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Blood ores: tech facing its responsibilities
The illegal exploitation of minerals in the DRC, nicknamed “blood minerals”, continues to finance armed groups responsible for serious human rights violations. Since April 2024, the M23 rebellion has controlled the strategic zone of Rubaya, generating more than 270,000 euros per month via illegal taxes on production, according to the UN. These minerals, essential to the high-tech industry, are exported clandestinely, notably via Kigali. While nearly two million Congolese have been displaced since 2021, technology companies, including Apple, are called upon to strengthen their vigilance over their supply chains, at the risk of being held responsible for this major humanitarian crisis.
Read our article Blood minerals: the responsibilities of tech giants in the spotlight
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SALESFORCE is recruiting 2,000 salespeople to sell its AI solutions. The company is strengthening its teams to support the launch of the new version of Agent forceplanned for February 2025. This technology will allow its AI agents to process complex requests via Slack based on available data. Already 9,000 applications were received for these positions.
DATABRICKS raises $10 billion at a valuation of $62 billion
Databricks, a specialist in data processing and artificial intelligence, has raised 10 billion dollarsbringing its valuation to 62 billion dollars. Databricks achieves an annual turnover of 2.6 billion. His competitor SNOWFLAKE listed on the NYSE, is valued today at $56.38 billion.
AGAVE GAMES raises 18 million euros after the success of “Find the Cat”
The Turkish studio Agave Gamesspecializing in mobile games, has raised 18 million euros in Series A, co-led by Felix Capital And Balderton Capitalwith the participation of E2VC. His game Find the Catdownloaded 10 million times and generating 10 million euros in revenue in three months, combines AI and artistic creation to produce detailed visuals. This fundraising brings its total funding to 25.5 million euroswith a post-money valuation of 100 million euros.
SYNTHAVO raises 4 million euros to automate the identification of spare parts
The German startup Synthavospecializing in the automated identification of spare parts via AI, has raised 4 million euros during a seed round led by Samaipata And Senovo. Founded in 2019, the company reduces 60% the time needed to identify parts, crucial in industries like automotive and logistics, where an hour of downtime costs up to 50,000 euros. The funds will be used to double its workforce and prepare for its European and American expansion.
The Chinese startup Zhipu Technology secured $412 million to develop AI services adapted to the local market. This new round brings its valuation to 3 billion dollars.
Hostawayspecializing in tools for vacation rentals, has raised $365 million. Its valuation now reaches 925 million.
Parafina startup offering expense and loan management solutions, has raised 100 million dollars in Series C, reaching a valuation of 750 million.
Alibaba sells Intime Retail for $1 billion and records a loss of $1.3 billion. This sale, made to Youngor Fashion and the Intime management team, is part of the reorganization of the group into six units and the refocusing on e-commerce. Faced with increased competition from Pinduoduo, TemuAnd DouyinAlibaba is merging its Chinese and international platforms to gain efficiency. Economic pressure in China is weighing on retailers, pushing Alibaba to disengage from physical commerce.
Meta sentenced to 251 million euros for a security breach
The Irish Data Protection Commission has imposed a fine of 251 million euros to Meta after a breach in 2018 that exposed data from 29 million usersof which 3 million in Europe. The attackers had exploited a vulnerability in the “View As” functionality to gain access to accounts. Meta plans to appeal this decision.
GlobalWafers receives 406 million for factories in the United States
The Taiwanese manufacturer GlobalWafers gets $406 million within the framework of the CHIPS Actto finance factories in Texas and Missouri.
Taiwan in discussions with Amazon for satellite internet
Taiwan explores partnership with Project Kuiper to overcome the limitations of its current agreement with OneWeb.
