AI - WORLDEF

PixVerse Raises $439M as AI Video Startup Surpasses $2 Billion Valuation

Singapore-based AI startup PixVerse has raised $439 million in a Series C extension, pushing its valuation above $2 billion as investor appetite for generative AI and video creation technologies continues to grow.

Funding Reflects Strong Investor Confidence

Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup PixVerse has raised $439 million in a Series C extension, lifting its valuation beyond $2 billion as investors continue backing companies building the next generation of generative AI technologies.

The funding highlights sustained confidence in AI-powered video generation, one of the fastest-growing segments of the artificial intelligence industry. As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools for content production, advertising, entertainment and e-commerce, companies capable of generating high-quality video at scale have become attractive investment targets.

Expanding World Model Capabilities

PixVerse said the fresh capital will be used to accelerate development of its world model technology, a class of AI systems designed to better understand and simulate real-world environments, object interactions and physical movement.

The company also plans to strengthen its global footprint by expanding product development, increasing research investments and growing both its engineering and commercial teams. The funding is expected to support broader international expansion as demand for AI-powered creative tools continues to increase.

Competition Intensifies in AI Video Generation

The latest financing comes as competition among AI video developers accelerates. Technology companies and startups alike are racing to improve video realism, generation speed and production quality while reducing costs for enterprise and consumer users.

AI-generated video is rapidly moving beyond experimental use cases into mainstream business applications, including digital marketing, social media campaigns, product demonstrations, customer engagement and enterprise communications. This growing commercial adoption has fueled investor interest in companies with scalable AI infrastructure and differentiated technology.

Asia Strengthens Its Position in Global AI

The investment also underscores Asia’s growing influence in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. While several of the world’s largest foundation model developers are based in the United States, venture capital continues to flow toward Asian startups developing specialized AI platforms with international ambitions.

Investors are increasingly focusing on companies that combine proprietary AI models with clear commercialization strategies, particularly those capable of generating recurring enterprise revenue and expanding across multiple markets.

A Growing AI Unicorn

For PixVerse, the latest funding provides additional resources to compete in an increasingly crowded AI landscape, where innovation cycles are becoming shorter and customer expectations continue to rise. Maintaining technological differentiation while scaling internationally will be critical as competition intensifies across the generative AI market.

With its valuation now exceeding $2 billion, PixVerse joins a growing list of AI unicorns benefiting from sustained investor enthusiasm for generative AI. The latest funding round reinforces the view that capital remains readily available for companies demonstrating both technological innovation and strong commercial potential, even as competition across the AI sector continues to intensify.

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Shahbandr Rebrands as “Komrz”: Global E-Commerce Expansion with AI Assistant Komi

Saudi Arabia-based e-commerce platform Shahbandr announced that it will continue its operations under the “Komrz” brand. As part of the rebranding process, the company is transitioning from its regional operations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to a global growth model covering Gulf Cooperation Council countries and European markets. The company also introduced Komi, an artificial intelligence assistant that enables merchants to manage their daily operations through text commands.

Komrz Reached More Than 20,000 Merchants in Three Years

Founded in 2023 under the name “Shahbandr,” the company built a network of more than 20,000 merchants across Saudi Arabia and Egypt during its three years of operations. During this period, the platform developed built-in video commerce features and early-stage agentic commerce infrastructure for merchants.

Komrz CEO Shady Abdelshaheed stated that they had earned the trust of thousands of merchants under the Shahbandr brand and said that the company’s ambitions had grown. Abdelshaheed noted that the new name represents a new phase focused on artificial intelligence, international expansion, and next-generation infrastructure for global merchants.

Komrz Introduces AI Assistant Komi

As part of the rebranding, Komrz introduced Komi, an artificial intelligence assistant that enables merchants to manage their daily operations through text commands. Komi was developed to help merchants automate routine tasks using simple text commands, accelerate their operations, and communicate more effectively with customers. The company aims to transform artificial intelligence into a commercial tool that business owners can use directly.

Abdelshaheed stated that Komi was not developed merely for the sake of innovation, adding that artificial intelligence would serve as a daily assistant for e-commerce merchants and support operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

Video Commerce, Marketing, and Analytics on a Single Platform

Komrz will enable traditional retailers, entrepreneurs, and digital brands to establish online stores through ready-to-use e-commerce infrastructure that requires no technical expertise. Merchants will be able to integrate video commerce and live-streaming features into their stores.

The artificial intelligence tools available on the platform will offer functions such as creating store designs, preparing marketing content, and generating product images and videos. Real-time analytics will be used to monitor market conditions and retail trends.

Payment and Logistics Integrations Expanded

Komrz will offer connections to payment and buy-now-pay-later providers including Moyasar, Tabby, Tamara, and EdfaPay in the MENA region, as well as Stripe, PayPal, and Klarna in Europe. Logistics processes will be supported through integrations with DHL, Aramex, FedEx, UPS, Zajil, and SMSA. As part of the expansion process launched in July 2026, the company plans to combine artificial intelligence, global payment solutions, and integrated logistics services within a single e-commerce ecosystem.

Shahbandr and Tamara Partner to Empower Over 18,000 Online Stores with BNPL Solutions

Khalifa Fund Launches No-Code Artificial Intelligence Program

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the second edition of its Prompt Engineering Program, enabling entrepreneurs to develop AI-powered business ideas without requiring coding experience. Designed for members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber in Al Ain, the program aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical digital skills at a time when artificial intelligence adoption is rapidly expanding across industries.

Prompt Engineering Takes Centre Stage in the Khalifa Fund Program

Under the program, participants receive training on understanding emerging artificial intelligence trends, creating effective prompts, and making use of AI-powered tools. Entrepreneurs can structure innovative business ideas using the Lean AI Canvas methodology.

Developed as an intensive and hands-on training initiative, the program supports participants in generating startup concepts, evaluating their commercial viability, and establishing AI-powered businesses. No prior coding or software development experience is required to participate. The training approach is built around the principle that “prompt engineering is the new coding.”

Business Ideas Will Be Transformed into Functional Prototypes

During the training process, participants will develop a functional project prototype. They will also prepare a go-to-market toolkit that can be used to introduce products or services to the market.

The process aims to accelerate product development and transform early-stage ideas into commercially viable ventures. No-code artificial intelligence tools provide e-commerce and retail entrepreneurs with new opportunities to test digital business models within a shorter period.

Digital Economy Support for E-Commerce Entrepreneurs

In addition to the Prompt Engineering Program, Khalifa Fund carries out various initiatives designed to support the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy. Developed in collaboration with Amazon, the e-Empower training program provides businesses with tools and educational content to expand their customer base and improve online sales through Amazon.ae.

The organisation’s AI Mentor platform also offers digital advisory services to entrepreneurs during the business planning and funding application stages.

The UAE’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Will Be Strengthened

Through the new program, Khalifa Fund plans to prepare entrepreneurs for an AI-driven economy and support them in building competitive businesses amid rapid digital transformation.

The program also highlights the role of collaboration between national institutions in expanding AI adoption, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is being implemented in line with the country’s goal of developing a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy supported by advanced technologies.

UAE and Google Launch Gemini AI Program

Samsung Accelerates Yongin Chip Fab Launch to 2029 as AI Demand Reshapes Semiconductor Investment

Samsung Electronics is bringing forward the launch of its first semiconductor fabrication facility in Yongin, South Korea, underscoring the growing urgency to expand production capacity as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips continues to accelerate.

According to industry sources, the company now plans to begin operations at the plant in 2029-earlier than previously expected-as competition intensifies across the global semiconductor market. The move reflects Samsung’s broader strategy to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities while responding to rising customer demand for high-performance chips used in AI infrastructure, cloud computing and advanced data centers.

AI Boom Drives Manufacturing Expansion

The decision comes as AI applications fuel unprecedented investment in semiconductor production worldwide. Rapid adoption of generative AI, large language models and high-performance computing has significantly increased demand for advanced memory and logic chips, encouraging major manufacturers to expand fabrication capacity.

Samsung has been investing heavily in its semiconductor business despite cyclical weakness in parts of the memory market. By accelerating construction of the Yongin facility, the company aims to better position itself for the next wave of AI-driven growth while reinforcing South Korea’s role as one of the world’s leading semiconductor production hubs.

The Yongin semiconductor cluster is expected to become one of Samsung’s flagship manufacturing locations, supporting the production of next-generation chips for both domestic and international customers.

Global Competition Intensifies

Samsung’s accelerated timeline also reflects mounting competition among leading chipmakers seeking to capture growing opportunities in AI. Governments across Asia, Europe and North America have introduced incentives to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, while technology companies continue investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure.

The race to secure advanced chip manufacturing capacity has become increasingly strategic as cloud providers, AI developers and enterprise customers expand investments in high-performance computing platforms.

Industry analysts expect semiconductor manufacturers capable of rapidly increasing advanced production capacity to benefit from sustained long-term demand driven by AI adoption across multiple industries.

Strategic Importance for South Korea

The Yongin semiconductor complex forms part of South Korea’s long-term strategy to maintain its global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The project is expected to support high-value investment, strengthen supply chain resilience and create new opportunities across the country’s technology ecosystem.

For Samsung, bringing the project forward represents more than a construction milestone. It signals confidence in the long-term outlook for AI-related semiconductor demand and highlights the company’s commitment to remaining competitive in an industry where production scale and technological leadership increasingly determine market position.

As AI adoption continues to accelerate globally, investments in advanced semiconductor manufacturing are expected to remain a defining trend shaping the future of the technology sector.

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Türkiye Introduces New Rules to Combat Misleading Advertising and Strengthen Consumer Protection

Türkiye has enacted comprehensive amendments to its advertising regulations, introducing stricter rules for digital advertising, influencer marketing, AI-generated content, and discount campaigns. The new framework aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising practices and increase transparency across digital commerce channels.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has announced a series of regulatory changes designed to address the growing influence of digital advertising and safeguard consumers against deceptive marketing practices. Published in the Official Gazette, the updated rules introduce new obligations for advertisers, social media creators, and online platforms operating in Türkiye.

New Standards for Targeted and Digital Advertising

Under the revised regulations, businesses using targeted advertising based on consumers’ online behavior and personal data must clearly explain why specific advertisements are being shown and provide accessible information on how these targeting criteria can be modified. The measures aim to increase transparency and give consumers greater control over personalized advertising experiences.

One of the most significant changes is a ban on targeted advertising directed at children through profiling methods that rely on personal data. The regulation seeks to provide stronger protection for minors in increasingly data-driven digital environments.

Influencers and AI-Generated Advertising Face New Disclosure Requirements

The new framework also tightens rules around social media marketing. Content creators who receive payments, free products, discounts, or other benefits in exchange for promoting products or services will now be required to clearly indicate that their posts constitute advertising or promotional content.

Additionally, the regulations address the growing use of artificial intelligence in advertising. Advertisers must clearly disclose AI-generated digital characters that cannot be easily distinguished from real individuals. The rules also prohibit the use of AI-generated personas that could create the false impression that a real person has used or endorsed a product.

Stricter Rules for Discount Campaigns and Consumer Reviews

The revised regulation extends discount advertising requirements to conditional sales campaigns, where discounts or benefits depend on fulfilling specific conditions. For discounted products, advertisers may only display as the pre-discount price the lowest price applied within the previous ten days before the campaign began. Exceptions apply to perishable goods and certain services.

The Ministry has also shortened the period granted to sellers and service providers to respond to consumer complaints before publication, reducing the timeframe from 72 hours to 48 hours. If no response is submitted within this period, consumer evaluations may be published directly.

The new regulations, which come into force on 1 August 2026, form part of Türkiye’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of digital commerce and advertising practices while improving consumer trust in online marketplaces and promotional content.

Flipkart Builds Proprietary E-Commerce LLMs as AI Generates Up to 40% of Its Code

Walmart-owned Flipkart is deepening its artificial intelligence strategy by developing specialised e-commerce large language models (LLMs), with AI now generating nearly 40% of the company’s software code. The move highlights the growing role of AI as a core operating layer in modern commerce platforms.

India’s e-commerce giant has deployed more than 250 AI models across its ecosystem, according to Chief Product and Technology Officer Balaji Thiagarajan. The company is integrating AI across customer experiences, seller services, engineering processes, and operational workflows, positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven retail innovation.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Thiagarajan revealed that approximately 35–40% of Flipkart’s software code is already being generated by AI-powered tools. The company is also building what it describes as an “agentic e-commerce platform,” combining frontier AI technologies with proprietary models tailored specifically for commerce use cases.

How Flipkart Is Applying AI Across Its E-Commerce Ecosystem

Flipkart believes its long-term competitive advantage will come from specialised e-commerce models trained on its own data and operational expertise rather than relying solely on general-purpose AI systems. The company is using AI to enhance product discovery, conversational shopping experiences, catalogue enrichment, seller tools, customer support, and internal productivity systems.

Among its AI-powered initiatives is Seller Lens, a platform that helps merchants manage and grow their businesses through AI-driven insights. Flipkart is also deploying voice-based AI agents that currently make around 90,000 personalised calls each month to sellers for payment reminders, operational updates, and business recommendations. The company expects these volumes to increase significantly in the future.

To accelerate its AI transformation, Flipkart has strengthened its leadership team by recruiting senior executives from companies including Amazon, Coupang, Tata Digital, Razorpay, Swiggy, and Mastercard. The hires span engineering, product, supply chain, and data science functions, reflecting the company’s ambition to scale AI capabilities across the organisation.

Despite the substantial investments required for generative AI, Flipkart says its current priority is governance rather than immediate financial returns. The company is focusing on areas such as content moderation, response quality, human oversight, and reinforcement learning while measuring success through business metrics including conversion rates, customer engagement, basket sizes, demand forecasting accuracy, and inventory performance.

Flipkart’s AI push comes amid intensifying competition across the global e-commerce sector, where retailers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, personalise shopping experiences, and automate operations. The company’s strategy signals a broader industry shift toward specialised, domain-specific AI systems that can reshape how commerce platforms are built and operated in the years ahead.

Source: Moneycontrol

AWS Launches $1 Billion AI Engineering Unit to Accelerate Enterprise Adoption

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a new $1 billion artificial intelligence initiative aimed at helping enterprises deploy AI solutions faster. Through a newly established Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization, AWS plans to embed thousands of AI engineers directly within customer organizations, signaling a major shift from cloud infrastructure provider to hands-on AI implementation partner.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing division of Amazon, has announced a $1 billion investment to establish its new Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization. The initiative will place AWS engineers directly inside customer companies to co-develop and deploy artificial intelligence applications, with a particular focus on agentic AI systems capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

The new organization is expected to comprise thousands of engineers who will work in small, embedded teams within client organizations for intensive engagements lasting around 45 days. Rather than acting as traditional consultants, these engineers will collaborate with internal development, business, and security teams to accelerate AI adoption and help organizations establish long-term AI capabilities.

AWS Expands Beyond Cloud Infrastructure with Embedded AI Engineering Teams

According to AWS, many enterprises continue to face challenges when moving AI projects from experimentation to production despite growing investment and interest in the technology. The company believes that embedding engineering teams directly within customer organizations will significantly shorten deployment timelines and help businesses build sustainable AI capabilities internally.

The initiative represents a notable evolution in AWS’s strategy. Historically known for providing cloud infrastructure and developer tools, the company is increasingly positioning itself as an implementation partner that helps enterprises turn AI ambitions into practical business outcomes. The move reflects the rapidly growing demand for hands-on support as organizations seek to integrate generative and agentic AI technologies into their operations.

Industry observers note that AWS is among the first major hyperscale cloud providers to launch a forward-deployed engineering organization at this scale. The initiative also places AWS alongside leading AI companies that have recently introduced similar deployment models, underscoring intensifying competition in enterprise artificial intelligence services.

Initial customers for the program reportedly include organizations such as the NBA, NFL, Ricoh, and Southwest Airlines. AWS expects the new engineering unit to help enterprises rapidly develop customized AI agents, modernize workflows, and become more self-sufficient in managing and scaling AI technologies.

The $1 billion investment highlights Amazon’s broader commitment to strengthening its position in the global enterprise AI market. As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, AWS is betting that close collaboration between embedded engineers and customer teams will become a key differentiator in helping organizations move from AI experimentation to real-world implementation.

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Australians Embrace AI Shopping Tools as 63% Show Positive Interest

Australian consumers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their shopping experiences, but most remain hesitant to hand over the final purchasing decision to autonomous systems.

New research shows that while Australians are open to using AI-powered shopping assistants for product discovery, recommendations, and research, trust issues continue to limit the adoption of fully automated checkouts. The findings highlight a growing preference for AI as a shopping companion rather than a replacement for human decision-making.

AI Becomes a Shopping Assistant

Interest in agentic AI shopping tools is rising rapidly across Australia. Consumers are using generative AI platforms to compare products, discover brands, receive personalized recommendations, and simplify the research phase of online shopping. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Australians are interested in trying AI-assisted shopping experiences, reflecting a significant shift in digital consumer behavior.

This trend aligns with broader changes in the retail industry, where AI-powered assistants are increasingly integrated into e-commerce platforms to help shoppers navigate growing product selections and information overload.

Checkout Remains a Human Decision

Despite their enthusiasm for AI-driven recommendations, Australian shoppers remain cautious about allowing AI to complete transactions independently. Research suggests that only a small minority of consumers are comfortable with fully autonomous purchasing.

Security concerns, payment transparency, and the desire to maintain control over spending decisions continue to influence consumer attitudes. Many shoppers view AI as a valuable adviser but believe that the final checkout process should remain firmly in human hands.

Trust Will Define the Future of Agentic Commerce

Consumer trust is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for retailers and technology providers developing agentic commerce solutions. Australians expect AI systems to be transparent about how recommendations are generated and how personal data is used.

Payment providers and established technology companies may have an advantage in this environment, as consumers often associate familiar brands with stronger security and accountability standards.

What It Means for Retailers

For e-commerce businesses, the message is clear: consumers are ready for AI-assisted shopping experiences but are not yet prepared to surrender purchasing control entirely.

Retailers should focus on deploying AI tools that improve product discovery, personalization, and customer support while keeping shoppers actively involved in purchase decisions. Brands that prioritize transparency, security, and human oversight are likely to gain a competitive advantage as agentic commerce continues to evolve.

As AI becomes a more prominent part of online retail, the next phase of e-commerce innovation may depend less on replacing shoppers and more on empowering them with intelligent tools that enhance confidence and convenience.

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UAE Joins Global AI Initiative with 35 Countries, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Innovation

Global delegates attend the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, focusing on secure AI supply chains and international cooperation.

Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates has joined 35 other nations in signing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunities during the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its position as a global advocate for responsible and secure artificial intelligence development.

UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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Artificial Intelligence Determines the New Growth Route of E-Commerce in Europe

In Europe, e-commerce is once again becoming a key growth area for retail and consumer companies following the post-pandemic normalization process. According to McKinsey’s assessment, despite macroeconomic pressures and consumers spending more cautiously due to inflation, digital commerce continues to grow. It is stated that e-commerce in Europe is growing at an annual rate of 5% to 7%, and that this growth is largely supported by marketplaces.

The Impact of AI Is Increasing in E-Commerce Competition

McKinsey emphasizes that the factor distinguishing this new growth cycle from previous periods is not only demand, but also artificial intelligence-powered capabilities. While generative artificial intelligence transforms product discovery, content production, and customer interaction, analytics systems turn pricing, product variety, and delivery processes into continuously optimized structures.

Otto CEO Boris Ewenstein stated, “AI is the next paradigm shift in e-commerce. Just like the transition from catalogs to online, from online to mobile, and from mobile to platforms, AI will fundamentally change how customers shop and how we serve them.”

Agentic Commerce Is Changing the Shopping Journey

According to the news, agentic AI is redefining e-commerce competition with systems that search for products on behalf of consumers, evaluate options, and carry out multi-stage transactions. McKinsey research shows that 38% of consumers in Europe use generative AI tools for product and service research. In addition, it is projected that by 2030, between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in revenue in global B2C retail could be shaped through agentic commerce models.

Allegro CTPO David Roberts stated that traditional shopping, hyper-personalized recommendations, and the headless commerce model, in which AI assistants shop on behalf of users across platforms, will develop in the customer journey.

Retail, Media, and Omnichannel Are Converging

According to McKinsey, the boundaries between content, media, and purchasing processes are also disappearing. Short videos, live broadcasts, and content creators are no longer only traffic sources, but also function directly as digital stores. Pandora Senior Vice President of E-Commerce Jesper Damsgaard stated, “We want every online interaction to feel as carefully crafted and designed as our jewelry.”

It is also stated that AI-powered retail media networks have become an important area of profitability for companies. The news states that retail media margins can be up to 10 times higher than core retail margins.

Operational Efficiency Comes to the Fore with AI

McKinsey states that AI can reduce transaction time in customer service by 40% to 60%, that AI-powered pricing can increase gross margins by 2 to 5 points, and that it can reduce inventory costs in the supply chain by 10% to 20%. It is stated that in the new era of e-commerce, competitive advantage will strengthen among companies that position AI not only as a tool, but as the core structure of the commercial system.

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