WHAT’S AT STAKE TODAY ⚡
- Microsoft to lessen reliance on OpenAI by buying AI from rival Anthropic 🤖💼
- Intel's chief executive of products departs among other leadership changes 👔📉
- Nuclearn gets $10.5M to help the nuclear industry embrace AI ⚛️💰
- Smart ring maker Oura's CEO addresses recent backlash, says future is a 'cloud of wearables' 💍☁️
- Nvidia unveils new GPU designed for long-context inference 🖥️⚡
- Apple's new iPhone 17 devices don't have an AI-powered Siri yet. It doesn't matter. 📱🤖
- Investors turn to AI to make decisions 💹🤖
- Google rolls out AI search in Hindi 🇮🇳🔍
Microsoft integrates Anthropic's AI into Office 365, ending OpenAI exclusivity.
Microsoft to lessen reliance on OpenAI by buying AI from rival Anthropic
Microsoft is expanding its artificial intelligence partnerships by integrating Anthropic's Claude models into its Office 365 suite, ending its exclusive reliance on OpenAI for productivity applications. According to The Information, the tech giant will pay Anthropic to power new features in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, working alongside existing OpenAI technology.
This strategic shift reflects Microsoft's belief that Anthropic's latest Claude Sonnet 4 model outperforms OpenAI's offerings in specific tasks, particularly in creating visually appealing PowerPoint presentations. The move represents a significant diversification in Microsoft's AI strategy as it seeks to reduce dependence on any single AI provider.
The partnership comes amid growing tensions between Microsoft and OpenAI, its former exclusive AI partner. OpenAI has been aggressively pursuing independence from Microsoft's influence, recently launching a jobs platform that directly competes with Microsoft's LinkedIn. Additionally, OpenAI plans to begin mass production of its own AI chips in partnership with Broadcom by 2026, potentially reducing its dependence on Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure for training and running AI models.
Microsoft's diversification strategy extends beyond Anthropic. The company already offers alternative AI models through GitHub Copilot, including xAI's Grok and Anthropic's Claude, while maintaining OpenAI as the default option. More significantly, Microsoft is developing its own AI capabilities with the recent introduction of two proprietary models: MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-1-preview, positioning itself for greater self-reliance in the AI space.
The timing of the Anthropic deal coincides with Microsoft's ongoing negotiations for a new agreement with OpenAI, particularly as OpenAI undergoes a potential for-profit restructuring. However, sources indicate that Microsoft's move isn't merely a negotiating tactic but reflects genuine performance advantages they've observed in Anthropic's technology.
This development highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of AI partnerships in the technology sector. As AI becomes increasingly central to productivity software and business operations, companies are recognizing the risks of over-dependence on single providers. Microsoft's approach of maintaining multiple AI partnerships while developing internal capabilities represents a hedge against potential supply chain disruptions or partnership conflicts.
The integration of Anthropic's technology into Office 365 applications could significantly impact millions of users worldwide who rely on Microsoft's productivity suite for daily work. The combination of OpenAI and Anthropic's capabilities may offer users more robust and versatile AI-powered features, potentially improving productivity and user experience across the platform.
For Anthropic, the Microsoft partnership represents a major validation of its technology and a significant revenue opportunity. The deal provides Anthropic with access to Microsoft's massive user base while positioning Claude as a serious competitor to OpenAI's models in enterprise applications.
Meanwhile, OpenAI's push for independence suggests the AI industry is maturing beyond early partnership arrangements. The company's development of custom chips and competing platforms indicates confidence in its ability to operate independently while potentially challenging Microsoft in adjacent markets.
Microsoft spokesperson Michael Collins emphasized continuity in the OpenAI relationship, stating that 'OpenAI will continue to be our partner on frontier models and we remain committed to our long-term partnership.' However, the Anthropic deal clearly signals Microsoft's intention to maintain strategic flexibility in the rapidly evolving AI market.
As AI technology continues advancing at breakneck speed, partnerships between major tech companies are becoming increasingly complex and competitive. Microsoft's multi-vendor approach may become the industry standard as companies seek to leverage the best capabilities from various AI providers while maintaining competitive advantages and operational resilience.
Intel reshuffles senior leadership under CEO Tan's continued restructuring efforts.
Intel’s chief executive of products departs among other leadership changes
Intel continues major leadership restructuring under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Michelle Johnston Holthaus departed after 30+ years as products CEO, staying as strategic adviser. The company created a central engineering group for custom silicon, led by Srinivasan Iyengar from Cadence Design Systems. Kevork Kechichian (formerly ARM) joins as data center head, while Jim Johnson becomes client computing GM. Naga Chandrasekaran expands his foundry role. These changes follow recent government plans for a 10% Intel stake and other senior appointments throughout 2024.
⚡ More AI Bites
- ☢️🤖 NucLearn gets $10.5M to help the nuclear industry embrace AI. Atomic energy gets algorithmic boost!
- 💍📱 Smart ring maker Oura's CEO addresses recent backlash, says future is a cloud of wearables. Ring leader defends the wearable ecosystem!
- 🎮⚡ Nvidia unveils new GPU designed for long context inference. Graphics giant powers extended AI reasoning!
- 📱🍎 Apple's new iPhone 17 devices don't have an AI-powered Siri yet. It doesn't matter. Cupertino plays the waiting game with smart assistants!
- 💰🤖 Investors turn to AI to make decisions. Wall Street gets algorithmic advice!
- 🇮🇳🌟 Today in AI: OpenAI to bring Stargate to India, Google rolls out AI search in Hindi. Tech titans target Indian market with AI expansion!
🎙️ 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
Sources: AI training startup Mercor eyes $10B+ valuation on $450 million run rate
Mercor targets $10B valuation in Series C for AI training expertise platform.
Mercor, a startup that connects major tech companies with domain experts for AI model training, is currently in discussions for a Series C funding round targeting a valuation of $10 billion or more. This represents a significant increase from the $8 billion valuation the company discussed just months ago and a substantial jump from their February Series B round of $100 million at a $2 billion valuation led by Felicis.
Founded in 2022 by three Harvard dropouts and Thiel Fellows still in their early twenties, Mercor has experienced explosive growth. The company is approaching $450 million in annualized run-rate revenue, up dramatically from $75 million reported in February. CEO Brendan Foody has indicated the actual ARR is even higher than $450 million.
The startup's business model centers on providing specialized domain experts like scientists, doctors, and lawyers to perform AI model training for major tech companies. Mercor earns revenue through hourly finder fees and matching rates for their services. The company claims to supply data labeling contractors to five top AI labs, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, as well as Tesla and Nvidia. Sources indicate that an outsized portion of revenue comes from a subset of these clients, particularly OpenAI.
To diversify its offerings, Mercor is expanding into software infrastructure for reinforcement learning and plans to build an AI-powered recruiting marketplace. The company recently appointed Sundeep Jain, former Uber CPO, as its first president to help scale operations.
Despite its rapid growth and profitability, generating $6 million in profit during the first half of the year, Mercor faces significant competition. Rivals include Surge AI, reportedly raising at a $25 billion valuation, Turing Labs, and Scale AI. The competitive landscape intensified when Scale AI recently sued Mercor for alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, claiming a former Scale employee who joined Mercor stole over 100 confidential documents.
Venture capitalists have been proactively reaching out with offers, and the company has brought on new investors through special purpose vehicles for the potential deal, though CEO Foody maintains they haven't actively sought funding.
⚡ 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 amplify human wisdom and create breakthrough solutions that will transform every aspect of life for the better.
Carol Tomé is the CEO of UPS, where she has led the logistics giant's transformation through technology adoption and operational innovation to better serve customers in the digital age. Her leadership in modernizing one of the world's largest delivery networks has demonstrated how AI and automation can enhance efficiency while creating better jobs, and she continues to advocate for using technology to build more sustainable and responsive supply chain solutions.
🎬 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.
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