Benchmark has raised $2 billion across two new funds to invest in early-stage and growth opportunities, breaking from its traditional, smaller-fund approach. Amid rising AI activity and startup valuations, Benchmark is expanding its strategy to include larger early-stage rounds and more significant growth investments, while also adjusting its leadership team.

Factorial raises a $150 million Series D at a $2.5 billion valuation to accelerate its AI-first HR platform expansion across Europe. Led by General Catalyst, the funding aims to enhance product development amidst competition from Personio and others, focusing on AI-enabled capabilities that promise productivity improvements.

PlayerUnknown Productions is scaling down and pausing development on 'Prologue: Go Wayback' as founder Brendan Greene shifts focus to Melba technology and Project Artemis. Despite halting Go Wayback, the studio will continue its work on Melba and plans to offer refunds or move current game purchasers to a free-to-play model.

Asana launches its AI-driven operating system, featuring AI Teammates and Asana Dash, enhancing collaboration through a robust integration ecosystem and streamlined workflows. The system aims to improve human-AI collaboration by handling routine tasks with AI, demonstrated by success stories from FedEx and COS increasing efficiency and output.

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers wide receiver, faces a misdemeanor charge for speeding over 100 mph near Levi’s Stadium, with a warrant issued for his arrest. The 49ers, grappling with cap space and his absence since 2024, may trade or release him, as $27 million in guarantees have been voided.

OQC has secured a record €260 million funding, led by Bullhound Capital, to expand its quantum computing infrastructure across data centers worldwide. The investment, supported by notable backers including the British Business Bank and Chevron Technology Ventures, underscores a growing confidence in integrating quantum systems into real-world applications.

A legendary golfer voiced concerns about the PGA Tour's new schedule, fearing that clustering major events could negatively impact player well-being and competition quality. He emphasized the importance of maintaining rest periods between tournaments to preserve the sport's tradition and player performance, while ensuring that events like the Memorial Tournament retain their unique appeal beyond just prize money.

Wordsmith has secured $70 million in Series B funding to bolster its AI-driven legal platform, aiming to streamline in-house legal operations for over 500 organizations globally. This investment, led by Highland Europe and Index Ventures, supports expansion into the US market and product development, positioning Wordsmith for rapid growth and scalability.

Ohio State University has approved a $100 million settlement to resolve abuse claims by 279 former students against the late Dr. Richard Strauss. This follows an earlier $61 million settlement with 317 survivors, concluding years of litigation.

Canada's government has reversed a decision requiring streaming giants like Netflix to allocate 15% of Canadian revenues to local content, citing broader trade and regulatory concerns. The move aims to balance consumer affordability, industry viability, and international trade relations, despite criticism it undermines Canadian culture.