> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # πŸ–₯️ Tech Futures #9 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/tech-futures-9/ - Published: 2024-09-23T11:30:30.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-17T08:27:14.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Tech Futures Newsletter covers the latest developments in semiconductor expansions, tech layoffs, and cloud facility investments and highlights the week's top tech deals. - Author: QS - Tags: AI & Digital Skills **Happy Monday πŸ‘‹** This week, Intel [deepened its collaboration](https://www.fierceelectronics.com/ai/intel-lifted-aws-commitment-18a-and-deal-custim-chips?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) by agreeing to provide custom chips manufactured using its cutting-edge 18A process technology. Cisco's decision to go through its second round of [layoffs](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/ciscos-second-layoff-of-2024-affect-thousands-of-employees/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in a single year highlights potential industry challenges and a shift in strategic focus. Chip Startup Groq Backs [Saudi AI Ambitions](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-16/chip-startup-groq-backs-saudi-ai-ambitions-with-aramco-deal?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with Aramco Deal A major collaboration aiming to build one of the world's largest AI inferencing centers, while [Blackstone and ESR](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Blackstone-and-ESR-race-to-develop-AI-data-centers-in-Japan?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Race to Develop AI Data Centers in Japan Focus on AI data centers to address labor shortages and enhance AI capabilities. Salesforce's decision to double its AI fund to [$1B](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/16/salesforce-ventures-ups-its-ai-fund-to-1-billion-doubling-it-again/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) indicates a significant commitment to AI development and innovation. ## **πŸ–₯️** Semiconductor Expansions **πŸ”§ Intel expanded its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) by committing to supply custom chips using its 18A process technology.** This agreement aims to boost AWS's [cloud performance and efficiency](https://www.fierceelectronics.com/ai/intel-lifted-aws-commitment-18a-and-deal-custim-chips?ref=newsletters.qs.com) through tailored, high-performance computing solutions for its data centers. **πŸ“ˆ Chinese chip stocks surged following reports of a breakthrough in semiconductor equipment technology.** This advance is believed to improve China’s ability to produce [advanced chips domestically](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-18/chinese-chip-stocks-jump-after-claims-of-equipment-breakthrough?ref=newsletters.qs.com), potentially reducing its reliance on foreign technology and enhancing the competitiveness of its semiconductor industry. **πŸš€ ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, is accelerating its efforts to produce its own AI chips,** aiming to mass produce two advanced [semiconductors by 2026](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/bytedance-steps-up-ai-chip-efforts?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in collaboration with a leading chipmaker. This move is designed to enhance their AI capabilities and support the growth of their various technology initiatives. ## **βœ‚οΈ** Tech Layoffs **πŸ” Samsung plans significant workforce reductions outside South Korea, potentially cutting up to 30% of employees in certain divisions by the end of the year.** [Job cuts](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/shhyvffzx?ref=newsletters.qs.com) will impact sales, marketing, and administrative staff in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, though manufacturing roles will largely remain unaffected. **πŸ”„ Cisco plans its second major round of layoffs in 2024, affecting thousands of employees.** This decision is part of a [broader restructuring](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/ciscos-second-layoff-of-2024-affect-thousands-of-employees/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) effort to streamline operations and focus on key growth areas. **πŸ”ͺ Microsoft implements significant layoffs as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.** The company is targeting a reduction of [approximately 10,000 employees](https://startupi.com.br/microsoft-demissao-em-massa/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), affecting various departments across its global operations. ## **🏒** Cloud Facility Investments **🌐 Amazon Web Services (AWS)** invests in the state of Rio Grande do Sul by building new [data centers.](https://startupi.com.br/aws-rio-grande-do-sul-investimentos-data-centers/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) **πŸ—οΈ Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel)** is focusing on expanding its [data center and IT businesses](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Singtel-pushes-data-centers-IT-as-mobile-business-matures?ref=newsletters.qs.com) as its core telecom operations mature. **πŸ’‘ Blackstone and ESR** are investing heavily in [data centers in Japan](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Blackstone-and-ESR-race-to-develop-AI-data-centers-in-Japan?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to meet rising AI and computing demands, while **AI startup Groq Inc.** is partnering with Aramco to build the world’s [largest AI inferencing center in Saudi Arabia.](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-16/chip-startup-groq-backs-saudi-ai-ambitions-with-aramco-deal?ref=newsletters.qs.com) ## **πŸ’°** Tech Deals **πŸ’΅ Salesforce Ventures** increased its AI investment fund to [$1B,](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/16/salesforce-ventures-ups-its-ai-fund-to-1-billion-doubling-it-again/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) doubling the amount previously allocated. The [fund](https://www.venturecapitaljournal.com/salesforce-ventures-unveils-500m-ai-fund/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) aims to invest in promising AI startups and technologies, reinforcing Salesforce's strategic focus on artificial intelligence. **πŸ’³ Costanoa Ventures** has closed two new funds totaling [$394M,](https://techfundingnews.com/costanoa-ventures-closes-394m-in-two-new-funds-focuses-on-ai-investments/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) focusing on AI and related advanced tech investments. **πŸͺ™ Vuzix** received a [$10M](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vuzix-receives-10-million-first-tranche-investment-from-quanta-computer-302248818.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) investment from Quanta Computer as the first tranche of a larger funding round. This investment will support Vuzix's augmented reality (AR) technology development and expand its AR market capabilities. **πŸ’² Fal.ai,** a platform focused on AI-generated audio, video, and images, raised [$23M](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/fal-ai-which-hosts-media-generating-ai-models-raises-23m-from-a16z-and-others/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)