OpenAI Makes a Power Move with Jony Ive’s Startup io

AI News¶

OpenAI Enters New Era with Strategic Acquisition of Jony Ive's io¶

OpenAI has acquired Jony Ive's AI device startup, io, in a significant all-stock deal valued at approximately $6.4–$6.5 billion. Known as Apple's former chief design officer, Ive founded io with ex-Apple colleagues in 2024 to create AI-powered consumer devices. Following the acquisition, Ive and his firm LoveFrom will guide the creative direction for both companies, while remaining independent. This collaboration aims to develop groundbreaking products, with the first anticipated by 2026, positioning OpenAI to compete more directly with tech giants like Apple. Read more

xAI Expands Grok AI Models with Major Partnerships¶

Elon Musk’s xAI is broadening its AI model Grok through a partnership with Microsoft, which will host Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini on Azure alongside other AI models such as Meta’s. This shift signals Microsoft’s move towards a more collaborative AI ecosystem, stepping back from its exclusive ties with OpenAI. Read more

Google Pushes Forward with AI Futures Fund¶

Google has introduced the AI Futures Fund to enhance its AI models and bring Gemini AI to wearables, TVs, and cars. However, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pointed out that China’s DeepSeek R1 is a tougher competitor to OpenAI than Google’s Gemini, showing the challenges Google faces in keeping up. Read more

Book of the Week¶

Think Like a Brand, Act Like a Startup: Drive Growth and Innovation by Balancing Stability and Agility by Lauren Perkins¶

Experienced startup founder and CMO turned corporate innovator Lauren Perkins has discovered the key to creating that companies must integrate the best aspects of brands and startups to build resilient ventures and accelerate growth.

Learn More →