Category: Business

AIBusiness

European AI Sector Sees Unprecedented Merger Activity as Market Consolidation Accelerates

European artificial intelligence startups are experiencing unprecedented merger and acquisition activity, with 98 deals recorded so far in 2025 according to industry data. The consolidation wave includes several billion-dollar transactions as both corporations and scaleups aggressively pursue AI talent and technology through strategic acquisitions.

Record-Breaking M&A Activity in European AI

Europe’s artificial intelligence sector is witnessing significant consolidation, with merger and acquisition deals reaching unprecedented levels in 2025, according to reports from industry analysts. Sources indicate that 98 Mergers and acquisitions involving AI-native startups have occurred this year, already surpassing the 85 acquisitions recorded throughout 2024.

by Elijah Porter
BusinessImmigrationPolicy

Global Workforce Expansion Accelerates as Visa Policy Shifts Reshape Hiring Strategies

Economic experts suggest rising H-1B visa costs are accelerating the globalization of workforces. Companies are reportedly hiring internationally-based remote employees at competitive global salaries rather than navigating expensive immigration processes.

Visa Fee Increases Driving Global Hiring Shift

Economic analysts suggest that recent increases in H-1B visa fees are accelerating a fundamental shift toward globally distributed teams, with companies increasingly opting to hire talent working remotely from their home countries rather than relocating workers to the United States. According to reports, the substantial cost difference—approximately 200 times higher for traditional visa processes compared to international remote hiring solutions—is making global teams increasingly attractive from a financial perspective.

by Elijah Porter
BusinessEconomy

China’s Economic Expansion Slows to Annual Low Amid Property Market Declines

China’s economic growth has decelerated to its slowest pace in a year, with GDP expanding 4.8% year-on-year in the third quarter. The slowdown comes as property prices decline further and retail sales weaken despite stronger industrial production.

Economic Growth Moderates Amid Trade Tensions

China’s economic expansion has reportedly slowed to its lowest level in twelve months, with the gross domestic product growing 4.8% year-on-year in the July-September quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This represents a moderation from the 5.2% growth recorded in the second quarter and falls below the 5.4% expansion seen in the first three months of the year. The cooling growth coincides with ongoing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, which analysts suggest have dampened economic activity.

by Elijah Porter
BusinessFinance

Private Equity Giant KKR Expands Employee Ownership Program to Japan Amid Image Revamp Efforts

KKR is spearheading the international expansion of employee ownership programs in Japan through Ownership Works. The move comes as private equity firms face pressure to soften their image while Japanese workers show some of the lowest engagement scores globally despite lifetime employment patterns.

Private Equity Embraces Worker Ownership in Japan

Global investment firm KKR is reportedly leading the introduction of an employee ownership initiative in Japan as the private equity industry faces mounting pressure to improve its public image amid increased dealmaking activity in the country. According to reports, Japan will become the first international location for Ownership Works, a private equity-backed program founded in the United States in 2022 that aims to provide blue-collar employees with equity stakes in their companies.

by Aaron Vale