Tag: Tech

Who Will Own TikTok? U.S. Investors Line Up for $60B Deal

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

TikTok’s uncertain future in the United States has entered a decisive phase, with a handful of powerful investors lining up to buy a stake in the platform as political pressure mounts.

The Chinese-owned app, run by parent company ByteDance, has been at the center of U.S. scrutiny for years over concerns about data security and influence from Beijing. What began with executive orders and court battles during the Trump administration has evolved into a bipartisan push to either ban TikTok or force a sale of its U.S. operations.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), also known as the “TikTok ban.” That ruling seemed to seal the app’s fate. On January 19, TikTok briefly shut down U.S. operations before swiftly returning less than 12 hours later, citing new efforts by President Trump to keep the platform alive.

Trump has since extended TikTok’s reprieve multiple times, most recently postponing enforcement of the ban for 75 days while talks continue. His stated goal: to create “TikTok America,” a structure that splits ownership roughly 50-50 between ByteDance and a U.S.-backed consortium of investors. ByteDance would retain just under 20%.

Reports suggest potential buyers include some of the biggest names in tech and finance. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz are among those positioned to oversee operations. Meanwhile, real estate billionaire Frank McCourt has assembled “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” backed by Project Liberty, Guggenheim Securities, and the law firm Kirkland & Ellis. Their pitch emphasizes transparency, privacy, and open-source technology.

Other bids are also emerging. Jesse Tinsley, CEO of Employer.com, announced a $30 billion all-cash offer through an American investor consortium. At the same time, CFRA Research estimates TikTok’s U.S. valuation could climb to as high as $60 billion if a sale moves forward.

TikTok’s fight for survival highlights just how central the platform has become in American life. With more than 150 million U.S. users—many of them young creators and small businesses—the app represents both cultural clout and enormous advertising potential. For Washington, though, it represents a potential national security risk.

The drama has unfolded against a backdrop of shifting political positions. Trump, who initially championed a ban in 2020, reversed course late last year, signaling a willingness to strike a deal that preserves the platform. The Biden administration’s earlier support of legislation against TikTok underscores that this is not simply a partisan issue, but a broader debate about data sovereignty and global tech power.

As negotiations continue, TikTok’s future remains uncertain. Whether it becomes “TikTok America” under new ownership, or faces fresh legal hurdles, will determine if one of the world’s most popular apps can remain a fixture in U.S. digital life. For now, investors, regulators, and millions of users are watching closely as the clock ticks down.

AI Startup Augment Raises $85M to Scale Augie, Its Logistics Teammate

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Logistics may be one of the most complex and fragmented industries, but San Francisco–based startup Augment is betting its AI teammate can streamline it. The company announced an $85 million Series A funding round this week, led by Redpoint Ventures with participation from 8VC, Shopify Ventures, Autotech Ventures, and others. The raise brings Augment’s total funding to $110 million, remarkable for a company that only came out of stealth five months ago.

At the heart of Augment’s pitch is Augie, its AI productivity platform designed to automate logistics workflows from start to finish. Unlike the patchwork of point solutions that often leave gaps, Augie takes end-to-end ownership of shipments—covering everything from front-office quoting and dispatch to back-office billing and compliance. The platform integrates directly with transportation management systems, shipper portals, and load boards while communicating seamlessly across channels, aiming to reduce the friction that bogs down brokers, shippers, and carriers.

The results so far are drawing attention. Customers report significant productivity gains, with some brokerage reps doubling or even tripling the number of loads managed daily without adding headcount. Shippers are seeing faster billing cycles and tighter adherence to service level agreements, while carriers benefit from quicker payments and fewer service calls. Augment claims Augie has already reduced invoice delays by 40%, shortened billing timelines by as much as eight days, improved gross margins by up to five percent per load, and boosted operational productivity by 30–50%.

That level of impact is what convinced investors to back such a large round so quickly. Co-founder and CEO Harish Abbott said the funds will be used to hire more than 50 engineers and expand its go-to-market teams by year-end, with deeper hiring in 2026. “Logistics runs on millions of decisions under pressure,” Abbott said. “Augie doesn’t just assist—it takes ownership.” His vision is for AI agents like Augie to become standard within 12 to 18 months, handling the majority of repetitive logistics workflows.

For co-founder Justin Hall, the mission is personal. After years in brokerages and fleets, he saw firsthand the waste created by siloed tools and manual processes. “The industry tried hundreds of point solutions that created new problems,” Hall said. “We built Augie as an AI teammate that keeps context and delivers efficiency, stronger margins, and easier work.”

Customers like Armstrong Transport Group, a $1.3 billion brokerage, are already seeing tangible results. Representatives there have gone from managing 10 loads a day to 20 or 30, while morale and customer service scores have improved. “If it gets sent to Augie, it gets done,” said William McManus, an operations specialist at Armstrong.

As freight networks grow more complex, Augment is investing not just in scaling Augie’s coverage but also in building a logistics-native knowledge hub that provides pricing, compliance, and service intelligence across modes. With over $35 billion in freight already managed through its platform, Augment is positioning itself as more than a tool—it wants to be the digital teammate behind the next era of logistics.

GDEV (GDEV) – Operating Metrics Gain Positive Momentum

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Wednesday, September 03, 2025

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Strong Q2 Results. The company reported strong Q2 results. Revenue of $119.9 million, and adj. EBITDA of $20.7 million, both easily surpassed our estimates of $97.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively, as illustrated in Figure #1 Q2 Results. Notably, management attributed the strong quarter to an increase in consumable in-app purchases, which are recognized during the quarter rather than being deferred over the average player life cycle of 28 months.

Key operating metrics. Bookings and monthly paying users (MPU) decreased by 14% and 18%, respectively, compared to the prior year period, but the decrease was expected as the company is focused on the quality of gameplay and not over-monetizing its user base. However, the company is showing signs of returning to growth as both average bookings per paying user (ABPPU) and MPUs increased sequentially from Q1. ABPPU increased from $90 in Q1’25 to $93 in Q2’25, and MPUs increased from 284,000 to 312,000 over the same period.


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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Thoma Bravo Acquires Verint, Merges with Calabrio to Form AI-Driven Customer Experience Leader

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Thoma Bravo, a leading private equity firm with a strong focus on software and technology, has announced its acquisition of Verint Systems in a $2 billion all-cash deal, signaling a major consolidation in the customer experience (CX) technology space. The move will bring Verint together with Thoma Bravo’s existing investment, Calabrio, to form a unified AI-driven CX powerhouse expected to reshape the $50 billion market for customer experience automation solutions. The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The combination of Verint and Calabrio will create a broad, integrated platform for organizations seeking to optimize their customer engagement strategies. Both companies bring complementary technologies and expertise, covering workforce optimization, agent engagement, and business intelligence solutions. The merger is aimed at enabling businesses of all sizes to accelerate outcomes in customer interactions, leveraging artificial intelligence to drive insights, operational efficiencies, and improved service delivery. By uniting their platforms, the combined company will offer a wider array of tools for automating and analyzing customer touchpoints, from call centers to digital channels.

Calabrio’s cloud-native suite, Calabrio ONE, already provides workforce performance management, AI-powered analytics, and personalized coaching capabilities, helping organizations maximize agent effectiveness and enhance customer satisfaction. Verint adds robust analytics, AI-driven interaction management, and workflow automation, strengthening the combined company’s ability to serve complex, enterprise-scale clients. Together, the companies are positioned to deliver the most comprehensive CX platform in the industry, appealing to both mid-market and large enterprises that prioritize efficiency, responsiveness, and customer loyalty.

Thoma Bravo’s investment reflects its long-standing commitment to growth and innovation in the software sector. With over $184 billion in assets under management and a track record of acquiring or investing in more than 500 companies over two decades, the firm aims to leverage its operational expertise to accelerate the development of Verint and Calabrio’s combined offerings. The strategic goal is to not only enhance the companies’ technological capabilities but also expand their reach across global markets, helping brands harness AI and data-driven insights to transform customer experiences.

Industry analysts expect the merger to bring immediate benefits to existing customers by streamlining product portfolios and integrating best practices from both companies. Calabrio and Verint are committed to maintaining and investing in their existing solutions, ensuring continuity for current clients while offering access to new, AI-enabled capabilities. The unified company is also expected to foster innovation through expanded research and development efforts, creating opportunities for next-generation CX solutions and strengthening its competitive position in a fast-evolving market.

Overall, the acquisition marks a significant step in the ongoing consolidation of the CX technology landscape, emphasizing the increasing role of AI in driving operational efficiencies and business outcomes. By combining Verint’s and Calabrio’s expertise, Thoma Bravo is poised to create a dominant player capable of shaping the future of customer experience management globally.

Trump Eyes $2 Billion Shift From CHIPS Act to Critical Minerals Push

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The Trump administration is weighing whether to divert at least $2 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act toward U.S. critical minerals projects, according to people familiar with the deliberations. The move would mark a significant redirection of funds originally earmarked for semiconductor research and factory construction, underscoring the White House’s push to reduce reliance on China for strategic resources.

The CHIPS Act, signed into law in 2022 under President Joe Biden, was designed to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research through more than $50 billion in incentives. Since taking office in January, President Trump has repeatedly criticized the law as an overly generous “corporate giveaway” and has sought to reshape its provisions. Redirecting funds toward mining and mineral processing would be one of his most consequential adjustments yet.

Supporters of the potential shift argue that the proposal is consistent with the CHIPS Act’s core mission: ensuring secure and stable supply chains for chipmaking. Semiconductor fabrication requires a steady flow of critical materials such as gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, areas where China dominates global production and processing.

“The administration is creatively trying to find ways to fund the critical minerals sector,” one source said, noting that any changes remain under discussion.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a former Wall Street executive tapped by Trump earlier this year, would gain expanded authority over funding decisions. His office already manages CHIPS Act disbursements but would now oversee a broader portfolio of projects spanning mining, processing, and recycling. The move follows internal tensions after the Pentagon’s recent investment in rare earths producer MP Materials raised questions about Washington’s broader minerals strategy.

For U.S. mining and processing firms, the potential reallocation could provide a much-needed financial lifeline. Companies such as Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, have warned that stalled U.S. refinery projects will be difficult to revive without direct government support. Similar challenges face smaller recycling and processing ventures, many of which struggle to compete with China’s state-backed operations.

It remains unclear whether the administration would deploy the $2 billion as grants, loans, or equity stakes. Lutnick has reportedly pushed to “get the money out the door” quickly, signaling urgency in expanding domestic mineral capacity. Additional funding reallocations may follow if the strategy is adopted.

The Biden administration previously considered using CHIPS Act dollars for critical minerals but dismissed the idea as uneconomical and environmentally complex. Critics of Trump’s approach may raise similar concerns, pointing to the permitting hurdles and potential environmental impacts of new mining operations. Others warn that shifting money away from semiconductor projects could weaken efforts to bring advanced chip manufacturing back to U.S. soil.

Still, Trump has moved aggressively to boost resource production. He has signed executive orders promoting deep-sea mining and met with major industry leaders, including Rio Tinto and BHP executives, to highlight his commitment. The administration’s broader strategy is also being coordinated with the Department of Energy, which last week proposed $1 billion in critical minerals spending tied to infrastructure legislation.

By elevating Lutnick’s role, the White House seeks to consolidate decision-making and avoid the fragmented approach seen earlier this summer. Administration officials say this shift will create clearer guidelines for government support across the minerals sector, though questions remain about how conflicts of interest will be managed.

The deliberations highlight the administration’s view that secure mineral supply chains are as vital as semiconductor fabs themselves. Whether Congress and industry stakeholders embrace the reallocation will determine how far the plan advances — and how quickly Washington can build resilience in two sectors that underpin the nation’s technological and economic future.

WideOpenWest to Go Private in $1.5 Billion Deal with DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

WideOpenWest, Inc. (NYSE: WOW), one of the nation’s largest broadband providers, has agreed to a $1.5 billion buyout by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Crestview Partners, marking the company’s exit from public markets. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive $5.20 in cash per share — a 63% premium over the most recent closing price and a 37.2% premium from its unaffected value prior to a May 2024 offer.

Crestview, which already owns roughly 37% of WOW!’s outstanding shares, will roll over its stake and partner with DigitalBridge to take the company private. The partnership signals a strategic push to accelerate WOW!’s growth, expand its geographic reach, and invest heavily in advanced broadband infrastructure.

With a footprint spanning 20 markets in the Midwest and Southeast, WOW! passes nearly 2 million homes and businesses, offering internet, TV, and phone services. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in all-fiber networks, including builds in Central Florida and South Carolina. Going private is expected to give the company greater flexibility to pursue such large-scale infrastructure projects without the constraints of quarterly earnings pressures.

The acquisition also underscores broader private-equity interest in U.S. broadband assets, as demand for high-speed internet continues to climb. DigitalBridge, a global investor in digital infrastructure, brings a track record in funding and operating fiber networks, while Crestview’s long-term involvement offers stability and operational experience. Together, the firms intend to strengthen WOW!’s competitive position through technology upgrades, enhanced customer service, and targeted market expansion.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by WOW!’s board following a review by a special committee of independent directors. The process involved evaluating multiple strategic options, with the board concluding that the offer delivered the best value for shareholders.

Completion of the deal is contingent on shareholder and regulatory approvals, with closing anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026. Once finalized, WOW! will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and operate as a privately held company.

Advisors to the transaction include Centerview Partners for WOW!’s special committee, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz serving as legal counsel. DigitalBridge and Crestview are being advised by LionTree Advisors, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs as structuring advisors. Legal counsel is being provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for DigitalBridge and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for Crestview.

For customers, the shift to private ownership is expected to be seamless, with no disruption to services. However, both ownership groups have signaled a strong commitment to expanding network capacity, enhancing speed and reliability, and introducing new offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of both residential and business users.

Conduent (CNDT) – Improved Margins and Steady Execution

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Thursday, August 07, 2025

Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Solid Q2 results. Conduent reported second-quarter revenue of $754 million, in line with our estimate. Adj. EBITDA of $37 million exceeded our $33 million forecast. Importantly, all three business segments posted sequential growth in new business annual contract value, signaling building commercial momentum and suggesting that execution is improving across the platform.

Portfolio rationalization in the works. The company collected the remaining $50 million from its Curbside Management divestiture, completing phase one of its portfolio rationalization strategy. Management indicated additional transactions are in progress, aimed at boosting profitability. We believe updates are likely by year-end, as the team continues to reshape the business with a focus on higher-margin opportunities.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Perfect Corp. to Announce Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2025 on July 29, 2025

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on PERF

July 15, 2025

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) (“Perfect” or the “Company”), a global leader in providing augmented reality (“AR”) and artificial intelligence (“AI”) Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) solutions to beauty and fashion industries, today announced that it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 before U.S. markets open on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

    About Perfect Corp.

    Founded in 2015, Perfect Corp. is a leading AI company offering self-developed AI- and AR- powered solutions dedicated to transforming the world with digital tech innovations that make your virtual world beautiful. On its direct to consumer business, Perfect operates a family of YouCam consumer apps and web-editing services for photo, video and camera users, centered on unleashing creativity with AI-driven features for creation, beautification and enhancement. On the enterprise business side, Perfect empowers major beauty, skincare, fashion, jewelry, and watch brands and retailers by supplying them with omnichannel shopping experiences through AR product try-ons and AI-powered skin diagnostics. With cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, real-time facial and hand 3D AR rendering and cloud solutions, Perfect enables personalized, enjoyable, and engaging shopping journey and helps brands elevate customer engagement, increase conversion rates, and propel sales growth. Throughout this journey, Perfect maintains its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fulfilling social responsibilities. For more information, visit https://ir.perfectcorp.com/.

    Category: Investor Relations

    Investor Relations Contact
    Investor Relations, Perfect Corp.
    Email: Investor_Relations@PerfectCorp.com

    Source: Perfect Corp.

    Nvidia Shatters Records: AI Giant Becomes World’s Most Valuable Company

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    In a stunning display of market dominance, Nvidia has officially entered uncharted territory by achieving a market capitalization of $3.92 trillion, surpassing Apple’s previous record and establishing itself as the most valuable company in corporate history.

    The semiconductor giant’s shares surged as much as 2.4% to $160.98 during Thursday morning trading, propelling the company beyond Apple’s historic closing value of $3.915 trillion set on December 26, 2024. This milestone represents far more than a simple changing of the guard—it signals a fundamental shift in how markets value artificial intelligence infrastructure.

    Nvidia’s ascent to unprecedented valuation levels reflects Wall Street’s unwavering confidence in the artificial intelligence revolution. The company’s specialized chips have become the essential building blocks for training the world’s most sophisticated AI models, creating what industry experts describe as “insatiable demand” for Nvidia’s high-end processors.

    The magnitude of Nvidia’s valuation becomes even more striking when placed in global context. The company is now worth more than the combined value of all publicly listed companies in Canada and Mexico. It also exceeds the total market capitalization of the entire United Kingdom stock market, underscoring the extraordinary concentration of value in AI-related assets.

    The transformation of Nvidia from a specialized gaming hardware company to Wall Street’s AI bellwether represents one of the most remarkable corporate evolution stories in modern business history. Co-founded in 1993 by CEO Jensen Huang, the Santa Clara-based company has seen its market value increase nearly eight-fold over the past four years, rising from $500 billion in 2021 to approaching $4 trillion today.

    This meteoric rise has been fueled by an unprecedented corporate arms race, with technology giants Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Alphabet, and Tesla competing to build expansive AI data centers. Each of these companies relies heavily on Nvidia’s cutting-edge processors to power their artificial intelligence ambitions, creating a virtuous cycle of demand for the chipmaker’s products.

    Despite its record-breaking market capitalization, Nvidia’s valuation metrics suggest the rally may have room to run. The stock currently trades at approximately 32 times analysts’ expected earnings for the next 12 months—well below its five-year average of 41 times forward earnings. This relatively modest price-to-earnings ratio reflects the company’s rapidly expanding profit margins and consistently upward-revised earnings estimates.

    The company’s remarkable recovery trajectory becomes evident when examining its recent performance. Nvidia’s stock has rebounded more than 68% from its April 4 closing low, when global markets were rattled by President Trump’s tariff announcements. The subsequent recovery has been driven by expectations that the White House will negotiate trade agreements to mitigate the impact of proposed tariffs on technology companies.

    Nvidia’s dominance hasn’t gone unchallenged. Earlier this year, Chinese startup DeepSeek triggered a global equity selloff by demonstrating that high-performance AI models could be developed using less expensive hardware. This development sparked concerns that companies might reduce their spending on premium processors, temporarily dampening enthusiasm for Nvidia’s growth prospects.

    However, the company’s ability to maintain its technological edge has kept it at the forefront of AI hardware innovation. Nvidia’s newest chip designs continue to demonstrate superior performance in training large-scale artificial intelligence models, reinforcing its position as the preferred supplier for major technology companies.

    Nvidia now carries a weight of nearly 7.4% in the benchmark S&P 500, making it a significant driver of broader market performance. The company’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average last November, replacing Intel, symbolized the semiconductor industry’s strategic pivot toward AI-focused development.

    As Nvidia approaches the $4 trillion threshold, its unprecedented valuation serves as a barometer for investor confidence in artificial intelligence’s transformative potential across industries.

    Nvidia Eyes Robotics as Its Next Trillion-Dollar Frontier

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Nvidia identifies robotics as its next major growth driver, second only to artificial intelligence, with self-driving cars and humanoid robots as early focus areas.
    – Robotics and automotive revenue is currently small—just 1% of total sales—but growing rapidly, with 72% annual growth reported last quarter.
    – Nvidia is evolving into a full AI infrastructure provider, offering chips, software, and cloud services to power future autonomous systems and robotics at scale.

    Nvidia, the global leader in AI computing and graphics processing, is turning its attention to robotics as its next major growth engine—second only to artificial intelligence itself. During its annual shareholders meeting, CEO Jensen Huang outlined how robotics could transform from a niche revenue stream into a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for the company.

    While Nvidia is best known today for the chips that power generative AI tools like ChatGPT, its ambitions are quickly expanding beyond data centers. Robotics, according to Huang, is poised to become one of the largest markets for Nvidia’s technology—integrating AI with physical systems across industries from transportation to manufacturing.

    Currently, Nvidia’s automotive and robotics business makes up a small fraction of the company’s total revenue. In the most recent quarterly report, that segment generated $567 million, accounting for about 1% of total revenue. However, it showed strong momentum, up 72% year-over-year. Huang emphasized that this is only the beginning of what he sees as a long-term play.

    One of the most immediate commercial applications of robotics, according to Nvidia, is autonomous vehicles. The company’s Drive platform—already adopted by major carmakers like Mercedes-Benz—includes powerful onboard chips and AI models capable of handling the complex task of self-driving navigation. But Nvidia’s robotics vision extends far beyond the road.

    At the meeting, Huang also spotlighted the company’s newly released Cosmos AI models for humanoid robots. These models represent a leap toward enabling general-purpose robots that can interact with and adapt to dynamic environments. From warehouse automation to robotic factories and healthcare assistants, Nvidia sees its chips playing a central role in bringing these systems to life.

    To support these ambitions, Nvidia continues to evolve its identity from a chip manufacturer to a full-fledged AI infrastructure provider. In addition to its industry-dominating GPUs, the company now offers networking hardware, enterprise software, and its own cloud services—all designed to create a seamless pipeline from model training to deployment in the real world.

    Huang’s comments reflect Nvidia’s long-term strategy to build an end-to-end ecosystem for intelligent computing. With demand for AI capabilities showing no sign of slowing and emerging use cases like robotics gaining traction, the company appears well-positioned to lead in both digital and physical AI applications.

    The financial markets appear to agree. Nvidia’s stock surged to a record high following the shareholder meeting, pushing its market capitalization to $3.75 trillion—surpassing Microsoft to become the most valuable public company in the world.

    Although robotics currently represents a small sliver of Nvidia’s earnings, the strategic importance of this segment is growing. As more industries invest in automation and intelligent systems, Nvidia is betting that the same technology powering chatbots and data centers will eventually control fleets of robots, smart factories, and autonomous machines across the globe.

    With the groundwork now in place, Nvidia is not just building chips—it’s building the future of intelligent automation.

    Rubrik to Acquire AI Startup Predibase in Strategic Expansion Push

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Rubrik is acquiring AI startup Predibase for over $100 million to expand into enterprise AI infrastructure.
    – Predibase’s platform allows businesses to customize and deploy AI models using data from third-party sources.
    – The acquisition aligns with Rubrik’s strategy to evolve into a multi-product enterprise platform focused on security and AI innovation.

    Rubrik, the data security and management company, is set to acquire artificial intelligence startup Predibase in a move that deepens its presence in the fast-growing AI infrastructure market. The acquisition, valued at over $100 million according to a source familiar with the terms, marks a significant step in Rubrik’s efforts to broaden its capabilities beyond data backup and cyber resilience.

    Predibase, founded in 2021, specializes in tools that help organizations efficiently deploy custom AI models using their own data. The San Francisco-based startup has attracted attention for its developer-focused platform that integrates with a wide range of third-party data systems. By enabling customization and deployment of large language models (LLMs), Predibase aims to help businesses move beyond generic AI tools and build solutions tailored to their internal data needs.

    Rubrik, which went public in 2024 and has seen robust revenue growth since its IPO, views the deal as an opportunity to evolve into a multi-product enterprise software provider. The company has already established itself as a key player in data protection and ransomware recovery, boasting more than $1 billion in annualized recurring revenue. The integration of Predibase’s AI model deployment tools adds a new layer to Rubrik’s offerings—one that taps into the increasing demand for AI-powered automation across enterprises.

    With this acquisition, Rubrik aims to give customers the ability to build secure, cost-effective AI agents that can reason over large datasets housed within both Rubrik’s ecosystem and external cloud platforms. These include major cloud data players such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Snowflake, and Databricks, with whom Predibase already integrates.

    The Predibase platform will continue to operate independently after the acquisition closes, preserving its existing customer relationships and developer-centric approach. Predibase’s technology will also be enhanced by Rubrik’s Annapurna platform, which enables secure aggregation of data from multiple sources. Together, the two platforms are expected to provide businesses with an end-to-end stack for building and deploying AI models grounded in private enterprise data.

    Predibase’s team, including co-founders who previously worked on AI infrastructure at Uber, brings technical depth and credibility to Rubrik’s expanding AI strategy. Their work at Uber on machine learning platforms laid the groundwork for scalable AI services, and they bring similar ambitions to their new parent company.

    For Rubrik, the acquisition underscores a broader ambition to become a long-term platform player in the enterprise technology space. As more businesses look to harness generative AI for insights and automation, the demand for tools that enable secure, high-performance model training and deployment is growing rapidly. With Predibase now in its fold, Rubrik is positioning itself to be at the center of this next wave of enterprise AI adoption.

    Google Teams Up with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to Launch AI-Powered Smart Glasses

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    – Google partners with Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Samsung to develop Android XR smart glasses powered by Gemini AI.
    – Features include in-lens displays, cameras, real-time translation, and smartphone integration.
    – The move sets up a new front in the wearables race against Meta and Apple

    Google is reentering the smart glasses race with renewed focus and fresh partners. At its annual Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, the tech giant announced partnerships with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create stylish, AI-powered smart glasses. The company is also expanding its collaboration with Samsung into the realm of intelligent eyewear, building on their joint efforts in augmented reality.

    Unlike the tech-heavy and socially awkward Google Glass of 2013, Google’s new smart glasses aim to blend cutting-edge functionality with fashion-forward design. Set to run on the new Android XR operating system, the glasses will include features like turn-by-turn navigation, real-time translation, camera-enabled photography, hands-free calling, and seamless integration with apps—all delivered through the company’s Gemini AI platform.

    In a direct challenge to Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Google’s new offering will pair with smartphones and be equipped with microphones, speakers, and optional in-lens displays. These displays will allow users to access information such as text messages or directions without pulling out their phone. While the glasses will still rely on smartphones for processing and connectivity, they mark a significant leap in the evolution of wearable tech.

    “This new wave of smart glasses is about combining form and function,” said Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP of Devices & Services. “By working with top eyewear designers, we’re making sure these devices are not only useful, but also something people will want to wear every day.”

    Importantly, Google says it will begin working with developers and testers later this year to fine-tune the technology, especially in terms of privacy and usability—areas that proved problematic for the original Google Glass. That early attempt, which cost $1,500 and looked like something out of a sci-fi film, failed to gain traction with mainstream consumers, partly due to design and partly due to discomfort around being unknowingly recorded.

    Today’s consumers, however, are more acclimated to cameras in public spaces, and the success of Meta’s more discreet Ray-Ban glasses shows the market may finally be ready for smart eyewear—if it looks good and works well.

    The resurgence of interest in smart glasses comes amid a broader push by tech giants to identify the next big hardware platform after the smartphone. Google is also involved in Samsung’s Project Moohan, an AR/VR headset co-developed with Qualcomm, signaling its broader ambitions in the spatial computing space.

    Apple is rumored to be working on its own smart glasses, though Bloomberg reports they may not launch until 2027. That gives Google and Meta time to shape the market—and consumer expectations.

    While smart glasses are unlikely to replace smartphones overnight, they are becoming a serious contender in the next phase of personal technology. The challenge now is whether Google, this time with the right design and timing, can finally succeed where Google Glass stumbled—and convince the world to put computers on their faces.

    Tech IPO Market Stirs Back to Life After Years of Drought

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
    Key Points:
    IPO Market Rebounds: eToro and CoreWeave spark renewed tech IPO momentum.
    Startups Move Ahead: Chime and Hinge Health revive public debut plans.
    AI & Fintech Lead: These sectors drive the IPO resurgence despite market uncertainty.

    After several years of stagnation, the tech IPO market is finally showing signs of revival. Recent successful listings from high-profile companies like eToro and CoreWeave, coupled with a growing pipeline of IPO-ready startups, have rekindled optimism among venture capitalists and retail investors alike.

    Earlier this week, eToro, the social trading and brokerage platform based in Israel, made a striking debut on the Nasdaq. Its stock surged nearly 29% after pricing above the expected range—a strong signal that investor appetite for new tech listings may be returning. The timing was crucial. Just weeks ago, uncertainty stemming from President Trump’s abrupt tariff policy had cast a shadow over the broader market and cooled IPO ambitions.

    Adding further momentum, CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure company, posted a remarkable 420% revenue increase in its first earnings report since going public in March. The company’s stock has more than doubled in value since its IPO, reflecting sustained investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure plays. According to PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association, nearly 40% of Q1 venture capital exit value came from CoreWeave’s listing alone.

    This rebound, however, comes after a long dry spell. Since early 2022, startups across fintech, health tech, and enterprise software have largely stayed private, waiting for more favorable conditions. The brief optimism earlier this year was quickly dampened when the Trump administration’s surprise tariff announcement in April rattled the markets. In response, companies like Klarna and StubHub shelved their IPO plans.

    But with the administration now pausing its most aggressive tariff measures for 90 days, confidence is starting to return. Fintech company Chime filed its IPO prospectus this week, having delayed its plans due to the earlier tariff-driven volatility. Similarly, digital health firm Omada Health submitted its filing last week.

    Next week, all eyes will be on Hinge Health, a virtual physical therapy platform. The company updated its IPO filing with a pricing range of $28–$32, potentially valuing it at $2.4 billion. This offering will be an important litmus test for investor sentiment toward the digital health sector, which boomed during the pandemic but has since seen growth slow.

    Meanwhile, Cerebras, a chipmaker focused on AI hardware, has finally cleared regulatory hurdles and is preparing to go public later this year. The move reflects strong demand in the AI space, even as regulatory and geopolitical risks linger.

    There are also notable shifts in the digital asset space. Galaxy Digital, originally listed in Canada due to U.S. regulatory hesitance toward crypto, has now moved its shares to the Nasdaq in a bid to access a broader investor base.

    Despite these encouraging signs, experts remain cautious. Ernst & Young’s Rachel Gerring believes the IPO market is “trending in the right direction,” but warns that volatility and geopolitical risks could still stall momentum. Many startups are being advised to focus on readiness rather than timing, ensuring they can launch when conditions are ideal.

    For now, the market is showing signs of life. But whether this marks the start of a sustained comeback or another false dawn remains to be seen.