Today's technology and business news, May 20th, 2025.

 Hello everyone. Welcome back to Tech and Biz Today. Your go-to podcast for the latest technology and business news from across the United States.  

Grab your coffee and get comfortable. Let’s dive into what is shaking up the tech and business world right now.

 

Segment 1: Market Moves and Wall Street Update

Let’s start with the markets. After a strong six-day winning streak, Wall Street took a breather today. The S and P 500 slipped, ending its run of gains. This was due to rising U.S. Treasury yields catching investors’ attention.

Tech stocks were the biggest drag. They pulled the market down after weeks of strong performance. Concerns about interest rates and inflation continue to influence investor sentiment.

If you are watching your portfolio, it is a good time to stay cautious. Remember, market dips are part of the game.

 

Segment 2: AI Funding Frenzy and Startup Scene

Now, let’s talk about artificial intelligence. A new report from Silicon Valley Bank shows that about 40 percent of all venture capital raised by U.S. startups last year was focused on AI.

That is a huge jump from just 10 percent in 2021. AI companies dominate the enterprise software funding scene. They make up nearly half of the venture capital flowing into that space.

Big AI megadeals — those one hundred million dollar plus funding rounds — are driving this surge. Major players like OpenAI and Anthropic lead the charge.

Despite all this cash, many AI startups have not gone public yet. Investors are still waiting to see big returns.

The overall IPO market is still a bit sluggish. This is partly because of tariffs and regulatory uncertainties. But there are signs of life.

For example, eToro recently had a successful Nasdaq debut. CoreWeave, an AI infrastructure provider, reported a whopping 420 percent revenue increase in its first earnings report as a public company. This sent its stock up 56 percent over the week.

 

Segment 3: Google’s AI-Powered Search Overhaul

Speaking of AI, Google just rolled out a major update to its search engine. They introduced a new AI Mode. This lets users interact with search like they are chatting with an expert.

This feature is now live across the U.S., following a trial period. It is part of Google’s year-long effort to transform how we find information online. They are moving away from just links to conversational, AI-generated summaries and insights.

Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai says this marks a new era where AI becomes a tangible platform for billions of users worldwide.

About 1.5 billion people already use Google’s AI-powered overviews regularly.

But there is a catch. This shift might reduce traffic to traditional websites. People get answers directly from AI. Publishers might feel the pinch.

Google is also testing some cool new AI features. These include buying concert tickets automatically, searching via live video, and accessing Gmail with permission to personalize results.

Plus, they are launching a premium “Ultra” AI subscription for two hundred fifty dollars a month. It offers massive storage and advanced AI tools.

 

Segment 4: Crypto and Blockchain Innovations

On the crypto front, there is exciting news. Crypto.com and Canary Capital launched a new fund. It aims to attract institutional investors in the U.S., focusing on crypto opportunities.

Franklin is tapping blockchain technology to generate yield on idle payroll funds. This lets companies earn returns on their cash reserves through blockchain lending protocols.

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