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Salesforce Announces $500M Investment In Saudi Arabia To Boost AI Innovation

Salesforce, the U.S.-based software giant, revealed plans for a $500 million investment in Saudi Arabia, aimed at fueling the country’s AI sector and driving economic growth. The announcement was made on the first day of the LEAP 2025 tech conference in Riyadh.

As part of the expansion, Salesforce will launch its Hyperforce platform, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This next-generation platform allows global customers to run workloads locally through a distributed public cloud infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to technological innovation, Salesforce aims to upskill 30,000 Saudi nationals in AI and promote women’s participation in the workforce. The company is partnering with Princess Nourah University (PNU), the world’s largest women’s university, to provide AI-focused learning opportunities and workforce development for female students.

This investment aligns with Salesforce’s pledge at the Davos conference to expand its presence in the region, including the establishment of a new regional headquarters in Riyadh.

Growing Demand For AI In Saudi Arabia

The increasing adoption of Salesforce’s AI-powered digital labor platform, Agentforce, by businesses in Saudi Arabia signals a growing demand for AI-driven solutions. The company is also collaborating with key partners like Capgemini, Deloitte, Globant, IBM, and PwC to support digital growth in the country.

On the opening day of LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia secured $14.9 billion in tech investments, further solidifying its position as a hub for digital innovation.

Salesforce stock rose by 1.4%, closing at $327.2 per share on February 10, 2025, with a market capitalization of $313.1 billion. The company ranks 158th on the Forbes 2024 Global 2000 list.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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