Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global economy, technology, and investing. But understanding AI requires looking at the full story — where it began, how it is unfolding, and where it is headed next. With recent headlines in OpenAI from its $100bn Nvidia investment to its release of Sora, this special in-depth episode of The Bid brings together highlights from across our conversations with BlackRock experts to trace the arc of AI’s evolution: its origins, today’s massive infrastructure build-out, the unprecedented power demand it creates, its adoption across industries, its geopolitical stakes, and what lies ahead for investors. Key themes: • The history and milestones that shaped AI as an investment theme • The massive infrastructure and capital fueling the AI build-out • Why AI’s energy demands could reshape global power consumption • How AI adoption is boosting productivity and changing work • AI as a geopolitical competition between nations...