Tech Titans, IPOs, and Global News: A Recap of the Week in AI and Tech

OWITH.ai - Only What's Important to Hear around AI and Tech

Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.Arjun Sethi, the co-CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken and chairman of Tribe Capital, has taken an unusual approach to running the company. His idiosyncratic management style, which includes detached, data-driven decision-making and reliance on his own network, has resulted in rapid product development and a valuation of $15 billion. Investors are closely watching as Kraken prepares for its IPO in 2026. Additionally, several AI and technology companies have recently secured significant funding rounds, indicating continued investor interest in the tech sector. Venture capital firm Ridgemont Equity Partners has raised $4 billion for its fifth fund while Advent International has hired Christine Dagousset as an operating partner.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled a case with Amazon for $2.5 billion over alleged deceptive practices involving "dark pattern" web page designs. Despite concerns about Amazon's tactics, the settlement may be seen as a victory for both parties. In other news, the U.S. government signed a deal with Elon Musk's Grok AI for a low price of 42 cents per agency despite past controversies. Apple addressed durability issues with MagSafe charging stands causing marks on new iPhone 17 Pro models. Google also backed a $3 billion deal with a Bitcoin miner as big tech looks to crypto for compute power.CEOs are increasingly shifting strategies due to concerns about America's commitment to free speech and science. Trump's new tariffs on various goods have impacted markets globally. Accenture is retraining staff for the age of AI while NATO is on high alert over Russian aggression. Starbucks announced a $1 billion restructuring plan and the crypto exchange Kraken raised $500 million. In other news, there is speculation about ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair potentially running Gaza if a Trump peace deal is accepted.The week of September 22, 2025, was filled with content on Stratechery discussing YouTube's dominance, the Nvidia-Intel partnership, and sushi robots. Topics included user-generated video content, Nvidia's need for cash flow, and automation in the sushi industry. Booking CEO Glenn Fogel shared insights on travel aggregation while discussions on tech and media trends were also highlighted. Overall, the week's content provided a comprehensive look at various aspects of technology, business, and innovation.

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin