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SoftBank Eyes Majority Stake in 1X at $6B Valuation

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SoftBank is in talks to acquire a majority stake in OpenAI-backed humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies, in a deal that could value the startup at around $6 billion, according to a report by The Information citing people familiar with the matter. The talks are ongoing, and terms could still change.

The potential investment would strengthen SoftBank’s growing focus on robotics and artificial intelligence. OpenAI invested in 1X in 2023 through its startup fund, alongside Tiger Global and Norway-based investors. OpenAI and 1X had also discussed the possibility of an acquisition last year.

The move follows SoftBank’s broader expansion into the robotics sector. Last year, the Japanese conglomerate agreed to acquire Swiss engineering group ABB’s robotics business for about $5.4 billion, highlighting its ambition to build a stronger position in the rapidly developing robotics industry.

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Alibaba Shares Slide After $10.2 Billion AI Share Sale

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Alibaba shares fell sharply in Hong Kong on Monday after the Chinese technology giant launched a $10.2 billion share sale to fund its expanding AI ambitions. The company priced 710 million new shares at HK$112.70 each, an 8.4% discount to Friday’s closing price, raising concerns over shareholder dilution and the risks involved in its heavy AI spending.

Despite the discount, the offering attracted strong investor demand, with orders reportedly reaching $28 billion. Around 40% of the shares are expected to go to long-term and sovereign investors. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai and CEO Eddie Wu also bought shares in the company, signaling confidence in its AI strategy.

Alibaba is increasingly shifting its focus toward AI as e-commerce growth slows. The company has committed nearly half of its 380 billion yuan three-year capital spending plan, while its AI-related spending contributed to a 75% year-on-year drop in quarterly net profit. The company expects its AI investments to break even within about three years as it develops proprietary chips and AI models.

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Nestle Develops New Products for Weight-Loss Drug Users

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Nestle is looking to turn the rapid growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs into a new business opportunity by developing products specifically for people taking medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The company is using artificial intelligence and nutritional science to study the effects of rapid weight loss and identify products that could support users’ nutritional needs.

Nestle’s research is focusing on issues associated with rapid weight loss, including muscle loss, reduced nutritional intake, hydration and changes in skin, hair and nail health. The company has already added collagen protein to products under its Vital Proteins brand and launched Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake in the U.S., while its Milo PRO High Protein drink is available in parts of Asia and Australia.

AI is playing an increasing role in Nestle’s product development, with internal systems analysing scientific research, consumer trends and a database of around 120,000 recipes. However, some nutrition experts question whether specialised products provide significant benefits compared with conventional protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, meat, beans, nuts and pulses.

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Netherlands Joins US-Led AI Alliance Despite ASML Export Dispute

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The Netherlands has agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and coordinating artificial intelligence supply chains among allied nations. The move marks a significant boost for Washington’s technology diplomacy efforts, even as the two countries continue to disagree over certain chip equipment exports to China.

The announcement comes as Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visits Washington to discuss trade issues, including concerns over the proposed U.S. Match Act. While both countries support restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools used for AI chip production, they remain divided on whether Dutch company ASML should be allowed to sell and maintain some less-advanced equipment in China.

Pax Silica seeks to enhance economic security and cooperation in critical technology sectors. Besides the Netherlands, members include Japan and South Korea, while Taiwan has endorsed the initiative without formally joining. The European Union is also expected to participate in the future, further expanding the alliance’s influence over global AI and semiconductor supply chains.

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France Lands Record $108 Billion Foreign Investment Blitz Led by SoftBank

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At the annual Choose France summit in Versailles, President Emmanuel Macron announced a record-breaking €93 billion ($108 billion) in foreign investment pledges across 71 projects, which are expected to create over 15,600 jobs. The massive influx of capital comes at a crucial time for the French economy as the national unemployment rate has recently crept above 8%, remaining stubbornly higher than the European Union average.

The crown jewel of the summit is a monumental AI infrastructure deal with Japanese tech giant SoftBank, which has committed €45 billion—potentially rising to €75 billion—to build three massive data centres in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. Boasting a combined capacity of 3.1 gigawatts, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son stated that the project aims to establish France as Europe’s primary AI hub, helping the continent close the computing capacity gap with the United States and China.

Macron successfully leveraged France’s domestic energy advantages to seal the historic deal, marketing the country’s growing electricity surplus and fleet of 57 nuclear reactors to meet the immense power demands of modern AI technology. Son noted that the agreement came together rapidly following an April meeting with Macron in Tokyo, allowing France to effectively transition from exporting raw electricity to exporting high-value digital intelligence.

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European AI Stocks Defy Geopolitical Gloom Amid Iran War

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Despite a darkening backdrop for European equity markets caused by the energy shock of the Iran war, the region’s tech sector is experiencing a massive, under-the-radar rally. While the conflict has dampened overall economic growth and caused the broader STOXX 600 index to drop just over 2% since late February, European tech shares have surged 10%, hitting their highest levels since 2000. Data indicates that euro zone economic activity fell sharply in May, yet AI-related baskets have accounted for over two-thirds of the positive performance in European stocks over the past month and a half.

Research from TS Lombard highlights two specific European AI baskets that are performing on par with the Nasdaq. The first basket, consisting of semiconductor supply chain firms like ASML, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics, has rallied by roughly 20% since the start of April. The second basket, which focuses on AI infrastructure buildout firms like Schneider Electric and Prysmian, has jumped around 22%. This surge was reignited globally in April as strong tech earnings, including Nvidia’s recent stellar revenue report, reassured investors that corporate spending plans on AI remain highly robust.

Analysts suggest this tech rally has further room to run, reinforced by a secular push toward innovation, defense, and energy security. Furthermore, European tech stocks present an attractive valuation advantage, trading at almost 28 times expected earnings compared to nearly 35 times for their U.S. competitors on the Nasdaq. Although the tech sector only makes up about 10% of the heavily financial- and industrial-dominated European benchmark, its resilience proves that looking through the current macroeconomic chaos reveals significant regional winners.

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AI Boom Drives Surge in European Chip & Electrical Stocks

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European semiconductor and electrical equipment stocks climbed sharply as investor confidence grew around the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Companies seen as key players in AI infrastructure benefited from strong earnings and optimistic forecasts, mirroring a powerful rally in U.S. chip stocks. The surge reflects increasing global demand for advanced chips and supporting technologies as AI adoption accelerates.

Dutch chip equipment maker ASM International jumped to a record high after projecting stronger-than-expected second-quarter sales, driven by robust AI demand. Meanwhile, Swiss engineering giant ABB also raised its full-year outlook, citing increased demand from data centres and electrification businesses despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Other major European players, including ASML, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics, recorded solid gains. Analysts believe that years of weak investment are now giving way to an AI-led growth cycle, with spending expected to accelerate from 2026 as companies invest heavily in digital infrastructure, energy, and supply chain resilience.

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Banks race to access Anthropic’s Mythos amid cyber risk concerns

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The launch of Anthropic’s advanced AI model Mythos has triggered a rush among global banks to secure access, while regulators intensify scrutiny over potential cybersecurity risks. Officials at the International Monetary Fund meetings recently flagged concerns that the model’s capabilities could challenge banks’ legacy systems and expose vulnerabilities.

Major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup have either confirmed or are reported to have access to Mythos, using it to test internal systems and cyber defenses. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing said lenders are coordinating with regulators and trying to gain entry, though access remains tightly controlled.

Regulators across Europe, the U.S., and Asia are evaluating how prepared banks are to handle emerging threats, with some warning that Mythos is significantly more capable in cyber offense than previous AI models. Authorities are assessing risks through existing resilience frameworks, as industry leaders caution that such technologies could reshape the cybersecurity landscape and introduce more advanced threats in the near future.

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Germany Moves to Criminalise Deepfake Porn After Actress Case

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Germany is considering new legislation to criminalise pornographic deepfakes following a high-profile case involving actress Collien Fernandes. She has filed a legal complaint in Spain against her former husband, Christian Ulmen, accusing him of spreading manipulated sexual images of her online—claims he denies. The case has sparked nationwide debate over “digital sexualised violence” and exposed gaps in existing laws.

The controversy has mobilised more than 250 prominent women across politics, business, and culture, demanding stronger protections and legal reforms. Proposals include stricter consent laws and recognising gender-based violence such as femicide in criminal codes. Studies in Germany show digital abuse is widespread, particularly among young people, yet only a small fraction of cases are reported to authorities.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has announced plans to introduce a law making the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography a criminal offence. The move aims to help victims seek justice faster and curb the spread of harmful content. Public protests in Berlin have further highlighted the urgency of tackling online abuse as AI tools make such manipulation increasingly accessible.

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German Army Pushes AI to Speed Up Battlefield Decisions

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Germany’s military is advancing plans to integrate artificial intelligence into wartime operations, aiming to process battlefield data faster and improve decision-making. Army chief Christian Freuding highlighted lessons from Ukraine, where drones and sensors generate vast amounts of data. AI systems can analyze this information to predict enemy behavior and recommend responses, significantly reducing the time and manpower traditionally required.

Freuding stressed that AI will remain a support tool rather than replacing human judgment. While the technology can enhance speed and efficiency, final decisions will always rest with soldiers. The German army also plans to train these systems using data from both Ukrainian combat experience and its own military exercises, ensuring compatibility with operational doctrines.

Germany intends to align its AI development with NATO standards and is considering both European and U.S. technologies. Freuding noted that American solutions, such as tools developed by Palantir Technologies, may offer quicker deployment advantages. However, concerns around data security and sovereignty will remain key factors in selecting the final system.

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