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Databricks Hits $100 Billion Valuation with $1 Billion Raise, Projects $4 Billion Revenue

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Databricks, the San Francisco-based data analytics and AI firm, announced on Monday that it has closed a $1 billion Series K funding round at a $100 billion valuation, cementing its position as one of the world’s most valuable private companies.

The round was co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, Insight Partners, MGX, Thrive Capital, and WCM Investment Management. The fresh capital will fuel Databricks’ AI strategy, supporting new product launches, acquisitions, and advanced research.

The company revealed it is now on track to hit $4 billion in annualized revenue, with AI-related products contributing $1 billion. Its customer base has grown to around 15,000 clients, including Shell and Rivian, while its Lakebase data warehouse has already reached tens of millions in annualized revenue just months after launch.

CEO Ali Ghodsi said Databricks will remain cash-flow positive, keeping the option of an IPO open but without a fixed timeline. The company is also investing in Agent Bricks, its new AI platform for building autonomous systems, and recently acquired Tecton, a machine learning startup.

With net revenue retention above 140%, over 650 customers spending more than $1 million annually, and positive free cash flow, Databricks is positioning itself as a leader in the AI and big data race—and a likely candidate for one of the most anticipated IPOs in the sector.

Thoma Bravo Prepares $2B Sale of School Safety Firm Raptor Technologies

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Thoma Bravo, a major private equity player with over 70 software companies in its portfolio, is preparing to sell Raptor Technologies, its Houston-based school safety software provider. According to people familiar with the matter, the deal could value Raptor at more than $2 billion. JPMorgan has been tapped to advise on the process, which is expected to begin later this year.

Raptor Technologies develops software for K-12 schools worldwide, offering tools for crisis prevention, emergency response and recovery, and student movement management. Its systems are currently used in 60,000 schools across 55 countries.

The company reportedly generates more than $80 million in EBITDA, making it an attractive acquisition target amid rising demand for school safety technology. In recent years, U.S. schools have increasingly turned to digital safety platforms as violent incidents surge. Data from the K-12 School Shooting Database shows 336 incidents in 2024—just below the record 351 in 2023.

Neither Thoma Bravo, JPMorgan, nor Raptor commented on the potential sale.

Salesforce Shares Slide as Weak Outlook Highlights Delayed AI Payoff

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Salesforce (CRM.N) shares fell nearly 8% on Thursday after the company issued a disappointing third-quarter revenue forecast, raising investor concerns that returns from its artificial intelligence investments may take longer to materialize.

The company projected revenue between $10.24 billion and $10.29 billion, with the midpoint falling short of analysts’ average estimate of $10.29 billion, according to LSEG data. Despite announcing a $20 billion expansion of its share buyback program, Salesforce’s muted guidance weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The outlook comes as software companies face mounting pressure to prove that billion-dollar AI investments will deliver meaningful returns, even as customers scale back spending in an uncertain economic environment. Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the guidance gives “bears fresh ammo amid mounting fears that the software sector is ripe for disruption.”

Salesforce has been rapidly integrating AI across its cloud services, including the 2024 launch of Agentforce, an AI-powered agent platform designed to automate workflows and improve margins. However, the company continues to face macroeconomic headwinds. Analysts at Oppenheimer described the growth outlook as “uninspiring,” noting challenges for front-office software suppliers this year.

Shares of Salesforce are down about 24% year-to-date. To strengthen its offerings, the company has returned to acquisitions, including its $8 billion purchase of Informatica in May. Still, Salesforce trades at a forward earnings multiple of 20.96—well below Microsoft’s 31.26 and Oracle’s 30.84—suggesting potential upside.

J.P. Morgan analysts said second-quarter results, which beat revenue expectations, alongside management’s positive commentary, indicate that Salesforce stock may be undervalued compared to peers, leaving room for recovery.