From $100B AI deals to $100K visas: Tech’s shifting landscape, talent wars, and the rise of AI infrastructure boom.

From billion-dollar AI commitments to $100,000 visa fees, this week’s headlines underscore the dramatic shifts reshaping the tech world. In the latest episode of Equity, TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, Anthony Ha and Max Zeff dive into the accelerating AI infrastructure boom and the fierce competition for top talent. The conversation kicks off with the potential relocation of TikTok, as the app’s future hangs in the balance amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. Reports suggest Oracle is well-positioned to emerge as the preferred partner, thanks to its existing cloud infrastructure and strong ties to U.S. government systems—making it a likely beneficiary of any new data hosting deal. On the health tech front, Oura Health is said to have raised $875 million at an $11 billion valuation, highlighting growing investor confidence in consumer health wearables and AI-driven wellness platforms. The funding round signals a broader trend of tech capital flowing into personalized health data and preventative care innovation. Meanwhile, Nvidia made a major move in the autonomous vehicle space with a $500 million investment in UK-based Wayve, a self-driving startup. The investment is part of a broader $1 billion commitment from CEO Jensen Huang to strengthen AI and semiconductor development across the UK, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem. The AI infrastructure race is also heating up through massive data center deals. OpenAI continues to expand rapidly, backed by Nvidia’s $100 billion pledge to support AI compute needs. At the same time, Oracle announced a $15 billion bond sale to finance new data center projects—further cementing its role as a key infrastructure partner for AI firms. But perhaps the most disruptive development came from Washington, where a proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee was introduced under a new administration. The move, aimed at curbing foreign tech talent inflows, has sparked concern across Silicon Valley. Tech giants including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have urged workers to remain in the U.S., warning that the fee could deter skilled immigrants and slow innovation. As the AI revolution accelerates, so too does the battle for resources—whether it’s compute power, real estate, or human capital. The stakes are higher than ever, and the winners will be those who can navigate this complex, fast-moving landscape. Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo and posts every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and all major podcast platforms. Follow the show on X and Threads at @EquityPod.