Alibaba Introduces the World’s First AI Agent for Global Trade
Alibaba International has integrated a fully agentic AI “Accio Agent” into its B2B search engine, Accio. Surpassing two million users in under nine months, this development allows solo-operator SMEs to compress complex workflows into automation-friendly tasks—streamlining cross-border trade like never before.
- AI Everywhere, But Value Is Hard to Capture
A new Boston Consulting Group report reveals widespread AI adoption across industries—but only 36% of employees feel equipped to use it effectively. Leadership engagement is lagging, and many teams are turning to “shadow AI” (unauthorized tools), which introduces security risks.- B2B Tech Reseller Market Still Growing, but Slowing
- New data from Circana forecasts 2025 B2B technology reseller sales in the U.S. will reach nearly $66 billion—up 4% in H1 and expected to finish the year around 2% growth. Cloud remains the fastest-growing segment, with 21% expansion, while hardware and services each clocked 3% gains.
VC Focus: Creator Economy Powerhouses Doubling Down
Business Insider profiles 16 venture capital firms actively investing in creator economy startups—highlighting big bets like Whatnot’s $265M Series E, Substack’s $100M Series C, and ShopMy’s $77.5M Series B. This sector is projected to balloon into a $480 billion market by 2027. The creator economy continues evolving into a critical B2B frontier, with VCs driving innovation in creator tools, marketplaces, and prosumer infrastructure.
National Grid Selling LNG Terminal to Centrica Consortium
National Grid has agreed to sell its LNG terminal assets in the UK to a consortium led by Centrica. The deal is valued at approximately $2 billion.
Why it matters: Reflects strategic realignment in energy infrastructure, with Centrica expanding its liquefied natural gas capacity.
