Marketplace All-in-One Bytes: Week in Review — Alphabet takes on debt to pay for AI projects, the social network where humans aren't allowed, and Spotify reports record user growth
Feb 13, 2026
Jewel Burks Solomon, managing partner at Collab Capital and veteran venture investor, weighs in on big tech funding and AI infrastructure. She discusses Alphabet’s rare century-long bond move to bankroll AI, the ripple effects on startups and acquisitions, the rise of Moltbook as an AI-agent social network and its security questions, and how Spotify’s viral Wrapped sparks massive user growth.
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Alphabet's Long-Term AI Bet
- Alphabet's bond sale signals a long-term commitment to AI infrastructure and data centers.
- Jewel Burks Solomon says issuing debt shows Google is betting big on a multi-decade AI race.
Century Bonds Require Deep Investor Trust
- Century-long corporate bonds require investors to trust Alphabet's longevity and creditworthiness.
- Jewel Burks Solomon notes such maturities are usually for governments or universities, not companies.
Big Tech Building May Reduce Startup Exits
- Alphabet raising debt may reduce its acquisition activity as it leans toward building infrastructure.
- Jewel Burks Solomon warns this could reduce exit and liquidity opportunities for startups.