Welcome back to your daily dossier talking AI, robotics, crypto and the future of tech. 👾

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💻 Microsoft makes $20/month ChatGPT subscription free for all Copilot users.
💰 ElevenLabs raises $180M in Series C funding, tripling its valuation to $3.3B.
📧 Gmail warns users of AI-powered phishing attacks, urging stronger security.
🤖 Figure AI’s humanoid robots to undergo extensive safety testing.
🔥 OpenAI negotiates up to $40 billion in a funding round to expand its AI infrastructure.

AI

• ElevenLabs Raises $180 Million in Series C Funding

  • Voice AI startup ElevenLabs secured $180 million in new funding, tripling its valuation to $3.3 billion.

  • Andreessen Horowitz and Iconiq Growth co-led the round, with participation from NEA and other investors.

  • The company plans to expand voice AI tools for developers, enterprises, and content creators worldwide.

• OpenAI in Talks for Huge Investment Round Valuing It Up to $340 Billion

  • OpenAI is negotiating a funding round of up to $40 billion, potentially making it one of the highest-valued private firms.

  • SoftBank is expected to invest between $15 billion and $25 billion, with other major backers joining the deal.

  • The funding will help finance OpenAI’s $18 billion Stargate project, aimed at building large-scale AI data centers.

• Microsoft Makes OpenAI’s o1 Model Free for All Copilot Users

  • Microsoft is making OpenAI’s ‘Think Deeper’ o1 model free for all Copilot users, removing its $20 paywall.

  • The tool takes 30 seconds to analyze complex questions, offering multi-perspective responses for tasks like coding.

  • Originally launched as a Copilot Pro feature in October, it is now available to tens of millions of users worldwide.

ROBOTICS

• LG Electronics acquires stake in Bear Robotics, valuing at $600 million

  • LG Electronics has acquired a majority stake in Bear Robotics, a startup specializing in autonomous service robots for the hospitality industry.

  • The deal reportedly values Bear Robotics at $600 million, reflecting the growing demand for automation in service sectors.

  • This investment aligns with LG's strategy to expand its robotics division and enhance its presence in the service automation market.

• Figure AI's humanoid robots to undergo rigorous safety tests

  • Figure AI announced that its humanoid robots will undergo extensive safety and battery tests to ensure reliability.

  • The testing will assess stability, human and pet detection, and AI behavior to prevent accidents and ensure operational safety.

  • The company plans to share updates on product safety, testing plans, and results, emphasizing transparency in its development process.

• Soft robots mimic animals and insects for added power

  • Researchers have developed soft robots inspired by the mantis shrimp's rapid punch and the flea's powerful leap.

  • The robots utilize a 'torque reversal mechanism' to store and release energy instantaneously, enabling dynamic actions.

  • Potential applications include underwater exploration and medical procedures, where controlled, powerful movements are advantageous.

CRYPTO

• Dogecoin Rebounds Slightly While Meme Coins on Solana Surge

  • Dogecoin has recovered from a recent dip, while Solana-based meme coins like Fartcoin and Buttholecoin have surged by over 30%.

  • The rapid gains reflect growing investor interest in speculative meme coins, fueled by social media hype.

  • This trend highlights the continued appetite for high-risk, high-reward crypto investments despite market volatility.

• Kraken Brings Back Crypto Staking for U.S. Customers

  • Kraken has reintroduced staking for U.S. users after a two-year pause following regulatory scrutiny from the SEC.

  • Users in 37 states can now stake 17 assets, including Ethereum and Solana, to earn passive rewards.

  • This move signals a shift in crypto regulation, allowing exchanges to offer staking under clearer guidelines.

• Elliott warns White House is inflating crypto bubble

  • Hedge fund Elliott Management cautions that the U.S. government's support for digital assets may marginalize the dollar.

  • In a letter to investors, Elliott describes the promotion of cryptocurrencies as 'dangerous' and potentially destabilizing.

  • The firm urges policymakers to reconsider their stance to prevent a crypto bubble that could have severe economic consequences.

CONTENT

• Winners and Losers After DeepSeek

  • Scott Galloway and Robert Armstrong dive into DeepSeek’s disruption of the AI landscape, shaking up markets and tech giants.

  • They explore how China’s AI advancements could challenge U.S. dominance and what it means for Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta.

  • The episode also covers macroeconomic trends, including private equity moves, rising MBA unemployment, and U.S. immigration policy.

• How the Top 1% of Writers Get Unstuck

  • David Perell compiles advice from nine top writers on breaking through writer’s block and sustaining creativity.

  • Experts share unconventional strategies like embracing imperfection, writing in chaotic bursts, and changing routines.

  • The video emphasizes how mindset shifts and structured habits can help anyone write with more consistency and flow.

• I Paid ChatGPT Operator $200 to Build My Business (Full Results)

  • Greg Isenberg tests an AI-powered assistant to automate business operations, from price arbitrage to vendor negotiations.

  • The AI identifies profit opportunities, contacts suppliers, and even handles customer interactions with minimal oversight.

  • While promising, the experiment reveals the tool’s limitations, including platform restrictions and the need for precise user inputs.

AND MORE…

• The west is already losing the AI arms race

  • China's DeepSeek AI demonstrates the nation's capacity for innovative thinking, challenging Western technological dominance.

  • The emergence of DeepSeek underscores China's growing cadre of bright individuals capable of significant technological advancements.

  • This development prompts concerns about the West's position in the global AI landscape and its competitive edge.

• Gmail Security Warning For 2.5 Billion Users—AI Hack Confirmed

  • A sophisticated AI-driven phishing attack targets Gmail users, employing advanced techniques to deceive recipients.

  • The attack utilizes AI to craft convincing emails, making it challenging for users to identify fraudulent messages.

  • Users are advised to enhance security measures, including enabling two-factor authentication and remaining vigilant against suspicious communications.

• DeepSeek AI Database Exposed: Over 1 Million Log Lines

  • DeepSeek left an unsecured database exposed online, potentially allowing hackers to access secret keys, chat logs, and backend data.

  • Security researchers found that the database enabled full control over internal operations, highlighting serious AI security risks.

  • DeepSeek has since closed the vulnerability, but concerns remain over privacy policies and its growing scrutiny in global markets.