OpenAI Acquires Rockset to Enhance Data Capabilities
OpenAI has purchased Rockset, an enterprise search and analytics start-up, in its most significant acquisition to date. The ChatGPT developer announced the acquisition on Friday, with plans to integrate Rockset's technology to assist business customers and developers in optimizing their data on OpenAI's platform. Several members of Rockset’s team will also join OpenAI. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded by former Facebook employees, Rockset specializes in technology that retrieves, indexes, and makes data searchable for businesses in various industries. The start-up has raised a total of $105 million in funding, including $44 million in its last round led by Icon Ventures. This acquisition is notable as it involves integrating both Rockset’s technology and its staff, a first for OpenAI.
OpenAI is in a competitive race with companies like Anthropic and Google to develop advanced AI models and services for businesses. The company was valued at $86 billion in a February tender offer and is projected to generate $3.4 billion in revenue this year.
China Sanctions Lockheed Martin Over Taiwan Arms Deals
China has imposed sanctions on several business units and executives of American defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. due to its arms deals with Taiwan. The sanctioned entities include Lockheed Martin Missile System Integration Lab, Advanced Technology Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin Ventures. China's Foreign Ministry announced the sanctions on Friday, stating these actions are in response to violations of China's sovereignty.
The sanctions involve freezing the companies' assets within China and prohibiting any transactions or cooperation with them. The senior executives affected by the sanctions are CEO James Donald Taiclet, COO Frank Andrew St. John, and CFO Jesus Malave. Their assets within China are also frozen, and they are banned from entering the country.
The sanctions follow a recently approved $360 million US arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of National Defence has urged the US to adhere to its commitment to not support "Taiwan independence" and to cease arming Taiwan.