Google eyes AdHawk, Nvidia’s Canadian partner, and a red light for Tesla

Google eyes AdHawk, Nvidia’s Canadian partner, and a red light for Tesla

  • 21.03.2025 19:43
  • betakit.com
  • Keywords: danger, success

Google is reportedly in final talks to acquire Waterloo-based AdHawk Microsystems, which develops eye-tracking technology for smart glasses and metaverse hardware. Tesla was removed from the Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns, while Pierre Lassonde donated $50 million to Polytechnique Montréal for a deep tech institute. Other highlights include D-Wave claiming quantum supremacy and Telus becoming an Nvidia cloud partner.

Alphabet ProductsNvidia ProductsNVDAsentiment_satisfied

Estimated market influence

Google

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Google is in final talks to acquire AdHawk Microsystems for $115 million.

Nvidia

Nvidia

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Nvidia's Canadian partner, Telus, became the first North American service provider to be an official Nvidia Cloud Partner.

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

1. Pierre Lassonde's $50 Million Donation

  • Industry: Mining
  • Key Fact: Largest single gift in Polytechnique Montréal's history.
  • Implication: Strengthens Canada's position in deep tech innovation.

2. D-Wave Quantum Supremacy

  • Achievement: Solved a problem no classical computer can efficiently.
  • Market Trend: Highlights Canada's progress in quantum computing, though supremacy is not the sole metric for practical applications.

3. Quack Startup Funding

  • Funding: $15 million Series A round.
  • Focus: Enhancing cold-calling efficiency for sales teams.
  • Implication: Growth potential in B2B SaaS for sales automation.

4. Telus and Nvidia Partnership

  • Deal: First North American telecom partner for Nvidia Cloud.
  • Location: Rimouski, Quebec data center.
  • Impact: Positions Telus as a leader in AI and quantum computing while ensuring Canadian data sovereignty.

5. Taiv and Local Reach Origins

  • Origin: Started in a bar.
  • Focus: Digital signage solutions for small businesses.
  • Implication: Expanding market for targeted advertising and customer engagement tools.

6. Google Acquiring AdHawk Microsystems

  • Acquisition Value: $115 million.
  • Technology: Eye-tracking for AR/VR hardware.
  • Strategic Move: Strengthens Google's position in mixed-reality platforms like Android XR.

7. Tesla Recall and Vancouver Auto Show Controversy

  • Recall Issue: Faulty glue on Cybertruck cant rail.
  • Show Removal: Safety concerns led to exclusion from the event.
  • Market Impact: Reflects regulatory scrutiny and consumer sentiment issues affecting Tesla's reputation.

8. Summit Nanotech Lithium Plant

  • Location: Northern Chile.
  • Focus: Sustainable lithium extraction for battery production.
  • Implication: Strategic move in the EV supply chain, with $10 million new funding.

9. Shopify's Stock Exchange Move

  • Decision: Voluntary transfer to Nasdaq from NYSE.
  • Strategic Reasoning: Aligns with tech-focused exchange for better visibility and investor appeal.

10. Quantum Computing and AI Growth in Canada

  • Overall Trend: Increased investment in quantum computing (D-Wave) and AI infrastructure (Telus, Shopify).
  • Competitive Landscape: Highlights Canada's growing role in cutting-edge technologies.
  • Long-term Effects: Potential to establish Canadian firms as global leaders in tech innovation.

Key Takeaways

  • Investment Focus: Quantum computing, AR/VR, and sustainable mining are key areas for future growth.
  • Regulatory Impact: Safety and data sovereignty concerns will shape business strategies.
  • Market Dynamics: Partnerships (Telus-Nvidia) and strategic moves (Google-AdHawk) drive competitive advantage.