Axios

Elon Musk on Friday floated an electoral strategy for his hypothetical political party, via a post on X.

Why it matters: Musk is the world's richest man and his dollars could make a difference in tight races next November.

Multiple crypto companies have applied for national bank charters, with more expected on the way.

Why it matters: Crypto companies are increasingly laying the plumbing for potentially huge new business lines as Washington readies new rules and regulations.

Artificial intelligence is eating venture capital. Or at least its dollars.

By the numbers: AI startups received 53% of all global venture capital dollars invested in the first half of 2025, according to new data from PitchBook.

Mark Zuckerberg — in an unprecedented, multibillion-dollar talent raid — has dramatically reset the market for blue-chip AI builders, and further complicated the government's ability to stack its own technology bench.

Why it matters: The Meta CEO is trying to lure talent from OpenAI and other tech companies with offers that can top $100 million in total compensation for the first year alone — beyond most star athletes' pay.

The demise of a controversial proposal in Republicans' budget bill that blocked state-level regulation of artificial intelligence is fueling fresh pressure for federal action, advocates told Axios Wednesday.

Why it matters: Congress' reluctance to set national AI rules for privacy, safety and intellectual property rights has left states to forge ahead with their own rules.