BusinessSemiconductors

Dutch Government Assumes Control of Nexperia Amid Chinese Technology Transfer Concerns

The Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia following allegations of planned technology transfers to China. The chipmaker denies claims by its ousted CEO that its Chinese division is operating independently, while European automakers warn of potential semiconductor shortages.

Government Intervention in Chipmaker Operations

The Dutch government has assumed control of Nexperia, according to reports, invoking the nation’s Goods Availability Act amid concerns about sensitive technology transfers. Sources indicate the intervention came after allegations surfaced that company leadership planned to transfer critical chip technologies to its Chinese parent company, Wingtech Technologies. The Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs was granted authority to block or reverse corporate decisions deemed harmful to the company’s interests under the emergency measures.

BusinessStartups

Automattic Chief Labels Tumblr Acquisition as Major Setback Amid Integration Challenges

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has openly described the Tumblr acquisition as his most significant misstep to date. Despite ongoing efforts to migrate the platform to WordPress infrastructure, financial and technical obstacles have stalled progress, leaving Tumblr reliant on other company revenues.

Tumblr Acquisition Deemed Automattic’s Biggest Failure

During a recent Town Hall session at WordCamp Canada 2025, Matt Mullenweg, CEO of Automattic, candidly addressed the company’s acquisition of Tumblr as his “biggest failure or missed opportunity.” According to reports, Mullenweg emphasized that while the platform hasn’t met expectations, Automattic hasn’t abandoned efforts to revitalize it.