Anthropic in talks with Google for massive cloud deal
Summary: Anthropic, the AI startup behind the Claude chatbot, is reportedly negotiating a cloud‑computing contract with Google worth “tens of billions” of dollars — underscoring how access to infrastructure is now a strategic battleground for enterprise AI. The deal highlights the cost and scale pressures in bringing advanced models to market and reflects how B2B (enterprise) demand for AI is accelerating.
Why it matters: For your AI‑consulting vantage, this signals that infrastructure partnerships will increasingly determine which players become credible in B2B enterprise AI.
Boston Consulting Group: “Why CEOs need to prepare for AI‑only rivals”
Summary: BCG argues that firms must assume competitors will emerge that operate entirely or primarily via AI agents — with lower cost structures and faster turnaround — and that incumbents must become “AI‑first” to stay relevant. The piece warns of a strategic pivot in B2B enterprise models: not just “adding AI” but re‑architecting operations around it.
Why it matters: As your consulting business works with clients to adopt AI, this frames the bigger competitive lens: it’s not only about new tools, but how business models shift in B2B.
Pretzl formed by five B2B agencies merging to build an AI‑driven marketing powerhouse
Summary: Five legacy B2B marketing agencies (Agent3 Group, Publitek, This Machine, Velocity, Twogether) are combining into a new business called Pretzl, coming to market in Feb 2026, with ~300 employees and an AI‑driven platform “JourneyLab” to support client buyer journeys. They aim to meet changing B2B buyer dynamics with more data, personalization and scale.
Why it matters: For your services, this shows how the B2B marketing ecosystem is evolving — blending creative agency + tech stack + buyer journey science — which opens consulting angles around marketing tech, buyer‑journey redesign and platform enablement.
LG Electronics joins SDVerse marketplace to accelerate software‑defined vehicle innovation
Summary: LG has joined SDVerse, a global B2B marketplace for automotive software (founded by GM, Magna and Wipro), to list its “AlphaWare” suite of mobility solutions — covering in‑vehicle infotainment, ADAS, lifecycle management and more. The deal underscores the rise of software‑defined vehicles and a new procurement/marketplace model in automotive B2B.
Why it matters: From a consulting lens, this is a case of platformization of industrial supply‑chains (mobility/auto) and how software becomes strategic — relevant if you’re advising clients in manufacturing or mobility sectors.
Eurofragance launches “Olivante®”, a sustainable perfumery ingredient for B2B clients
Summary: Eurofragance unveiled a new natural fragrance ingredient, Olivante®, derived from olive‑pulp waste, intended for use in fine fragrance, personal care and home scent markets. The B2B angle: it’s positioned to deliver sustainability credentials and product differentiation to brand clients globally.
Why it matters: This is outside traditional “tech” B2B but underscores how B2B innovation isn’t just digital — ingredients, sustainability, supply‑chain differentiate in industrial/consumer sectors too. Good context if you’re advising clients broadly.
