Global investment in artificial intelligence (AI) has surged notably in early 2025, with generative AI attracting substantial private equity and venture capital funding across multiple sectors. In the first quarter of 2025, AI accounted for 71% of total venture capital deal value, according to PitchBook, while nearly one-third of all venture capital deployed in 2024 was directed toward AI companies. European health and AI startups alone raised $13.9 billion in Q1 2025, with AI investments constituting 25% of venture capital in the region. IBM reported $14.5 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, with nearly half derived from software, marking a shift from its traditional mainframe business. The company has generated $6 billion in bookings related to generative AI, mainly through consulting contracts, and claims AI agents have delivered $3.5 billion in return on investment over two years by automating 94% of routine HR tasks and reducing IT tickets by 70%. IBM's recent product launch includes the z17 mainframe equipped with Telum II technology, expected in eight weeks. Additionally, Red Hat's revenue has approximately doubled since its acquisition by IBM, contributing to a near doubling of IBM's stock price since April 2020. Industry analysts emphasize that AI is now a central driver of business value, with companies seeing an average return of $3.70 for every $1 invested in generative AI.