Your concise briefing on pivotal developments in tech, leadership, hiring trends, and venture movements.
🔍 Top 3 Signals This Week
1) China’s Huawei Develops New AI Chip
Huawei is developing its most advanced AI processor, the Ascend 910D, intended to rival Nvidia’s H100 chip, with first samples expected by late May 2025 and mass shipments of its slightly older 910C model starting next month.
➤ Why it matters: Highlights the escalating U.S.–China AI hardware competition and Beijing’s push for semiconductor self-sufficiency under export controls, potentially challenging Nvidia’s dominance in AI model training.
See the full article → https://www.wsj.com/tech/chinas-huawei-develops-new-ai-chip-seeking-to-match-nvidia-8166f606?mod=e2li
2) Google Pressures Remote Workers to Return to Office or Risk Termination
Google is requiring remote employees within 50 miles of an office to work on-site at least three days per week—or accept voluntary exit packages or face role elimination, with relocation stipends for those outside the commute zone.
➤ Why it matters: Signals a rollback of pandemic-era flexibility as Google prioritises in-person collaboration for AI and cost-cutting, reshaping talent retention and hiring norms in Big Tech.
See the full article → https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/23/google-teams-are-including-remote-workers-in-their-cuts.html
3) SandboxAQ Closes $450M Series E Round with Expanded Investor Base
SandboxAQ raised over $450 million in Series E funding led by new investors including Ray Dalio, Horizon Kinetics, BNP Paribas, Google, and NVIDIA—bringing total funding to over $950 million since spinning out from Alphabet in 2022.
➤ Why it matters: Demonstrates strong institutional confidence in enterprise quantitative AI and quantum computing, underscoring growing strategic investment at the AI–quantum convergence for industries from biopharma to financial services.
Check it out → https://www.sandboxaq.com/press/sandboxaq-closes-450m-series-e-round-with-expanded-investor-base
💡 Insider’s Edge
CTOs report GenAI supercharges dev teams by 50%+, liberating lead engineers from the code-review slog so they can laser-focus on high-impact work.
➤ For those seeking jobs in software engineering, this shift means the focus is no longer just on being the best programmer. Instead, the new in-demand skill is being the best at leveraging AI — using advanced prompts to enhance work quality and maximize productivity. Based on insights from AI leaders and CTOs, the future of software engineering is about smart AI integration, not just technical coding expertise.
🚀 Executive Move to Watch
Omar Elassar → Animoca Brands
Animoca Brands expands into the Middle East with a new Dubai hub and appoints Omar Elassar as Managing Director, Middle East & Head of Global Strategic Partnerships. This indicates a strong signal of Animoca’s commitment to the region as Web3 momentum accelerates in MENA.
📬 One to Forward
🎧 “This Speaking Mistake Makes People Ignore You” with Steven Bartlett and Vinh Giang on the DOAC podcast.
If you want to speak with confidence and sharpen your communication and vocal skills, this episode is a must-listen.