Business Beats: Databricks Raises Big, Anthropic Eyes $2T, and Ford Fathom Hits Production

Databricks secures $5B at a $190B valuation, Anthropic investors eye $2T, and Ford launches its Fathom EV pickup—plus legal and trade news.

By · Published · Updated · AI-assisted, editor-reviewed · AI policy

Business Beats: Databricks Raises Big, Anthropic Eyes $2T, and Ford Fathom Hits Production

Business Beats: Databricks Raises Big, Anthropic Eyes $2T, and Ford Fathom Hits Production

What Happened

The business landscape saw several major developments on August 13, 2026. Databricks closed a $5 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to $190 billion—far above its initial $1 billion target—driven by intense investor demand. Meanwhile, investors backing Anthropic, the AI firm behind Claude, are reportedly valuing the company at $2 trillion. In the automotive sector, Ford has begun production of its new Fathom EV pickup, aiming for a sub-$30,000 price point following a major factory overhaul. Legal and regulatory news also made headlines: Selena Gomez faces a lawsuit from investors over her mental health startup, and a US court has approved customs duties on small-value imports under $800, marking a policy win for President Trump.

Why It Matters

These moves reflect growing momentum in both the tech and automotive sectors. Databricks’ robust funding round underscores surging investor appetite for AI and data infrastructure, even as its CEO warns of a tough IPO climate. Anthropic’s speculative $2 trillion valuation signals ongoing optimism—and risk—in the AI arms race. Ford’s affordable EV launch could reshape competition among electric pickups. Meanwhile, the legal action against Selena Gomez highlights ongoing scrutiny of celebrity-founded startups, and the new tariffs on small imports could impact a wide range of e-commerce businesses and consumers.

Key Stats

What's Next

Databricks will likely focus on deploying its new capital to expand its AI and data offerings while managing investor expectations amid IPO headwinds. Anthropic’s sky-high valuation will face scrutiny as it seeks to justify its worth through continued technological breakthroughs. Ford’s Fathom will test the market’s appetite for affordable electric pickups, potentially forcing competitors to respond on price and production. The lawsuit against Selena Gomez’s startup could set precedents for accountability in celebrity-led ventures. The US tariff decision may prompt e-commerce companies to adjust pricing or supply chains, with possible international repercussions.

Sources

More on Business

See the latest on Business →

Frequently asked questions

Why did Databricks raise more than planned?

Databricks initially sought $1 billion but investor demand was so strong that the company closed a $5 billion round. CEO Ali Ghodsi cited high interest and the expensive nature of AI development as reasons for accepting more capital.

What’s significant about Anthropic’s valuation?

Anthropic’s backers reportedly value the AI company at $2 trillion. This figure underscores the enormous expectations for AI but also raises questions about sustainability and the risk of overvaluation in the sector.

How could Ford’s Fathom EV impact the market?

Ford’s Fathom EV, with a starting price below $30,000, aims to make electric pickups more accessible. Its launch could intensify competition, potentially prompting other automakers to introduce lower-cost electric trucks.

What does the US court’s tariff decision mean for consumers?

The court ruling allows customs duties on small packages under $800 entering the US. This could increase costs for consumers buying from international e-commerce sellers and may affect small businesses relying on cross-border trade.

What are the allegations against Selena Gomez’s startup?

Investors allege that Selena Gomez failed to adequately build and market her mental health startup, resulting in a loss of $1.2 million. The lawsuit highlights risks in celebrity-founded ventures and investor expectations for transparency and execution.