Evening Scan

Stripe wants to buy PayPal. Meta faces an AI layoff lawsuit. A Spotify founder launched a health-tech startup. Wednesday brought genuine news.

$53B+ — The implied valuation in Stripe and Advent's joint offer for PayPal, at a 28% premium to Tuesday's close. (Reuters)

Stripe and Advent Offer $53B+ to Acquire PayPal

A 28% premium at $60.50/share. Stripe absorbing its former rival would be the largest fintech consolidation of the decade. (Reuters)

Meta Sued by 26 Employees Over AI-Driven Layoffs (paywall)

The lawsuit alleges Meta's systems disproportionately flagged workers on medical leave or disability accommodations — the discrimination case employment lawyers have anticipated since AI entered HR. (Wall Street Journal)

Daniel Ek's Neko Health Raises $700M at ~$7B Valuation

The Spotify founder's AI full-body scan startup just raised a Series A led by Lightspeed and O.G. Venture Partners, positioning it as one of Europe's better-capitalized health-tech plays. (New York Times)

Australia Demands AI Companies Produce More Energy Than They Consume

The PM is framing sweeping new AI regulations — covering energy obligations and content rights — as equivalent to winning the minimum wage. Whether that's an earnest moral comparison or negotiating theater remains unclear. (The Register)