI advancements don’t always require massive budgets
  • More competition could drive down costs
  • The AI market is becoming truly global

DeepSeek’s latest model proves that AI innovation isn’t confined to Silicon Valley. With smarter, faster, and cheaper alternatives emerging, the future of AI looks more diverse and competitive than ever.

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AI-driven search startup Perplexity has officially announced its interest in acquiring TikTok, as the popular video-sharing platform faces a potential ban in the United States if it does not divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

In a blog post, Perplexity outlined its vision for integrating AI-powered search capabilities with TikTok’s vast video library. The San Francisco-based company believes that combining its advanced answer engine with TikTok’s algorithm could create an unparalleled search and content discovery experience.

Perplexity emphasized its ability to rebuild TikTok’s algorithm without creating a monopoly, offering a unique “Little Tech” alternative to major tech giants. The company also proposed an open-source approach for TikTok’s recommendation feed, ensuring greater transparency and user control over content suggestions.

The interest in TikTok’s acquisition follows recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed discussions with multiple parties regarding the platform’s future. Other potential buyers include Microsoft, Oracle, and “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” spearheaded by entrepreneur Frank McCourt.

Perplexity also pledged to relocate TikTok’s infrastructure to U.S.-based data centers, ensuring national oversight and increased security. Additionally, the company aims to empower users with real-time fact-checking tools, allowing them to cross-reference information while watching videos.

With the future of TikTok hanging in the balance, Perplexity’s proposal offers an innovative approach to maintaining the platform’s influence while addressing regulatory concerns. The coming months will determine whether the AI startup can secure a deal and reshape the short-form video landscape.

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The financial industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation driven by two cutting-edge technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain. These innovations are enhancing security, efficiency, and transparency, making financial transactions and services smarter and more reliable.

Enhancing Security and Fraud Prevention AI-powered fraud detection systems analyze vast amounts of financial data in real time to detect unusual patterns and potential fraud. Machine learning algorithms continuously adapt to new threats, improving security measures for banks, payment processors, and crypto exchanges. Blockchain’s decentralized ledger ensures that financial transactions are tamper-proof, reducing risks of data breaches and fraud.

Automating Transactions and Smart Contracts Blockchain-powered smart contracts eliminate intermediaries by executing transactions automatically when predefined conditions are met. This innovation reduces costs, enhances speed, and ensures transparency in financial agreements such as loans, insurance claims, and cross-border payments. AI enhances smart contracts by analyzing historical data to improve risk assessment and contract efficiency.

Revolutionizing Trading and Investment AI-driven algorithms are transforming financial markets by analyzing trends and making real-time trading decisions with greater accuracy. Hedge funds and institutional investors rely on AI-powered tools for predictive analytics, helping them maximize returns. Blockchain-based decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms further disrupt traditional financial markets by offering peer-to-peer lending, staking, and yield farming without intermediaries.

Enhancing Customer Experience in Banking Banks and financial institutions leverage AI chatbots and virtual assistants to provide instant customer support, streamline onboarding, and offer personalized financial advice. AI-driven robo-advisors help investors manage their portfolios efficiently. Blockchain-based digital identity solutions further enhance customer verification, reducing paperwork and identity theft risks.

Improving Cross-Border Payments Traditional cross-border transactions are slow and expensive due to intermediary banks and exchange rate fluctuations. AI optimizes transaction routing for cost efficiency, while blockchain ensures real-time settlements with lower fees. Cryptocurrencies and stablecoins powered by blockchain enable faster, borderless transactions, reshaping global remittance services.

The Future of AI and Blockchain in Finance The integration of AI and blockchain is set to redefine the future of finance. From AI-powered risk management to blockchain-driven decentralized banking, these technologies will continue to enhance security, efficiency, and accessibility. As adoption increases, regulatory frameworks will play a crucial role in shaping their growth.

The fusion of AI and blockchain is not just a trend—it is a transformative force that is redefining the financial industry. Businesses and consumers must stay informed and adapt to this technological evolution to remain competitive in the digital economy.

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Nvidia has taken another leap forward in artificial intelligence technology with the launch of its next-generation Blackwell Ultra AI chip, announced by CEO Jensen Huang at the company’s annual GTC event in San Jose, California.

Introducing Blackwell Ultra and GB300 Superchip

Alongside the Blackwell Ultra, NVIDIA also introduced its GB300 superchip, which combines two Blackwell Ultra chips with the company’s Grace CPU. These advanced chips are designed to enhance AI capabilities, catering to major cloud providers like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as leading research institutions.

Enhanced Performance and AI Reasoning Capabilities

NVIDIA claims that the Blackwell Ultra AI chip delivers 1.5 times the performance of its predecessor, Blackwell, and presents a 50x increase in data center revenue opportunities compared to the previous Hopper architecture. The chip is engineered specifically for the evolving era of AI reasoning, an advanced form of AI processing that mimics human-like thought patterns and decision-making.

Competitors such as DeepSeek, OpenAI (o1), and Google (Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking) have been advancing AI reasoning models, but NVIDIA argues that powerful GPUs like Blackwell Ultra offer a clear advantage by generating faster, more accurate responses compared to lower-cost alternatives.

Supercharging AI with the GB300 NVL72 Server

The Blackwell Ultra AI chip will integrate into NVIDIA’s NVL72 rack server, featuring 72 GB300 super chips. According to NVIDIA, the GB300 NVL72 can process 1,000 tokens per second when running DeepSeek’s R1 AI model, a significant improvement over the 100 tokens per second performance using Hopper-based systems. This speed boost translates to responses in just 10 seconds, compared to 1.5 minutes on Hopper.

For large-scale AI processing, Nvidia is incorporating the GB300 into its DGX SuperPod AI supercomputer, which includes:

  • 288 Grace CPU
  • 576 Blackwell Ultra GPU
  • 300TB of memory

These enhancements make the DGX SuperPod one of the most powerful AI computing systems available, reinforcing NVIDIA’s dominance in the AI hardware market.

Market Impact and Challenges Ahead

NVIDIA reports that Blackwell has already contributed $11 billion to its most recent $39.3 billion quarterly revenue, making it one of the fastest-growing product launches in the company’s history.

However, NVIDIA faces market uncertainties, including concerns over hyperscalers overspending on AI and potential regulatory hurdles. The possibility of a 25% tariff on overseas semiconductor production, proposed by President Trump, could also impact NVIDIA’s supply chain and pricing strategy.

The Future of AI Processing

With the introduction of Blackwell Ultra AI chips, Nvidia is setting the stage for a new era of AI reasoning and high-performance computing. As competition intensifies, Nvidia’s innovations in data center efficiency, AI acceleration, and cloud computing will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of AI technologies.

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In a landmark move, Alphabet (GOOGL.O) has announced its acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz for approximately $32 billion, marking its largest deal to date. The acquisition underscores Alphabet’s strategic push to enhance its Google Cloud security offerings and stay competitive against Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure in the cloud computing market.

Why Alphabet is Investing in Wiz

Wiz has rapidly grown into a leader in cloud security, boasting over $500 million in annual recurring revenue as of mid-2024. The startup provides security solutions for cloud-based infrastructures and is already a trusted partner for major enterprises such as Morgan Stanley, BMW, and LVMH. By integrating Wiz into its Google Cloud division, Alphabet aims to offer a more robust and secure environment for enterprises shifting to cloud computing.

The High-Stakes Deal and Market Reactions

This acquisition did not come easily. Alphabet previously attempted to acquire Wiz for $23 billion in 2023, but the offer was declined. Persistent negotiations, led by Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, finally secured the deal at a higher valuation. The agreement includes a substantial breakup fee, indicating Alphabet’s confidence in overcoming regulatory hurdles despite increased scrutiny from U.S. antitrust regulators.

Alphabet’s stock saw a 3% decline following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s high spending on AI and strategic acquisitions. The company has already spent billions on AI advancements, facing rising competition from lower-cost alternatives such as China’s DeepSeek.

Regulatory Challenges Ahead

The deal’s success hinges on regulatory approvals, with Alphabet emphasizing that Wiz will continue supporting AWS, Azure, and other cloud services to alleviate concerns over market monopolization. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have been ramping up antitrust scrutiny, particularly against major tech acquisitions.

Industry analysts predict a smoother regulatory process given Google Cloud’s smaller market share compared to AWS and Azure. However, concerns remain about potential exclusivity agreements down the line, which could draw further scrutiny.

Impact on the Cybersecurity Industry

The Wiz acquisition highlights the increasing demand for enterprise-grade cloud security solutions, particularly in the wake of the global CrowdStrike outage of 2024, which disrupted businesses worldwide. Companies are now prioritizing investments in cybersecurity to safeguard their cloud infrastructures against evolving threats.

Moreover, the deal reinforces Israel’s position as a cybersecurity powerhouse, with many Israeli-founded companies, including Siemplify (acquired by Alphabet in 2022) and Own (acquired by Salesforce in 2024), being acquired by Silicon Valley giants.

Alphabet expects to finalize the Wiz acquisition by 2026, pending regulatory approvals. With cloud security emerging as a critical battleground, this move is poised to strengthen Google Cloud’s enterprise appeal and offer a more comprehensive cybersecurity suite to businesses worldwide.

As Alphabet navigates potential regulatory challenges, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how this acquisition shapes the competitive landscape in cloud computing and cybersecurity.

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New Electric SUV Collaboration

Subaru and Toyota are expanding their EV lineup with a pair of new compact electric SUV, set to launch in 2026. These models will follow the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra, continuing their successful partnership in the electric vehicle market.

Platform and Shared Components

To keep research and development costs in check, the upcoming SUVs will share key components with the e-TNGA platform used in the bZ4x and Solterra. This includes battery packs and electric motors, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness while delivering high performance.

Toyota’s EV Expansion

Toyota recently teased three upcoming electric models that will launch by 2026, including:

  • The EPU electric pickup
  • The Land Cruiser SE
  • A new compact SUV, expected to be the Toyota-Subaru collaboration

This new compact SUV is rumored to feature a more traditional SUV design, similar to the Toyota RAV4, with roof rails, a sharp front end, and a more upright rear profile.

Production and Market Availability

The new electric SUVs will be built at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Japan, with production starting in January 2026. These models will be available in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., expanding both brands’ zero-emission vehicle offerings.

Subaru’s EV Plans

Subaru is aiming for battery-electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2030. Alongside its joint ventures with Toyota, Subaru is also working on its first in-house developed EV, expected by 2028.

The upcoming Toyota-Subaru compact electric SUVs mark another step forward in electrification, offering consumers more affordable, high-performance EV options. As production nears, more details are expected to emerge, further solidifying Toyota and Subaru’s presence in the growing EV market.

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