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Secretive AI chip start-up Olix raises $220m and plans to expand Bristol presence

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The tech company was founded less than two years ago by then-23-year-old entrepreneur James Dacombe

An aerial view of Bristol city centre

An aerial view of Bristol city centre (Image: Getty Images)

A UK AI chip start-up has raised $220m in a Series A funding round and is planning to expand its presence in Bristol, it has confirmed. London-based Olix was founded by 25-year-old James Dacombe in 2024 and is targeting the development of technology that it claims will be faster and cheaper than Nvidia’s.

The company was valued at £1bn following the raise, with Hummingbird Ventures – a backer of Revolut and Deliveroo – leading the round. Other investors include Plural, Vertex Ventures, LocalGlobe, Entrepreneurs First, Fundomo and Transition.

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The round brings total capital raised by Olix – formerly known as Flux Computing – to $250m.

Jonathan Heiliger, general partner at investor Vertex Ventures, and former Facebook infrastructure executive, said: “One of the biggest constraints in AI today is the compute required to run these models at scale.

“Today’s GPU-based approach forces a compromise between speed and cost. Olix is taking a radically different approach designed to deliver a step change in both and it has huge promise.”

Mr Dacombe dropped out of school at age 16 to work as a software engineer at a start-up and then left that to build his brain healthcare company CoMind. In 2022, he secured a $200,000 grant from the Thiel Foundation – a two-year programme established by technology entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel for young people who want to build new things.

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Mr Dacombe launched his semiconductor business Olix in March 2024. That same year he was named by the Sunday Times as one of the most inspiring people under the age of 30 in the UK.

Following the latest funding round, Olix is currently hiring for a number of roles – in the US, Canada, London and Bristol. According to a statement on its website, Olix is “an in-person” company and claims to employ “some of the best minds” in photonics, systems, and compute.

“It is difficult to overstate the impact a step change will have, not just for AI, but for society as a whole,” a statement on its website reads.

“Life at Olix is high-velocity and high-stakes. We don’t believe in ‘grinding’ for the sake of it, but we do believe in dedication to the mission.

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“This isn’t work you leave at the door; it’s work that matters enough to command a space in your life. You’ll be making a tangible impact alongside people just as excited as you are.”

The company is offering visa sponsorship, including for dependents and a £24,000 annual top-up for living near the office. The Bristol role advertised on the site is for a senior/staff digital design engineer, with a pay packet of between £125,000-£180,000.

The announcement comes just a day after UK chip start-up Fractile confirmed it would invest £100m in its UK operations, in London and Bristol, and the government urged British tech entrepreneurs to “take bold risks” with the development of AI.

“By investing in British tech innovation, just as Fractile is doing today, we can reinforce our leadership in AI and boost our influence on the global stage,” the AI minister said on Tuesday.

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IDB president says El Salvador to receive $1.3 billion in 2026

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IDB president says El Salvador to receive $1.3 billion in 2026


IDB president says El Salvador to receive $1.3 billion in 2026

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Ford posts $11.1B quarterly loss on EV charges, worst quarter since 2008

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Ford posts $11.1B quarterly loss on EV charges, worst quarter since 2008

Ford on Tuesday posted its largest quarterly loss since 2008 amid losses in the automaker’s electric vehicle (EV) division, as well as the impact of tariffs and a fire that impacted an aluminum supplier.

The Detroit automaker reported a fourth quarter net loss of $11.1 billion after previously disclosing large writedowns to its EV programs, which the company is realigning in response to lower-than-expected consumer demand and changing federal subsidies.

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“I think the customer has spoken,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said on the company’s earnings call. “That’s the punchline.”

The company lost $4.8 billion on EVs last year and projects 2026 will bring losses in the range of $4 billion to $4.5 billion, adding that the division will continue losing money for at least the next two years. Ford CFO Sherry House said during the earnings call that the automaker is targeting break-even for its EV unit in 2029.

Ford also announced a larger than previously reported financial hit from tariff costs, as the company lost an additional $900 million after the Trump administration said in December that a tariff-relief program would only be retroactive to November, rather than back to May as originally anticipated.

FORD CUTS ELECTRIC F-150 LIGHTNING PRODUCTION, TAKES $19.5B CHARGE IN STRATEGIC SHIFT

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Ford logo

Ford became famous for its revolutionary assembly line, introduced with the Model T in 1908. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images )

The automaker’s tariff bill last year was about $2 billion and Ford indicated it expects tariff costs will be roughly the same level this year.

Ford was more reliant on imported aluminum due to a pair of fires that impacted an aluminum plant near Oswego, New York, which isn’t expected to be fully operational again until sometime between May and September.

Despite those headwinds, Ford’s fourth quarter revenue of $45.9 billion beat analysts’ expectations. The company narrowly missed its revised guidance of $7 billion, as it posted earnings before interest and taxes of $6.8 billion for the year.

REGULATORS EXPAND PROBE INTO NEARLY 1.3M FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER TRANSMISSION ISSUES

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Late last year, Farley announced the company is cutting production of the electric F-150 Lightning and refocusing its investment on hybrid vehicles and affordable EVs, resulting in a $19.5 billion charge on its EV assets and product roadmap.

He said the move would allow the company to refocus investments in higher margin areas like American-built trucks, vans and hybrids across its lineup, as well as more affordable EVs.

FORD CEO HAILS TRUMP FUEL STANDARDS RESET AS A ‘VICTORY’ FOR AFFORDABILITY AND COMMON SENSE

Ford CEO Jim Farley

Ford CEO Jim Farley previously announced EV writedowns and strategic pivot. (Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The company is planning a $30,000 EV platform and has signaled it will start rolling out an electric pickup on that platform next year. Ford also plans to pursue targeted partnerships in certain markets and investments in hybrid technologies.

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“I do believe this is the right allocation of capital. It’s a combination of partnerships where it makes sense, efficient partial electrification investments where we have revenue power, and really hitting the EV market in the core,” Farley told analysts on a call Tuesday.

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Reuters contributed to this report.

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FDA escalates cake mix recall to Class I over undeclared milk allergen

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FDA escalates cake mix recall to Class I over undeclared milk allergen

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a nationwide recall of cake and bread mixes to a Class I designation, its most serious warning, issued when a product poses a risk of severe illness or death.

The recall, first announced in December, involves 866 bags of mixes from Dallas-based distribution company B.C. Williams Bakery Service. These include 51 bags of Spice Cake Mix, 720 bags of Bread and Roll Mix and 95 bags of Swiss Chocolate Cake Mix, according to the FDA.

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The mixes may contain an undeclared milk allergen that could trigger life-threatening reactions in people with milk allergies, local outlet WHNT reported.

A Class I recall involves a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA’s website.

THOUSANDS OF POPULAR PRODUCTS, INCLUDING DIET COKE, PRINGLES, RECALLED OVER RODENT CONTAMINATION CONCERNS

Close up of cake mix, eggs and berries

The FDA has elevated a recall of cake and bread mixes to a Class I designation. (iStock / iStock)

Milk allergies, one of the most common food allergies in children, can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and hives to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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The recalled products were packaged in 50-pound bags.

RECALL OF CHEESE PRODUCTS UPGRADED TO HIGHEST DANGER LEVEL OVER LISTERIA-CAUSING BACTERIA: FDA

Cake mix in baking pan

It was not immediately clear where the products were distributed or whether injuries had been reported. (iStock / iStock)

The recalled items include:

  • Spice Cake Mix — Batch 221
  • Bread and Roll Mix — Lot #072225-217, Lot #072225-218, Lot #080325-200, Lot #080325-201, Lot #081625-203, Lot #081625-204, Lot #092225-222, Lot #092225-223, Lot #092225-224, Lot #092225-225, Lot #092225-226, Lot #092225-227, Lot #092225-228, Lot #101725-208 and Lot #101725-209
  • Swiss Chocolate Cake Mix — Lot #072925-220 and Lot #071825-36

It was not immediately clear where the products were distributed or whether any injuries had been reported.

POPULAR SALAD DRESSINGS, SOLD AT COSTCO AND REPORTEDLY PUBLIX, RECALLED OVER ‘FOREIGN OBJECTS’

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Cake batter in pan

The upgraded recall comes amid a wave of food safety concerns. (iStock / iStock)

The upgraded recall comes amid a wave of food safety alerts nationwide.

Thousands of popular products, including Diet Coke and Pringles, are being pulled from some store shelves after federal officials uncovered evidence of rodent and bird contamination at a Midwest distribution center.

Consumers are also being warned to avoid certain cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna that were mistakenly shipped to stores in nine states despite being recalled last year.

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B.C. Williams Bakery Service did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

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WA's Melissa Price considers deputy run

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WA's Melissa Price considers deputy run

Two WA Liberal MPs go public on the state of their party ahead of a leadership showdown.

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The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?

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The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?

The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy.

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Japan’s wholesale inflation slows, weak yen pressures import costs

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Japan’s wholesale inflation slows, weak yen pressures import costs


Japan’s wholesale inflation slows, weak yen pressures import costs

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Raising Cane’s celebrates 30th anniversary with star-studded Super Bowl week

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Raising Cane’s celebrates 30th anniversary with star-studded Super Bowl week

To celebrate its 30th birthday, Raising Cane’s pulled off perhaps its most epic celebrity get-together in San Francisco for Super Bowl week.

With partners like Christian McCaffrey working a shift early in Super Bowl week, to Matthew Stafford and his family chowing down some chicken tenders almost immediately after winning his first Super Bowl, the party was on for owner and founder Todd Graves.

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“Time flies, right? This is all I’ve done my whole adult life. And the best part about it is, same menu for 30 years, same crew, same culture, same vibe, same great people,” Graves said to Fox Business from the San Francisco Proper, where he hosted A-list celebrities.

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Todd Graves and Cardi B

Cardi B was one of the many celebrities enjoying some Raising Cane’s during Super Bowl week with founder Todd Graves. (Raising Cane’s / Fox News)

Stars including Alix Earle, Jessica Alba, Emma Roberts, Machine Gun Kelly, Cardi B, Logan Paul, and more joined Graves for the can’t-miss Super Bowl weekend in San Francisco, spanning a full hotel takeover and a series of standout events. The weekend kicked off with an exclusive pre-party at Charmaine’s Saturday night, followed by a pre-Super Bowl brunch at Villon Sunday morning, culminating with guests experiencing the Big Game from Todd Graves’ custom Raising Cane’s suites at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Graves realized long ago that sports could be the perfect opportunity to get celebrities of all types in the same room in order to build relationships.

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“Before I was in business, we live and die by football season,” Graves, a Georgia alum turned die-hard fan, said. “It’s like, hey, football season’s coming. My son’s like, X amount of days till it comes, and when it’s done.

McCaffrey brothers at Raising Canes

Luke McCaffrey and Christian McCaffrey work a shift at Raising Cane’s in the Bay Area During Super Bowl Week on Feb. 2, 2026, in Colma, California. (Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Raising Cane’s / Getty Images)

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY REFLECTS ON 2025 SUCCESS AFTER INJURY-PLAGUED 2024 SEASON: ‘JUST THANK GOD’

“But when I opened up in the north gates of LSU, it was in August, opened up during football season, so it was tying into coming to Canes before the game, coming to Canes after the game. Just those game days were just slammed Friday night before everybody’s fired up. Being tied into that emotion, it was something I wanted to tap into, that energy of football, that energy of sports.”

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will work a shift to celebrate his Super Bowl title, adding to the list of celebrities Graves has gotten to work with.

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“I like to be part of big events, pop culture, things that are going on immediately, sports being one of those. It’s having people that are Caniacs, having people that I respect,” Graves said. “I meet people and learn from people. So for me, I’m constantly around business, but if I can be around performers, actors, athletes, learn from them in a different way – success is success, but there’s different ways to go about it, and it really motivates me.”

Alix Earle

Alix Earle enjoyed Super Bowl LX from Raising Cane’s suite at Levi’s Stadium. (Raising Cane’s / Getty Images)

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“Everybody had a great time and I got to build relationships. I brought different people together from different walks of life, different industries, and everybody had a good time, learned from each other, and created long-term friendships,” Graves added. “So for me, I watch the game, but I get to sit next to so-and-so, and then I get to walk around, and talk to so-and-so. The parties, all those things, everybody had a good time, created great relationships, and we get a good marketing return.”

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J.M. Smucker reorganizes executive team

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J.M. Smucker reorganizes executive team

COO role eliminated as chairman and CEO Mark Smucker regains title of president.

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ANZ shares hit record high as strong Q1 earnings show cost-cutting progress

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ANZ shares hit record high as strong Q1 earnings show cost-cutting progress

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Canara Bank eases overnight, 1-month MCLR by 5 bps

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Canara Bank eases overnight, 1-month MCLR by 5 bps
Mumbai: Canara Bank has reduced its one month and overnight MCLR rates by five basis points to 7.90% and 7.85% respectively. The revised rates, which means cheaper borrowing costs, will take effect from February 12. MCLR (marginal cost of funds based lending rate) is the minimum interest rate a bank must charge for loans, introduced by the RBI to ensure transparent, faster interest rate transmission. The reduction in MCLR rates comes amid a demand for credit, both by retail and who-lesale participants.
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