Big Ideas, Bold Leaders: Big CIO Show and Awards is Where Business Meets Innovation

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February 28, 2025

27 February 2025, Bengaluru: The 14th Edition of the Big CIO Show and Awards, organised by Trescon, is set to bring together India’s most influential CIOs, Tech Leaders and Policy Makers ‘all under one roof to deliberate the next course of action for India’s rapidly evolving business landscape in the wake of emerging technologies.

With a legacy spanning 13 editions, featuring 500+ exhibitors, 800+ speakers and 8,500+ C-level attendees, the Big CIO Show and Awards has established itself as a cornerstone platform for driving transformative conversations around emerging enterprise technologies.

Slated for 20th March 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bengaluru, the event will serve as a strategic platform for CIOs, CDOs, CTOs and Tech Leaders to exchange insights, explore transformative technologies, and address enterprise-level challenges shaping the future of business.

As enterprises, corporates and business leaders scale up AI adoptions, the attention now shifts from experimentations to driving real and measurable outcomes. AI is not only seen as a critical tool to enhance decision making but also seen as a driver for operational efficiency and strategic agility.

This shift is reflected in recent reports revealing that Generative AI companies raised $56 billion in venture capital funding in 2024. This surge in investment underscores both the transformative potential of AI and the growing responsibility of C-level executives to ensure these investments deliver tangible business outcomes while proactively managing associated risks.

The Big CIO Show & Awards is an enabler for top notch Tech Leaders, to tackle emerging challenges and potential gaps through insightful panel discussions and keynote presentations. The event will focus on equipping decision-makers with practical strategies for AI, cyber security, cloud transformation, digital business transformation, data analytics and more.

Our Distinguished Speaker line-up:

– Neeta Verma – Director General of Information Technology, Election Commission of India

– Ekroop Caur – Secretary, Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka

– Sanjay Dubey – Chairman MPSEDC, Government of Madhya Pradesh

– Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

– Dr. Rajiv Chetwani – Director DISM, ISRO

– Suresh Yadav – Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence and Transformative Technology, Commonwealth International

– V Ranganathan Iyer – Senior Executive Vice President & Group CIO, JBM Group

– Pallavi Katiyar – Chief Information Officer, Tech Mahindra

– Pavan Goyal – Chief Information Officer, Mphasis

– Gaurav Duggal – Senior VP – IT & Innovation, Jio Platforms

– Tejas Shah – Chief Information Officer, L’Oréal India

– Udit Pahwa – Chief Information Officer, Blue Star Limited

– Sanjay Maradi – Partner, CIO & Lead, Member Firm Tech Services, KPMG Global Services

– Apurva Dalal – Chief Information Officer, Adani Green Energy

– Rahul Bharde – SVP, Head of Analytics and Insights, Jubilant Foodworks

– Ritesh Mohan Srivastava – Chief AI Officer, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

– Gaurav Srivastava – Head of Technology, National Payments Corporation of India

– Sanjay Rastogi – Vice President Technology, Jio Financial Services

– Vivek Zakarde – Head of Data Engineering and Data Sciences, IndiaFirst Life Sciences

– Bhargab Dutta – Chief Digital Officer, Century Plyboards

– Alok Shankar Pandey – Group General Manager Information Technology & CISO, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited

– Arunraja Karthick – Head-IT Services and Security, DTDC Express

– Dr. Sushil Meher – Medical Informatics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

– Dr. Balakrishnan Nair T.M – Director, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

– Anand Deodhar – Group Chief Information Officer and Head IT, Force Motors

– Ramkumar Mohan – Senior Vice President & CIO, Air Works Group

– Joseph Jeune C.J, Vice President Information Technology, Bangalore International Airport Ltd.

Sharing their excitement about the event, Mohammed Saleem, Founder and Chairman, Trescon, said, “CIOs are no longer just managing technology. They are driving transformation, building resilience, and turning strategy into impact. The challenge is not adopting new technology but making it work for real business outcomes. That is why platforms like the Big CIO Show & Awards matter. They bring tech leaders together to shape the future of enterprise innovation.”

Looking forward to contributing to the discussions at the Big CIO Show and Awards, Ritesh Mohan Srivastava, Chief AI Officer, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., said, “I’m excited to share insights on strategically scaling AI to optimize performance and drive digital business transformation at Trescon’s 14th Edition of Big CIO Show & Awards 2025. We’ll explore how AI can enhance operational efficiency, enable agility, and transform decision-making, with a particular focus on the steel industry.”

The show will also host the ‘Big CIO Show Innovators Awards’ and the ‘Big CIO Show Leaders Awards’ where industry savants will be honored for their contributions to the technology eco-space We are also introducing The Popular Choice Awards, which is a special category for our award nominees, determined through votes from their peer network.This award highlights the outstanding individuals who have made a significant impact, as chosen by their colleagues and industry peers. It’s a celebration of excellence, driven by community support and engagement.

Registration for the Big CIO Show & Awards is now open. Submit your nominations here. Explore the world of emerging technologies as you forge partnerships and gain actionable insights at the event.

The 14th edition of the Big CIO Show & Awards is supported by top media partners –

NDTV Profit (Business News Partner)

Business Standard (Official Print Partner)

Daily Hunt, Business World, Silicon India, IT Voice, CIO Tech Outlook, The CEO Magazine, among others.

For more information about the event, visit: www.bigcioshow.com

About Trescon

Trescon is a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, driving the adoption of emerging technologies while promoting sustainability and inclusive leadership. With a deep understanding of the realities and requirements of the growth markets we operate in – we strive to deliver innovative and high-quality business platforms for our clients. For more information about Trescon, visit: www.tresconglobal.com.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Reeha Haris
PR Executive
Email: reeha@tresconglobal.com

NoBroker launches ConvoZen AI, a conversational AI Cloud

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February 25, 2025

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NoBroker launches ConvoZen AI, a conversational AI Cloud — Akhil Gupta, co-founder and CTO of NoBroker

Proptech unicorn NoBroker on Tuesday introduced ConvoZen.AI, a comprehensive conversational AI cloud built to monitor and automate customer interactions. Previously available as a SaaS product for the past 18 months, it has been extensively tested across various use cases both within and beyond NoBroker.com.

According to Akhil Gupta, co-founder and CTO of NoBroker, the platform caters to clients across industries such as BFSI, education, healthcare, automotive, real estate, travel, and e-commerce. It provides a comprehensive suite of features, including voice and non-voice agents, analytics, monitoring, coaching, and quality control, designed for large customer-facing teams.

“Our clients include Cars24, LendingKart, LeapScholar, and Tata AIG. ConvoZen.AI has helped them reduce costs, improve sales conversions, ensure compliance, and boost agent efficiency,” Gupta said.

Naren Kachroo, Head of Go-to-Market AI at Google Cloud India, stated that AI agents have the potential to lower research costs by up to 84%. Meanwhile, Manish Gupta, Director of Google Research India, highlighted that Google has committed $75 billion toward AI development this year, while Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion, and Meta aims to allocate $65 billion to expand its AI infrastructure.

CarDekho Group expands into UAE market

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February 25, 2025

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CarDekho Group expands into UAE market — Amit Jain, CarDekho Group CEO and Co-Founder

Autotech and financial solutions provider CarDekho Group announced its entry into the UAE market on Tuesday. The company has partnered with Raya Holdings to transform the car-buying experience for consumers in the region.

“What started in a Tier-2 city to empower customers across India has now transcended borders,” CarDekho Group CEO and Co-Founder Amit Jain stated.

The company stated that this expansion also supports the UAE’s ‘Vision 2030’ initiative, which emphasizes sustainable transport and digital transformation.

“Supported by our teams, partners, and customers, we aspire to set new benchmarks and establish CarDekho as a prominent name in mobility and auto-financial space on a global scale,” Jain noted.

CarDekho’s expansion into the UAE follows its growth in Southeast Asia, where it operates as OTO in Indonesia and under the Carmudi and Zigwheels brands in the Philippines.

Quorum Club and Nucleus Office Parks unveil The Pavilion in Mumbai

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February 25, 2025

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Quorum Club and Nucleus Office Parks unveil The Pavilion in Mumbai — Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO of The Quorum

The Quorum has announced the launch of ‘The Pavilion,’ an exclusive hospitality-driven venue for events and experiences in the heart of Mumbai. Nucleus Office Parks, a wholly owned Blackstone India Real Estate subsidiary, collaborated with The Quorum to develop the 6,350-square-foot venue strategically located at One International Center in Lower Parel.

Backed by The Quorum’s expertise in hospitality and event curation, The Pavilion is designed to be a premier destination for hosting events, experiences, performances, and celebrations, according to a statement released by The Quorum.

With its hospitality-focused approach, adaptable design, and naturally lit ambiance, The Pavilion fills a crucial gap in Lower Parel’s amenities infrastructure, which has struggled to innovate and cater to diverse needs. Its flexible layout enables businesses, event organizers, and individuals to utilize the space as an experiential venue for various events.

The Pavilion is well-suited for corporate gatherings such as conferences, town halls, lectures, seminars, and social celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Additionally, the statement added that it serves as an ideal venue for lifestyle experiences, including comedy shows, music performances, theater productions, and more.

Speaking on The Pavilion, Vivek Narain, Founder & CEO of The Quorum, said, “The Pavilion isn’t just a standalone venue—it represents a forward-thinking, design-led approach to hosting events and experiences. It capitalizes on the prime location and grade-A infrastructure of One International Center and offers a hospitality-integrated venue for events across the spectrum. Clients that host an event at The Pavilion are not merely renting a venue but a wholesome experience built on the back of our curatorial expertise built over the years at The Quorum.”

The Pavilion leverages The Quorum’s in-house expertise in event planning and production, offering clients a seamless, all-in-one solution. From customized menus and decor to curated artists, performances, and entertainment, the venue provides a comprehensive event experience, according to the release.

Strategically located, The Pavilion ensures easy accessibility for nearby businesses and visitors across Mumbai. Its contemporary design, abundant natural light, built-in screen, advanced sound system, custom-crafted bar, and dedicated serving stations distinguish it from traditional hotel banquet halls.

With a seating capacity of 200 guests, the venue’s tiered seating and panoramic views add a theatrical touch, creating an immersive and engaging experience for audiences.

The Pavilion will debut with a performance by world-renowned mentalist Nicolai Friedrich and aims to feature a dynamic lineup of events in the coming months. Backed by The Quorum’s experienced team—known for curating over 1,500 cultural events and 2,400 corporate gatherings—the venue promises to deliver exceptional experiences for every occasion, the release stated.

Mphasis, Hexaware, and ChrysCapital compete to acquire SLK Software

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February 25, 2025

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Mphasis, Hexaware Technologies, TPG Capital-owned Altimetrik, and private equity firm ChrysCapital are among the companies that have expressed initial interest in acquiring a majority stake in Bengaluru-based technology services firm SLK Software, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Last week, potential buyers submitted non-binding bids in the range of ₹4,700 crore to ₹5,600 crore ($550-650 million). However, the Amin family, the promoters of SLK Software, are reportedly seeking a valuation of $800 million, as previously reported. Investment bank Avendus is managing the sale process. According to sources, SLK Software looks forward to achieving an EBITDA of $40 million in FY25.

Founded in 2000, the Cincinnati-headquartered company specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent automation, and analytics to deliver technology solutions. It offers software-related services across manufacturing, banking, insurance, and financial services.

SLK Software operates in seven countries, with key centers in Bengaluru, Pune, Cincinnati, and Chicago and locations in France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Singapore.

In 2021, the Amin family divested a controlling stake in SLK Global Solutions, a Bengaluru-based business process management (BPM) provider, to IT firm Coforge for ₹920 crore.

A Mphasis spokesperson said, “As you are aware, the company continuously evaluates various strategic opportunities in its ordinary course of business for its growth and expansion in line with the defined M&A Strategies. At this stage, there is no material event/information which requires disclosure under Sebi Regulations, 2015.”

The acquisition of SLK Software has attracted strong interest from major industry players, including Mphasis, Hexaware, Altimetrik, and ChrysCapital. With a growing focus on AI, automation, and analytics, SLK Software presents a valuable opportunity for strategic expansion in the technology services sector. As the bidding process unfolds, industry watchers await which contender will secure the deal and at what valuation.

Fintech startup Super.money acquires checkout financing platform BharatX

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February 25, 2025

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Flipkart-backed Super.money acquires checkout financing platform BharatX — Prakash Sikaria, CEO, Super.money

Flipkart-backed fintech startup Super.money announced on Tuesday that it has acquired checkout financing platform BharatX in an all-cash transaction. However, the company has not disclosed the financial details of the deal.

Since its launch last year, Super.money has expanded its payment and credit offerings. With this acquisition, the company aims to roll out checkout financing for direct-to-consumer (D2C) and e-commerce brands, including Flipkart. It will initially focus on consumer durables, offering a credit line through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

“This is largely a tech acquisition. We want to play this out via equated monthly installments (EMIs) and buy now, pay later (BNPL), largely for products such as consumer durables. The idea is to bring our depth on UPI and leverage what they have done on checkout financing,” said Prakash Sikaria, chief executive officer (CEO), Super.money.

The company stated that BharatX’s core team will collaborate closely with Super.money, integrating their technology into the platform.

Sikaria aims to launch the product in the first quarter of the financial year 2026 (Q1FY26).

Super.money currently ranks as the sixth-largest third-party application provider (TPAP) on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The company has introduced fixed deposit (FD) and credit products, along with a secure co-branded credit card, and has amassed a user base of over 10 million.

Super.money plans to introduce a secured Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offering, marking a first in the category.

Meanwhile, BharatX has collaborated with over 200 brands to provide checkout financing options and has four banking partners, as listed on its website.

Sikaria also mentioned that his company is in discussions with most of the brands previously onboarded by BharatX.

“We have not concluded the agreement migrations or the discussions with the brand. But, you will see a significant share of the D2C pool coming along as part of this discussion,” he said.

On banking partnerships, he said that the firm will look at new partners to extend the offering.

“I think their terms are very different from how we work with banks. So, we will operate at our terms, which will mean a new set of partners. Today, we work with 20-25 partners, so I don’t think partnership is an area we worry about,” he added.

Founded in 2019, BharatX has secured $4.75 million in funding to date, according to market intelligence platform Tracxn.

Checkout or embedded financing allows customers to split their payments into installments while purchasing partner brands.

“The approach is to eventually distribute various kinds of financial services. The way we think about BNPL or EMIs is that it becomes an introductory product for a lot of our consumers. It is the first financial services product they took from our stable and later on end up taking others,” he explained.

Atmosphere Core makes its India debut with Sardar Manzil Heritage

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February 24, 2025

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Atmosphere Core, a renowned global hospitality brand, has officially entered the Indian market by launching its first couples-only hotel, Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere, in Bhopal. The much-awaited inauguration took place on Saturday, with the Honourable Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, presiding over a grand ceremony ahead of the hotel’s official opening to guests.

Nestled between Bhopal’s historic Old City and its bustling New City, Sadar ManzilHeritage by Atmosphere, Bhopal offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Once the grand audience hall for the Begums and Nawabs of Bhopal, this 19th-century residence has been meticulously restored to create an exclusive retreat for couples.

Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated, “Sadar Manzil Heritage by atmosphere Bhopal Stands as a testament to this city’s rich identity and pride and the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. With 126 years of history and heritage brought back to life, let us all embrace and celebrate this magnificent reminder of our past.”

Akshat Jain, CEO of RDB Bhopal Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “This is the right time to introduce the award-winning Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand to India. Integrating innovative hospitality concepts from the Maldives with local heritage, we offer a unique, new experience at Sadar Manzil.” Speaking about redefining boutique luxury in India, Mr. Vinod Yadhuvanshi, Director of RDB Bhopal Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., added, “I am sure the timeless charm of Sadar Manzil will resonate with travelers seeking romance, international luxury, and a glimpse into the beauty of a bygone era.”

The property is adorned with antique furnishings and rich turquoise and cream accents. Guests are welcomed in style, starting with a traditional airport greeting, a chauffeured city tour, and a grand rose-petal reception at the mansion’s entrance.

Atmosphere Core’s renowned Holiday Plan, originally launched in the Maldives, has been customized for India as the exclusive Begum’s Plan. This lavish offering includes premium accommodation, airport transfers, vegetarian breakfast and dinner, unlimited premium spirits and wines, high tea, live music and dance performances, a champagne tour, and spa treatments based on the length of stay. Guests can opt for a full-board upgrade to enjoy all three meals. Additional facilities include the ELE|NA Ayur spa, a library, a fitness center, and a serene swimming pool.

Sadar Manzil strongly emphasizes vegetarian cuisine, offering a gourmet dining experience with global influences. At Diwan-I-Khas, an all-day dining venue adorned with frescoed ceilings and sparkling chandeliers, guests can savor exquisite meat-free dishes. The open-air Charbagh Courtyard serves a selection of local and international vegetarian specialties for lunch and dinner. For a more sophisticated touch, guests can explore the Maikhana wine cellar or relax at the stylish Madhushala Bar.

“Our extensive Maldives experience has naturally inspired us to expand our presence and bring the Joy of Giving ethos into India, which has been witnessing consistent growth in its tourism industry. As the first historical property in our portfolio, Sadar Manzil holds a special place in my heart,” said Salil Panigrahi, MD, Atmosphere Core. Speaking about the property’s unique concept, Souvagya Mohapatra, MD of Atmosphere Core for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, emphasized, “I am particularly proud of our all-women service team, whose grace and professionalism will undoubtedly craft unforgettable memories for our guests.”

Geniemode secures $50M in Series C funding led by Multiples

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February 24, 2025

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Geniemode, a sourcing and supply chain platform specializing in apparel, has secured over $50 million in a Series C funding round. The round was led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management, with additional backing from Fundamentum, Paramark Ventures, and existing investor Info Edge Ventures, per a company press release.

“We have created a profitable business while ensuring growth. We are closing FY 2025 at $140 million+ GMV with a positive EBITDA run-rate of over $2 million,” said Tanuj Gangwani, co-founder and CFO of Geniemode. “With this round, we intend to scale to new geographies and take the company public in coming years.”

According to Sridhar Sankararaman, MD, Multiples Alternate Asset Management, global macro trends are reshaping the apparel sourcing landscape and driving a rebalancing of supply chains. “Our investment in Geniemode is part of our active strategy to back leading new-age businesses that are disrupting large markets using technology,” he said. “The company’s asset-light, technology-driven approach enables its customers to optimize their sourcing strategies across Asia.”

Geniemode, with operations in New York, London, and Barcelona, stated that it seeks to solidify its role as a key sourcing partner for leading retailers.

“This investment accelerates our mission to build the most efficient, transparent, and scalable sourcing ecosystem, empowering brands with AI-powered design capabilities, speed, flexibility, and responsible solutions. We are committed to being the go-to global sourcing partner, driving innovation, sustainability, and unlocking new growth opportunities for our partners worldwide,” said Amit Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Geniemode.

Hornbill Capital submits $200M bid to invest in Dhan at $1.25 billion valuation

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February 24, 2025

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Hornbill Capital, an India-focused hedge fund backed by Asian private equity firm Orchid Asia, has joined the race to invest in stock trading platform Dhan. According to sources familiar with the matter, the firm has submitted a $200 million bid at a pre-money valuation of $1.25 billion. This development introduces another strong contender shaping to be one of the most highly pursued funding deals.

Sources also indicated that ChrysCapital had been in discussions with Dhan for an investment between $100 million and $150 million, valuing the four-year-old startup at nine to ten times its previous valuation. With Hornbill Orchid now making its move, insiders revealed that this bid is the largest in total funding.

Hornbill Capital recently led a $210 million funding round for edtech firm PhysicsWallah in September, highlighting its increasing focus on new-age companies. Notably, the hedge fund is also an investor in Angel One, a competitor of Dhan. Additionally, Hornbill has acquired a stake in logistics startup Blackbuck through public market shares and has previously invested in gaming firm Nazara Technologies.

Manoj Thakur, the former CEO of Avendus Private Equity Investment, founded Hornbill Capital.

When approached for comments, Dhan’s chief executive, Pravin Jadhav, declined to respond, while an email sent to Hornbill Capital remained unanswered as of press time on Sunday.

Dhan, which competes with IPO-bound Groww and Zerodha, expects to finalize the structure of its investment round within the next 30-40 days once all bidders submit their offers.

According to sources familiar with the matter, this development coincides with a surge in fintech deals, with multiple transactions currently in progress and overall deal sizes increasing.

“Yes, they have given a bid for a $200 million round at a $1.5 billion post-money offer. This is a well-contested round with multiple bids for a profitable startup despite recent regulatory changes,” one of the sources aware of the matter said. Another person said the offer had a pre-investment valuation of $1.25 billion.

Once Dhan officially completes the funding round, it could become India’s first unicorn of 2025, with its valuation soaring from $125 million.

Founded in 2021 by former Paytm Money CEO Pravin Jadhav, the Mumbai-based stock trading platform ranks among the top five monthly new trader additions. The company has also achieved profitability, recording its first-ever profit of ₹155 crore in FY24 on a revenue of ₹380 crore.

Dhan’s co-founders include Jay Prakash Gupta and Alok Pandey. Mirae Asset VC, 3one4 Capital, and several prominent internet entrepreneurs and CEOs back the firm.

With intense competition in India’s stock trading space, Dhan’s latest funding round could significantly boost its market position, especially against established players like Groww and Zerodha. If the deal materializes, it will cement Dhan’s status as a unicorn and highlight the growing investor confidence in profitable fintech startups. As the funding landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Dhan’s next move in securing its place among India’s top trading platforms.

Alibaba to invest over $52 Billion in AI development over the next 3 years

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February 24, 2025

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Alibaba announced on Monday that it plans to invest at least 380 billion yuan ($52.44 billion) in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years. While the Chinese e-commerce giant had previously indicated its intention to invest in the sector during its earnings announcement on Friday, it had not disclosed a specific figure then.

For the quarter ending December 31, Alibaba reported revenue of 280.15 billion yuan, slightly surpassing analysts’ expectations. The company stated that this planned investment exceeds its total spending on AI and cloud computing over the past decade.

Alibaba has emerged as a frontrunner in China’s AI race in 2025, attracting investors through strategic business deals. As a result, its stock has surged by over 68% this year as of its last closing price.

Other Chinese tech giants are also ramping up their artificial intelligence investments. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has reportedly allocated over 150 billion yuan in capital expenditures for this year, with a significant portion directed toward AI, according to sources cited by Reuters in late January.

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