Meta Platforms Inc. (META) climbed 1.2% on Tuesday, continuing its strong 2025 performance even as many of its tech peers stumble. The stock is now up 17% year-to-date, outpacing most of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” tech giants. The latest boost comes amid reports that CEO Mark Zuckerberg is actively pursuing a major AI partnership with Scale AI founder and CEO Alexandr Wang — a bold move investors see as Meta’s push to close its artificial intelligence gap.

According to insider sources, Meta is in talks to invest $14 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI. While not a full acquisition, the deal would represent a significant strategic alliance. Scale AI already plays a critical role in Meta’s AI pipeline, preparing vast training datasets for models like Llama. The potential deal could elevate the relationship from vendor to high-level collaborator, bringing Wang directly into Meta’s AI roadmap.

The news is being interpreted as a bullish signal — not just for the possible value of the investment, but for what it says about Zuckerberg’s urgency. The Meta chief is reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated with the company’s underwhelming progress in foundational AI, especially when compared to rivals like OpenAI and Google. Industry insiders say Zuck’s direct involvement in talent acquisition at this level underscores just how serious Meta is about catching up.

Wang, who became the youngest self-made billionaire at age 24, is known for combining deep technical expertise with a lean operational style — qualities that Meta’s sprawling infrastructure may be lacking. Former Meta employees note that he’s the kind of leader who delivers results without the drag of corporate red tape.

If the deal goes through, it could signal a defining moment in Meta’s transformation from a social media empire to a next-generation AI powerhouse. With generative AI becoming the battleground for the future of tech, Meta appears ready to take a high-stakes bet to stay in the race.