**OpenAI** is currently in the preliminary stages of discussing a potential **share sale** that could value the company at an astonishing **$500 billion**. This move signifies a monumental leap in valuation for the forefront leader in **artificial intelligence (AI)**.

### The Details Behind the Deal
- The proposed **secondary stock sale** aims to raise billions, offering current and former employees the opportunity to sell their shares.
- **Thrive Capital**, among other existing investors, has expressed interest in purchasing these employee shares, highlighting the high demand and confidence in OpenAI's future growth.

This development not only underscores the **skyrocketing value of AI technologies** but also positions OpenAI as a pivotal player in shaping the future of the industry.

OpenAI is in early talks about a potential sale of stock for current and former employees at a valuation of about $500 billion, people briefed on the investment discussions said, marking an enormous gain in value for the artificial intelligence leader.

OpenAI Eyes Historic $500 Billion Valuation in Groundbreaking Share Sale

## **Runwise: A Game-Changer in Building Efficiency**

As record-breaking temperatures sweep across the nation, the demand for efficient cooling in commercial real estate has never been higher. **Runwise**, a New York-based tech startup, is at the forefront of addressing this challenge with its innovative hardware/software platform designed to optimize building temperatures and reduce energy waste.

### **The Problem with Traditional Systems**
Most large buildings operate on centralized temperature controls, leading to inefficiencies where some areas are too hot while others are too cold. This not only affects comfort but also results in unnecessary energy consumption and carbon emissions.

### **Runwise's Innovative Solution**
Runwise combines **future weather algorithms** with a **wireless temperature sensor network** that communicates with a central control system. This system analyzes data in real-time to adjust heating and cooling operations efficiently.

- **Example**: A 100,000-square-foot building might have just one boiler. Runwise installs 20-25 sensors to gather temperature data, ensuring the boiler runs only when necessary.

### **Impact and Growth**
- **Installed in over 10,000 buildings** across 10 states.
- **1,000+ customers**, including major real estate players like Related, Equity Residential, and National Grid.
- **$100 million saved** in energy costs to date.

### **Recent Funding and Future Plans**
Runwise recently secured **$55 million in Series B funding**, bringing its total funding to $79 million. The startup plans to expand nationwide and integrate **AI** to further enhance its algorithms.

"We're collecting data from more buildings to build advanced models for efficiency," said **Jeff Carleton**, co-founder and CEO of Runwise.

Runwise combines future weather algorithms with a wireless temperature sensor network that speaks to a central control system. 

How Runwise is Revolutionizing Building Efficiency Amid Record Summer Heat

**HistoSonics**, a med-tech startup based in Plymouth, Minnesota, is turning heads with its groundbreaking **Edison** robotic machine. This innovative device uses **ultrasound waves** to non-invasively target and destroy tumors, transforming solid tissue into liquid in under two minutes—a process vividly demonstrated with liver tissue.

### How Edison Works
- **Ultrasound Waves**: Create a bubble cloud that destroys tissue at a sub-cellular level.
- **Non-Invasive & Non-Toxic**: Unlike radiation therapy, it can treat multiple tumors in one procedure.

### FDA Approval & Traction
- **FDA Approved** in 2023 for liver tumors.
- Over **2,000 procedures** completed.
- **50 U.S. hospitals** have installed Edison, with 50 more on order, including Mayo Clinic and Abbott.

### Beyond Liver Tumors
- **Kidney Tumors**: 15 centers completed enrollment; FDA submission expected next year.
- **Pancreatic Cancer**: Early results are "unbelievably encouraging," offering hope for improved quality of life.

### Massive Investment
- A group including **Jeff Bezos** invested **$2.25 billion** for a majority stake.
- CEO Mike Blue envisions a **$200 billion opportunity**, with plans to expand clinical programs.

### Future in Minnesota
- Moved from Ann Arbor to leverage Minnesota's med-tech ecosystem.
- Headquarters will remain in Minnesota, with ambitions for "industrial park domination."

HistoSonics' Edison uses ultrasound waves for non-invasive tumor treatment, gaining FDA approval and $2.25 billion investment.

Revolutionary Ultrasound Tech Startup HistoSonics Secures $2.25B from Jeff Bezos & Others

**AI-generated "brain rot" videos** are taking the internet by storm, captivating younger audiences with their quirky and imaginative content. From **a shark wearing sneakers** to **a ballerina with a cappuccino for a head**, these videos are redefining creativity.

At the heart of this trend is **OpenArt**, a startup founded by former Google employees in 2022, now boasting **3 million monthly active users**. Their latest innovation, the **"One-Click Story"** feature, is set to revolutionize content creation by transforming a simple sentence, script, or song into a **one-minute video** with a complete story arc.

### How It Works
- **Character Vlog**: Upload an image of your character and enter a prompt.
- **Music Video**: The software interprets lyrics to create animations that match the song's theme.
- **Explainer**: Ideal for educational or promotional content.

Users can refine their videos using the **editor’s storyboard mode**, leveraging over **50 AI models** including **DALLE-3, GPT, Imagen, Flux Kontext, and Stable Diffusion**.

![One-Click Story OpenArt](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/One-Click-Story-OpenArt.png?w=680)

**OpenArt** is not just about ease of use; it's about **consistency and immersion**, ensuring characters remain uniform throughout the video for a cohesive narrative.

### Ethical Considerations
While the platform opens doors for **quick and original content creation**, it also raises **ethical questions** around **intellectual property rights** and **misinformation**. OpenArt is proactive, rejecting IP-infringing characters by default and exploring licensing agreements with major IP holders.

![Character OpenArt](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Character-OpenArt.png?w=680)

### Pricing Plans
- **Basic**: $14/month for 4,000 credits.
- **Advanced**: $30/month for 12,000 credits.
- **Infinite**: $56/month for 24,000 credits.
- **Team**: $35/month per member.

With **$5 million in funding** and a projected **annual revenue of over $20 million**, OpenArt is paving the way for the future of AI-driven content creation.

OpenArt launched a new feature to help creators make AI-generated brain rot videos.

OpenArt's AI Magic: Create Viral 'Brain Rot' Videos Instantly with Just One Click

## The Rise of AI-Generated 'Brain Rot' Videos

AI-generated **'brain rot' videos** are taking the internet by storm, captivating younger audiences with their bizarre and whimsical characters. From **a shark wearing sneakers** to **a ballerina with a cappuccino for a head**, these videos are the latest trend in digital creativity.

![OpenArt video of a cat at a desktop computer](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XTNZzlil2_GHgff8dmAGtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUyOTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/techcrunch_finance_785/c712c863c7a6890500299ed4e479e3c2)

## OpenArt: Pioneering the Future of AI Creativity

Founded by **two former Google employees** in 2022, **OpenArt** is at the forefront of this movement, boasting **3 million monthly active users**. The startup recently unveiled its **'One-Click Story'** feature, now in open beta, revolutionizing how creators produce content.

### How It Works

With **One-Click Story**, users can transform a simple sentence, script, or song into a **one-minute video** complete with a story arc. Whether it's a fun TikTok clip or a detailed YouTube explainer, the possibilities are endless. The platform offers three templates:

- **Character Vlog**
- **Music Video**
- **Explainer**

For instance, uploading a song prompts the AI to craft animations that mirror the lyrics, like flowers blooming to a garden-themed tune.

![OpenArt's One-Click Story interface](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/y_FgpAZcZZmHsogBjgM29Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU2MztjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/techcrunch_finance_785/8c11a416defcad755c1431b4dab69de2)

## The Power of Choice

OpenArt aggregates **over 50 AI models**, including **DALLE-3, GPT, Imagen, Flux Kontext, and Stable Diffusion**, giving users unparalleled flexibility in their creative process.

## Ethical Considerations

While the tool democratizes content creation, it also raises **ethical questions** around **intellectual property** and **misinformation**. The inclusion of characters like **Pikachu and SpongeBob** in templates could lead to **IP infringement risks**, as seen in recent lawsuits against AI firms.

OpenArt's AI Magic: Create Viral 'Brain Rot' Videos in Just One Click!

## The Struggle for Minority-Owned Startups in Oregon

Melissa Bird's journey with **Mermaid’s Garden**, an aquaculture farm retreat, highlights the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses in Oregon. Despite her vision to connect clients back to quality food and land, securing property and funding has been a five-year struggle. The recent loss of federal aid through the **Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)** has further complicated her efforts.

### The Impact of Lost Funding

The **Northwest Native Chamber** and **Business Impact Northwest**, two pivotal organizations supporting minority-owned businesses, have seen their MBDA grants vanish. This funding was crucial for providing technical assistance, business coaching, and strategic planning. **Joe Sky-Tucker**, CEO of Business Impact Northwest, warns that these cuts will severely limit access to essential services for underserved communities.

### A Broader Threat to Small Business Support

President Donald Trump's elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has left many minority-owned businesses without vital support. The proposed **$191 million cut** to the federal CDFI program could exacerbate the situation, threatening the survival of small business support programs nationwide.

### Entrepreneurs Forced to Adapt

Entrepreneurs like **Adam Becenti** and **Adrienne Fainman** are now seeking alternative resources to launch and grow their businesses. The unique understanding and support provided by Native-run organizations like the Northwest Native Chamber are irreplaceable, leaving many to navigate the business landscape alone.

### Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, business owners like Melissa Bird are scaling back their visions and taking incremental steps to prove their business models. The resilience of these entrepreneurs underscores the importance of federal support in fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency in minority communities.

Two major small business support organizations in Oregon have lost federal grant funding. 

Federal Aid Cuts Leave Oregon's Minority-Owned Startups Struggling to Survive

**Meta** has made a significant leap in the **AI audio space** by acquiring **WaveForms**, a startup specializing in **AI voice technology**, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition marks Meta's second major move in the AI audio sector within a month, following its purchase of **PlayAI**.

![Mark Zuckerberg](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/zuck-meta.png?w=1024)
*Image Credits: Meta / Meta*

### **The Rise of WaveForms**
Founded just **eight months ago**, WaveForms quickly made a name for itself, raising **$40 million** in a funding round led by **Andreessen Horowitz**, which valued the company at **$160 million pre-money**. The startup's focus was on solving the **Speech Turing Test** and developing **Emotional General Intelligence**, aiming to blur the lines between human and AI-generated speech.

### **Key Players Joining Meta**
Two of WaveForms' co-founders, **Alexis Conneau** (a former researcher at Meta and OpenAI) and **Coralie Lemaitre** (ex-Google advertising strategist), have reportedly joined Meta. Conneau's work on **GPT4-o Advanced Voice Mode neural networks** at OpenAI highlights the expertise Meta is bringing in-house.

### **What's Next for WaveForms?**
While the website of WaveForms has been taken down, the implications of this acquisition for its **14-member team** and the third co-founder, **Kartikay Khandelwal**, remain unclear. This move underscores Meta's commitment to advancing its **AI capabilities**, particularly in **voice and emotional intelligence technologies**.

WaveForms, founded just eight months ago, last raised $40 million in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz that valued the company at $160 million pre-money, per PitchBook data. 

Meta's Strategic AI Audio Move: Acquiring WaveForms to Dominate Voice Technology

Despite recent headlines highlighting alarmingly soft job growth, millions of Americans are turning to entrepreneurship at unprecedented rates. This surge, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, continues to thrive, yet it's largely overlooked by traditional labor statistics focused solely on W-2 payroll jobs. **New business formation** is a critical component of the U.S. economy, offering a counterbalance to the slowdown in traditional job creation.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paints a grim picture, with only 73,000 jobs added in July 2025—far below expectations and insufficient to match population growth. Moreover, significant revisions to May and June figures revealed 258,000 fewer jobs than initially reported. However, this narrative misses a key piece of the puzzle: the **6.48% growth in business formations** from Q1 to Q2 this year, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth, though modest, marks a stark contrast to last year's declines and underscores the rising importance of entrepreneurship in the post-pandemic economy.

![Business Formations Growth](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jobs-data-incomplete-commentary.png?w=1440&q=85)
*Jeff Stibel*

The rise of **AI-driven solopreneurship** is reshaping the labor market. With tools that simplify website creation, copywriting, graphic design, and even customer acquisition, launching a business has never been more accessible. AI's role extends to market research, pricing strategies, and financial projections, lowering barriers to entry and fueling a surge in self-employment, freelancing, and side hustles. In fact, 51% of Americans reported having a side hustle in April 2025, with Gen Z leading the charge at 72%.

![AI in Entrepreneurship](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jobs-data-incomplete-commentary-2.png?w=1440&q=85)
*Jeff Stibel*

Traditional labor metrics fail to capture this shift, relying on outdated models that ignore the **diverse nature of modern work**. A more comprehensive approach would integrate data from new business registrations and freelance platforms, alongside traditional surveys, to provide a fuller picture of economic health. As the nature of work evolves, so too must our methods for measuring it.

The rise of entrepreneurship and AI-driven solopreneurs is reshaping the labor market—but U.S. data hasn’t caught up.

OpenAI Eyes Historic $500 Billion Valuation in Groundbreaking Share Sale

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The Details Behind the Deal

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OpenArt's AI Magic: Create Viral 'Brain Rot' Videos in Just One Click!

Federal Aid Cuts Leave Oregon's Minority-Owned Startups Struggling to Survive

Meta's Strategic AI Audio Move: Acquiring WaveForms to Dominate Voice Technology

The Hidden Boom: How Entrepreneurship and AI Are Redefining America's Job Market