OpenAI has completed a $6.6 billion share sale, valuing the company at $500 billion, making it the most valuable private entity globally. The sale, involving current and former employees' shares, attracted investments from SoftBank, Dragoneer Investment Group, Thrive Capital, MGX, and T. Rowe Price.

This move serves as a robust retention strategy amidst competition from Meta, which has been actively recruiting OpenAI's talent. OpenAI's recent activities include a $40 billion fundraise at a $300 billion valuation in August, with participation from similar investors alongside Blackstone, TPG, Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz.

The company's significant infrastructure commitments, including a $300 billion pledge to Oracle Cloud Services and a potential $100 billion investment from Nvidia, highlight its aggressive expansion plans. These developments follow a non-binding agreement with Microsoft, potentially paving the way for OpenAI's conversion into a for-profit entity, although the share sale could complicate this transition.

OpenAI reported $4.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025 while burning through $2.5 billion in cash, showcasing its rapid growth and investment in new technologies like the Sora 2 video model.

Apple is reportedly halting its plans to revamp the Vision Pro VR glasses in favor of developing AI smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's offerings. The company is working on two types of smart glasses: a model (N50) that pairs with an iPhone and lacks a display, potentially launching in 2027, and another with a display to rival Meta's Ray-Ban Display. Apple aims to expedite the development of the display-equipped smart glasses, despite being behind Meta in the smart glasses market.

Leverage Edu is helping students navigate disruptions in international education caused by visa issues and diplomatic tensions. The company has doubled its revenue, achieved profitability, and is expanding its global presence. They are rerouting students to alternative destinations like Germany and assisting Canadian universities in recruiting from Nigeria. Leverage is also expanding into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The startup offers a full-service platform, including AI-powered tools and services like loans and housing. They are considering an IPO in India as early as next year.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has refuted claims that Meta actively listens to users through their microphones for ad targeting. Despite repeated denials, the perception persists due to the accuracy of Meta's ad recommendations. Mosseri explains that Meta's ad system relies on data shared by advertisers about website visitors and algorithms that target users based on similar interests.

However, Meta is now set to use data from user interactions with its AI products to further refine ad targeting. This new approach, detailed in an upcoming privacy policy, raises concerns about potential privacy intrusions, as AI chatbots engage users in more personal conversations. Mosseri also suggests that perceived coincidences and the subconscious processing of previously viewed ads contribute to the feeling of being listened to.

California's SB 53, an AI safety and transparency bill, demonstrates that state regulation can coexist with AI progress, according to Adam Billen of Encode AI.

SB 53 mandates that large AI labs be transparent about their safety and security protocols, particularly regarding the prevention of catastrophic risks like cyber attacks and bio-weapons development. Companies are expected to adhere to these protocols, with enforcement by the Office of Emergency Services.

Billen argues that this law reinforces existing safety practices, preventing companies from cutting corners under competitive pressure, as some AI firms might relax safety standards to compete.

While there was less opposition to SB 53 compared to its predecessor, concerns remain in Silicon Valley about AI regulation hindering U.S. competitiveness against China. There are also efforts to preempt state AI laws through federal measures, such as Senator Ted Cruz's SANDBOX Act.

Billen emphasizes that state bills like SB 53, which address issues like deepfakes, algorithmic discrimination, and children's safety, are essential and don't impede U.S. competitiveness. He suggests focusing on measures like export controls to address concerns about the AI race with China.

He concludes that SB 53 exemplifies democracy in action, where industry and policymakers collaborate to create agreeable legislation.