Category: Technology

Uber has appointed Balaji Krishnamurthy as its new CFO, marking a significant shift toward a driverless future and an aggressive expansion of its robotaxi services.

Uber Technologies Inc. has announced the appointment of Balaji Krishnamurthy as its next chief financial officer, effective February 16. This move signals a major strategic shift for the company, as it intensifies its focus on autonomous vehicle partnerships and the development of a driverless future.

Krishnamurthy, who has been a long-time advocate for self-driving technology within Uber, currently serves as the vice president of strategic finance and investor relations. He will succeed Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, who is stepping down after 27 months in the role to pursue new opportunities. This leadership change was revealed alongside Uber’s fourth-quarter earnings report, emphasizing the company’s pivot from developing its own autonomous hardware to becoming a leading global platform for robotaxi services.

At 41 years old, Krishnamurthy has played a pivotal role in Uber’s “asset-light” strategy, which focuses on partnerships rather than ownership of autonomous vehicles. He has also served on the board of Waabi, an autonomous trucking startup in which Uber recently increased its investment.

“Balaji knows Uber’s business inside and out and is a brilliant, decisive strategist,” said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “I am thrilled for him to step up as CFO as we kick off another big year.”

The upcoming year is poised to be significant for Uber, which plans to facilitate autonomous trips in up to 15 cities worldwide by the end of 2026. This ambitious expansion relies heavily on strategic partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Alphabet’s Waymo to introduce robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta, as well as a joint effort with Lucid and Nuro to deploy custom-built autonomous electric vehicles.

During a recent call with investors, Krishnamurthy highlighted Uber’s robust cash flow, which has seen a 20% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $14.37 billion. He stated that this financial strength would allow the company to “invest with discipline” in the autonomous vehicle sector.

“We are entering 2026 with strong momentum,” Krishnamurthy noted. “We will invest across a multitude of opportunities, including positioning Uber to win in an AV future.”

However, the transition comes at a challenging time for Uber’s stock. Following the announcement of Krishnamurthy’s appointment, shares fell approximately 6%, as investors reacted to a first-quarter profit outlook that fell short of Wall Street expectations. This conservative guidance is partly due to the capital-intensive nature of scaling autonomous infrastructure and the costs associated with integrating new AI-driven software.

Outgoing CFO Mahendra-Rajah leaves behind a legacy of financial stabilization, having played a key role in helping Uber achieve investment-grade status and launching the company’s first-ever share buyback program. He will remain with the company as a senior advisor until July 1 to ensure a smooth transition.

As Uber shifts from being primarily a ride-hailing app to a high-tech logistics coordinator, Krishnamurthy’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to not just preparing for a driverless future but actively investing in it.

According to The American Bazaar, this strategic shift reflects Uber’s determination to lead in the evolving landscape of autonomous transportation.

Elon Musk is considering a merger of his companies, including SpaceX and xAI, as the rocket manufacturer prepares for a significant IPO this year.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is reportedly exploring the possibility of merging his various companies, including SpaceX and xAI. This move comes in the wake of his decision to utilize Tesla funds to support xAI, raising questions among investors about the potential synergies between Musk’s ventures in space exploration, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence.

According to a report by Bloomberg, SpaceX is in discussions regarding a merger with Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company. Gene Munster, a Tesla shareholder and managing partner at xAI investor Deepwater Asset Management, expressed optimism about the merger’s likelihood, stating, “I think it’s highly likely that (xAI) ends up with one of the two parties.”

As SpaceX prepares for a major public offering scheduled for this year, the potential merger with xAI could consolidate Musk’s diverse portfolio, which includes rockets, Starlink satellites, the X social media platform, and the Grok chatbot. This consolidation could streamline operations and enhance strategic coherence across Musk’s enterprises, according to sources familiar with the discussions and regulatory filings.

Dennis Dick, chief market strategist at Stock Trader Network, commented on Musk’s expansive business interests, noting, “Musk has too many separate companies. A major risk thesis for Tesla is that Musk is spreading himself out too much. As a Tesla shareholder, I applaud further consolidation.”

If the merger between SpaceX and xAI proceeds, it is expected that xAI shares would be exchanged for SpaceX shares. This consolidation could represent a significant shift in how Musk manages his extensive business empire, potentially allowing for greater integration of technologies developed across his various companies.

By centralizing operations, Musk could accelerate innovation and streamline decision-making processes, reducing redundancies in research, development, and operations. For investors, a unified structure may clarify growth prospects and simplify valuations, addressing concerns about Musk’s divided attention among multiple high-profile ventures.

From a competitive standpoint, merging these assets could strengthen SpaceX’s position in emerging technology markets, particularly in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. By aligning expertise, talent, and technological capabilities under one organizational umbrella, Musk may be better equipped to tackle ambitious projects that span multiple industries, including aerospace, defense, and AI-driven commercial applications.

Incorporating xAI into SpaceX’s operations could also enhance the company’s prospects for securing contracts with the Pentagon, which has been actively seeking to increase AI adoption within military networks. Caleb Henry, an analyst at Quilty Analytics, highlighted this potential advantage, noting that the merger could position SpaceX favorably in the defense sector.

However, merging different corporate cultures, compliance requirements, and financial structures could pose challenges. If not managed carefully, these complexities could create friction or slow down execution, impacting both short-term performance and long-term strategic outcomes. How Musk navigates these challenges will likely play a crucial role in the success of the merger.

Ultimately, the potential consolidation of Musk’s companies reflects his ambition to create a cohesive ecosystem of interrelated technologies. This strategy could position SpaceX and his other ventures for a new era of innovation and market influence, although the outcome remains uncertain and contingent upon regulatory approvals, investor support, and effective execution.

The broader implications of such a merger could reshape investor perceptions of Musk’s ventures, potentially attracting capital from those interested in a unified tech ecosystem. Market reactions may vary based on the effectiveness of the integration process, and analysts will likely debate whether the potential synergies outweigh the risks associated with overconcentration. Additionally, this move could prompt competitors to reevaluate their strategies, considering partnerships or mergers to remain competitive in overlapping sectors.

As the situation develops, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Musk’s next steps and the potential impact on the tech landscape.

According to Bloomberg, the discussions surrounding the merger are ongoing, and the final outcome will depend on various factors, including regulatory approvals and investor sentiment.

The American Bazaar’s Startup Bazaar series will debut in the UAE with events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, focusing on AI and emerging technologies.

The American Bazaar is set to launch its flagship Startup Bazaar series in the United Arab Emirates, featuring back-to-back events on January 31, 2026, in Abu Dhabi and February 2, 2026, in Dubai. These events aim to unite startup founders, investors, and leaders in the tech ecosystem to explore and showcase innovations in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Positioned at the intersection of technology, investment, and policy, the Startup Bazaar events promise a vibrant mix of ideas, discussions, and networking opportunities that will help shape the future of AI-driven entrepreneurship.

The Abu Dhabi event will take place on January 31, while the Dubai event is scheduled for February 2. Both events are organized in partnership with Talrop, an India-based technology and innovation company dedicated to fostering startups, developing digital products, and nurturing tech talent across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

These gatherings are expected to attract U.S.-based investors alongside their counterparts from the GCC and India, as well as senior executives and high-growth founders. This diverse mix will facilitate a unique cross-border exchange of insights and perspectives.

As the UAE continues to establish itself as a global hub for advanced technologies, the Startup Bazaar will highlight innovations in AI, deep tech, and other frontier technologies, particularly in the energy, healthtech, and pharmaceutical sectors. These discussions are anticipated to contribute to economic transformation and create tangible impacts in the region.

“The UAE is emerging as one of the most exciting and execution-focused AI startup ecosystems globally,” said Sanjay Puri, a member of the U.S. investor delegation attending the events. “This delegation presents a valuable opportunity to engage with founders, universities, family offices, and industry leaders like G42, exploring how talent, capital, and policy are converging at scale. I am particularly interested in how the region is translating research and ambition into globally competitive AI companies, and I see significant potential for long-term cross-border partnerships and investment.”

Designed to be more than a traditional conference, Startup Bazaar offers an immersive experience for startup founders, technologists, investors, policymakers, corporate innovation leaders, researchers, and professionals. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with the U.S. delegation, which includes angel investors and AI experts.

A highlight of both events will be the Startup Showcase, where selected startups will pitch their ideas to potential investors. For founders seeking visibility, feedback, and funding opportunities, this showcase serves as a direct gateway to international markets.

As Startup Bazaar makes its debut in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it not only fosters conversations about innovation but also brings together the people, capital, and ambition necessary to drive future advancements.

For those interested in attending, registration is now open for both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai editions of Startup Bazaar.

According to The American Bazaar, the series promises to be a significant event in the region’s tech landscape.

Researchers are tracking a persistent web skimming campaign that targets major payment networks, using malicious JavaScript to steal credit card information from unsuspecting online shoppers.

As online shopping becomes increasingly familiar and convenient, a hidden threat lurks beneath the surface. Researchers are monitoring a long-running web skimming campaign that specifically targets businesses connected to major payment networks. This technique enables criminals to secretly insert malicious code into checkout pages, allowing them to capture payment details as customers enter them. Often, these attacks operate unnoticed within the browser, leaving victims unaware until unauthorized charges appear on their statements.

The term “Magecart” refers to various groups that specialize in web skimming attacks. These attacks primarily focus on online stores where customers input payment information during the checkout process. Rather than directly hacking banks or card networks, attackers embed malicious code into a retailer’s checkout page. This code, typically written in JavaScript, is a standard programming language used to enhance website interactivity, such as managing forms and processing payments.

In Magecart attacks, criminals exploit this same JavaScript to covertly capture card numbers, expiration dates, security codes, and billing details as shoppers input their information. The checkout process continues to function normally, providing no immediate warning signs to users. Initially, Magecart referred specifically to attacks on Magento-based online stores, but the term has since expanded to encompass web skimming campaigns across various e-commerce platforms and payment systems.

Researchers indicate that this ongoing campaign targets merchants linked to several major payment networks. Large enterprises that depend on these payment providers face heightened risks due to their complex websites and reliance on third-party integrations. Attackers typically exploit overlooked vulnerabilities, such as outdated plugins, vulnerable third-party scripts, and unpatched content management systems. Once they gain access, they inject JavaScript directly into the checkout flow, allowing the skimmer to monitor form fields associated with card data and personal information. This data is then quietly transmitted to servers controlled by the attackers.

To evade detection, the malicious JavaScript is often heavily obfuscated. Some variants can even remove themselves if they detect an admin session, creating a false impression of a clean inspection. Researchers have also noted that the campaign utilizes bulletproof hosting services, which ignore abuse reports and takedown requests, providing attackers with a stable environment to operate. Because web skimmers function within the browser, they can circumvent many server-side fraud controls employed by merchants and payment providers.

Magecart campaigns simultaneously impact three groups: the online retailers, the customers, and the payment networks. This shared vulnerability complicates detection and response efforts.

While consumers cannot rectify compromised checkout pages, adopting a few smart habits can help mitigate exposure, limit the misuse of stolen data, and facilitate quicker detection of fraud. One effective strategy is to use virtual and single-use cards, which are digital card numbers linked to a real credit or debit account without revealing the actual number. These cards function like standard cards during checkout but provide an additional layer of security. Many people can access these services through their existing banking apps or mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, which generate temporary card numbers for online transactions.

A single-use card typically works for one purchase or expires shortly after use, while a virtual card can remain active for a specific merchant and be paused or deleted later. If a web skimming attack captures one of these numbers, attackers are generally unable to reuse it elsewhere, significantly limiting financial damage and making it easier to halt fraud.

Transaction alerts can notify users the moment their card is used, even for minor purchases. If web skimming leads to fraudulent activity, these alerts can quickly reveal unauthorized charges, allowing cardholders to freeze their accounts before losses escalate. For instance, a small test charge of $2 could indicate fraud before larger transactions occur.

Using strong, unique passwords for banking and card portals can also reduce the risk of account takeovers. A password manager can assist in generating and securely storing these credentials. Additionally, individuals should check if their email addresses have been compromised in past data breaches. Many password managers include built-in breach scanners that alert users if their information appears in known leaks. If a match is found, it is crucial to change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Robust antivirus software can block connections to malicious domains used to collect skimmed data and alert users about unsafe websites. This protection is essential for safeguarding personal information and digital assets from potential threats, including phishing emails and ransomware scams.

Data removal services can also help minimize the amount of personal information exposed online, making it more challenging for criminals to match stolen card data with complete identity details. While no service can guarantee complete data removal from the internet, these services actively monitor and systematically erase personal information from numerous websites, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of targeted attacks.

Regularly reviewing financial statements, even for small charges, is another prudent practice, as attackers often test stolen cards with low-value transactions. The Magecart web skimming campaign illustrates how attackers can exploit trusted checkout pages without disrupting the shopping experience. Although consumers cannot fix compromised sites, implementing simple safeguards can help reduce risk and facilitate early detection of fraud. Online payments rely on trust, but this campaign underscores the importance of pairing that trust with caution.

As awareness of web skimming grows, consumers may find themselves reconsidering the safety of online checkout processes. For further information and resources on protecting against these threats, visit CyberGuy.com.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has announced support for a submarine cable project linking India and Singapore, aimed at enhancing connectivity and security in Southeast Asia.

WASHINGTON, DC – On January 20, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced its backing for a proposed submarine cable system that will connect India with Singapore and key data hubs across Southeast Asia.

The planned cable route is set to link Chennai, India, with Singapore, while additional landing points are under consideration in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, according to USTDA.

As part of this initiative, USTDA has signed an agreement with SubConnex Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. to fund a feasibility study for the SCNX3 submarine cable system. This project is expected to serve approximately 1.85 billion people by enhancing digital infrastructure in the region.

The feasibility study aims to attract investment for the cable system and expand the capacity necessary for Artificial Intelligence and cloud-based services. USTDA emphasized that this effort will also help ensure the reliability and security of international networks while minimizing exposure to cyber threats and foreign interference.

The agreement was formalized during the Pacific Telecommunications Council 26 conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

SubConnex has appointed Florida-based APTelecom LLC to conduct the feasibility study. The study will encompass various aspects, including route design, engineering, financial modeling, commercialization planning, and regulatory analysis.

The SCNX3 submarine cable is designed to address the increasing connectivity challenges faced by India and Southeast Asia. USTDA noted that the rising demand for digital services, coupled with limited route diversity, has rendered existing networks susceptible to outages and security vulnerabilities.

By introducing new and resilient data pathways, the project is anticipated to enhance digital access and support the growth of Artificial Intelligence and cloud services. USTDA stated that the cable will provide a secure and reliable communications infrastructure for governments, businesses, and citizens throughout South and Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, USTDA highlighted that the feasibility study will promote the use of secure cable technology, safeguarding data flows from potential malicious foreign influences. This concern is increasingly relevant as undersea cables facilitate the majority of global internet and data traffic.

According to IANS, the initiative represents a significant step toward improving digital connectivity in the region.

OpenAI is set to introduce advertising in ChatGPT for U.S. users on its free and Go-tier plans, marking a significant shift in its revenue strategy.

OpenAI is preparing to test advertisements within ChatGPT, targeting users of its free version and the newly launched Go-tier plan in the United States. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial pressures associated with developing and maintaining advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The company announced on Friday that the ads will begin appearing in the coming weeks, clearly distinguished from the AI-generated responses that users receive. Users subscribed to OpenAI’s higher-tier plans—Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise—will not encounter these advertisements.

OpenAI emphasized that the introduction of ads will not affect the quality or integrity of ChatGPT’s responses. Furthermore, user conversations will remain confidential and will not be shared with advertisers.

This move represents a significant shift for OpenAI, which has primarily relied on subscription revenue up to this point. It also highlights the increasing financial challenges the company faces as it invests billions in data centers and prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering.

Despite currently operating at a loss, OpenAI has projected that it will spend over $1 trillion on AI infrastructure by 2030. However, the company has yet to disclose a detailed plan for funding this extensive expansion.

Industry analysts suggest that advertising could become a vital new revenue stream for ChatGPT, which currently boasts approximately 800 million weekly active users. Nevertheless, they caution that this strategy carries inherent risks, including the potential to alienate users and diminish trust if the ads are perceived as intrusive or poorly integrated.

“If ads come off as clumsy or opportunistic, people won’t hesitate to jump ship,” warned Jeremy Goldman, an analyst at Emarketer. He noted that alternatives like Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude are readily available to users seeking ad-free experiences.

Goldman also indicated that OpenAI’s decision to incorporate ads could have broader implications for the industry, compelling competitors to clarify their own monetization strategies, particularly those that promote themselves as “ad-free by design.”

OpenAI has assured users that advertisements will not be displayed to individuals under the age of 18 and that sensitive topics, such as health and politics, will be excluded from advertising content.

According to the company, ads will be tested at the bottom of ChatGPT responses when relevant sponsored products or services align with the ongoing conversation. This approach aims to ensure that advertisements are contextually appropriate and minimally disruptive.

Advertisers are increasingly optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance results across search and social media platforms, believing that more sophisticated recommendation systems will lead to more effective and targeted advertising.

Additionally, OpenAI confirmed that its ChatGPT Go plan, initially launched in India, will soon be available in the U.S. at a monthly subscription price of $8.

This new advertising initiative marks a pivotal moment for OpenAI as it seeks to balance user experience with the need for sustainable revenue growth, navigating the challenges of an evolving digital landscape.

For more details, refer to American Bazaar.

Google has launched a new Market Access Program aimed at helping Indian AI startups scale globally, coinciding with the projected growth of India’s AI market to $126 billion by 2030.

With India’s artificial intelligence (AI) market projected to reach $126 billion by 2030, Google has introduced a new Market Access Program designed to assist Indian AI startups in scaling their operations and expanding into global markets.

Announced during the Google AI Startups Conclave in New Delhi, the program aims to support startups from their initial seed stage to full-scale operations. Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager for Google India, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “If you solve for India, you build for the world. Our focus now is accelerating how quickly Indian startups can scale, reach global markets, and deliver outcomes.”

Lobana noted that India’s AI startup ecosystem is entering a transformative phase, moving from prototypes to market-ready products and transitioning from early traction to sustainable business models. Google’s comprehensive support for startups encompasses capability building, real-world deployment, and scaling, addressing challenges at every critical stage of development.

The Market Access Program is specifically tailored for AI-first startups that are prepared to scale responsibly. It focuses on three key outcomes: enhancing enterprise readiness through global selling expertise, providing access to Google’s extensive enterprise network, and facilitating global immersion in key international markets.

To bolster the capabilities of these startups, Google also announced the upcoming Global AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. This facility, which will be powered by green energy and feature 1-gigawatt computing resources, is designed to equip startups with the high-performance computing necessary to refine their AI models on a global scale.

In addition to the Market Access Program, Google unveiled new updates to its Gemma model family, specifically targeting areas of rapid adoption in India, such as population-scale healthcare AI and action-oriented, on-device agents. The latest iteration, MedGemma 1.5, enhances Google’s health-focused AI initiatives by enabling developers to create applications that support complex medical imaging workflows.

The release of MedGemma 1.5 follows a collaboration between Google and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which is utilizing the model to develop India’s Health Foundation Models. This partnership contributes to the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure and enhances health outcomes across the ecosystem.

To support the growing demand for agent-based systems, Google introduced FunctionGemma, a specialized version of the Gemma 3 model. FunctionGemma is designed for function calling, allowing startups to translate natural language commands into executable actions. This capability enables the development of on-device, low-latency applications with automated workflows that prioritize user privacy and can function effectively on low-end devices without a constant internet connection.

Together, these advancements expand the toolkit available to Indian founders, facilitating the transition from experimentation to deployment across healthcare, enterprise, and consumer applications at scale. Lobana highlighted that these models are supported by popular tools throughout the development workflow, including Hugging Face Transformers, Unsloth, Keras, and NVIDIA NeMo.

Alongside the Conclave, Inc42 released the “Bharat AI Startups Report 2026,” which was supported by Google. The report reveals a significant shift in the AI ecosystem, with 47% of enterprises already moving from pilot projects to full production. It also notes a decrease in innovation costs, as historically high computing expenses have hindered Indian startups. With public resources lowering entry barriers, funding is increasingly directed toward product innovation rather than infrastructure costs.

India’s unique challenges, including its 22 languages, inconsistent connectivity, and price sensitivity, have often been viewed as obstacles. However, the report reframes these challenges as assets, suggesting that if an AI solution can effectively serve rural users in India, it is robust enough for global markets. The concept of “Bharat-tested” technology is emerging as a new benchmark for resilience.

The competitive landscape is shifting towards trust-by-design, with startups that prioritize safety, privacy, and security from the outset gaining a significant advantage in securing long-term enterprise contracts.

Ultimately, the success of AI initiatives will be measured by their outcomes. Examples include Cloudphysician, which has reduced ICU mortality rates by 40%, and Rocket Learning, which personalizes education for millions of students. Lobana concluded, “By stitching together skilling, capital, infrastructure, and market access, we are clearing the path for founders. As we look to the AI Impact Summit in February, the signal is clear: The future of AI isn’t just being used in India; it is being built here.”

According to Inc42, the launch of the Market Access Program marks a pivotal moment for Indian AI startups, positioning them to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

CloudSEK, an Indian cybersecurity firm, has secured a $10 million investment from Connecticut Innovations, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive funding from a U.S. state fund.

CloudSEK, a Bengaluru-based cybersecurity firm specializing in predictive cyber threat intelligence, has announced a strategic investment of $10 million from Connecticut Innovations (CI), the venture capital arm of the State of Connecticut. This funding is part of the company’s Series B2 round and positions CloudSEK as the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state-backed venture fund.

The investment follows CloudSEK’s previous fundraising efforts, which included $19 million raised in its Series B1 round. With the completion of this latest tranche, the company has successfully concluded its Series B funding round, which consists of both primary and secondary capital.

“Becoming the first Indian-origin cybersecurity company to receive backing from a U.S. state fund is a milestone for CloudSEK, as well as for the entire Indian cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Rahul Sasi, co-founder and CEO of CloudSEK. He emphasized the significance of this achievement for the company and the broader Indian cybersecurity landscape.

With Connecticut serving as its U.S. anchor, CloudSEK is committed to job creation, localized research investment, and enhancing cyber resilience in the Western world. Sasi expressed pride in advancing the company’s identity as a truly Indo-American cybersecurity firm.

The partnership with CI was established after CloudSEK distinguished itself as a leading startup at VentureClash, CI’s global investment pitch competition. “At our 2025 VentureClash India pitch event, CloudSEK distinguished itself as a truly innovative provider of cybersecurity and predictive threat capabilities used by hundreds of businesses around the world,” stated Alison Malloy, Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations.

CloudSEK plans to utilize this investment to accelerate its expansion in the U.S., with intentions to establish a regional hub for operations, talent, and partnerships in Connecticut. The company aims to onboard strategic local talent and forge collaborations with corporate partners, universities, and research institutions throughout the state.

The funding from CI will enable CloudSEK to recruit top-tier cybersecurity and AI talent from the region, establish partnerships with local academic and research institutions, build its U.S. headquarters in Connecticut, and drive region-specific cybersecurity research and innovation.

This landmark investment not only enhances CloudSEK’s global trajectory but also symbolizes the growing prominence of Indian cybersecurity innovation on the world stage. By solidifying its presence in Connecticut and continuing to expand globally, CloudSEK is well-positioned to bolster cyber resilience across continents and redefine cross-border technology collaboration.

Prior to this investment round, CloudSEK’s Series B1 was led by U.S.-based strategic investor Commvault, with participation from MassMutual Ventures, Inflexor Ventures, Prana Ventures, and Tenacity Ventures. Early investors, including the Meeran Family (Eastern Group), StartupXSeed, Neon Fund, and Exfinity Ventures, continue to support the company’s long-term growth.

In addition to this funding, CloudSEK recently announced a strategic partnership with Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, aimed at delivering predictive cyber intelligence and AI-attack detection capabilities to organizations across the UAE.

Founded in 2015 by Sasi, a cybersecurity researcher-turned-entrepreneur, CloudSEK has evolved from a research-first initiative into a leading cyber threat intelligence platform, serving over 300 enterprises across various sectors, including banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), healthcare, technology, and government.

This investment marks a pivotal moment for CloudSEK and highlights the increasing collaboration between Indian tech firms and U.S. state-backed initiatives, paving the way for future innovations in the cybersecurity domain, according to The American Bazaar.

Walmart has appointed Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of Superhuman, to its Board of Directors as the retail giant prepares for an agentic AI future.

Walmart Inc. has announced the appointment of Shishir Mehrotra, an Indian American technology veteran and current CEO of Superhuman, to its Board of Directors. This move comes as the retail giant positions itself for an agentic AI future.

Mehrotra will contribute to both the Compensation and Management Development Committee and the Technology and eCommerce Committee, as stated by the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company.

Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about Mehrotra’s addition, saying, “Our focus remains on serving customers through a people-led, tech-powered approach. Shishir’s background adds to our boardroom the insight of a proven builder, offering a distinguished track record scaling platforms relied upon by millions.”

Randall Stephenson, the lead independent director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Mehrotra’s unique skill set. “Shishir brings a rare combination of technical depth and product leadership. He has helped create and scale platforms that unlock creativity and productivity for people and teams at global scale. We’re excited to welcome him to our Board,” he remarked.

In response to his appointment, Mehrotra stated, “I have long admired Walmart’s ability to innovate while staying true to its core values, and joining the Board as the company builds for an agentic AI future is a rare opportunity. This era is the most significant technological shift I’ve seen in my career, and I look forward to working with the team to shape the future for the millions of people Walmart serves.”

Mehrotra brings over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, with a proven track record of building category-defining platforms. Before his role at Superhuman, an email application designed for productivity enhancement, he co-founded Coda, a productivity and AI platform that successfully served millions of users and tens of thousands of teams.

Prior to founding Coda, Mehrotra held significant positions at YouTube, serving as both Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in transforming YouTube into the world’s largest video platform and one of Google’s most significant and rapidly growing businesses, catering to a new generation of creators.

Mehrotra holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Walmart serves approximately 270 million customers and members each week across more than 10,750 stores and various eCommerce websites in 19 countries. The company reported a fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion and employs around 2.1 million associates globally, according to the company’s release.

This strategic appointment reflects Walmart’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its operations and enhancing customer service as it navigates the evolving landscape of retail.

According to The American Bazaar, Mehrotra’s expertise will be invaluable as Walmart continues to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market.

Recent survey findings reveal that Anthropic’s Claude is the most popular AI tool among U.S. professionals, surpassing competitors like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a new survey sheds light on the preferences of U.S. professionals regarding workplace AI tools. While major tech companies are eager to promote their proprietary AI solutions, it appears that users are making their choices based on performance rather than corporate allegiance.

Conducted by Blind, an anonymous professional community platform, the survey indicates that Claude, developed by Anthropic, has emerged as the most widely used AI model in corporate environments. Surprisingly, Claude has outperformed more established competitors, including ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to the survey, 31.7% of respondents reported using Claude as their primary AI tool at work, regardless of their employer’s preferences.

The survey collected responses from verified U.S.-based professionals during December, with a significant number identifying as software engineers. Participants sought AI assistance across various tasks, including debugging, system design, documentation, and content generation.

Despite Claude’s leading position, the survey reveals a more complex reality: professionals are not committing to a single AI model. Instead, many are curating personalized toolkits tailored to their specific needs. Vasudha Badri Paul, founder of Avatara AI, shared her experience, stating that her daily workflow involves multiple platforms. “I use Perplexity and Notebook LLM most frequently. For research and learning, I go to Claude and Gemini, while ChatGPT is my go-to for content,” she explained. Paul also incorporates Notion AI for organization, Sora for short video generation, Canva Magic Studio for graphics, and Gamma for slide decks.

This trend reflects a pragmatic approach among users, who are increasingly willing to switch between tools rather than remain loyal to a single ecosystem.

When it comes to coding, Claude’s advantages become particularly pronounced. The survey indicates that among developers, Claude excels in software development tasks. Many respondents highlighted its capabilities in writing and understanding complex code, an area where company-backed tools often face resistance. The survey found that 19.6% of professionals use ChatGPT, while 15% rely on Gemini. GitHub Copilot is close behind with 14.2%, and another 11.5% reported using Cursor.

The survey also explored preferences within companies that have their own AI products. At Meta, for instance, 50.7% of surveyed employees indicated that Claude was their preferred AI model, while only 8.2% reported using Meta AI. A similar trend was observed among Microsoft employees, where 34.8% favored Claude, narrowly ahead of Copilot at 32.2%, with ChatGPT trailing at 18.3%.

One key takeaway from the survey is that corporate backing does not necessarily guarantee employee loyalty. In an era where productivity is increasingly driven by AI tools, professionals are prioritizing effectiveness over brand allegiance.

Nitin Kumar, an app developer and solutions manager, noted the shift in his own AI stack over the past year. He stated, “Claude is definitely the most superior for software development.” Kumar recently canceled his ChatGPT Plus subscription, citing a lack of utility. However, he acknowledged that the AI landscape is still evolving, adding, “Gemini 3 Pro changed the game completely for non-coding uses.” He believes that coding capabilities are now nearly on par with Claude Opus 4.5.

Kumar’s insights reflect a broader trend of users experimenting with different tools and comparing version upgrades to find the best fit for their needs.

Interestingly, Google employees showed the strongest internal alignment, with 57.6% of those surveyed using Gemini as their primary AI model. However, this preference did not extend beyond Google’s offices, as only 11.6% of Amazon employees selected Gemini as their top choice. Amazon’s own AI tools, such as Amazon CodeWhisperer, received minimal traction, with just 0.7% of respondents indicating they used it.

Ultimately, the survey highlights a significant shift in how professionals engage with AI. Rather than adopting tools based on corporate mandates or branding, workers are choosing solutions that demonstrably enhance their speed, accuracy, and overall output. While Claude currently leads the pack, its dominance may not be permanent, but it has certainly established a measure of trust among users for now.

According to Blind, the findings underscore the importance of user experience in the competitive AI landscape.