January 8

Databricks raises $10 billion in landmark funding round

US-based software company and Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) research partner, Databricks, has raised $10 billion in one of the largest private funding rounds to date. With a valuation of $62 billion, Databricks cements its position as a leader in data and AI technology.

Databricks, a leading software company specializing in data storage, management, and analysis, has strong ties to Amsterdam, where it operates its largest R&D hub outside the United States. With approximately 280 employees, the Amsterdam office traces its roots to Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI). Early in its history, Databricks recruited developers from Amsterdam, including some from the CWI spin-off Vectorwise. This foundation has grown into a major hub for the company’s research and development.

CWI and Databricks have collaborated on several research initiatives over the years. As Databricks notes: "We have built close partnerships with local universities and research centers, helping translate cutting-edge research into product. For example, Databricks partners with Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), one of the world leaders in distributed systems and database research."

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February 3

DeepSeek Gives European AI Firms a Chance to Compete in the Global AI Race >

According to Reuters , the rise of Chinese AI model DeepSeek presents European startups with an opportunity to catch up with US firms. With significantly lower costs, more companies are switching from OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, experts warn about regulatory and security concerns.

Privacy concerns over Chinese AI App DeepSeek: European regulators take action >

The Chinese AI app DeepSeek collects extensive user data, including keystroke information, raising major privacy concerns. According to de Volkskrant , European regulators have launched investigations, with Italy already blocking the app.

Can China’s DeepSeek AI Compete with US Tech Giants? >

A recent RTL Z broadcast highlights how DeepSeek , a new Chinese AI model, is shaking up the tech world. Pascal Wiggers, Lecturer in Responsible AI at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, discussed how the model performs similarly to U.S. AI models like ChatGPT but at a fraction of the cost. This raises questions about its impact on the AI market and Europe’s position in the global technology race.