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Equity

OpenAI and Microsoft’s ‘frenemies relationship,’ and what you missed at SXSW

Mar 14, 2025
OpenAI's recent $11.9 billion deal with CoreWeave reshapes the AI cloud landscape, raising questions about power dynamics with Microsoft. At SXSW, attendees noticed a shift in tech vibes, with fewer industry presences and a focus on film. Founders are feeling a 'vibe shift' ahead of Y Combinator’s Demo Day, as funding trends change. The sale of Niantic's gaming division to Scopely for $3.5 billion highlights the shift towards AI geospatial tech, raising concerns about data privacy. Engaging discussions on data roles in AI development add more depth to the conversation.
30:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • OpenAI's $12 billion investment in CoreWeave signifies a complex partnership with Microsoft, illustrating both collaboration and competition in the AI landscape.
  • Founders at Y Combinator are rethinking fundraising strategies, questioning the necessity of large capital raises in favor of more efficient operations and control.

Deep dives

CoreWeave's Strategic Alliances

CoreWeave is gaining attention due to its concentrated relationship with Microsoft as its primary customer, which raises concerns regarding revenue dependency. Recently, OpenAI has invested $12 billion in CoreWeave, enhancing this relationship and complicating the dynamic between Microsoft and OpenAI, who are both partners and competitors. This intricate alliance reflects a broader trend in the AI space, where companies are navigating partnerships while competing for market dominance. The AI ecosystem seems to be evolving, with companies like NVIDIA also becoming key clients, honing in on the competitive landscape where strategic investments are pivotal.

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