VC React E67: Anthropic Risky Model, OpenAI-TBPN, Eclipse Fund, Lunate-Insight, Nubank In ADGM
VC React Podcast - MENA:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, and Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, funds, and investment rounds.
Hosts:
Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/Jamie Lane, FWDstart.
Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://www.fwdstart.me/
Available on:
Youtube: VC React Podcast
Spotify: VC React Podcast
Apple: VC React Podcast
This Week On The VC React Podcast:
News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:
Anthropic said it’s not making Claude Mythos Preview generally available because of its cyber capabilities. In its own write-up, it said the model found severe vulnerabilities in major systems, could follow instructions to break out of a sandbox, sent an unexpected email to a researcher, and even posted exploit details publicly. Instead of a broad release, they’re limiting access through Project Glasswing with a small group of partners. Anthropic also said it’s putting up to $100 million in Mythos usage credits behind that program.
OpenAI announced that it acquired TBPN on April 2. In the post, it said TBPN brings strong editorial instincts, deep audience understanding, and an ability to convene influential voices across tech, business, and culture. OpenAI also said the show sits under its strategy organization.
TechCrunch reported that Eclipse has a new $1.3 billion fund focused on what it calls physical AI. The firm said it’s investing across transportation, energy, infrastructure, compute, and defense. One of the more interesting parts is that Eclipse talked about building a web of portfolio companies that can work together as they scale.
TechCrunch reported that Anthropic said Claude Code subscribers will need to pay extra for OpenClaw usage. Anthropic’s Boris Cherny said subscriptions weren’t built for the usage patterns of these third-party tools and that the policy would expand to more third-party harnesses. The story also notes that OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger said he’s joining OpenAI, while OpenClaw continues as an open-source project with OpenAI support.
FWDstart reported that Abu Dhabi’s Lunate acquired a passive minority stake in the management company of Insight Partners, citing reporting based on court filings and SEC documents. The important distinction is that this is described as equity in the management company, not just an LP commitment into a single fund.
FWDstart reported that Nubank is establishing a headquarters in ADGM, following a meeting between Sheikh Khaled and CEO David Vélez. The report says the ADGM base will be set up in collaboration with institutions including Wio Bank, which makes the move look more like a partnership-led entry than a pure standalone buildout.
