图片来源： 微软 OpenAI 前首席技术官 Mira Murati 创立的 AI 初创公司 Thinking Machines Lab 于 7 月 14 日， 正式 完成 2 亿美元种子轮融资，本轮由 Andreessen Horowitz 领投。 该发言人表示，本轮融资获得了英伟达、 Accel 、 ServiceNow 、思科、 AMD 和 Jane Street 的参 与，使这家初创公司的估值达到 120 亿美元。 多家媒体曾在 6 月报道称， Thinking Machines Lab 即将以 100 亿美元估值完成 20 亿美元的融资轮 次 ，但显然在过去一个月里，其估值已大幅攀升。 这笔交易标志着硅谷历史上规模最大的种子轮（即首轮融资）之一， 反映出投资者对扶持前景广阔 的新兴 AI 实验室的强烈兴趣。 Thinking Machines Lab 成立尚不足一年，目前仍未透露其具体研发方 向。 不过，穆拉蒂于本周二在 X 平台上略微揭开了公司首款产品的面纱，声称这家初创企业计划在 " 未 来几个月内 " 公布其成果，其中将包含 " 重要的开源项目 " 。 穆拉蒂还表示，该产品将对构建定制 AI ...

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI is developing new Agent features for ChatGPT that may reduce reliance on Microsoft's productivity applications, allowing users to create and edit PowerPoint and Excel files directly within the chatbot [1][2]. Group 1: New Features and Functionality - ChatGPT is currently testing an Agent that can directly generate and edit Excel and PowerPoint files using natural language commands, enabling the creation of financial analyses and data charts [1][4]. - OpenAI has developed a document collaboration tool that utilizes Microsoft's open file formats (.xlsx/.pptx) for compatibility, allowing users to create compatible files without needing Microsoft’s authorization [2][3]. - The new ChatGPT Agent will assist users in generating reports based on enterprise or public data and handling repetitive tasks related to websites, such as scheduling [2][3]. Group 2: Market Implications - The introduction of these productivity features could make ChatGPT a more attractive business tool, posing a threat to the sales of productivity suites from Microsoft and Google [2][3]. - Millions of employees are already using ChatGPT for various tasks, but many companies prefer comprehensive application suites that serve multiple roles [3][4]. - Despite the potential, existing ChatGPT functionalities may not meet all user needs, particularly lacking a file management system like those found in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office [3]. Group 3: Performance and User Experience - Users have reported that the new Agent features may operate slowly and have bugs, with tasks that typically take 10 to 15 minutes for a human often requiring 30 minutes or more for the Agent [3][4]. - The new Actions Agent is designed to interact with web content more effectively than previous versions, allowing it to click links and retrieve information from online databases [4].

Core Viewpoint - AutoArk, a startup focused on developing a self-researched multimodal large model, has successfully completed Pre-A and Pre-A+ financing rounds, aiming to redefine the next generation of AI application ecology [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - Founded only a year and a half ago, AutoArk is rapidly emerging as a dark horse in China's AI sector, with a complete closed-loop capability from underlying multimodal model research to integrated software and hardware applications [1] - The founder, Dr. Zeng Xiaodong, is a recognized authority in artificial intelligence with nearly 15 years of experience in algorithm development and industrialization, having previously led the development of Alibaba's first machine translation system [2] - The core team comprises members from leading tech companies like ByteDance and Alibaba, showcasing a strong capability across the entire AI industry chain [2] Group 2: Core Technology - AutoArk's self-researched end-to-end multimodal model, known as EVA, integrates various information forms such as text, images, and audio, providing a more intelligent and human-like interaction experience [3] - The EVA model has achieved several benchmarks comparable to OpenAI's GPT-4o, addressing critical commercialization bottlenecks in the industry [3] - The model has been recognized with a valuation of 381.42 million yuan, marking a record for data asset registration in the AI sector [3] Group 3: Product Implementation - In its first year, AutoArk achieved commercialization, serving leading companies in the biopharmaceutical and financial sectors, generating nearly 10 million yuan in revenue [4] - The company is the first in China to launch a self-researched multimodal model comparable to GPT-4o, with its AI hardware product demo, "Aqi," showcasing real-time interaction capabilities [4] - The first smart hardware product is set to be mass-produced in Q3, with plans for more products to follow, supported by supply chain giants [5] Group 4: Investment Perspective - Investors highlight AutoArk's unique value in its full-stack core technology research and strong product integration capabilities, which create a solid competitive barrier [8] - The company has demonstrated rapid commercialization progress across various key sectors, validating its strong cross-scenario migration and delivery capabilities [8] - Following the recent financing, AutoArk plans to continue advancing its multimodal model and Agent technology, as well as open-sourcing its multimodal Agent platform to foster more AI applications [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of virtual characters and social systems, emphasizing the shift towards AI-driven "Living OC" (Original Characters) that possess memory, emotions, and behavioral logic, fulfilling users' desires for virtual companionship and emotional connection [1][16]. Group 1: Company Overview - Bside, developed by Kotoko AI, aims to create a social gaming platform where users can interact with their original characters, transforming them into companions and social currency [1][22]. - The platform integrates UGC (User Generated Content), AI agents, and gamification to build a virtual playground centered around OC, fostering deep connections between users and characters [1][22]. Group 2: Founder Insights - Patrick, the founder of Bside, has a background in UGC gaming and virtual social ecosystems, having co-founded Yahaha Studios, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and identity needs of the younger generation [2][6]. - He believes that virtual social spaces are not merely entertainment but are essential for reconstructing identity and emotional connections among users [5][9]. Group 3: User Engagement and Behavior - Bside has achieved a 70% retention rate and users spend an average of 2-3 hours daily on the platform, indicating strong emotional connections with their characters [12][26]. - Users express a desire for their characters to have lifelike interactions, leading to spontaneous social behaviors such as sharing stories and engaging in collaborative adventures [28][30]. Group 4: Market Trends and Cultural Shifts - The rise of OC culture reflects a generational shift in social expression, where OC serves as a social currency and a tool for identity construction among younger users [15][18]. - The platform targets the post-2005 generation, particularly young women, who are more receptive to virtual social interactions and have a higher emotional investment in content creation [25][35]. Group 5: Future Directions - Bside aims to enhance user experience by creating a seamless virtual world where characters can autonomously interact and evolve, thus providing users with a sense of ownership and emotional fulfillment [37][38]. - The company plans to expand its features, including a "wishing system" for characters, to deepen user engagement and emotional connection [24][37].

Group 1 - The event focuses on AI video generation and its application scenarios, scheduled for July 18, 2025, in Beijing with a limited number of participants [1] - The target audience includes professionals from large companies, startups in product/technology, and entrepreneurs, aiming to foster networking and idea exchange [1] - Registration for the event is required, with a deadline set for the evening before the event at 8 PM, emphasizing a first-come, first-served basis due to limited spots [5] Group 2 - The company is actively recruiting new interns, indicating a focus on talent acquisition and development [3] - There is an initiative to engage creative young entrepreneurs, promoting a small gathering for sharing ideas and experiences [5] - The event aims to ensure that all participants benefit from the experience by carefully considering their backgrounds and needs during the grouping process [5]

Core Insights - Meta is considering a shift from its current open-source strategy to developing closed AI models, as suggested by some executives including the Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang [2] - The company is undergoing a comprehensive reform of its AI business following setbacks earlier this year, including a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI [2] - Meta has paused the development of its flagship large language model Llama 4, marking another setback in its AI development efforts [3] Group 1 - Meta's discussions indicate a potential strategic shift towards closed AI models, contrasting with its historical focus on open-source initiatives [2] - The company has faced performance issues leading to multiple delays in the release of Llama 4, including its inference version and the largest scale version [3] - Meta's spokesperson reaffirmed the company's commitment to open-source AI while also planning to train both open and closed models in the future [2]

Core Insights - Cognition AI has agreed to acquire the remaining assets of Windsurf, although the specific amount has not been disclosed. This follows Google's acquisition of Windsurf's top talent and licensing for $2.4 billion [1] - The acquisition includes Windsurf's intellectual property, remaining employees, cash, assets, and brand, with all Windsurf employees set to receive financial benefits from the transaction [1] - Windsurf's annual recurring revenue is reported to be $82 million, indicating strong growth in its enterprise business [1] Group 1 - Cognition recently raised several hundred million dollars at a valuation of $4 billion, led by 8VC, with participation from other investors such as Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Conviction Partners, totaling over $300 million raised to date [2] - Cognition promotes its generative AI programming tool, Devin, as the "world's first AI software engineer" [3] - The acquisition marks the end of a tumultuous period for Windsurf, which had previously agreed to be acquired by OpenAI for $3 billion, a deal that fell through due to tensions with OpenAI's major investor, Microsoft [3] Group 2 - Google has hired Windsurf's CEO Varun Mohan and co-founder Douglas Chen, along with a small group of employees, to join its DeepMind AI division [3] - This trend of tech giants hiring executives and technology from promising AI startups often avoids full acquisitions, which critics argue may lead to reduced economic benefits for remaining employees [3]

Core Insights - Praxis Labs, a learning development platform, has been acquired by leadership and coaching company Torch, with the financial details undisclosed [1] - The acquisition aims to combine Torch's contextual coaching services and organizational insights with Praxis's AI coaching, practical training, and skills assessment, creating significant synergies [1][2] - Praxis Labs was founded in 2019 and has collaborated with major companies like eBay, Zoom, Amazon, Google, and Target to foster equitable and inclusive work environments through leadership training and skills assessment [1] Summary by Sections Acquisition Details - Praxis Labs has been acquired by Torch, a leadership and coaching enterprise, with the acquisition amount not disclosed [1] - Elise Smith, CEO of Praxis Labs, emphasized the need for strong product and market partnerships to reach more enterprises [1] Leadership and Team Integration - Elise Smith and Heather Shen will join Torch as AI Growth Officer and AI Product Officer, respectively, along with other members of the Praxis team [2] - The integration aims to address the challenge of preparing and managing the next generation of human-AI collaboration in the workforce [2] Company Background - Praxis Labs completed a $15 million Series A funding round in 2021, making Elise Smith one of the few Black women to secure over $1 million in venture capital [1]

Group 1 - The event focuses on AI video generation and its application scenarios, scheduled for July 18, 2025, in Beijing, with a limited attendance of 6-7 participants from large companies, startups, and entrepreneurs [1] - The event aims to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and networking among creative individuals, particularly targeting the post-2000 generation [5] - Registration for the event closes at 8 PM the night before, with limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis [5] Group 2 - The company is currently recruiting for a new internship program, indicating a focus on talent acquisition and development [3]

图片来源： U nsplash 据彭博社消息， 谷歌据传斥资 24 亿美元收购 Windsurf 资产及人才团队Alphabet 旗下谷歌达成协 议，将以约 24 亿美元收购人工智能编程初创公司 Windsurf 的核心人才团队及技术授权。 根据声明，谷歌将聘请 Windsurf 的CEO Varun Mohan 、联合创始人 Douglas Chen 及少量核心员工加 入其 DeepMind 人工智能部门。 上个月， Meta 以超过 140 亿美元的价格收购了 AI 数据标注初创公司 Scale AI 49% 的股份，并聘请 联合创始人 Alexandr Wang 加入其构建 AI" 超级智能 " 的新团队。此后，随着科技巨头们不断加码超 越彼此的竞争， Meta 持续从竞争对手谷歌、 OpenAI 和苹果公司挖角其他顶尖 AI 高管。 Meta 一直在为其超级智能实验室招揽人才，提供前所未有的薪酬方案，其中包括为一位前苹果杰出 工程师开出的超过 2 亿美元的薪酬包 。 Windsurf （正式名称为 Exafunction Inc. ）是开发 AI 驱动编程助手的新兴初创企业之一，这类系统 能够根据自然 ...