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Elon Musk's AI startup xAI is close to securing a massive $6 billion investment that values the company at $18 billion. Key investors include Sequoia Capital, Future Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, and Gigafund. The funds will be used to further develop xAI's chatbot Grok, which aims to leverage data from Musk's companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink to enhance its capabilities. This interconnected AI ecosystem could provide a competitive edge against rivals OpenAI and Anthropic as Musk seeks to create a networked system benefiting all his ventures.

The U.S. government has formed a new Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board under the Department of Homeland Security. This 22-member board includes tech CEOs from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Nvidia and representatives from major companies. Notably absent are social media giants Meta and Twitter. The board will advise on protecting critical infrastructure from potential AI disruptions and help stakeholders use AI responsibly, as emphasized by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Its formation is part of the Biden administration's efforts to regulate AI.

In the digital media space, Jeff Lawson, co-founder of Twilio, has acquired the satirical news outlet The Onion through his company Global Tetrahedron. Plans include shifting to a subscription model, enhancing social media presence, and reviving projects like The Onion News Network. The acquisition aims to preserve The Onion's editorial voice while potentially increasing writer compensation. Separately, the AI-powered startup Curio has developed an AI news anchor called Rio that provides personalized audio news briefings from trusted sources like The Wall Street Journal through an interactive chatbot interface. Rio is currently in early access with plans for a public launch later this year.

From Perplexity's Discover feed

Musk's xAI fundraising nears $6 billion
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/Musks-xAI-fundraising-SHKPouRdTaSpgOqRpDgm0g

Altman, Nadella join AI safety board
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/Altman-Nadella-join-B_0hHsNtSsusVFsmGoDJtQ

Twilio cofounder buys the Onion
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/Twilio-cofounder-buys-.Y1DJm8TTL.wjpeh6BRAAQ

Designing a quantum internet
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/Designing-a-quantum-VUPU7AuhTyOyUqCkEhCYMQ

Curio's AI news anchor

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