The AI industry's 'next big bet,' and should we just buy Chrome?
Nov 22, 2024
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The discussion kicks off with the DOJ's push for Google to divest its Chrome browser, highlighting the search monopoly's impact. There's an intriguing look at Europe’s defense tech boom, propelled by local partnerships and NATO's support. The hosts delve into Converge Bio's tailored LLMs for biotech, illuminating the customization trend. They also explore the complexities of AI risks in IPO filings and the emerging idea of 'network states,' where digital communities seek real-world territories. It's a whirlwind of tech innovation and regulatory challenges!
The DOJ's proposal for Google to divest from Chrome highlights concerns over monopoly power and could lead to improved search quality.
Converge Bio's innovative approach of customizing LLMs for biotech reflects a growing need for specialized tools in analyzing complex genomic data.
Deep dives
Google's Potential Chrome Divestment
The Department of Justice has argued for Google's divestment from its Chrome browser as a remedy for its alleged monopoly in online search. While this move is not yet finalized and awaits further court hearings, it raises significant questions about Google's market power and operational structure. The discussion has sparked commentary on the implications of such a separation, with suggestions that it could lead to improvements in search quality. The overall sentiment suggests that pressure from regulatory actions may prompt Google to reconsider its tracking technology and approach to user data.
European Defense Drone Market
A company named Together, based in Portugal, raised $74 million for the development of dual-use surveillance drones, emphasizing its appeal as a fully European entity in a market where U.S. companies struggle to penetrate. Investors' interests are increasingly leaning towards companies that align with regional defense objectives, resulting in a competitive advantage for those rooted in Europe. This trend highlights a growing European defense technology boom, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions that necessitate local innovations. Such regional focuses reflect a broader shift towards localized supply chains and defense contracts amid increasing global fragmentation.
Advancements in Biotech LLMs
Converge Bio has raised $5.5 million to develop a platform that customizes large language models (LLMs) for the biotech industry, addressing the need for specialized tools in analyzing genomic and protein data. These foundational models have often been broad and unsuited for specific applications, leading to inefficiencies in biotech research. Converge Bio aims to enhance these models by integrating proprietary data from companies, enabling them to harness tailored insights. This approach allows biotech companies to access advanced, customized solutions without the high costs associated with developing entirely new models.
Evolving AI Scaling Laws
Current AI scaling laws are indicating diminishing returns, prompting labs to rethink their strategies for model training and development. While traditional scaling suggested that more data and compute power would yield exponentially better performance, many researchers are now realizing that improvements may be marginal as models reach capacity. This shift is pushing the exploration of alternative methods, such as 'test time compute,' which allows models to reflect on and analyze inputs more thoroughly before producing outputs. The implications of this transition may redefine approaches to AI development, emphasizing efficiency over sheer size and resources.
Today, on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Devin Coldewey and Margaux MacColl dig into the week’s tech and startup news, including what a new scaling method could mean for AI startups if it works and for chip providers if it fails.
Listen to the full episode to hear about:
The DOJ’s latest proposal for Google: it should divest its Chrome browser. While we wait for a break in the monopoly case and a better search alternative to arise, the Equity crew thinks that Wiz might’ve been on to something when they said no to Alphabet.
Network states 2.0. Margaux had the latest on Praxis’s unusual $525 million raise and the regions its founder is eyeing for a new city.
Equity will be back next week, so stay tuned!
Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday.
Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast.
Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.
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