Fortunes shift even before dawn. Whole sectors can change course. Funding from the government may change direction. And because of private meetings that ended while most people were asleep, cities all over the world awaken to drastically different realities.
It wasn’t in a boardroom full of attorneys that Sam Altman of OpenAI and Jensen Huang of Nvidia shook hands on their $100 billion infrastructure deal. During state visits, it was done through late-night check-ins, whispered messages across continents, and one-on-one calls. The transaction, which was completed just hours before Altman’s flight to Abilene, Texas, was remarkably successful in scope.
| Event / Deal | Parties Involved | Estimated Value | Outcome Finalized | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI-Nvidia Infrastructure Pact | OpenAI, Nvidia | $100 Billion | Overnight (Sept 2025) | Signed just hours before Altman’s flight; Trump briefed in advance |
| US-South Korea Trade Agreement | US Govt, South Korea | $350B – $600B | Finalized during APEC | Included tariffs, submarines, and energy purchases |
| COP29 Climate Funding Agreement | Global Leaders, Developing Nations | $200+ Billion | Final minutes of summit | Nearly collapsed before late-night rescue |
| Microsoft-Oracle-Stargate AI Infrastructure | OpenAI, Oracle, Microsoft | $300 Billion (by 2027) | Announced under pressure | Deals stacked around OpenAI’s rapid growth strategy |
| NBA Media Rights Deal | NBA, Disney, NBC, Amazon | $76 Billion (11 years) | Finalized overnight | Shifted media market share and broadcast dynamics |
| US-EU Trade Announcement | US Govt, EU | $750B energy pledge | Announced after talks | EU framed as “intentions” not mandates |
| US Tariff Talks | US Treasury, 70 nations | Unknown | Ongoing, fast-turnaround | Talks queued in series; high financial stakes |
| Shutdown Budget Talks | US Congress (Bipartisan) | $1.7 Trillion budget | Multiple overnight rounds | Resolved to avoid furloughs and cutbacks |
Both CEOs strategically set the stage by taking advantage of their close proximity during a joint trip to the United Kingdom with former President Trump. They had already briefed the White House. Nvidia’s valuation immediately increased by $170 billion as a result of the shocking announcement, which was compared to high-stakes political ploys from Washington to Brussels.
These negotiations frequently adhere to a choreography that is both purposeful and disorganized. Consider the recent trade agreement between the United States and South Korea, which was signed on the sidelines of the APEC summit and includes a $350 billion commitment wrapped in high-level language. Trump boldly made the announcement on social media, adding that affluent Korean companies would contribute an additional $600 billion to American endeavors. Even more specifically, he approved the transition from diesel to nuclear-powered submarines, which was part of a larger strategic plan.
This kind of deal involves more than just numbers. They are based on psychology, leverage, and perceived trust. According to one negotiation expert, giving the other side the impression that they have already won is the most effective strategy. When applied morally, this strategy can significantly enhance outcomes. As demonstrated with Nvidia and OpenAI, structuring the agreement to make all parties feel empowered is not only a courtesy but also a way to expedite decision-making.
A possible government shutdown has caused Congress to become increasingly tense in recent days. There were delays in flights. Benefits from SNAP were not delivered. The pressure increased. After 35 days of obstinate silence, bipartisan lawmakers were finally seated in the same room once more, as Bloomberg’s Maeve Sheehy reported. Resuming the conversation was a significant step, even if the outcome wasn’t entirely decided. Being present is just as important for early-stage budget resolutions as the written wording.
Similarly, the NBA’s unexpected 11-year broadcast rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon shows how quickly entertainment deals are being made. This decision, which was made practically overnight, marked a change in the way that live sports would be watched. The deal was significantly bigger than earlier agreements, and its implications were especially creative, suggesting more significant shifts in streaming priorities and platform allegiances.
The COP29 climate finance agreement was equally dramatic. Due to multiple blocs’ skepticism and walkouts, negotiators had stumbled into overtime. However, a framework surfaced hours before final announcements. Funding for developing countries totaling hundreds of billions was obtained with the goal of speeding up decarbonization initiatives. Such transactions have become more frequent over the last ten years, but this one was notable for its timing and scope. Rebuilding trust between the parties during the last hours required sympathetic listening and face-saving concessions rather than fresh ideas.
The EU’s attempt to impress American policymakers with impressive investment figures was another behind-the-scenes movement. European documents presented Trump’s $750 billion energy commitment and $600 billion broader pledge as “intentions” rather than legally binding commitments. However, those exaggerated figures had a part to play. Similar to Japan’s previous agreement with the United States, large numbers can serve as catalysts, advancing discussions even in the absence of formal agreements.
Public perception is also influenced by announcements that are strategically aligned. A pattern emerges from Nvidia’s additional $5 billion investment in Intel, its $700 million wager on the U.K. data center startup Nscale, and its ongoing discussions with Oracle. These aren’t single wagers; rather, they are a collection of well-thought-out strategies that are pieced together to demonstrate long-term thinking.
Even the infamously drawn-out and technical tariff negotiations have accelerated. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, there are “70 negotiations lined up,” some of which will begin in a matter of hours. Even though it moves quickly, this pace enables governments to react quickly to changing geopolitics and markets. This pace is especially helpful for medium-sized economies that are attempting to stay relevant.
Here, technology serves as a unifying factor. Negotiation teams now function as closely synchronized AI agents thanks to the integration of sophisticated communication platforms; each member responds to input, adjusts options, and reshapes results in a matter of minutes. This has nothing to do with replacing people. The goal is to simplify processes and free up human capital for more complex, highly trusted decision-making.
The rules of engagement have evolved in this new era of fast-deal capitalism and accelerated diplomacy. Business hours are not a wait for trillions. Additionally, the rewards for those who are able to perfect both tone and timing are not only monetary but also historic.
