Tech – Taiwan’s Strategic Role Deepens amid Infrastructure & AI Shifts
“Taiwan’s cable concerns and Apple’s AI issues”
Taiwan is increasingly seen not just as a chip-manufacturing base but as a vital node in global AI infrastructure. During Semicon Taiwan, the threat to undersea cables (including an incident involving damage by a Chinese crew) sparked concerns about potential disruptions.
Wildcard – Trade Tensions & Tariff Proposals Surge
President Trump has urged the EU to impose full (100%) tariffs on imports from India and China to exert pressure over geopolitical issues, while Novo Nordisk is cutting 9,000 jobs amid lagging sales, especially against rivals like Eli Lilly. The dual blows highlight how geopolitical strategy and market competition are increasingly intersecting in B2B‑relevant sectors.
Tech — Nebius Raises $3.7B for AI Infrastructure Expansion
Cloud Computing Firm Nebius Raises $3.7 Billion for AI Infrastructure
Dutch cloud provider Nebius secured $3.75B via stocks and convertible notes to expand its data center footprint. The raise is tied to a major partnership with Microsoft; Nebius will deliver dedicated AI infrastructure from its new site in New Jersey later this year.
Tech — Jam 7 Raises €312K Seed for Agentic AI B2B Marketing Platform
Jam 7 Raises €312K Seed Funding for AI B2B Marketing Platform
UK startup Jam 7 has closed a seed round, aiming to build an “agentic” AI platform that works across brand positioning to real‑time campaign optimization. With marketing budgets stretched, their promise is speed and smarter growth for B2B brands without bloated teams.
Industrial — New Study Shines Light on High‑Value Manufacturing Buyer Behaviours
High‑Value B2B Manufacturing: Buying Trends Unveiled
A joint study by Industrial Media and R.H. Blake reveals that in big, complex manufacturing purchases: multiple stakeholders are now involved, online research is near universal (≈85%), and trust & clear differentiation are key hurdles for sellers. Buying journeys are more fragmented, budgets tighter, and vendors without technical depth are increasingly filtered out.
Marketing / Sales — Modern Manufacturers Lean Into Marketing Trends to Compete
Modern manufacturers, meet modern marketing
Industrial B2B marketers are reshaping their playbooks: tighter alignment with the sales funnel, increased video content, storytelling, and trade shows with immersive experiences are becoming musts. Reshoring adds urgency: being local is no longer just about cost, it’s about brand positioning and visibility.
Wildcard — AI: Landbase’s Agentic AI Re‑defines Go‑to‑Market Strategy
Landbase Agentic AI Redefines Go‑to‑Market Strategy
Landbase is using agentic AI to push the capabilities of GTM systems: smarter alignment of sales + marketing, more predictive behaviors, and tools that anticipate needs rather than just respond. This comes as buyer expectations shift, demanding faster, more personalized B2B interactions.
Marketing/Sales – Explosive Growth in APAC B2B Digital Marketplaces
The Asia‑Pacific region is seeing B2B online markets grow at a >15% CAGR through 2026, propelled by digital procurement, cloud platforms, and broader SME participation. Platforms such as AliExpress, 1688, and IndiaMART are playing key roles in increasing transparency and enabling smaller businesses to join regional trade networks.
Region / Strategy – “Anything But China” Gains Traction
“The New Plan for Western Companies Is ABC: ‘Anything But China’”
To reduce risk and exposure to geopolitical pressures, many Western tech firms are accelerating shifts away from China-centric supply chains. Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and others in Latin America are benefiting as alternatives under the “China +1” or “Anything But China” approach.
