Two distinct business stories emerged involving prominent billionaire investors Peter Thiel and Warren Buffett.

Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, has invested in an artificial intelligence startup that develops smart collar technology for cattle monitoring. The company reportedly achieved a valuation of $2 billion in the funding round. The startup uses AI-powered devices to track livestock health and behavior patterns.

Separately, Warren Buffett addressed criticism of his "Giving Pledge" initiative, defending the philanthropic commitment against what has been termed a "billionaire backlash." The Giving Pledge, launched by Buffett and Bill Gates in 2010, encourages wealthy individuals to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.

Buffett's comments appeared to reference growing skepticism about billionaire philanthropy, with some critics questioning the effectiveness and motivations behind large-scale charitable giving by the ultra-wealthy. Thiel has been among those who have expressed reservations about certain philanthropic approaches.

The livestock monitoring startup represents part of a broader trend of applying artificial intelligence to agricultural and farming operations, while the Giving Pledge discussion reflects ongoing debates about wealth inequality and the role of private philanthropy in addressing social issues.