WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute — Elon Musk’s xAI in Talks to Raise $15 Billion

Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This TNB Tech Minute gives a brisk yet news-packed update on key tech stories of the day. The main theme is Elon Musk’s AI venture xAI entering advanced talks to raise an enormous $15 billion in fresh funding, nearly doubling its prior disclosed valuation. Additional notable news covers leadership shifts at OpenAI and a breakthrough geopolitical move for semiconductor firm Nexperia. The format is concise, delivering exclusive scoops and quick context.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elon Musk’s xAI Pursuing $15 Billion in New Funding

[00:16 – 00:55]

• Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is in advanced talks for a new funding round:

  • Amount: $15 billion
  • Expected Valuation: $230 billion (up from $113 billion post-X acquisition in March)
  • Sources: “people familiar with the matter”
  • Details were disclosed to investors by Musk’s wealth manager.

• Unclear details: It’s not specified if the $230B valuation is pre- or post-money.

• No immediate comments: Musk’s wealth manager and xAI spokesperson both did not respond for comment as of recording.

  “We are exclusively reporting Elon Musk's AI company XAI is in advanced talks to raise $15 billion in new at a $230 billion valuation, a significant increase from the $113 billion it disclosed after acquiring X in March.” — Zoe Culkin [00:20]

2. Larry Summers Steps Down from OpenAI Board

[00:55 – 01:22]

• Key fact: Former Harvard President Larry Summers resigns following criticism over undisclosed communications with Jeffrey Epstein.

• Summers acknowledged responsibility, is stepping away from public commitments, but remains dedicated to teaching at Harvard.

• OpenAI’s board issued a respectful statement regarding his departure.

  “Former Harvard University President Larry Summers has resigned from OpenAI's board after receiving criticism for previously undisclosed correspondence between him and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.” — Zoe Culkin [00:55]

  “[Summers said] he was stepping away from public commitments and taking full responsibility for his decision to communicate with Mr. Epstein.” — Zoe Culkin [01:11]

3. Dutch Government Returns Nexperia Control to Chinese Owner

[01:22 – 01:54]

• Context: The Dutch government handing back control of Nexperia, a semiconductor manufacturer, to its Chinese parent company.

• Significance: Resolves a dispute that had interrupted chip supplies crucial for the automotive industry.

• The decision was reached after consultation with European and Chinese authorities.

• Nexperia welcomes the resumption of dialogue, but notes further cooperation is still needed for full operational recovery.

  “The Dutch government has handed back control of semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia to its Chinese owner, moving toward resolving a spat that blocked vital chip supply to the auto industry.” — Zoe Culkin [01:22]

  “Nexperia said it welcomes the recent dialogue between Dutch and Chinese authorities but a full recovery requires further cooperation of the company's entities in China.” — Zoe Culkin [01:41]

Memorable Quotes & Highlights

• On Musk’s xAI valuation:

  "A significant increase from the $113 billion it disclosed after acquiring X in March." — Zoe Culkin [00:24]

• On Summers’ resignation:

  "He is, quote, grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress." — Zoe Culkin, quoting Summers [01:08]

• On international tech geopolitics:

  “The Dutch government said it hopes similar disruptions can be avoided in the future.” — Zoe Culkin [01:51]

Timeline & Timestamps

• 00:16: Headline & main story — xAI’s fundraising and valuation leap
• 00:55: Larry Summers resigns from OpenAI board
• 01:22: Dutch government returns Nexperia to Chinese parent
• 01:54: Closing: Hopes for future chip supply stability

Summary

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers timely, high-impact scoops on the business of AI, accountability at major tech firms, and supply chain geopolitics. A particularly sharp focus is laid on Musk’s xAI aiming to rapidly scale up its financial resources and valuation, surprising even by current tech standards. The episode’s tone is crisp, fact-driven, and direct—delivering the essential tech headlines that matter most, in under two minutes.