Nvidia, Microsoft launch open AI security alliance — without OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic

• A new tech coalition has been formed to address AI security, though critics argue the move is a reactive crisis response following a recent OpenAI incident. • The initiative aims to deliver tangible security improvements, but its effectiveness remains uncertain as it risks becoming a "talking shop" without concrete results.

• Over €1 billion was invested across more than 50 tech funding deals in Europe last week, alongside 10+ exits and M&A transactions. • Notable funding rounds include Italy's Vinhood securing €3M in Series A, Sweden's Scape raising $3.2M to rethink email, and the UK's Ossprey obtaining $2.65M for cybersecurity.

• Political disputes over cross-border funding are creating volatility for European tech stocks, specifically impacting companies like ASML. • A primary point of contention is the UK's restricted access to the EU’s €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund, illustrating how policy shifts dictate capital flow.

• CNA profiles the founders of China's leading AI firms, including DeepSeek, Z.ai, and Moonshot AI, as the nation strengthens its position in the global artificial intelligence race. • These companies are gaining a competitive edge by developing high-performance AI models that are significantly more affordable than those from Western rivals.

• DeepSeek has paused its second funding round following the leak of founder Liang Wenfeng's comments regarding the AI gap between China and the United States. • The decision follows a successful initial funding round that closed in June, raising $7 billion to support the company's rapid growth since its 2023 founding.

• India's startup ecosystem is shifting focus from chasing "unicorn" valuations toward sustainable growth driven by deep-tech innovation, corporate partnerships, and academic integration. • Key initiatives include a Mercedes-Benz-backed program providing funding and mentorship to promising ventures, alongside new entrepreneurial pathways established by educational institutions.

• A study by cybersecurity firm Mimecast reveals that 69% of Singaporean organizations feel unprepared to handle AI-driven cyberattacks that target human vulnerabilities. • The "State of Human Risk 2026" report surveyed 500 IT security decision-makers, finding that 79% of Singapore respondents are concerned about AI being used as an attack vector.

• DeepSeek has suspended its second round of fundraising following the viral spread of leaked comments made by founder Liang Wenfeng. • The controversy centers on Liang's remarks regarding the company's reliance on Nvidia hardware, highlighting the challenges Chinese AI firms face amid chip export restrictions.

• A collective of advanced AI models, including GPT-5.5 and Claude Opus 5, summarized the top AI developments occurring between July 20 and July 26, 2026. • The week was characterized as one of the strongest of the year, featuring the release of new frontier models and breakthroughs in AI-assisted scientific discovery.

• Big Tech companies are increasingly adopting voluntary buyout and retirement programs as an alternative to traditional layoffs to manage their maturing workforces. • Microsoft launched its first broad voluntary retirement program in the spring, resulting in an acceptance rate of over 30% among thousands of eligible U.S. employees.

• India's startup ecosystem is shifting its focus from high-profile funding rounds and unicorn valuations toward sustainable growth and structural maturity. • Key drivers of this evolution include the integration of AI, climate-tech investments, export reforms, and improved startup governance.