WSJ Tech News Briefing (TNB Tech Minute): Oracle, OpenAI Sign $300 Billion Cloud Computing Deal

Date: September 10, 2025
Host: Julie Chang (The Wall Street Journal)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of major tech industry developments, spotlighting a groundbreaking $300 billion five-year cloud contract between OpenAI and Oracle, tech IPO performance with Klarna, and quantum computing progress at PsiQuantum. The episode explores the surging investments in AI infrastructure, fintech trends, and the accelerating movement towards commercial quantum computing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Oracle and OpenAI’s $300 Billion Cloud Computing Deal

• Agreement Details
  • OpenAI signs a contract to purchase $300 billion in computing power from Oracle, spread over five years starting in 2027.
  • Described as “one of the largest cloud contracts ever signed.”
  • The scale of the deal far surpasses OpenAI's current revenue, highlighting massive long-term investment in AI infrastructure.
• Industry Implications
  • Signals a new era in AI-related capital expenditure and cloud infrastructure demand.
  • Reflects “how spending on AI data centers is hitting new highs despite mounting concerns over a potential bubble.” (Julie Chang, 00:36)
• Memorable Quote
  • “The massive commitment far outstrips OpenAI's current revenue. The deal is one of the largest cloud contracts ever signed.” (Julie Chang, 00:27)

Klarna’s Strong NYSE Debut

• IPO Performance
  • Klarna shares surged 20% on its NYSE debut, with an opening price valuing the fintech at $19 billion.
  • Despite the surge, Klarna remains at less than half its 2021 valuation peak of $45.6 billion.
• Strategic Moves
  • Recently expanded into banking and formed partnerships with major retailers such as Walmart and eBay.
• Contextual Insight
  • Reflects the recalibration of fintech valuations post-pandemic.

PsiQuantum’s Quantum Leap

• Funding and Valuation
  • PsiQuantum raises $1 billion, bringing its valuation to $7 billion.
• Commercialization Timeline
  • Aims to deliver a full-scale, commercial-grade quantum computer in Australia by 2027.
• Partnerships
  • Announced collaboration with Nvidia to integrate quantum hardware with AI chips and explore other synergies.
• Quote Highlight
  • “The technology could transform everything from the way companies make medicine, deliver Internet and encrypt information.” (Julie Chang, 01:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “OpenAI has signed a contract to purchase $300 billion in computing power from Oracle or over roughly five years starting in 2027.”
  (Julie Chang, 00:19)
• “The deal is one of the largest cloud contracts ever signed. It shows how spending on AI data centers is hitting new highs despite mounting concerns over a potential bubble.”
  (Julie Chang, 00:27)
• “Shares of Klarna soared 20% after its New York Stock Exchange debuted today... Even with the big first day surge, Klarna's valuation is a fraction of the $45.6 billion it reached in 2021.”
  (Julie Chang, 00:46)
• “PsiQuantum has secured $1 billion in funding, giving it a $7 billion valuation. A full scale commercial grade quantum computer will be ready in Australia by the end of 2027.”
  (Julie Chang, 01:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:16–00:46: Oracle–OpenAI Cloud Deal announcement and implications
• 00:46–01:13: Klarna’s IPO, valuation, and expansion moves
• 01:13–01:54: PsiQuantum’s funding, quantum computing timeline, and Nvidia partnership

Summary

In this episode, Julie Chang concisely reports on transformative moments in tech—OpenAI’s unprecedented cloud commitment with Oracle, Klarna’s tempered but strong public market debut, and PsiQuantum’s bold quantum computing ambitions. Each story highlights ongoing themes: rapid AI infrastructure growth, fintech’s shifting landscape, and the fusion of quantum and AI capabilities. The tone is brisk, informative, and focused on the strategic importance behind each headline.