a16z Podcast Sam Altman on Sora, Energy, and Building an AI Empire
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Oct 8, 2025 
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and seasoned entrepreneur, shares insights on his journey from a nonprofit to leading a $100 billion AI empire. He discusses the launch of Sora and its role in advancing AGI research. Altman delves into the need for vertical integration, AI's convergence with energy, and why he believes robust, targeted regulation is essential for superhuman models. He also highlights how AI can revolutionize scientific discovery and emphasizes the importance of personalized user interactions with AI. This candid conversation reveals the future of AI and its societal impact.
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Vertical Stack Powers The Mission
- OpenAI stacks research, consumer product, and massive infrastructure to deliver personal AI subscriptions.
- The research enables products and infrastructure enables research in a vertical loop toward AGI.
Changed Mind On Vertical Integration
- Sam admits he was wrong about vertical integration and now sees it as necessary for mission delivery.
- OpenAI had to build more capabilities than expected to deliver on research and product goals.
Consumer Apps Advance AGI And Society
- Products like Sora may seem non-AGI-relevant but help build world models and societal readiness.
- Consumer launches also force society to confront and adapt to emerging capabilities.