The final days of 2025 delivered a surge of high-impact moves across AI, energy, defence and consumer tech, as global investors and UK startups wrapped up the year with billion-dollar commitments, strategic spin-offs and headline-grabbing acquisitions.
SoftBank Completes $40 Billion OpenAI Investment
In one of the year’s most consequential AI deals, SoftBank finalised its full $40 billion investment in OpenAI, cementing its long-term bet on generative AI infrastructure. The move reinforces SoftBank’s vision of AI as the backbone of future digital economies.
Kraken Spins Out as Octopus Energy Bets Big on AI
Britain’s energy giant Octopus Energy confirmed the spin-off of its AI arm, Kraken, positioning it as an independent global platform for utility operations. The move follows Kraken’s massive funding round and signals growing investor confidence in AI-driven energy systems.
Meta Acquires Manus to Boost Advanced AI Capabilities
Meta acquired AI startup Manus, strengthening its push into advanced AI models and tooling. The deal underscores Big Tech’s aggressive race to secure specialised AI talent and proprietary systems as competition with OpenAI, Google and Anthropic intensifies.
Defence, Gaming and Hardware Attract Fresh Capital
UK deeptech and defence innovation also stayed in focus. NanoXplore raised £20 million to expand into defence and advanced materials, while Webrazzi GSYF invested fresh capital in GameByte, highlighting continued interest in gaming and interactive platforms.
In mobility and consumer tech, Skywell launched manufacturer-approved electric vehicles in the UK, and Volkswagen appointed Emily Cox as Brand Director, signalling renewed momentum in the EV and automotive branding space.
The Bigger Picture
From AI mega-deals and energy spin-offs to defence funding and EV expansion, the closing week of 2025 revealed a clear theme: capital is concentrating around platforms with scale, strategic relevance and long-term infrastructure potential.
