WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute

Episode: SoftBank Invests $2 Billion in Intel as U.S. Considers 10% Stake
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Ariana Aspuru

Episode Overview

This concise Tech Minute episode covers three major breaking stories in the tech industry:

• Databricks' $100 billion valuation funding round
• SoftBank’s significant $2 billion investment in Intel amid strategic U.S. interest
• The withdrawal of the UK's request for access to encrypted Apple iCloud data

Ariana Aspuru delivers exclusive reporting and succinct analysis on these high-stakes developments that could shape data analytics, the semiconductor sector, and global digital privacy policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Databricks Approaches $100 Billion Valuation

[00:16 – 00:58]

• Databricks is finalizing a funding round that could place the data analytics software company’s valuation at $100 billion, up from $62 billion just under a year ago.
• Thrive Capital is confirmed as co-leader of the round, with other investors expected, yet details (including total raise amount) are unfinalized.
• The company is dedicating portions of the new capital to product development, focusing especially on “building databases that cater to AI agents instead of humans.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “Databricks is finalizing a funding round that would value it at $100 billion... up from $62 billion less than one year ago.” (Ariana Aspuru, 00:18)
  • “Databricks will invest a portion of the new funds in product development, including building databases that cater to AI agents instead of humans.” (Ariana Aspuru, 00:31)

2. SoftBank’s $2 Billion Intel Investment & U.S. Government Talks

[00:59 – 01:40]

• SoftBank Group has agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel, becoming Intel’s sixth largest shareholder (~2% ownership, S&P Global Market Intelligence).
• This comes as Trump administration officials discuss a potential 10% U.S. government stake in Intel—part of wider efforts to “revive Intel and bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.”
• SoftBank’s move brings major private sector capital into Intel at a pivotal moment for the U.S. chip industry.
• Notable Quote:
  • “SoftBank Group has agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel... making it Intel's sixth largest shareholder.” (Ariana Aspuru, 01:14)
  • “Trump officials are discussing taking a 10% stake in the company… a bid to revive Intel and bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.” (Ariana Aspuru, 01:07, 01:11)

3. UK Withdraws Request for Apple iCloud Backdoor

[01:41 – 02:17]

• The U.S. Director of National Intelligence announced the UK has withdrawn its request to access encrypted data from U.S. Apple users.
• Earlier, the UK had requested a ‘backdoor’ into Apple’s iCloud Advanced Data Protection, sparking strong tech sector and privacy debates.
• Apple responded at the time by stating it would pull iCloud’s advanced data protection from the UK market.
• Neither Apple nor the UK Home Office provided comments.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Apple then said it would stop providing its iCloud advanced data protection service to the UK market.” (Ariana Aspuru, 02:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Databricks funding valuing at $100B – [00:16 – 00:58]
• SoftBank’s $2B stake in Intel & U.S. talks – [00:59 – 01:40]
• UK withdraws Apple iCloud backdoor request – [01:41 – 02:17]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Databricks is finalizing a funding round that would value it at $100 billion.” (Ariana Aspuru, 00:18)
• “SoftBank Group has agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel... making it Intel's sixth largest shareholder.” (Ariana Aspuru, 01:14)
• “Apple then said it would stop providing its iCloud advanced data protection service to the UK market.” (Ariana Aspuru, 02:04)

Tone & Delivery

Ariana Aspuru maintains a brisk, authoritative, and succinct delivery, sticking to the facts and highlighting the exclusive nature of the Journal’s reporting.

In Summary

This TNB Tech Minute delivers fast, exclusive reporting on:

• Explosive growth and innovation funding at Databricks
• Major international and strategic investment moves around Intel
• The latest developments in the ongoing global privacy and encryption debate

This episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking shifting power dynamics in data, semiconductors, or tech policy.