Why Sequoia's China Spinoff is Struggling, Plus Apple's AI M&A Strategy | Aug 26, 2025

The Information's Jing Yang joins TITV host Akash Pasricha to discuss the future of Sequoia China's spinoff, Hongshan, and its slow deployment of a $9 billion war chest. We also talk with Aaron Tilley about Apple's changing tune on M&A in the era of AI. Then, Decagon CEO Jesse Zhang discusses his vision for AI agents, and Aurasell CEO Jason Eubanks breaks down his company's new $30 million raise for an AI-native CRM. Finally, we get into the latest AI chip craze with The Information's Rocket Drew and Geometry's Ben Levy, who explains why VCs are betting on chips that use light instead of electronics.

Articles discussed on this episode: 

- https://www.theinformation.com/articles/neil-shens-hongshan-slow-deploy-9-billion-capital-looks-deals-outside-china

- https://www.theinformation.com/articles/apples-aversion-big-deals-thwart-ai-push

- https://www.theinformation.com/articles/vcs-bet-ai-chips-use-light-instead-electronics

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