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Top Tech Trends | Sunday June 21, 2026 | Dallas TX
Nobel Laureate John Jumper Joins Anthropic in Major AI Talent Move
John Jumper, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist behind the development of AlphaFold, is leaving Google DeepMind to join AI startup Anthropic, marking one of the most significant talent moves in the artificial intelligence industry this year.
Jumper spent nearly a decade at DeepMind, where he led work on AlphaFold, the AI system that solved one of biology’s most complex challenges by accurately predicting protein structures. The breakthrough has transformed biological research, helping scientists accelerate work in areas ranging from drug discovery to disease research.
His contributions earned him the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis.
Jumper announced his departure in a post on social media, describing his time at DeepMind as an extraordinary journey. While details of his role at Anthropic have not been disclosed, the move is being viewed as a major win for the San Francisco-based AI company as it expands its research capabilities.
The transition comes amid an intensifying battle for top AI talent. As competition between leading AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind and Meta continues to grow, experienced researchers have become some of the industry’s most sought-after assets.
Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives, Anthropic has emerged as one of the leading players in generative AI through its Claude family of models. The company has attracted significant investment from technology giants including Amazon and Google and has positioned itself as a key rival to OpenAI.
Jumper’s move is expected to strengthen Anthropic’s scientific research credentials and deepen its expertise in applying artificial intelligence to complex real-world problems. His background in computational biology and breakthrough work on AlphaFold could also help the company explore new applications of AI beyond traditional language models.
DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis publicly congratulated Jumper on his next chapter and acknowledged his contributions to the company and to science.
The departure highlights the increasingly fluid nature of the AI industry, where competition is no longer limited to products and models, but extends to securing the researchers driving the next wave of innovation
India’s Telegram Block Triggers VPN Surge and Shift to Rival Messaging Apps
India’s temporary restriction on Telegram has led to a sharp rise in VPN usage and prompted users to migrate to alternative messaging platforms, highlighting the challenges of enforcing digital platform bans in one of the world’s largest internet markets.
The government ordered the block citing concerns over the alleged circulation of leaked examination material and misinformation related to the NEET-UG re-examination. The move affected millions of Telegram users across the country and immediately sparked debate over the balance between platform regulation and digital access.
Telegram, which has a significant user base in India, challenged the decision, arguing that it had already taken action against channels involved in sharing illicit content. The company maintained that penalising an entire platform for the actions of a limited number of users was disproportionate and harmful to legitimate users who rely on the service for communication, business and community engagement.
The restriction also triggered a surge in demand for virtual private networks (VPNs), with several VPN providers reporting a substantial increase in downloads and new user registrations from India. Many users turned to these services to bypass the restrictions and regain access to Telegram.
At the same time, rival platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal and Discord witnessed increased activity as users sought alternative channels for communication. Industry observers noted that while platform restrictions can temporarily disrupt access, users often adapt quickly by shifting to competing services or using technological workarounds.
The development has reignited discussions around the effectiveness of platform-wide bans as a regulatory tool. Critics argue that such measures can inconvenience millions of legitimate users while doing little to deter determined bad actors, who can often migrate to other platforms or use circumvention technologies.
Supporters of the government’s action, however, contend that stronger intervention was necessary to curb the spread of leaked content and safeguard the integrity of a high-stakes national examination involving millions of students.
The episode also underscores the growing tension between governments and technology platforms over issues of content moderation, user privacy and regulatory compliance. As digital platforms become increasingly central to communication and information sharing, authorities worldwide are grappling with how to address misuse without disrupting access for ordinary users.
With Telegram challenging the restriction and broader questions being raised about digital governance, the outcome could have implications beyond a single platform, potentially shaping future debates around internet regulation and platform accountability in India.
Gemini Powers Google’s Next Big Push into Smart Homes
Google is making a renewed push into the smart home market, betting that its Gemini artificial intelligence platform can transform the way consumers interact with smart speakers.
The tech giant has unveiled a new Gemini-powered smart speaker, marking its first major standalone speaker launch in several years. The move comes as Google seeks to revive interest in a category that has seen limited innovation since the initial boom of voice assistants.
Unlike traditional smart speakers that primarily respond to basic commands, the new device is designed to support more natural and conversational interactions. Powered by Gemini, Google’s flagship AI model, the speaker can handle complex requests, remember context during conversations, and respond to follow-up questions without requiring users to repeat information.
Google believes these capabilities could turn smart speakers from simple voice-controlled gadgets into more capable AI assistants that help users manage daily tasks, access information and control connected devices throughout the home.
The launch is part of Google’s broader strategy to integrate Gemini across its product ecosystem. Over the past year, the company has embedded the AI model into Search, Android, Workspace and other services. Bringing Gemini to smart home devices represents the next step in that effort.
The speaker will also function as a hub for Google’s smart home ecosystem, allowing users to manage lights, cameras, thermostats and other connected devices through conversational voice commands. The company says the integration of advanced AI will make these interactions more intuitive and personalized than earlier generations of smart assistants.
The announcement comes amid intensifying competition in the AI sector. Companies including Amazon, Apple, OpenAI and Anthropic are all investing heavily in AI-powered assistants and consumer products, creating a new battleground for the future of personal computing.
For Google, the success of Gemini-powered hardware could be critical in demonstrating that generative AI has practical applications beyond chatbots and productivity tools. By reimagining the smart speaker as an intelligent household companion, the company is hoping to reignite consumer interest in connected home devices while strengthening Gemini’s position at the centre of its AI ecosystem.
Probably Raises Fresh Capital to Make AI More Accurate
AI startup Probably has raised $9 million in seed funding as it seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing artificial intelligence today: reliability.
The funding round was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and will be used to further develop the company’s technology, which focuses on reducing errors and improving the accuracy of AI-generated responses.
Founded by Peter Elias, Probably is building systems designed to verify AI outputs before they are delivered to users. The company’s approach aims to tackle the problem of “hallucinations” — instances where AI models generate information that appears convincing but is factually incorrect.
Rather than relying solely on large language models, Probably combines AI with verification mechanisms that cross-check responses against underlying data. The goal is to ensure that answers can be traced back to reliable sources and validated before being presented.
The startup’s initial focus is on data science and analytics, where accuracy is critical. Its platform allows users to query datasets using natural language while providing supporting evidence and transparency around how conclusions are reached.
As businesses increasingly adopt generative AI tools, concerns around reliability, transparency and accountability have become more pronounced. While AI models have demonstrated impressive capabilities, many enterprises remain cautious about deploying them in areas where incorrect information could lead to financial, legal or operational risks.
Probably believes that improving trust in AI systems will be key to accelerating enterprise adoption. The company argues that the future of AI will depend not only on making models more powerful, but also on ensuring that their outputs can be verified and trusted.
The funding comes amid growing investor interest in AI infrastructure and safety-focused startups. As organisations look for ways to deploy AI responsibly, companies focused on improving reliability and reducing risk are attracting increasing attention from both customers and investors.
With fresh capital and backing from one of Silicon Valley’s leading venture firms, Probably plans to expand its technology and explore applications across industries where accuracy and accountability are essential.
Waymo Recalls Nearly 4,000 Robotaxis Over Construction Zone Software Issue
Autonomous vehicle company Waymo has recalled nearly 4,000 robotaxis after identifying a software issue that caused some vehicles to enter closed highway construction zones, raising fresh questions about the challenges of deploying self-driving technology at scale.
The recall affects approximately 3,900 vehicles operating with Waymo’s fifth-generation autonomous driving system. According to regulatory filings, the company discovered multiple incidents in which robotaxis failed to correctly respond to freeway closures and construction-related traffic controls.
The incidents were reported across California and Arizona, where some vehicles entered sections of highways that had been closed for roadwork. Waymo said the issue stemmed from shortcomings in the software’s ability to interpret certain construction-zone scenarios and temporary traffic management measures.
While no injuries or collisions were reported, the company voluntarily initiated the recall and began working on a software update to address the problem. The revised system is expected to improve the vehicles’ ability to recognise road closure signs, temporary barriers and changing traffic conditions in construction areas. Waymo also said it has restricted certain freeway operations while the updated software is being deployed across its fleet.
The development marks another reminder of the complexity involved in autonomous driving, particularly in environments where road conditions change frequently. Construction zones have long been considered one of the most difficult challenges for self-driving systems because they often involve temporary signage, lane shifts and unpredictable traffic patterns.
The recall comes as Waymo continues to expand its robotaxi services across multiple cities in the United States. The company remains one of the leading players in the autonomous vehicle industry and has logged millions of driverless miles through its commercial operations.
Industry experts note that software recalls have become an increasingly common part of the autonomous vehicle landscape, reflecting the industry’s reliance on over-the-air updates to address safety issues and improve system performance.
For Waymo, the latest recall underscores both the progress and the ongoing hurdles facing autonomous transportation. While self-driving technology continues to advance, the ability to safely navigate complex real-world scenarios remains a critical test for the industry’s long-term success.
Weekly NewsLetter of Artificial Intelligence
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Top Tech Trends | Sunday June 14, 2026 | Dallas TX
US Pulls Plug on Anthropic’s Most Powerful AI Models
Anthropic, one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies, has found itself at the centre of a growing debate over AI safety, regulation and national security after the US government ordered the suspension of access to two of its most advanced AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Claude Mythos 5. The move has sparked intense discussion across the technology industry, with critics questioning whether Anthropic’s own warnings about AI risks may have contributed to the unprecedented government intervention.
According to reports, the US Commerce Department directed Anthropic to halt access to the models for foreign nationals, citing national security concerns linked to a potential “jailbreak” vulnerability that could allow users to identify software weaknesses and aid cyberattacks. Faced with the directive, Anthropic chose to disable the models globally rather than risk non-compliance.
The development comes just days after Anthropic launched Fable 5, describing it as a public-facing version of its powerful Mythos-class AI system. The company had promoted the model as highly capable but protected by strict safety guardrails designed to limit misuse in areas such as cybersecurity. Ironically, Anthropic has been among the most vocal advocates for stronger AI safety measures. CEO Dario Amodei has repeatedly warned governments and industry leaders about the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems, including threats to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and national security. The company has also argued that governments should have the authority to intervene when advanced AI systems pose unacceptable risks.
However, Anthropic has strongly contested the government’s latest action, saying it was given only limited evidence of a narrow vulnerability and arguing that the response was disproportionate. The company warned that applying similar standards across the industry could effectively halt the deployment of next-generation AI models from multiple providers.
The controversy has also highlighted growing tensions between AI developers and policymakers. Reports suggest that concerns raised by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy regarding the models’ cybersecurity implications may have helped trigger the government’s scrutiny. The incident marks one of the most significant examples yet of governments directly restricting access to frontier AI models. As AI systems become increasingly powerful, the clash between innovation, safety and regulation is likely to shape the next phase of the global AI race.
SpaceX IPO Makes Elon Musk the World’s First Trillionaire
Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s blockbuster stock market debut sent the company’s valuation soaring past the $2 trillion mark. The long-awaited SpaceX IPO, one of the biggest in market history, sparked a sharp rally in the company’s shares, significantly boosting Musk’s wealth. With his substantial stake in the aerospace giant, along with holdings in Tesla, xAI and other ventures, Musk’s net worth is now estimated to have crossed the $1 trillion milestone.
The listing marks a defining moment for the commercial space industry. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown from a rocket startup into a global technology powerhouse, leading innovations in reusable launch systems, satellite internet through Starlink and deep-space exploration.
Investor demand for the stock was exceptionally strong, reflecting growing confidence in the future of space technology and next-generation infrastructure. The successful debut also cements SpaceX’s status among the world’s most valuable publicly traded companies. The milestone further strengthens Musk’s position as the world’s richest person and underscores the extraordinary rise of entrepreneurial wealth in the technology era. From electric vehicles and artificial intelligence to space exploration, Musk’s businesses have reshaped multiple industries over the past two decades.
While some analysts have questioned the company’s lofty valuation, supporters argue that SpaceX’s dominance in launch services, satellite communications and future space missions justifies investor optimism. With SpaceX now publicly traded and valued at more than $2 trillion, Musk has entered a financial league of his own, achieving a milestone once considered unimaginable.
As Anthropic Pulls Back, India Rethinks Its AI Dependence
Anthropic’s decision to suspend access to its latest AI models has sparked a fresh debate in India over the country’s dependence on foreign artificial intelligence technologies and the urgent need to build sovereign AI capabilities.
The move came after the U.S. government directed Anthropic to restrict access to its most advanced models, Claude Fable 5 and Claude Mythos 5, citing national security concerns. Rather than selectively limiting access, the company temporarily disabled the models globally to comply with the directive.
The development has sent ripples across India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem. Just days before the suspension, Anthropic had strengthened its presence in the country through a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, highlighting India as one of its most important international markets. The abrupt disruption has raised concerns among developers, enterprises and policymakers about relying heavily on AI systems controlled by foreign governments and companies.
Industry observers say the episode serves as a wake-up call for India. While the country has emerged as a major consumer of AI technologies, it remains largely dependent on overseas foundation models, cloud infrastructure and advanced semiconductor ecosystems. The Anthropic case has renewed discussions around AI sovereignty, indigenous model development and greater investment in domestic computing infrastructure.
The suspension also highlights a broader shift in global technology policy. For years, export controls focused primarily on advanced chips and hardware. The latest U.S. directive signals that access to cutting-edge AI models themselves may increasingly become subject to geopolitical considerations and national security restrictions.
Analysts argue that India’s AI ambitions cannot rest solely on access to foreign platforms. Instead, the country may need to accelerate efforts under its national AI initiatives, support homegrown model developers and build strategic technological independence.
As AI becomes a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and national competitiveness, the Anthropic episode has underscored a fundamental question for India: should it remain a consumer of global AI technologies, or become a creator and owner of the next generation of AI systems?
Canada’s AI Chatbot Crackdown Faces Questions Over Effectiveness
Canada’s efforts to tighten regulations on AI chatbots and social media platforms following a deadly school shooting are facing growing scrutiny from academics, legal experts and technology observers, who warn that loopholes could undermine the proposed measures.
The debate follows a February 2026 school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left nine people dead and triggered national outrage. The incident drew particular attention after OpenAI acknowledged that it had previously banned the suspect’s ChatGPT account for policy violations but did not alert law enforcement authorities because it did not deem the activity an imminent threat.
In response, the Canadian government has introduced legislation aimed at making social media platforms and AI chatbot providers more accountable for online safety. The proposed law would establish a new digital regulator, require AI chatbots to implement safeguards against harmful content, and introduce crisis-intervention mechanisms for users discussing issues such as self-harm or suicide. It would also prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media services, with limited exemptions for platforms meeting strict safety requirements.
However, critics argue that the legislation lacks sufficient detail and could prove difficult to enforce. Experts have pointed out that age restrictions could be bypassed through virtual private networks (VPNs) and other technological workarounds. They also note that the proposed rules do not apply to private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal, potentially leaving significant gaps in the regulatory framework.
Another concern is the timeline for implementation. Analysts estimate that it could take up to 30 months for the legislation to become fully operational and for the new regulator to be established, delaying any immediate impact on online safety.
The proposed reforms place Canada among a growing group of countries seeking stronger oversight of digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Yet as lawmakers attempt to balance user privacy, child safety and technological innovation, questions remain over whether the new rules will effectively address the risks they are designed to prevent.
KPMG Withdraws AI Report After Hallucinated Claims Spark Credibility Concerns
Global consulting giant KPMG has withdrawn a report on artificial intelligence after several organisations cited in the study challenged claims about their AI adoption, raising fresh concerns about the risks of relying on generative AI in research and thought leadership.
The report, titled “Redefining Excellence in the Age of Agentic AI,” was originally published in October 2025 and examined how organisations were using advanced AI systems. However, it came under scrutiny after AI detection firm GPTZero identified multiple inaccuracies and suggested that some of the content may have been generated through AI hallucinations—instances where AI systems produce information that appears credible but is factually incorrect.
Several organisations named in the report, including UBS, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), Swiss Federal Railways and Transport for London, reportedly said that the report’s descriptions of their AI deployments were either inaccurate or misleading. Following these complaints, KPMG removed the report from its websites and launched an internal investigation.
A KPMG spokesperson said the firm expects employees to adhere to its guidelines on the responsible use of AI, including ensuring human oversight, validating content and verifying independent sources before publication. The company said it is reviewing the matter to determine how the inaccuracies occurred.
The controversy has reignited debate over the growing use of generative AI in professional services, consulting and research. Industry observers warn that reports produced with inadequate human verification can undermine trust, particularly when they are published by globally recognised advisory firms. GPTZero researchers argued that inaccurate AI-generated claims can quickly spread through media reports, business discussions and even future AI training datasets if left unchecked.
The incident follows a similar development involving EY, which recently withdrew a report that reportedly contained fabricated references and AI-generated errors. Together, the cases highlight the challenges organisations face as they embrace AI tools while maintaining standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability.
The TechNewsUSA News Letter is published weekly from Dallas TX | 2026
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Author: Team TechNewsUSA
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Top Tech Trends | Sunday June 7, 2026 | Dallas TX
CP Gurnani: India is Positioned to Dominate Most of the AI Value Chain
India is well positioned to play a dominant role across most segments of the artificial intelligence value chain, according to industry veteran CP Gurnani, who believes the country’s strengths in data, talent and applied intelligence could make it a global AI powerhouse. Speaking during a conversation on the AIONOS-Inetum partnership, Gurnani said the economics of AI clearly underline India’s growing relevance in the global technology ecosystem. “If you examine a running AI engine today, approximately 30 per cent of the cost is infrastructure. Around 25 per cent goes into data management and data learning. Another 20 to 25 per cent relates to applied intelligence and agentic AI, where human expertise plays a major role. The remaining 10 to 15 per cent covers governance, maintenance and cybersecurity,” Gurnani said. According to him, infrastructure remains the only segment where India is not yet a dominant player. “The only area where India is not yet dominant is infrastructure. In almost every other component of the AI value chain, India has a significant role to play. We are arguably the data capital of the world,” he noted.
Gurnani’s comments come at a time when global enterprises are increasingly looking towards India not just for technology delivery but also for AI-led innovation and transformation.He argued that the next phase of the technology services industry will be defined less by labour arbitrage and more by expertise-driven value creation.For Gurnani, AIONOS’ differentiator lies in being built as an AI-native organisation rather than adapting legacy operating models to the AI era.
“We are AI-native. We are not trying to retrofit AI into existing systems or retrain large legacy structures. We are building from the ground up with AI at the core,” he said.While acknowledging that India’s large IT services companies are making substantial investments in AI, Gurnani believes newer firms have the advantage of agility.”Our size and agility allow us to move faster and experiment more aggressively,” he said, adding that AI-native organisations can create new operating models and digital platforms without the constraints of legacy structures.
Reflecting on his transition from leading a large enterprise to co-founding AIONOS, Gurnani described the move as a shift from being an entrepreneurial manager to becoming an entrepreneur.”The biggest shift was moving from being an entrepreneurial manager to becoming an entrepreneur. I personally invested in the company and became a partner. That changes your perspective,” he said. He also highlighted the difference in organisational culture between established corporations and emerging technology ventures.”In a younger company, people define their own roles. That creates an entirely different level of enthusiasm and ownership,” Gurnani observed. On the future of growth, he stressed the importance of partnerships, describing them as central to AIONOS’ strategy. “My philosophy is simple: we cannot do everything ourselves. Growth will come through partnerships,” he said. Addressing the long-held perception of India as a low-cost outsourcing destination, Gurnani argued that competitiveness today extends far beyond pricing.
“While expertise and innovation are becoming increasingly important, competitiveness still matters. You need to be technologically competitive, process competitive, efficiency competitive and, yes, cost competitive as well,” he said.”The winning combination will be expertise plus competitiveness.” His remarks reinforce a broader shift underway in the global technology services industry, where India’s value proposition is increasingly being defined by AI capabilities, specialised talent and innovation rather than traditional cost advantages alone.
Why the Trump Administration is Exploring a Stake in OpenAI?
The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of taking an equity stake in leading artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI, as part of a broader effort to ensure that the economic gains from AI benefit the American public, according to multiple media reports. The discussions, first reported by TechCrunch, are said to be part of ongoing conversations between the White House and major AI firms as policymakers grapple with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for jobs, wealth creation and national competitiveness.
According to the reports, the administration is examining mechanisms that could allow Americans to share in the value created by AI companies. One idea being discussed involves the government acquiring an ownership stake in AI firms or establishing a public investment vehicle linked to the sector’s growth. The proposal comes at a time when companies such as OpenAI are attracting significant investor interest and commanding some of the highest valuations in the technology industry. AI has emerged as a strategic priority for the United States, with policymakers increasingly viewing the technology through the lenses of economic leadership and national security.
While details remain unclear, reports suggest the conversations are still at an early stage and no formal framework has been finalised. It is also not known whether any potential equity participation would be voluntary, legislatively mandated or tied to future government support for AI development. The idea marks a notable departure from the traditional relationship between Washington and Silicon Valley. Rather than regulating from the sidelines, the government would effectively become a stakeholder in the success of some of the country’s most influential technology companies.
Supporters argue that such a model could help distribute the benefits of AI more broadly, particularly as concerns grow around automation, job displacement and the concentration of wealth among a handful of technology firms. Critics, however, are likely to question whether government ownership in private companies could create conflicts of interest and complicate regulatory oversight.
Neither the White House nor OpenAI has publicly confirmed specific details of the discussions. However, the reports underscore how AI is increasingly reshaping not only technology and business, but also public policy and economic thinking. If pursued, the proposal could become one of the most consequential experiments in government participation in the technology sector in recent decades.
Sriram Krishnan to Exit White House AI Role
Sriram Krishnan, one of the key architects of the Trump administration’s artificial intelligence strategy, will step down from his role as Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the White House at the end of June, according to multiple media reports. Krishnan, a Chennai-born technology executive and former venture capitalist, announced his decision in a post on X, describing his time in government as “the privilege of a lifetime.” While he did not disclose a specific reason for his departure, he indicated that he intends to continue working on major AI-related challenges facing the United States.
His exit marks a significant leadership change at a time when artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of the Trump administration’s technology and economic agenda. Since joining the White House in early 2025, Krishnan has played a leading role in shaping the administration’s approach to AI regulation, innovation and global competitiveness. According to reports, Krishnan has informed administration officials of plans to launch an external institution focused on technology policy, allowing him to continue influencing the national conversation around artificial intelligence from outside government.
A former executive at Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook and Snap, Krishnan entered government after a stint at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He quickly emerged as one of the most influential voices in Washington’s AI policy circles and served as a bridge between Silicon Valley and the White House. His departure comes during a period of intense policy activity around AI. The administration is currently weighing a range of measures aimed at strengthening America’s position in the global AI race, including new regulatory frameworks and discussions around deeper government engagement with leading AI companies. The White House has not announced a successor, and it remains unclear who will assume responsibility for overseeing the administration’s AI policy agenda following Krishnan’s departure.
Reid Hoffman Steps Down from Microsoft Board to focus on AI Startup
Billionaire entrepreneur and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman is stepping down from Microsoft’s board of directors after nearly a decade, choosing instead to focus on building his AI-driven drug discovery startup, Manus, according to reports. Microsoft disclosed in a regulatory filing that Hoffman will not seek re-election at the company’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting, bringing to a close a board tenure that began after Microsoft’s $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016. The company said his decision was not related to any disagreement with management, strategy or operations.
According to reports, Hoffman is entering what he described as “founder mode” as he devotes more time and attention to Manus, an artificial intelligence startup focused on accelerating drug discovery and biomedical research. The move marks a return to a more hands-on entrepreneurial role for one of Silicon Valley’s most influential investors and technology executives. Hoffman joined Microsoft’s board in 2017, a year after the technology giant acquired LinkedIn. During his tenure, Microsoft emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom, deepening its investments in OpenAI and integrating AI capabilities across its product portfolio. LinkedIn itself has grown to more than 1.3 billion members under Microsoft’s ownership.
Beyond LinkedIn, Hoffman has built a reputation as one of the technology industry’s most active investors and AI advocates. He was an early backer of OpenAI, co-founded Inflection AI, and has invested in companies including Airbnb and Aurora through venture capital firm Greylock Partners. Reports suggest Manus has already attracted significant investor interest as AI-driven drug discovery gains momentum globally. Hoffman’s decision to step away from one of the world’s most valuable technology companies underscores the growing belief among investors that artificial intelligence could reshape the future of healthcare and life sciences. While Hoffman will remain on Microsoft’s board until the shareholder meeting later this year, his departure signals a renewed entrepreneurial chapter for a figure who has helped shape multiple waves of technological nnovation—from social networking to venture capital and now artificial intelligence.
Sam Altman-Backed Helion hits $15.5 Billion Valuation after fresh funding round
Helion, the nuclear fusion startup backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has raised $465 million in a new funding round as it pushes ahead with plans to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant and deliver electricity to Microsoft by 2028, according to reports. The latest Series G round, led by Thrive Capital, values the Washington-based company at $15.5 billion, nearly triple the valuation it commanded during its previous funding round in early 2025. The financing brings Helion’s total capital raised to approximately $1.5 billion.
The fresh capital comes as Helion accelerates work on Orion, its first commercial fusion power plant, which is being developed to fulfill a landmark agreement signed with Microsoft. Under the deal, Helion aims to begin supplying electricity to Microsoft’s data centres as early as 2028, a timeline that would place it years ahead of most fusion energy competitors. Fusion energy has long been regarded as the holy grail of clean power. Unlike conventional nuclear fission, fusion generates energy by combining atomic nuclei, producing abundant electricity without significant greenhouse gas emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. However, no company has yet demonstrated a commercially viable fusion power plant. Helion says the new funding will be used to accelerate commercial deployment, expand manufacturing capacity and support the delivery of clean electricity to customers. The company is among a growing group of fusion startups seeking to capitalise on surging demand for power from artificial intelligence infrastructure and large-scale data centres.
The company recently reported a major technical milestone, with its Polaris test machine reaching temperatures above 150 million degrees Celsius using fusion fuel. Helion believes these advances bring it closer to achieving the conditions required for commercial fusion energy generation. Investors participating in the round include Alta Park Capital, BoxGroup, Lux Capital, Peak XV Partners and Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company. Existing backers such as Lightspeed Venture Partners and SoftBank Vision Fund 2 also participated. The funding underscores growing investor confidence in fusion energy as technology companies search for reliable, carbon-free power sources to meet the escalating energy demands of artificial intelligence. With Microsoft already committed as a future customer and OpenAI reportedly exploring large-scale energy partnerships, Helion has emerged as one of the most closely watched companies in the global fusion race.
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