Cristiano Ronaldo's investment in Perplexity AI and the launch of Big Sky Capital's $50 million fund: what was new in December 2025 in the world and Central Eurasia

Uzbekistan Enters the Top 10 Globally in the World Bank's GovTech Index
Compared to 2020, the country improved its position by 71 places, demonstrating one of the highest growth rates in the global ranking.

MBANK Presents Innovative Payment Technologies in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz MBANK has introduced new digital solutions, including offline payments via Bluetooth, an AI assistant, an investment platform, and updated services for small businesses and private clients.

Coursera Acquires Udemy for $2.5 Billion
Education platform Coursera announced the acquisition of Udemy in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $2.5 billion. The merger will strengthen the company's position in the global online education market and expand its course offerings.

Timur Turlov Acquires TransTelecom
Businessman Timur Turlov has initiated the acquisition of the telecommunications company TransTelecom. The deal is being executed through Freedom Holding Corp structures and is currently under regulatory approval.

Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Investor in Perplexity AI
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the investor group of startup Perplexity AI, which is developing an artificial intelligence-based search engine.

Drones to Begin Delivering Groceries and Medicines in Almaty
Almaty is launching a pilot project for drone delivery, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan. On December 26, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Freedom Lifestyle signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop innovative delivery services using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Tajikistan Joins Regional Innovation Alliance Central Asian Innovation Hubs
The regional initiative Central Asian Innovation Hubs, aimed at promoting Central Asian startup ecosystems in international markets, continues to expand. Tajikistan has officially joined the platform as a new member of the regional innovation alliance.

Nvidia Builds Major R&D Campus in Israel, Creating 10,000 Jobs
Nvidia CEO and founder Jensen Huang emphasized that the new campus will be a place where specialists can collaboratively create future technologies in artificial intelligence and strengthen partnerships with local startups and research centers.

Azerbaijan to Increase Number of New Startups to 250 by 2029
Azerbaijan has approved a new Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026-2029, which includes extensive strengthening and expansion of the country's startup ecosystem. The document aims to accelerate digital transformation, modernize infrastructure, boost entrepreneurial activity, and enhance economic competitiveness.

Big Sky Capital Launches Second $50 Million Fund
Venture fund Big Sky Capital announced the launch of its second fund with a volume of $50 million in partnership with Qazaqstan Venture Group and UzVC. Initial anchor institutional investors have already confirmed their support, providing new momentum for the development of the Central Asian venture ecosystem.