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The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Exclusive-Anthropic hits $3 billion in annualized revenue on business demand for AI
FILE PHOTO: Anthropic logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Artificial intelligence developer Anthropic is making about $3 billion in annualized revenue, according to two sources familiar with the matter, in an early validation of generative AI use in the business world. The milestone, which projects the company's current sales over the course of a year, is a significant jump from December 2024 when the metric was nearly $1 billion, the sources said. The figure crossed $2 billion around the end of March, and at May's end it hit $3 billion, one of the sources said. While consumers have embraced rival OpenAI's ChatGPT,a number of enterprises have limited their rollouts to experimentation, despite board-level interest in AI. Anthropic's revenue surge, largely from selling AI models as a service to other companies, is a data point showing how business demand is growing, one of the sources said. A key driver is code generation. The San Francisco-based startup, backed by Google parent Alphabet and is famous for AI that excels at computer programming. Products in the so-called codegenspace have experienced major growth and adoption in recent months, often drawing on Anthropic's models. This demand is setting Anthropic apart among software-as-a-service vendors. Its single-quarter revenue increases would count Anthropic as the fastest-growing SaaS company that at least one venture capitalist has ever seen. "We've looked at the IPOs of over 200 public software companies, and this growth rate has never happened," said Meritech General Partner Alex Clayton, who is not an Anthropic investor and has no inside knowledge of its sales. He cautioned that these comparisons are not fully precise, since Anthropic also has consumer revenue via subscriptions to its Claude chatbot. Still, by contrast, publicly traded SaaS company Snowflake took six quarters to go from $1 billion to $2 billion in such run-rate revenue, Clayton said. Anthropic competitor OpenAI has projected it will end 2025 with more than $12 billion in total revenue, up from $3.7 billion last year, three people familiar with the matter said. This total revenue is different from an estimated annualized figure like Anthropic's. Reuters could not determine this metric for OpenAI. The two rivals appear to be establishing their own swim lanes. While both offer enterprise and consumer products, OpenAI is shaping up to be a consumer-oriented company, and the majority of its revenue comes from subscriptions to its ChatGPT chatbot, OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar told Bloomberg late last year. OpenAI has not reported enterprise-specific revenue but said in May that paying seats for its ChatGPT enterprise product have grown to 3 million, from 2 million in February, and that T-Mobile and Morgan Stanley are among its enterprise customers. In the consumer race, Anthropic's Claude has seen less adoption than OpenAI. Claude's traffic, a proxy for consumer interest, was about 2% of ChatGPT's in April, according to Web analytics firm Similarweb. Anthropic, founded in 2021 by a team that departed OpenAI over differences in vision, closed a $3.5 billion fundraise earlier this year. That valued the company at $61.4 billion. OpenAI is currently valued at $300 billion. (Reporting by Anna Tong and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Kenrick Cai in San Francisco and Krystal Hu in New York; Editing by Kenneth Li and Matthew Lewis)
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Microsoft Accused of Censoring Pro-Palestinian Terms in Internal Emails
Microsoft is under fire from within its own ranks as reports emerge that thetech giant is filtering internal emails containing terms such as"Palestine," "Gaza," and "genocide." Thecontroversy comes amid growing criticism of the company's alleged ties to theIsraeli military, with employees and public figures voicing concerns over whatthey see as complicity in human rights violations. The censorship claims were brought forward by No Azure for Apartheid,a coalition of pro-Palestinian Microsoft employees. According to the group,Microsoft began filtering these terms shortly after its flagship developerevent, Microsoft Build 2025, was disrupted by an engineerprotesting the company's involvement with Israel. While the system reportedly blocks words like "Palestine,"variations such as "P4lestine" or "Israel" seem to bypassthe filter, suggesting that the block is targeted. Employees argue this movestifles internal dissent and prevents meaningful dialogue within the company. In response to the criticism, Microsoft stated in a recent blog post that thereis 'no evidence' its technology is being used to harmcivilians in Gaza. However, this assurance has done little to calm the growingunrest. Brian Eno Joins the Chorus of Critics Public outrage over Microsoft's actions has now extended beyond its musician and artist Brian Eno, known for composingthe startup chime for Windows 95, voiced his disapproval in a recent Instagrampost. 'I gladly took on the [Windows 95] project as a creative challenge andenjoyed the interaction with my contacts at the company,' Eno wrote. 'I neverwould have believed that the same company could one day be implicated in themachinery of oppression and war.' Eno demanded that Microsoft 'suspend all services that support anyoperations that contribute to violations of international law.' He wasespecially critical of the company's contracts with Israel's Ministry ofDefense, accusing it of enabling 'surveillance, violence, and destruction inPalestine.' Employee Protests Continue to Escalate The backlash is not confined to social media. Microsoft employees havestaged several high-profile protests over the past few months. During CEO SatyaNadella's keynote speech at Build 2025, Azure engineer JoeLopez interrupted the event, shouting: 'Satya, how about you show how Microsoft is killing Palestinians?' Lopez was swiftly removed by security, but he later expanded on his views inan internal email shared on Medium. 'I can no longer stand by in silence as Microsoft continues to facilitateIsrael's ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people,' he wrote. Lopez claimed to have seen internal documents indicating Microsoft beganpitching services to the Israeli military shortly after the October 7, 2023attacks. 'Microsoft openly admitted to allowing the Israel Ministry of Defence'special access to our technologies beyond the terms of our commercialagreements,'' he added. 'Do you really believe that this 'special access' wasallowed only once?' Despite Microsoft's blog post asserting that a third-party review found 'noevidence' of its technology being used to harm civilians, Lopezdismissed the audit as 'non-transparent' and partiallyconducted by Microsoft itself. 'We don't need an internal audit to know that a top Azure customer iscommitting crimes against humanity,' he argued. 'We see it live on the internetevery day.' More Voices from Inside Lopez is not alone in challenging the company. Just last month, U.S.-basedemployee Vaniya Agrawal disrupted Microsoft's 50th-anniversarycelebration, confronting leadership including Nadella, Steve Ballmer, and BillGates. In a public letter, she condemned Microsoft's role in supportingIsrael's technological infrastructure, saying: 'It is undeniable that Microsoft's Azure cloud offerings and AI developmentsform the technological backbone of Israel's automated apartheid and genocidesystems.' Another engineer, Ibtihal Aboussad, made headlines aftershe interrupted a Microsoft AI event to confront AI CEO MustafaSuleyman with a blunt message: 'Mustafa, shame on you.' A Tense Road Ahead Microsoft's handling of internal dissent and its reported censorshippractices are drawing increasing scrutiny. With its own employees and prominentpublic figures calling for accountability, the company is now caught in agrowing storm over corporate ethics, technology's role in conflict, and theboundaries of free speech in the workplace. While Microsoft has attempted to reassure its workforce and the public, itsnext steps—particularly in how it handles employee concerns and transparencyaround international contracts—will likely define its reputation in thisrapidly unfolding controversy.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is building the world's first AI city and it's going to be your new best friend
You've heard of smart cities. Now meet the genius one. Abu Dhabi is about to launch Aion Sentia, the world's first cognitive AI city and it's being designed to literally think for you. Set for completion in 2027, this futuristic hub is more than just high-speed WiFi and electric buses. It's a place where the walls, streets and systems will learn from you, anticipate your needs and adapt in real-time. Your daily latte? Already ordered. Forgot your anniversary? Not only will the city remember it – it'll book the restaurant, too. At the heart of it all is MAIA,a first-of-its-kind AI app that connects you with everything – public transport, healthcare, utilities, even dinner reservations – all while learning your quirks, preferences and routines. Quirky? Maybe. Convenient? Extremely. Aion Sentia is the brainchild of My Aion Inc., an Italian AI firm teaming up with Bold Technologies, part of Bold Holding. The whole thing is backed by a whopping Dhs9 billion BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) agreement, meaning it's not just a cool concept – it's actually happening. But what makes this different from other 'smart city' promises? Instead of bouncing between disconnected apps, Aion Sentia works like one seamless digital brain. Want to reduce your energy bill? Ask MAIA. Need a doctor's appointment? She's on it. Emergency in your building? MAIA will alert the right authorities – without you even needing to dial. This isn't just a boost for convenience – it's a bold leap for the UAE's AI ambitions. The project will create jobs, fuel homegrown tech innovation and even partner with local universities to train the next generation of digital minds. Where will it land first? Naturally, in Abu Dhabi – where innovation is already woven into the city's DNA. But the goal is global expansion. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc. said: 'This city will not just be smart; it will be cognitive — learning and evolving with its residents.' More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kia offers a killer lease deal on EV6 GT with up to $20,000 in rebates
Kia's sleek EV6 comes in a few different flavors, but the performance-focused EV6 GT is arguably the most intriguing to enthusiasts. Now, with serious manufacturer backed rebates, you can save up to $20,000 on remaining 2024 model year EV6 GTs. The offer almost entirely offsets the $21,000 delta between the base model and the range-topping GT, meaning now's the time if you're looking to score an EV6 GT on the (relative) cheap. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article As originally reported by CarsDirect,a new dealer bulletin indicates savings of up to $20,000 when leasing a 2024 Kia EV6 GT. The largest savings is only available when you select a 24-month lease, and mileage restrictions aren't mentioned, but we're thinking they're low. For what it's worth, Kia's lowest mileage lease is 10,000 miles per year. Thankfully, you still have options outside the restrictive two-year term, as those who opt to lease for 36 months will still enjoy $18,500 off. This isn't the first time we've seen substantial savings on Kia's flagship performance EV6, either. Back in February, when 2025 model year cars were first beginning to hit dealer lots, Kia offered a similar $19,050 lease cash offer. What's most surprising is that the Korean automaker is also running competitive lease cash promotions for the current model year EV6 GT. Customers can enjoy $12,500 in lease cash when they choose a 24-month lease. Those opting for more traditional 36-month terms can get $10,000 off, which is still a pretty decent chunk of change on a car that costs just a couple grand over $60,000. Notably, the 2025 model gets a few tweaks that might make it more enticing, despite the diminished savings. For one, it makes up to 641 horsepower in Launch Mode, up 65 ponies from the 2024 a refresher on the Kia EV6 GT? It's based on the same platform that underpins the enthusiast's EV of choice, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, and the 2024 model makes 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, contributing to the car's lightning-quick performance figures. Instrumented testing over at Road and Track revealed that zero to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds. The EV6 GT completed the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 120 mph, which isn't bad for a car that weighs over 4,800 pounds. The EPA claims the car will get 218 miles of range on a full charge. As of this writing, there are 28 2024 Kia EV6 GT examples sitting on lots in the US, according to Autotrader. We reckon there's a few more than that floating around, but we wouldn't say there's a surplus. As long as you can overcome the somewhat middling range, the 2024 Kia EV6 GT is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to go electric. The value is even better when you consider the $20,000 on the hood. Besides, if you don't like it, you give it back in two years. Talk about a no-brainer.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Kiwifruit shipment to China marks Zespri's biofuel-powered milestone
On its journey north, the Kowhai was powered by a blend of biofuel made from used cooking oil. Along with FCC, the successful biofuel charter has been made possible with support from PFS Cold Chain Logistics Co. Ltd, and VX Cold Chain Logistics, Zespri's logistics partners in China. Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake said it was an exciting step forward to take Zespri kiwifruit to market for the first time on a charter powered by biofuel with long-term shipping partner FCC. 'Shipping has the largest carbon impact across our supply chain, making up more than 40% of Zespri's emissions for fruit sold globally. 'With Zespri delivering fruit to more than 50 markets around the world each year, we're focused on efficiency measures as well as collaborating with shipping partners such as FCC to trial low-emissions solutions. 'This will help us reduce our carbon impact per tray of fruit.' FCC's president and chief operating officer, Toshiyuki Kog,a said, 'FCC is committed to reducing emissions in order to assist Zespri meet their carbon reduction ambitions and make progress towards our own International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aligned goals. 'This is being achieved by the building of new ships, dedicated to the New Zealand kiwifruit trade. 'These ships incorporate the latest engine technology, which provides significant fuel savings and are able to run on biofuel to further reduce carbon emissions. 'This voyage is the first commercial shipment of Zespri kiwifruit using modern engines burning biofuel for the entire voyage from Tauranga to Shanghai.' Te Brake said the arrival in China of the biofuel-powered Kowhai also signalled the start of Zespri's sales season in one of its largest markets. 'China is an important market for us, and we're delighted to see the arrival of the first of the New Zealand crop for customers and consumers in China, while also working with our partners to learn more about decarbonising our shipping. 'It's all part of understanding what we need to do on the ground so we can scale this in the future as low-emissions fuels become a viable option for New Zealand shipping. 'It's been great to work with our long-term partners to make this biofuel sailing happen, and as we continue to look to undertake further low emissions work, we look forward to seeing investment in both low emissions fuels and supporting infrastructure and regulations that will enable us to continue on this path.'
