Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Short

Benchmark is investing $60 million in HeyGen, an AI video startup with a valuation of $440 million. This is six times HeyGen's valuation four months ago, reports The Information. The startup, which was founded in China and is now based in Los Angeles, uses AI to create avatars with lip-synced voices. According to The Information, the startup has annual revenue of more than $20 million, up significantly from $1 million a year ago. HeyGen targets business customers and competes with other AI video startups such as Synthesia and Runway. The three-year-old company has ties to Chinese investors, which has raised national security concerns among U.S. officials. HeyGen is reportedly trying to distance itself from its Chinese backers.

Short

AI startup Anthropic has attracted investor interest for a stake worth more than $1 billion, but has ruled out accepting funds from Saudi Arabia due to national security concerns. The stake belongs to failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX and is being sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings. The stake, originally purchased for $500 million, is now worth more than $1 billion due to the AI boom. The proceeds will be used to repay FTX customers. The sale is expected to close in the coming weeks. Anthropic's founders have the right to reject potential investors, but are not involved in the current fundraising process, according to CNBC.

Ad
Ad
Google News