AI Chip Startup Groq Secures $1.5 Billion Investment From Saudi Arabia

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2025

Groq, a U.S.-based AI semiconductor startup, has secured a $1.5 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to expand its advanced AI chip delivery in the country. The startup, founded by a former Alphabet AI chip engineer, specializes in AI inference chips that optimize speed and execute commands for pre-trained models.

Groq already has a partnership with Aramco Digital, the tech arm of oil giant Aramco, through which they developed a key AI hub in the region in December. The investment will fund the expansion of Groq’s data center in Dammam, with the startup having obtained the necessary licenses to export its chips despite U.S. export controls.

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The announcement was made at Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2025 event, where the country also secured $14.9 billion in AI investments. One of the technologies supported by the Dammam Center is Allam, an AI language model developed by the Saudi government that operates in both Arabic and English.

In August, Groq raised $640 million in a funding round led by Cisco, Samsung, and BlackRock, bringing its valuation to $2.8 billion.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Alpha Bank Closes 2025 With €943M In Net Profits And Unyielding Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 27, 2026

Decisive Year For Strategic Transformation

Alpha Bank has reported net profits of €943.3 million for 2025, capping a period marked by strategic transformation and robust financial execution. As part of this decisive year, the bank announced a €519 million dividend distribution to shareholders, underscoring both immediate financial success and long‐term growth potential.

Executing A Bold Three-Year Plan

CEO Vassilis Psaltis said 2025 marked the completion of the bank’s three-year strategy, during which Alpha Bank met or exceeded key operational and financial targets. The period included acquisitions such as AstroBank, which expanded the bank’s regional presence and supported diversification across business segments.

Strong Financial And Operational Metrics

In the fourth quarter, net interest income reached €413.3 million, up 3% quarter over quarter. On an annual basis, net interest income declined 2%, reflecting lower lending margins despite higher loan volumes. The bank reported a return on tangible equity of 13.1% based on adjusted profit, adjusted earnings per share of €0.36 for the quarter, and a fully loaded CET1 ratio of 15%.

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Accelerated Loan Disbursements And Credit Growth

New loan disbursements in Greece reached €4.2 billion in the fourth quarter, representing a 40% increase from the previous quarter and a 4% rise year over year. Quarterly net credit expansion totaled €1.3 billion, driven mainly by business lending, while annual net credit growth reached €3.5 billion. Management said commercial lending activity remained strong despite elevated repayment levels.

Diversification And Enhanced Revenue Streams

Customer funds increased 11.5% year over year, supported by an 8% rise in deposits, or 4% excluding AstroBank’s contribution. Assets under management also expanded, with equities and mutual funds rising 28% annually. Deposits grew by €4.1 billion, including €2.2 billion linked to the AstroBank acquisition. Net fee income increased 19% and represented 23% of total revenues, reflecting growth in transaction banking and asset management services.

Stable Asset Quality And Forward Outlook

The non-performing exposure ratio stood at 3.6%, while the cost of credit risk was 58 basis points in the fourth quarter. The CET1 ratio remained stable at 15%, supported by organic profitability. Management said the bank expects continued growth opportunities in its core markets and highlighted ongoing cooperation with UniCredit in advisory and investment banking services.

A Future Anchored In Disciplined Execution

Looking ahead, Alpha Bank plans to present updated strategic targets at its Investor Day scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The bank said it enters 2026 with strengthened capital, expanded regional operations, and a continued focus on disciplined execution and shareholder returns.

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