OpenAI Co-Founder’s Firm Value Jumps Sixfold After $6bn Funding Round

By Shikha Singh

OpenAI Co-Founder’s Firm Value Jumps Sixfold After $6bn Funding Round

Safe Superintelligence (SSI), an AI startup, has raised $6 billion in funding, bringing its valuation to $32 billion, marking a significant increase from its previous funding round.

Despite not having a product yet, SSI is drawing significant investor interest, with notable investors such as Google and Nvidia reportedly involved.

The company, founded by Ilya Sutskever former chief scientist at OpenAI, Daniel Gross who happens to be Apple AI’s veteran, and Daniel Levy, focuses on developing safe superintelligence.

Ripple Leaps Into TradFi with $1.25bn Acquisition of Hidden Road 

Ripple Labs has announced its acquisition of credit network Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, marking a significant expansion into institutional decentralized finance (DeFi).

This strategic move aims to integrate Ripple’s blockchain solutions with Hidden Road’s multi-asset prime brokerage services, enhancing Ripple’s presence in traditional financial markets. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, highlighted that the resolution of the SEC’s legal proceedings has opened new opportunities to drive digital asset adoption, leveraging XRP’s capabilities to transform the financial sector.

AI Networking Chip Startup nEye Systems Raises $58mn

NEye Systems, a California-based startup, has raised $58 million in a funding round led by Alphabet’s CapitalG.

The company is developing optical circuit switch chips for AI data centers, using light instead of electricity to transfer data — potentially increasing energy efficiency and performance.

Their tech allows dynamic reconfiguration of data center networks, inspired by proprietary systems used by Google.

NEye has created prototypes and expects production samples in 2026. Other backers include Microsoft’s M12, Micron, and Nvidia. Total funding now stands at $72.5 million.

Aurascape launches with $50 mn

Aurascape has emerged from stealth with $50M in funding to launch its AI-native security platform. Backed by investors like Mayfield Fund and Menlo Ventures, as well as security industry leaders, the company aims to address gaps in AI security that traditional solutions can’t cover.

The platform offers comprehensive visibility and protection for AI interactions, focusing on real-time threat prevention, data security, and automated policy enforcement.

As AI adoption grows, Aurascape seeks to help businesses navigate risks associated with “shadow AI” and leverage AI tools securely.

UK AI Creative Studio Wonder Secures $3mn in Pre-Seed Funding 

UK-based AI creative studio Wonder has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding from LocalGlobe, Blackbird, and notable investors from Google DeepMind and OpenAI.

Co-founded by Xavier Collins and Justin Hackney, Wonder aims to revolutionize film production using generative AI to significantly reduce costs and time.

The studio will focus on original IP, talent incubation, and AI-driven storytelling for entertainment and advertising. Investors see Wonder as a forward-looking, AI-native studio model that democratizes filmmaking and empowers new creators.

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