Feb 11, 2025

I recently came across news about the evolving ties between China and Thailand following a visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China. The visit marked the 50th “golden” anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with several new pacts being signed. This visit was seen as an early insight into China’s 2025 diplomacy with Southeast Asian states and Thailand in particular. The visit highlighted progress in areas such as high-speed rail plans and countering scam networks, which were key priorities for Beijing in its wider Southeast Asia approach.

Additionally, there was a report on the lack of positive sales surprises for major technology companies, referred to as the “Magnificent Seven,” in the current earnings season. This has led Goldman Sachs strategists to suggest shifting exposure within the AI sector. The relative performance of big tech names is expected to take a hit this year, with a narrowing gap in excess earnings growth. The advice is to shift exposure to AI Phase 3 companies from Phase 2, which have the potential to monetize AI through generating incremental revenues.

Furthermore, there was a discussion on the decline in global M&A; activity and U.S. IPO proceeds compared to the same period last year. Despite expectations for more certainty under the current administration, dealmakers are facing uncertainties related to tariff-induced inflation fears and weakening consumer confidence. The news also mentioned C&S; Wholesale Grocers of New Hampshire being in talks to acquire 340 Winn-Dixie grocery and liquor stores, highlighting how antitrust regulatory decisions can shape the landscape of big deals in the industry.

In the venture capital space, there were reports of Rapyd, a British fintech API company, in talks to raise $300 million at a $3.5 billion valuation, and Validus, a provider of financial risk management software, raising $45 million from FTV Capital. Additionally, BRKZ, a Saudi construction tech startup, raised $8 million in Series A extension funding. These developments reflect the ongoing trends and challenges in the financial and technology sectors.

I recently learned from the news that several companies secured significant funding rounds. For instance, &AI;, a San Francisco-based AI agent for patent attorneys, raised $6.5 million in seed funding led by First Round Capital. Planted, a German enterprise ESG platform, raised $5 million in seed funding. Self Inspection, a San Diego-based auto inspection platform, raised $3 million in seed funding. Centerseat, a physical security compliance startup in Austin, Texas, raised $2.7 million in seed funding led by Silverton Partners. Additionally, Island, a Dallas provider of secure enterprise browsers, is in the process of raising new funding at a $4.5 billion valuation.

Stay Well!