US Treasury scrutinizes Benchmark's Chinese AI investment; AI-native startups prioritize lean teams
Key Takeaways
- US Treasury reviews Benchmark's $75M investment in Chinese AI startup Manus.
- AI-Native Startups prioritize lean teams for flexibility and faster scaling.
- OpenAI considers charging thousands for specialized AI agents for businesses.
- Fastino raises $17.5M for AI model training using gaming GPUs.
- Ex-Northvolt execs launch AI startup in Sweden for industrial software.
Top Stories
US Treasury reviews Benchmark's investment in Chinese AI startup
On May 9, 2025, reports surfaced that the U.S. Treasury Department is reviewing Benchmark's investment in Manus, a Chinese AI startup valued at $500 million after a $75 million round led by Benchmark. The review concerns compliance with 2023 restrictions on investing in Chinese companies, despite Benchmark's lawyers arguing Manus operates as a 'wrapper' around existing AI models and is incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
AI-Native Startups prioritize lean teams for flexibility
On May 11, 2025, Bloomberg Weekend reported that 'AI-Native' Startups are focusing on maintaining low headcount. A May 8 report also indicated these startups are structuring their organizations to remain small and flexible, questioning if AI could enable companies to scale faster with fewer employees compared to traditional giants like Amazon.
OpenAI considers charging thousands for specialized AI agents
Reports from May 10, 2025, indicate that OpenAI is exploring charging business clients thousands of dollars for specialized AI 'agents' designed to assist with software engineering and research. This comes as OpenAI anticipates not being cash-flow positive until 2029.
Fastino raises $17.5M for AI model training on GPUs
Fastino, an AI startup specializing in training AI models using affordable gaming GPUs, has secured $17.5 million in a funding round led by Khosla.
Ex-Northvolt execs launch AI startup in Sweden
On May 9, 2025, Peter Carlsson, former CEO of Northvolt AB, and Siddharth Khullar, ex-AI lead at Northvolt, launched a new AI startup in Sweden. The startup aims to develop an industrial software platform and consists of up to 20 people.
Funding Flash
Ex-Synapse CEO seeks $100M for robotics venture
Reports on May 8, 2025, indicate that the former CEO of Synapse is attempting to raise $100 million for a new venture focused on humanoid robotics.