YC takes a bite out of PearAI, and French startups have a new home
Oct 4, 2024
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Governor Newsom's veto of a controversial AI bill sparks discussions about the future of AI legislation in California. The hosts dissect Toyota's hefty investment in electric air taxis and the mixed reactions surrounding it. A spotlight shines on Salient Motion, a defense tech startup overcoming challenges, while the drama around PearAI raises questions about Y Combinator's due diligence. Finally, the announcement of La Maison aims to rejuvenate the French startup ecosystem, showcasing a commitment to innovation in local communities.
Governor Newsom's veto of the controversial SB 1047 highlights the ongoing debate regarding AI regulation and the need for adaptive legislation.
Joby Aviation's significant investment from Toyota and ongoing challenges underscore the hurdles the electric air taxi industry faces in achieving commercial viability.
Deep dives
California's AI Legislation Controversy
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a significant AI-related bill, SB 1047, that focused on disclosure and the regulation of AI technology. This decision arises amidst considerable public debate and misinformation surrounding the bill, which some tech figures claimed could lead to punitive measures against developers. State Senator Scott Wiener, who proposed the bill, highlighted the extensive misinformation campaign that surrounded it, attributing blame to major players in the tech industry. The veto indicates a need for more comprehensive legislation that considers a wider range of AI models, as Newsom suggested the bill should evolve to accommodate the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Investment Surge in Air Transportation Sector
Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis, secured an additional $500 million investment from Toyota, bringing their total investment to $894 million. The discussions around Joby highlight the challenges facing the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry, especially regarding FAA certification processes that can extend for years. Market observers note that there is a significant gap in infrastructure commitment from U.S. cities when compared to other countries, such as the UAE, where such technologies are more readily accepted. As certification progresses, commercial viability remains uncertain, and the economic model will be rigorously tested once these services are available.
Challenges and Growth in Defense Tech Startups
Salient Motion, a defense technology startup, raised $12 million by innovating the manufacturing process for specialized aerospace parts. The firm distinguishes itself by reusing software from previous parts, reducing engineering costs and production time. However, the company has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit related to intellectual property, which has now been settled. Despite this tumultuous background, Salient Motion's funding success signals strong investor confidence, but they must navigate the complex landscape of FAA certification to realize their full potential in the market.
Emerging Competition in AI Coding Tools
Poolside, an AI coding startup, recently raised $500 million from prominent investors, indicating growing interest in specialized AI applications over larger models like OpenAI’s. This investment highlights the potential for smaller coding-focused companies to carve out significant market presence in the burgeoning AI tools market, projected to be worth $27 billion by 2032. Analysts note that while larger models dominate, there is room for smaller models to gain traction and deliver tailored solutions that meet specific needs. The coding tools market's expansion suggests that effective value propositions rooted in customer needs could redefine competitive landscapes in technology.
Kirsten Korosec, Devin Coldewey, and Margaux MacColl are unpacking another busy week in the tech world, kicking things off with Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 1047, the controversial AI bill aimed at stopping real-world disasters caused by AI systems before they happen. This may not be the last we'll see of the bill, however, as its author has plans to return with a revamped SB 1047 next year.
What else went down this week, you ask? Kirsten had us looking to the skies with Joby Aviation’s $500 million investment from Toyota. While Toyota seems to believe that the electric air taxi dream is finally taking off, the Equity crew is skeptical. Margaux argued that aeronautics startup Salient Motion is taking off, despite attempts from Palmer Luckey to shut it down.
On the AI front, Devin wanted to discuss Poolside's massive round, the latest drama surrounding Y Combinator-backed PearAI and why it's making waves in the open source community. Speaking of community, Paris-based Motier Ventures . had the team feeling optimistic about the French tech scene with its announcement of its new startup hub, La Maison.
Hit play to join the conversation, and Equity will be back next week!
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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