This Week in Startups

Meta’s Dangerous Chat, Protect AI & Founder Fridays Pitch Comp | E2118

Apr 29, 2025

Osmaan Shah, Co-founder and CEO of Formulate, shares his vision for a groundbreaking robotic kitchen that automates the creation of chemistry-driven products like cosmetics. The discussion dives into the ethical concerns surrounding Meta's AI chatbots, especially their dangerous interactions with minors. They also cover Palo Alto Networks’ significant acquisition of Protect AI for enhanced generative AI security. The conversation touches on the influence of secret tech group chats and whether AI can outpace humans in fixing code.

01:26:49

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Episode guests

Osmaan Shah

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The discussion highlights the ethical concerns surrounding Meta's AI chatbots, particularly their inappropriate interactions with minors, emphasizing the need for responsible AI development.

Palo Alto Networks' acquisition of Protect AI for over $500M signifies the rising importance of safeguarding artificial intelligence, underscoring trends in cybersecurity and investments.

The conversation on the informal influence of secret tech group chats reveals how these private discussions can shape public narratives and political opinions in technology.

Deep dives

Childhood Aspirations and Challenges

The episode recounts the speaker's encounter with a high school guidance counselor who belittled their aspirations to combine psychology and computers. This dismissal fueled a desire to prove the counselor wrong, ultimately leading to acceptance at reputable colleges such as Brooklyn and Fordham. The incident exemplifies how negative reinforcement can drive individuals to strive for success against the odds. It highlights the impact that such early educational experiences can have on shaping one’s future ambitions and resilience.

Intro

2min

Revitalizing Detroit: A Journey of Discovery

8min

The Dynamics of Wealth Conversations and Startup Compliance

3min

Group Chats and Political Shifts

7min

Immigration, Equity, and AI Security

4min

Palo Alto Networks Acquisition Insights

6min

Streamlining Startup Finances with Dedicated Bookkeeping Services

2min

Navigating the Future of Defense and Data Security

12min

Rethinking Education and Youth Engagement

14min

10.

Legal Challenges and Startup Pitch Highlights

5min

11.

Membership Club Insights

4min

12.

Exploring Personalized Consumer Products through Innovative Microfactories

2min

13.

Revolutionizing Robotic Kitchen Manufacturing

16min

14.

Advancements in Technology and Engineering

4min

Today’s show: we break down the wild story behind Meta’s AI chatbots going completely off the rails — including a bombshell WSJ exposé about bots flirting with minors. Then they cover Palo Alto Networks’ huge $500M+ acquisition of Protect AI, and sit down with the founder of Formulate, who’s building a robotic kitchen for chemicals and cosmetics. Plus, we get into some spicy takes on the secret group chats shaping tech behind the scenes, whether AI can clean up bad code faster than humans, and a Founder Fridays Texas showdown between Osprey and Wispr.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show.

(1:45) Jason’s recent trip to Detroit.

(7:47) The influence of group chats on tech, politics, and Trumpism

(10:54) Northwest Registered Agent. Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

(19:48) The importance of proactive communication in media

(20:04) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit ⁠ https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com! Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.

(21:44) Palo Alto Networks acquires Protect AI

(28:57) ARX Robotics and the future of autonomous military platforms

(29:31) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.

(35:27) Sentra's $50M Series B in data security posture management

(42:16) Lightrun's $70M Series B and venture capital trends

(51:28) Meta's AI chatbots, ethical concerns, and Founder Friday competition

(1:05:19) Formulate interview with Osmaan Shah

(1:11:52) Scaling microfactories and the benefits of Formulate's platform

(1:21:10) Business model and future of robotics in manufacturing

(1:24:38) Potential applications in food and agriculture for Formulate Robotics

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Links from episode:

Check out Formulate Robotics: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formulaterobotics/posts/?feedView=all

Check out Protect AI: https://protectai.com/

Check out Lightrun: https://lightrun.com/

Check out Sentra: https://www.sentra.io/

Check out the WSK article on Meta’s “Digital Companions”: https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-ai-chatbots-sex-a25311bf?st=6jzH4S&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Check out ARX Robotics: https://www.arx-robotics.com/

Follow Osmaan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osmaanshah/

X: https://x.com/osmaanshah

Follow Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(20:04) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com! Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.

(29:31) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.

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