Astera Labs unveils massive new San Jose HQ
Neal Waters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
13 minutes ago
- USA Today
GM inks deal to recycle EV batteries to power AI
Used batteries from General Motors vehicles may soon power artificial intelligence centers. The Detroit automaker signed a 'non-binding memorandum of understanding' to deploy new and used electric vehicle batteries for storage systems that power a Nevada microgrid, which, in turn, powers a modular data center for AI infrastructure company Crusoe, the company said last Wednesday. GM defines the terms of the deal as a business plan in place that outlines the automaker's intentions to work together moving forward on the deployment of energy storage systems meant to strengthen American grid resiliency. This expands on an existing partnership with Redwood Materials, which the companies announced in May 2024 to recycle production scrap from two Ultium Cells battery plants, in Warren, Ohio and Spring Hill, Tennessee. Ultium Cells is the joint battery cell manufacturing venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. These GM EV batteries are already powering Redwood's microgrid in Nevada supporting AI infrastructure company Crusoe. That installation can deliver 12 megawatts of power at any instant, and the total capacity of the site is 63-megawatt hours, GM said. 'The market for grid-scale batteries and backup power isn't just expanding, it's becoming essential infrastructure,' said Kurt Kelty, vice president of batteries, propulsion and sustainability at GM. 'Electricity demand is climbing, and it's only going to accelerate. To meet that challenge, the U.S. needs energy storage solutions that can be deployed quickly, economically and made right here at home. GM batteries can play an integral role.' The business of recycling batteries The news comes on the heels of several announcements GM has made regarding investment in electric vehicle propulsion. Earlier this week, GM and LG said they would scale production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells, a lower-cost alternative to the nickel-rich batteries the companies also produce together, at their Ultium facility in Tennessee. In case you missed it: GM inks multibillion-dollar deal for synthetic battery materials to bypass China Redwood Materials, founded and run by former Tesla chief technology officer JB Straubel, also partners with Toyota Motor Co., Ford Motor Co., Volvo, Volkswagen and Audi to extract lithium, nickel and cobalt from 'end-of-life' battery packs. Redwood Materials then remanufactures those materials into cathodes, according to its website. 'Both GM's second-life EV batteries and new batteries can be deployed in Redwood's energy storage systems, delivering fast, flexible power solutions and strengthening America's energy and manufacturing independence,' Straubel said in a statement. GM's contract with Redwood allows it to enter a new business much like its partner LG Energy Solution in the race to build batteries that support the U.S. electric grid and fuel the growing demand of artificial intelligence. The South Korean battery maker, the largest in the country, completed expansion of its Holland, Michigan, facility last month after investing over $1.4 billion to manufacture batteries for storage systems. The plant, operational since 2012, also produces automotive vehicle batteries for partners, including General Motors, Honda and Hyundai Motors. Still, the collaboration with Redwood Materials to deploy energy storage systems does not put it in direct competition with its joint venture partner. Rather, the expansion requires using new GM-manufactured battery packs made from cells from Ultium Cells JV with LG Energy Solution, and second-life GM EV batteries with Redwood Materials integrating GM battery technology into battery energy storage systems, according to a company spokesman. Striking a deal Partnerships between automakers and battery recyclers are a growing trend in North America, but are still in their infancy and it remains to be seen how well the business model will work, according to Tony Flanagan, a partner and managing director in the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners. The investment required to get a battery recycling operation up and running is substantial, and the revenue stream for U.S. automakers is difficult to project due to the mercurial changes facing the EV environment in North America. 'Europe and China seem to have better business models for these partnerships as we see the global supply of EV batteries for recycling on track to take off in 2028, driven largely by growth' outside the United States, he said, adding that battery recycling capacity is on track to be about three times what it is today by 2030, with China representing approximately 70% of the market and the U.S. just 10%. The U.S. Department of Energy said last December in its 2024 Report on U.S. Data Center Energy Use that data center load growth tripled over the past decade and is projected to double or triple again by 2028. Meanwhile, Redwood Materials anticipates more than 100,000 EVs will require recycling by the end of 2025. The lifespan of an EV battery Just because a battery is no longer useful in an electric vehicle does not mean it's useless, according to Liz Najman, director of market insights at EV research firm and shopping resource Recurrent. In 2025, the new electric vehicle will produce batteries with an average of 93 kilowatts of charge. Depending on the manufacturer, a battery is considered end-of-life in an electric vehicle, when around 70 kilowatt hours remain. 'When you lose that 30% in battery capacity, you lose around 30%, plus or minus, of range. For a lot of people, that's no longer satisfactory,' she told the Free Press. 'You're not just losing the capacity of the battery; you're losing the rate of energy delivery ― which is power.' Even for vehicles on the road for over five years, decommissioned electric vehicle batteries could last another 10 to 20 years before officially expiring ― but the technology hasn't been around long enough to specify accurate lifespans, Najman said. Microgrids like the one GM EV batteries will power are more resilient and cost-effective than a traditional energy grid, Najman said, and are exempt from the processes of a state-regulated utility. 'We don't actually know ― modern lithium-ion batteries have not been around and in use for that long,' she said. 'We don't know how long these vehicle batteries will continue to be useful, but it's longer than people expect.' Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@
Time Business News
14 minutes ago
- Time Business News
AI Development Company: Pioneering the Next Tech Revolution
As digital transformation becomes key to staying ahead in the market, collaborating with an AI development company is now a strategic imperative—not just an option. Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond being a futuristic idea; it's now a core driver of innovation across sectors like healthcare, finance, education, retail, and entertainment. With businesses striving to deliver personalized, intelligent experiences, AI-powered solutions are leading the charge. This article explores how a top-tier AI Development Company can drive your digital journey, why AI-based VR applications are shaping immersive futures, and how AI mobile game development is reinventing interactive entertainment. Let's delve into the technological possibilities of today and tomorrow, backed by cutting-edge AI solutions. AI development companies specialize in designing intelligent solutions that mimic human cognition. These firms offer services like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), robotic process automation (RPA), and computer vision, tailored to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate user experience. With the rapid proliferation of data and increased computational power, businesses now look to AI experts to build scalable, secure, and innovative applications. The ideal AI Development Company provides a holistic suite—from strategy to deployment. The merger of AI and VR is ushering in a new generation of interactive and intelligent simulations. AI enhances VR environments with real-time object recognition, emotional feedback systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive behaviors—making experiences more lifelike. Industries like healthcare, education, gaming, and real estate are investing in immersive solutions. Example: Medical training simulations with AI-assisted feedback Language learning tools powered by voice recognition Real estate virtual tours with AI-generated personalization An AI based VR app development company delivers immersive experiences that continuously adapt to users' behaviors and preferences, resulting in smarter, more engaging applications. AI mobile game development is transforming gaming experiences with real-time personalization, smart NPC behavior, procedural content generation, and player analytics. Today's games are no longer static; they evolve dynamically based on the player's performance, interests, and strategies. Consider how AI can: Predict player drop-off points Customize levels for individual players Generate new game content on-the-fly Monitor in-game economy for balance Leading providers of AI Mobile Game Development Services offer state-of-the-art tools that ensure seamless user engagement and higher retention rates. 4. Core Benefits of Partnering with an AI Development Company Scalability: AI systems are designed to learn and evolve over time, making them adaptable to growing business needs. AI systems are designed to learn and evolve over time, making them adaptable to growing business needs. Efficiency: Automation reduces human error and streamlines operations. Automation reduces human error and streamlines operations. Data Utilization: AI extracts actionable insights from massive data sets. AI extracts actionable insights from massive data sets. Personalization: Tailored user experiences improve engagement and satisfaction. Tailored user experiences improve engagement and satisfaction. Security: AI can detect fraud patterns and secure systems in real-time. These benefits illustrate why investing in AI development services is future-proof. 5. Technologies Driving AI Development in 2025 and Beyond AI development isn't static. Here are some groundbreaking technologies shaping the future: Generative AI: Models like GPT and DALL-E enable content creation with minimal human input. Models like GPT and DALL-E enable content creation with minimal human input. Edge AI: AI computation at the device level reduces latency and improves privacy. AI computation at the device level reduces latency and improves privacy. Explainable AI (XAI): Builds trust by making AI decision-making processes transparent. Builds trust by making AI decision-making processes transparent. Federated Learning: Allows AI models to learn across decentralized data sources, protecting user privacy. Allows AI models to learn across decentralized data sources, protecting user privacy. AI-powered Cybersecurity: Real-time threat detection and adaptive defense systems. As 2025 and 2026 approach, companies must stay ahead by integrating these technologies into their ecosystems. 6. Key Industries Benefiting from AI and VR Synergy Healthcare: Diagnosis support, robotic surgery, and patient monitoring. Diagnosis support, robotic surgery, and patient monitoring. Education: Interactive learning, student performance tracking. Interactive learning, student performance tracking. Retail: Personalized shopping, inventory forecasting. Personalized shopping, inventory forecasting. Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance, quality control. Predictive maintenance, quality control. Gaming: Dynamic storytelling, real-time adaptation. Each of these use cases benefits from the synergy between AI development and immersive technologies. 7. Choosing the Right AI Development Partner Working with an AI development partner requires thorough attention to these important aspects: Experience: Proven track record in diverse industries. Proven track record in diverse industries. Tech Stack: Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Unity, and more. Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Unity, and more. Customization: Ability to tailor solutions to your specific business needs. Ability to tailor solutions to your specific business needs. Support: Ongoing maintenance and performance optimization. Ongoing maintenance and performance optimization. Compliance: Adherence to data privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.). A partner like DigiTrends stands out for offering intelligent, future-ready solutions across verticals. 8. The Business Value of AI-Driven VR and Mobile Games Blending AI with VR and mobile gaming goes beyond entertainment—it opens the door to innovative revenue opportunities. Brands can: Monetize through in-game purchases Offer branded VR training modules Leverage analytics for user retention Introduce adaptive storytelling for deeper user engagement Companies offering AI based VR app development and AI Mobile Game Development Services are poised to dominate the future of digital media. 9. Challenges in AI Development and How to Overcome Them AI's promising future is accompanied by its own set of complexities: Data Privacy & Security : Mitigated through strong encryption and compliance. : Mitigated through strong encryption and compliance. Bias in Algorithms : Reduced by diversifying training data. : Reduced by diversifying training data. Integration Complexity : Solved via modular and scalable architectures. : Solved via modular and scalable architectures. Cost Management: Optimized using cloud-based infrastructure and agile development. Skilled AI developers create reliable, ethical solutions that balance performance with accountability. 10. What the Future Holds: AI in 2026 and Beyond By 2026, expect to see: AI copilots in every productivity tool in every productivity tool Voice-first UIs replacing touchscreens replacing touchscreens VR classrooms for global remote education for global remote education Hyper-personalized mobile games reacting in real-time reacting in real-time AI-led marketing campaigns running autonomously A flexible AI development company helps your organization move beyond keeping pace to becoming an industry leader. Conclusion In a technology-first world, working with an experienced AI development company is crucial for sustainable growth. From smart automation to immersive VR experiences and interactive mobile games, AI is powering the next wave of digital innovation. Businesses looking to stay ahead should invest now in intelligent, scalable solutions offered by proven innovators. Explore how DigiTrends is shaping the future through AI-led transformation. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
K1 to Exit Subsplash in Strategic Sale to Roper Technologies
Transaction Marks K1's Fifth Exit to a Strategic Buyer and Third to a Publicly Listed Company in the Last Year MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- K1 Investment Management, LLC ("K1"), one of the largest investors in small-cap enterprise software, today announced that its portfolio company, Subsplash, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROP), a member of the S&P 500. The transaction is expected to close in the near term, and marks K1's third exit to a publicly traded strategic buyer in the past year. Subsplash, co-founded in Seattle by CEO Tim Turner, is a leading AI-powered engagement platform purpose-built for mission-driven organizations. Its integrated suite of AI capabilities, mobile apps, media delivery, digital giving, group messaging, and church management tools powers connection and growth for over 20,000 faith-based organizations worldwide. Following K1's initial investment in 2019, Subsplash has significantly expanded its product capabilities, go-to-market strategy, and monetization engine – organically growing annual recurring revenue (ARR) by approximately 7x from the fiscal year prior to investment. Subsplash transforms church engagement by creating an all-in-one AI platform that seamlessly integrates giving, media, and community connection. Over the course of the partnership, the company has introduced new features across live streaming, church management, and AI-powered content — strengthening their position as a category-leader while accelerating payment attachment rates and increasing platform adoption among existing users. "This exit underscores K1's focus on backing founder-led companies and scaling them into category leaders," said George Mansour, Partner at K1. "Subsplash is a prime example of what's possible with the right mix of mission, market, and management. In an environment where liquidity has been scarce, this outcome demonstrates the strength of the Subsplash business – and ensures that its customers will continue to benefit from long-term investment, innovation, and platform continuity under a top-tier company like Roper." "K1 was an invaluable partner on this journey. They brought deep domain knowledge and strategic clarity to the table, empowering our team to scale operationally while staying rooted in our mission," said Tim Turner, CEO of Subsplash. "We're thrilled to join Roper, whose commitment to long-term platform growth and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision. This next chapter will allow us to serve our customers even better, expanding the ways we help organizations connect with their communities and share life-changing content." The sale of Subsplash marks K1's fifth exit to a strategic buyer and third to a publicly traded acquirer in the past year, a strong pace given broader market conditions. Notable recent realizations include Irwin (sold to FactSet), GoCanvas (sold to Nemetschek Group), and Axcient (sold to ConnectWise, a Thoma Bravo portfolio company), which contributed to a record year of distributions for K1 in 2024. This transaction also marks K1's third realization in 2025. No investment bankers were involved in the exit to Roper and the deal was originally sourced directly by K1's in-house business development team – underscoring both K1's differentiated sourcing model and its connectivity to strategic buyers in enterprise software. About Subsplash Subsplash is an industry leader in SaaS, fintech, and AI with an award-winning digital engagement platform used by over 20,000 leading churches and ministries around the world. Subsplash is passionate about helping mission-minded organizations engage their audiences through centralized, easy-to-manage systems. As the creators of the Ultimate Engagement Platform™, they're dedicated to delivering delight to millions of people through custom mobile apps, AI, websites, live streaming, media hosting and delivery, online giving, events, church management, communication tools, and more. Additional information about Subsplash is available on the Company's website at About K1 K1 is one of the largest investors in small-cap enterprise software companies. Dedicated to transforming lives and industries by building category leaders in enterprise software, K1 has invested in over 250 companies since inception. Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, the firm partners with strong management teams of high-growth B2B software businesses, utilizing operationally focused growth strategies to scale AI-powered, mission-critical systems of record. K1's exclusive focus, driven by its single team, single office, and single fund strategy, has resulted in realizations for many of its portfolio companies. Examples include Apttus (sold to Thoma Bravo), Axcient (sold to Connectwise, backed by Thoma Bravo), Buildium (sold to RealPage), Certent (sold to insightsoftware, backed by TA Associates and Genstar), Checkmarx (sold to Insight Partners and Hellman & Friedman), Clarizen (sold to Planview, backed by TA Associates and TPG Capital), FMG Suite (sold to Aurora Capital Partners), GoCanvas (sold to Nemetschek Group), Granicus (sold to Vista Equity Partners and Harvest Partners), Inthinc (sold to Orbcomm), Irwin (sold to FactSet), Litera (sold to Hg Capital), Rave Mobile Safety (sold to TCV; now owned by Motorola Solutions), Subsplash (sold to Roper Technologies, NASDAQ: ROP), Unified (now owned by iHeartMedia), WorkForce Software (sold to Insight Partners, now owned by ADP) and Zapproved (sold to Exterro, backed by Leeds Equity). For more information, visit and follow K1 Investment Management on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE K1 Investment Management Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
