WSJ Tech News Briefing TNB Tech Minute: Microsoft Plans to Invest $10 Billion on Japan’s AI Infrastructure
24 snips
Apr 3, 2026 A quick rundown on Microsoft’s plan to pour $10 billion into Japan’s AI infrastructure and its partnerships to back local large language models. A note about Amazon adding a temporary 3.5% fuel surcharge for some independent sellers. A look at venture fundraising recovering, but largely concentrated at top megafunds and favored by institutional investors.
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Microsoft Commits $10 Billion to Japan AI Infrastructure
- Microsoft will invest $10 billion in Japan over four years to build AI infrastructure and boost cybersecurity.
- The plan includes partnerships with ISPs such as SoftBank and Sakura Internet to develop domestic large language models and applications.
Amazon Adds 3.5% Fuel Surcharge For Fulfilled Sellers
- Amazon will add a temporary 3.5% fuel surcharge for independent sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon starting April 17.
- The fee responds to higher fuel and logistics costs from the Iran war and applies to U.S. and Canadian sellers, with Buy with Prime following May 2.
Venture Fundraising Rebounds But Concentrates At Big Firms
- U.S. venture fundraising rebounded to about $47.8 billion in Q1, driven mainly by big established firms.
- Andreessen Horowitz and Thrive Capital raised most capital, widening the gap between top firms and the rest amid LPs favoring proven managers.