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Good morning ☀️, leader of the next generation.
Sometimes we give technology too much credit or too much blame.
The truth is, it’s a tool. How we use it is what matters.
Used with purpose, it helps us see more clearly, build faster, and express ourselves in new ways.
It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about creating something real.
WHAT'S AT STAKE TODAY ⚡
- 🤖🔧 OpenAI says it's fixed ChatGPT's em dash problem
- 🇺🇸🆚 Databricks co-founder argues US must go open source to beat China in AI
- 🏫⚛️ UConn, State Embrace AI and Quantum Potential
- 🌍💳 Europe's Transformation Embracing AI and Evolving Payment Trends
- 📈💸 Wall Street Blows Past Bubble Worries to Supercharge AI Spending Frenzy
- 💰🎯 A simple reason why the market's biggest investors say they aren't worried about AI bubble, tech stock selling
Tokyo AI startup secures major funding for Japan-focused models
Sakana AI raises $135M Series B at a $2.65B valuation to continue building AI models for Japan
While tech giants like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic compete in the global AI arms race, a new breed of specialized startups is finding success by targeting specific markets and needs. Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based company, exemplifies this trend with its focus on creating AI models tailored specifically for Japanese language and culture.
The two-year-old startup has successfully completed a ¥20 billion ($135 million) Series B funding round, pushing its post-money valuation to $2.65 billion—a significant jump from its previous $1.5 billion valuation just one year ago. This latest investment brings Sakana's total funding to approximately $379 million since its founding in 2023.
Founded by former Google researchers Llion Jones, Ren Ito, and CEO David Ha, Sakana AI differentiates itself by developing cost-effective generative AI models that perform efficiently with smaller datasets while being optimized for Japanese linguistic nuances and cultural contexts. This approach allows the company to compete effectively without engaging in the expensive, large-scale model development that characterizes the broader AI industry.
The Series B round attracted an impressive mix of investors, combining Japanese financial powerhouses with international venture capital firms. Major Japanese institutions like Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) joined forces with global players including Khosla Ventures, Macquarie Capital, NEA, Lux Capital, and In-Q-Tel, demonstrating strong confidence in Sakana's regional specialization strategy.
"We plan to deploy the new capital for not only R&D, including model development, but also to expand our workforce for engineering, sales, and distribution teams in Japan," Ha explained. The company has already established partnerships with prominent Japanese enterprises, including Daiwa and MUFG, developing customized AI solutions for their specific needs.
Sakana's expansion strategy extends beyond its current focus on financial services. The company plans to penetrate industrial, manufacturing, and government sectors throughout 2026, targeting defense, intelligence, and manufacturing applications. Ha, who brings experience from Stability AI, Google, and Goldman Sachs, sees significant opportunities in these traditionally conservative sectors that are beginning to embrace AI technologies.
The startup's approach reflects a growing global demand for "sovereign AI solutions" that respect and incorporate national cultures and values. Rather than competing directly in the resource-intensive race to build the largest possible language models, Sakana focuses its research and development efforts on post-training optimization, allowing it to efficiently create sophisticated models specifically designed for Japanese markets.
This strategic positioning has proven financially successful, with the company achieving substantial valuation growth in a relatively short timeframe. The startup's success demonstrates that specialized, region-focused AI development can be a viable alternative to the capital-intensive approach of creating universal large language models.
Looking toward future growth, Sakana indicated it will "actively pursue strategic investment, partnerships and M&A for long-term global growth." This suggests the company may expand its regional specialization model to other markets or acquire complementary technologies to strengthen its position in the Japanese AI landscape.
Sakana AI's rapid growth and successful fundraising highlight the potential for AI startups that choose specialization over generalization, particularly in markets with distinct linguistic and cultural requirements like Japan.
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Neurons AI predicts effectiveness in seconds.
Not days. Not weeks.
Test for recall, attention, impact, and more; before a dollar gets spent.
Brands like Google, Facebook, and Coca-Cola already trust it. Neurons clients saw results like +73% CTR, 2x CVR, and +20% brand awareness.
Seoul startup secures funding to develop AI-powered defense robotics platform
Bone AI raises $12M to challenge Asia's defense giants with AI-powered robotics
Seoul-based Bone AI has raised $12 million in seed funding to develop autonomous defense vehicles, targeting South Korea's $69 billion defense market. Led by Third Prime with participation from Kolon Group, the startup creates AI-powered drones, ground vehicles, and marine systems for government contracts.
Founded by DK Lee (MarqVision co-founder), Bone AI generated $3 million revenue in its first year through a seven-figure government contract. The company acquired drone manufacturer D-Makers to accelerate development and aims to build Asia's first major defense-tech unicorn, competing with U.S. giant Anduril.
🎙️ NEW EPISODE DROP:
The Future of Human + AI Collaboration | What are The Smarter Ways to Use AI
I sat down with Dimitriy Wolf — social engineer, psycholinguist, and advisor to presidents, sheikhs, and TEDx speakers — to break down why most people use AI wrong.
We covered how to think *with* AI (not just prompt it), how to build authentic brand voices, and what yachts have to do with artificial intelligence.
If you're still using ChatGPT like a search bar — you're getting left behind.
⚡ Trends for the Future
How much of the AI data center boom will be powered by renewable energy?
Global data center spending reaches $580 billion, sparking renewable energy opportunities.
The global economy is experiencing a massive shift as the International Energy Agency reports that $580 billion will be spent on data centers this year—$40 billion more than investments in finding new oil supplies. This dramatic comparison highlights growing concerns about how generative AI might impact climate change.
While these new data centers will demand enormous amounts of power and stress electrical grids, there's a promising upside emerging. Solar energy is becoming the preferred choice for powering many of these facilities because it's easier to obtain permits for solar installations adjacent to data centers compared to other energy sources. This regulatory advantage, combined with cost benefits, is driving the renewable energy trend.
The scale of commitments is staggering. OpenAI has pledged $1.4 trillion for data center construction, Meta has committed $600 billion, and Anthropic recently announced a $50 billion plan. The United States is expected to account for half of the electricity demand, with China and Europe making up the remainder.
Most data centers are being built near cities with populations around one million, creating significant challenges for grid connections. This urban proximity is actually accelerating the adoption of renewables as a business necessity rather than just an environmental choice.
Innovative companies are emerging to address these challenges. Redwood Materials launched Redwood Energy, which creates microgrids using old EV batteries that aren't ready for recycling, specifically targeting AI data centers. This approach could help alleviate grid pressure concerns, particularly during peak demand periods in places like Texas that experience rolling blackouts.
However, questions remain about funding and execution. OpenAI's ambitious plans have raised concerns about the gap between spending commitments and actual revenue. There's also discussion about government support, including potential expansions of CHIPS Act tax credits, suggesting that both private companies and government will play crucial roles in this transformation.
⚡ You’re Smart. Strategic. Intentional. So Let’s Be Real:
Where Are You Holding Back— On Purpose?
Every smart operator has something they’re intentionally avoiding.
Not because they’re lazy — but because it’s risky, unknown, or just... a bit *uncomfortable*.
So what’s that thing for you?
That one decision, move, or experiment you know would push you forward — but you’ve been choosing not to do it.
Tell us — and we’ll share a tactical POV or tool to help you rethink it.
No fluff. Just momentum.
AI represents our greatest opportunity to unlock human ingenuity and create a world where technology serves everyone's wellbeing and prosperity.
Ma Huateng, also known as Pony Ma, is the co-founder and CEO of Tencent, one of the world's largest technology conglomerates known for WeChat, gaming, and digital services used by over a billion people. His leadership in building China's digital ecosystem has transformed social communication, mobile payments, and entertainment, and he continues to advocate for technological innovation that enhances connectivity and creates new opportunities in the digital economy.
🎬 How to Use AI Agents to Build High-Converting Video Ads
Build once. Scale everywhere. In just minutes.
What if: Instead of spending weeks scripting, editing, and testing ads… you could build 10 variations of a high-converting video in 15 minutes — with agents handling the voiceover, visuals, call-to-action, and even the hook testing?
That’s exactly what we’ll show you this week — live.
Why This Changes Everything for Founders 🧠
- 🎥 Fast-Track Ad Creation: From idea to launch-ready video in under an hour — no team needed.
- 🔁 Test Like a Pro: Run A/B tests on 10 hooks, CTAs, or visuals — while you sleep.
- 💰 Better ROAS, Less Guessing: Let agents learn what your audience *actually* responds to.
- 📦 Works for Any Product: Digital or physical — agents adapt to your niche & brand voice.
📅 Join the Live Session w code Supercharged
We’ll walk you step-by-step through building your own ad-generating agent — no code needed.
👉 Click here to save your seat for the webinar
You’ll leave with a working prototype, free templates, and 5x more speed in your next ad campaign.
🎁 Bonus for Attendees:
- ✅ AI Agent Template for Ad Generation
- ✅ "Top 10 Hooks That Convert" Prompt Pack
- ✅ Entry to win a Free AI Strategy Audit
Episode 1: AI Education Without Limits
I sat down with Dr. José Fernández from the Miami Dade College AI Center to explore how AI is transforming education.
We discussed how students today can access world-class AI training with almost zero student loan debt — making innovation more accessible than ever.
Episode 2: What if your story were your sales strategy?
I sat down with Maury Rogow, a Hollywood producer and branding mastermind behind $2.5B in brand growth.
We talked about why the brands that feel effortless aren’t the loudest — they’re just the most aligned.
🌡️ Use the Satisfaction Thermometer to show us how much you enjoyed The Supercharged today ;)
The Supercharged is aiming to be the world's #1 AI business magazine and is on a mission to empower 1,000,000 entrepreneurs worldwide by 2025, guiding them through the transition into the AI-driven creative age. We're dedicated to breaking down complex technologies, sharing actionable insights, and fostering a community that thrives on innovation, to become the ultimate resource for businesses navigating the AI revolution.
The Supercharged is the #1 AI Newsletter for Entrepreneurs, with 25,000 + readers working at the world’s leading startups and enterprises. The Supercharged is free for the readers. Main ads are typically sold out 2 weeks in advance. You can book future ad spots here.
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