Latest news with #VastData
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
TikTok launches crowd-sourced context tool; Reddit's AI-driven share price jump; CapitalG and Nvidia in reported talks to fund Vast Data
TikTok launches crowd-sourced context tool TikTok announced the launch of a crowd-sourced tool called Footnotes that is aimed at letting users add context to potentially inaccurate or misleading posts, following a similar model to the Community Notes feature on X (formerly Twitter). TikTok began testing Footnotes in April, and allows vetted users to contribute context that is then rated by others for being helpful. Meta also follows a similar standard, having done away with its fact-checking programme in what was seen as a strategic move to align the company with U.S. President Donald Trump's conservative values. TikTok has around 170 million users in the U.S. and nearly 80,000 users in the country who have maintained an account for at least half a year have qualified as Footnotes contributors. However, the Chinese-owned short video app said that it will continue to maintain existing fact-checking programmes such as labelling content that is hard to verify, and partnering with fact-checking bodies. The existence of a Community Notes model of content moderation alone is not enough to prevent disinformation on sites such as X and Meta, according to professional fact-checkers working across time zones and languages. Reddit's AI-driven share price jump Reddit last week saw its shares rising by 15% after reporting quarterly results that went far beyond Wall Street expectations, bringing more attention to its Generative AI-powered offerings. Reddit is the latest tech company to capitalise on the market's interest in AI products, as it focuses on AI-based advertising tools. Apart from this, Reddit boasts a huge and well-organised trove of knowledge that users have contributed to the platform in the form of subject-based forums, media, questions and answers, interviews, and more. Per data from LSEG, Reddit expects its third-quarter revenue to be between $535 million and $545 million, while analysts have estimated an average of $473 million. Marketers are interested in Reddit, as it offers them the opportunity to make use of various ad campaigns and even insert brand ads right into user conversations. CapitalG and Nvidia in reported talks to fund Vast Data CapitalG, the growth fund under Alphabet, and Nvidia are reportedly carrying out talks in order to invest in AI infrastructure provider Vast Data. The new funding round could value the company at as much as $30 billion, per the sources. The funding round could close in the coming weeks, according to them. Vast Data has its headquarters in New York and develops storage technology that caters to the upkeep of large AI data centres. Vast Data may also consider an initial public offering in the future. Some of its clients include Elon Musk's xAI and CoreWeave. However, news of a potential investment has not yet been officially confirmed by Vast Data and CapitalG. An explosion in Generative AI startups, products, and models has also triggered demand for facilities that will allow tech companies to scale their data centres without facing hurdles.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CapitalG and Nvidia considering investment in Vast Data
CapitalG, the venture arm of Alphabet, and Nvidia are reportedly in negotiations to invest in Vast Data, an AI infrastructure provider, potentially valuing the company at up to $30bn. According to Reuters, two anonymous sources indicated that the funding round aims to secure several billion dollars from major tech and investment firms. This move could potentially establish Vast Data as a notable player in the AI sector. Vast Data, based in New York, specialises in storage solutions tailored for extensive AI data centres. The technology is said to facilitate streamlined data transfer between graphics processing units (GPUs), including those made by Nvidia. Its architecture leverages flash storage devices and standard hardware alongside proprietary software to manage data access and movement efficiently. The company claims that its technology can lower the costs of developing and operating large AI models. In May 2025, Vast Data launched its VAST AI Operating System designed to enhance AI processing capabilities using its disaggregated shared-everything (DASE) architecture. Vast Data's clientele features companies like CoreWeave and Elon Musk's xAI. This makes it one of the significant players in the AI supply chain and an attractive acquisition prospect, according to industry analysts. While Nvidia has opted not to comment, neither Vast Data nor CapitalG have responded to inquiries from Reuters regarding the new funding round. TechCrunch initially covered Vast Data's funding activities, however, details concerning the potential $30bn valuation and involvement of CapitalG and Nvidia had not been previously disclosed. Vast Data's CEO Renen Halak stated that the company is cash flow positive, achieving $200m in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by January 2025. Projections estimate this figure could rise to $600m in 2026. To date, Vast Data has raised approximately $380m, with its most recent funding round in 2023 valuing the company at $9.1bn. The company has hinted at a possible initial public offering (IPO) when conditions are favourable. Despite no immediate plans for listing, market observers regard Vast Data as a probable IPO candidate. "CapitalG and Nvidia considering investment in Vast Data" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Alphabet's CapitalG, Nvidia in talks to fund Vast Data at up to $30 billion valuation, sources say
Alphabet's growth-stage venture arm CapitalG and Nvidia are in talks to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure provider Vast Data in a new funding round that could value the startup as high as $30 billion, two sources said. The startup is raising several billion dollars from tech giants, private equity and venture capital investors, which could make it one of the most valuable AI startups, the two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as companies building the backbone for the AI boom come into sharper focus. CapitalG and existing backer Nvidia are in discussions to participate in the round, which could close in the next few weeks, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to speak on private matters. New York-headquartered Vast Data develops storage technology specifically designed for large AI data centres, enabling efficient data movement between graphics processors (GPUs) made by the likes of Nvidia. Its clients include companies such as Elon Musk's xAI and CoreWeave, and its value in the AI supply chain makes it an attractive acquisition target, bankers and analysts said. Nvidia declined to comment, while Vast Data and CapitalG did not respond to requests for comment. TechCrunch earlier reported Vast Data's fundraising efforts, but the valuation of up to $30 billion and the expected involvement of CapitalG and Nvidia have not been reported previously. Vast Data CEO Renen Halak has said the company is free cash flow positive. The company earned $200 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by January 2025, with a strong backlog of orders and projections to grow ARR to $600 million next year, according to a separate source familiar with its financials. The company has raised roughly $380 million to date, and its last funding round in 2023 valued it at $9.1 billion. Vast Data has said it would consider an initial public offering at the right time. While no listing is imminent, according to another source familiar with the matter, investors and bankers view the data infrastructure firm as a likely IPO candidate. Vast Data last year hired Amy Shapero, its first chief financial officer, who was previously in the same role at publicly listed e-commerce giant Shopify, in a move that could signal preparations for an IPO. Mergers and acquisitions activity has also been heating up in the sector, and Nvidia has been acquiring companies that add complementary software and hardware products beyond its flagship GPUs. In 2020, it bought networking chip and cable maker Mellanox, which has helped Nvidia build integrated systems featuring its latest Blackwell chips. It has also acquired software companies such as Run:ai, which helps engineers optimise data centre AI hardware. Vast Data's storage architecture is based on a system of flash storage devices and other off-the-shelf hardware, combined with its specialised software for data access and movement. The company says adopting its technology can reduce the cost of building and running large AI models. Several companies, such as Weka and DDN, are pursuing similar efforts, but analysts and industry executives say Vast Data's technology is more mature than that of its rivals. Shares of Nvidia slumped 2.3% and Alphabet stock sunk 1.4% during regular trading on Friday.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Alphabet's CapitalG, Nvidia in talks to fund Vast Data at up to $30 billion valuation, sources say
By Krystal Hu, Max A. Cherney and Milana Vinn NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Alphabet's growth-stage venture arm CapitalG and Nvidia are in talks to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure provider Vast Data in a new funding round that could value the startup as high as $30 billion, two sources said. The startup is raising several billion dollars from tech giants, private equity and venture capital investors, which could make it one of the most valuable AI startups, the two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as companies building the backbone for the AI boom come into sharper focus. CapitalG and existing backer Nvidia are in discussions to participate in the round, which could close in the next few weeks, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to speak on private matters. New York-headquartered Vast Data develops storage technology specifically designed for large AI data centers, enabling efficient data movement between graphics processors (GPUs) made by the likes of Nvidia. Its clients include companies such as Elon Musk's xAI and CoreWeave, and its value in the AI supply chain makes it an attractive acquisition target, bankers and analysts said. Nvidia declined to comment, while Vast Data and CapitalG did not respond to requests for comment. TechCrunch earlier reported Vast Data's fundraising efforts, but the valuation of up to $30 billion and the expected involvement of CapitalG and Nvidia have not been reported previously. Vast Data CEO Renen Halak has said the company is free cash flow positive. The company earned $200 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by January 2025, with a strong backlog of orders and projections to grow ARR to $600 million next year, according to a separate source familiar with its financials. The company has raised roughly $380 million to date, and its last funding round in 2023 valued it at $9.1 billion. Vast Data has said it would consider an initial public offering at the right time. While no listing is imminent, according to another source familiar with the matter, investors and bankers view the data infrastructure firm as a likely IPO candidate. Vast Data last year hired Amy Shapero, its first chief financial officer, who was previously in the same role at publicly listed e-commerce giant Shopify, in a move that could signal preparations for an IPO. Mergers and acquisitions activity has also been heating up in the sector, and Nvidia has been acquiring companies that add complementary software and hardware products beyond its flagship GPUs. In 2020, it bought networking chip and cable maker Mellanox, which has helped Nvidia build integrated systems featuring its latest Blackwell chips. It has also acquired software companies such as Run:ai, which helps engineers optimize data center AI hardware. Vast Data's storage architecture is based on a system of flash storage devices and other off-the-shelf hardware, combined with its specialized software for data access and movement. The company says adopting its technology can reduce the cost of building and running large AI models. Several companies, such as Weka and DDN, are pursuing similar efforts, but analysts and industry executives say Vast Data's technology is more mature than that of its rivals. Shares of Nvidia slumped 2.3% and Alphabet stock sunk 1.4% during regular trading on Friday.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Alphabet's CapitalG, Nvidia in talks to fund Vast Data at up to $30 billion valuation
Alphabet 's growth-stage venture arm CapitalG and Nvidia are in talks to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure provider Vast Data in a new funding round that could value the startup as high as $30 billion, two sources said. The startup is raising several billion dollars from tech giants, private equity and venture capital investors, which could make it one of the most valuable AI startups, the two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as companies building the backbone for the AI boom come into sharper focus. CapitalG and existing backer Nvidia are in discussions to participate in the round, which could close in the next few weeks, according to the sources, who requested anonymity to speak on private matters. New York-headquartered Vast Data develops storage technology specifically designed for large AI data centers, enabling efficient data movement between graphics processors (GPUs) made by the likes of Nvidia. Its clients include companies such as Elon Musk's xAI and CoreWeave, and its value in the AI supply chain makes it an attractive acquisition target, bankers and analysts said. Nvidia declined to comment, while Vast Data and CapitalG did not respond to requests for comment. TechCrunch earlier reported Vast Data's fundraising efforts, but the valuation of up to $30 billion and the expected involvement of CapitalG and Nvidia have not been reported previously. Vast Data CEO Renen Halak has said the company is free cash flow positive. The company earned $200 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by January 2025, with a strong backlog of orders and projections to grow ARR to $600 million next year, according to a separate source familiar with its financials. The company has raised roughly $380 million to date, and its last funding round in 2023 valued it at $9.1 billion. Vast Data has said it would consider an initial public offering at the right time. While no listing is imminent, according to another source familiar with the matter, investors and bankers view the data infrastructure firm as a likely IPO candidate. Vast Data last year hired Amy Shapero, its first chief financial officer, who was previously in the same role at publicly listed ecommerce giant Shopify, in a move that could signal preparations for an IPO. Mergers and acquisitions activity has also been heating up in the sector, and Nvidia has been acquiring companies that add complementary software and hardware products beyond its flagship GPUs. In 2020, it bought networking chip and cable maker Mellanox, which has helped Nvidia build integrated systems featuring its latest Blackwell chips. It has also acquired software companies such as Run:ai, which helps engineers optimize data center AI hardware. Vast Data's storage architecture is based on a system of flash storage devices and other off-the-shelf hardware, combined with its specialized software for data access and movement. The company says adopting its technology can reduce the cost of building and running large AI models. Several early-stage companies, such as Weka and DDN, are pursuing similar efforts, but analysts and industry executives say Vast Data's technology is more mature than that of its rivals.
