Nvidia to Acquire Hugging Face for $12.9 Billion

Nvidia has confirmed plans to acquire Hugging Face in a deal valued at $12.9 billion, according to TechCrunch. Nvidia noted that Hugging Face currently hosts over 3 million models and serves a developer community of more than 18 million users. The acquisition would bring one of the AI industry's most widely used model repositories and developer platforms under Nvidia's ownership, further consolidating the company's position across both AI hardware and software infrastructure.

Palo Alto Networks Acquires Console for $500 Million

TechCrunch reports that Palo Alto Networks has paid approximately $500 million to acquire Console, a startup backed by Thrive Capital. The deal places Console — which operates in the AI IT service automation space — under the Palo Alto Networks umbrella. According to industry watchers cited in the report, the acquisition leaves Sequoia-backed Serval as the leading independent startup in that segment following Console's exit from the market.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Builders Stage and Real World AI Stage

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is set to feature two notable programming tracks focused on startups and applied AI.

The Builders Stage, as described by TechCrunch, is returning to the conference and will bring together founders, startup operators, and investors for practical discussions on building and scaling companies.

A new addition to this year's event is the Real World AI Stage, which TechCrunch describes as focused on the intersection between the digital and physical worlds. The stage will feature speakers and topics spanning robotics, Nvidia, and even applications involving extinct animals — reflecting a broad look at how AI is being deployed beyond software into tangible, real-world contexts.

These developments reflect continued consolidation and investment across the AI industry, with major players expanding their platform reach and conference programming increasingly focused on practical, real-world AI applications.