menu_open Columnists
Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Observer

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

GoFundMe Wants to Popularize a Philanthropic Tool Favored by the Ultra-Wealthy

GoFundMe is setting its sights on a philanthropic product historically favored by the ultra-wealthy as it looks to expand beyond its crowdfunding...

latest 0

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Warren Buffett Gives Record Annual Summer Gift to Gates Foundation, Family Nonprofits

The investor’s summer tradition continues as he prepares to step down as CEO.

yesterday 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

What Do Meta and Anthropic’s ‘Fair Use’ Wins Mean for A.I. Copyright Cases?

What Do Meta and Anthropic’s ‘Fair Use’ Wins Mean for A.I. Copyright Cases?

Judges ruled in favor of Meta and Anthropic over fair use in A.I. training, but future cases may hinge on market harm to creators.

saturday 5

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Jensen Huang Declares Nvidia Has Outgrown Its Chipmaking Roots

Jensen Huang Declares Nvidia Has Outgrown Its Chipmaking Roots

Nvidia’s CEO says the company has outgrown its chipmaker identity and is now building the infrastructure for a robotic future.

27.06.2025 10

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Mark Zuckerberg’s A.I. Hiring Spree Targets OpenAI and DeepMind

Mark Zuckerberg’s A.I. Hiring Spree Targets OpenAI and DeepMind

Meta has successfully poached three OpenAI researchers as Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on hiring top A.I. experts.

26.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

FedEx Execs Are Bracing for a $170M Tariff Hit

FedEx Execs Are Bracing for a $170M Tariff Hit

FedEx cites China tariffs and end of de minimis rule as key drivers of a $170 million hit, prompting it to cut its annual forecast for the year.

26.06.2025 5

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Despite Elon Musk’s Return from Washington, Tesla’s Struggle in Europe Continues

Despite Elon Musk’s Return from Washington, Tesla’s Struggle in Europe Continues

Despite Elon Musk’s renewed focus, Tesla’s European market share shrinks as Chinese EVs surge and Model Y refresh falls flat.

25.06.2025 1

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Perplexity AI and Databricks Co-Founder Andy Konwinski Launches $100M A.I. Institute

Perplexity AI and Databricks Co-Founder Andy Konwinski Launches $100M A.I. Institute

The Laude Institute will offer grants, labs and infrastructure to empower computer scientists solving real-world A.I. problems.

25.06.2025 7

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

OpenAI-Backed Legal A.I. Startup Harvey Reaches $5B Valuation

OpenAI-Backed Legal A.I. Startup Harvey Reaches $5B Valuation

Harvey AI’s $300 million funding is set to ignite a legal revolution, one A.I. tool at a time.

24.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

How $1.9B A.I. Startup Writer Won Over the Fortune 500: CEO Interview

How $1.9B A.I. Startup Writer Won Over the Fortune 500: CEO Interview

Writer CEO May Habib sees a future where generative A.I. transforms traditional labor through smart automation. None of its 300 clients has cut jobs...

24.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Draws Wall Street Praise—But Scaling Doubts Linger

Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Draws Wall Street Praise—But Scaling Doubts Linger

Tesla begins testing its self-driving robotaxi service in Austin with safety monitors onboard and cautious optimism from investors.

24.06.2025 6

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

World’s Largest Astronomy Camera Releases Its First Images

World’s Largest Astronomy Camera Releases Its First Images

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has released its first images, unveiling galaxies, nebulae and over 2,000 new asteroids.

23.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Reddit Turns 20: Where Are Its Founders and Early Employees Today?

Reddit Turns 20: Where Are Its Founders and Early Employees Today?

Reddit's story began two decades ago in the same place as many legendary Silicon Valley startups: a college dorm room.

23.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

The 7 Executives Running Reddit’s $26B Online Community

The 7 Executives Running Reddit’s $26B Online Community

Two of Reddit's top executives have been with the company since the very beginning.

23.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Sam Altman Says Mark Zuckerberg Tries to Poach OpenAI Staffers with $100M Bonuses

Sam Altman Says Mark Zuckerberg Tries to Poach OpenAI Staffers with $100M Bonuses

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says Meta’s lavish signing bonuses won’t build a great A.I. culture, despite Zuckerberg’s intense recruitment blitz.

19.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Spotify’s Billionaire CEO Daniel Ek Is Betting Big on Europe’s Defense Sector

Spotify’s Billionaire CEO Daniel Ek Is Betting Big on Europe’s Defense Sector

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's investment firm led a $690 million round in Helsing, a leading European A.I. defense startup.

18.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Meet Elizabeth Rhodes, the Scholar Who Led Sam Altman’s UBI Experiment: Interview

Meet Elizabeth Rhodes, the Scholar Who Led Sam Altman’s UBI Experiment: Interview

The social scientist led a three-year study, backed by Sam Altman, to explore the real-world impact of unconditional cash transfers on work and...

17.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Reddit, a Treasure Trove for A.I. Companies, Launches Its Own A.I. Tools

Reddit, a Treasure Trove for A.I. Companies, Launches Its Own A.I. Tools

"These new products are features I've wanted to build since my first day at Reddit," said Jen Wong, Reddit's chief operating officer.

17.06.2025 20

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

The Hidden History of Sun Valley, the Mountain Retreat of Moguls and Icons

The Hidden History of Sun Valley, the Mountain Retreat of Moguls and Icons

From Hemingway to Buffett, Sun Valley has been a quiet backdrop for legends, landmark deals and literary history for nearly 90 years.

16.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang Leaves to Join Meta Following $14.3B Deal

Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang Leaves to Join Meta Following $14.3B Deal

Wang leaves Scale AI to join Meta's elite team aiming to develop superhuman A.I.

14.06.2025 9

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

ChatGPT Barbie? Mattel and OpenAI Join Forces on New A.I.-Infused Toys

ChatGPT Barbie? Mattel and OpenAI Join Forces on New A.I.-Infused Toys

Mattel’s next wave of toys could talk back, thanks to its new A.I. partnership with OpenAI.

13.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Clashes with Anthropic’s Dario Amodei Over A.I.’s Job Impact

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Clashes with Anthropic’s Dario Amodei Over A.I.’s Job Impact

A.I. debates heat up as tech leaders like Huang, Amodei, and Schmidt weigh in on its impact on jobs and productivity.

12.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Sun Valley 2025 Guest List: Who Is Invited to the ‘Billionaire Summer Camp?’

The annual Allen & Co. Sun Valley conference returns this July with a high-powered guest list of tech CEOs, media bosses and billionaire dealmakers.

11.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Elon Musk’s Favorite Betting Platform Is Now X’s ‘Official Prediction Market Partner’

Polymarket partners with X to offer real-time prediction market insights and drive user engagement through creative product integrations.

11.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Meta Eyes Scale AI, a Quiet Data Powerhouse, in $10B A.I. Push

Meta eyes a $10 billion deal with Scale AI, signaling a stronger push for A.I. research and innovation, with potential shifts in the tech industry’s...

10.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Warner Bros. Discovery Splits Into Two New Companies 3 Years After Merger

WBD announces a split into two entities to better focus on streaming and cable global networks, with a target closure by 2026.

09.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Bill Ackman’s Big Bet on Uber Wins Praise from CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

Ackman’s $2 billion Uber stake has sparked a close relationship with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who welcomes his feedback and long-term vision.

06.06.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

23andMe Bankruptcy Saga: Founder Anne Wojcicki Makes Last-Minute Bid for DNA Data

A second auction for 23andMe's assets opens after Anne Wojcicki's higher bid.

06.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Reddit’s Treasure Trove of ‘Human’ Data Sparks Tension with A.I. Companies

Reddit claims Anthropic used its content to train A.I. models without approval, filing a lawsuit to protect user data.

05.06.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Elon Musk Reveals How Much Money SpaceX Will Make This Year

As Tesla struggles, SpaceX emerges as Musk’s moneymaker with $15.5 billion projected revenue in 2025.

05.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

A.I. Godfather Yoshua Bengio Launches Nonprofit to Counter the Rise of Agentic A.I.

Bengio’s LawZero is taking on A.I.'s darkest tendencies—from deception to goal misalignment.

04.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

What We Know About iPhone Designer Jony Ive’s Post-Smartphone A.I. Device So Far

Jony Ive and Sam Altman are building a post-smartphone A.I. product—one they hope will reset our uneasy relationship with technology.

04.06.2025 10

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Uber Names Its First Chief Operating Officer Since 2019 Amid Leadership Shakeup

Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will finally have a second-in-command in the form of Andrew MacDonald, the company's new president and chief operating...

03.06.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Canadian Startup Waabi Is Bringing Self-Driving Trucks to Texas: CEO Interview

With backing from Uber and Nvidia, Waabi is betting on generative A.I. and simulation to lead the future of driverless long-haul trucking.

03.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Trump Scraps NASA Nomination for SpaceX-Linked Jared Isaacman as Musk Exits DOGE

President Trump pulled billionaire Jared Isaacman's NASA nomination amid scrutiny over past Democratic donations and tensions with Elon Musk.

02.06.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Interview: Cognitive Scientist Gary Marcus’ Lifelong Disillusionment with A.I.

Observer spoke with cognitive scientist Gary Marcus about his deep doubts surrounding large language models and the future of A.I.

31.05.2025 10

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

How Shein Stays So Fast, According to the Brand’s Strategy Head

Shein executive Peter Pernot-Day spoke at Web Summit Vancouver about how the brand’s on-demand model fuels speed, variety and sustainability claims.

31.05.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Grammarly Co-Founder Max Lytvyn Maps A.I. Future After Raising $1B: Interview

Grammarly co-founder Max Lytvyn spoke to Observer about the company’s A.I. ambitions and its race to outpace a growing field of rivals.

30.05.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Brad Smith Says A.I. Must Learn from History to Avoid Industrial Revolution Mistakes

Microsoft president Brad Smith calls for historic lessons to guide a fairer global rollout of A.I., with investment in infrastructure and skills.

29.05.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber Explains How the Social Platform Thrives Without Ads

From custom feeds to open-source tools, Bluesky is scaling fast by avoiding ads and decentralizing trust in a post-X digital landscape.

28.05.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

The 11 Key Executives Running Tesla Behind Elon Musk’s Spotlight

As Elon Musk’s public profile grows more chaotic, the company’s top lieutenants are keeping Tesla’s core business on track.

27.05.2025 3

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Ray Dalio Says Trump Tariffs Are Fueling a New Global Order Without US

As international deals bypass the U.S. and deficits surge, Ray Dalio warns the country is losing its place in the global economic order.

23.05.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Fei-Fei Li Warns of A.I. Innovation Risks Amid US Research Funding Cuts

Fei-Fei Li calls for stronger support of academic research while developing immersive 3D A.I. technologies at her startup, World Labs.

22.05.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

OpenAI to Acquire iPhone Designer Jony Ive’s Year-old Startup for $6.5B

Jony Ive and his design firm LoveFrom will assume design and creative responsibilities across both OpenAI and io going forward.

22.05.2025 5

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Futurist Ray Kurzweil’s Humanoid Robotics Startup Eyes a $500M Valuation

Ray Kurzweil’s robotics startup Beyond Imagination is developing humanoid robots to tackle labor shortages and is reportedly raising $100 million to...

21.05.2025 4

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Sam Altman-Backed Startup Aims to Add 10 Years to Human Life Through Stem Cell Tech

Retro Biosciences is advancing anti-aging therapies and stem cell innovations through global partnerships.

21.05.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

23andMe Has Found a Buyer—Here’s What Might Happen to Your Genetic Data

Regeneron acquires bankrupt 23andMe for $256M, taking over its DNA database and services while pledging to uphold privacy standards.

21.05.2025 10

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Hedge Fund Billionaire Ken Griffin Loans Rare US Founding Documents for Public Display

Ken Griffin is giving $15 million and rare documents to the National Constitution Center ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

20.05.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Jamie Dimon Reaffirms Retirement Timeline as JPMorgan Eyes Successors

Jamie Dimon confirmed his plan to step down as JPMorgan CEO within five years during the bank’s investor day, saying succession planning is well...

20.05.2025 7

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Returns to Business After a 2-Year Pause

Virgin Galactic returns to space tourism with a new spacecraft, higher prices and plans to clear its 700-person backlog in a single year.

16.05.2025 2

Observer

Alexandra Tremayne-Pengelly