How AI cyber threats could unlock a wave of PE investment in Europe - PitchBook

• The AI competition between the US and China has shifted from a struggle over microchips to a strategic battle for top artificial intelligence talent. • Major US tech firms, including Apple, Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, are facing challenges as tightening US immigration policies discourage foreign experts.

• AI trading began 2026 with strong momentum driven by pro-AI executive orders from the Trump administration, specifically benefiting defense AI, quantum computing, and optical infrastructure. • Market growth was later tempered by volatility caused by new tariffs and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, leading to a general pullback.

• Alphabet has priced a nearly $85 billion equity raise specifically to fund the expansion of its AI infrastructure. • The deal is anchored by a significant $10 billion investment from Berkshire Hathaway.

• Minister Jitin Prasada emphasized technology self-reliance and innovation-led growth during the STPI's 35th Foundation Day, identifying AI, semiconductors, and startups as critical pillars for the "Viksit Bharat@2047" vision. • STPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wadhwani Foundation to strengthen skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation initiatives across the country.

• Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) celebrated its 35th Foundation Day by hosting the Tech Summit 2026 to promote national technology growth. • The event featured the launch of the Sayuj AI platform and several new startup initiatives designed to accelerate innovation and support SMEs.

• CodeCondo released an overview detailing how artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity by enabling real-time threat detection, analysis, and response. • The technology shifts defenses away from traditional signature-based rules by utilizing machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and behavioral analytics.

• AI Magazine highlighted the top five AI stories of the past week, focusing on major developments from Microsoft AI, Meta, and Anthropic. • A key highlight is the introduction of Anthropic’s Claude Code and new features that allow users to deploy AI agents simply by asking a question.

• OpenAI has released a major memory upgrade for ChatGPT, while Apple has integrated an AI agent into iMessage for the first time. • DoorDash reported a significant increase in engagement, with its new advertising format doubling user click rates.

• Alphabet has increased its equity fundraising target to $84.75 billion, up from an initial plan of $80 billion announced earlier this week. • The capital will be used to expand data centers and computing capacity to support the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems.

• Alphabet announced a plan this week to raise $80 billion to finance the scaling of its AI capacity. • The move highlights a shift where funding, rather than just technology, has become the primary bottleneck for AI development.

• The Global Deep Tech Report 2026 reveals a significant funding gap in Europe, which hosts 45% of the world's deep tech startups but receives only 17% of global capital. • Germany ranks fifth globally with approximately 500 deep tech startups, trailing behind Great Britain (1,100) and France (800).