WSJ Tech News Briefing — TNB Tech Minute: Databricks Raising Funds at $134 Billion Valuation

Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This episode of the TNB Tech Minute offers a rapid-fire update on major movements in the tech and financial sectors, led by an exclusive story on Databricks’ record-breaking funding round. The briefing also covers significant developments at Informed IQ and PayPal, reflecting ongoing trends in AI, fintech, and payments regulation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Databricks’ Massive Series L Funding & Skyrocketing Valuation

(00:16 – 01:15)

• Databricks has closed a prominent Series L funding round, raising over $4 billion.
• The company’s new valuation stands at $134 billion—a 34% increase from its prior funding, underlining surging investor confidence.
• Databricks’ annual revenue run rate hit $4.8 billion by October 2025, up from $4 billion just months prior.
• Notably, Databricks remains on “IPO watchlists.” However, CEO Ali Ghodsi has yet to commit to a specific IPO timeline, signaling that the company is still weighing its options for a public debut.

“Databricks has been on an initial public offering watchlist for years, but its CEO said he hasn’t decided exactly when to pursue an IPO.”
— Julie Chang, (00:50)

2. Invictus Growth Partners Acquires Informed IQ Amid Fraud Concerns

(01:16 – 01:58)

• Invictus Growth Partners invested $63 million to acquire Informed IQ, an AI-powered verification and fraud prevention startup serving institutional lenders.
• This move is a direct response to industry-wide fears about loan fraud, particularly after the recent bankruptcy of a major auto lender.
• Informed IQ’s AI product is already trusted by top financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Capital One for borrower verification and fraud detection.
• The investment will support expansion, especially in auto finance, and facilitate entry into broader sectors like mortgage and consumer lending.

“[The] deal is driven by heightened industry concern over loan fraud, especially following the recent bankruptcy of a supreme auto lender.”
— Julie Chang, (01:25)

3. PayPal Moves to Launch Its Own Bank

(01:59 – 02:26)

• PayPal (owner of Venmo) has filed to establish PayPal Bank with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC.
• The new entity would be a Utah-chartered industrial loan company—allowing it to lend, hold FDIC-insured deposits, and operate outside the traditional bank holding company structure.
• PayPal aims to streamline small business lending by reducing reliance on third parties.
• Julie notes that “Buy Now, Pay Later” services and crypto platforms are also seeking similar banking charters, signaling a broader trend toward fintechs operating more like banks.

“PayPal said the proposed bank would help make its lending to small businesses more efficient by reducing its reliance on third parties.”
— Julie Chang, (02:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Databricks’ IPO Prospects:
  “Databricks has been on an initial public offering watchlist for years, but its CEO said he hasn’t decided exactly when to pursue an IPO.”
  — Julie Chang, (00:50)

• On Banking-Fintech Convergence:
  “PayPal’s application comes as a growing number of payments companies, including Buy Now, Pay Later Services and crypto platforms are making similar moves to operate more like traditional financial institutions.”
  — Julie Chang, (02:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:16] — Julie Chang opens the TNB Tech Minute and introduces Databricks’ funding news.
• [00:50] — Commentary on Databricks’ IPO deliberations.
• [01:16] — Details on Invictus Growth Partners’ investment in Informed IQ and the context around loan fraud.
• [01:59] — Update on PayPal’s plans to create PayPal Bank and the regulatory implications for fintechs.

Tone:
Succinct, informative, and focused on delivering high-impact business news for tech professionals and investors.

This summary distills the core news and industry trends from the December 16, 2025 episode, omitting advertisements for clarity and relevance.