In today’s Digest, we discuss Walmart teaming up with Yahoo and Magnite on an ad tech overhaul, Meta renewing its funding pledge for the Oversight Board, and Anthropic nearing a USD$1tn valuation ahead of an IPO.

Walmart names Yahoo & Magnite as ad tech partners 

Walmart is widening access to its retail media and connected TV advertising ecosystem through new integrations with Yahoo’s demand-side platform and Magnite as a supply-side partner. The move expands advertisers’ ability to tap into Walmart’s shopping data and target connected TV audiences, particularly through smart TV manufacturer Vizio, which Walmart acquired in late 2024.

Under the partnership, advertisers using Yahoo’s DSP will be able to access third-party ad inventory enhanced with Walmart shopper data for more personalised targeting. Meanwhile, Magnite will support Vizio inventory through its supply-side infrastructure, helping advertisers connect directly with CTV publishers while reducing data signal loss and improving audience matching. 

Meta reaffirms Oversight Board funding 

Meta has committed an additional USD$13m (£10.27m) in funding to its independent Oversight Board, extending support for the initiative through at least 2028 after reportedly considering whether to shut the project down. The board, established in 2020, serves as an external appeals body that reviews content moderation decisions made across Facebook and Instagram and offers users an additional route to challenge bans and policy enforcement actions.

The Oversight Board is made up of independent experts and, although funded by Meta, operates separately from the company’s leadership. The renewed funding signals Meta’s continued commitment to the model despite earlier reports that the company had explored abandoning the initiative amid shifting priorities around platform governance.

Oversight Board chair Paolo Carozza said Meta’s ongoing cooperation remains particularly important as AI increasingly reshapes how online content is created, distributed and moderated. 

Anthropic nears $1tn valuation ahead of IPO 

Anthropic has raised USD$65bn (£51.35bn) in a Series H funding round at a post-money valuation of USD$965bn (£762.4bn), in what could be its final major private financing before moving toward a public listing. The round was co-led by major investors including Altimeter Capital, Sequoia Capital, Coatue, and others, alongside participation from institutions such as Fidelity, Blackstone, and Baillie Gifford. 

The company said the fresh capital will be used to expand its compute capacity, advance safety and interpretability research, and scale its Claude AI products and enterprise partnerships.