Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
4326 stories- Business· World
Amazon Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings Driven by AWS Growth
Amazon has posted $181.5 billion in revenue for Q1 2026, exceeding Wall Street expectations. This surge is primarily attributed to a 28% year-over-year growth in its cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services (AWS). Looking ahead, Amazon's continued success in cloud services positions it well for future growth, particularly in AI and technology sectors.
4 sourcesMay 2High
- Business· World
AWS Achieves 28% Revenue Growth Amid Rising Capital Expenditures
Amazon's AWS reported a 28% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2026, reaching $37.6 billion, its fastest growth in 15 quarters. This surge in revenue coincides with a significant rise in capital expenditures, which jumped to $44.2 billion, indicating a strategic push for expansion. The long-term implication suggests that Amazon will need to balance its aggressive investment strategy with profitability to maintain its competitive edge in the cloud market.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Starbucks reports best quarter in years driven by focus on customer experience
Starbucks has announced significant sales growth and increased foot traffic, marking its best quarter in years. This surge is attributed to CEO Brian Niccol's strategic shift away from discounts towards enhancing customer experience and menu offerings. In the long term, Starbucks is likely to continue prioritizing quality and customer engagement to sustain its growth trajectory in the coffee retail industry.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Alphabet Inc. Achieves Record Q1 2026 Net Income of $62.6 Billion Driven by AI and Cloud Growth
Alphabet Inc. reported a record net income of $62.6 billion for Q1 2026, marking an 81 percent increase year-over-year. This surge is attributed to significant growth in Google Cloud services and robust digital advertising performance, coinciding with increased investments in AI technologies. The long-term implication suggests that Alphabet's continued focus on AI and cloud infrastructure will likely enhance its competitive position against rivals like Microsoft and Amazon in the tech industry.
6 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
PayPal separates Venmo into standalone unit to drive growth
PayPal has announced the separation of Venmo into its own standalone unit. This restructuring is driven by CEO Enrique Lores' strategy to enhance growth and innovation within the digital payment sector. The long-term implication is that Venmo may explore new business models and partnerships, potentially reshaping its role in the fintech ecosystem.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Polymarket Integrates Chainalysis Tools for Enhanced Market Surveillance
Polymarket has deployed Chainalysis security tools to monitor trading activity and enforce market integrity rules. This move comes in response to increasing regulatory scrutiny following allegations of insider trading linked to a U.S. Army soldier's significant profits on Polymarket bets. The partnership aims to bolster compliance and transparency in decentralized finance, potentially paving the way for Polymarket's relaunch in the U.S. market.
6 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's GDP growth slows to 2.8% amid Iran conflict
Saudi Arabia's GDP growth rate has decreased to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, primarily influenced by the non-oil sector. This slowdown is attributed to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which is adversely affecting economic performance. The long-term outlook suggests that future economic stability will depend on geopolitical developments and the resilience of the non-oil sector.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Global gold demand increases by 2% in Q1 2026 despite cooling prices
Global gold demand rose by 2% in Q1 2026, according to the World Gold Council. This increase occurs as gold prices have recently pulled back from record highs, indicating a complex market scenario. The long-term implication suggests that sustained demand may lead to future price stability or recovery in the gold market.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
BlackRock's COO Highlights AI's Role in Financial Product Innovation
Rob Goldstein, COO of BlackRock, discussed the firm's strategic use of AI in product development and its implications for private markets. This focus on AI is driven by significant megatrends in finance, particularly the intersection of technology and asset management. As BlackRock continues to innovate, its strategies are likely to reshape the broader financial landscape and influence future market dynamics.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
137 Ventures raises $700 million for growth-stage startups in AI and space
137 Ventures has raised $700 million to support growth-stage startups, particularly in the AI and space sectors. This funding round is driven by a strong belief in the potential of innovative technologies and the firm's established relationship with companies like SpaceX. In the long term, this investment is likely to enhance the growth of startups in these advanced industries, positioning 137 Ventures as a key player in the venture capital landscape.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns
The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates at 3.75% as inflation risks remain high. This decision is prompted by ongoing global economic pressures, particularly related to energy prices. In the long term, the Bank may need to adjust rates upwards if inflationary pressures persist.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
DAZN acquires ViewLift for $100 million to enhance U.S. sports streaming capabilities
DAZN has announced its acquisition of ViewLift for approximately $100 million to strengthen its presence in the U.S. sports streaming sector. This strategic move is driven by DAZN's goal to enhance its technological capabilities and market share in a competitive landscape. The long-term implication is that this acquisition may lead to improved streaming services and increased subscriber attraction for DAZN in the evolving sports streaming market.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Caterpillar Raises Growth Outlook Amid Strong AI-Driven Demand
Caterpillar has lifted its growth outlook due to sustained demand for its products fueled by AI advancements. This shift is occurring now as the company benefits from a surge in demand for power generation equipment despite geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. Long-term, Caterpillar is well-positioned for continued growth as AI technology evolves and the need for power generation solutions increases.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Altria Reports Increased Q1 Sales Driven by Higher Cigarette Prices
Altria's sales rose in the first quarter of 2026 due to increased cigarette prices. This shift is occurring as the company leverages its pricing power to offset declining sales volumes amidst challenging market conditions. In the long term, Altria's ability to sustain its pricing strategy will be critical as it navigates potential regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences in the tobacco market.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Alphabet Inc. Reports Strong Q1 Earnings Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Alphabet Inc. has reported strong first-quarter earnings, showcasing its leadership in search advertising and growth in AI-driven cloud services. The stock experienced a slight dip due to ongoing regulatory scrutiny and broader market fluctuations. Analysts remain optimistic, adjusting their price targets upward, indicating confidence in the company's future growth potential despite these challenges.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Big Tech Earnings Growth Driven by AI Faces Investor Concerns Over Costs
Big Tech companies are reporting strong earnings growth attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. This surge is currently challenged by rising capital expenditures and depreciation charges, prompting investor skepticism about the sustainability of this growth. The long-term outlook suggests that these companies must effectively manage their AI-related expenses to maintain profitability and investor confidence.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Economy· World
ECB to Maintain Interest Rates Amid Iran War Uncertainty
The European Central Bank is expected to hold interest rates steady as it assesses the economic impact of the ongoing Iran war. This decision comes as officials find no immediate justification for a rate hike, reflecting caution in the face of geopolitical tensions. Long-term, the ECB's data-driven approach may lead to policy adjustments depending on future developments in the conflict.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Blue Owl Capital Raises $9 Billion Amid Private Credit Market Challenges
Blue Owl Capital Inc. announced the successful raising of $9 billion in new equity commitments during Q1 2026 as the private credit market faces significant investor fatigue and redemption pressures. This fundraising comes at a critical moment when the firm is managing $5.6 billion in redemption requests and experiencing negative net returns in direct lending. The long-term implication suggests a strategic shift towards real assets and GP stakes as firms navigate the evolving landscape of private credit investments.
9 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Bombardier Inc. shares surge to 23-year high amid strong demand for defense products
Bombardier Inc. has reported a significant increase in its cash flow outlook and strong demand for its defense products, leading to a surge in its stock price to a 23-year high. This positive shift is driven by heightened interest in the company's services segment, which generated $617 million in the first quarter. The long-term implication suggests that Bombardier is well-positioned for continued growth in both its services and defense sectors as private jet usage and repair demand rise.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
US economy grows 2% in Q1 2026 driven by business investments in technology
The U.S. economy grew at a 2% pace in the first quarter of 2026. This growth is occurring now due to a significant increase in business investments in technology, particularly AI, despite a slowdown in consumer spending. The long-term implication suggests that the ongoing AI boom may continue to shape investment trends and economic growth in the coming quarters.
4 sourcesMay 2Low