
Baseten, an AI inference company, is reportedly close to finalizing a $1.5 billion funding round, which would value the startup at $13 billion. This follows a $300 million Series E round just five months ago, which valued the company at $5 billion. The Wall Street Journal notes that the latest round involves a split-priced strategy, with some investors entering at different valuations. The funding is co-led by Spark Capital, Sands Capital, Altimeter Capital, and Wellington Management. Baseten's rapid valuation increase highlights the growing investor interest in AI inference technologies.
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© TechCrunch AIThe U.S. government has imposed export controls on Anthropic's AI models, Fable and Mythos, citing national security concerns. This move marks a significant test of whether such controls can effectively contain advanced AI technologies, reminiscent of past efforts with encryption and spyware. Anthropic's models were initially restricted to a select group of vetted users, but recent events involving a South Korean telecom and Amazon's security concerns prompted the ban. The outcome of this situation could influence future regulations for AI labs and their access to international markets.
© TechCrunch AIThe US government's ban on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models due to national security concerns has stirred significant discussion in the AI sector. This decision follows claims by Amazon researchers that they discovered a method to circumvent Fable 5's security protocols. Cybersecurity experts have criticized the ban, pointing out that similar vulnerabilities are present in other AI models. The ban presents challenges for developers using Anthropic's platform and reflects ongoing tensions between the company and the US administration. This situation highlights the complex interplay between AI innovation, security, and regulatory oversight in the tech industry.
© TechCrunch AIReliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is making a significant push into AI by integrating services directly into its telecom network. The new Jio Call Agent will allow users to transcribe calls and perform tasks like booking cabs, aiming to make AI a native feature of phone calls. This move could reduce reliance on third-party apps and give Reliance a distribution edge in the AI market. The company also introduced AI-powered versions of its MyJio app and a home display, TeleFrame, to enhance user experience. These developments mark a strategic effort to position Reliance as a leader in India's AI landscape, challenging the dominance of U.S. and Chinese tech giants.
© Lev SelectorAmazon will begin selling its Trainium chips to third-party companies, expanding its hardware offerings.
© Lev SelectorSpaceX has acquired Cursor for $60 billion, expanding its technological capabilities.
© Matt WolfeAccess to Fable and Mythos has been temporarily suspended due to export controls imposed by the White House.